October 2013 - My Healthy, Happier Life

ashleyd / October 30, 2013

NYCM Tips & Tricks: Marathon Week

I wrote and published this post on October 29th last year in the midst of Hurricane Sandy and NYCM uncertainty. As I am traveling for work this week, I thought I’d share this post again with everyone as it has some helpful tips. Please feel free to email or leave a comment with any questions you may have and GOOD LUCK to all those amazing readers who are running on Sunday! Remember not to go too fast in the first half which is definitely flatter than the second half!

Last year, during the New York Flyers 3 Bridges Run, I spent over an hour of the run answering questions about the New York City Marathon. While I am not the fastest runner, I have experienced the amazing and wonderful chaos that is the New York City marathon two times and have cheered two years!

After the conversation, Meghan suggested that I actually dedicate a blog post to sharing some of the things I’ve learned over the past two years which I am going to remember come November 4th in order to hopefully PR and enjoy the day more than ever before.

To get things started, let me introduce you to my New York City Marathon Pinterest page, where I have over 20 different New York City Marathon recaps pinned for your reading pleasure.

In order to conquer the questions in a somewhat sensible order, I’m going to approach marathon week in chronological order, therefore organizing my tips from a week out to November 3rd, marathon day! I hope this helps and feel free to email, tweet, or Facebook message me with further questions!

Marathon Week

Have two race outfit options ready to go so you’re ready regardless of temperature. Based on the past few years, the temperature shouldn’t be lower than mid 40’s to mid 60’s. Remember that there is a big difference in the temperature at 10:55 versus 7:55. The New York marathon starts later than most and for this reason many people end up at the start with more clothing than they really need. If it’s in the 40’s you may want a long sleeve option or crop pants but if it’s in the 60’s you’ll want less layers. If you don’t want to put your name on both shirts, remember that you can use a piece of fabric on which to write your name and then pin it to either shirt option.
Head over to CVS, Walgreens, Duane Reade, or your local Salvation Army to find throw away clothes for the start on Staten Island. Depending on your plans, you could be hanging around the island for as long as 4 hours and it can get chilly just due to the fact that you’ll be sitting still. $5 fleece robes are a great option from your local drugstore as they are long enough to provide full coverage and are soft as well. Grabbing an extra magazine or two can be a good idea as well since you won’t want to drain your iPhone or iPod for entertainment. Also, in light of this week’s weather, grabbing a trash bag or two to keep you dry from the mud may be a good idea. In addition, don’t forget to pick up some food and water for race day. Normally I carry a bottle of water, banana, 1/2 bagel, and peanut butter to eat an hour before the race.

Go to the expo as early as possible. I’ve actually never gone to the expo on Thursday and each year have grown to regret my decision more and more. Saturday is a complete shit show filled with tourists, people panicking last minute, long lines, and selection of both official marathon gear and other merchandise is picked over by this time. I didn’t expect Friday to be as bad but last year Theodora and I were both pretty overwhelmed by the time we left and just wanted to get out of there. This year, Bo and I are heading over Thursday after work in hopes of enjoying the expo together and checking out some of the gear. While I know there will be a post work rush it will still be far less people than Friday or Saturday. Also, you can take the MTA Bus to the expo if you’re in from out of town. There are 2 that run to the Javits Center: M34 and M42.
Be careful what you eat at the expo. The New York City Marathon expo is the largest I’ve ever experienced and each year there are more booths offering food samples, drinks, new power gels, and more. It’s never a good idea to try something new this close to the marathon especially when you don’t know how it will affect your system. Take the freebies and save them for after the race unless it is something you have used before. In addition, beware of being persuaded to try something new last minute. Many of the people working the booths are trained salespeople. They could make Eskimos buy ice just like they convinced me to spend over $200 during my first marathon expo.

