sooooo I am SORE from Pilates this morning. good grief. It dawned on me today that I haven't done anything remotely active in nearly 3 weeks... and yes I am supposed to be running a marathon in 1 month. 29 days to be exact.
I've been living in blissful ignorance for a long time now. Somehow I'm not even worried about it. I refuse to recognize the magnitude of exactly what I'm about to undertake in just 4 weeks from today... I'm refusing to let the reality sink in that I am in no way shape or form even remotely prepared to run for 26.2 miles without stopping. Yet, I still have every intention of going through with this and doing it, and although I'm clearly not properly prepared, I still believe that I'll be able to do it.
Even if I just go out nice and easy, and just jog the entire race. Even if I have to stop and walk for part of it... if it happens, so be it. It would be completely mortifying, but can't get mad at myself for failing at something when I consciously chose not to prepare for it. Besides I just want to experience this race - my goal is simply to have fun. I don't really care how I do. (of course I say that now... ask me how I feel after the race and I'll probably be kicking myself for not giving it my all.)
Tomorrow I'm planning to go for a long run. It's absolutely necessary at this point; it's my "do or die" moment. If I can go out and run 12-18 miles comfortably and relatively easily, with minimal discomfort, I'll feel much more confident that I can tackle this marathon. If I can't... well... I will be in for a VERY rude awakening... but I'll worry about that only if it happens. We're not even going to entertain that possibility.
I'll conquer this marathon, propelled solely by blind stupidity and sheer determination. It's amazing what you can achieve once you set your mind to something, and it's incredible what your body can do when you let your mind take over. Marathons and endurance events are as much about mental toughness as they are about physical fitness. Perhaps even more so. My mind is ready to handle this race.
26.2 miles doesn't seem that daunting. I've done it once in my life I can surely do it again no problem.
This race will be difficult for sure, and I most likely will not be able to walk the next day, but I am going to do it. No matter what.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Monday, September 3, 2012
From Dusk to Dark
Light rain when I started, cleared up after about 10-15 minutes. Cops were stationed on every corner because of the huge Hispanic day parade. (Thank goodness I waited so long to go outside or honestly otherwise I wouldn't have been able to run anywhere!) It got dark around 7:45pm and I was only halfway done (had just approached the park) but it was lovely and peaceful running through Brooklyn Bridge Park at night. For the most part, things went smoothly and I moved fairly rapidly. It was easy to really push during the long flat straight-aways with minimal traffic and few pedestrians. Only got stuck at a few lights, which made it even easier to maintain momentum.
Running at dusk was difficult; the poor lighting made it difficult to see properly and very difficult to get a good sense of my surroundings. Nighttime was much better. Loved the view at the waterfront!
Legs are killing me! Still sore from yesterday's functional! My legs did not want to stay upright and threatened to collapse underneath me (knees actually wobbled a few times). Yet I still felt strong. Managed to maintain a forefoot strike the entire time!
Running at dusk was difficult; the poor lighting made it difficult to see properly and very difficult to get a good sense of my surroundings. Nighttime was much better. Loved the view at the waterfront!
Legs are killing me! Still sore from yesterday's functional! My legs did not want to stay upright and threatened to collapse underneath me (knees actually wobbled a few times). Yet I still felt strong. Managed to maintain a forefoot strike the entire time!
Friday, August 10, 2012
Fartlek in the Park
Fun run!!! It was extremely muggy - despite taking it easy and being out for under half an hour, I was completely drenched in sweat. Made it back home literally just in time before the rain started.
Explored paths and trails through Prospect Park and had a blast. Discovered a nature trail and galavanted along the Long Meadow. It was way more fun than the bridle path or the roads, and even more fun than the cobblestone pathways. Definitely have to go back!
Explored paths and trails through Prospect Park and had a blast. Discovered a nature trail and galavanted along the Long Meadow. It was way more fun than the bridle path or the roads, and even more fun than the cobblestone pathways. Definitely have to go back!
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Long Marathon Training Run #1
My first "long" marathon training run. wow. so much to say about this run. I went all the way to the Brooklyn Bridge, over the bridge into Manhattan, and then back home again. 8 miles! My longest run so far this year!
It was an overcast, relatively cool summer day, so I planned to go out around around 12pm. That didn't exactly happen as planned. Instead I sat around the apartment all day with a huge stomach ache and didn't make it out the door until nearly 6pm.
It was an overcast, relatively cool summer day, so I planned to go out around around 12pm. That didn't exactly happen as planned. Instead I sat around the apartment all day with a huge stomach ache and didn't make it out the door until nearly 6pm.
It wasn't easy. On the way my stomach aches persisted and gradually grew worse. I barely made it 2 miles when I stopped due to the intense pain/discomfort in my abdomen and nearly turned around to go back home. Somehow I managed to convince myself to keep going, so I started walking again, then gradually began jogging, and continued on my way. I picked up speed, fell into a relatively comfortable pace, and made it all the way over the bridge.
By the time I reached the end of the bridge, I had to stop to revive myself. I took a quick break at the water fountain and popped some dried cherries while I deliberated over my next move. I seriously contemplated taking the subway back home, then told myself that was dumb. Part of me wanted to call it a day and get on the subway, but part of me wanted to forge onward and run/shuffle my way home. I'd been out for 40 minutes and gone just under 4 miles.
My determination won out and I ran back over the bridge - the way back was so much easier. Surprisingly, the cherries helped my stomach feel better! I fell into a groove, and since my stomach wasn't bothering me anymore. I even zoned out a few times. However my feet started to hurt a lot. They kept banging up against the front of my shoe and my forefoot and toes were in pain. Either my feet have grown, or my new forefoot strike pushes my weight forward in a way that my feet aren't used to yet. Either way I need to purchase new running shoes. It's perhaps high time to get rid of the half a dozen - or more - old running shoes that I've been collecting, most of them are from 2008-2009 and are long past their mileage expiration. It's perhaps time to streamline my life with just one (maybe two) pairs of running shoes. So every time I stopped at a red light or intersection, I grew increasingly aware of the sharp pains in both feet.
Soon enough the pain transferred to my legs and I knew I had reached the point where my ability to finish my run would be a case of mind over matter. As long as I could keep running, I'd be fine, but the second I stopped my legs and feet would hurt so badly that I could barely walk. The only choice was to keep running, so I did, and I made it all the way home without stopping. Since I had taken it "easy" for the entire run, I had energy to spare at the the end and was able to pick up my pace for the last half mile and sprint at the very end.
I'm honestly shocked I lasted the full 8 miles. This is by far the farthest I've run all year, and I'm positive that if I can survive 8 miles then I can most certainly do 13. So I'm not worried about the half anymore. Not that I ever was worried in the first place... but it's comforting to know I can essentially just pop off the couch and run 8 miles. It wasn't effortless, and it certainly wasn't easy, but it really wasn't that hard either; for all intents and purposes, it was totally doable.
By the time I reached the end of the bridge, I had to stop to revive myself. I took a quick break at the water fountain and popped some dried cherries while I deliberated over my next move. I seriously contemplated taking the subway back home, then told myself that was dumb. Part of me wanted to call it a day and get on the subway, but part of me wanted to forge onward and run/shuffle my way home. I'd been out for 40 minutes and gone just under 4 miles.
My determination won out and I ran back over the bridge - the way back was so much easier. Surprisingly, the cherries helped my stomach feel better! I fell into a groove, and since my stomach wasn't bothering me anymore. I even zoned out a few times. However my feet started to hurt a lot. They kept banging up against the front of my shoe and my forefoot and toes were in pain. Either my feet have grown, or my new forefoot strike pushes my weight forward in a way that my feet aren't used to yet. Either way I need to purchase new running shoes. It's perhaps high time to get rid of the half a dozen - or more - old running shoes that I've been collecting, most of them are from 2008-2009 and are long past their mileage expiration. It's perhaps time to streamline my life with just one (maybe two) pairs of running shoes. So every time I stopped at a red light or intersection, I grew increasingly aware of the sharp pains in both feet.
Soon enough the pain transferred to my legs and I knew I had reached the point where my ability to finish my run would be a case of mind over matter. As long as I could keep running, I'd be fine, but the second I stopped my legs and feet would hurt so badly that I could barely walk. The only choice was to keep running, so I did, and I made it all the way home without stopping. Since I had taken it "easy" for the entire run, I had energy to spare at the the end and was able to pick up my pace for the last half mile and sprint at the very end.
I'm honestly shocked I lasted the full 8 miles. This is by far the farthest I've run all year, and I'm positive that if I can survive 8 miles then I can most certainly do 13. So I'm not worried about the half anymore. Not that I ever was worried in the first place... but it's comforting to know I can essentially just pop off the couch and run 8 miles. It wasn't effortless, and it certainly wasn't easy, but it really wasn't that hard either; for all intents and purposes, it was totally doable.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Hard Work Pays Off!!!
Presenting...
the results of my very first figure competition!
Progress photos below show my progression week to week, over the course of approximately 2 months of preparation, dedication, determination, and a lot of hard work. The pictures on the far left were taken Feb 2, 2012 and the final pics on the far right were taken on April 12, 2012 just days before my show.
Right Side Comparison
Back Comparison
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Training for a Figure Competition
I can't remember the last time I went out for a leisurely long run. Actually, come to think of it, I can't even remember the last time I went for any kind of run. I can't believe how long it's been. You can't blame the hiatus on nasty winter weather - we've had a very mild winter, even more mild than last year. The lack of running isn't due to sickness - I'm healthier and more vibrant than I've ever been. You can't blame it on lack of energy - I feel more fantastic and have more energy than ever before.
