I say consider the friend. When I approached Punk Rock Tri Guy Ron and asked him if he would like to write a guest post on my blog there was no hesitation at all. His answer was a quick “Happy to” He represents all that I feel and see in my running buddies. A quick positive response, a bit modest in his abilities, in which I just as quickly reassured him that he is more than qualified to write in my blog. He has on more than one occasion, inspired me to get the heck up off my butt and get moving. He tells me to enjoy the art of movement. His blog is awesomely written and if it doesn’t inspire you to enjoy the art of movement than I don’t know what will. So, take a seat and read a find piece of writing – Guest post Numero Nueve. That is #9 for you spanish challenged peeps. Thanks RON!!
Winning has nothing to do with racing. Most days don’t have races anyway. Winning is about struggle and and effort and optimism, and never ever ever giving up.
I am not a fan of the word “Guest” for it symbolizes (to me) the need to be on ones best behavior and to literally portray yourself in such a way that the host never had the enjoyment of “your” company rather that of someone who you might like to think you are but could never uphold in the long run. So as I started to write this “Guest” post (several times I might add) I found myself veering off course from who I was/am to please the host. “Just write about anything” I was told but it’s never that simple. What if I suck? What if my post single handily undermines her blog to the point that no one dare visit again?
Bottom line, my assignment was to write about running & I had decided that I wanted to somehow express just how ridiculous this whole concept of running really is. As a society, we are no longer “hunters” relying on our ability to out run or out last our prey (so that we could feed our tribe) but we continue to push our bodies, like lemming, over the edge for the privilege to call ourselves “runners”.
Then it hit me! “Consider the Lobster” Ron!
The late David Foster Wallace wrote an amazing article about the Maine Lobster Festival called “Consider the Lobster” that questioned, rightfully so mind you, the ethics of boiling a creature alive in order to enhance the pleasure for the customer. So it is with this in mind, that I give you my “Consider the Runner” guest blog.
As runners, we are both the consumer and the lobster.
We knowingly torture ourselves; push the limits of comfort all under the assumption that the pain & suffering will add pleasure in the form of achievement or fitness to our lives. We pay for the privilege to don a number, voiding us of our given name, to travel great distances in search of a pace or finish time that will justify the countless miles incurred during our training runs only to be disappointed that we fell short or ecstatic that we succeeded only to revise our goal for the next event. As runners, we are all greedy for something that we may never achieve; a wholly grail of fitness that is always, and deliberately, just out of reach…….Pretty cool.
How many of us have continued to run when we hurt? Really hurt, not just discomfort but real pain. Who among us has started to run again too soon after an injury? Against doctor’s orders and our own better judgment? Have you pushed yourself to the point of collapse only to justify your actions at a later date? How many times do we willingly dive feet first into the boiling water of running?
We all agree that the reward of fitness is worth the journey but we, the consumers, push the lobster too far over and over again until we reach that next level of fitness. At which time we smile, breathe deep and decide that we would much prefer the next higher level of fitness. We’re junkies looking for that next fix and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Running truly is, in the words of David Foster Wallace, “to confront a dimension of yourself that is as inescapable as it is painful”. To be clear, David was not talking about running when he made this observation but as a runner, I think that everything anyone says applies to running.
We train, we hurt, we run and we find satisfaction for a fleeting moment, THEN we train, we hurt…….
So there you have it, my guest blog. Please do not hold it against my host.
I believe I can fly
I believe I can touch the sky
I think about it every night and day
Spread my wings and fly away
I believe I can soar
I see me running through that open door
I believe I can fly
And nobody else has to believe in me, except me. Thanks Cris for mentioning Me First and the Gimme Gimme’s. I dig them.
I won’t write about the fact, that I almost jacked up my knee yesterday doing wrong form squats. I won’t write about the fact, that deep down I started panicking because the weather has turned into prime running weather, and I could have been sidelined. I won’t write about the fact that even though I felt a twinge in my knee, I kept on doing wrong form squats because I needed to finish the workout.
A day off and 2 advil later, I will write about that fact that I did a kick ass speed workout. My first EVAH. I spent way too much time trying to set up Seth for the workout with no luck. I am a technical geek that knows nothing. Well, if you count pressing start and stop knowing something, then yeah I rock. So, I did it the old skool ridiculous way. I literally reset Seth after each interval. Yeah, thats the way I roll.
