Monday, December 31, 2012

2012 in 2012: Sandy Relief Challenge - Day 54

Miles to run as of beginning of Sunday, 12/30: 0

Miles run on 12/30: 2.54

Lazy day for me after finishing 2,012 miles. I ran home from the theater after watching Les Miserables with friends.

This is my last update of the year, as I haven't done my run for today. I'll probably run to the Emerald Nuts Midnight Run.

2012 has been one of my best years so far. I look forward to getting more in depth with that statement in the next couple of days. For now, though, I wish you all a very happy New Year. My sincerest thanks for your support in the Sandy Relief Challenge. I'm certain the funds raised will go to good, productive use through the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City.

Stay safe!

Miles to run as of beginning of Monday, 12/31: 0

Fundraising link!

http://www.crowdrise.com/2012in2012forSandyRelief/

2012 in 2012: Sandy Relief Challenge - Day 53 - MILES GOAL MET!

Miles to run as of beginning of Saturday, 12/29: 16.93

Miles run on 12/29: 17!

That's right! I finished my 2,012 miles! All thanks to my friend Amortya, who let me tag along on his marathon training run. I met him at the WTC PATH station, which was about 2 miles from my apartment. Then I took him for a bridge run and we ended at Shake Shack, which was a very appropriate end location. You better believe I had some frozen custard. The flavor of the day was Gingerbread.

Miles to run as of beginning of 12/30: 0!

Fundraising link!

http://www.crowdrise.com/2012in2012forSandyRelief/

2012 in 2012: Sandy Relief Challenge - Day 52

Miles to run as of Friday, 12/28: 20.43

Miles run on 12/28: 3.5

First, let me say happy birthday to Matthew, my little brother. Happy 24th, sir. May your 25th year be full of health and happiness.

I was supposed to fly back to New York City at 7am. Unfortunately, I miscalculated the amount of time it would take to check Phoebe in, so I ended up missing the flight and couldn't fly out until 5:30pm. On the bright side, I got to spend a little extra time at home.

Since I expected to get back to the city around midnight, I ran at the rec center before I left. I should have run the full 5.5, but I was not feeling it at all and was under time constraints. I ran 3.5 miles and did a core workout.

Miles to run as of beginning of Saturday, 12/29: 16.93

Fundraising link!

http://www.crowdrise.com/2012in2012forSandyRelief/

2012 in 2012: Sandy Relief Challenge - Day 51

Miles to run as of beginning of Thursday, 12/27: 29.43

Miles run on 12/27: 9

After a few days of just getting by on the running, I finally got a really good workout in. I started with 3 miles on the treadmill (the one I hate) and two of them were at 8 minute/mile pace. Afterward, I did the core workout Chris taught me followed by another two miles on the track. I then did most of the rest of the strength workout Chris gave me and finished with an additional 4 miles on the track. I was there for 3 hours and very proud of myself.

Miles to run as of beginning of Friday, 12/28: 20.43

Fundraising link!

http://www.crowdrise.com/2012in2012forSandyRelief/

2012 in 2012: Sandy Relief Challenge - Day 50

Miles to run as of beginning of Wednesday, 12/26: 32.61

Miles run on 12/26: 3.18

This was a busy day. We had to take Buster to the shelter before heading back to Dallas from San Antonio and so we didn't get on the road until after 3. We arrived home around 8 and my mom drove me to the rec center to get in a few last minute miles.

Miles to run as of beginning of Thursday, 12/27: 29.43

Fundraising link!

http://www.crowdrise.com/2012in2012forSandyRelief/

2012 in 2012: Sandy Relief Challenge - Day 49 - Merry Christmas!

Miles to run as of beginning of Christmas Day: 37.61

Miles run on 12/25: 5.0

I hope everyone had a very, merry Christmas. Mine was nice and started off with breakfast and gift exchange with my mom and brother. Full disclosure: Christmas breakfast consisted entirely of cookies. And maybe a piece of pan dulce. I don't really know because I stopped keeping track pretty much before the day started.

