ashleyd /

Finding My Rhythm With My Original Running Buddy

Theodora and Ashley Run

Happy Sunday friends!

As I mentioned earlier this week, I’m making an effort to include friends in my workouts. Luckily, this morning, I was able to run with Theodora, one of my original running buddies.

Yesterday as we were texting back and forth, we realized that we both had runs planned for this morning. With a little bit of compromise on time and location, we were able to choose a time and location that would allow for us to each get in our mileage while not getting in the way of other Sunday plans.

I woke up at 7:15 which was early enough to enjoy a banana and almond butter, cup of coffee and lots of water before leaving at 8:10. A mile into her run Theodora texted me that it was sprinkling so Glide and a hat would make the run more enjoyable.

Decked out in my most comfortable, chafe-free running gear and my favorite running hat, I ran a mile down to Atlantic Avenue before hailing a taxi to the Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge. The taxi driver was so confused that I wanted to not only go such a short distance but also that I was already in running gear. Our conversation went something like this:

“Good morning – can you please drop me on the other side of the Brooklyn Bridge. Near the City Hall subway stop?” – me

“Wait, you were just running. Why aren’t you running over the bridge? It’s only a mile or so?” – taxi driver

“Well it’s not only a mile and I am about to run over it but I’m meeting a friend on the other side. If I run over it then I’ll be too far into my run to run for an hour with her and we want plenty of time running together.” – me

“You runners are weird.” -taxi driver

We met each other at the City Hall subway stop at 8:30, exactly as planned. Since we didn’t plan an exact route in advance, Theodora let me lead the way through Brooklyn. We headed up and over the bridge, down the Brooklyn Promenade, through a few shady streets towards Brooklyn Bridge Park, down along the water and back through Cadman Plaza towards Carroll Gardens. Due to the 95% humidity we were both drenched in sweat after just a few miles and we made sure to stop frequently for water. Even with these stops and the unpleasant weather we were able to keep our pace right around a nine-minute mile. Even though my hamstring wasn’t happy and I was dripping sweat, the moment I walked through the door I felt like a million bucks. Not only could I check off this week’s long run but it went far better than expected and was enjoyed with a friend while we chatted and caught up.

Even though I am not marathon training, I am hoping that I can join Theodora and other friends for training runs over the next few weeks and months because right now it’s the best way to hold me accountable as I get back into a regular training schedule and find my rhythm.

Did you run long this weekend or workout with a friend? 

Share Button
Follow:
ashleyd /

Savoring the Perfect Runs

hills crushed

You know those confidence building, smile inducing runs that remind you why you enjoy the act of running so much? As runners, we lace up our shoes not knowing what the miles will bring. Regardless the preparatory measures we take like resting our legs, stretching, foam rolling and getting sleep – sometimes the result is far from perfect. But, those runs that include lots of smiles, flowing conversation with a running buddy and smiles are the ones we savor.

Luckily, for an hour and a half yesterday, I was able to experience one of those near perfect runs.

Originally, Ashley and I were going to run on Friday but we thought the sunshine and warmer temperatures in Saturday’s forecast seemed more appealing than snow, below 30 degree temperatures and wind gusts that greeted us when we each woke up Friday morning. The text message chain that takes place between running partners is hilarious ranging from “but I planned my week around this run” to “won’t the wind and cold just make me stronger.”  Luckily, Ashley’s argument that sunshine would be far more enjoyable won and we met yesterday on the Upper East Side at 9:15 ready for a great run.

