Uncategorized

thirty-six

February 10, 2013 by Kristy 21 Comments

Yesterday was my 36th birthday. Since my birthday fell on a Saturday, I naturally turned it into a birthday weekend. I believe birthdays should be celebrated….even if I am closer to 40 than 30. On that note, let’s change the subject.

I knew exactly how I wanted to start my birthday – with a long run. Abby must have read my mind and emailed me mid-week asking if I was up for a birthday run. Of course.

It always snows on my birthday. Always. But luckily Nemo didn’t destroy our plans and we managed 13 snowy miles. It was a literal winter wonderland (much like my 16-miler a few weeks ago).

Next up was spending the rest of the day with Matt and Hawk. We strolled around Chestnut Hill (a cute neighborhood in Philly) briefly, until it became too cold.

I have been fighting a cold all week long. By 6PM I was a snotty mess and felt awful. I tried to rally to go out to dinner but we ending up ordering pizza and watching a movie. I was in bed by 10:30. Party hardy.

But, it being my birthday weekend, we are doing dinner tonight instead. Followed by The Walking Dead. Oh, how times have changed.

What’s your ideal way to celebrate your birthday? For one of my birthdays, I really want to “run my age”. Too bad I wasn’t running marathons back when I turned 26.

Boston Marathon Tips

February 5, 2013 by Kristy 12 Comments

So I only ran one Boston Marathon and I’m by no means an expert on all things Boston. Although…some do find my BM jacket (sizing) post to be very helpful.

This post won’t be about the obvious stuff (down go out too fast, train for up hills and down hills) because, unless you live under a rock, you should know that.

the tank top – an essential layer
The expo is crowded and there are hardly any dressing rooms. You will get a chance to try on your race shirt so it helps if you wear something light and form fitting underneath. I also tried on a ton of other gear. You are literally stripping down, trying something on, putting your clothes back on, moving to another vendor, repeat. See where the tank top helps out?

if you want to celebrate, make reservations
Marathon Monday is huge in Boston. If you have a lot of people with you and want to meet up for dinner after the race, you need reservations. I had to call a number of places and practically begged them to take my reservation.

there seems to be a lot of Miller Lites near me

make time for R&R
We drove up to Boston on Saturday morning and spent an inordinate amount of time at the expo on Saturday afternoon. On Sunday morning we “visited” the finish line for pictures and then I spent the rest of the day off my feet…even though I was missing out on sightseeing (err, bar hopping) with my family and friends. It was so worth it. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and spend way too much time on your feet. Make sure you schedule in some downtime.

the athletes’ village is huge
When you enter you see 1 large field. There is actually another field on the other side. The porta potty lines were pretty ridiculous where I was (the first field) and I think a lot of people stay in the first field because they don’t know another field exists? So if you really gotta go, check out the next field.

run boston for fun
Here’s where you may disagree. Hear me out. Initially I was not running Boston for “fun”. I was going to race my heart out. Then it was 90 degrees and I was forced to slow down and enjoy myself. Not that I wouldn’t enjoy myself if I raced it (it is Boston!) but you know what I mean. When you run a marathon for fun you take in more and experience more.

I’m not sure if I will ever race Boston. It might always be a fun run for me. I can’t imagine finishing on Boylston Street with an ounce of disappointment because I didn’t reach my A goal. It would just take away from the experience too much.

show off that jacket
I wear mine all the time Smile

Any Boston veterans have other tips to share?

snow love

January 27, 2013 by Kristy 13 Comments

Yes, snow love.

As much as I whine about running in the winter (and whine even more about running in the snow), Saturday’s long run changed my perspective a bit.

This week was abnormally cold. Bitter, biting, down-to-your-bones cold. Thankfully this isn’t the norm in Philly or I would have to relocate to San Francisco.

On Monday I took advantage of the “warm” weather and day off and knocked out 10 miles with Abby.

Tuesday through Thursday, I stayed indoors. I took 2 barre classes, did a quick run on the treadmill, and took a rest day. All strategically planned around the weather.

On Friday I braved the cold for 9 miles. It wasn’t so bad.