I started my run late in the afternoon, after Christmas lunch (mmm...tamales) and took the loop I usually run around my grandparents' neighborhood. After a couple miles, a small to medium sized dog ran up to me. I looked around to see if his owner was anywhere nearby, but didn't see anyone and continued on, thinking he would run off.

He didn't! He kept running with me for another 2.5 miles and I noticed that his foot was cut up and bleeding. Since it was supposed to freeze that night, my grandfather said it was okay for him to stay in the garage until we took him to Animal Care Services the next day. We found out that he had been adopted on the 22nd and, after several escape attempts, the new owners must have simply taken his collar off and let him go, rather than bringing him back to the shelter. The animal shelter said they'd investigate. Hopefully they'll ban them from adopting again, at the very least.

I really hope he's already found a home because he was a sweet boy. If you live in the San Antonio area and are looking for a dog, send me an email so you can go rescue this guy.

His name is Buster
Miles to run as of beginning of 12/26: 32.61

Fundraising link!

http://www.crowdrise.com/2012in2012forSandyRelief/

Thursday, December 27, 2012

2012 in 2012: Sandy Relief Challenge - Day 48 - And Good News!

Miles to run as of beginning of Monday, 12/24: 42.11

Miles run on 12/24: 4.5

'Twas the night before Christmas...actually 'twas the night before the night before Christmas when I finally caught up with my Sandy Challenge blog updates. I should have run that morning, and meant to sleep for only a little bit between finishing and getting up early to get my miles in, since we had to drive to San Antonio later in the morning.

But of course "a little bit" turned into too long, so before I knew it we had to be up and preparing for the drive. Fortunately for me, we made the drive in record time, so arrived in San Antonio with just enough time for me to get a short run in before heading to my aunt's house for Christmas Eve festivities. I did the usual loop through my grandparents' neighborhood 5 or 6 times for a total of 4.5 miles. Not quite the daily 5.5, but pretty good, all things considered.

Also, thanks to a retweet by my tri coach Brian and two Christmas Eve donations, my fundraising goal was met! Thanks so much to everyone who donated. The page is open until the end of the month, when my challenge ends, so I'll continue to post updates and provide the link.

Miles to run as of beginning of Christmas Day (12/25): 37.61

Fundraising link!

http://www.crowdrise.com/2012in2012forSandyRelief/

Monday, December 24, 2012

2012 in 2012: Sandy Relief Challenge - Day 47

Miles to run as of beginning of Sunday, 12/23: 49.15

Miles run on 12/23: 7.04

After Saturday's half marathon frolic, I was not looking forward to any miles on the treadmill, so I avoided it like the plague and ran a couple laps around the rec center instead. That came out to 5.44. I then went inside and did a core workout and rounded out the whole thing with a little over a mile and a half on the indoor track.

Miles to run as of beginning of Monday, 12/24: 42.11

Fundraising link!

http://www.crowdrise.com/2012in2012forsandyrelief/

And I'm caught up! Hallelujah!

2012 in 2012: Sandy Relief Challenge - Day 46 + Race Report

Miles to run as of beginning of Saturday, 12/22: 62.75

Miles run on 12/22: 13.6

Although smaller and much less streamlined than many of the races I typically do, this was probably one of the best halves I've ever done in terms of experience. Marilyn, Jackie (Marilyn's sister) and I woke up bright and early in the morning and readied ourselves for the race while waiting for Jeremy. Jeremy's aunt was kind enough to let us stay at her house and Jeremy and Giri were staying at his grandparents' house.

Jeremy arrived promptly at 6:30am and we departed for the race, which started at 8:15. I was undecided for a long time about whether to do the half or full. I decided to do the half and am very glad I made that decision.

We picked up our packets and swag. Man, was there a bunch of swag. We each got a duffel bag, shirt and hat, not to mention the stuff we got for finishing the race, which I'll cover later. Afterward, we went back to the cars and kept warm there until about 8:00am, when the marathon started. Once the marathoners headed out, we started final preparations. I took off my sweats and put on my sunglasses and new hat.

There were about 300 people doing the half, so the start wasn't too difficult to navigate. What was difficult to navigate was the terrain, which was very rough and hard to see for most of the race, but particularly the first half mile or so.

We had all discussed how we planned to tackle the race. Jeremy and I agreed that we hoped to finish around 2 hours, which, in road race terms would mean that we'd have an okay race without pushing too hard. I started easy, but once I realized that most of the women in the field were running slower than I was, I decided to push and see where it took me. After about half a mile, Jeremy rejoined me and we ran the rest of the race together, which was awesome. Even though Jeremy's app said we were running 8:30 miles (no small feat for this course, which was one of the most challenging I've probably ever raced), I was having a big old time. The scenery was very, well, Texas, I suppose. And the terrain, while difficult, was interesting. Also, there was a tree with a bald eagle nest on the course. We saw bald eagles! Plus, we spent much of the race trying to pose elaborately for race photographers.

Jeremy's app (and Marilyn's app, for that matter) measured out the course closer to 13.7 miles. Even though our time was officially probably something like 1:55, I think we probably finished closer to 1:51. Giri, who was supposed to run the race (and probably would have placed very competitively) wasn't able to because his luggage and running clothes found their way to Jackson, MS. He took some really good pictures and also said we placed pretty well! I'll wait for official results before talking about those, but Jeremy and I definitely finished in the top 25.

After finishing, we made our way to the food table for noms and waited for Marilyn, who came in a little bit later.

We got medals which were larger than my face. Here are some of the pictures Giri took:





Miles to run as of beginning of Sunday, 12/23: 49.15

Fundraising link!

http://www.crowdrise.com/2012in2012forsandyrelief/

2012 in 2012: Sandy Relief Challenge - Day 45

Miles to run as of beginning of Friday, 12/21: 70.04

Miles run on 12/21: 7.29

I mentioned the Day After The End of the World half a little bit on Wednesday. Marilyn and I were set to leave for Houston on Friday. I arrived at her house a little early and did a run around her neighborhood that came out to be a little bit over 7 miles. It wasn't the most exciting run, partly because I know the area fairly well (it was my neighborhood during high school) and partly because there's not much variety in terms of scenery. Nevertheless, I got my miles in, finished at Marilyn's house, and we drove down to Houston to meet up with Jeremy and Giri.

Miles to run as of beginning of Saturday, 12/22: 62.75

Fundraising link!

http://www.crowdrise.com/2012in2012forsandyrelief/

2012 in 2012: Sandy Relief Challenge - Day 44

Miles to run as of beginning of Thursday, 12/20: 77.96

Miles run on 12/20: 7.92

I'm getting really close, and I was just beginning to sense how close when I was updating my spreadsheet on Thursday. I ran my miles late-ish in the day and they came as part of errand running. I ran to the grocery store, where Matthew was supposed to meet me and pick me up only to find that it was the wrong grocery store, so got some extra in.

Miles to run as of beginning of Friday, 12/21: 70.04

Fundraising link!

http://www.crowdrise.com/2012in2012forsandyrelief/

2012 in 2012: Sandy Relief Challenge - Day 43 + Jingle Bell Run PR

Miles to run as of beginning of Wednesday, 12/19: 84.86

Miles run on 12/19: 6.9

Ermahgerd. Let me start this one off with a short back story. Before arriving in Texas, I spoke with my friend Marilyn about running a half marathon on the 22nd. It came up that she was also running this 5k, the Jingle Bell Run. This tickled me, because back in 1993, my brother and I spectated this very race with our mom. We got this button made:

Adorbz
Gotta love the ugly sweater, bubble necklace and snaggle teeth. Anyway, I decided I'd run the race too, because it had been a long time since I'd run a 5k. Also, this button.

Marilyn picked me up in the afternoon and before we headed to the race, we did a 1.6 mile warmup around her neighborhood. We met up with two other people who were also running and rode to the race together. We made it just in time for registration and I was surprised that we were able to get as close to the start line as we did.

The gun went off promptly at 7:30. Even though I was nearly at the front, I still had to dodge a bunch of slow people, but if last year's Turkey Trot was any indication, it could have been much, much worse. The weather was beautiful and I believe the temperature was just below 70 degrees. Even though my shoe came untied before the first mile marker, the situation didn't have much impact on my run. I think what was more annoying was having to hold my race t-shirt in one hand and phone in the other.

I kept my pace fast the whole time, hoping to run right around a 23:30. To my delight, I actually ran a 23:27! That was a major PR and also not too shabby in terms of the overall results.

Stats:
Total finishers: 1030 (528 women, 502 men)
Overall place: 170
Gender place: 35
Age group place: 6
Pace: 7:31/mile

In an effort to do a little bit more in terms of miles, I turned back at the end of the race and ran back to the 2 mile marker and back to the finish for an extra 2.2 miles.

Miles to run as of beginning of Thursday, 12/20: 77.96

Fundraising link!

http://www.crowdrise.com/2012in2012forsandyrelief/

2012 in 2012: Sandy Relief Challenge - Day 42

Miles to run as of beginning of Tuesday, 12/18: 92.86

Miles run on 12/18: 8

Get this: I actually ran 6 of these 8 miles on none other than my mortal enemy, the Precor 956i. I was hoping it wouldn't come to that, but I found myself at the rec center with no functioning headphones and recognized that a solution was plugging them in next to a treadmill and running until they were done charging. I thought charging only takes about 45 minutes (and was hoping it took even less time than that) but was wrong. 3 miles turned into 4 and 4 into 5. The treadmill had already started cooling down (it has a built in time limit) by the time I realized my headphones would probably not finish charging in enough time. I called it quits at 6 miles and decided to finish a couple more after doing some strength training.

Miles to run as of beginning of Wednesday, 12/19: 84.86

Fundraising link!

http://www.crowdrise.com/2012in2012forsandyrelief/

2012 in 2012: Sandy Relief Challenge - Day 41

Miles to run as of beginning of Monday, 12/17: 100.94

Miles run on 12/17: 8.08

There's a nice little park and trail near the house here in Plano. I used to run/walk this trail often during summer '08 with the boot camp crew before I moved to New York City. As a result of this prior experience, I was aware of a loop that I knew to be approximately 4 miles around. I initially planned to run at least a couple of laps, but did not relish the idea nearly as much once I came to the end of the first one. Instead, I continued on to a less familiar segment of the trail, which then led me to yet another segment. All in all, I did 8 miles on this particular day, which was more than I thought I'd end up finishing.



Create Maps or search from 80 million at MapMyRun

I'm not sure why there are 13 mile markers here since I only did 8. Oh, well. 

Miles to run as of beginning of Tuesday, 12/18: 92.86

Fundraising link!

2012 in 2012: Sandy Relief Challenge - Day 40

Miles to run as of beginning of Sunday, 12/16: 107.49

Miles to run on 12/16: 6.55

I knew after my  2.5 on Saturday, I really had to shape up for the rest of my time here in Texas to make sure I finished all 2012 miles. I calculated that I needed to run around 6.5 per day to finish on time (up from the normal 5.5) but resolved to run more than that whenever possible.

I split this one up into multiple pieces. The first was a 2 miler on the treadmill at the Tom Muehlenbeck rec center in Plano. It was a dreaded Precor 956i, which is apparently the most popular treadmill model in the history of ever even though I hate it.

After that, I did some weights using the workout Chris was kind enough to write out and send me over email.  I was the only woman in the weight room for quite some time, and it was earning me funny looks. Honey badger don't care!

I got in another two miles on the indoor track. I love that track almost as much as I hate the Precor 956i. I ran the remaining miles running to and from a couple of errands Matthew and I had to run anyway.

Miles to run as of beginning of Monday, 12/17: 100.94

Fundraising link!

http://www.crowdrise.com/2012in2012forsandyrelief/

2012 in 2012: Sandy Relief Challenge - Day 39

Miles to run as of beginning of Saturday, 12/15: 109.99

Miles run on 12/15: 2.5

I knew I'd have a problem getting a run in last Saturday because it was the day of my flight from NYC to Dallas. But did I wake up with enough time to run before leaving for the airport? Of course not.

I squeezed a very short run in once I got here. Since it was nighttime, I got to use the headlamp Chris gave me for Christmas. It's approximately 1000 times better than the one I have now, which turns off if I bend my head too far forward.

Miles to run as of beginning of Sunday, 12/16: 107.49

Fundraising link!

http://www.crowdrise.com/2012in2012forsandyrelief/

2012 in 2012: Sandy Relief Challenge - Day 38

Miles to run as of beginning of Friday, 12/14: 119.53

Miles run on 12/14: 9.54

I knew this day would be challenging because it was the day prior to my plane trip to Dallas. I usually have a five million things to do the day before a trip and this was no exception. Since I knew this to be true, I thought it would be best to run at lunchtime.

As many of you know, the tragedy in Newtown occurred on this day. Although I had a report to finish before I left, I was glued to the TV for most of the day trying to make sense of it all and piece things together via various news sources. It made as much sense to me as it did to everyone else, which is to say, none. At all. It was senseless and heartbreaking.

So, maybe, consider donating here:

https://newtown.uwwesternct.org/

And consider how fleeting life can be. For as many measures as are taken to make sure it never happens again (and I hope they are many), there will always be people in this world determined to hurt other people. The ones who make the biggest difference are those who stand up and make the right choice when it matters most. Arguably, when the right choice is the most difficult one to make.

I'll take a moment to remember the ones who died making the hardest, truest choices on this dreadful day in Newtown, Connecticut, and for those who died without the luxury of any choice.

Miles to run as of Saturday, 12/15: 109.99

2012 in 2012: Sandy Relief Challenge - Day 37

Miles to run as of beginning of Thursday, 12/13: 121.08

Miles run on 12/13: 1.55

After skipping a day of weights, Chris and I got back to gym hopping and tried out the NYHRC on 23rd street and 6th Avenue. We did the usual routine, which consists of Chris showing me how to do various exercises and doing them himself, and me being an idiot and forgetting everything he says. Also, it was apparently obvious that he's a trainer because one of the staff trainers came around threatening to throw us out if Chris didn't do all the exercises as well, since they have a no-outside-trainers policy. Seemed a little silly, if you ask me.

Anyway, we were set to go have dinner after working out. Once I realized there would not be nearly enough time for a full run, I knew I had to act quickly if I wanted to get even a little streaksaver in before we left. When it was time to stretch, I booked it over to a treadmill and banged out a mile and a half or so. NYHRC must have some thing with Precor, because these treadmills dominated the cardio floor. But somewhere in the back, I did manage to find a Lifetime treadmill that looked like it was a couple of decades old.

Miles to run as of beginning of Friday, 12/14: 119.53

Fundraising link!

http://www.crowdrise.com/2012in2012forsandyrelief/

2012 in 2012: Sandy Relief Challenge - Day 36

Miles to run as of beginning of Wednesday, 12/12: 127.19

Miles run on 12/12: 6.81

This particular Wednesday evening was spent celebrating the holidays with some of my favorite people. It's been dubbed "Batchmas" and involves the time-honored holiday traditions of a botched Elfster exchange and taco fixins. Guys, I swear I didn't mean to miss the Elfster sign-up date. I'm just terrible at remembering things.

Unfortunately, I was not able to run beforehand, as planned. I had to run home and walk Phoebe before gathering gifts and purchasing some Guinness for the party. I wore my running clothes and resolved to run home.

I did, indeed, even though it was challenging. I know I mention this at least once a week, but it's worth repeating: running after eating and drinking is hard.

Miles to run as of beginning of Thursday, 12/13: 121.08

Fundraising Link!

http://www.crowdrise.com/2012in2012forsandyrelief/

2012 in 2012: Sandy Relief Challenge - Day 35

Miles to run as of beginning of Tuesday, 12/11: 133

Miles run on 12/11: 5.81

My quest to try various New York Health & Racquet clubs continued on this day. Chris met me at the one on 56 just west of 6th Avenue. I beat him there by a little, so started doing half mile repeats until he arrived. I ran 3 total miles before he got there and then we did weights for about an hour.

I would love to have stayed longer, but Tuesdays are Chupacabra Conspiracy nights. I left around 7:30 and ran to our meeting, which was a little over half a mile from the gym.