Before leaving the house I made a pre-run breakfast of coffee, NUUN and peanut butter banana toast using Ezekiel bread, which Kristine introduced me to a few weeks ago.

peanutbutter

Our goal for the run was to keep around a 9:10 pace since I’ll need to keep under a 9:09 during the NYC Half if I want to break 1:59:59. Since the first six miles of the NYC Half are in Central Park we figured there was no better place to run than the park. Harlem Hill, Cat Hill and the rolling West Side hills were the perfect way to test my legs and see if Prospect Park, Mile High and Barry’s Bootcamp hill training has worked.

long run map elevation

As you can see from our path, we did one loop of Central Park before heading towards the reservoir for a loop and half and finally coming South back towards the Met before finally ending at Butterfield Market. The first few miles flew by even as we continued talking while our legs pushed up Harlem Hills undulating twists and turns. After starting out a bit too fast, we pulled back the pace and settled into goal race pace. The weather was perfectly cool and crisp, the park was filled with runners and we were so busy talking that we both forgot to take fuel.

run buddy

Wearing: Vest – Turtleneck – Fleece Tights – Shoes – Favorite UGA hat 

I love having an end goal in mind during long runs whether it’s a post run bagel, brunch date or smoothie. Knowing that we had delicious smoothies waiting for us when we finished was the extra boost I needed to find a kick in my step for the final half mile.
bloomfield market smoothies
I woke up this morning feeling the after effects of the hills, pace and run in my hips and IT band – a perfect reminder that today should be all about foam rolling, gentle yoga and rest. Luckily, I am two episodes into Season 1 of House of Cards so there is nothing I’d rather do after church than relax with a few more episodes.

Hope you guys are having great runs, workouts or weekend fun!

 

Share Button
Follow:
ashleyd /

A Hilly New York City Training Run

This morning we were going to be running our first race in Vermont, the Maple Leaf Half Marathon.

Unfortunately due to adult priorities like work, we had to change our plans last minute and stay in town this weekend.

dont make me adult

Instead of running a half marathon through the lush mountains of Vermont, we ran 11 miles yesterday morning in honor of 9/11. We used bridges to simulate hills and ran through both Brooklyn and Manhattan to switch things up a bit.

Our morning started at the way too early hour of 4:15 when our alarms went off, signaling that it was time to get dressed and chug some coffee before heading out the door. Luckily we both bounced right out of bed thanks to the previous night’s 9:45 bed time.

IMG_3965

You know what makes delicious long run fuel? Homemade banana bread muffins with a smear of almond butter.

By 4:45 we were out the door, keeping a 9:45 pace as we headed towards our first bridge of the morning: the Brooklyn Bridge. We carried a handheld water bottle and one pack of Honey Stinger chews with us to fuel our run. Our goal for the run was to maintain a steady pace, include some hills and test fueling methods.

IMG_3972

 

Running over the Brooklyn Bridge while New York City was still engulfed in darkness and a dense haze was very ominous until we hit the midway point on the bridge and saw the American flag waving in the darkness. Tears came to our eyes as took a moment to appreciate all the city has provided to us and gave quiet thanks to those people who lost their lives on September 11th.

IMG_3992

After exiting the Brooklyn Bridge we headed north on the East River Path towards the Williamsburg Bridge. The path was empty except for a few people heading home from bars and a few cyclists. We headed back over towards Brooklyn via the Williamsburg Bridge which is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world at 1.4 miles. I forgot how wide the path is on this bridge versus the other ones in NYC – what a treat!

IMG_3980

Once we arrived back in Brooklyn we ran through Williamsburg, BedStuy, Crown Heights, Park Slope, Gowanus and back to Carroll Gardens. The gentle incline never seemed to end and as each mile passed my legs screamed just a bit louder.

IMG_3984

IMG_3988

 

We were able to talk during the entire run while maintaining a pace around the 9:40 range until the final two miles which were downhill, allowing us to flush out the legs and keep a sub 9 minute pace!

IMG_3986

This was a weekday personal distance record for Bo, as historically he would have rolled over and gone back to sleep, saying he’d do the longer distance on the weekend. Instead, he was able to experience the Friday morning runner’s high as he walked through the office at 8am, explaining to people that he’d already finished his long run.

Some people think we’re crazy to wake up this early but at the end of the day, it allows us to train for a half marathon without impacting our social plans. We both love being able to squeeze in social workout dates on the weekend without worrying about our run. This morning I’m taking a Bar Method class with a girlfriend while he can go on a long ride.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

 

 

Share Button
Follow: