the (new year's) situation

ahhh...first bloggy post of the new decade.  only took me 5 days! :)

so where did I leave off...oh yeah...fun and drama-free New Year's Eve.  may not scored an invite to the real big party of the night, but me and others held our own on the other side of the East River :)  Just knockin' back some good wine and champagne, not to mention laughing our a$$es off at the new episode of Jersey Shore.  As you can see, I couldn't resist making a reference to "The Situation" in this post title :-P  That show is such a train wreck, but now I am unfortunately addicted.  This show definitely has the makings of inspiring another drinking game...drink whenever someone says "situation", whenever the "duck phone" quacks, whenever one of the guys reminds us that he's "not here to fall in love at the Jersey Shore, just here to hook up"...I'm sure there are a lot more we can think of :)  But getting back on the topic, was a nice way to say goodbye to the old and bring in the new.  Thanks, "cool friend" ;-)

And if the last few days have been any indication...looks like 2010...well at least the winter of, is gonna be a brutal one.  Almost makes me glad that I'm not training for a spring marathon right now...or that could just be me telling myself that to make myself feel better.  Still keeping it short for now...can actually do the lower 5 loop (clockwise-don't have the nerve to hit Cat Hill just yet) with the (sh)IT band holding up.  (And I will share again an extreme-cold weather dressing tip of mine for the ladies-running skirt (the kind with shorts instead of briefs) over tights!  It actually does work...)  And yesterday I wanted to join the Flyers for the downtown "First Monday" run (plus it's good to get to run on the flat surface of the West Side path every now and then)  But I'm not quite up to their distance of 6-plus miles...thankfully Flyer EG also wanted to run shorter-4 and change-with me which worked out well-and we got to hit the bar first :-P  But after getting nice and warmed up indoors, getting back to the gym where my stuff was stashed was a rude awakening...brrrr!!  Man how 9 blocks seem so long...oh and being in the part of the city where numbered streets are mixed with named streets just seemed to taunt us so!!

So yeah, still just taking it day by day for now.  I do get my new orthotics later this week though...yay!!  Hoping they will help some.  Besides all that, I've just felt like hibernating...is it me, or does dealing with the freezing cold just suck the life out of you?

Oh-and a bloggy question for you all.  I'm pondering a switch from Blogger to WordPress (the free version).  From what I see, there seems to be more flexibility with the layouts/designs, can create pages (e.g., I can have a page for all my race reports instead of cluttering up the sidebar, or having to create a post dated way way in the past), and maybe is more stable than Blogger?  For those of you who use that/have used WordPress...or have used both Blogger and WordPress-which do you prefer/think is better and why?  Thanks in advance :)

maybe i'm getting too old for this

So since I'm sure everyone was dying to know (ha, not really) yes I did venture out on XMas Eve...guess it beat staying home and watching reruns of Jersey Shore :-P  If you were hoping for any juicy gossip, I'm sorry to disappoint...no running into peeps I knew like the Ex-Boyfriend's frat brother or anything like that :)  So, knowing in advance which venue attracted the "younger" and "older" ends of the spectrum, I decided to go to the one "inbetween."  Which was actually a good move...not too crowded, DJ playing 80s music, open vodka bar for the first hour.  Only talked to 2 guys that nite...first didn't seem too into me, got a playa vibe from the second.  I don't know, I just feel like I've really outgrown this scene...unless I know everybody at the shindig (e.g., the Flyer parties...or hell, even NYRR's club night) I'm not great in this setting...better one on one, methinks.  Plus nursing a killer hangover is not how I wanted to spend my XMas day.  Maybe I just needed one more of these things just to get out of my system, but I think I might skip it next XMas Eve...ask me again in a year though :)  But really, who meets the love of their life at one of these "meet markets"...

So besides that, not really much to tell.  Except what was supposed to be a quiet work week did have to be disrupted by crazy person doing his crazy person thing on a project I'm doing for him.  It's always something with this one!!

running in heels

Yow.  My calves are actually sore right now, and surprisingly, not from running 3 loops of the reservoir yesterday.  Nah, I think it's more due to dancing and being on my feet for so long on Thursday wearing a pair of high-heeled black Mary Janes for the office holiday party...

Yeah, the annual holiday party.  Is it me, or is there something totally unnatural about a holiday party when it's like 60-something degrees out?  (Although it beats the hell outta previous years when it's been raining or snowing, meaning getting a cab home was just torture!)  At any rate, winter-y clothes didn't seem to be on the agenda, so I ignored the memo that black dresses with tights and boots were the attire du jour and instead decided to be different and wear a more colorful print dress by Pink Polka Dot (whenever those dresses/tops are available at the sample sale in my building, I always seem to snatch something up!)...hey if it's good enough for K-Cav and Audrina its good enough for me :-P  Anyway, the fashion section of this post is now over.

So instead of the usual drinks (mmmmojitos!), dinner, DJ and dancing...well actually we did have all that, but there was a coupla twists.  One being that there was also a private comedy show for us...which I guess makes sense, considering the party venue was a comedy club.  Was kinda "take it or leave it", though I (and others) found it funny that one of the comedians kept teasing the office troublemakers and ripping on others that well...couldn't exactly answer what exactly we do at work.  i guess you had to be there to appreciate it.  Even though the dancing resumed after that, it kinda upset the "rhythm" of the party...and a certain party tradition almost didn't happen.  But I guess others wouldn't have that and told the DJ to call out the CFO...and yes, once again while bustin' a move to "Baby Got Back", he ripped his shirt off...5 years in a row and counting!!

Then the after party...oh wait, before that, another "extra" that got added was this psychic lady who did "rock readings."  And according to her, I still can't let go of a former boyfriend, and I'll never be happy unless I do.  Tell me something I don't know.  Glad I didn't have to pay for this one.

So I was unsure about the after-party, I actually hadn't gone to it in years but this year what the hell, why not.  Originally was gonna be here-but like 15 minutes after I got there I can't remember why, but the consensus was to go elsewhere.  I think peeps were disappointed they didn't get a chance to partake in the chocolate covered bacon that this place offered.  Then the "plan B" bar was too crowded...and I said "Why don't we just go to the Monkey?"  And so we all did.  More drinking and dancing...and singing along to seemingly every song that came on, I most vividly remember all of us almost screaming along to "I Gotta Feeling."  I called it a night around 1 AM, glad I wasn't working Friday!

And thankfully not too too hung over, as I had to go visit the doc on Friday to get fitted for my new and (hopefully!) improved orthotics...and so I wait (I think about 2 weeks.)  And I guess keeping up with the same old same old for now.  Though I do feel like this whole "no running" thing is just killing my social life...yes, how sad, my social life is so tied into running.  But seriously, no one wants to do multiple loops of the reservoir-which is what I'm trying to stick with right now, since where I come from, thats the closest I can get to no hills.  Though I do hope to be able to run the 4-mile loop by New year's eve, so I can actually partake in my somewhat annual "let me try and forget that I don't have anyone to kiss at midnight" ritual.  (Though if I do get any better offers, I'm not object to accepting them.  I'm just not counting on it.)

And was it really 2 days ago that it was in the 60s...OMG it's, like, snowing!!  Wonder if NYRR will turn tomorrow's 10K into a "fun run"?  Well if they don't, good luck to all those running!!  Still undecided on whether I will actually go out and cheer...that 8am race start is a little much for me.

Oh and for all of you CrackBerry owners...or those who have not drank the iPhone Kool-Aid-this blog (written by the bf of a former Flyer who moved to the left coast a few years ago) is for you!!  And iPhone owners, I don't even want to hear that your precious iPhone has feelings :-P

i don't wanna cry

This post title has been brought to you by some old-school Mariah Carey.  Yeah, the days of the "Best New Artist" Grammy, the days when she was banging Tommy Mottola...before she graduated to the likes of Derek Jeter (though doesnt he, to this day still deny it?) and Puff Daddy/Puffy/P. Diddy/whatever his name at the moment is...and of course, way, way before the career mistake known as "Glitter."

Moving away from that for a second-no you're not seeing things, the bloggy did get an Extreme Makeover over the weekend.  Yes since I'm not running, I have too much time on my hands, I know I know.  But also, my old-school template wouldn't let me take advantage of any of the newer, cooler Blogger features & gadgets...and I guess after 3 years, was time for a change!!  Don't like it?  Tough luck.  I'm keeping it.

So back to the title and what it has to do with everything?  Well the fact that I haven't run a step since October 25th has something to do with it.  And if it were the winter OK maybe it wouldnt be so bad, but the fact that NYC has had 2 beautiful weather days in a row and I haven't been able to enjoy it, have had to take it indoors.  And as I said before, I don't mind cross-training too much, but I really have to enjoy it, and that took a hit when spinning was banned as the (sh)IT band didn't seem to like it too much.  Yoga is fine and good, but the elliptical is just boring.  45 minutes on it yesterday and it felt like work!!  I really can't believe how out of shape I've gotten in 2 weeks...not good :(

But it's just I have had other things in my life lately that have either brought me to tears, or close to it...matters of the heart (i may be biased, but I don't think I know anybody more unlucky in love than myself)...changes a-coming at the office (i will still have a job, but...things are happening where communication is shit, no real game plans in place except just "winging it", attitudes flying, the wrong people IMHO being on the receiving end of it...long story, aint going into it here)  Yeah, I know having a coupla grain alcohol margaritas at a cool Murray Hill Mexican establishment with a cool friend can help ;-) but I've learned after my infamous 9-day drinking streak that it's (drinking, that is-not girl talk!) just a temporary escape.  I miss being able to lace up the Brooks or Asics and being able to hit Central Park for a few miles, listen to some cool music on the iPod, seeing everyone I know or not seeing anyone, but just being able to forget my troubles for a little bit...sans hangover :)  And I think it's really getting me down, cross-training doesn't seem to be cutting it in that department.

Or I've read other blog posts about post-marathon depression...I think I dealt with it back in 2006...going from a high of a great first marathon back to reality which was a total mess.  Last year I don't think I dealt with it but it does seem to be making a return appearance this year-and I didn't even finish my marathon!  I'll reiterate what I said in my previous post-I have finally come to terms with the events of October 25th-for whatever reason that I can't comprehend just yet, it wasn't meant to be.  But I want to look ahead, I do have a couple of races in mind for next year, but I just need this damn (sh)IT band to heal-not just for that, but for my overall sanity as well...

Well as the post title says, I don't wanna cry, I want to be tough, I want to be strong, but sometimes there is only so much I can take.  And before anyone says it, I am aware things can be a lot worse.  But I just want to see that light at the end of the injury tunnel and all I see is dimness and uncertainity.  I don't know what these next few weeks are gonna bring.  But I do hope that my next post title can sing a happier tune.

second opinions suck

So where did I leave off...oh yeah...streak of drinking 9 nights in a row...not proud of.  Said streak stopped at 9 as I decided to give myself the night off on Tuesday, but was started back up again Wednesday between my company's "Oktoberfest" celebration and heading out to a UWS bar literally within stumbling distance-not that I needed to stumble-to watch Game 6 of the World Series with Flyers YP and AH.  However, I was actually home sweet home when the actual winning moment happened-though on the phone with a certain special Yankee fan to sorta "celebrate" together ;-)  And anyway, this latest drinking streak only lasted a day.  And no, I didn't go to the parade downtown...way too much stuff to do here (i know, i know, why am I blogging then?) plus I had a feeling it would just be chaotic.  Case in point-when taking the 3 train to work this AM, a bunch of chicks dressed in Yankee gear were "pre-gaming" on the subway, drinking beer out of those clear plastic cups that you get iced coffee in...come on, how stupid can you be?  If you're gonna drink from plastic cups, make sure they are not see through!!  I've had wine in Central Park enough times to know the drill ;-)

So in effort to keep things sorta on topic, maybe I should explain the title.  I went to a different doctor yesterday to get a second opinion as to what was going on.  And in less than 5 minutes, was diagnosed as "classic (sh)IT band syndrome."  Though it was good to hear the truth, I really didn't feel like I was leaving with a real plan of action.  Yeah, I know its an overuse injury, yeah I know "our bodies are not meant to run 26 miles."  Tell me something I don't know.  I know it sounds crazy, but I had X-rays done and nothing was broken...I almost wish that was what it was-at least you know bones do heal in due time.  This thing...not so much!!  (Same deal when I had plantar fasciitis a few years back).  So I was sent home with a prescription for prescription-strength Motrin and advice to keep with the PT.

And I had been...doing the exercises daily, and even being able to add more weight/resistance to some of them.  Icing, rolling the shit out of the (sh)IT band, etc.  But the problem was I really didn't know where I was at...I didn't know how I was progressing in terms of recovery.  Well the fact that a spinning class the other nite caused the knee to act up again told me not too well :(  So I can't do that-which I was really, really depending on to help keep my sanity in terms of this downtime-pretty much just relegated to elliptical, yoga and weights.  Which I guess is OK and well, but what I'm more concerned with is that really does not have the same calorie-burning effect that a 40-mile week of running does and I'm really worried about putting on weight during this downtime.  I'm sorry, I don't like myself when I'm too fat...I just don't!!  (especially when I have a dress for the Flyers awards gala I need to still be able to fit into in less than 3 months)  Plus with the holidays coming up and feeling like I have to avoid everything...not thrilled about that.

But enough of that-I guess now that I'm finally over what happened on October 25th-I feel like I have no direction in terms of getting better.  Doctor #1 says its more a hip flexor problem than an ITB problem.  Doctor #2 says its strictly the ITB.  The PT says I need to be targeting both in terms of recovery.  I don't know *what* to believe!  How do I kick this thing?   Is there anything more that I can be doing that I'm not doing?

i've had a little bit too much

Red wine?  Not so much, I only consumed that on Thursday nite at the Flyers pasta party.  Nope, my current still-hungover state was caused by quite a few pints of Blue Moon and Sam Adams Cherry Wheat last nite at the NYF post-marathon party...oh and barely eating anything yesterday too.  Talk about a liquid diet.  So yeah, I have a streak of 8 consecutive nights of alcohol consumption since last Sunday, and will go for a 9th tonite.  But you see, it's not like I'm proud of this or anything, not to mention that I'd gladly give up alcohol if it meant that I could have a healthy right IT band.  I'm dead serious.

So the emotional rollercoaster just has not seemed to let up over the past week.  First off, thanks to all who commented on my last few posts...some made me smile, some made me almost cry again, some made me go "hmmmm", etc.  I am very grateful to my teammates and other friends for the support they have given me over the last few days...at the pasta party, yesterday at the PowerGel station, at the post-party, the NYCM expo, nights out.  Whether it be hugs, consoling words, words of wisdom, retail therapy, tiara therapy, liquor therapy, baseball/World Series therapy.  (And of course there are one or 2 who will remain nameless who need to just leave me alone and let me make my own decisions in due time ;-) )  I thought all the NYF marathon events would be tough on me but they really weren't.  The pasta party was great food as usual...and we even had Brian Sell as a guest speaker!!  How cool is that? :)  The PowerGel station was a good time watching the big dance, seeing teammates and other friends go by, seeing the elites, getting email updates with 5K splits on my CrackBerry, giving out gels (I'm telling you, those things were getting snatched up faster than beers at an open bar!) laughing and singing and dancing and being silly.  And of course the post-party...where let me say I'm glad I took a vacation day today, otherwise I'd be in a world of hurt.  My teammate JF who ran some long runs with me during training...anyway, yesterday she ran her first marathon and broke 4 hours and had a lot of nice words for me, thanking me for being an inspiration to her among other things...almost made me cry...or that could have been the 4 or 5 beers (or more?  lost count) making me emotional.

But along with the nice stuff comes the darker side.  And believe me, there is quite a bit of it.  I feel that 2009 is going to be remembered for what I *didn't* do rather than what I did.  Yeah, I took down way-overdue 5K and 5-mile PRs and ran a 1:37 half, but in this marathon-obsessed world, no one is gonna remember that, all that's going to be remembered is the marathon I didn't finish.  And hearing other NYCM reports where people stuck it out and didn't quit...I still really feel like a loser for DNFing my marathon.  Are there any circumstances where dropping out is OK?  And thinking about the Boston trip that I can't take, the fun weekend with special peeps that I was envisioning and looking forward to won't be happening, once again I will be spending that weekend drowning my sorrows in "I'm not running the Boston Marathon" drinks.  It didn't have to be that way, all I had to do was qualify and I couldn't do it.  This is one time where I curse being a young'un...if only I were 35, my 3:44 in NYCM 2008 would have gotten me there!!

I guess in a nutshell-one week later, I've still not come to terms with what happened on October 25th.  I'm still struggling with it.  I don't have closure.  And I don't know how long it's going to take to get over...man, this may even take longer to get over than an ex-boyfriend!!  And even when I do...I think what else is bugging me is that I'm feeling a bit lost again.  This is a time where I really wish I had a coach because I really need help analyzing what went wrong.   Because I really felt like I was doing everything right-the increased mileage actually felt good, I didn't race my training runs, "hard days hard, easy runs easy", I made sure to get in at least one XT day a week-kinda using my 2008 training as a guide as that went really well.   And I guess I need to know how to prevent it from happening again, and even just want help with a game plan for building back up.  Thoughts...?

And even yesterday's race had those ups and downs...the thrill of victory to the agony of de-feet ;-)...from Meb's amazing victory, putting an American on top of the podium for the first time in god knows how long...to Paula's attempt at 3-peat dashed in the late miles.  From PR's and perfect races...to those where the end result may not have been what they hoped it would be, but still gave it their all and should be proud-I know I am!!  And it's crazy how much me, as a spectator, teammate and friend feels invested in other people's results...there was one that I was literally heartbroken to see that I almost cried when I saw it (though still an amazing time!!)  I guess because I know that feels all too well...when we know what we trained for and that we *can* run that time and something out of our control derails it...as we all know, the numbers don't always tell the story.

OK I think that is enough emotion for one post.  Too much?  Maybe.  But as with my race report, I find writing about this is cathartic in a way (thanks LG!)...a place to channel my thoughts or something like that.  So if you are still reading, thank you :)

Signing off for now with again congrats to the NYCMers...hope those post-race drinks are flowing very well right now!!  And can't forget-GO YANKS!!!  Will tonite lock up #27....?

the last 20-spot

I must really love Central Park, and doing all my long runs there.  Well actually I don't, but when there is a half scheduled the same weekend as my last scheduled 20-miler, well gotta take advantage and roll with it.  So yeah, Grete's Great Gallop was this past weekend and the 9 am start meant I could sneak in 7 miles beforehand and not have it be an ungodly hour.  Plus it's a club points race, and even though i'm too slow to score for the team, I should be a good captain and run...etc, etc, etc.  Only downer was that rain was forecasted...well, it's not like I've never run 20 miles in the rain, but I wanted to to listen to music during the run.  And as you all know, my first iPod died at mile 10 of Grete's in 2006...couldn't deal with 2 half-marathons in the rain!!