Take advantage of the knowledge: Are you worried about the course? Need someone to help you keep a steady pace? Want to figure out how to fix your Garmin? Need to have someone KT tape your leg? Didn’t get to squeeze in a massage session before the marathon? There are experts everywhere at the expo and the other events that NYRR and ING are organizing this week. Take advantage of their time and ask them questions and use the expo map to help you figure out the best places to spend your time depending on your needs.
Bring cash. Each year there are a few stands at the expo that only take cash. Last year, all we wanted were cow bells and they were sold by a stand that only took cash. Of course, we didn’t have cash and nor did we have time to wait in an ATM line or scour the Javits center for the ATM.
Respect the taper: While it may seem weird not to be running everyday this week or breaking a sweat at Crossfit, Soul Cycle, etc it is important to give your body this time to rest. Be sure to focus on sleep, especially on Thursday and Friday night. According to Gia, this week’s food is the most important of the training cycle so make sure to eat clean and rely on vegetables, grains, and fruits for some healthy carbohydrate increases versus processed foods. In addition, relax in an Epsom salt bath or two this week to help relax your legs and release toxins, especially after a long foam rolling session. If you feel especially anxious, go to Yoga on Demand and do a restorative yoga class or this great Yoga for Runners session which is free on YouTube.
Realize that many of the Italian restaurants in the city will be jam packed with runners. If you’re local, I suggest dining at home in the comfort of your compression socks and pajamas. If you want to dine with friends, invite them over! It’s a great way to relax your nerves before the big day without stressing out about reservations, crowds or slow waiters. If you’re coming from out of town, make reservations in advance.
Don’t forget to bring a form of identification and your registration form to the expo. While there are plenty of information and help lines their lines tend to be long and the last thing you want to do is have to wait at the expo or go back to the hotel or your apartment to get your id or registration.
Download this AMAZING marathon guide from Jack Rabbit Sports! I have used this each year and the first year especially, when I was on pace for almost all my miles, it worked like a charm. It allows you to figure out your pace depending on how you’ve trained (positive or negative splits), the time you start, and more. It also turns this info into a pace bracelet! Share the finished product with your spectating friends and family so they’ll know the exact time you should hit each mile marker.
Send your friends and family who are spectating a picture of you in your marathon outfit. Remember, there are 45,000 people running down the streets of Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Harlem, and the Bronx on November 4th and it is hard to spot people. Make sure to put together a plan in advance especially if you know you need to see them in order receive fuel, water, or hand off clothing. My recommendation is to choose a side of the course on which to run, stick to it, wear at least one differentiating piece of clothing or accessory, and tell them to stand as close to the mile markers as possible. It’s pretty tough to miss the mile marker signs but it’s easy to miss your family’s race sign they made which is being held down at foot level since they aren’t expecting you for a few more minutes. For example, this year I’m wearing my hot pink Zensah calf sleeves along with a hot pink sparkly skirt I’m borrowing from Shannon. In addition, in my email to friends I’ll let them know that I prefer the left side of the street and will hug that side as much as possible.

Have more questions about race week preparations and the New York City Marathon? Send them my way. Tomorrow’s installment will include all my tips for the actual race, including marathon morning!

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ashleyd / October 27, 2013

Reflections on My First DNF

I woke up this morning excited to give the Lausanne Marathon my best try. Through the night we woke up multiple times to the sounds of thunder and torrential downpours. This morning Emily and I texted back and forth trying to make last minute plans on how to best prepare for a rainy marathon. The updated weather report showed 80% chance of rain until 1pm.

We took the train from Geneva to Lausanne, ready for the worst, wearing running rain coats, hats or visors, lots of plastic bags to protect electronics and good spirits. But, when we arrived at the marathon and 10k start area there was very little shelter and it was still pouring. It was raining so hard that we had to write our names on our baggage check bags as we feared the stickers would peel off.

We took cover under a building overhang and waited for 20 minutes before dashing to the bathroom and heading into the corrals. Just as we headed over to the corrals the rain stopped and we thought our prayers had been heard.

I unzipped my New Balance Reach the Beach running jacket in hopes that I could leave it in my checked baggage. As soon as we took this picture, the rain started again. We actually thought the marathon start would be delayed as there was thunder nearby.

But, in the Swiss fashion, the marathon started exactly on time and Emily and I quickly moved into corrals behind the 4:30 pacer. We figured that she would provide us some much needed motivation during the rainy miles and help us stay on pace through the hills and puddle jumping. We crossed the starting line barely able to see in front of us due to the heavy downpour. In fact, by the 5k point our shoes felt like weights due to the rain.

For the first 8 miles I stuck with Emily and the pacer, thinking that a second marathon in so many weeks was in my reach along with a PR. I ran with my heart and legs, focusing on the scenery and staying strong through every hill. I leaned forward at my hips, followed Monica’s arm swing tips and kept smiling. My Garmin wasn’t enjoying the constant downpour and would go from constantly beeping, showing random paces to turning off all together. At the next KM marker I did some quick math and realized that they were going far faster than a 4:30 pace. Based on my rough estimates they were keeping closer to a 9:55 pace. This amazed me as we’d climbed some pretty good hills and the rain was making everything more difficult. For one second I felt excited as this is a strong pace considering the hills and rain. But, the next second I realized that if I wanted to finish I needed to slow down, more in line with my goal pace. I gave Emily a wave goodbye and told her I was going to hang behind. Around a mile later the rain stopped and as the clouds cleared, the lake finally came into view. I told myself that I couldn’t put headphones on until the marathon turn around point, at mile 13. I asked a nearby runner what his pace was and when I heard 10:20, I said perfect and asked if I could run behind him since my Garmin was only showing overall time.

For the next 3 miles or so I felt pretty good. My shoes were heavy but my breathing was in check and I felt mentally strong. I took in the sights, enjoying a few small Swiss towns, vineyards, fun Swiss residents cheering from their windows, and views of the lake. But then at mile 11.2 I felt a pain in the back of my right leg. Right where my ITBand connects was pulling and had me wincing. I tried slowing my pace seeing if that would help. For a half mile or so it would feel a bit better but then it started again. I pushed through for 2 more miles, through the half marathon starting line. I knew I had to make a decision at this point.