I have to say I loved loved loved this workout. By no means, is this an epic amazing workout, but I loved it. I loved the sense of speed I felt running into the wind. I loved how I ran right by somebody and how he told me afterwards that he couldn’t catch me even if he tried. I especially loved how it made me feel right after I stopped to a very slow jog to recover only to do it again and again.
Now that I have experienced a speed workout, I am hooked. I am addicted. I want to do it again and again. Ok, well once a week. I think this speed thing is exactly what I have been looking for the entire summer. All my frustration has been built on the fact that my pace has been stagnant and even though I ran my ass off, my pace just stayed the same. I couldn’t understand why I wasn’t progressing.
Until today.
Speed workouts are where its at. It may not be for every runner. I guess it all depends what you want to achieve. I now have a few races that I am signed up for.
October 24th – Nike Human Race in Prospect Park this is a 10K I believe.
November 22nd – Turkey Trot 5K up on the boardwalk where I run daily! WOO! Winner gets a turkey! I want to make this race a yearly tradition. I am friends with the man who is the organizer of this race. Good guy! (ran this last year in 27.55)
November 26th – Prospect Park Turkey Trot 5 miler. Another race I want to make a tradition. What better than to run 5 miles and then eat?
December 12th – NYRR Holiday 5K Prospect Park
Of course PR’s would be phenomenal but I will do my best and that is the best I can do!! But, I do have some thoughts flowing around in my head about how I want to handle these races. I also realized today, that I do much better in shorter races. I ran two very hard and disappointing half marathons, neither of which I reached my goals. No excuses at all. I just know I do better and enjoy shorter distance races. So, why stress out thinking I “have” to run halfs or marathons. I don’t and I probably won’t.
So, my workout today went something like this:
Warm Up – .50 4.54 (9.52 min/mile)
Interval 1 – .51 4.10 (8.16 min/mile)
Interval 2 – .50 4.09 (8.20 min/mile)
Interval 3 – .50 4.20 (8.46 min/mile)
Interval 4 – .50 4.15 (8.32 min/mile)
C/D – .50 5.33 (11.07 min/mile)
Question please:
What is the proper amount of time in between each interval do start the next one?
I feel great and really enjoyed this workout. ST4’s did their job. No biking today but I am digging biking a lot. Whole different workout, whole different perspective, whole different blog post.
Some people create with words, or with music, or with a brush and paints. I like to make something beautiful when I run. I like to make people stop and say, “I’ve never seen anyone run like that before.” It’s more than just a race, it’s a style. It’s doing something better than anyone else. It’s being creative.
EDIT: I lost another toenail today. That makes two with another very loose and flapping back and forth. Just thought I would share.
A very wise man once said: We are the messengers–fueled by the message we carry. When the message is of Truth, Beauty and love No big surprise there.
I have been thinking a great deal about why I run. What pushes me out the door every single day to put one foot in front of the other and run 5 miles? It is so very hard to put into words but I really want to try.
Running is such an integral part of my life. A part of my every day routine. I simply don’t feel right if I don’t run. And by right, I mean I don’t feel complete. There are things each of us do daily, and for me running is one of the daily things that I do. Is it a need? Perhaps? But, it is also a want.
I won’t go into the obvious health reasons for running because we all know that already. Right? Not only physical but emotionally. The serotonin levels increase and anxiety and depression lessen. It’s not rocket science. It’s proven. Studies have been done. And I don’t know about you runners, but after a particularly hard run, I am spent, sweaty, breathing hard, cursing why the fuck do I do this but I thank my lucky stars that I do indeed “run”. It’s a gift to me. And I take it.
I take from running what I give to running. Let me explain. I give it my all every day. I give as much as I can, and even when I feel I cannot, I still go out there. I give and I give. But, running has given back to me so so much more.
I feel incredible. I feel strong both physically and emotionally. I am no Kara Goucher nor will I ever be, but I am my own person who enjoys the sport of running. It gives me tremendous confidence. I am a much better person as a runner. I think I am very motivating and supportive to my running peers. I love to learn and I love to help out when I can.
I have lost weight because of running. Sure, I need to lose more weight but I am trying. I am trying every day to eat healthier even if I screw up and have a cupcake now and again. I don’t mind because I enjoy those cupcakes.
I have met the most incredible friends through running. Long lasting friends. My running buddies up on my boardwalk are 20 year friendships. And every day that I run with them is like the first day. We never run out of things to talk about. We laugh, we cry and most importantly, we run.
My best running buddy is a man named Ted. . I am not that certain I want to say too much, this man is, besides my coach and inspiration, he is my extremely amazing friend. He is there for me 24/7. Always. NO.MATTER.WHAT. Besides, my family I don’t think I can say that about too many people in my life. He is greatness personified. And I will leave it at that.
There are others. Many many other peeps. Bloggers, some of whom I’ve met and this place Daily Mile. . Facebook for runners/bikers/swimmers. Insanely incredible people. Like too good to be true people.
I do realize that at times, I seem obsessed with running. And perhaps, I am. Addicted may be a better word. But, you know what, if I have to be addicted to anything, I choose running. It makes me healthy. It makes me who I am. I don’t define myself as a runner. But I do run. It is my passion. My lifetime passion.
The running community are a pretty awesome group. Honestly, I have never met a runner I did not like. And that is the truth. After the Brooklyn Half Marathon, a group of us went out for some food, my sister came along and she told me afterwards “WOW, what cool people you all are”. Now, my awesome sister is doing the C25K running program. . When, she told me she was doing this, my heart leapt with joy. When she told me she ran for 90 seconds straight I had the biggest grin on my face. I must have looked like an even bigger dork than I already am. No worries, I didn’t care. Just being able to share my passion with others, fills me with glee. Sister and I are running a 5K race on labor day weekend. We are doing it together and we will cross that finish line hand in hand.
When I broke my toe in January I was devastated but I knew I would be running again. When I got hit by a car way back in 1995 and shattered my ankle, oh I knew I would be running again. Running can be taken away from me, but I always get it back. Somehow, I just reach for it and it comes back to me. I may be much slower than I was, but I get the job done. I am not a quitter. If I start a race, I do not DNF unless I am injured and simply have to stop or else.
I have goals for the future. More races to be run. More PR’s to be set. It will happen. If there is one thing I am positive about, it is running. It is sheer perfection. Yeah, I run. Won’t you join me?
You simply cannot dangle these in front of me and just when I am about to take one, you pull it away and out of my sight. NOT FAIR. I want that carrot cupcake right NOW!!
Those carrot cupcakes up there are my long lost speed. It represents me wanting to run fast, feeling it overtake me, dangling there, and then all of a sudden, I slow down. Or perhaps, I wasn’t really running that fast to begin with? I think I know what I have to do, it just takes a lot of discipline and work and dedication.
Do I have what it takes? You bet I do. I just need the guidance and coaching to get there. I used to run fast. Really fast too. But that was many years ago and sorry, but I refuse to believe that I can’t have that again. Dude, I am not saying every single run needs to be so fast that its over before it begins. NO NO NO!
What I am saying is I need to feel that I can run a pace that I feel comfortable with and then get a bit uncomfortable in the middle (tempo) then get a bit more comfy to end the run on a high note. Thats all. Is that asking for a lot? Perhaps it is. It is not as though someone waves their hand in front of my face or snaps their fingers and I am suddenly fast again! It takes work.
The thing is, I want it now. I feel the urgency now. I don’t want to wait until I am 65 years old. Do not tell me to wait. I don’t have the time to wait.
So, there are many ways to improve speed. From my buddy The Running Laminator’s blog.
Now that I’ve convinced you (hopefully) that speedwork leads to more efficient running which leads to marathon success, how should you incorporate some speed into your training if you’ve never done them before? Should you bust out one mile repeats on the track like there’s no tomorrow? Should you run each run as fast and as hard as you can? No, not if you want to make the starting line of your race! Speedwork, like all aspects of running, requires persistence and training. Start by throwing in faster 30 secs-1 min stretches (called fartleks) in the middle of your regular runs once to twice a week. Work up to a faster quarter mile, a half mile, and then to a mile in the middle of your general maintenance run. In the beginning, don’t worry about the exact pace, but concentrate on your breathing and your form during the fartleks. You should feel slightly out of breath but not so much that you are sucking air and dry heaving. Always warmup and cooldown with some slower miles at the start and end of each fartlek segment.
So, there you have it. An easy way to start the engine and rev up and get the motor running.
Are you all wondering why this is so important to me? Dude, look at those carrot cupcakes and you tell me? How enticing is that? How delicious do they look to you? You will sigh with complete joy after you eat that cupcake. You will lick your fingers to get every last drop. You will reach a very appropriate foodgasm. It will happen because they are that good and satisfying.
And that is my answer to you. Running fast is that good and that satisfying. Period. END.OF.DISCUSSION. And I know all you runners out there wholeheartedly agree with me. This is not silly talk. I am not rambling. I know exactly what I am saying.
Eleanor Roosevelt said it best I think:
“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’ You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”
So, this is my quest. To become a faster runner. To be confident in my ability as a runner. To go out for a run and set a goal and meet that goal. To surpass that goal by 1 second. I want to run big. I want to run hard.
Ok, so I had one. But, it wasn’t the carrot cupcake. Certainly not as satisfying but its a start!!
Ted “Road Runner” vs. Michelle “Wile E. Coyote” Showdown!
Mr. Ted “Road Runner” has hit the 100 mile mark. He is currently at 107 miles for the month of August. Big props to grasshopper!!! I should hit my 100 miles today so I am excited about that!!
EDIT: Michelle “Wile E. Coyote” has hit 100 miles for the month of August today with her 5 mile run this morning and is planning on going over 100 miles for the month!!
Just a note about Ted. He is one of my best running/friends. He is consistently there for me with motivation and he makes me laugh. Nuff said.
Yikes. First let me say that running is my first love. I will always put running in the #1 position but I have been thinking a lot about cycling. I have also been thinking a lot about purchasing a new bike. The kind of bike I want costs just a bit too much right now for my budget, so I had the brilliant idea of taking my old Mongoose mountain bike to my bike shop to be resurrected and brought back to the land of the living. Would you believe that after a long hiatus all it needed was brand new tires and some fine tuning? The guy even said the bike is a “classic” whatever that means.
I have to say, I am really digging riding my bike. When I run I find I am really concentrating and I don’t really see the world going on around me. When I bike the world is all there and it’s as if I am watching a really cool TV show all around me.
Here is what I wrote on Daily Mile:
I was itching to take my bike out again. It was just a leisurely ride all over my “hood”. Started up on the boardwalk, but it was kind of crowded. I saw an older russian gentleman on his bike and I thought he was wearing a black sweater. Except, it wasn’t a sweater, he was just really hairy and was actually shirtless. Off the boards, through Sheepshead Bay, over the little bridge where I had my one and only mishap. I almost fell but somehow grabbed the side of the bridge and only the bike went down. It was fun. Looking forward to more rides and further distances.
Wow, I am slow.
It’s a lot of fun to ride around my hood. I do have to get used to riding where there are cars though. I am kinda frightened about that but I won’t let that stop me. I will ride about 15 miles and ramp it up to 20 and then continuously add mileage all the while running daily.
I have been a bit discouraged lately about how my running is going. Frustrating to say the least. My darn broken toe seems to be the culprit. Well, not the toe but looking back, I realize that I lost my speed when I broke my toe. I am really looking for my speed to come back to me, so this coming Wednesday evening I will join the Nike Pacers speed workouts and going forward I will attend this workout once a week.
I also truly think that once the weather becomes more fall like and crisp I will automatically run faster.
I have a 10K on the horizon. The Human Race 10K which is being run in my own backyard. Prospect Park. I am really looking forward to this race being it is in October and only 3 days before my birthday. I really want to run a fast race. And guess what??
On October 24, runners from all over the world will take part in a global 10K. Want to join them?
The Human Race 2009 is a virtual event – no need to get to a venue – you can run your 10K any where, any time on race day.
So, my running buddies, you can all run the Human Race on October 24th.
I am currently running in these:
Brooks Defyance
And these:
Brooks ST4’s
Now thinking of trying these:
Brooks Ravenna
Yes, I am a Brooks girl. I will be writing up a review on the Defyance and ST4’s in my next post. Also, thank you to Frayed Laces for her help with the kicks.