Well as it turned out, though it was a bit on the humid side (93%!), the rain would spare us.  I got out the door by 7:30 and headed to the park to start running.  And actually-what was great about doing those 7 in the park was that the water/Gatorade tables were already set up, so I could grab a cup and keep running instead of having to stop at a water fountain (hey I had my race number on, I had the right to utilize those tables!)  I finished up my 7 miles with the perfect amount of time to spare-just enough time to drop off my bag and find my corral.  Ran into Uptown Girl in my corral and we posed for the Brightroom photographer and chitchatted til it was time to run.

And off we went.  Everyone around me was passing me and I didn't care, remember this was just a training run...the plan was to do 8:30-8:45 for the first 7, then try and run MP or close to it for the last 6.1.  But the humidity looked like it was gonna have fun with us today.  Which made me glad once again that my half-mary race effort was 2 weeks ago!!  So actually, I kept a pretty consistent pace for the first 7 miles...or as consistent as you can get with all the ups and downs.  BC was out taking pictures with the ObsceneCam™ and I was still able to smile and wave so I obviously was not working too hard :)  Other Flyers were out cheering while running, marshalling or standing still which was very much needed!!

So time for the last 6, time to pick up the pace.  Did run into a problem on that first mile since 1. too many near-collisions at the gatorade table and 2. just north of 72nd, the marshalls did not stop a huge group of people from crossing in front of the runners, which caused another near-collision and prolly slowed me down a little.  But besides that...not bad.  Again, I was pretty consistent...and was passing a lot of people in this loop, including those who passed me in the early miles, which made me feel good.  But I was definitely having to work for it...this time around, I wasn't smiling so much for the camera!!  Plus I was really feeling affected by the elements...humidity was getting to me, was feeling a little under-hydrated...moreso from lack of sports drink than water.  All I could think about right at that moment was the Electric Lemonade I would be downing at the Boat Basin afterwards.  Oh yeah, maybe I was still feeling the effects from too much beer Thursday night and not enough sleep...either way, this was almost over.  The Gatorade at the bottom of Cat Hill was a sight for sore eyes, even though I didn't have that much longer to go.  I needed it!!  Flyer EA was helping hand out the cups, and I gave him a signal that I was gonna take a cup from him...but someone else beat me to it.  Thank god Mary Wittenberg was right behind him handing out cups too!!  I downed it and then was ready to be done...about another 10 minutes and I was!! 

Not much excitement to say about the finish-remember this was just a training run!!  Splits are below...

So pretty much, I executed the plan, as I averaged 8:35 for the first 7 and 8:15 for the last 6.1, and this was in crappy conditions too. Miles 5 and 11 are the miles that begin near the top of Harlem hill and end around east 86th street-those splits really put into perspective what a sneaky uphill that mile is.  And one other thing, I used this run to rehearse the race day outfit...down to the shoes!!  Going with the DS-Trainers...and no naked shorts :-P

So did the usual post-race stuff...chitchatted and socialized with teammates and whoever else...was hoping to get a waffle but they had run out-and this would have been only 2 hours and 15 minutes into the race-there were people still running!!  And yeah, this leads to another little rant I have, as the raffle started around the same time...and of course, you had to be present to win-or even put your number in.  And again, as the course limit was 3 hours, there were people still out running!!  Shouldn't these things be open to all runners and not just the speedsters?

Well anyway, I mentioned the Boat Basin before...and sure enough I headed over there...where me and a few others proceeded to partake in what Lam referred to as "the BEST POST-RACE PARTY EVER!"  I got my much needed Electric Lemonade.  And a coupla strawberry margaritas with salt.  Yeah, I think all of us were buzzed and happy after a short time...which led to some pretty funny conversations.  I'm sure none of you would suspect that talk about pro runners, orgasms and charades would lead to laughing so hard you're crying...I guess you had to be there ;-)

And as for me now...TAPER TIME!!!  Oh yeah....

happy F33 day to me

my bib for tomorrow...my first NYRR event as an F33! :)  the real day is today, but started it off yesterday with a liquid lunch and some monkey business after work...included a run at the magical MP today and watching some speedy mile races!!  And maybe another yanks win today??

my sub-20 5K 2.81-mile race report :)

So really, I didn't have high expectations for myself at last nite's Sunset & Suds 5K, running performance-wise. It was really meant to be a kinda sorta "fun run" for me. Something fun to break up the monotony of seemingly endless miles, wanted to support the local teams (Urban Athletics and the NY Harriers) who were putting this inaugural race on...UWS location was always nice (Riverside Park), free tech-T (a pretty nice one too *and* they still had it in XS when I got mine) and yeah did I mention free beer afterwards? :)

So thankfully I was able to escape work at 5 and got home, threw on the racing outfit and the "fast" shoes, ate a little something (once again, powered by blueberries...LOL) and hydrated (not with beer!), stretched a little, then headed out the door...was a little over a mile to where the start was, perfect-there's a nice warmup!! Went through the usual pre-race motions...got my bib, tech shirt, warmed up and stretched a little more...saw that we had a pretty nice Flyer contingent representing...including but not limited to Runner26, JM, JA, MF, LO, PD, JH. The usual "good lucks" and soon it was time to line up...looked like it was another free-for all but in a race of only 250 people couldn't be that bad. Before we knew it, the starting horn sounded-and it totally took me by surprise!! OK...guess I have to race now :)

So unfortunately, I think I fell back into my old 5K habits and took the first mile too fast (or maybe the Hoboken 5K was actually a fluke and this is just what I do? :) )...partially at the beginning when I was, against better judgement, speeding up to try and dodge others...then during this mile I was also trying to keep LO and some Harriers in my sights...maybe they'd be good to pace off of. Mile 1 was an out-and-back that took us past the finish line (how cruel! :-P But thats where there were the most people cheering, including Flyer JB)...when I hit the mile marker, I think I actually said out loud "oh my God!"-I was at 6:51. Starting off a race with the fastest mile I have ever run in a race (not including the 5th Ave Mile) may not have been the best thing...but let's see how this plays out. Maybe, just maybe I can actually keep this up...

Mile 2 included a turnaround and then a little hill...I didn't feel like I lost a lot of momentum here, but I was getting passed by quite a few runners, and my quads were also paying for that fast start...yeah was fading a little but I just decided to push through it. Someone was calling out what the cumulative race time was-didn't need to know that, thats why I stopped looking at my watch inbetween miles :) And again we ran by the finish line!! Talk about mind games in this mile! But I actually didn't do too too bad here...7:19, and I was actually expecting something in the 7:30s-7:40s. But still it being almost 30 secs slower than my first mile...yep, did go out too fast, all I can do now to keep from crashing and burning...

So now comes "just go for it" time, less than 10 minutes of running left. One more turnaround, then a straight shot to the finish line. In a way, this out and back was sorta good as there is a little familiarity and you kinda sorta know how far it is to go. There was a Harrier that was sorta my rabbit...tried to keep her in my sights and try and pick off a few other runners...which I did. The mile 3 marker was in my sight...wow, that was quick!! LG was standing by the mile 3 marker and was shouting encouragement to me to finish strong...I took a split at mile 3 but didn't bother to look at my watch, just wanted to focus on the finish. But as I got closer I noted the finish clock...which was still in the 19s...oh no way!! I knew what this meant...but didn't want to dwell on it in the moment, just finish the best I can...hey, it'd be cool to have a finish time under 20, regardless of distance!! And I did-19:56, according to my watch. (results have me at 19:58-though I did start my watch at the starting horn.)

And after consulting Mr. Garmin for the details...he said that "mile 3" was actually .71 mile-yeah, like I actually ran a 5:09 mile!! So that was a 7:16 pace...ok, didn't crash and burn further in that mile!! I did have a strong finish though-37 seconds for the last .1 (6:27 pace?) So all in all, I ran 2.81 miles...estimated 7:06 pace. So pretty good considering I was training through this and had tired legs, right? :)

So yeah, everyone afterwards knew the course was short...and most of us were all just laughing about it. Runner26 even noted that "no one seems pissed at all, they're just laughing." Well at that point, nothing sounded better than free beer. So me, Runner26, MF and LO headed to the downstairs level of the Hudson Beach Cafe, where the post-party was...and got on the line for beer-yes, that was a very popular commodity :) Drank and chitchatted for a little bit...then me and Runner26 got on line for seconds but just as we got near the front they said they ran out (but guess they still had one or two more somewhere, because I did wind up getting one.) So since we'd be paying for any further drinkage, we headed upstairs, where we saw a few other Flyers...they were about to leave, but I stayed and had a beer and hung out with LG for a little bit...talking about our race and other stuff. After my third beer for the evening was done, that was it for this chick-I still had running to do in the AM!! :)

So all in all, I think it was a good night. First off, I do want to say that UA and NYH did a great job with this race. When there is an inaugural event like this one was, there's bound to be a learning curve of sorts...and you just roll with the punches. I really liked the feel of this race...like a local club points race without the competitive attitude and i'd definitely be in for running next year! :) As for the race performance-very pleased. I don't care that it may have been a PR if the course had been accurate. A 5K PR is not the goal, but running a good half, then a good marathon, is. And it's reassuring to know that I can still run fast, even with fatigued legs and no taper...again, another good sign that training is on track.

And hey-it all made for a good race report/blog post! :)

after the storm...

I know we've had our share of storms this summer, but this latest one was a doozy...

So Tuesday nite. Perfect nite to sip some drinks at the Frying Pan right by the Hudson River...next best thing to being on a boat...oh wait a minute, we were on a boat of sorts :) Not to mention celebrating a certain someone's "prime" birthday ;-) But then we saw the bolts of lightning. And heard the thunder. And why we didn't leave right then and there, I don't know...oh yeah, someone thought this would just be a "heat storm" and there would be no rain. Uh, famous last words, as the skies opened up like crazy. First things first, let's get the hell away from the water!! Ducked for cover under an awning in front of a school and just tried to wait it out...which took about 15 minutes. And not surprisingly, no cabs were stopping so once it stopped raining, we just subwayed it home (wow, the subways were actually running?) Rumor has it the b-day girl enjoyed this so much she was singing and dancing...or was that the sangria talking? Let me tell you, I didn't have a lot to drink but I sure sobered up quickly once the rains came...

But even though I didn't know it at the time, i was lucky I was not uptown, as the UWS got hit majorly hard by the storm-especially Central Park. North of the reservoir, the park drives and bridle paths were just littered by fallen trees and tree branches...I was shocked to read about it and when I saw it with my own eyes yesterday...couldn't believe my eyes.


The tree by the fountain at 93rd st and the west drive...where we've all stopped for water quite a bit, where I've used as a start/finish point for West Side Hills repeats...


The Great Hill track, a popular speedwork place for many...

And yeah, that almost caused our crew to resort to a "plan B location" for speed yesterday but thankfully not the case. Just had to go shorter (length of repeats, that is) and sweeter...yeah it was sweet, as despite the humidity and fighting a cold, I felt I really nailed the workout. Of course I had a good rabbit-thanks so much, Moz! With the halfway point of MCM training approaching, the confidence is still there...

On the topic of lightning bolts...or Usain Bolts...the World Champs 200m today...wow. Just wow. He makes it look too damn easy.

no air

Tell me how I'm supposed to breathe with no air...
Can't live, can't breathe with no air...

(ahhh...another product of American Idol. not to mention Chris Brown during his pre-gf-beater era...)

Summer in NYC has arrived once again with a vengeance. I swear, the beginning of this week, there was literally no air in Central Park...definitely made those runs a leisurely pace...not by choice. Which is good, as I did have to recover from not only Saturday's race, but my long run too...

...yeah my long run on Sunday. I got through it, but it definitely was not pretty. First off, I slept a little later than I wanted to...I was quite a bit hungover from one too many sangrias and a Blue Moon on Saturday nite...celebrated my race a little too much, I guess ;-) And just like last month's LTR, I was feeling the effects of it quite a bit. Only saving grace was that it was cloudy and relatively cool. But about 10 miles in, I took a spill on the bridle path...luckily for me I didn't get scraped up too bad and I was right by a water fountain to wash it off. But it was only a matter of time til that would happen :) But I was able to finish it off without any more damage...14 and change in the books.

BTW, I started writing this post on Wednesday and am now just getting to finish it up. Talk about finally coming up for air!!

And what else this week...oh yeah, I was gonna do some tempo stuff on Wednesday morning before work, but the snooze button won out. Which meant I would have to take my off day then instead of today...which honestly I think was probably better and sorta glad I listened to my body (or in this case, ignored the alarm.) Wednesday nite was spent with the team tipping back some yummy pints of beer (2 pints of my favorite blueberry ale, followed by a pint of an apricot wheat beer-which I actually think I liked better!)

And thankfully I didn't ignore the alarm Thursday morning...as I had happy hour plans with work after work, it meant I could only get my workout done in the morning. Off to the Great Hill track I went, with the intention of doing 3 x 5 laps at tempo (just over a mile) Guess I shoulda had my coffee before I ran because my mind was foggy-I was a little confused and thought it was 3 laps to a mile...oops!! Thanksfully I remembered it during the 2nd and salvaged the workout...so it changed to 1 x 3 laps, 2 x 5 laps at tempo topped off with another 2 laps fast...paces for all were 7:51 (legs still waking up a little), 7:32, 7:35, 7:03. Not bad considering I also had to contend with someone mowing the grass in the center and occasionally dipping into the running lane...and today's recovery 5 (done late in the morning-yay for summer days!) felt just nice :)

This weekend is shaping up to be a hectic one (very little coming up for air, i'm sure!)...besides helping celebrate a few birthdays (still can't believe my baby brother is now 30!! damn i am old) yeah lotsa running on the agenda. 18 on tap for tomorrow, and a friend and I plan to take advantage of Summer Streets for the bulk of it. Then Sunday, I will be volunteering at a water station at the NYC Half...downtown, around mile 12. And I have to get there mad early, and I know the subways wont be too dependable...so why the heck not run down there from the UWS? Would give me 5 miles, if not more...so yeah, thats what I'm going to do. For those of you running-good luck, run smart, run strong-hope you all have great races (yeah, especially you ;-) )

red wine running

Well despite my previous concerns, yesterday's Long Training Run actually wound up going well. But as it turned out, keeping the pace was actually the least of my concerns that morning. To quote Lady GaGa "Red wine...I've had a little bit too much..." Long story short, lotsa sangria (and some white wine too!) on Saturday nite, not enough sleep. (This being one night after downing margaritas at the Boat Basin at a Flyers TGIFF. Hey...at least I'm getting this all out of my system now, right?) Even the extra hour didn't help too much!! I was still able to wake up and get over to the park in time, but this was not gonna be pretty...

Ran the mile to the 102nd Street Transverse, to see one of the 9:00 pace groups starting their 2nd loop...meaning the 9:30s weren't that far behind. I just barely had enough time to grab a new paceleader singlet and stash my bag before I was told that my group was here. Thankfully I was paired up with my teammate TB (as we say, the 2 of us make up the "dynamic duo") and HM, so I knew I'd at least have good co-leaders. And boy, HM and TB had to virtually carry me through that first 5 miles...sweating off a hangover makes for a very quiet Flygirl. TB played cheerleader for this loop...was just way too early for me :) Well, at least it forced me to dial it back, because my worries about the pace? None really! We were all fine.

One 5-mile loop down. HM dropped off after this loop, leaving the 9:30 group in the hands of the dynamic duo. Even though the thought of eating made me feel slightly nauseus, I knew I had to or regret it later. I downed a tangerine flavored PowerGel, hoping the double caffeine could help perk me up a little...it did actually seem to work. (hmmm-maybe something to think about for the later miles in the marathon? As the gel flavor I use doesn't have caffeine...) This loop actually felt a little better, I chatted it up a little more...and it did help that we had a bunch of really nice people in the group, who didn't try and push the pace...definitely makes the job a lot easier!!

Another 5-mile loop down! TB was done and left whoever was actually doing the full 20 in my capable hands for the last 4 miles-well actually mine and my teammate JC. Took my plain flavor PowerGel for good measure and was ready to go. All remants from the previous night out of my system, the last 4 miles were smooth sailing. That last loop seemed to fly by...as we made the turn onto 72nd street instead of heading south as we did for the last 2 loops, we knew we were in the home stretch. Then one more Cat Hill. The at 90th street...really almost home!! A couple of the runners picked it up for the last half-mile...JC and I just let them go, with not even 5 minutes to go, if they don't want to be "paced"...let them!! (though we too had a strong last mile!) Finally, we see the 20 mile sign on the 102nd street transverse and we are done!!

2:12 for the 14 miles...not bad at all!! I did feel like I had to hold back more than I have in the past, which was a good sign. And I'm glad I went with the 9:30s instead of the 9's, this felt more comfortable (though i dont know whether the 9's were on pace or not) and the runners were great, were very appreciative of our efforts. I told them no thank *you*-it helps to have runners who really work with you as well!! The organization was great as usual, as were the volunteers...nice perks this year included our own baggage area, misting stations on the course (nice!) and pretzels at the end (which I thought was much better than a bagel for a post-summer long run snack!)

Hung around a bit afterwards and then headed to brunch with some teammates...then after getting cleaned up actually headed back to the park for a coupla hours...yeah, can't get enough of that place :-P But I crashed mad early last night, everything did really catch up with me...

So yesterday's 15-spot put my mileage for the week in the masters category as opposed to submasters (let's see if you can get what I mean.) :) Legs actually felt fine today...could this mean good things at tomorrow's 5K race? I hope so...anything can happen!

week 1: in the books

Am I really in marathon training? This week just felt way too damn easy. Well maybe not a total cakewalk, but easier than what the words "marathon training" would lead one to believe.

Well after Thursday's woe-is-me post...Friday's work day wasn't so much better, but the weekend activities, starting on Friday nite, more than made up for that ;-) However, that means right now instead of getting my beauty sleep, I'm trying to prolong the weekend as much as possible, not wanting Monday morning to come...the fact that I am watching the last game of the Subway Series has nothing to do with that though ;-)

So being a little ahead of my mileage going into today, didn't think too much of this morning's 13-miler. I mean, 13 miles are EASY!! And I got more than half of it in while running in the other direction of this morning's Achilles Hope & Possibility 5-Miler. And was more than happy to play cheerleader again, as these athletes seemed so grateful to have the support :-) Definitely left me with a very upbeat feeling during my run...I've actually never run or spectated this race before, but when watching, I kinda got deja vu of some times when I've been watching the NYC Tri...seeing the determination of some of these athletes...well kinda puts things in perspective for me when I want to complain, ya know? :)

So anyways, after I had 7 miles under my belt, I hung out near the finish with a coupla Flyers for a little bit and chitchatted and cheered...and oh yeah, I was supposed to have a running "date" of sorts for my last 6 miles but alas...another missed connection. *sigh* But no worries, I'm tough, I can do those last 6 miles on my own, and in fact, I'll do them iPod free too!! And actually wasn't so bad, except my legs were really, really fighting for that last mile...even afterwards, my legs were still shaking quite a bit...not sure what was up with that. Maybe not eating enough...or not taking Gatorade or something? It's still early, so whatever mistakes are made now have plenty of time to get fixed :) And wound up with 13.2 at around 9-flat pace...cool, a "long" half-marathon and I still broke 2 hours :-P

Additionally, I have come to the conclusion that I cannot set foot in either Central Park or the UWS on a Sunday morning without seemingly running into everyone I know. And today, it was not just Flyers or other runners, but also co-workers too. (why, oh why, do I run into everyone except the one I actually wanna run into? hehe.)

And once again, I have learned that wine (especially Riesling) is just wayyy too damn easy to drink.

Finally, this is my 600th blog post. 10 months have passed since number 500...yes I know, I seriously need a life. or a hobby. or both. :)

a learning experience

Blame it on the Goose, gotcha feeling loose
Blame it on the 'tron, catch me in a zone
Blame it on the a-a-a-a-a-alcohol
Blame it on the a-a-a-a-a-alcohol

The song lyrics above can pretty much sum up my 5K race from Monday :)

Yeah, I ran a 10K PR while powered by blueberry ale...and finally ran under 30 minutes for a 4-miler fueled by red wine...but dammit, I guess I have reason to believe those were flukes :) (or for all I know, I could have run even better!) So moral of the story-if you want to run a good race, do not spend the day before at the Yankee game, with lotsa beer consumption (though it was great to see the new stadium!) and the day before that at a BBQ with lotsa wine and beer consumption and even a post-party drink. Not to mention eating like crap both days. Don't get me wrong, those were fun, fun days :) But a good race they do not make...

So anyway, as the race was the next town over from the parentals, I crashed there the night before. But that wasn't completely stress-free, of course we had to figure out how to get there with the roads being closed for the 10K race that was starting an hour and a half earlier! Turned out to be for naught, got there in plenty of time. Good, I can get in a good warmup of a couple of miles. Was dressed for success in my brand-spankin' new Nike red Flyers singlet. Feeling loose, feeling confident. Though it was getting hot...even just standing around. Thank god I opted for the shorter distance today...right? Finally, it was almost time to start...and how psyched was I to see chip mats at the start line? Yeah! Ready to go...

Mile 1 (7:20)-nice and flat, and thankfully shady. Hit the mile marker pretty much exactly where I wanted to be. Though if Mr. Garmin's data is to be believed, apparently I did the first half-mile at just over 7-flat pace??
Mile 2 (7:52)-maybe I was paying for the fast-ish start here. This mile was a little hillier (though child's play compared to Central Park). I was surprised that the mile was so slow...I thought I was working hard...
Mile 3.1 (8:17-7:31 pace)-by then it was getting hot, and I was glad it was almost over, just suck it up for a mile and change. good thing about this being a quasi-hometown race is that I can recognize certain landmarks and know where I was...and after making the final turn I totally knew where I was and knew it was a straight (and a tiny downhill!) shot to the finish.

Final time-23:29, 7:34 pace, 9th in my age group (I wasn't expecting to place high, this race was really stacked!)

It's weird, I feel like this race was anticlimactic in a way. Based on my heart rate data, I was nowhere near where I should be in a 5k in terms of effort, and I really didn't feel like I gave it my all. In a way, however, this was really a no pressure race for me, and if I took some learning away from it...well so be it :) And additionally-I'm not blaming the weather, but it didn't help matters. I remember feeling at the end that I was so glad I opted for the shorter distance, and I heard quite a few calls from the announcer for "medical attention at the finish line"...in a way, I was just happy to have finished upright.

So-2 things I took away from this race:

1. I really need to work on my pacing in 5Ks-I feel like it's the one distance I just can't get down with regards to pacing. Specifically, don't lose my nerve during mile 2.
2. No all-day drinkfests the day or 2 before an A race. (1 glass of wine should be my limit. Should.)

best drinking game. ever.

I've played my fair share of drinking games in the past...in my college years...oh I remember my personal favorite, "asshole"...many a friday happy hour was spent playing several rounds of that. And I also can't forget the time me and a few others were watching Ace Ventura...and the game was to do shots every time Jim Carrey said "alrighty then!" you can guess how that turned out for me :)

but none can compare to my new favorite drinking game, the "marathon" drinking game. Watching a lecture about a marathon? Watching one on TV? Just drink every time you hear the following words:
marathon
run
race
pace
mile
inspirational

I'm sure there were others but can't remember right now...guess my mind was a little fuzzy or something. Wonder why. But anyone can feel free to add words to the list-the more the merrier, right?

try this drinking game, you'll like it! After all, it is endorsed by me...and a few other troublemakers :-)

club night-the recession version

Well I was told that this year's NYRR Club Night would have a "different feel." They weren't kidding. Gone was the open bar, dinner and dancing at the Hilton. In its place were a less formal cocktail hour and the awards ceremony at the Hard Rock Cafe. I wasn't surprised, I knew that with the economy, that last year's format may have been too pricey for a lot of people and that NYRR would try something different. And hey, I can still dress to impress, even if it's not a prom dress :-P

So, got there, checked my coat, went into the auditorium-type room where they were having the awards ceremony-which had the bar/mingling area on the balcony. With one of the bars positioned near the stairs. Now that's a recipe for disaster-bet there was more than one person stumbling before the night was over. Redeemed the first of my 2 drink tix with a cosmo (thumbs up for expanded drink selection), saw and chatted with a couple of friends from other teams, didn't see any other Flyers yet. Oh wait, theres one. But I want to find everyone else before the awards ceremony...lo and behold, there they were at the larger bar on the other side of the room. (Flyers at the bar? that never happens...) And we spent the time before the awards ceremony sipping our drinks and looking at the flat screen TVs which had pictures from all the races, to see if we could see any Flyers (and I was in it twice!! This picture and this one too.)

Then the announcements to get to our seats, the awards were about to start...first thing we found out was that team winners get no love, the floor seats were reserved for the individual nominees. Thats ok-we snagged a bunch of seats on the balcony for our crew. And then we waited and waited for what we came here for-the announcement of the Men's Open B division winner-yep, our guys :) The few Flyer guys who were there went to the stage to claim the award, pose for pictures, etc. We hung around for the individual winners...and then that was it. They did say the bar was open for another hour, but a few of us grabbed a bite elsewhere instead, as the apps didn't cut it...

