Updated 2009 Schedule

I have had to revise my 2009 Race Schedule, yet again.  But this time I think it's as close to 'final-final' as it is going to get.  No more triathlons will be added to the schedule, due to budget, travel and time constraints.  So my 'tri season' this year is about 6 weeks long- 2 OLYs and a sprint.

I found out that the 5 Boro Bike Tour is the same day as my desired spring marathon date.  My dad has tried to do the 5 Boro Tour the past 2 years, but for various reasons, he has not been able to make it to NYC.  It means a lot to him, so I am more than happy to add that to the spring schedule.  It's a fun way to see parts of New York City and the outer Boroughs that you can't normally reach on bike.

5 Boro Bike Tour Route Map

Because of this, and other scheduling conflicts, I have let go of the idea of a spring marathon.  I have been keeping the mileage up, and enjoying running more often (4-5 times/week) with a 2-ish hour long run on the weekends.  I think I will be able to keep this up without a 'looming' marathon.  This will also let me enjoy my 10-day California vacation in February.  

I have added a 5k and 2 10ks to the spring schedule, and will make the Brooklyn Half Marathon my 'A' spring race.  I am excited to teach myself to enjoy running fast again.

I also have to wait a bit more for final plans for a fall marathon, based on multiple friend's looming wedding plans and work travel.  I have taken on a new work project since the 1st of the year, and the timelines look to have me in Africa more than a few times in the later half of the year.

I am hoping Marine Corps may be the one.  The good thing is that I can 'defer' my guaranteed entry to NYC until 2010.

Why I love drugs...

...the legal kind. I already feel better. Placebo effect, 100%, but I will take it.

Last night I went to a class called 30-60-90 at the gym. It's a cardio/sculpt/interval class that I have heard good things about. I think I finally found the non-jazzercise gym class I have been looking for. I worked up an appropriate amount of sweat, got strength in, and am appropriately sore this morning (read: I can walk and sit on the toilet with no pain).

I feel so good in fact, I hit up yoga this morning. The doctor told me yesterday that 'being inverted' would help clear up my head (again, I love him and his homeopathic ways....). I have a late meeting today, so was able to take my favorite teacher's 8am class. He's great.


AND I did a non-wall supported forearm stand- I may just have to schedule late meetings every day (I will replace this picture with a pic of ME when my hair is a more appropriate-non-yellow color ha)


AND it's sunny out!

Infected.

I am officially infected in the sinuses. I love my doctor- he confirmed that I had a sinus infection by turning out the lights and pressing a flashlight into my forehead to see if my sinuses lit up- they didn't, meaning they were most likely full of fluid.

Then he did the same pressing into my cheeks- same thing, full of fluid.

He offered acupuncture or a prescription to treat the infection. Now if I even felt 25% better, I would have gone for the acupuncture, but considering it has been painful to make it through the work day with my pounding headache, and I have to fly in a week, I went with the Z-pack. Picking it up later tonight, because even though there is a pharmacy on EVERY corner of my neighborhood, it still takes 45 minutes to put a Z-pack, which is already in it's own package, into a envelope to then give to me.

I wandered home through the slush and icy-rain instead of going back to work. It was in the wrong direction, and I feel like ass. I tried to see a movie, but nothing started until 4pm or later.

So I am dying my hair instead. Dye on head, as I type. This usually does NOT turn out well.

An all time low :)

This weekend- I hit an all time low.

First, a little background. After my cable got shut off last month, I decided to see how long I could go sans-TV. The weekdays have been totally fine, getting my news-watching in at the gym, and not really missing much else. The weekends are what is tough. If it was a bit warmer, I could entertain myself by living in NYC- going on long walks in new neighborhoods or sitting in the park reading and napping. But 15-20 degree days don't lend themselves to napping outside.

So I joined Netflix. Figuring it would help not only the weekend boredom, but also motivate me to get on the trainer a few times a week (this is pre-recall of said trainer). Netflix has also started a new 'Watch Instantly' feature since I was last a member. There are 100s of movies and TV series you can now watch instantly on your computer. Now, these are not the newest releases, or the best-rated movies, but there is plenty to choose from.

Now, back to my all time low. This weekend I watched 6 movies. Wait, wait, that is not the all time low. 3 of these movies were recent Heather Graham movies....Wait, you may ask, I didn't know Heather Graham had any recent movies???? Yes, that is because I assume all three went straight to DVD, never seeing the inside of an actual movie theater.

Friday night, I started a flick called 'Miss Conception'. It was awful. However, it was much, much better and actually quite funny when I got home after a few too many beers and finished it at 2am.

Saturday, I actually made some decent choices: Superbad to cure the hangover and The Other Boleyn Girl before bed. I also watched another at some point, but it was SO good I can't even remember what it was....

Then yesterday, more awful choices. Adrift in Manhattan, which was surprisingly not too horrible, and I didn't even KNOW Heather Graham was in it until she showed up on screen.

Then it was Grey Matters. This topped the all-time low. I am not sure why I kept watching. It was like a car accident- I just couldn't stop watching.

So over the course of my weekend, Heather Graham was:

1. A British 34-year old woman who finds out she has ONE more egg left and must find a baby-daddy in 3 days,
2. A grieving Manhattan ophthalmologist who is separated from her husband and beds a 20 year old,
3. A female who discovers she is a lesbian only after falling in love with her brother's new wife.


I have absolutely NOTHING else to redeem my weekend. I ran a 5k tempo instead of my half marathon. Nope...nada.

Dammit.

I guess I should have made the 'C' goal actaully waking up and going out in the cold....

oh well. ha

Weekend Half Marathon

I am doing a half marathon on Sunday.  

Two years ago, this was my second half marathon ever.  It was SO SO cold before the start, my hands literally froze in little balls and I almost stopped at the medical tent after 1 mile to de-thaw.  I ended up finishing, dropped over 12 minutes from my previous half marathon time, completely suprising myself in the process - it was the first time that I actaully considered that I could become a 'runner'.  

This was before I started training with a running group- before tempo, intervals, or hill repeats.  I ran because I loved running, it was new and fun, usually between 14-20 miles per week.  I almost always ran outside, with a friend, at the friend's pace.  I didn't record how long the run took, or the average pace.   I had a paper training log with funny notes

That run remains my second best half marathon time ever.  

So my 'race' plan this weekend is to run 1.5 miles to the start, and just RUN.  After a year of struggling with aches and pains and worry about doing too much and re-injuring myself.   That fear is FINALLY gone.

Now I just need to find that place again when racing is fun, and find the pure JOY of running fast. 

That is my A, B and C goal for the weekend.

Random Musing before a Marathon-Meeting Day

1. I love mornings when 25 degrees feels balmy. Last night, walking to book club, it was so cold I started crying and decided I was over living in New York, where I had to walk everywhere and was moving. I changed my mind on my 4th glass of wine, 2nd cookie, amongst my great friends and actual intelligent conversation...Next month there will NOT be intelligent conversation, as we chose the cheesiest, girliest, novel we could find, Straight Talking by Jane Green (I read Mr. Maybe by her at an airport once and am obsessed and try to follow it's very deep life's lessons ha)

2. It is supposed to be 44 tomorrow!! I will be running OUTSIDE in the morning. Too bad it supposed to back down to the teens for the race this weekend. I still think I am going to wear capris, as my tights have been falling down during my long runs a bit and that would not be good if I am actually going to 'race' this race- which I may do (more on that later)

3. I just got this Valentine's Day party invite, love it! ha


4. Does anyone have any feelings on Lesotho?

....yeah, didn't think so. I'm having to perhaps develop an opinion on Lesotho in the next few days. Input appreciated.

5. Ha- I just had a coworker come in who was in Zambia for the past few weeks working on a new project on Male Circumcision (I work in HIV prevention), and he referred to the people who do the 'service delivery' as the snippers- HA oh man, I love my job (most of the time)

Ha

Thanks to Maggs comment, I had a bit of a chuckle, I searched my 'sick' label.  Seems that I had the stomach flu exactly 1 year ago this week.  And I remember my hip was in so much pain, laying in bed all day was horrible.

Anyway, Tylenol+12 hours of sleep seems to have done the trick.  I am going to take the day off from training, and hopefully feel back to good tomorrow!   

Ugh

You know that feeling that one minute your happily running on the treadmill, smiling away at Obama dancing to the marching bands?  Then the next minute all the sudden you get the dreaded flu-ing feeling that makes even walking on the treadmill hard?

Then you feel like you may either pass or throw up while stuggling to put on your clothes in the locker room??

Happy to say I made it home without either throwing up or passing out.  I have a 101 fever.  Here is to praying Tylenol and sleep make me feel better in the morning- this is NOT a week I can get sick at work....

And I had been working all day on this long post about my race plans for this weekend, bummer...

I WILL think positive....

More snow!

Perhaps it is time to get some of those Yax Trax....

The roads of Central Park were actaully pretty clear and it was a balmy 30 degrees.   

Still had some lingering soreness from that damn Boot Camp class, mainly in my ass, but glad I sucked it up and got out there for a few hours.

Off for Sunday-Funday...football, beer, and no work tomorrow!

TYPICAL!

I recieved this email from Nashbar at 4pm today (of course the night before a weekend of sub-zero temps and possible snow)....

Customer Alert - Trainer Recall

Notice: 2008 Nashbar trainers – Customer Alert!

Dear Nashbar Customer,

Our records show that you purchased one of the following trainers between 9/11/08 to 12/24/08.


Description Catalog #
Nashbar Mag Plus NB-MAGP
Nashbar Fluid NB-FT6

PLEASE STOP USING THE TRAINER IMMEDIATELY

We found that a small number of these trainers have a defective part that can allow the bike to disengage from the trainer frame. The potentially defective units will have production codes 2708, 2808 or 3408. The production code is stamped on the bottom of the front folding legs’ horizontal base. Only trainers with these production codes are affected.

We apologize for the inconvenience and will make the corrective process as easy for you as possible. Next week we will mail a packet with procedures for the repair or replacement of your unit. If you have questions, please contact our Tech Dept. at 800 888-2710 or technical@nashbar.com.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

Gaynor Collester
Supervisor, Technical Product Support
Nashbar Direct

It's a good thing that I have been on the trainer for a total of less than 60 minutes since I set it up.  I'm too lazy to check if I'm at risk right now- ha

Baby, it's cold outside.

Right Now for
New York, NY

Sunny 11°F Feels Like -4°F

(Ha- I just published this and the 'sun' on my black background totally looks like a fried egg!! too funny)


In other interesting news, I have decided 'Boot Camp' is not for me. You see, I have a problem lifting weights alone. As in, I hate it and usually last about 15-20 minutes. So I have been trying to find group classes that get me a few good strength/plyos sessions a week, for 45-60 minutes.
This week, I tried Boot Camp. I chose this class because it was not Cardio Sculpt. I didn't want to do choreography, or jazzercise. Well, I got my wish.

Although the teacher was very jazzercise, my legs/glutes/abs agree this was definitely boot camp. The teacher apparently got engaged over the holidays. So as she talked to her 'regulars' and showed off her rock, we did 10 minutes of walking lunges, with bicep curls. Then some squat, then more walking lunges. Her '30 more seconds'....yeah, that meant more like 3-5 more minutes. Add this to my tendency to 'overdo' it, and...

I feel almost as sore as after the marathon. That is how I feel walking up/down steps, getting out of bed. I'm doing the 'hobble'.

I need to find a balance with plyos/weights and still being able to run. Because right now, I can't IMAGINE running 15/16 miles this weekend with how my legs feel.

Next week I will try 30-60-90, a class I have heard good things about. But then again, maybe yoga is the only way I can do 'strength' without overdoing it?

Sunday timelime, count by beer.

9:45am- Leave for tailgate

10:30- Arrive at stadium

Beer #1- Wander parking lots, looking for friends

Beer #2-3- Find friends, play corn hole, wait in line for porta-potty, hands become 97% frozen

Beer #4- Arrive in stadium, about 99% frozen. Realize we are in the 'SUPER NICE' Sky Box, not the 'regular' Sky Box, celebrate with Beer #5/6 as my hands thaw.


Beer#7-Beer?? - Shamelessly flirt with mulit-gabillionare car industry people. Average age- 54.

The rest becomes a bit of a haze. I know that I watched the first half in the front row, cheering loudly for the Giants, but AGAINST Eli Manning (have to make my father proud somehow). Most Giants fans were doing the same as the game wore on, so I wasn't alone.

I also know I spent most of the second half eating multiple combinations of the following foods:
Hot Dogs
Chili
Chicken Fingers
Cookies
Philly Cheesesteaks

<blech>

The game, especially the second half, was a bit of a letdown, but I honestly didn't really care who won, and I had a great time.

After about 12pm, the only time I am completely sure of during the day is 6:48pm, as this was the time on my clock when I got into bed, still in my long underwear, and didn't move until 7am.

I feel great today. I love daytime drinking.

Garmin Question

So i got a garmin for christmas.

