New York City Marathon Category

NYC Marathon Training: Week 5

Week five went very well. Made it to spin and yoga, so training feels a bit more balanced. Solid running made training paces feel like they’re coming together. Speed work is finally feeling more manageable; oddly enough, it’s from running intervals on the treadmill. Have to go with what works. Keeping close eye on some […]

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18 Miles: A Celebration

“I don’t believe people are looking for the meaning of life as much as they are looking for the experience of being alive.” Joseph Campbell ~ This Saturday is my birthday. Being a glossy Leo, it easily remains one of my favorite days of the year. That may seem childish for a full-fledged adult; but […]

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NYC Marathon Training: Week 4

Week four introduced the first of five (5!!!) scheduled 20-milers, according to Run Less Run Faster. A hectic schedule, including weekend travel, meant I couldn’t attend spin class; also, rearranged my long and tempo runs. Body is actually feeling good and cooperating with the increasing mileage. Happy to report no noticeable soreness in legs the […]

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20 Miles: Risk for Progress

“If what you did yesterday still looks big to you, you haven’t done much today.” Wid Matthews ~ There’s a saying – in one of its various incarnations – that goes: If you always do what you have always done, you will always get what you have received. Accepting this truth, I opted to use […]

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Visualization: Like An Athlete

“Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things that escape those who dream only at night.” Edgar Allan Poe ~ Sweat is rolling. I’m inward-focused and forging the last hill. My body is paradoxically energized and depleted. The day before, I ran 17 miles in 87 degrees. Now I’m in spin class. I […]

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NYC Marathon Training: Week 3

Week three was the highest total mileage I’ve run in nearly 12-13 weeks. Body’s worked through some kinks, but overall legs are holding up. First time trying an advanced marathon plan, which means long runs are hitting major mileage early on. Monday: Reverse ladder intervals. Moved this session up a day. Incorporated workout while assisting […]

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The Extra Mile: Road To Affirmation

“The last of the human freedoms: to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” Viktor Frankl ~ There is a fine balance – in training and racing – of mental focus and physical preparation. I imagine every athlete has experience unifying these two forces. That being said, this […]

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NYC Marathon Training: Week 2

Marathon Banner 2011

Week two of training was a bit slower for me. Wacky schedule and achy hip flexor meant I spent more time resting than cross-training. Probably not ideal, but that’s how the week played out. Monday: Rest day. Tuesday: Repeats. Confirmed early morning interval sessions don’t work well for me. Muscles don’t have enough time to […]

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Inspiration Abounds

“Life isn’t a matter of milestones, but of moments.” Rose Kennedy ~ Yesterday I wrote about conquering negativity during training. Something I witnessed this morning, along with a well-timed comment from Baker, inspired my thoughts on…inspiration. Today’s workout was trying. My legs felt asleep during an early round of 800 meter repeats on a muggy […]

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Conquering Negativity

“It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.” Edmund Hillary ~ An old injury resurfaced on a relatively easy tempo run last week. I wasn’t in pain; but the tight muscle prevented me from adequately dropping pace. The solution was simple: I took a roadside stretch break. While the muscle responded and my body […]

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NYC Marathon Training: Week 1

Week one of training went quite well. I’d upped my mileage the preceding week in preparation. My body adjusted to schedule and increased workout intensity. The week is successfully in the books! Monday: One-hour form review/refresher with certified Chi Running instructor. Great opportunity to brush up on proper running form. Finished with 100 V-crunches for […]

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Sharpening The Axe: Training Begins

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” Abraham Lincoln ~ I spent much of yesterday contemplating Lincoln’s quote. His words evoke an image of deliberate and unhurried preparation. My mind conjures an introspective Lincoln, honing the blade with which he’ll approach his arduous […]

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For The Love Of Running

“Do not lose heart, we were made for these times…” Clarissa Pinkola Estés ~ It is nearly impossible, now being a runner, to imagine not loving running. Technically at some point I didn’t, because we weren’t yet acquainted. This is true. But once a runner, my love became ardent. I love running for fun, running […]

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Loos’d Of Limits

“From this hour I ordain myself loos’d of limits and imaginary lines.” Walt Whitman ~ Mental fortitude. Many motivational quotes allude to the mind’s remarkable power over body. I read one recently: “Your legs are not giving out. Your head is giving in. Keep going!” This made me realize I’ve had both these moments in […]

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2012 New York City Marathon Training

2011 NYCM Medal

“All endeavor calls for the ability to tramp the last mile, shape the last plan, endure the last hours toil. The fight to the finish spirit is the one…characteristic we must posses if we are to face the future as finishers.”  Henry David Thoreau ~ It’s time I return my focus to NYC Marathon training. […]

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