A very happy day-after-real-birthday to my number one supporter who has been the most encouraging person in my "running career."
He attended my first cross country meet, encouraged me to continue running after being diagnosed with asthma, watched all my races in the snow and rain (literally) and even drove me to my last marathon with his arm in a sling after having surgery (probably not legal...). Thank you dad! Happy birthday!
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Half-way There!
I'm officially halfway towards my fundraising goals: 2,000$! Thank you to all of my donors. I'll be hosting a fundraiser at Overlook NYC on Friday September 28th...email me if you are in the NY area and interested in attending! There's just about 6 weeks left for donations, and 8 weeks left until race-day...
My furthest run so far has been 20 miles. It's been quite a challenge juggling marathon training, making friends in the new city and dealing with a new full-time position. Something I've been seeing more and more often along the East River here in NYC are "Kangoo Shoes":
As you could probably guess, people look absolutely ridiculous running around in these. They supposedly help diminish joint wear and tear, and reduce risk of injury for runners with shin problems. Next time I see someone wearing these things, I'm going to stop and interview them!
I've also been running with GU, which I am obsessed with. Last year I ate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches while training and during my run, which my family thankfully held onto for me. During the NYC Marathon, though, I don't think I will be able to count on having friends and family at various points throughout the race due to the congestion of the city. I've been duct taping GU to my water bottle while I run, so that's probably what I'll have to do for race day. Espresso Love is definitely the best flavor.
My furthest run so far has been 20 miles. It's been quite a challenge juggling marathon training, making friends in the new city and dealing with a new full-time position. Something I've been seeing more and more often along the East River here in NYC are "Kangoo Shoes":
I've also been running with GU, which I am obsessed with. Last year I ate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches while training and during my run, which my family thankfully held onto for me. During the NYC Marathon, though, I don't think I will be able to count on having friends and family at various points throughout the race due to the congestion of the city. I've been duct taping GU to my water bottle while I run, so that's probably what I'll have to do for race day. Espresso Love is definitely the best flavor.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Can't forget Dad...
Forgot to thank Dad in my last post for the hat from last year's marathon that kept me oh-so-dry as it poured for the first half I the 18 miles Saturday :)
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Physical Activity and the Immune System
I've been a pretty inconsistent blogger these past few weeks, but I finally thought of something extremely interesting to post about! Unfortunately, the only reason I thought to post about this is because it's happening to me as we speak.
This past weekend, I ran 18.8 miles-18 felt so good I kept going for a bit, and it felt great. The next day, I wasn't even sore. This workout really had me feeling good about myself for a while, then Monday afternoon a sore throat hit. Research has shown that physical activity can help boost the body's immune system and reduce our risk for contracting viruses. Physical activity can even help minimize the amount of time a particular virus stays in your system, shortening the overall duration of your "cold." Unfortunately, as one nears the marathon territory and the intensity and duration of workouts increases, immuno-supression also intensifies. This can be better explained by the J-shaped curve below, where at a sedentary state, one's risk of disease is average, with moderate physical activity, one's risk of disease is below average, and with very high levels of physical activity, one's risk for disease is above average.
So for the next few days I'm going to be resting up so that I can continue on with my training later in the week. Just some light yoga and leisurely bike rides to work.
Also, thanks mom for the bracelet..."it's not a sprint, it's a marathon" !
This past weekend, I ran 18.8 miles-18 felt so good I kept going for a bit, and it felt great. The next day, I wasn't even sore. This workout really had me feeling good about myself for a while, then Monday afternoon a sore throat hit. Research has shown that physical activity can help boost the body's immune system and reduce our risk for contracting viruses. Physical activity can even help minimize the amount of time a particular virus stays in your system, shortening the overall duration of your "cold." Unfortunately, as one nears the marathon territory and the intensity and duration of workouts increases, immuno-supression also intensifies. This can be better explained by the J-shaped curve below, where at a sedentary state, one's risk of disease is average, with moderate physical activity, one's risk of disease is below average, and with very high levels of physical activity, one's risk for disease is above average.
Also, thanks mom for the bracelet..."it's not a sprint, it's a marathon" !
Friday, August 10, 2012
13 miles And Some PB&J
I spent last weekend with Conor, Kimmie and Bennett in RI- a much needed escape from the city. Kimmie and I did a nice woodsy trail on Saturday, but unfortunately the heat took its toll on us and we cut our distance a little short. Since I was pretty much occupied all weekend, I saved my long run for last night. I ran 13.4 miles after work yesterday, and had to bribe myself with a Starbucks mocha cookie frappuccino, which I happily indulged in this afternoon. Is it sad that one of those drinks is the only reason I will put on running shoes after work?? I'm more of a morning runner, so the bribery was very necessary. Here's a view of the Williamsburg bridge from the East River. One nice thing about evening runs is the scenery!
I got back from my run around 9:15, In Stamford in less than 30 minutes. and recovered with some PB&J& oatmeal. PB&J and oatmeal are two things I'm obsessed with individually, and a few weeks ago I decided to combine them. This hearty breakfast holds me over straight through lunch, which is very atypical for me- my stomach is usually growling by 10:45am.
PB&J oatmeal:
1/3 cup rolled oats
3/4 cups almond milk
1/4 cup wheat berries (I didn't know what these were until I read Carrots n' Cake- now I'm obsessed!)
1 tbsp all natural peanut butter
1 tbsp jam or jelly
Mixed berries (I used strawberries, blackberries and blueberries)
Combine oats, almond milk and wheat berries into a saucepan and simmer until mixture thickens. Top with peanut butter, jam and berries... Enjoy!
Nora watched my every move as I made this post-run snack...
I got back from my run around 9:15, In Stamford in less than 30 minutes. and recovered with some PB&J& oatmeal. PB&J and oatmeal are two things I'm obsessed with individually, and a few weeks ago I decided to combine them. This hearty breakfast holds me over straight through lunch, which is very atypical for me- my stomach is usually growling by 10:45am.
PB&J oatmeal:
1/3 cup rolled oats
3/4 cups almond milk
1/4 cup wheat berries (I didn't know what these were until I read Carrots n' Cake- now I'm obsessed!)
1 tbsp all natural peanut butter
1 tbsp jam or jelly
Mixed berries (I used strawberries, blackberries and blueberries)
Combine oats, almond milk and wheat berries into a saucepan and simmer until mixture thickens. Top with peanut butter, jam and berries... Enjoy!
Nora watched my every move as I made this post-run snack...
Monday, July 30, 2012
16 Miles Down- Here's My Summer Schedule!
So this weekend, I had every intention to run 14 miles as scheduled (see calendar below!). Instead, I decided I was going to outsmart the FDR drive and find a shortcut from the base of the Brooklyn bridge. That resulted in an extra 2 miles. Luckily today I'm not at all sore, and now I feel as if some pressure has been taken off for next week's run! Next weekend I'll be in RI with Kim and Bennett, so a 14 mile run probably won't happen, but I'm looking forward to having my ol' running buddy, Ms. Catlin back =).
I always get questions about how training for a marathon actually works, so I decided to post my calendar to my blog. I tend to shift around runs and distances based on social events that might interfere, so the schedule is pretty flexible. That's one reason I start training months in advance, so that if something comes up and I'm facing a set back, it's really not a big deal.
I also got a bike this weekend and rode her for the first time on Sunday! She's a 1970's vintage Raleigh Caprice, and definitely needs some work, but she's perfect for putzing around and getting me to and from work.
I always get questions about how training for a marathon actually works, so I decided to post my calendar to my blog. I tend to shift around runs and distances based on social events that might interfere, so the schedule is pretty flexible. That's one reason I start training months in advance, so that if something comes up and I'm facing a set back, it's really not a big deal.
I also got a bike this weekend and rode her for the first time on Sunday! She's a 1970's vintage Raleigh Caprice, and definitely needs some work, but she's perfect for putzing around and getting me to and from work.
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