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 /

Training Recap Week of September 28th

Good morning and happy Tuesday!

coffee

This week is off to a wonderful but busy start. Tonight I finally get to catch up with my long lost London girl, Charlie, as we enjoy a new to us yoga class called REST followed by a delicious homemade dinner and pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.

charlie and ashley

I have a lot to do this evening before the fun begins, including writing this post, a speed workout and multiple conference calls!

You know how the weekly training recap works. At the beginning of each week I share the past week’s workouts with you all in order to give you a glimpse into my training, hold me accountable and help me keep a record so I can see what works and doesn’t work after each races comes to a close. Last week was all about staying active and healthy but not pushing myself. I changed the order of workouts around but overall stuck to Jess’ training plan.

Monday: I started the week with an evening Bar Method class.

Tuesday: I moved my run to later in the week so I could join my friend Elizabeth at Brooklyn Body Burn. Okay, okay Jess I hear you loud and clear. When she says stick to schedule she means the EXACT schedule posted in Google docs. While I enjoyed certain moments of the class, it was everything I’d heard (hard, humbling, sweaty) and more. I will definitely not be taking another class until my two back to back half marathons are done because it left me sore for THREE days! I will hopefully get my full recap of the studio posted later this week.

Wednesday: Before flying to Dallas, I joined Theodora for Nike Run Club’s Morning Miles. It was my first Nike Run Club and I really liked it even though the weather was less than stellar. The coach planned a route for us in advance, leading us from the Flatiron Nike store to the Williamsburg Bridge and back. I split with the group at three miles to head back home and finished a total of five miles. It was a great way to see Theodora and run a new to me route.

Thursday: My original running buddy, Amy, and I were finally reunited in Dallas last week. We ran five easy miles through Downtown Dallas before a day of dark conference rooms. It was so much fun to catch up with her in advance of our half marathon together this Saturday.

Friday: Amy and I did a recovery workout together in the hotel gym which included 40 minutes on the bike, some weights,and lots of stretching.

running

Saturday: The previous day’s recovery workout paired with nine hours of sleep had me ready and anxious for Saturday morning’s long run. The weather in Dallas was crisp and perfect as I ran six miles, finishing the final five miles at an average pace of 8:48. It wasn’t easy but it felt great to know I could hold that pace for that distance.

Sunday: A complete rest day including nine hours of sleep, some foam rolling and time spent in compression socks.

Share Button
Follow:
ashleyd /

Geneva Triathlon Training– Pleased

This evening I traded in my running shoes for spa flip flops in honor of my upcoming vacation and a triathlon training treat! My feet haven’t enjoyed a pedicure since May so tonight’s treatment was definitely needed!

2014-07-14 17.57.19

Last week wasn’t perfect as I missed my speed workout but overall I am still pleased with my training. This week is the triathlon so come Monday 100% of my focus will be on the Berlin Marathon! But, until then, I have 5 days of triathlon training and a mini taper between me and the triathlon on Saturday.

Monday: I did a much needed 5 mile tempo run after work. There is nothing better than a sweaty run after a long conference which includes sitting in a dark room all day! I kept an average pace of 9:14 which considering the humidity means this training is working!

2014-07-07 18.46.36

Tuesday: The Tuesday night 90 minute power yoga class never gets old and regardless the focus of the class, each one leaves me limber and thankful for investing the time. Last week wasn’t the best week for inversions or balances but I was able to go deeper than normal in my twists and chair pose.

Wednesday: Rest day

Thursday: I squeezed in a 15 minute yoga for runners session in addition to 10 minutes of arms & abs at home while watching Friends season 4.

Friday: My 14 mile long run wasn’t perfect but I finished feeling strong and was pleased with my average pace of 9:55. I learned a lot this week including the fact that I need to bring more water or plan my route along water fountains.

2014-07-11 07.41.18

Saturday: Does walking more than 7 miles around Paris count?

Sunday: Triathlon training has helped me fall back in love with physical activity in a whole new way. Last year after a morning of travel I would come home and relax on the couch all evening. Yesterday, while I was looking forward to more Friends episodes, the thing I wanted to do first was bike and swim. Who am I? I did a reverse brick workout including biking & swimming. I rode 17 miles by myself before open water swim practice. Our practice was cut short due to weather but I still squeezed in around 1200 meters freestyle including a few sighting and triathlon simulations! I couldn’t stop smiling after this workout!

2014-07-13 17.00.26

Your turn – What are your tips for first time triathletes? I’m going to do a post dedicated to this topic later in the week! This home girl appreciates & needs any and every tip she can get!

Share Button
Follow: