Friday, December 10, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
The 2010 Stats
Because I could be grateful all I want... Folks wanna know NUMBERS.
SO!
I finished at 4:58:58.
I was aiming 5hrs, hoping that I'd come in somewhere btw 430 and 5. So i'm pleased with that. And considering I was running on a leg that had been troublesome for weeks, no complaints on my end.
Just in case you didnt know what that meant - I OFFICIALLY BEAT Jared from Subway, Edison the Chilean Miner and AL ROKER's Times. BOO-YAH.
Here's some more interesting info....
SO!
I finished at 4:58:58.
I was aiming 5hrs, hoping that I'd come in somewhere btw 430 and 5. So i'm pleased with that. And considering I was running on a leg that had been troublesome for weeks, no complaints on my end.
Just in case you didnt know what that meant - I OFFICIALLY BEAT Jared from Subway, Edison the Chilean Miner and AL ROKER's Times. BOO-YAH.
Here's some more interesting info....
This is what finishing looks like. Thanks Team ;)
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
And that wraps up 2010...
I have to say- I was in shock awe (and a helluva lot of pain) all day yesterday and Sunday...
But today I can scream it out:
On a bum leg! (Damn u calf muscle knot!)
Lol - boy, am I paying for that one.
My muscles have been seizing up for the past two days so I've been doing a lot of soaking and stretching, mini massaging (it all hurts), elevating, icing, etc. And I don't take drugs much but painkillers are our friends...
Anyway. I did it. I'm grateful. Feeling accomplished. Looking forward to the next, the new year.
I'm grateful for all the support shown- from my coaches, teammates who physically helped me get across the finish, to my folks that cheered me on and helped keep my energy up, to every single person who donated to even get me IN to the Marathon and support these wonderful kids...
THANK.YOU.
I couldn't have done it without you. So while I get to rock the medal, I know that I wouldn't have made it without yall.
Yup!
Now, post marathon massage!?? I'd like to walk again soon. They're starting to call me Gimp in the streets. Haha!
communicated via @isBerry!
But today I can scream it out:
I RAN the FKN NY MARATHON!!!
And finished!
On a bum leg! (Damn u calf muscle knot!)
Lol - boy, am I paying for that one.
My muscles have been seizing up for the past two days so I've been doing a lot of soaking and stretching, mini massaging (it all hurts), elevating, icing, etc. And I don't take drugs much but painkillers are our friends...
Anyway. I did it. I'm grateful. Feeling accomplished. Looking forward to the next, the new year.
I'm grateful for all the support shown- from my coaches, teammates who physically helped me get across the finish, to my folks that cheered me on and helped keep my energy up, to every single person who donated to even get me IN to the Marathon and support these wonderful kids...
THANK.YOU.
I couldn't have done it without you. So while I get to rock the medal, I know that I wouldn't have made it without yall.
Yup!
Now, post marathon massage!?? I'd like to walk again soon. They're starting to call me Gimp in the streets. Haha!
communicated via @isBerry!
Monday, November 8, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Isaiah Wins today
More morning prayers. Seems that we're right on point w the scripture...
Jen just got this text::
Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
We'll be thinking of this one around mile 20.
Thanks!
communicated via @isBerry!
Amen.
Morning Prayers sent from Mr. Young
Words To Keep In Mind On your Journey
Isaiah 54:17
No weapon that has been made to be used against you will succeed. You will have an answer for anyone who accuses you. This is the inheritance of the LORD's servants. Their victory comes from Me,"declares the LORD.
Thanks, sir.
communicated via @isBerry!
Saturday, November 6, 2010
26 Lessons...
Its been a rough year. I'd wanted to do the NY Marathon after I'd completed the Nike Women's in San Fran in 08. My friends and family didn't make it out to see me finish. It was the hardest thing I'd done in my life, but I made it.
I didnt train for the NY Marathon in 09, when the marathon was ON my birthday. I celebrated at Brooklyn Bowl and everyone was late due to the marathon. I passed folks running and wanted to be involved. I missed that. After running with Team in Training in 08, I wanted to support local kids in NY with Team for Kids. I was nervous about the fundraising... the training so late... but I made it.
Considering I have a November birthday, this was my 26th Year. It came with challenges - on all levels, work, personal, etc. And a lot of growth - spiritually, mentally, emotionally.
This year - I've met and reunited with new family I hadn't known in over 20 years, and got out of a toxic relationship that bordered dangerous. I've worked projects in industries I'm unfamiliar with, and gained a whole gang of new folks who've been great supporters, new accomplishments and new knowledge.
So - I've collated a group of lessons that helped me get through my year, and my training. They've served as Daily Mantras, Mini Reminders and just good words to reiterate to myself. Some may help, and some may not. Either way, Enjoy em. 26 LESSONS:
Nothing in life is worth doing if you don't get butterflies in your stomach over it...
Be Dope. Whether you're sweeping floors, flipping burgers, or running a full team and a large company, be your dopest at it.
Do Work. It applies to more than just your job. Prioritize, get focused, and get to work in whatever your goals n endeavors are. Choose what u are willing to sacrifice if applicable.
Stay Fresh. Sometimes it does take a woman an hour to get ready. But u appreciate the outcome. Take YOU time to feel your bestest and freshest - appearance, work out, dress up, travel, etc.
Pray. A lot of its mental, but a ton is on FAITH. You'll make it. You have no other choice.
Don't forget to breathe. Whether running, jogging, walking, stretching, working or whatever- take a second to breathe. We hold our breath and push thru often-- Make sure to EXHALE.
Dedication is more than a word. Chosing to do something and sticking to it is a part of focus. Be it a work out, or a hobby, it can help your mental health. Plus, even if you think u suck at it now, if u keep at it, you will get better. Its inevitable.
Commitment is not something to be afraid of. Simply saying what you mean and doing what you say can take you a long way.
Speak Up. People say it all the time, but communication is key. How will people know what's going on if you don't tell them?
Developing Patience sucks. But if you can learn it now, it'll benefit you in the long run. You'll get there eventually. Trust.
Love hard, but don't love stupid. If its not a good situation for you to be in, work your way on out. There's something better around the bend.
Follow your instincts. You have guts for a reason :) If it don't feel right, you're probably right.
No one benefits from a team of Yes Men. Keep a crew that can support you but helps you get better .
Get that checked out. Then get a second opinion. Coach Astaria yelled at me for not asking her abt my calf, bc the other coaches that advised abt my leg don't deal in physical therapy. Her advice could have helped treat it differently, sooner.
Ask what's wrong, not what's right. Find solutions by finding out what you could do differently, or what hasn't yet been done.
EAT. Sometimes we get so lost in work, etc, that we forget. If you're not healthy, you can't get it done. Take care of you.
Running's the easy part: Life is hard. It hurts, it sucks, its awful. Go thru it, let it go, and get over it. The pain is temporary. Dig Deep. It gets harder before it gets easier. (Miles 22-26 SUCK) Its in you. You can get through it.
Time heals all. I fell early in season, scraped up my knee and now have a nice lil scar to remind me to be careful. But it healed. It works like that for all things.
Some people are in your life for a reason. You may not have that figured out just where they belong or why, but know that they serve a purpose. It may not be now, but they will. And it works vice versa too- maybe you're supposed to be there for them.
Learn your lessons. The universe will kick u until you do. And you'll have to repeat them until you finally learn em.
Change is inevitable. Learn to accept. Once you acknowledge that all things change, you'll be less anxious about them.
All Things as MEANT. Everything happens for a reason, even if you're not aware of it right now. I was kicking myself one day for walking the wrong way, and taking the wrong train to training. I was cursing myself for being stupid. But when I walked out the train I found my girl who I run with- she was nervous about running on wet ground and was going to skip training. I told her not to worry and that we'd both go. Had I not been there, she'd have left. I was 'right on time'. It happens like that sometimes.
Open up. Its not easy, especially if you've been hurt before and have closed up. Once you're ready, open up and try something new. It could be cool.
Sometimes all you have is a leap of faith. Take it. You'll be alright.
Fight your lazy. A few times I've had to make my self get out of bed and do what I needed to. Running in the AM to avoid PM training is one of those. Not only did I feel good about the day, but it freed up my evening to do other things.
But- Embrace your lazy. Sometimes, people who stay busy (*points at self*) need some "sit ur ass down" time. Sometimes you have to force that as well. Rest up.