I intended to run home as well, but it was really cold and I lost my nerve. Instead, when I got home I took Phoebe for a short loop run before going out for one more on my own. I ran up from home and took a right on Delancey, turning around once I reached the 7-Eleven. As I passed the Bowery Ballroom, I saw a number of photographers and bystanders crowded around the sidewalk. It wasn't until I got closer and heard someone yell "Beyonce! Beyonce!" that I realized what was going on.

In short, I saw Beyonce leave the Bowery Ballroom, which is a pretty decent story.

Miles to run as of beginning of Wednesday, 12/12: 127.19

Fundraising link!

http://www.crowdrise.com/2012in2012forsandyrelief/

Sunday, December 23, 2012

2012 in 2012: Sandy Relief Challenge - Day 34

Miles to run as of Monday, 12/10: 143.45

Miles run on 12/10: 10.45

I know, I know, no picture. I decided I had to forego them or risk not finishing my updates! This particular day was nice and productive and involved one lunch run and one loop.

So, this particular week was one in which Chris and I joined New York Health & Racquet (did I already mention this? I don't even remember) using the weeklong trial memberships we got after Ironman. The trial started on Friday and ended the following Friday (12/14). I was determined to try as many clubs as possible during the time I had so that I could make an informed decision about whether or not to switch.

This day, I decided to test my ability to work out during lunch at the club on 50th and Madison. It was a successful endeavor, even though I wasn't terribly impressed with the facility and also think I may have left my watch there (still need to call and inquire). Anyway, I did what was supposed to be my typical 26 minute challenge but found it way more difficult than usual. I was laboring excessively to maintain one 7:53 minute mile, even though I've begun habitually doing mile repeats at 7:13. Maybe it was just a bad day, but I was kind of hoping something was off with the treadmill. In any case, I've decided I hate the Precor 956i models. According the the treadmill, I ran 3.23 in 26 minutes. I haven't done that poorly since February!

The other run was a night time loop up to 45th and back down across 14th street. Nice and casual.

Miles to run as of Tuesday, 12/11: 133

Fundraising link!

http://www.crowdrise.com/2012in2012forsandyrelief/

Thursday, December 20, 2012

2012 in 2012: Sandy Relief Challenge - Day 33


Miles to run as of beginning of Sunday, 12/9: 146.15

Miles run on 12/9: 2.7

As you may have already read, this was a short loop up to Union Square following karaoke with Jeremy and Monica, during which we butchered a number of Christmas and non-Christmas classics. Holiday karaoke is the best and edges out regular karaoke just a bit due to the fact that it's the time and place to sing Christmas songs at the top of our lungs absolutely shamelessly.

Miles to run as of beginning of Monday, 12/10: 143.45

Fundraising link!

2012 in 2012: Sandy Relief Challenge - Day 32


Miles to run as of beginning of Saturday, 12/8: 148.23

Miles run on 12/8: 2.08

My friend Kim and I have a now two-year-old tradition we like to call Girlychristmas, which involves celebrating the Christmas season in all the best ways: watching Christmas movies, baking Christmas cookies, eating the crap out of delicious food, and drinking beer...okay fine only Szymon and I do the beer drinking. This year, I was determined to make it in a good amount of time to watch a few movies. I decided that if I made a big production of running beforehand, it would take me forever to get my act together. Instead, I opted to try hill repeats between cookie batches once I arrived.

It worked out decently. The hill is really good for hill repeats and the loop around was a touch over half a mile long. I did four. Probably should have done more but it was alright.

Miles to run as of beginning of Sunday, 12/9: 146.15

Fundraising link!

Friday, December 14, 2012

2012 in 2012: Sandy Relief Challenge - Day 31 (More Speedwork)


Miles to run as of beginning of Friday, 12/7: 154.93

Miles run on 12/7: 6.7

I did another round of mile repeats at lunchtime. What I've read about this is that they help increase one's VO2 max threshold. I used a Runner's World race pace calculator to figure out what that was for me. It was something like 7:15 per mile. I wish I could link it here but I was having a hard time finding it. Anyway, I did 3 miles at 7:13 minutes per with quarter miles at 10:00 minutes/mile in between. Plus a little something at the end, which gave me the extra .15.

