Ah fall, pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin beers, pumpkin candles, sweaters, boots fall leaves, cooler temperatures, and now I get to experience the transition of the season FO REAL! I could not be more excited. I am ticking the days away until the cool temperatures move in and I don't die running in the heat everyday and I can frolic in the park with leaves crunching under my feet!
Fall is also the perfect time for races, especially in New York City. It's been overwhelming trying to pick and choose what races I wanted to run; some weekends have half-marathons on both Saturday and Sunday! Here is what is on the books so far:
Run 10 Feed 10: 10k in Hudson River Park September 18.
My goal for this race is to run fast.... which I don't enjoy. I am a spiritual runner; I run for the enjoyment, the way it eases my mind and brings me peace. But for this race I would like to shoot for 55 minutes or under (fast for me.)
Brooklyn Rock and Roll Half Marathon: October 8
I have ALWAYS wanted to run a Rock & Roll after only hearing the best things about it! So when I found that one was just a quick train ride away I was sold. There are live bands all along the course, and much of it is run in Prospect Park that I am excited to see!
I am hoping for this to cut my PR by 7 minutes and run it in under two hours. Like I've said, I am an endurance runner, not a speed runner so I am hoping by incorporating one speed workout a week and a tempo run that I can accomplish this! A little over a month to go!
After my January marathon, I have been thirsty for another. I went back and forth thinking about the Brooklyn Marathon and Philadelphia Marathon (both in early November) that I would have adequate time training for, but with adjusting to city life, making new friends, I decided to wait to do another marathon. It was a tough decision, but after a little bit more time I think I will be more ready for the next one and the next training cycle. Perhaps I will get into the NYC Marathon next year, or the Marine Corps Marathon instead since it holds a special place in my heart as my dad and sister both ran in. I am also considering an ultra in the near future.... only time will tell!
Keep running friends :)
Compassion is the root for the growing tree I want to plant in the world. I run, I am compassionate, I am an animal loving vegetarian. Compassion for all people and living things is my way of life. Running for me goes hand in hand, running makes me a kinder person. Follow me, my thoughts, my running, eats, writing, and how I will impact the world.
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Fall Race Plans
Labels:
10k,
Brooklyn,
brooklyn marathon,
fall,
half marathon,
marathon,
peace,
perception,
plants,
positive,
races,
run,
run 10 feed 10,
runchat,
running,
running in the heat,
running shoes,
strength
Monday, August 22, 2016
Running and the City
Since moving to New York City, people always ask me, "Where
do you run? Aren't you constantly stopping at lights?" In actuality, NYC
is one of the most pedestrian friendly cities to run in. You can get anywhere,
from any of the boroughs to any point in the city, all on foot.
I have already
mapped out my "go to" running routes around my area, for quick
morning or easy runs and a track nearby for speed workouts. The biggest plus
about morning runs (typically around 5:30am), are that there are very few cars
so I can easily avoid stopping at lights and can do my runs almost completely
non-stop, and avoid the summer sun! During the summer months, the sun rises
around 5:30am so it is already bright out and I have no need for a safety
light. However, it is starting to stay dark until almost 6:15am (usually when I
am getting home from my run) so I bring a little clip on light with me that
blinks to alert people and cars I am coming. I ALWAYS feel best getting my runs
in before work, it sets my day up feeling my best, thinking most positively,
allowing myself time to see friends or go to events after work, or... to come
home and Netflix and get in bed at 9pm (fave.)
Those mornings
that I just can't drag myself out of bed, I lightly pack my Osprey Daylite
backpack for work, wear my running shoes to work, and then change and run home
from the office. I live in Queens but work in Manhattan, so my run commute is
the perfect distance for a short after work run (about 4 miles even.) I also
get to run over the Queensboro Bridge which I think is absolutely stunning and
boasts views of the East River, Roosevelt Island, and if you turn around
mid-bridge, a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline. For these runs I take it
pretty easy and call and talk to my parents on my run, listen to music, and
just reflect on my day and my immense blessings.
