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Marathon Training

Guess what kids? Yup, it’s marathon training time again. This is the time of year when the blog will revolve primarily around running, trying not to eat everything in sight, early morning wake up calls to avoid the heat, and more. But, runners fear not because I promise to balance out the running talk with the same old food, fashion, workout reviews, and travel posts!

This year, however, there are some changes to the plan thanks to the help of my training coach, Gia. If you’re a long time reader you know that New York round 1 was amazing and crossing the finish line for the first time was one of the best moments I’ve experienced to date. However, New York round 2 was pretty much one of the worst moments of my life. After some serious assessment and discussion about the last year, Gia and I decided that in order to do our very best possible to ensure that the 3rd time would be a charm, we have to make some changes that may not always be fun but they’ll pay out.

The Next 17 Weeks Will Include:

  • Running outside
  • More protein
  • Less “empty cross training”
  • More weekday miles
  • Abs

Having the energy to be a weekend warrior has always made me proud. I’m able to work long hours on the weekend and then wake up bright and early, earlier than most of my friends like, for long runs and then squeeze in some other workout that same afternoon and the next day, never giving my muscles time to relax or recover. This year’s plan includes higher mileage during the week and then only running and yoga on the weekends. In addition, the yoga is supposed to be more restorative than strength.

In addition, I’ve been scared of the heat and hills of running outside in New York City and Central Park during the Summer months for way too long. Now that I’m regularly running with my co-workers every Monday I’ve become far more confident in my ability to not only run outside, but also run in Central Park and log miles after work.

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I’ve already talked about the more protein goal on my blog so I will therefore leave you with a link versus being repetitive.

007 I’ll also leave you with two things: protein can come in more forms than powder (per the picture above of tonight’s dinner for two) and I’ll remind you just how delicious a protein shake can be for only 200 calories, especially when it includes chocolate powder, Almond Breeze light, ice, and 1/2 a banana! 20 ounces of pure delicious, cold nutritious protein that tastes a lot like dessert!

003Oh and we can’t forget to talk about ABS. While I’m not rocking abs like Tina or Susan, I am feeling pretty confident about how much my body has leaned out the past few months. In addition, I officially have the top 2 packs of a 6 pack which gives me more motivation than ever to work my abs. Combine that with the fact that Amanda and Susan are hosting a fabulous, ass blasting AB CHALLENGE (#abchallenge) this month on their blogs and YouTube, I can promise you that a stronger core will be crossing the line this year than last. Plenty of people stronger and faster than me say that a strong core can be key to strength and stamina during long runs so I’m going to trust them. 006

Last but not least, here’s week 1 of my marathon training plan, along with the notes section. 

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The only change you may see this week would be doing my 10 on Friday instead of Saturday due to my in-laws visit to NYC this weekend.

So there you have it, marathon training has kicked off and I couldn’t be more excited for this year!

If you have time, I’d love if you could support my friend Dorothy as she has been selected as one of 10 finalists for the Skechers Go Run Cover Model Contest! She and I would both love for you to support her by voting for her here!

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Weekly Workouts and Protein Two Ways

What a Monday. I can already tell this week is going to be a crazy week in many ways. But, in order to make sure I don’t miss any workouts, I’m going to share them with you before we get to today’s highlights.

Weekly Workout Plan

Monday: 7 mile run in Central Park with my office running group

Tuesday: Abs+Arms followed by an AM hour yoga class at Equinox

Wednesday: AM run+ PM Summer Solstice Yoga in Times Square

Thursday: AM spin at Equinox

Friday: AM long run with Leticia

Saturday: Dancing the night away in Chapel Hill at a wedding (this counts as cross training right?)

Sunday: Long walk

I love running with my co-workers on Monday as it is a perfect way to relieve some stress and it helps keep me accountable on the eating front. I used to be a horrible stress eater and little things like this have helped me change my habits. Knowing that a group of people are waiting to run with you at 6pm can make a handful of chocolates or a bag of M&M’s far less appealing in a moment of stress or temptation. Instead, today I went for pretzels and almonds! In case you’re looking for a great NYC running route, here’s the route we took tonight. I really enjoyed the few hills, beautiful reservoir path and dodging tourists. We joked that it makes you feel like you’re in some video game. image

This week is a bit of a chaotic mess on the workout front due to a quick trip down to Chapel Hill for a high school friend’s wedding along with some special events. I don’t normally specialize in two a days but as marathon training ramps up, I wouldn’t be surprised if there was at least one 2 a day in the schedule each week. Normally one of the workouts is a more relaxing yoga like workout to stretch and restore my muscles versus beat them up further. Also, you’ll notice the worlds “at Equinox” in my workouts plans more and more. I love the convenience of Equinox but feel I need to do a better job trying their different classes versus spending unnecessary money hopping around to NYC’s boutique studios. So outside of the occasional Soul Cycle date with Bo or friends, most of my workouts will be outside or at Equinox unless they are special blog events.

The rest of today’s highlights revolve around protein. As part of a Fitfluential and GNC partnership, I have the opportunity to review a few of their different protein powders. Today I tried the 100% Whey powder two different ways: oats and smoothie. I was amazed at how well the protein blended with my oats and loved the vanilla flavor. It wasn’t very sweet due to the low sugar but was just enough to give both a bit of flavor.

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After my run with the group all I wanted was a relaxing night in the tub. There is nothing like a few good magazines, bath salts, candles, music, and a smoothie after a long day.

008Before we part ways, I have a reminder and a Pintrest update.

Reminder: If you’re in the NYC area, Athleta is sponsoring this year’s Summer Solstice Yoga event in Times Square on Wednesday from 7:30am-8:30pm. I’ll be sweating it out with Theodora during the 7pm yoga class if you care to join!

Pintrest: I created a new board tonight on Pintrest featuring my upcoming races! If you are interested in health, beauty, running, travel, or recipes I’d love for you to follow my boards!

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NYRR Mini 10k

This morning I ran the NYRR Mini 10K for the second time. I love doing races year after year, especially when the course doesn’t change, as it allows me to see how far I’ve come as a runner during a year of training.

While last year’s race was hot and humid, this morning’s weather was far more pleasant. But, other than the weather everything was just like last year.

  • Too few port-a-potties for over 6,000 women
  • Lots of inspirational speakers at the beginning
  • Tons of girl power from both the cheering along the sidelines and within the corrals
  • An awesome medal at the finish
  • A PR!

Theodora and I headed up to Central Park via the Subway around 7 so that we’d have time to check our bags and use the restroom before the race. I ate my pre-race breakfast during our commute, a sandwich thin with a thin spread of peanut butter and half a banana. IMG_2819

By 7:30 when we arrived near Central Park West the area was already crowded. There were women everywhere yet I somehow managed to see Megan and Amelia while walking around, proof that even in this large city, I am starting to feel at home. IMG_2821

Theodora and I lost each other pretty early as checking my bag was my #1 priority and using the bathroom was her #1 priority. She was smart as I wasn’t able to use the bathroom before the race due to the horrible lines. On top of the bathroom shortage, Columbus Circle bathrooms no longer open before 8am.

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I headed to the corrals after checking my bag and spent the next 10 minutes chatting with strangers and stretching. Today was the 8th day in a row I’ve run more than 3 miles and that combined with yesterday’s 6 hour flight back from San Francisco meant that my legs weren’t exactly fresh. Oh well. I decided early that this race would be my best effort and that my goal was for anything better than my PR and if nothing else to just enjoy the race as much as possible. In addition, I knew that I wanted to practice a more steady pace, which is one of Gia’s goals for me over the next few months leading up to the marathon.

From Athlinks  NYRR New York Mini 10K 2011
6/11/11
716
2615
2615
9:54
1:01:3

IMG_2543 (640x478)

At 8am the race started without a hitch other than the crowds.  The first 5k felt flawless. My pace was steady, the crowds were great along the sidelines, my music was pumping, and the rain held off. Eventually, right past the 5K point I had to stop and use the restroom as I knew I’d never make it the rest of the race. But, thanks to no line this was the fastest bathroom stop EVER! 

Mile 1: 9:17

Mile 2: 9:20

Mile 3: 9:19

Mile 4: 10:13

Mile 5: 9:33

Mile 6: 9:50

Overall, I loved this race and was proud of my more steady pace though I know I can still use some improvement. My legs definitely weren’t fresh and I think that on fresh legs a faster time is definitely possible. But, according to my Garmin I kept a 9:36 pace and according to NYRR I kept a 9:43; both of which are fast enough for a new, shiny PR!

NYRR New York Mini 10K
June 9, 2012		 6.2 1:01:17 1:00:15 9:43 2970 / 6121 2970 / 6119 748 / 1406 1:00:15 50.3%

Hope everyone else who ran today enjoyed it and if you’re a local and have never run the NYRR Mini 10K, I can’t recommend it enough!

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