My thoughts-I know that with the economy, something had to be done with the format, I'm not sure this really worked though. felt the format wasn't really very condusive (sp?) to mingling. I felt the cocktail hour was more "find your teammates so you can sit together during the awards" than a chance to mingle with the other teams. At least with the old format, you have the table as your "home base", so you can mingle during the cocktail hour, and the dancing!! Must bring back the dancing...it doesnt even have to be a formal event for there to be dancing :) (just ask my company about our holiday parties :) ) All in all, even though last year's event was $20 more, it was a better value for the money. Curious what others thought...

And congrats again to the Flyer men-I always knew you were number 1 :)

a "race" or a "marathon"

So for all you Amazing Race fans...

Anyone watch this past Sunday's episode? Where the Roadblock was an Underwear Run of sorts, except not in 90 degree weather!! ;-) The task description? "One team member must participate in a winter marathon running 1.4 miles in their underwear." Ummmm...since when has a marathon been 1.4 miles? And during the task, someone complained about "not having the right shoes for his long run." Ummm...1.4 miles is a long run??? I did 12 and change earlier in the day-now *that's* a long run!! :-P

OK, I guess I am a running snob :)

And yesterday's St. Patrick's Day festivities sorta reminded me of yet another thing from Amazing Race...any long-time watchers remember the ice bar in Stockholm in Season 6? OK, the bar we went to wasn't entirely made of ice, and we weren't sliding shot glasses on it, but was still cool to rest our pint glasses on the ice strip and keep em cool. :)

As for now...eagerly waiting for April to get here for 2 reasons-Cherry Blossom and my fall marathon decision will be revealed :)

spirit fingers

(aka my well-overdue Flyers awards gala recrap. post title is a reference to the movie Bring It On. you'll see why...)

Another year, another Flyers awards gala. Or as some people refer to it, the "Flyer Prom" (I'm not sure how accurate that is-I mean, there's no pressure to find a date for this shindig. Or is there?) Another west midtown loft location, which us UWS'ers did not mind in the least :) Once again, shared a cab w/ Runner26 and her hubby, and arrived around 7:30 to find the party already in full swing...why, oh why, am I not surprised. Everyone dressed to impress, looking fabulous, and lotsa red in the house this year, including myself!! (I think this may have been my favorite awards gala ensemble yet!)

So, a coupla hours of sipping cosmos (it went with the ensemble!), sampling the catered goods, catching up with Flyers old and new, it was time for the actual awards ceremony. It started off with the annual "Year in Pictures," which I had a hand in choosing both the pictures (yes-I actually allowed the underwear run picture to stay in there!) and the music (well just one of the songs, but was still cool to hear!) Then time for the actual awards-and let me say, our MC's did a great job, they were totally themselves, very entertaining. As I co-chaired the awards committee this year, the recipients were not a surprise to me...except one-the "Team Spirit" award.

If possible, we try to spread the awards out so as many people as possible can win, and someone doesn't wind up taking home 2 or 3 awards. So when our original nominee for the Team Spirit award was actually slotted to win something else, was back to the drawing board. A couple of nominees were thrown out-including myself (nominated by someone else-I would never put myself up for an award, I think it's not kosher when I'm heading the committee) and all of a sudden the email chains got quiet, until my co-chair sent an email to me and a couple of others saying we were in contention so we were left out of the discussion-so that was that until the actual awards ceremony. Honestly, knowing who I was up against, I was sure it was going to go to one of them (I felt they did more for the team than I do.)

So, back to the present...time for the "Team Spirit" award...and who will it be? RB starts the couple of lines about the awards recipient...as soon as he said "she" I was thinking "ohmigod...no way." I knew. My name got called. Applause. Go up to the front and accept my award. Pose for the camera. Walk back to my seat to even more applause. Throw an arm up in the air in jubilation. Get back to my seat still smiling. And that all felt so surreal-like I was watching myself through all that. (Is that how the Oscar/Grammy/etc. winners feel, I wonder?)

Watched the rest of the awards winners, capped off by the Flyer of the Year presentation, which went to who I felt was a very deserving winner and was very happy to see her get it-and the outgoing Flyer of the Year presented it beautifully too. For the most part, the awards were great and I was proud of the job that the committee did. One thing did bring it down-one of my good friends had improved a lot last year and it was very close between her and another woman, but the other woman edged her out. Her disappointment kinda brought me down a little-I hate seeing friends upset like that, and I guess I felt partially responsible, even though I thought I did the right thing. (It did blow over by the end of the evening. But still...)

Ahhhh time for dancing!! I don't know what I was more buzzed on-the cosmos or my award, but the dancing was a great time as usual...I swear, this part seems to fly by quicker and quicker each year!! And at around midnight, I went to the DJ booth to request a song and they said "we've only got 2 minutes left" and "Last Dance" started playing and I think a lot of people were wondering..."huh?" as the dancing was supposed to go til 12:30!! If it was a misunderstanding, it got cleared up, and the music played for another half-hour, finishing off with "Sexyback"...a better way to end the evening :) Afterwards, I followed the crowd that went to the nearby bar/lounge Stitch for the after-party...before I knew it, was around 3 am and was time to head home. (And needless to say I was not very productive the next day!! This chick has not stayed out that late in a long time...)

I say this every year, but I felt this year's awards gala was the best one yet!! Do we really have to wait another year for the next one...? :)

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!

one can only be good for so long

when. when. when will I ever learn???

work party-well behaved. let other people make out on the dance floor, or rip their shirts off, or down shot after shot. nope, won't be me tonite.

Flyers holiday party-again, well behaved. paced myself, worked the room, thankfully a drama-free evening. with an amusing comment from some random stranger who was witnessing mine and runner26's difficulty at getting a cab...apparently, if we can't get a cab, there is a lot wrong with the world. or something to that effect. :)

guess I had to be a bad girl at the TRD holiday party on saturday nite. that was the time to let loose, nothing I had to be up early for the next day (plus I had to celebrate my race!) note to self: "let loose" should not equal "drink almost a whole bottle of merlot by yourself." (or honestly i lost count of glasses of wine that I had, so it may have been possible it wasn't as much as that, but just too quickly and possibly not enough to eat.) thankfully, with the help of a couple of saviors ;-) I made it uptown, but the effects of the night did not wear off right away, as I spent most of...well, all day Sunday nursing a hangover. fun times...

and to top it all off, I haven't ran or been to the gym since Saturday, and I attacked half a bag of Candy Cane Hershey's kisses this evening.

i think i need to try and be a good girl again. in the meantime, in this post is a picture of me being somewhat good at the flyers holiday party.