I HIGHLY suggest
this backpack for anyone that wants to do a running commute, a light day of
hiking, or to simply carry more than a belt can on a run. I purchased this at
Paragon Sports in NYC (available online as well) for $50.00 which I thought was
extremely reasonable in contrast to many competitor packs. Here are the
dimensions: 13 L, 18H X 9W X 9D IN., and weights only 1 LB! It has a pouch in
the back to fit a large Camelbak bladder and on the strap a place to thread the
drinking tube through so it stays in place. There are two adjustable cross body
straps that are fantastic; this backpack does not bounce on me at all and is
amazingly comfortable. I have had zero issues, used it to commute carrying
Tupperware, wallet, an umbrella, my clothes from the day, and water. I even got
caught in a torrential downpour and it kept everything inside dry; a pleasant
surprise. I have also gone biking and traveling with it and it holds enough for
a weekend away.
Osprey Daylite
Osprey Daylite
My favorite place to run has to be Central Park because of
its majestic beauty, history, and is a runners paradise. There are miles of
paved roads, trails, hills, and many different running terrains. An area I highly
recommend is The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, which has a 1.58 mile running
loop around the beautiful lake with views of both the East and West side of Manhattan.
It is perfect for runners, walkers, and fall strolls. For a longer run, the
Outer Park Drive Loop is 6.03 miles with many hills and views of the four sides
of the park, different neighborhoods, and the many areas the park has. Certainly
the best part about the park is that there are running and biking lanes
throughout so you are not interrupted and safe! There are many races during all
seasons of the year taking place in the park as well as other events, something
for everyone to find to do runner or not! I will post a map of my favorite
route soon.
A smoothie bowl after a long, hot run :)
Thankfully, the dog days of summer running are coming to an
end. This will be my first time experiencing the coming of fall, changing of
the leaves, and cooler running temps (Florida was consistently 70 degrees or
higher all year.) So any tips on apparel I may need for fall or winter are
greatly appreciated as my wardrobe consists of shorts and tanks!
Keep running friends.
Sunday, August 7, 2016
So it's been a minute...
Life has been nothing less but hectic, and absolutely wonderful for the past few months which resulted in a lack of posting. Between running my first Marathon in January, to some mini vacations, job hunting, moving to New York City, starting a new job, writing has been the last thing on my agenda unfortunately. However, I promise to post weekly about my exciting new adventures, struggles, and of course running which is picking back up quite wonderfully.
So... I did a thing and ran a Marathon in January. I ran the Town of Celebration Marathon and met my time goal and had a truly fantastic time with it. I struggled, triumphed, learned how strong I am physically and mentally, and crossed the finish line with tears on my face and barely able to breathe because of how proud I was of myself. Here are a couple pictures my sweet father took after he cheered me on:
So... I did a thing and ran a Marathon in January. I ran the Town of Celebration Marathon and met my time goal and had a truly fantastic time with it. I struggled, triumphed, learned how strong I am physically and mentally, and crossed the finish line with tears on my face and barely able to breathe because of how proud I was of myself. Here are a couple pictures my sweet father took after he cheered me on:
Moving to New York City has been a dream of mine since I was 19 years old. Although I have a mountain spirit, I decided for my career and current state of 24-ness that I would pick up and move to the big apple. I have been here now for going on 4 months, and when they say "the city that never sleeps" they really mean it. New Yorkers function in a constant state of being tired. I love the non-stop action, opportunities at my finger tips, and how quickly I am excelling and moving forward in my career. No where else in the world does your career boom as quickly as it does here, with lots of moving parts, quick negotiations, and people willing to give you chances.
Mom's visit in July
I love how active the city and its people are, being forced and loving walking everywhere in such a pedestrian friendly city. You can literally walk the entire city, and I regularly strap on a backpack and can even run home from work! (I will do a backpack and NYC necessary gear review soon!) There are also copious amounts of running clubs and races regularly going on around the city. I have joined the Nike Running Club for many runs and will soon run with the Brooklyn Trail Runners to experience some of the more scenic trails around the city. I am very excited with how easily accessible it is to reach the trails around the area, even including the Appalachian Trail.
Running here is hands down the best way to explore, to de-stress, to remember who I am, my goals and ambitions, and to not allow myself to get caught up in doing things that are not uniquely me. When I run I feel in the purest form of myself, I have the thoughts that get jumbled up in regular day to day activities. I am kinder, more patient, understanding, and loving. Running will do this to you, if only the whole world ran.
NYRR Women's Mini 10k (not sure why "mini")
Nike Pride Run
Running the Queensboro bridge to Manhattan
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)