After work, I met Chris for a gym date at the New York Health & Racquet club in Cooper Square because we both still had our week-long passes from the Ironman. I ran there (because I was running late) and then had to run back home and back to the gym because I forgot a photo ID. All that running brought me to about 2.5 miles, 6.7 in total.

Also, Chris showed me a strength workout that he recommends I do a few times a week during the offseason. It was really hard. I am 99% certain my abs have never been that sore and that lasted until Wednesday. Guess I have a lot of progress to make in that area!

Miles to run as of beginning of Saturday, 12/8: 148.23

Fundraising Link!

2012 in 2012: Sandy Relief Challenge - Day 30


Miles to run as of beginning of Thursday, 12/6: 158.9

Miles run on 12/6: 3.97

This was the day of my company's official holiday party. It was a fantastic event and I enjoyed myself. Mostly, I regret eating as much actual food as I did and not eating more dessert. Can I admit that as a runner and triathlete? Oh, well.

I ran home from the party, which was held right around Grand Central Station

Miles to run as of beginning of Friday, 12/7: 154.93

Fundraising link!

2012 in 2012: Sandy Relief Challenge - Day 29


Miles to run as of beginning of Wednesday, 12/5: 160.12

Miles run on 12/5: 1.22

This was one of those nights. You know the ones I'm talking about. They often come around the holidays and involve saying things like "Oh, sure guys. Let's go get drinks. I'll have one and head home."

But then of course, one turns into two, two turns into more than two, and so on and so forth. So unfortunately, the only run I managed was running Phoebe up to Houston and back down for a small 1.22 mile loop.

Miles to run as of beginning of Thursday, 12/6: 158.9

Fundraising link!

Monday, December 10, 2012

2012 in 2012: Sandy Relief Challenge - Day 28


Miles to run as of beginning of Tuesday, 12/4: 165.67

Miles run on Tuesday, 12/4: 5.55

This one was a simple run home. West Side to 14th to 1st Ave and down.

Miles to run as of beginning of Wednesday, 12/5: 160.12

Fundraising link!

http://www.crowdrise.com/2012in2012forsandyrelief/

2012 in 2012: Sandy Relief Challenge - Day 27


Miles to run as of beginning of Monday, 12/3: 170.85

Miles run on 12/3: 5.18

I don't know how many times I have to learn this lesson before I get it.

Dear everyone,

Running immediately after eating and drinking a beer is a terrible idea. Never do it or you may find yourself waddling down the West Side Highway and plagued by an eruption of tiny burps. It is a most uncomfortable situation and should be avoided at all costs.

Sincerely,
Katie
aka @cheaptriathlete
aka The West Side Waddler

Miles to run as of beginning of Tuesday, 12/4: 165.67

Fundraising link!



2012 in 2012: Sandy Relief Challenge - Day 26 + A RACE REPORT OMGWTFHOORAY


Miles to run as of Sunday, 12/2: 178.85

Miles run on 12/2: 8

This day's running consisted of some warming up and a race. I did the Join the Voices 5 mile run in Central Park and ended up setting a new pace PR (and 5 mile PR, though I track that less enthusiastically). I ran 5 miles in 39:35, which worked out to 7:55 minutes per mile.

I've decided to just lump race reports in. If I don't do them as part of this project, I fear I never will and they will end up in my queue-of-things-I-hope-to-write-one-day-but-may-never-get-around-to-writing. My qotihtwodbmngatw, if you will.

The race started at 8:30, and I diligently checked the race website the night before to make sure my bib would be available (please see my Gridiron Challenge race report). It was, so I headed out of my apartment by 7 so that I would get my bib by 7:45 or 8 when the website noted was cutoff time (I know from experience that cutoff time is slightly later, but I've been trying to make smarter race decisions recently and so opted to adhere to rules). I wore my Team New Skin uniform over tights and a long-sleeved Nike shirt to keep warm.


