San Francisco

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.

Friday Thoughts

January 6, 2012 by Kristy 12 Comments

Most of you didn’t think I was a scumball for not showering post-barre class on Wednesday. Or, if you did, you kept that to yourself. Baby wipes and deodorant (exactly what I used) are pretty popular and they get the job done. I walked out of class at 7AM and was in my car en route to work by 7:15. That should speak volumes about my hair and make-up regimen for work.
Speaking of barre class, I was sufficiently kicked to the curb on Wednesday morning. My legs were shaking uncontrollably during class. I had to take brief breaks. My hamstrings and calves were sore yesterday which, aside from running, I’ve never experienced before with any other strength training. I can’t wait for more torture next Wednesday!
I got an iPhone! I had a terrible, old BlackBerry which could hardly pass for a smartphone. Now I see what all the hype is about. I’m obsessed with Instagram and found other (free!) apps like Where to Eat? and Oh Ranger! Park Finder. Reeder is also good (but not free). It’s a much better version of Google Reader.
Today’s run was supposed to be short and sweet: 6 miles with 2 miles at tempo (7:35 pace). It was tough. My legs felt great but my lungs felt off. Effort-wise I felt like I did during Monday’s mile repeats but I was running just under 8:00 pace! The only plausible explanation could be my asthma. I got my allergy shots yesterday (I get them once per month) and I had a pretty bad reaction. That could have triggered something. Oh well, I get 13 miles of redemption tomorrow.
I follow the San Francisco community page on Facebook for no other reason than daydreaming that I actually live there. They post pics and events and I imagine myself there. I know, total dork. Yesterday they posted this pic and I wanted to cry with envy.
sitting outside on a gorgeous january day

If you could live in any city in the world, where would you live? I would live in SF. Absolutely. I love Philly too, it’s my hometown and a great city, but nothing compares to SF.

Got an iPhone? Was it life changing? I can’t believe how much I was missing!

Glorious SF Run #2

February 12, 2011 by Kristy Leave a Comment

2/12/11

15 miles

2:15

9:00 avg pace

3 reasons why this run felt great:

1. The trail was not a slip n’ slide. Imagine that. I didn’t have to worry about falling on ice or slowing down in the snow. So lovely.

2. I was not bundled up like the little brother from A Christmas Story. I had shorts on. Shorts! In February!

3. Amazing views (how many times have I said amazing and SF in the same sentence?!). Check ’em out…

Happy Saturday 🙂

Speedy Tempo

February 8, 2011 by Kristy 2 Comments

2/8/11

8 miles

1:09

8:37 avg pace

The training plan called for some nonsense like 3×1-mile repeats at 7:15 pace. I loathe mile repeats. Since I didn’t feel like running a 5K this morning and my legs haven’t 100% recovered from Sunday’s 18-miler, I changed things up. I’ve wanted to do this workout for awhile now…

1 mile warm-up
2 miles at 10K pace – 7:53. Since I haven’t run a 10K in about 10 years, I have no idea what pace this would be…so I estimated just under 8:00.
2 miles at half marathon pace – 8:13. My half marathon time last September was 1:49 (8:19 pace).
2 miles at goal marathon pace – 8:46.
1 mile cool-down

There you have it…a speedy tempo. I’m definitely doing this run again. I really enjoyed it.

This is my last run on the treadmill this week, all my other runs will be outdoors in San Francisco! Woooohoooo! Hello 60+ degrees and sunshine!