A New Personal Distance Record

Training for my third marathon is very different than my first. There isn’t the novelty factor or the excitement since I’ve run all the distances before. I miss finishing a long run feeling invincible because I ran a new distance, never before fathomed.

In hopes of avoiding burnout and boredom this year, I’m figuring out new ways to keep the experience fresh and fun. Running in different cities helps immensely as there is excitement and I find the miles fly by as I lose myself in the scenery. Signing up for races on the weekends can also help break up the distance. When we are in Seattle next weekend we are running a 10 mile bridge race across the Narrows as part of our 16 miler. The middle ten miles will be filled with people, excitement, new sights, and energy while also allowing me to practice pacing and running without stopping since I won’t have to deal with traffic or lights.

Earlier this week when Meghan and I were talking about our long run I suggested we run to the George Washington Bridge. Located on the Northwest end of the Island the bridge connects New York and New Jersey while spanning almost a mile across the Hudson. On a clear day the views are breathtaking and on a steamy, hazy day like yesterday the bridge provides some much needed breeze.

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The best part about this route was that it was a Westside Highway or Hudson River Greenway PDR and took me further north than I’ve ever been! Knowing that we had a landmark goal made the run north more fun and motivated us to keep going versus possibly turning around early. The route also challenged us with hills in the second half, great practice for our hill filled marathon.

So while none of my distances this time around will be new, one of my keys to a fun training season is finding something new in each long run whether it’s a bridge you’ve never crossed, a hill you haven’t conquered, a new path, negative splits, or a new running partner.

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How do you keep your training schedule fresh and exciting?

 

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Five Miles Along Lake Michigan

If you’re new to my blog, then I guess I should let you know that running in a new city is one of my favorite things to do when I travel, whether with Bo, friends, or work. It’s a great way to appreciate the city from a different vantage point and feel like a local.

This week’s work trip was no exception and therefore I was looking forward to my five miler in Chicago as soon as I landed! The weather was supposed to be pretty perfect for August, a cool 70 degrees at daybreak, and super sunny.

Tuesday night, upon checking in at our hotel, I chatted with the front desk to verify my planned route that I’d put together on Map My Run. I highly having locals review your route if you’re in a new city to ensure that it is safe. 

Due to this planning, I was able to wakeup and head out quickly Wednesday morning for five miles along Lake Michigan before my breakfast work meeting. The sight that greeted me as I exited the hotel was breathtaking.

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I took the pedestrian tunnel under the highway over to the Chicago Lakefront Trail along the lake and Navy Pier area.  This path is a runner’s paradise as it is 18 miles long (hear that NYC?!) , paved, and includes amenities such as bathrooms, frequent water fountains, storage lockers, and restaurants.

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As soon as I exited on the other side I was greeted with the beachfront and a scene of swimmers heading into the lake for their morning run along with throngs of runners and bikers. It was inspiring to see so many other people out this early, enjoying the wonderful weather.

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I put in my headphones and just started running along the water, enjoying the scenery and my legs’ unexpected freshness and energy.

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I even saw a runner carrying a large American flag around mile 2.

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I turned around when I saw 2.5 miles pop up on my Garmin, right along a beach area where there were people doing boot camps, taking yoga, enjoying sand personal training sessions, and swimming in the water. While I love running in Central Park, this area of Chicago is pretty amazing and offers so many different fitness options.

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How great would Sun & Moon Beach Yoga be for a Thursday happy hour option after a long day of work?

A kind woman offered to snap a picture of me as she noticed me taking pictures at my turnaround point. A NYC runner enjoying a great Chicago run!

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My views running back towards the hotel were even better as I had the sand and lake to my left and the skyline in front of me.

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Five miles done bright and early before a long day of meetings! I especially loved the negatives splits during this progression run including my last mile at 9:36! Have I mentioned how ready I am for cooler, Fall weather in New York City? My marathon training will be forever thankful if it comes earlier versus later.

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What is your favorite running city?

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NYCM Training Week 7: A New Running Mantra

Training last week left me feeling invigorated and craving more weeks of running. It was my first week logging 30 miles and I enjoyed every minute of my long run.

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Instead of being stressed out by the marathon and the amount of time I have to dedicate to running, I convinced myself to use the time to clear my head. Tonight I ran over 3 miles without any music, just thinking about the week, brainstorming blog post ideas, enjoying the scenery, and listening to my breath. It was during these miles that I captured the below picture, which pretty much sums up the way I’m thinking about running from now on. Hopefully the person I’m destined to be is someone who can leave my frustrations, stress, anxiety, and worry on the path and cross the finish line of the New York City Marathon on November 4th in under 5 hours.

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Last week was also the first week that I completed every single workout, which was a great feeling come Sunday night. My goal for this week is to do the same in addition to getting in strength training (tomorrow) and yoga (Saturday post run).

I’m traveling once again this week but unlike last week, will definitely be able to enjoy at least one run outside. Our hotel is right on the Chicago lake front which means there is a sunrise run along the water in my future!

Monday: 5 miles (East River Path home)

Tuesday: personal training+foam rolling

Wednesday: 3 miles and yoga or cross training

Thursday: 5 miles

Friday: rest day

Saturday: 16-18 miles with Meghan followed by yoga with Kristin McGee 

Sunday: 3 mile shakeout run

What mantra gets you through the tough workouts?

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