Be still. Learn to listen. The messages are there, and you'll get exactly what you need when you need them, even if not how u expect. Pay attention, and be open to hearing them.
Its the little things. Sometimes a small gesture of kindness can go a long way. You never know how you can influence a person. Stay positive.
San Fran was for Me. This One is FOR YALL.
Thank you.
Love,
Is.
Carb load much? Shout to @jeannaho for bringing goodies from Beny's Delice.
More Cowbell!! (Cheer Squad set up)
I'm setting up Cheer Squads in boroughs to keep me going--
BIB NUMBER: 60947
MAP: http://www.ingnycmarathon.org/course_map/interactive_map.shtm
The point of actual squads is to keep a communication. We'll likely be getting the mobile tracker (http://www.ingnycmarathon.org/athlete_alert.htm) and hopefully will have someone near a comp that can send out updates to where I'll be. Those will be going to one/two people in each borough that can let their crew know so folks can hit the streets then.There is an ONLINE tracker as well (for free) INGNYCMarathon.org
There are 'Cheer Zones' but i dont know if that means you HAVE to be in that area. I don't expect to be carrying my cell on me, so you'll need one of my main folks contacts to find me. (Email or text me until 8am)
Either way, my bib says I don't cross start until 10:40AM as well, so keep in mind for timing.
CLINTON HILL: Court & Rinne will be holding down Lafayette & Washington for the Brooklyn squad -- Its homebase, so its gonna be super locked down, but Its also my first 13 miles, so I'll be slowin down the pace to make sure I can get thru the rest of the race. That's going to be HQ, so all you BK folks on that area, I'll DEFINITELY be looking around that street.
PARK SLOPE: 14th and 4th: The Godparents will likely be holding that down. My girl Jess who ran SF in 08 w me will likely be there too.
WMSBURG: Big sis Nic, Dad and my brother will be outside of Juliette (Bedford & N6) with crew in case you're in that hood.
Queens - who's there??
I've got holes up 1st AVE after I get out of Queens (midtown) and down 5th from BX/Harlem.
I've got some Harlem folks... somewhere ... There's a Team for Kids cheer section on 122 and Park for those who want to hit that.
Bronx - Carolita - I know to look for u... Zulay??
Central Park South and Columbus circle are mile 25 - the LAST cheer area pre FINISH. (Official cheer zone on CPS and 5th)
I just found out there are NO fans/family/gen public allowed in the park-- if you are planning to give hugs after Race- email me for the location for the meet!
Note - there are over 44THOUSAND people running, so I'm hoping that I'll KNOW where to expect folks so I can look out just the same. I'm told its a mad dash through Brooklyn and the mass doesnt seem to start splitting until post, so there will be a LOT of people running, and a lot of people cheering. If you'd like to LINK with anyone, hit me and I'll connect together. If you'll just be out there in the streets, try and let me know where. If I dont catch you, then blame the sweat.
Feel free to let my folks know who I may have missed, or drag them out.
Thank you all for braving November weather to support me in this. Thanks for the support and looking forward to seeing yall when I finish.
PS: POST Marathon plans will likely WAIT until next FRIDAY. I hope to see yall.
communicated via @isBerry!
Coach Sid and Astaria. My run parents. They keep us going. And yell at us when we need it. Lol!
Run crew: Jen and Ash been training with me since I joined. We're gonna go hard tmrw! TFK
"The Running is Easy" Thank You's and Good Luck's from the Kids. #TFKBreakfast
Friday, November 5, 2010
So I'm supposed to unpack this bag and use it for race day stuff. How to fit it all!!
This is It...
Well, almost. I'll likely write in the eve before to get rid of some of the anxiety...
But i'm setting up cheer squads... and trying to work out everything needed.
If you're in a Borough and have plans to come out and cheer, please make sure to reach out to me so I can make sure to check for you!!
I should definitely be sleep right now. Too much nervous energy!! xo
But i'm setting up cheer squads... and trying to work out everything needed.
If you're in a Borough and have plans to come out and cheer, please make sure to reach out to me so I can make sure to check for you!!
I should definitely be sleep right now. Too much nervous energy!! xo
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Last day of training pre Marathon!!
I can't front, I've been nervous. I've been anxious. I've been ready for weeks. But with set backs that include a hurt leg, a massage to fix that hurt leg that made it better but still kept it, I've been a little nervous.
I did run that weekend in DC. My cousin found me a 5 mile route that unfortunately meant a 2 mile return up hill so I definitely did not finish it running as fast as expected. The leg felt better, it was cool, even though I still had to stop and stretch.
The Monday I'd been traveling so I didn't jog--(2 flights in 2 days meant I was already off hilt. Blood pressure decreases or something when u fly so it means you should break before jus running wild miles) but the Wednes after we ran up on the reservoir on a tempo which felt good...
The knot was still there though. Less so, but still there. I'm still stretching it out.
This past weekend I was back out of town and while I brought my run gear I didn't take the 5 mile trek, thinking I might get it in during the Sunday back. It didn't happen.
Monday, however, did the Prospect park loop for a birthday head clear. I didn't really have plans set for the eve but I figured I might as well get the run out the way so I could do whatever the evening of. (Yes, debauchery ensued- sometimes the best eves come with lack of plan)...
So... Today's the last day. Supposedly there's a post marathon run planned to help stretch us out. I didn't do any of that back in 08 so it could be good for me.
The expo opens tomorrow so I'll get my race number, and some cool marathon gear to prep for race.
I'm still anxious, but I'm ready...
...And I need to get cheer squads in order!
See yall across the Finish!
I did run that weekend in DC. My cousin found me a 5 mile route that unfortunately meant a 2 mile return up hill so I definitely did not finish it running as fast as expected. The leg felt better, it was cool, even though I still had to stop and stretch.
The Monday I'd been traveling so I didn't jog--(2 flights in 2 days meant I was already off hilt. Blood pressure decreases or something when u fly so it means you should break before jus running wild miles) but the Wednes after we ran up on the reservoir on a tempo which felt good...
The knot was still there though. Less so, but still there. I'm still stretching it out.
This past weekend I was back out of town and while I brought my run gear I didn't take the 5 mile trek, thinking I might get it in during the Sunday back. It didn't happen.
Monday, however, did the Prospect park loop for a birthday head clear. I didn't really have plans set for the eve but I figured I might as well get the run out the way so I could do whatever the evening of. (Yes, debauchery ensued- sometimes the best eves come with lack of plan)...
So... Today's the last day. Supposedly there's a post marathon run planned to help stretch us out. I didn't do any of that back in 08 so it could be good for me.
The expo opens tomorrow so I'll get my race number, and some cool marathon gear to prep for race.
I'm still anxious, but I'm ready...
...And I need to get cheer squads in order!
See yall across the Finish!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
2 weeks to go
And counting...
D-day approaches and while I've slowed down on some of the running, I'm still excited and ready to go.
I realized I never really posted up about the last long run mileage and I've since had quite a long week with dealing with the calf issues and bum leg.
Howd we get to THAT point? Well, here's the story:
So the Thursday before the 20, I had an event and was working with some high profile folks dealing with entry for vip corporate execs, and some celebs.
And it was raining.
So I decide on my usually comfy- all day wear- over the knee heeled boots.
I was paying for it the next day. My calves were tight, but this isn't anything I hadn't experienced before- figure I'd massage it a bit and it'll loosen up when I start running.
The problem is it didn't. I could feel my left calf on our warm up jog. When we actually started up the bridal path (sidebar- we skipped the jersey trip for the 20 bc it would have taken all day, and opted for the nyc training so we could leave right after) I was in pain within the first 3 miles.
But we had a crew- and a plan- so I was going to keep going regardless. The route: up the bridal path candy cane til the barricade, back down (7 miles) then around the park loop (6 miles) then back up the bridal path and back (7 miles). There was no option to quit. So- I ran on it, and stretched it every stop. But it never loosened. It felt like I had a stone underneath my skin. But I'd keep going, it was our last long distance before tapering pre marathon.
And when we did the loop around the park, my girl steff waited for me at the top of the hill, and on the way around, we'd heard this noise, only to find out the lady running behind us had one foot. (The other was prosthetic). Who was I to complain abt a calf pain!??
The crew got separated on the last bridal path trip- steff and another girl ran ahead, my girl jen fell behind with our coach for a cramp. It was becoming harder for me to stop since my muscle would seize up so I kept going, trying to wrap it up. I'd thought I was lost at some point but saw some tfk runners headed back so it was cool. I made it up to barricade and decided to come back on the reservoir path, the bridal path unevenness and rocks and stuff was a challenge so I hit the rez to rock the rest of it.
When I got back, I stretched and sat, and stretched some more. I showed coaches my leg and where the pain was and they suggested having it massaged out and asap- 3 weeks from race, and you have to be careful about massages breaking down tissue w not enough time to heal.
I'd ice bathed as soon as I got home and tried to self massage, but I knew I had to get it taken care of by someone else who could really dig in.
That meant calling Buddy. Buddy's a good friend of mine who started massage a couple years ago and had done a couple of events for me as well handle the massages at the local beauty bar. He'd called earlier in the week to say that him and the beauty bar wanted to sponsor post marathon massage/mani/pedi which would be the most awesome of things. (If u want contact, email me, he's super awesome)
I happened to run into him that Sunday and told him about the leg issue. We set up a time Tues to rock it out.
Buddy went IN on my leg. We worked it out but it was definitely sore for a few days. It loosened up and felt better but was painful to walk on, and my knees had also started to get sensitive.
I'd missed Monday training, and would miss Wednesday. I was heading out of town Friday but packed all my stuff to run while away if I felt good enough and could.
Did I run? Does my leg work?? Keep reading for the next installment ...
Ha!
communicated via @isBerry!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Hot/Cold therapy. Blood up, blood in...
Hey, its the year for it!
My masseuse, a dear friend, worked out the knots and tension in my calf so of course have been dealing with some soreness and am going to avoid training and doing too much today.
Hopefully by Friday ill be back on my feet - quite literally! I have to run 10- we're tapering down!
communicated via @isBerry!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
What post 20 looks like. My girl Stef dares me to rock em marathon day. I might just! #26for26
Monday, October 11, 2010
long run recaps...
it's since dawned on me that usually if i dont sit on my phone on the subway ride post long run, it takes me quite a while to recap the long run training days. call it 'wipe-out', call it rest-up-laziness or whatever, it definitely isnt my first priority after long-run days. often, food, liquids and an icebath and a NAP are the first things I can think of.
regardless - its only right that i keep up to date with the type of training that's going down to get this girl ready for the full marathon on nov 7.
its not fun, its not pretty - but its not an option. so - here goes...
this past saturday I sleepily got my rear up after staying up WAY too late the night before and eating pasta WAY past dinner time. I'm no where near a morning person so it wasn't the best morning wake up. At least I knew where I was going this week (see the half recap to understand more) - so it was run gear on, throw random snacks in a bag (i forgot my shot blocks, i wouldnt realize it til later) - and throw the hoodie up and get moving... I figured since I ate so late I wouldnt really need breakfast either, so I had an applesauce on the way in on the train.
I got to Columbus Circle and exited the train to head to Central Park. I swear - best city in the world...
Coach B laughed at my hoodie up/slow roll --after hearing about me being sleepy, one of the TFK staff decided to nickname me 'partying with diddy'. Funny, had she known more about me/what I do, she'd know it was very real that Jay himself showed up to an event i'd produced the night before... but that's neither here nor there and has nothing to do with training... or me having to be up so damn early...
So the training was this - 15 miles. Bridal Path. Candy Cane 'loop' - which was 3.5 miles each way. So up and back - twice. An additional trip to Tavern on the Green would complete our 15. I'd run w my girl Jen, who I train w usually and runs at a similar pace, and she's always motivational so its helpful.
It wasn't an easy trip. The bridal path is softer ground and meant to help joints, but the CP path can be rocky. Its hella uneven. its not forgiving. I was already in a weird mood and my brain was all over the place, so it was hard to focus although I kept trying to watch where I was going and that was taking a toll in itself. My knees were not feeling me - so on the way up to the second trip, we made a bathroom stop, I retied the sneakers, had a Gu and kept going. On the way back down after finally hitting the top (and about 10 miles) - i landed on my foot wrong, semi landing on my ankle - i had to run it off slowly, feeling it in my right arch and thru my ankle. A runner ran past, also in training, saying "Ice it when you get home!"... yup. We made it though.
I had to learn some knee stretches with one of the coaches after the stretching to make sure that I could do it over the weekend, and ice etc just to stay cool.
Post run it was Jamba Juice and Whole Foods. Thank God for Columbus Circle...
again - the HALF was LAST weekend - and while there were some photos i threw up just to do quick updates, it wasn't a full recap, so below...
Is Kicks Grete's Ass in Central Park.
Grete's Gallop - a 13.1 marathon run consists of 2 loops of Central Park - backwards? Its not the usual direction most folks would seem to go i dont think...
Lets start with my morning... I had just wrapped a 2 day conference that I'd been working on (www.influencer10.com) and left a wrap party the eve before to make sure I could get home for this marathon in the morning.
I woke up at 5ish, had some oatmeal, and hop-stopped where i thought i needed to go. Note: I've been having some "universe-kicking-me" moments where I've been taking the wrong (read: long) way to get to places - taking the wrong trains, etc. I need to re-focus, and quick. Today must not have been any different, bc I hopstopped it - only to be told I needed to get to the eastside. For me, knowing the train wouldnt stop at my transfer on a weekend, it meant a bus or a walk to the nearby station that would get me to the eastside...
So - hopped a bus, got on the train, walked from the station to the NY Road Runners office... Ready for this? its closed.
The email said ... on THURSDAY and FRIDAY pick up your bibs from the NYRR offices. On RACE DAY - you pick up at the Bandshell. Where is THAT? From EAST89th st - u need to go to 72nd on the WEST Side. fun.
So - this girl walks up ... seems she's made the same mistake. I end up walking with her - into the park, and we run into another TFK runner, who seems like she was about to make the same mistake we had. I advised her we needed to go do pick up elsewhere, and we all headed over. 
The girl I met, I think her name was Kate - had her time down as much faster than mine, but when we met, I was like, oh, we can run together -- she'd done the Queens half before and we stuck together to start the race.
I told her about training with TFK (she was interested in maybe finding out about a group) and stories of SF08 when my girl Jess and I ran, and that I'd probably need a good cursing out at some point if i start lagging. I hate Central Park for its hills, and while training there so much has probably made me a much stronger and better runner, I cant help but btch and moan about it while going through it.
We crossed the start point at around 7:10 since we were in the batch that runs around a 10 min mile, and we had to take our time going over.
I never run long distances with my phone, but since there was no bag check and I was meeting Unklee for brunch after (at Popovers! my fave :) - photos in a previous post I'm sure...) I managed to catch a couple shots...
Shouts to this guy. As a Filipino American, anyone culturally could see how running behind this dude is motivation enough. If you told me there was Adobo and Lumpia waiting on the other side of the race, I may have finished it way sooner. HA!
Another shout out goes to this jerk -- who scared the living beejeezus out of me -- The fool runs the marathon with a GAS MASK on - carrying a big stick! I'm sorry, protestor or not (his vest says no more drug war), some weirdo runs up behind you in a gasmask and a stick in some weird uniform IN A PARK - freaks me the hell out. I dont do horror movies for a reason... It got me AGAIN when i guess he stopped for a pee break and you ran up only to see him standing still in the woods ... *shudders* ugh.
Anyway - slowly but surely, we made it through - a few water stops, a few gatorade stops... We had coaches on every other point - so it was good to see a few of them, especially after some of the tough hills. I try to extend a bit going up hill so that i get through it a bit quicker - its still hard, but it helps. We did good through the first loop, and around mile 12 I caught a major cramp in my side, but managed to run through it. We'd taken a water stop at some point between 12 and 13 and the small time I took to walk for a bit there seemed to help calm it down, so it was good.
We crossed the finish at just about 2:30 - so since we started at 7minutes, it was safe to say we did it just under that...
I turned around after we crossed the finish to grab a shot of the finish line-- turned around and Kate had disappeared...
I walked by the Gatorade stand -- which was near the bathrooms - stretched a bit and waited around to see if maybe I saw her -- and she was gone...
I walked toward the bandshell even to see if maybe I'd catch her out there somewhere. Nothing.
I hadn't gotten her info, so it wasn't like I could have hit her to find out where she'd gone - even though we both ran with our phones...
"Sounds like you had an angel..." Jen said when I told her about it yesterday. I hadn't admitted it out loud but it was my thoughts exactly when it happened. She showed up just when I needed after going to the wrong spot, stayed with me for the whole thing, and disappeared right after. She shows up in my running pics (i'll spare yall, i look wretched) but if she didnt I'd be totally spooked.
So shout out to Kate - wherever you are - Thanks!!
Randomly enough - on my way over to the bandshell, I heard a song that sounded way familiar -- Its a track called "Beggin" by a group called Madcon -- i listened closely to realize it was live, and not a recording -- and they had just performed! they were the last act that i'd worked when i was at the label (was in music pr) and there they were...
duh, its a Norwegian festival, and they're from *drumroll* Norway!
regardless - its only right that i keep up to date with the type of training that's going down to get this girl ready for the full marathon on nov 7.
its not fun, its not pretty - but its not an option. so - here goes...
this past saturday I sleepily got my rear up after staying up WAY too late the night before and eating pasta WAY past dinner time. I'm no where near a morning person so it wasn't the best morning wake up. At least I knew where I was going this week (see the half recap to understand more) - so it was run gear on, throw random snacks in a bag (i forgot my shot blocks, i wouldnt realize it til later) - and throw the hoodie up and get moving... I figured since I ate so late I wouldnt really need breakfast either, so I had an applesauce on the way in on the train.
I got to Columbus Circle and exited the train to head to Central Park. I swear - best city in the world...
Coach B laughed at my hoodie up/slow roll --after hearing about me being sleepy, one of the TFK staff decided to nickname me 'partying with diddy'. Funny, had she known more about me/what I do, she'd know it was very real that Jay himself showed up to an event i'd produced the night before... but that's neither here nor there and has nothing to do with training... or me having to be up so damn early...
So the training was this - 15 miles. Bridal Path. Candy Cane 'loop' - which was 3.5 miles each way. So up and back - twice. An additional trip to Tavern on the Green would complete our 15. I'd run w my girl Jen, who I train w usually and runs at a similar pace, and she's always motivational so its helpful.
It wasn't an easy trip. The bridal path is softer ground and meant to help joints, but the CP path can be rocky. Its hella uneven. its not forgiving. I was already in a weird mood and my brain was all over the place, so it was hard to focus although I kept trying to watch where I was going and that was taking a toll in itself. My knees were not feeling me - so on the way up to the second trip, we made a bathroom stop, I retied the sneakers, had a Gu and kept going. On the way back down after finally hitting the top (and about 10 miles) - i landed on my foot wrong, semi landing on my ankle - i had to run it off slowly, feeling it in my right arch and thru my ankle. A runner ran past, also in training, saying "Ice it when you get home!"... yup. We made it though.
I had to learn some knee stretches with one of the coaches after the stretching to make sure that I could do it over the weekend, and ice etc just to stay cool.
Post run it was Jamba Juice and Whole Foods. Thank God for Columbus Circle...
again - the HALF was LAST weekend - and while there were some photos i threw up just to do quick updates, it wasn't a full recap, so below...
Is Kicks Grete's Ass in Central Park.
Lets start with my morning... I had just wrapped a 2 day conference that I'd been working on (www.influencer10.com) and left a wrap party the eve before to make sure I could get home for this marathon in the morning.
I woke up at 5ish, had some oatmeal, and hop-stopped where i thought i needed to go. Note: I've been having some "universe-kicking-me" moments where I've been taking the wrong (read: long) way to get to places - taking the wrong trains, etc. I need to re-focus, and quick. Today must not have been any different, bc I hopstopped it - only to be told I needed to get to the eastside. For me, knowing the train wouldnt stop at my transfer on a weekend, it meant a bus or a walk to the nearby station that would get me to the eastside...
So - hopped a bus, got on the train, walked from the station to the NY Road Runners office... Ready for this? its closed.
The email said ... on THURSDAY and FRIDAY pick up your bibs from the NYRR offices. On RACE DAY - you pick up at the Bandshell. Where is THAT? From EAST89th st - u need to go to 72nd on the WEST Side. fun.
So - this girl walks up ... seems she's made the same mistake. I end up walking with her - into the park, and we run into another TFK runner, who seems like she was about to make the same mistake we had. I advised her we needed to go do pick up elsewhere, and we all headed over. We got to the Bandshell after walking part of the course (called it our 'warm up walk' later and got our bibs. It consists of the running number (which you pin on you) and a nifty shoe tag. The tag tracks you along the race, and marks when you hit certain points to keep your time for when you finish and your place in the race.
The girl I met, I think her name was Kate - had her time down as much faster than mine, but when we met, I was like, oh, we can run together -- she'd done the Queens half before and we stuck together to start the race.
I told her about training with TFK (she was interested in maybe finding out about a group) and stories of SF08 when my girl Jess and I ran, and that I'd probably need a good cursing out at some point if i start lagging. I hate Central Park for its hills, and while training there so much has probably made me a much stronger and better runner, I cant help but btch and moan about it while going through it.
We crossed the start point at around 7:10 since we were in the batch that runs around a 10 min mile, and we had to take our time going over.
I never run long distances with my phone, but since there was no bag check and I was meeting Unklee for brunch after (at Popovers! my fave :) - photos in a previous post I'm sure...) I managed to catch a couple shots...
Shouts to this guy. As a Filipino American, anyone culturally could see how running behind this dude is motivation enough. If you told me there was Adobo and Lumpia waiting on the other side of the race, I may have finished it way sooner. HA!
Another shout out goes to this jerk -- who scared the living beejeezus out of me -- The fool runs the marathon with a GAS MASK on - carrying a big stick! I'm sorry, protestor or not (his vest says no more drug war), some weirdo runs up behind you in a gasmask and a stick in some weird uniform IN A PARK - freaks me the hell out. I dont do horror movies for a reason... It got me AGAIN when i guess he stopped for a pee break and you ran up only to see him standing still in the woods ... *shudders* ugh.
Anyway - slowly but surely, we made it through - a few water stops, a few gatorade stops... We had coaches on every other point - so it was good to see a few of them, especially after some of the tough hills. I try to extend a bit going up hill so that i get through it a bit quicker - its still hard, but it helps. We did good through the first loop, and around mile 12 I caught a major cramp in my side, but managed to run through it. We'd taken a water stop at some point between 12 and 13 and the small time I took to walk for a bit there seemed to help calm it down, so it was good.
We crossed the finish at just about 2:30 - so since we started at 7minutes, it was safe to say we did it just under that...
I turned around after we crossed the finish to grab a shot of the finish line-- turned around and Kate had disappeared...
I walked by the Gatorade stand -- which was near the bathrooms - stretched a bit and waited around to see if maybe I saw her -- and she was gone...
I walked toward the bandshell even to see if maybe I'd catch her out there somewhere. Nothing.
I hadn't gotten her info, so it wasn't like I could have hit her to find out where she'd gone - even though we both ran with our phones...
"Sounds like you had an angel..." Jen said when I told her about it yesterday. I hadn't admitted it out loud but it was my thoughts exactly when it happened. She showed up just when I needed after going to the wrong spot, stayed with me for the whole thing, and disappeared right after. She shows up in my running pics (i'll spare yall, i look wretched) but if she didnt I'd be totally spooked.
So shout out to Kate - wherever you are - Thanks!!
Randomly enough - on my way over to the bandshell, I heard a song that sounded way familiar -- Its a track called "Beggin" by a group called Madcon -- i listened closely to realize it was live, and not a recording -- and they had just performed! they were the last act that i'd worked when i was at the label (was in music pr) and there they were...
duh, its a Norwegian festival, and they're from *drumroll* Norway!
So I had to go over and say hi - sweaty, salty and all, it was good to see the guys. (Hear their song here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1h96Qo0tRBQ)
There were some kids playing that had done the Troll Run - a race for the kids that morning. It was nice to see them - a nice reminder to why I was raising money, to the organization that I'd joined in order to fill my own personal goals of running the NY Marathon.
Adorable.
Took me forever to get out of the park and head over to Popovers (East side vs West side exits in CP can get confusing...) but these were SO worth it... YUM!
And that -- wraps up my Long Run Recap ...
next weekend: 20 miles in New Jersey. Hopefully it wont take me so long to recap that one!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)