So what happened? About 2 months ago, I started training for my first figure competition, and immediately my entire world shifted focus. I am now a fitness competitor. I still don't honestly believe that about myself, but it doesn't hurt to say it. Maybe it'll drive home the point. I certainly don't feel like a runner anymore. My whole world changed and I didn't even realize it as it was happening. Whereas before I was concerned about things like weekly mileage, pace, PR's, and appropriately layering for the changing seasons, now I find myself far more concerned about fitting in training sessions, prepping all my food every week, pushing through extremely intense workouts, properly fueling and recovering, and practicing poses in 5" heels.
I mean, lets be real; I was never a serious runner anyway. I was never really obsessed with things like splits and weekly mileage, but my point is, I thought about them. Now, I don't think about these things at all. I don't have any races on my calendar yet for 2011. Normally when the NYRR race calendar is released, I jump right on the website to register for popular races before they fill up and/or the registration fee increases. I'll never forget last year sitting at my computer at work, reading through my Twitter feed, when I realized that the Brooklyn Half registration not only opened that day, but it was rapidly filling up and in danger of selling out the very same day. I absolutely didn't want to miss out on this race! I panicked, registered immediatley and sure enough, less than 24 hours later, the race had reached capacity. Then I ran the Brooklyn Half and it was such an amazing uplifting experiene for me, that I was super-charged for the rest of the year. In so many ways, it was the perfect kick-off to an awesome summer of running countless PR's. This time last year, I had a jam-packed year of races planned out well in advace and proceeded to dominate them all.
Fast forward to this year. I guarantee you the Brooklyn half has already filled up. I honestly don't know when registration opened.. I don't even know when the race is!! I didn't even realize the NYC Half was this past Sunday until one friend asked me if I was going to run. I feel completely out of touch with the NYC running community. I have absolutely no idea what races are coming up in the next couple months, and I actually don't have a single race penciled in my calendar yet this year. It's been over three whole months since I've been actively running - that's a quarter of a year! This is the longest break I've EVER taken from running since I started high school cross country back in 2002! Through the years, I've gone through multiple lazy phases, but they never last more than a few weeks. I've been sick and deathly ill, I've been injured, had surgeries, been forced to stop running, yet I always return to running wholeheartedly. I just can't believe it's been that long.
Sadly, figure training and distance running don't mix very well. The last thing you want to do is burn precious muscle that you worked so hard to build by doing excessive long-form cardio. I do miss running, and races, but right now it's just not an option. So until further notice, you can find me at the gym, I'll be there 5-6 days a week, hitting the weights and hitting them HARD. After all, I'm only 3 weeks out from my first show!!!
So what happened? About 2 months ago, I started training for my first figure competition, and immediately my entire world shifted focus. I am now a fitness competitor. I still don't honestly believe that about myself, but it doesn't hurt to say it. Maybe it'll drive home the point. I certainly don't feel like a runner anymore. My whole world changed and I didn't even realize it as it was happening. Whereas before I was concerned about things like weekly mileage, pace, PR's, and appropriately layering for the changing seasons, now I find myself far more concerned about fitting in training sessions, prepping all my food every week, pushing through extremely intense workouts, properly fueling and recovering, and practicing poses in 5" heels.
I mean, lets be real; I was never a serious runner anyway. I was never really obsessed with things like splits and weekly mileage, but my point is, I thought about them. Now, I don't think about these things at all. I don't have any races on my calendar yet for 2011. Normally when the NYRR race calendar is released, I jump right on the website to register for popular races before they fill up and/or the registration fee increases. I'll never forget last year sitting at my computer at work, reading through my Twitter feed, when I realized that the Brooklyn Half registration not only opened that day, but it was rapidly filling up and in danger of selling out the very same day. I absolutely didn't want to miss out on this race! I panicked, registered immediatley and sure enough, less than 24 hours later, the race had reached capacity. Then I ran the Brooklyn Half and it was such an amazing uplifting experiene for me, that I was super-charged for the rest of the year. In so many ways, it was the perfect kick-off to an awesome summer of running countless PR's. This time last year, I had a jam-packed year of races planned out well in advace and proceeded to dominate them all.
Fast forward to this year. I guarantee you the Brooklyn half has already filled up. I honestly don't know when registration opened.. I don't even know when the race is!! I didn't even realize the NYC Half was this past Sunday until one friend asked me if I was going to run. I feel completely out of touch with the NYC running community. I have absolutely no idea what races are coming up in the next couple months, and I actually don't have a single race penciled in my calendar yet this year. It's been over three whole months since I've been actively running - that's a quarter of a year! This is the longest break I've EVER taken from running since I started high school cross country back in 2002! Through the years, I've gone through multiple lazy phases, but they never last more than a few weeks. I've been sick and deathly ill, I've been injured, had surgeries, been forced to stop running, yet I always return to running wholeheartedly. I just can't believe it's been that long.
Sadly, figure training and distance running don't mix very well. The last thing you want to do is burn precious muscle that you worked so hard to build by doing excessive long-form cardio. I do miss running, and races, but right now it's just not an option. So until further notice, you can find me at the gym, I'll be there 5-6 days a week, hitting the weights and hitting them HARD. After all, I'm only 3 weeks out from my first show!!!
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