Smile.

best. video. ever.

Reflecting and moving forward

The NYC marathon was a success. I didn't exactly make my time goal, but being 8 minutes off with 4:38:21 was completely commendable, considering my first marathon in 2008 was a 5:37. An hour off my best time is not too shabby.

And, within the couple of days after completing the NYC marathon, I had decided that I'd be running another marathon. In March. The National Marathon is on March 26, 2010, and after thinking it over, having initially decided to run the half, I thought, "why not?" and signed up for the full. My figuring is that if I cannot keep up with the full training schedule through the cold running days of NY wintertime, I can always drop down to the half. But, it gives me something to push toward and keeps me running. This time, I want to keep that cross training in check, really build my core, stamina, and drop a few pounds to hit the initial time goal of 4:30. I know I can do it. I just have to push. Keep pushing.

Training anxiety

I'm reviewing my run map for tomorrow morning again. I cannot get to sleep yet. Between the loud neighbors having some party in the backyard to my mind racing about where I'll be when I hit which mile and where there will be water to refill the bottle and if the 4 Gu's are enough for the 22 miles. 22 miles. What? I have no idea what is going on. Who runs 22 miles? Well, I had better, since I am running from home and ending up at Central Park, which will be around 9 miles. Then I am completing the final 13 miles there by running a half marathon race. I don't really have other options. That's what's happening. I will get there and I will run there.

And, that will be the worst of it. This will be my longest run in my training. I made it through 15, 18, 20. I can make it through this. And then I will taper. And then I will run the marathon. I still care how fast I will end up going, but not enough to let it ruin my experience. I decided that I had to give up on my time goals just because I would rather finish smiling, than finish with a scowl. So, goal is to finish, to enjoy the day. If I make it under 4:30, all the better.

I am frustrated that I feel alone in my training right now. It's what I wanted and what I planned--to do this alone. But, I feel like there is no one to train with anymore. I have to do my 22 how I want to do my 22. And, that's it. This will be, by far, the longest distance I have ever covered by myself. Part is with other racers, but none is with a partner. And, the Shuffle is staying home. It's just gonna be me for a few hours.

Danger Danger! High Mileage!

It's that time again. Time for ice baths and sore feet. Hobbling up and down stairs, feeling like my knees are that of an 85 year old.

Yesterday I completed the longest run of my training so far. It was supposed to be 20 miles, but with a bit extra it ended up being closer to 20.5 or so. It was also the most mileage I've had in any given week, I think maybe ever in my life. Though a lot of distance runners tend to log somewhere between 50-70 miles a week, I've never done that. My midweek runs tend to be shorter than they probably should, and I don't have a ton of them. So, last week, I actually was able to get out and run a total of 5 days, bringing my weekly grand total to just over 42 miles! That is huge for me and gives me confidence to keep pushing. I am sore today, but I don't feel hurt in any bad way.

I am just hungry. So hungry. Time to eat.

Powering up

Forgive me. It's been over 3 months since my last blog entry.

I had meant to keep up with blogging while I was away on the roadtrip this summer, but I just had no time or inclination to write while I was on the road. I took a lot of photos and did some regular Facebook updating to stay in touch with folks who wanted to see where I was, but dropped the blog altogether. It was really more about the experience. The life-affirming experience that made me appreciate the wonders of the rest of the U.S. after hitting 18 national parks, and also appreciate that I live in the greatest city. And I belong here.

So, the questions I got upon my return were the direct "what was your favorite part?" and the indirect "sooo....how was it?" (translation, "are you and D still together?") The answer is yes, D and I are going strong. As for favorites, I have a hard time with any sort of favorite list, but I do know I want to return to Utah/Arizona and hike down into the canyons.

One of my "favorites." Arches National Park, Utah.

Inspiration Point @ Bryce Canyon NP, Utah.

So, I'm back in BK. Back training. I was scared for a while this summer that I wouldn't be able to get my training in order for the NYC Marathon in November, but I am up and at it. I have my first 20 miler planned for this Sunday and we are less than 2 months away from the race.

This is the longest I've ever planned ahead in my life. I can't believe that I was training over 2 years ago for my first marathon. I feel like this is the longest goal-setting I've ever had. In 2008, I made the decision to run the 2010 NYC Marathon by qualifying in 2009. And, that is actually what's happening.

and, I'm off!

So much has happened these last few months! Tomorrow early morning, I am off to Iowa to join D and his fam, go to a wedding, and then head out west in a car I can't currently drive (need to be taught stick...again). Maybe this time the instructions will...stick? Sorry.

Anyway, yeah. Road trip for 8 weeks. 8 weeks. What? In my geekdom, D and I have been working off a spreadsheet. I am in love with Google Docs. Seriously.














So, many national parks, breweries, lots of backpacking and camping, cool cities where I've yet to go, large balls of twine, wine, bikes, horses, mountains, and bears. I have no idea what I'm in for.

I'll be attempting to keep up the blog with posts and photos from our travels, so stay tuned.

well, well

As Annie Hall would say...la dee da.

If that was her use of the English language when she was uncomfortable or didn't quite know what to say, I think that it's fitting right about now. How life can change in a couple of months. I've never been one to be under the delusion that I will remain consistent in my opinions or viewpoints. And, as I am reminded on a daily basis, "we must let go of the life we planned so as to accept the life that is waiting for us." And, how different that life turns out to be.

Job seeking has not been the best. I mean, it's been an interesting time in life. Going through job postings, some of which make me want to vomit, and figuring out what it is that I can see myself doing for any length of time. Interesting that I used to use this same gauge as a dating method...if he didn't make me want to vomit, I'd accept a second date.

But, really, I'd like to go through life on a higher level than avoiding throwing up. You know? Isn't there a better way to exist? I mean, sure, it's nice not to throw up. But, really, I want to actually seek happiness in my existence and feel good about my life.

Every day I hear people complain about their lives. It doesn't really matter what they are up to. Maybe they are a student complaining about frustration with a professor. Maybe they are fed up with their job, for any number of reasons. Maybe they are unemployed. Maybe they are single and lonely. Maybe they are attached and at the end of their rope. Everyone has something they can grasp onto that makes them unhappy.

I've realized that as of late, I don't really complain that much (well, compared to how I've been in the past). And, that is something. I have to really search my life and my mind for those things to complain about. Maybe aiming to maintain this sort of existence...one without as much complaint...maybe that's a start.

For now, I'll continue by taking spin and yoga this evening. And brainstorming about exciting summer possibilities...