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Giving Thanks

Posted on December 2, 2013 1 Comment

“Anyone who ever gave you confidence, you owe them a lot.” Truman Capote, Breakfast at Tiffany’s ~ Yes, it’s indeed time to make some decisions about spring goals. As I look forward, I’d also like to express my profound and heartfelt appreciation to those who support me. Their continued encouragement is not only amazing, but […]

2013 Spring Marathon Season: Eugene

Posted on January 18, 2013 5 Comments

“You must not only aim right, but draw the bow with all your might.” Henry David Thoreau ~ I’m not a New Year’s resolution kind of person. There’s nothing about the calendar hitting January 1 that drives me to make changes. When I see fit, I change. When I need to, I change. And, when […]

Running In 2012: Q&A

Posted on December 24, 2012 8 Comments

The 2012 year-in-running Q&A caught my attention after being mentioned by three amazing runners – Ashley, Jess, and Melissa. The questions got me reflecting on the year’s experiences. Since it was quite unpredictable and unprecedented (for me), I decided to follow suit and offer up a few words to give the year its due credit. […]

2012 Fall Season Conclusion: Pensacola Marathon

Posted on November 17, 2012 12 Comments

Write injuries in dust, benefits in marble. Benjamin Franklin ~ To start with the obvious, this training and racing cycle was full of unprecedented and unpredictable events. A hurricane swept in the week before the NYC Marathon and wreaked havoc on the five boroughs. The race was on! The race was off! Never before had […]

Race To Recover: Thank You!

Posted on November 13, 2012 6 Comments

“We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.” Mother Teresa of Calcutta ~ This post is to simply and whole-heartedly say THANK YOU! Two weeks ago I wrote about running the New York City Marathon as a […]

The Road Diverged: Pensacola Marathon

Posted on November 5, 2012 6 Comments

“A bend in the road is not the end of the road…unless you fail to make the turn.” Author Unknown ~ By now, we all know the 2012 New York City Marathon story. It became the “race that wasn’t” amid natural devastation and a dose of controversy. I admit my emotions have scaled a far-reaching […]

NYCM: Race to Recover

Posted on November 2, 2012 2 Comments

I’ve been quiet the past week or so with the incoming hurricane and its devastating aftermath. NYRR, the City, and partnering agencies decided the 2012 New York City Marathon will continue as scheduled. This post is not intended to be a forum for opinions on this matter. There are a variety of other social media […]

Tapering With Gratitude

Posted on October 26, 2012 8 Comments

“Rest and be thankful.” William Wordsworth ~ With the longest training runs behind me, taper is in full effect. It’s now just over a week until race day. The past week’s been full of emotions that undulate much like the NYC Marathon course. One moment is electrified by nerves and a tightening of the gut; […]

I’ve Changed My Mind

Posted on October 4, 2012 12 Comments

“You have to want it, you have to plan for it, you have to fit it into a busy day, you have to be mentally tough, you have to use others to help you. The hard part isn’t getting your body in shape. The hard part is getting your mind in shape.” ~ Amby Burfoot […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]