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Humility on the Fourth of July

Sometimes we let friends convince us to do things we don’t want to do. In my case, yesterday around 4pm, Theodora convinced me to sign up for NY Runs Firecracker 10k. While I thought this race would be a great way to kick off the Fourth of July holiday, I hadn’t signed up yet as I was hoping that we’d be on our way to the beach well before the race started at 9am.

But, thanks to the Weather Channel’s prediction of storms all day, we had a relaxing night in last night complete with Newsroom, delicious homemade Greek chicken and salad, along with a few glasses of wine.

I woke up today at 7am with time to foam roll and stretch my tired legs and prepare my normal breakfast of peanut butter, banana and sandwich thins. See that green “real Coconut water” in the background? Gia recommended I start drinking this the night before an outdoor run longer than 6 miles. Unfortunately, I forgot about the water until this morning so instead poured it into my running water bottle to sip during the race.001I met Theodora at her place and then we hopped on the F over to Roosevelt Island, arriving with 50 minutes to spare since the subway system was working faster than normal. We killed time catching up inside the subway terminal where we were safe from the constant drizzle outside. image

At 8:35 we figured it was time to head over to the start line. That’s where the issues began. Unfortunately there was no signage for the race so we didn’t know exactly where the start line was nor the restrooms. After hearing that there weren’t restrooms from other participants we headed to Starbucks where we waited in the 20 person line in hopes of having the chance to use the restroom before the race. Of course not, that’d be too easy. Instead, Theodora and I headed over to the bag check area, thinking that was the start. Nope, wrong again. We were verbally directed over to the start where we waited for 5 minutes until the start.

image While the views were unique and Roosevelt Island provided a change from our regular routes, I didn’t feel terrific about the race. It was beyond humid and you could feel the clouds parting, knowing that the sun would be shining down on us at any minute. Regardless, I told Theodora my goal for the race was to negative split and keep an average of around a 9:35, starting no faster than 9:45.

imageOf course, instead I took Theodora up on her offer when she asked if I wanted to run with her. Why not? It’s been ages since we ran a race together since she’s all speedy these days. Little did Theodora know that going out at a 9:17 pace would leave me dead. While my friends like to tell me I’m faster than I give myself credit, what they don’t know is that I’m just starting to build up speed. Therefore, I can’t go out wicked fast, for me, and sustain it yet. This has been true in every race where I’ve tried it. So, long story short, this was a humbling race that reminded me that marathon training is here and racing season is over. I’ve set some new PR’s over the past few months and now it’s time to remind my body what it feels like to run long and slow (that’s what she said).

Would I do the Firecracker 10K again? Possibly but the group really needs to change a few things such as more water stops, earlier start time, improved signage, and more bathrooms. While it was fun to do a non NYRR race for a change, there is a reason NYRR has such a great reputation for running races.

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Instead of getting down over today’s race Bo and I headed over to Brooklyn Bridge Park  to enjoy an afternoon of fresh air, sunshine, adult beverages, and gorgeous views. Our original plan of a beach day was cancelled due to the weather reports which clearly were all lies.

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The one thing that was perfect was the company. We spent four hours laughing on the grass with four of our friends, including Bo’s sister Meg, and catching some wonderful sun and views of the city.

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The heat started to get to us after a while since there was very little breeze and no real way to cool off. But, things were much better once we took some refuge under the trees instead of laying out in the direct sunlight.

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Last, but not least, Happy Fourth of July! While each person celebrates their freedom differently we found this guy celebrating his freedom to where and do whatever he wants in Brooklyn Bridge Park today!

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Marathon Training

Guess what kids? Yup, it’s marathon training time again. This is the time of year when the blog will revolve primarily around running, trying not to eat everything in sight, early morning wake up calls to avoid the heat, and more. But, runners fear not because I promise to balance out the running talk with the same old food, fashion, workout reviews, and travel posts!

This year, however, there are some changes to the plan thanks to the help of my training coach, Gia. If you’re a long time reader you know that New York round 1 was amazing and crossing the finish line for the first time was one of the best moments I’ve experienced to date. However, New York round 2 was pretty much one of the worst moments of my life. After some serious assessment and discussion about the last year, Gia and I decided that in order to do our very best possible to ensure that the 3rd time would be a charm, we have to make some changes that may not always be fun but they’ll pay out.

The Next 17 Weeks Will Include:

  • Running outside
  • More protein
  • Less “empty cross training”
  • More weekday miles
  • Abs

Having the energy to be a weekend warrior has always made me proud. I’m able to work long hours on the weekend and then wake up bright and early, earlier than most of my friends like, for long runs and then squeeze in some other workout that same afternoon and the next day, never giving my muscles time to relax or recover. This year’s plan includes higher mileage during the week and then only running and yoga on the weekends. In addition, the yoga is supposed to be more restorative than strength.

In addition, I’ve been scared of the heat and hills of running outside in New York City and Central Park during the Summer months for way too long. Now that I’m regularly running with my co-workers every Monday I’ve become far more confident in my ability to not only run outside, but also run in Central Park and log miles after work.

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I’ve already talked about the more protein goal on my blog so I will therefore leave you with a link versus being repetitive.

007 I’ll also leave you with two things: protein can come in more forms than powder (per the picture above of tonight’s dinner for two) and I’ll remind you just how delicious a protein shake can be for only 200 calories, especially when it includes chocolate powder, Almond Breeze light, ice, and 1/2 a banana! 20 ounces of pure delicious, cold nutritious protein that tastes a lot like dessert!

003Oh and we can’t forget to talk about ABS. While I’m not rocking abs like Tina or Susan, I am feeling pretty confident about how much my body has leaned out the past few months. In addition, I officially have the top 2 packs of a 6 pack which gives me more motivation than ever to work my abs. Combine that with the fact that Amanda and Susan are hosting a fabulous, ass blasting AB CHALLENGE (#abchallenge) this month on their blogs and YouTube, I can promise you that a stronger core will be crossing the line this year than last. Plenty of people stronger and faster than me say that a strong core can be key to strength and stamina during long runs so I’m going to trust them. 006

Last but not least, here’s week 1 of my marathon training plan, along with the notes section. 

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The only change you may see this week would be doing my 10 on Friday instead of Saturday due to my in-laws visit to NYC this weekend.

So there you have it, marathon training has kicked off and I couldn’t be more excited for this year!

If you have time, I’d love if you could support my friend Dorothy as she has been selected as one of 10 finalists for the Skechers Go Run Cover Model Contest! She and I would both love for you to support her by voting for her here!

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Eight Years in The Making

When we last parted ways, I was still sweating after a tough run and was busy trying to stop the sweat.

Luckily by noon I was cleaned up and ready for to be whisked away by some of Bo’s best guy friends who were sweet enough to hang out with me before the wedding while Bo was busy with wedding festivities.

After a quick lunch at Panera in black-tie, like it was no big deal,  we headed to the church, ready to celebrate Mike & Liz.

053The programs and church were both classic and gorgeous, nothing short of my expectations knowing how much work and planning Liz and Mike put into the big day.

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Within minutes the groomsmen and bridesmaids were lined up, ready to go.  The bridesmaids gowns, Vera Wang for David’s Bridal, were absolutely stunning on each and every lady, regardless of height or size. The groomsmen wore tuxedos which were rented from Jos A. Bank. 054 The next hour was like no other wedding we’ve attended as the priest was family, which made it that much more meaningful and personal. In addition, the bride and groom were radiant and it was clear how much they’ve been looking forward to this moment. They’ve been together for over 8 years which meant that many of us have gotten to know each other during their relationship and watched them grow as a couple.

063   069 070         022After the ceremony the wedding party and guests lined up to greet the married couple for the first time before heading back to our respective hotels to kill time in between the ceremony and reception.

027It was so nice that they provided shuttles to and from each location, allowing guests to enjoy without having to worry about directions or driving. While we killed time, our group enjoyed a photo session in front of the church. I’m so lucky to have these guys in my life as they have become my friends over the past few years as well as Bo’s. He made some amazing friendships during his time in graduate school and for that we’re forever thankful!  036035 032 As a side note, I couldn’t be happier with last night’s dress. Liz and I actually bought this dress and the dress she wore to her rehearsal dinner together while we shopped Rent the Runway’s warehouse sample sale back in February. A Nicole Miller, this dress normally retails for $495 and I was able to buy it for $75! It was comfortable, cool and flattering which was a perfect combination for a long wedding celebration.

The reception, which started with a cocktail hour, took place at her family’s country club, Aronimink Country Club. For the next five hours we danced, laughed and toasted as we celebrated with the bride and groom. The band was absolutely wonderful, rarely taking a break and always keeping the group going. I think it helped that the dance floor was packed the entire time! I guess that’s what happens when half the bridal party met in ballet classes over 20 years ago!

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Every part of this wedding was Mike and Liz, including the after party at Kelly’s, their favorite Main Line bar from their Villanova days. We are so thankful to have been part of the weekend. Now it’s time for an early bed time to balance out last night’s very late night or this morning’s early morning, depending how you want to look at it.

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