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A Sweaty Date with Central Park

This morning I had a sweaty date with Central Park.

IMG_2511 (640x478) Due to today’s extreme heat, the roads were not as crowded as my last morning run but I was still surprised that so many people were braving the heat. I’m blessed to be from Savannah, Georgia which means this heat wave is child’s play compared to the heat and humidity I dealt with for at least 5 months every year!

I left my gear at Equinox before heading out for a 4 mile run through the park’s lower section and doing 2 hill repeats of Cat Hill.

IMG_2513 (640x478) I was impressed to see water stations throughout the park during my run, though I didn’t need them. Nice job New York Parks and Rec staff! I saw many runners, walkers, and cyclists taking advantage of the fountains this morning!

IMG_2512 (640x478) I, on the other hand, was a happy camper with my CamelBak. It was hiding from the below picture since I had to take it off my back to access my iPhone for the impromptu photo session.

IMG_2517 (480x480) My route took me past once of my favorite views in Central Park, the pond. I hit the fountain just as the sun was coming over the trees. Is there a better way to start your day?

IMG_2518 (640x485)The 3.98 mile run (including the hill repeat) took 39:40 since I was taking it easy on my pace due to tired legs. Yesterday’s personal training session was pretty leg and weight intensive which left my legs more tired than usual. They enjoyed the relaxed pace though I think my butt and hamstrings were ready to kill me after the hill repeats this morning.

Much to the disappointment of the Equinox morning crowd, I didn’t head straight to the shower when I finished my run. Instead, I hit the foam roller and mat for 20 minutes for some deep stretching, foam rolling, and leg work.

Breakfast

After my sweaty morning, I was craving a cool and refreshing breakfast. I switched up my normal bowl of hot banana oats for a cold alternative: refrigerated oats. I prepared the oats as normal then mixed the banana and cinnamon in before putting it in the office refrigerator for 15 minutes. Once chilled, I removed and topped with a 1/4 cup of Fage yogurt. It was DELICIOUS!

Lunch

Once a week, I reward myself with a salad from the little deli in the CitiGroup Center at 54th and 3rd Avenue. I use the word reward because they give out the most delicious and doughy rolls with each salad.

IMG_2516 (640x478) The roll is made from their leftover pizza dough! Be still my heart!

On the side, I enjoyed a spinach salad complete with beets, celery, red onions, grilled chicken, cucumber, and chopped tomatoes.

IMG_2519 (640x485) Yoga Promise

I’ve mentioned on Twitter a few times this week that I need more yoga in my life. For at least the next month, work is going to be quite stressful as I manage two roles. On Monday, just after vacation, I found myself giving into this stress and reverting to bad habits like wanting to skip workouts and unhealthy snack choices.

Today, I vowed on Twitter that I’d make time for yoga. Unfortunately, I missed one of my favorite yoga classes at Equinox by 5 minutes. Instead of giving up, I headed home and enjoyed my first Yoga Download in my personal yoga studio.

IMG_2521 (478x640)I did the free 20 minute Yoga for Runners podcast two times through. I know I could have paid for the 40 minute version but what can I say; sometimes I’m cheap.

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Yoga success!

Question: Do you have any free yoga podcasts or online workouts you can recommend?

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ashleyd /

Running Q&A

 

Over the past few days, I’ve seen this Running Q&A on both Tina and Beck’s blogs. I loved the idea and thought it’d make a fun morning post while I’m out sweating to tunes while running in Central Park. In fact, it’s supposed to be almost 90 degrees out there this morning so I’m currently running with my CamelBak and sporting booty shorts and a Lululemon tank. I apologize to any other morning runners who may see this outfit.

In honor of getting to see these ladies this weekend for the NYRR Mini 10k, here are my answers to the Running Q&A!

Favorite treadmill? I love the treadmill right in front of the huge fan. It keeps me cool and also happens to be right in front of the balcony so I can people watch while I run.

Favorite shoes? Saucony Pro Grid 4! I just started wearing Saucony’s a few months ago but have since fallen in love with them. They are supportive enough for my high arches but don’t feel stiff or heavy like other shoes I’ve tried.

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Favorite running song? S&M What can I say, I guess I like Rihanna to talk dirty to me while I run. But, seriously, it has amazing beats and gets me pumped during even the hardest hill or mile.

Favorite running fuel? I’ve sworn by Nuun since marathon training and Clif Shot Blocks. As you can see from the picture below, both were part of my National Half Marathon prep. My favorite flavor is lemon lime for both Nuun and shot blocks. 

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Favorite running accessory? My CamelBak has helped me survive hot summer runs, the New York City Marathon, and shave time off during crowded NYRR races while also holding my necessities like keys, iPhone, and money.

Favorite race distance? Over the years, my body has come to love the half marathon distance. It requires training in order to finish happy but doesn’t ruin my social calendar, require 5am wakeup times, or alter my body in crazy ways like my first marathon. Historically, I’ve never “raced” half marathons until this year when I started focusing on speed more and PR. It’s definitely a new thought process versus just finishing but I’m loving the new challenge!

Favorite running memory? Passing Bo and my friends in Central Park less than a mile from the finish of the New York City Marathon is my favorite running memory to date because I was still smiling 25 miles into the marathon and knew I’d finish and do so injury free and with a smile on my face!

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Question: What is your favorite running or sports memory?

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Marathons+Moderation Guest Post #4

Happy Wednesday! I hope you’re staying cool as it’s supposed to be HOT outside today! I can’t believe we may hit 100 degrees in NYC today or tomorrow!

This week’s Marathons+Moderation guest post is from one of my new favorite bloggers; Monica! I finally had the opportunity to meet her in person last summer at Healthy Living Summit! She is as hilarious and real in person as she is on her blog! This lovely California girl knows how to kick it on the asphalt (she’s super speedy!) and at the dinner table. I hope you enjoy her guest post as much as I do! Also, if you’re interested in submitting a Marathons+Moderation post just leave a comment or email me at healthyhappierbear at gmail dot com.

Hello my name is Monica and I have a little blog called Run Eat Repeat. It’s about running and eating – not necessarily in that order.

I thought it was funny when Ashley asked me to write about moderation because I normally practice gluttony and sloth. But, those were her wishes so we’ll see what we can do 😉

Here are my tips for Training for a Marathon While Keeping Moderation in Mind
1. Run a lot. Then, run some more.

2. Eat a lot. This is my favorite part. I spend the last few miles of my run thinking up what I’ll eat after. Carb loading has never been a problem for me since my guy and I usually have a date night before my long runs and often hit up pizza, Thai or sushi – all loaded with deliciousness and carbs 🙂

3. Take Rest Days seriously. I am religious about my rest days. The day after every long run I don’t do anything at all. I basically get on the couch, order in Thai food delivery, get a bed pan and turn on The Real Housewives. That’s it.

4. Sleep. In addition to running and eating more – I sleep a lot more during marathon training. If you’re asking a lot of your body make sure you are giving it proper fuel and proper rest.

5. Have fun! I think this is one of the most important things to remember while marathon training. Unless you are getting paid by Adidas to run this race, treat it like a hobby. Find running routes you enjoy. Look forward to your runs, not with dread. Remember this is an amazing accomplishment and be proud of every run you cross off your training plan.

If you have any questions for me feel free to reach out at Run Eat Repeat.

Have a great day!

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