I have a quick question

The distance on my watch is different than the total distance once I download it.

Which distance do I go with? The one on the watch or the one once it is downloaded?

PS, This is why I should not have a Garmin and why I have held out on one for so long:

I will ONLY be this anal for my long runs

GREAT weekend :)

Just finished 14.6 miles in the snow.  Wasn't too bad until the last hour, when the snow really started coming down and was sticking to the road.  I decided to stick to the Park in case conditions got really bad, and it was probably a good decision.  

Ironically, my run got way better once the snow really started to come down, it took my mind off the miles and pace, and I couldn't wipe the silly grin off my face.  And it got even better when I realized the tennis court bathrooms were open, as I was about to cut my run a few miles short :)

Now my whole body is bright red and itchy.  No ice bath for this girl, I feel like I just took a 2 hour ice bath.

I returned home to a text from a friend inviting me to the EAGLES- GIANTS playoff game tomorrow!!!  Although I am a Redskins fan at heart, I love football and am so, so excited.  We are sitting in a box on the 50 yard line, so the free food, free beer, and warmth of the box makes it even better.

It is still snowing and they are calling for anywhere form 3-8' inches, depending who you listen to.  I'm off now to gather ingredients for a yummy Baked Ziti and wine night at my apartment with a few friends. 

Perhaps following by an 80s themed birthday party.

GREAT weekend :)

May Marathon

I have decided I will be running a marathon on May 3. I was worried about running a marathon this late in the spring, as I didn't want it to interfere with my triathlon season, but I think it will be OK, as will have over a month to recover (and hopefully this time, I will be better trained, thus less recovery time.)

Now, to decide which one. This year for me is all about saving money (thus no Half IM on the schedule anymore).

Why, you may ask? It's that time of life for me- Wedding Year(s)!! I have three weddings on the calendar, all of which will require travel (LONDON! yay). I am SO excited, but need to plan wisely so I can attend and enjoy the festivities.

SO, my options, which are a result of the least amount of costs involved (read: entry fee, travel expense):

NJ Marathon
Long Island Marathon
Frederick, MD Marathon
Potomac River Run Marathon
Providence Marathon

• Frederick is tempting so my family can share the experience.

• NJ is popular with the NY-crowd, and there is easy transit race morning
  

• Have read Long Island it is more geared towards the 10k and Half marathon crowds.
  

• The River Run is a low key, grass roots run. I am leaning towards this.

• Providence is obvs more travel, and would require hotel, but I love Providence!

I don't think I need to rush to make a decision but to have it on the calendar will motivate me through my 14/15 miles in the snow tomorrow.

I am thinking it could be cool to run over the Brooklyn Bridge in the snow, I will try to get some pretty pics!

The plan.

Feb 6-9 Santa Barbara (never been, so excited)
Feb 9-10 PCH, stopping overnight in Cambria
Feb 10-16 San Fran!! [Maybe a day/night of skiing/playing in Tahoe if possible]


I am so pumped. Sort of annoyed at Delta, but hopefully my Elite Status will get me an upgrade and free drinks on the red-eye home, and all will be happy.

Back to reality.

After two weeks of wonderful vacation on my parent's couch, today was back to the grind.

However, I got the time off to join my brother in California in February for a week, so at least I have something very soon to look forward to...ahhh the PCH.

I will hopefully be spending a weekend with my college roommates somewhere in Southern Cali (one lives in San Diego, one in Santa Barbara), then spend a few days in LA with friends, then head up the PCH to San Fran with the bro.  Two of my best friends are in San Fran as well, so needless to say, this is going to be a GREAT 10 days.  I was going to use miles for the plane tickets, but tickets are SO CHEAP right now...as in $129 NY-San Diego! Craziness.

I'm holding my breath a bit on it, but I met someone great over the holidays.  'Met' is not really the right word, as we have actually known each other for years and years, probably since I was 12 or 13...he was a swimmer.  DC area club swimming is a very small world.  

But I always thought he was 'too cool', he was two years older and a really fast swimmer, and he thought I was a bitch, so we were never really friends, but had all the same friends.  Ha, typical.  As I said, I am holding my breath a bit, as he lives in DC and I am now back in NYC, but I am excited about the possibility....

oh and BUMMER! I realized today that I have a bachelorette party in NYC the weekend of the trail run I really want to do.  I am super super bummed, but there is always next year, and I am on the search for something else to keep my running motivation up.