I could push through the pain and maintain a run walk for the next 13 miles. But, I feared a few things at this point. But then I remembered what Gia said to me earlier this week. She told me to listen to my body. I’ve run marathons but never two in a season and I’ve actually never run a 10k or half marathon within a few weeks of a marathon. Historically I’ve focused on yoga and cross training during November and December before hopping into half marathon training after the holidays. I remembered Emily’s story about pushing through severe pain during her first marathon and then being on the “disabled list” for 8 months afterwards.

At 14.2 I finally made my decision and pulled to the side of the course.

I ended today with my first DNF. I expected tears and depression during the hours that followed. Instead, I texted my close friends and family who were following my progression letting them know I decided to bail. I shared the news on Twitter with followers as they were all so supportive over the past 24 hours, providing rain and hill suggestions. Instead of being depressed, I spent the rest of the afternoon cheering on the half marathon runners with other friends and greeting Ranald and Emily at the finish. I can’t wait to run the Lausanne Half Marathon next year. The starting line was a huge party with each starting wave dancing and waving to the wave behind them. There were massages and food for participants BEFORE the 1:45 start time!

By the end of the day, we had a marathon, two half marathon distance, and a 10k in our group. Not a bad way to end the day. As the medals for all events are the exact same, my girl Emily grabbed me one as she finished the marathon. As she gave it to me she said, “you did after all run a half marathon today.”

I am sure readers will have mixed emotions about my unsuccessful attempt to run 2 marathons so close together. But, I will never know my body’s ability if I don’t try. That is what today was all about, trying something I hadn’t done before and giving it my best attempt.

I’m taking this week off from formal training, enjoying some cross training and yoga, before jumping into 10k training as we are signed up for the Clapham Common Nativity Run 10k on December 14th!

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ashleyd / October 26, 2013

Why I’m Running The Lausanne Marathon

Before we get to today’s topic, here is a picture of our brunch date this morning. I mean really, how can you not smile when you see this face?

Okay, so now back to the running talk. Two weeks ago, I was just finishing the ING Hartford Marathon. While it wasn’t exactly the marathon I’d hoped for it was still such a fun day with some wonderful ladies! As I was finishing, my immediate thought was that I never wanted to run another marathon. I think a lot of people have this during a tough marathon. But, during the train ride from Hartford to New York City I realized that the Lausanne Half Marathon, which I already had on my calendar, was only 2 weeks later. I started thinking about whether my body and mind were strong enough for a second marathon. Each year I’ve been tempted to run two marathons because there are so many wonderful East Coast marathons during the Fall. First it was whether I could do Marine Corps and New York City. Another year it was whether I could do Wine Glass and New York City. This year, I finally decided, after talking with Laura and Gia, that I wanted to give two marathons a try. When I made a pro/con list I had a hard time thinking of many cons. (photo source)

Pros:

Only 45 minutes away, via train
The town and surrounding area is supposed to be gorgeous
The entire course is along Lake Geneva
Out and back course means perfect opportunity to keep my mind occupied while watching people on their way back
Bo and other friends were already signed up for the half marathon or 10k which means friends cheering
Fall foliage along the vineyard hills should be gorgeous
First European marathon

Cons:

The course includes multiple rolling hills which will be challenging as I didn’t train on many hills
Only 288 women are signed up for the full marathon along with 1,000 men
Half marathon runners start at the turn around point 2 hours and 45 minutes after our start which means there will be faster runners passing me

I did not choose to run the Lausanne Marathon because I wanted redemption. After everything that I’ve gone through over the past few months, while I would love a marathon PR this year, I realize that it may not be in the cards. I am going into the marathon with no expectations or goals other than having a strong race and applying what I learned in Hartford. I want to enjoy myself and take in every single moment, appreciating the opportunities we can have while living abroad. I’m excited to have Bo on the sidelines cheering after his 10K race.

I didn’t share the decision to run the marathon with my family, friends or social media because I wanted to make sure my mind and body were in fact ready for the challenge. In fact, it wasn’t until we arrived at the expo yesterday that I committed 100% to the marathon. I did the runs and rest days Gia prescribed for me over the past 10 days while eating healthy and cutting back on alcohol. I listened to my body and slept 8 hours more than 6 of the past 10 days. I’ve asked Laura for advice on a daily basis and read multiple marathon recaps from friends who have rocked hilly races, including Bobbi, Stephanie and Meghann. I gave myself the flexibility to make a last minute decision which also helped reduce the pressure. But, by the time we left the expo last night I couldn’t contain my excitement anymore. I am so excited for Sunday! We’ve enjoyed a low key day in Geneva, brunching with friends and picking up ingredients at the farmer’s market before going on a shake out run along Lake Geneva. Now it’s time to hang out with my very Swiss 2XU compression socks and relax the rest of this evening with Bo, Ranald and Emily as we prepare for tomorrow!