We got a few inches of snow on Friday night and I thought I may have to treadmill my way through 16 miles on Saturday. I can’t even fathom being on the treadmill that long (I don’t know how some of you do it…it’s impressive).

I hit the trails, Yaktrax in tow, and figured if the cold/snow/ice was really bad I could always finish the run on the treadmill (or call it day).

I was pleasantly surprised!! It was wonderful…definitely one of my top 10 long runs ever. I didn’t want it to end.

My version of playing in the snow.

It may not be the Marin Headlands, but I’ll take it.

Did you brave the cold this week and run outside? How did you stay warm? I wore my ski gloves with a pair of those cheap stretchy gloves underneath. As long as my hands are warm, I stay warm.

go with the flow

January 21, 2013 by Kristy 13 Comments

I didn’t feel like doing a long run on Saturday.

I stood in my kitchen and seriously considered going back to bed or lounging in front of the TV. The “feels like” temp was 23 degrees. I’m quasi-training. It doesn’t matter if I skip a long run. Especially since I ran 15-milers the past 2 weekends.

But then regret sets in. You know the feeling. That nagging you-should-have-run feeling that will eat at you all day long. Knowing that I would never regret getting my ass out the door, I got dressed and decided on 10 miles (impromptu drop back week).

I started out slowly.

M1 – 9:12
M2 – 8:52
M3 – 10:21 (I felt dizzy for whatever reason and walked for a bit)
M4 – 9:04
M5 – 9:00

I was doing an out-and-back on a trail. After I turned around an older man (50s?) started running beside me and asked me what I was training for.

I knew this guy. We used to work together (not together 1:1 but together on a much larger team setting). He was higher up the totem pole than me so I knew he didn’t recognize me. The funny thing is I see him on this trail almost every weekend. To discourage you from thinking I’m a total stalker I have to add that there are a few distinct places to run here in Philly. Run in any particular spot long enough and you will definitely recognize people.

We start running together. I explain my quasi-training. He tells me about his upcoming marathon. We start picking up the pace. This is so not what I had in mind for my 10-miler (remember…I wanted to stay in bed). I wanted an easy run. But there was no way in hell I was backing off or even glancing at my Garmin (a sure sign of weakness). I just went with the flow.

After a mile or 2 of conversation, I finally introduce myself and explain that we used to work together way back when. This leads to work talk which quickly (very quickly) goes back to running talk.

The final 5 miles.

M6 – 8:35
M7 – 8:03
M8 – 8:01
M9 – 8:17
M10 – 8:35

It felt good to pick it up a bit and force myself to go faster.

And to think I wanted to skip this run?!

Does regret work for you? What motivates you to run in the winter?

Friday Favorites

January 18, 2013 by Kristy 8 Comments

Three running-related things I’m loving right now…

1. Reebok’s Performance Slim Motion Fit Capri
I picked these up at Dick’s Sporting Goods after Christmas (for $28 – score!). I love capris – I never wear full length running tights – but I only have 3 pairs from lululemon. I love my lulus but didn’t feel like spending an exorbitant amount of money on what I’d consider an “extra” pair. I was totally shocked that the Reebok capris fit better than Nike. They have a nice wide (but tight) waistband so they don’t fall down. They are not baggy in the calves like pictured below – they fit just like running tights would.

2. Headlamp
Another Dick’s purchase after Christmas – I think the brand was Princeton Tec? This is a definite must for the next 2 months. I was using Knuckle Lights but they started to dim and I could only use 1 at a time since I also carry a water bottle. When paired with a hat, I feel less like a coal miner.

3. Amphipod Handheld In-Touch
I love Amphipod’s handheld water bottles. I’ve been waiting and waiting for them to come out with a handheld that also holds your iPhone. Finally! This is just as comfortable as their other handhelds and I barely notice the slight increase in weight. Another must for dark mornings!

What are you loving right now?

the best race photo

January 8, 2013 by Kristy 14 Comments

Matt sent this to me yesterday. It’s hysterical.

That’s our wonderful Mayor Nutter (black jacket) high-fiving all the finishers of the Philly Marathon. One guy was a little too excited to high-five the mayor. Poor girl.

(via)