I am also doing the 100 Push Up Challenge, the 200 Sit up Challenge and the 200 Squats Challenge. Plus planks, because lets face it, a girl needs to plank.
So running:
I have been running pretty consistently since the NYC Half Marathon and other than a bit of quad pain I am feeling really good. The humidity has really been horrible lately and makes me drag my ass along on these runs. I am still loving running though. I usually hit around 5 miles daily. Some days consistent pace, some days all over the place. Drives me bonkers but I am ok with that. For now!
The quaint seaside village otherwise known as Sheepshead Bay – Brooklyn. This was the view of part of my bike ride. Pretty awesome huh?
The Truth Is That Running Hurts “Unknown”
Ted “Road Runner” vs. Michelle “Wile E. Coyote” Showdown!
Once upon a time
The Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote agreed to do a challenge
They both hug and agreed.
To do 100 miles of run for the month of August.
Together ! In unison.
The heat was unbearable
It felt like 100 degrees.
Sun beating us.
It appears that the Road Runner is getting closer to completing 100 miles.
Wile Coyote has about 15 more miles!
I shall wait till I see you coming with fork and knife.
Acccckkk!
BEEP BEEP!!!!
- Currently, Road Runner is at 90 miles!!
- Currently, Wile Coyote is at 85 miles!!
Now throw yo hands in the air and wave ‘em like you just don’t care! Move yo feet to pound the street. Everybody say Oh Yeah! (Thanks Christie)
One of the trickiest things about life, Michelle, is that, at times, it happens so slowly.
Yet… if… it… happened… any… faster… you’d… already… have… everything… you… ever… wanted… without… learning… to… enjoy… the… ride.
Beep, beep…
The Universe
The song by Eminem – Till I Collapse was going through my mind.
Sometimes you just feel tired.You feel weak. And when you feel weak, you feel like you wanna just give up. But you gotta search within you,gotta find that inner strength and just pull that shit out of you, and get that motivation to not give up, and not be a quiter, no matter how bad you wanna just fall flat on your face and collapse.
Ok, it wasn’t quite that dramatic but I am a bit disappointed in myself. I did not quit but I did not reach my goal. It was not for lack of trying, but it was hot and I guess it just wasn’t my day.
I even tried for the first time Power Bar Gel Blasts. Even better then GU although GU is like eating chocolate pudding. :O)
My garmin really screwed up on the splits because it says I ran mile 9 in 7.14. Hmmm, maybe I did?
She is bobbin’ her head, but in a good way. Who gets bored watching running? Not me and apparently, not my mom. So when Paula Radcliffe won the NYC Marathon in 1.09.45, I was still running in Central Park. She was only 1 hour and 36 minutes ahead of me.
Photo courtesy of Cris. There are lots more awesome photos click to his blog.
Don’t get me wrong, I have zero regrets with the way I handled myself at the Half Marathon, In fact, quite the contrary. It would have been very easy to say FUCK THIS and walk out of the park into Starbucks and sip on an iced coffee, while watching the rest of the race go by!! But, not once did that cross my mind. All I thought about was getting through the park and out onto Times Square where there was a nice downhill and lots of shade. I was happy when we finally left Central Park and was able to run up 7th Ave Times Square. Lots of spectators and music to keep my mind distracted. Then I thought, if I can just get through mile without thinking about the next mile, everything would fall into place!
I am not one to write a mile by mile race report. Not my style and honestly I don’t remember each mile and how I felt. If I can sum up my feelings I would have to say I really thought I had a shot at sub 2.30 but it quickly became apparent, due to the heat, my goal wasn’t going to be met. So, then I switched my mind set to beating my Brooklyn Half Marathon time of 2.40.18. That too, kinda faded and as that reality hit me, so did my speed or what was left of it.
I trained for this race. I really do not think I could have done much more than I did. Admittedly, I truly believe if this race was run 2 months from now, I would be writing a very different race report. But, then again – who knows really.
I feel good. I am not injured except for a nagging and not new knee/thigh pain – left foot. Each and every race run is a learning experience. There were lots of folks walking and many had slower finishing times due to the heat. I was proud to be running with the best of the best. Running is the only sport where us amateurs can run with the elites. We get the same medals as they do!! SWEET!