Miraculously, I ended up right where I was supposed to be, bib pinned and bag checked with a full half hour to go before the race started. I thought this would be the perfect time to get a warmup/miles booster run in so I ran from the 72nd Street Transvers and up the east side of the park to the Engineer's Gate and turned around. This is where my smart decision-making streak came to an end. I did not leave myself enough time to get back to the start before the corrals closed. This meant that I had to start waaaaay in the back and pass what seemed like five thousand million people. In reality, though, it probably was at least a thousand.

I knew I was going fast from the get-go and my goal for this race was to achieve a sub-8 minute per mile pace. So, mission accomplished. I also saw my friend Jared just before the finish line and we sprinted it out to the end. I must have really pushed hard there because I was even feeling slightly nauseous for a few seconds after we finished. That never happens.

This is my kicking ass and taking names face
It was a cold trip home. I probably should have done more running so I could further close the gap, but I usually rebel against further running after doing well in a race.

Miles to run as of beginning of Monday, 12/3: 170.85

Fundraising link!

2012 in 2012: Sandy Relief Challenge - Day 25



Miles to run as of beginning of Saturday, 12/1: 180.86

Miles run on 12/1: 2.01

My mom came to visit last weekend. There were a bunch of errands I was trying to run, so I ended up only having time for a couple of miles in the form of a loop up to 10th street and about a block over.

Miles to run as of beginning of 12/2: 178.85

Fundraising link!

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

2012 in 2012: Sandy Relief Challenge - Day 24


Miles to run as of Friday, 11/30: 182.27

Miles run on 11/30: 1.41

Another busy, low-mileage day. I had some stuff to do after work on Friday but also planned to meet Chris and attend Sunshine and RL's housewarming party (congrats to them!) in Long Island City. I should have gone at lunch but have had an assignment that has to be done so that was out. I ended up running from my errands in Midtown East to Grand Central to meet Chris and take the train to Queens.

Miles to run as of beginning of Saturday, 12/1: 180.86

Fundraising link:

http://www.crowdrise.com/2012in2012forSandyRelief/

2012 in 2012: Sandy Relief Challenge - Day 23


Miles to run as of Thursday, 11/29: 191.66

Miles run on 11/29: 9.39

After the lackluster previous day, I got some good mileage in here. This came in the form of two separate runs, one during lunch and one on my way home from work. Even better, the first run was actually a really good workout! I did three mile repeats at a 7:13 minute/mile pace with a quarter mile in between. All that totaled out to 4.12 miles. The additional 5.27 was done on my way home with a stop at Whole Foods.

Miles to run as of Friday, 11/30: 182.27

Fundraising link:

http://www.crowdrise.com/2012in2012forSandyRelief/

2012 in 2012: Sandy Relief Challenge - Day 22


Miles to run as of Wednesday, 11/28: 193.26

Miles run on 11/28: 1.6

I know, I know. 1.6 is not ideal. But sometimes, there's just not enough time in the day. On this particular day, I had work and drinks with Jeremy at my new favorite beer shop. I had to race home after work and walked Phoebe with just enough time before Jeremy arrived at my apartment and we walked over. Fortunately, it's on the next block.

After that, I came home and took Phoebe for a short run. Just enough to keep up the RW Holiday Streak and get a little bit done off what should have been my daily 5.5.

Miles to run as of Thursday, 11/29: 191.66

Fundraising link!

http://www.crowdrise.com/2012in2012forSandyRelief/

2012 in 2012: Sandy Relief Challenge - Day 21


Miles to run as of Tuesday, 11/27: 199.06

Miles run on 11/27: 5.8

Tuesdays are tricky because I usually have a Chupacabra Conspiracy meeting. This Tuesday was no different. Normally, I run from work to the meeting and then from the meeting home, which I can typically stretch so that it covers my 5.5 miles. Unfortunately, I was stuck at work until the exact minute I had to leave for the meeting so I didn't have time to run.

I made up for it by running uptown and then back downtown to make up for the lost mileage. Although I'd hoped to just cover the 5.5, I even ended with .3 extra. Woo hoo!

Miles to run as of beginning of Wednesday, 11/28: 193.26

Fundraising link!

http://www.crowdrise.com/2012in2012forSandyRelief/

Come on, people. We're $180 away! Help me reach my goal!