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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 /

I Finally Did It…

After weeks of seeing Ali’s gorgeous pictures and Central Park running recaps, I finally got my ass up to Central Park for a morning run!

I went to sleep at 10 last night, so I could wake up bright and bushy tailed at 5:05! My goal for the week was to complete a Central Park run before leaving for Atlanta. Each week I talk about running outside, but always find myself inside Equinox on a boring treadmill.

This morning I enjoyed my first pre-work Central Park run EVER! I loved every single second of it!

Even though I had the challenge of being outside versus on a treadmill, I was able to maintain a great pace the whole run!

Mile 1    9:56

Mile 2    9:55

Mile 3    9:49

Mile 4    9:33

Mile 5    9:34

Mile 6    9:55

Mile 6-6.9 9:35

IMG_2067 (640x478)I used the 63rd street Equinox as my “home base” this morning, arriving by 5:45 so I could drop off my purse and change of clothes, before heading towards Central Park. From Equinox, I ran up Park until 68th street where I cut over towards Central Park.

IMG_2038 (640x478) The windows and buildings in the Upper West Side are absolutely gorgeous!

IMG_2040 (640x478) IMG_2039 (640x478)Once I hit the park, I headed towards the Reservoir, where I wanted to do some speed work on the nice soft, flat surface.

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The park was lush with Spring growth and filled with other runners and cyclists enjoying the amazing weather!

IMG_2044 (640x478) I said hello to my dog friend before heading up towards Cat Hill.

IMG_2050 (640x478)The cyclists were so fast!! I saw multiple groups training together including the Lipstick Triathlon team!

IMG_2053 (640x478) Oh hello Cat Hill! I focused on my form and sprinting up the hill as quickly as possible!

IMG_2054 (640x478) IMG_2055 (478x640) Once reaching the Reservoir I was pleasantly surprised to find functioning water fountains. During the winter months the city turns off the water fountains as a cost saving method and you never know when they’ll turn them back on.

I stretched for a second and then enjoyed a few sips of water before tackling speed training on the reservoir path. My goal was to maintain less than a 9:40 pace during my loops. Seeing Ali inspired me to be even faster as she sprinted right by me while I stretched!

Check out the gorgeous scenery I enjoyed while I looped the reservoir!

IMG_2056 (640x478) IMG_2057 (640x478) IMG_2058 (640x478) IMG_2059 (640x478) I chased this guy for a quarter mile before finally passing him!

By the end of my last lap I was exhausted!

IMG_2061 (640x480) But not too exhausted to savor one last glance of the skyline before heading back towards Equinox.

IMG_2063 (640x478) 6.9 miles later I felt refreshed, excited to have finally run outside, and inspired for my upcoming races! Running at least once per week in Central Park has now become my number one workout goal! Yoga and swimming will come in good time but for now, I want to enjoy every last week of Spring weather before it gets hot and humid in New York City!

Question: Who is your workout inspiration?

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Rocking the Solo Long Run

While running with Theodora is always fun, sometimes it’s great to get out and enjoy the fresh air alone. It allows for day dreaming, random running paths that are chosen at a moment’s desire, and singing along to a great playlist.

Even though I enjoyed my normal pre-run breakfast at 9am, I didn’t make it out the door until past 10!

IMG_0831 (800x598) (640x478) The next hour was spent cleaning, debating what to wear, and organizing the house.

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Since the weather was sunny but still a tad cool (41 degrees) when I started I opted for the following outfit:

  • Champion Sports Bra
  • ING Marathon Aasics long sleeve technical t-shirt
  • ING Marathon windbreaker
  • Lululemon crop pants
  • Lululemon headband

It was the perfect outfit until around mile 8 when the sunshine was out and the temperature had reached almost 50 degrees!

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I left the house with one goal in mind: stay as close as possible to my half marathon goal pace for the entire run.

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It was absolutely gorgeous out as you can tell from some of today’s pictures! I was definitely all smiles for the first five miles of the run!

IMG_0840 (800x598) (640x478)Seeing the view above reminded me of the last mile of the marathon!          IMG_0847 (800x598) (640x478)

By the time I reached the resevoir my legs were screaming at me. IMG_0849 (640x480) (640x480)

I didn’t realize my upper hamstring/glutes were so tight.  I suppose that is what a return to spinning will do! I took a 5 minute break for fuel, water, and a few downward dogs.

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I left the park around mile 8.5, ready for a quick run DOWN Murray Hill and midtown. But, before I could escape the park area I had to capture a few more pictures of the crazy things one sees when visiting the park.   IMG_0860 (598x800) (478x640) IMG_0859 (800x598) (640x478)

The daffodils have broken ground which means Spring has arrived! Between my allergies, the number of people in the park today, the green grass, and birds it is clear that Spring has arrived in New York City!

Since my last mile was my fastest of the day, the run home felt like nothing! But, I did spend the last few minutes dreaming of a massage, a much needed yoga class, and cleaning my Camel Bak. Oh yes, you read that right, I haven’t cleaned my Camel Bak with anything stronger than water since I bought it back in July.

10.18 miles done in 1:43! If I can keep this pace in the half, I’ll be able to reach my goal!

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But, after stretching, that was the first thing on my to-do list! I bought this cleaning kit from Amazon and was very pleased with it! The dark gunk quickly dissolved and my CamelBak is now fresh and clean!

After the cleaning session, my stomach was growling. I finally enjoyed one of Caitlin’s amazing grilled banana sandwiches!

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After a quick shower I’m heading to the grocery store to buy the ingredients for tomorrow’s brunch! I have a lot to do this afternoon so I better get moving in fast gear!

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