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NYC Marathon Training: Week 11
Posted on September 30, 2012 6 Comments
Week eleven brought September to a close in the most fantastic way. It was an incredible week in which I met or exceeded training paces for all three running workouts. That’s a first for this training cycle. I’m encouraged to see evidence of progress. I feel more capable on my long runs lately. Sure the […]
NYC Marathon Training: Week 9
Posted on September 17, 2012 Leave a Comment
Week nine was basically a mini-taper in preparation for the Philadelphia Rock n Roll Half Marathon. The half marathon was meant to be used as a tune-up race to assess how full marathon training is progressing. The race went very well and I wound up running a PR! It felt good to replace speed and […]
Rock n’ Roll: Philadelphia Half Marathon
Posted on September 17, 2012 14 Comments
This past Sunday marked my third consecutive running of the Philadelphia Rock n Roll Half Marathon. And, I’m excited this year’s wound up being a PR (Personal Record) race for me! Philly RnR has a significant place in my running history. In 2010, it was the first half marathon I’d ever run. Thinking back, that […]
NYC Marathon Training: Week 8
Posted on September 9, 2012 1 Comment
Week eight was a decent training week despite contending with the humidity. Ready for cooler, drier running weather. Happy with both tempo and long runs. Next Sunday (Sep 16) is the Philadelphia Rock n Roll half marathon. Will be running this as a tune up race for NYC Marathon. To accommodate the race, am shifting […]
NYC Marathon Training: Week 7
Posted on September 2, 2012 4 Comments
Week seven was an intense training week. It capped off August and my first full month of 2012 NYC Marathon training. Running-wise, I totaled 141.35 miles. This is the highest monthly mileage I’ve had in any marathon training cycle, thus far. I realize Dean Karnazes runs this mileage in a day; but I’m pleased with […]
Long Run Redemption
Posted on August 27, 2012 3 Comments
“We can be redeemed only to the extent to which we see ourselves.” Martin Buber ~ Run long enough and bad runs are bound to surface. They’re certainly not subtle when they do. Last Saturday I had one of the worst runs of this training cycle, thus far. My schedule called for 20 miles; I […]
NYC Marathon Training: Week 6
Posted on August 27, 2012 2 Comments
Week six of training had its highs and lows. Some runs were better than others. It was a strong, rather intense, workout week. Thankful it ended on a good note. Lesson of the week: bad runs happen, regardless of physical conditioning. And just as surely, those bad runs are followed by the good ones. As […]
Arming Myself
Posted on August 23, 2012 7 Comments
“Before you begin a thing remind yourself that difficulties and delays quite impossible to foresee are ahead…You can only see one thing clearly, and that is your goal. Form a mental vision of that and cling to it through thick and thin.” Kathleen Norris ~ Form a mental vision of your goal and cling to […]
NYC Marathon Training: Week 5
Posted on August 19, 2012 4 Comments
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 […]
18 Miles: A Celebration
Posted on August 17, 2012 11 Comments
“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 […]
NYC Marathon Training: Week 4
Posted on August 13, 2012 4 Comments
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 […]
20 Miles: Risk for Progress
Posted on August 9, 2012 4 Comments
“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 […]
Visualization: Like An Athlete
Posted on August 8, 2012 3 Comments
“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 […]
NYC Marathon Training: Week 3
Posted on August 5, 2012 6 Comments
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 […]
The Extra Mile: Road To Affirmation
Posted on July 30, 2012 4 Comments
“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 […]
NYC Marathon Training: Week 2
Posted on July 29, 2012 4 Comments
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 […]
Inspiration Abounds
Posted on July 25, 2012 4 Comments
“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 […]
Conquering Negativity
Posted on July 23, 2012 4 Comments
“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 […]
NYC Marathon Training: Week 1
Posted on July 23, 2012 7 Comments
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 […]
For The Love Of Running
Posted on July 13, 2012 5 Comments
“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 […]
Loos’d Of Limits
Posted on July 11, 2012 1 Comment
“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 […]
2012 New York City Marathon Training
Posted on July 10, 2012 3 Comments
“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. […]
LV runs NYC 