All in all a great race that I would love to run again next year. Well organized and fun. But, no massages at the end and no dancing either.
13.1 miles 2.44.47 12.34 min/mile.
I 100% have the desire to get out there and run tomorrow. And, I will. I have lots of miles to cover and more memories to make.
Let’s all get out there and just have fun. Go for a nice walk or do some push ups. Whatever you love to do, just grab it and love it.
The man/woman who can drive himself/herself further once the effort gets painful is the man/woman who will win.
Sir Roger Bannister
Sir Roger Bannister, first man to break the four minute mile
too many words
too many lies
i can’t quite see the truth
when i look into your eyes
i feel I’m cured
and i know i should
step away turn around
let my feet hit the ground
…running, running, running, running…
you don’t need a broken heart
to know one can be broken
you just need to open your eyes.. yeah
we don’t need to be decieved
to know a lie can be spoken
we don’t have to learn everything twice
I don’t know
I really don’t know
If this castle in the sand
is strong enough to stand
i feel I’m cured
and i know i should
step away turn around
Let my feet hit the ground
…running, running, running, running…
you don’t need a broken heart
to know one can be broken
you just need to open your eyes.. yeah
we don’t need to be decieved
to know a lie can be spoken
we don’t have to learn everything twice
Coz i know
how it feels
all the pain
is so real
coz u sink
and you drown
till your feet hit the ground
…running, running, running, running…
I am running a Half Marathon tomorrow at 7am. Simple. No more words.
“ i always wanted a happy ending. Now I’ve learned, the hard way, that some poems don’t rhyme, and some stories don’t have a clear beginning, middle and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it without knowing what’s going to happen next. Delicious ambiguity. gilda radner
“my dear, here we must run as fast as we can, just to stay in place. And if you wish to go anywhere you must run twice as fast as that.” – lewis carrol
“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face… do the thing you think you cannot do.”
“you can out-distance that which is running after you, but not what is running inside you. rwandan proverb
Number Ocho. #8. I cannot believe that when I started this guest post business on May 14th, that it would be as popular and incredible as it has been. Yet, it has. Today, I want to introduce you to a really nice runner buddy of mine David over at Running…Because I Can. Pictured below at the 2006 Lynchburg Half Marathon, I dig that photo because the race is over and he is smiling. He has done a great job as guest post #Ocho.
When told I could write about anything, I thought (briefly) about
discussing the complexities of the solar system – are we just an
accident? Did a God create us? Then I thought better of that,
especially when I don’t have an opinion on the issue. After all this
is a running blog, and I’m a running blogger. So thank you Michelle
for this opportunity.
As a runner for five-plus years now, I get asked a lot a questions
about why I run, what makes me happy when I run, what do I think
about, why pay for a race, etc., etc. Rather than get into all those
questions, I’d like to take some time to talk about success. Everyone
has their own definition of success and measurements of success. But
sometimes with runners, as with many sports, it’s a competition.
I met a guy a couple of months ago who was dating a co-worker and we
were talking about the Richmond Marathon (great race, by the way). The
first question out of his mouth when I told him I ran it two years ago
was, “What was your time?” While I think he was being cocky in case
his time was better from the same marathon a year or two before, that
made me realize once again that running is not about the time you get
in a certain race. It’s part of it, yes, but in the end should that
determine your success? For some people yes; for me, not so much.
Success to me is feeling good about what you just did. For example, in
March I ran a half marathon that was about 5 minutes off my personal
best. A year ago that would’ve just really ticked me off. But this was
my first half marathon as a father; it was my first half marathon
really utilizing cross training; and it was the first race that I
truly just did what I could do and nothing could change that.
All too often I felt like with many of my runs – long, short, hills,
speed work and races – that I left something out on the road. In the
past 10 months or so I have learned to just let it go. If my body
doesn’t want to run fast, then it’s just not going to; if it’s too
cold or hot for my liking, I suck it up and go to the gym to cross
train instead. Of course I want to be faster; of course I want to
break these PRs that I’ve set for myself in the past five years; of
course I want to run another marathon … but stressing about it doesn’t
do me any good. That’s why success to me “is what it is.”
Don’t think for a minute that I don’t set goals. And don’t think I
don’t get disappointed when those goals aren’t met. I still beat
myself up all the time … but it doesn’t mean I have failed.
“Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be”
George Sheehan
Not sure what it is about this tune, but I dig it.
Oh well I look at you and say
It’s the happiest that I’ve ever been
And I’ll say I no longer feel I have to be James Dean
And she’ll say
Yah well I feel all pretty happy too
And I’m always pretty happy when I’m just kicking back with you
Can you figure out what repat is?
I need mental toughness. I need to push past the pain and in my mind see it happening. You know that saying that running is 90% mental and 10% physical or something like that? Well, it is absolutely true. I need to learn how to push past the part of my run where I stop and say no more. This is not the fun part of running. But, it is what I need to do. Say, fuck you tired legs and fuck you hot weather, I need to finish this run, and then you can have your reward!
So, this is my taper week. We all know about that week don’t we? Where we are raring to go, but have to hold back. In theory tapering is a terrific way to be fully ready for race day. I am not the best of taperers. But, this week will be the test.
I have been given great advice by my coach and best running friend TED. I think, by now you all know him right? He is a pretty awesome man. IHMO!
Some carbo loading this week (by me) will be done as well. Ok, not pasta every single night this week, but lots of carbs and protein but nothing experimental. I may do a chia fresca before the race for energy and extra added stamina. Chia agrees with my tummy. Love that stuff.
NYC Half Marathon is almost upon me. Almost. I truly think my training went well. I did:
1 8 miler
1 11 miler
1 8.5 miler
1 7.5 miler
Plus lots of runs in between of 5 or 6 or even 5K’s. Just been really running my ass off. And loving it. And feeling pretty darn awesome.
Did some hilly runs. Experimented a bit with GU and hydration. Did some run/walk combos. Tested my ST4’s for a long run and I love them lots.
Am I ready? I have no idea. Well, sure I can do it. I know I have enough runs behind me to propel me to the finish line that is ahead of me, on Sunday. BUT…..well we all know the but don’t we? You know, the part where I say “I want to run this race in ——- hours and ——minutes. Ya think? But, there is no way I am going to put that out there. For the universe to see and digest. For the universe to ask me that night, “So, did you? Did you PR?
It makes me nervous to think in those terms. If I complete the NYC Half Marathon and can then run a few days later without pain or injury I will feel victorious. That simple really. Of course, if I PR or run an awesome race, you bet your ass I will be blogging about that, twittering about that, facebooking about that. Hey, why not? I worked for it.
I have to leave my house at 3.45am Sunday morning in order to get to the starting area, with time to use the porta-potty – check a bag, if I have one and get into my corral by 6.30am with a start time of 7am. Simple, yet complicated. So much to remember before hand. What flavor GU’s shall I pick? Am I going to take my hand held water bottle or rely on the water stops along the way of the race. What shall I wear? Tank top or tech tee? Socks? Yeah, those too! Sneakers are a done deal. My ST4’s.
I am meeting up with my sister and friends afterwards, so that part is taken care of. There’s lots of cool stuff going on in this race. I am not even sure I will be aware of a lot of it, but perhaps the sing -a-long will encourage me and inspire me to keep moving in the right direction. Really, anybody in NYC on Sunday, come and watch.
Entertainment
Start line: National Anthem performed by Broadway star TBD.
Mile 7: Various Solo acoustic musicians along the western side of 7th avenue from 55th street to 49th street at the following locations:
• 54th and 53rd Dexter Jones: Steel Drummer
• 53rd and 52nd Will McCranie: solo singer-songwriter
• 52nd and 53rd Acoustic Artist TBD
• 51st and 52nd Roy & Dean: singer-songwriter duo
• 50th and 51st Crispus Attucks- horn players
Mile 8: Seventh Avenue between 47th and 48th streets
• Live music from the Jeremy Beck Band, playing soulful rock.
Mile 8: West side of 44th St. and 7th Ave: NYRR presents the Times Square Sing-A-Long
• For the second straight year, spectators and runners alike will have the opportunity to follow along with Broadway performers as they sing favorite classic songs. Don’t worry about forgetting the lyrics; they’ll be displayed ona giant video screen. And they’ll be aided by the cheering squad from CHEER NY and the NYRR Foundation Team of school kids. This is a must see (and Sing) experience!!!
Mile 8: 42nd Street between Seventh and Eighth avenues (at BB King Blues Club)
• Live music from East River Blues Band, playing Chicago-Style Blues.
Mile 8: 42nd Street between Eighth and Ninth avenues
• Live music from Dead By Choice, playing heavy metal rock.
Mile 9: 42nd Street and West Side Highway
• At the Toyota Highlander Turn to the Finish, one of the more eclectic—and popular—musical acts will be performing. Samba New York!Features a colorful display of traditional Brazilian costumes, dancing, and capoeira to spicy Samba music set to a backdrop of the Hudson River! (or similar)
Mile 9: 40th St. (left turn lane): Live Music from The Mondays, playing modern rock.
Mile 9: 34th St. (left turn lane): Live music from The Creamsicles, playing classic funk, surf rock and gypsy punk.
Miles 11-12: “Corridor of Sound”
As runners make their final push to the finish along West Side Highway, five DJ stations will entertain and motivate both runners and fans with a variety of New York City sounds.
Christopher Street: DJ
• Houston Street (left turn lane): DJ
• Canal Street(left turn lane): DJ
• Vestry Street (South of Debrosses; left turn lane): DJ
• Chambers Street(left turn lane): DJ
Post-Race Festival in Battery Park
Come celebrate your sensational NYC finish in the post-race festival in Battery Park by enjoying exhilarating Dance competitions featuring sensational troupes that span many diverse styles including Bollywood, Hip Hop, Step Crews, Capoiera and much more. You as the audience get to be the judge in a dance battle for the ages, using the HUMAN APPLAUSE METER. This is a must see. In addition, free massages all morning, Awards Ceremony at 10am and free raffle prizes, and an opportunity to meet and greet with your favorite athlete after the awards ceremony! You do not want to miss this!
I would really like to thank all of you for your motivation and help during these past few months. I’ve only ever gotten positivity here. Is it a coincidence that all runners are awesome people? Maybe. Or perhaps, all runners are indeed awesome people. Positive vibes and inspirational stories give me an incredible high that no drug will ever give me. You know that saying that “Crack is whack” damn right it is. Nothing like a run to make your day special. NOTHING. PERIOD.
I am also kicking around some stuff in my head. But, that will be for another post and another day.
From Daily Mile:
Central Park is fun to run in. 1 loop around with hills and stuff. There was the Central Park Triathlon going on but I couldn’t figure out if the bikers I saw were just starting or finishing. 6 miles 1.05.20 10.53 min/mile
Mile 1 11.23
Mile 2 11.03
Mile 3 10.46
Mile 4 10.45
Mile 5 10.48 (POOP)
Mile 6 10.32
The reason I say POOP is because that mile 5 ruined my negative split run. SO POOP!
I thought I was going to run 8 but again POOP!!
Had a good breakfast after of oatmeal – pumpkin muffin and good fresh coffee. I’m ready to eat again!
AND and here it gets crazy to non-runners:
INSANITY ENSUES! – 1.5 mi / 00:17 11:19 pace
Ok, I am certifiably insane. When I arrived home, I added up in my head, my mileage for the week, and I fell short of my goal of 30 miles.
So, I needed about 1 mile or so and I started running again. I ran around the park near where I live. For good measure I ran 1.5 miles in 16.59 11.19 min/mile
Mile 1 11.16
Mile 0.50 5.42
Yeah, I know…..CRAZY but I hit my 30 for the week!
And I’d like to share 1 comment with you on that post:
Michelle – that’s awesome, and highly coincidental – I did the exact same thing today to hit 40 for the first time ever.
Mileage goals make us do crazy things sometimes. Way to get it done!
And TED said:
We the runners truly understand your compassion. It is not crazy. It is commitment. You are truly dedicated to what you are doing.
The non-runners will never understand us. Now, taper it baby!
So, there is not much more I can say right? Had to get it done.
You have a choice. You can throw in the towel, or you can use it to wipe the sweat off of your face. Gatorade Ad
