ashleyd /

Be Back Soon

 

I’m taking an unplanned break from blogging until either later tonight or tomorrow. It’s our two year wedding anniversary on Monday and we’re spending the weekend focused on each other, not the internet.

These days, it’s a rare weekend that Bo doesn’t have to at least go to the office for a few hours now that he’s started his new job. We’re blessed that as of now, our prayers have been answered and it doesn’t seem like he’ll have to work this weekend!

For now, I hope you enjoy a few of our favorite pictures from that amazing weekend two years ago!

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ashleyd /

A Nighttime Run in Central Park

Tonight I had the most amazing evening with the lovely and speedy Gia! My new running coach met me in Central Park after a long day of work for a diagnostic run.

I ran a mile from the office to meet her and was thrilled with the crisp, cool weather. I wasn’t sure how to dress for the weather and unsure of how much the temperature would drop. Luckily my crop pants, marathon finisher shirt, and marathon jacket was perfect!

The city was glistening with evening and holiday lights of white, red, and green!

003 (640x478) 004 (640x478)Once I met up with Gia the learning started immediately! Did you know that every lamp post in Central Park is labeled to help runners find their way? For example, this lamp post is on the West side of the city at 59th and 7th Avenue. Pretty cool eh?

005 (478x640)We spent the next 4.3 miles catching up, rehashing my marathon experience, talking about blogs, and enjoying the evening. This was my first true night time run in Central Park and I’m please to report that we both felt very safe! There were other runners, dog walkers, and a Central Park safety patrol in the park as well.

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We started our run with a 1 mile warm-up and then did some interval work for the remaining 2.5 miles before doing a 3/4 mile cool down. It was an amazing fete that I was able to keep up a conversation during our run as our average pace ended up being 9:44 which is not normally my “conversational pace.”

I’ll be sharing more about our training and my goals in the coming week as Gia is putting together my National Half Marathon training program this weekend! While Marc was a great first coach and served the purpose during the marathon, I’m really looking forward to working with someone whom I know personally, has run many half and full marathons, is located in New York City, and has now run along side me!

008 (640x478) 009 (640x478) I am hoping that I can make a week night run a regular part of my training routine as this really helped calm me down after a long and stressful day. Now that I’m home I feel very relaxed and ready for bed!

I’m off to spend a few minutes stretching and foam rolling! Good night!

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Odd Fears

This morning I woke up excited for a run outside. During marathon training this year I started to embrace outdoor running due to the many benefits I found versus running on the treadmill. I find that running outside pushes my muscles more and helps me properly prepare for a race which will always be outside. It’s more like a scrimmage and less like a drill!

However, I also have a few odd fears that limit me every now and then. One of those fears is slipping on wet leaves. A few years ago, my first Fall in Philadelphia, I slipped on wet leaves while crossing my parking lot. Since then I have developed a bit of wet leaf phobia, similar to the feeling most people have when the sidewalks and streets are icy.

002Due to the leaves cluttering the NYC streets and sidewalks this morning after last night’s rain, I headed to Equinox this morning for an easy treadmill session. I’m still not 100% ready to jump back into speed sessions and training. My muscles are still a bit tight and sore in random areas and Tuesday’s personal training session left my entire body screaming, even 24 hours later.

001 I spent 20 minutes stretching and foam rolling after doing 3.5 miles on the treadmill. Overall, I was pleased with my pace.

Mile 1: 6.0 mph

Mile 2: 6.3 mph

Mile 3 6.4 mph

Mile 3-3.5 6.5 mph

The rest of the day was pretty status quo: meetings and more meetings. I enjoyed a few snacks between meetings including my new favorite oatmeal combination, a huge salad, and yogurt!

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IMG_0001 IMG_1395I was hoping to try out Equinox’s new class, 3Sum, with one of my friends tonight but by the time I left the office it was too late and I didn’t feel like joining the class late. My body, muscles, and mine were screaming for some relaxation time on the couch with Bo and a nice glass of wine. What can I say? Sometimes you just have to give in and enjoy!

Never fear spin shoes, you’ll find a place in my life sooner than later.

IMG_1368 Until then, enjoy laughing at tonight’s dinner. This huge spread was titled the kebab mixed platter! Who knew?! Needless to say I think we’ll have some leftovers for the rest of the week!

001 Question: What random fear do you have?

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