I know yesterday I complained that everything was hurting. Well, I got no sympathy at practice last night. We were doing MORE HILL TRAINING (yay!), which is not fun under normal circumstances, and especially not fun when you're hurting. After doing several repeats, I asked the worst question you could possibly ask- How many more of these are we doing? The coaches groaned and I explained that everything on the lower half of my body was sore. Nothing hurts like an injury, just sore from so much darn running. They basically said that everyone's sore, we're training for a marathon after all, and try to think about what's not sore. I sort of sighed, and went back to my running. I wanted some sympathy dammit, but they're right. The marathon is 39 DAYS AWAY. I've done a lot of running, and things are bound to be a little angry. Just do your workout and unless you're in serious pain, don't complain. It was a little humbling and I feel kind of like I cheated myself out of a good workout because I was too worried. Good news was I just missed the bus and ended up chasing it down the street a few blocks. I think I got a pretty decent workout there :)
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Nitty Gritty
Good news. I finally got that pastry. It was pretty delicious, even though it was a little dry. I should have eaten it on Saturday.
I also made an effort to replenish my lost salt too. It was a rough effort.
Now back to the running. I remember commenting to someone that training for my second marathon was easier than the first. Well not quite. Now I'm at the part in my training where everything starts to hurt. Things that have never hurt before ever are hurting. And the same old hurts are starting to come back. This is the part in my training where I really really REALLY begin to question my sanity. Luckily I get to start tapering in just a few short weeks. The taper is my favorite part ever.
Also if you want to make all my hurts a little better, you can donate here! http://main.acsevents.org/goto/runninglisa I promise it will make me feel better.
I also made an effort to replenish my lost salt too. It was a rough effort.
Now back to the running. I remember commenting to someone that training for my second marathon was easier than the first. Well not quite. Now I'm at the part in my training where everything starts to hurt. Things that have never hurt before ever are hurting. And the same old hurts are starting to come back. This is the part in my training where I really really REALLY begin to question my sanity. Luckily I get to start tapering in just a few short weeks. The taper is my favorite part ever.
Also if you want to make all my hurts a little better, you can donate here! http://main.acsevents.org/goto/runninglisa I promise it will make me feel better.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Feelin Weeeeeeird
I've had kind of a weird week. On Tuesday, I just started feeling...weird. I don't know how else to describe it. I was sooooo tired and my body just started feeling not normal. I went to the run on Tuesday night because I thought I was just tired, but half way through the workout, I felt like it was something more than that.
So Thursday and Friday I stayed home from work, and I didn't run at all. I felt really guilty for not getting my runs in, but I just felt weird. This morning I was feeling normal again, so I met up with a few teammates and we went for a run in the park. It started not so great. After 3 miles, I thought I wasn't going to make it. Then around 6, I felt great. I finished with about 12 miles and actually felt pretty good.
But then a few minutes after my run, I started feeling weird again. I knew I was feeling weird when I didn't want my post-run pastry. (I still bought a Boston cream donut from Bouchon, but I'm saving it for later.) All I wanted post-run was watermelon. Luckily Whole Foods was nearby. I ended up scarfing down watermelon chunks as I waited for the subway. I don't like this whole feeling weird thing. I think it has something to do with electrolytes. Post-run, I was COVERED in salt. I don't think that's good. It means my sweat is really salty, and I'm probably losing a lot of electrolytes. I think I'll have to try salt tabs next time. But I'm sure no one here cares about my electrolyte levels, so instead, here's a picture of the cat.
He went to the vet today and other than very dirty ears, he's very healthy. Yay!
So Thursday and Friday I stayed home from work, and I didn't run at all. I felt really guilty for not getting my runs in, but I just felt weird. This morning I was feeling normal again, so I met up with a few teammates and we went for a run in the park. It started not so great. After 3 miles, I thought I wasn't going to make it. Then around 6, I felt great. I finished with about 12 miles and actually felt pretty good.
But then a few minutes after my run, I started feeling weird again. I knew I was feeling weird when I didn't want my post-run pastry. (I still bought a Boston cream donut from Bouchon, but I'm saving it for later.) All I wanted post-run was watermelon. Luckily Whole Foods was nearby. I ended up scarfing down watermelon chunks as I waited for the subway. I don't like this whole feeling weird thing. I think it has something to do with electrolytes. Post-run, I was COVERED in salt. I don't think that's good. It means my sweat is really salty, and I'm probably losing a lot of electrolytes. I think I'll have to try salt tabs next time. But I'm sure no one here cares about my electrolyte levels, so instead, here's a picture of the cat.
He went to the vet today and other than very dirty ears, he's very healthy. Yay!
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Cupcakes for Dinner
Last night we hosted our mission give back night at Hope Lodge. We host these every month as a way to provide relief to the residents and their caretakers at staying there. Last night we decorated cupcakes and watched Up. We had some pretty awesome cupcake decorators.
Here we have a funny face, a panda, a crab and a monster. We're a talented bunch. The movie was good, as always, and the guests really seemed to like it. We got to hear about some of their treatments. One woman has been coming here every few weeks for a month and a half for a very aggressive breast cancer. Now she's on an experimental drug that's really working for her. It's just nice to connect to the cause, and to see that the money we raise does have some effect. It makes all the hard work feel worth it. Plus it was really fun having cupcakes for dinner :)
Now tonight, I will run them off.
Here we have a funny face, a panda, a crab and a monster. We're a talented bunch. The movie was good, as always, and the guests really seemed to like it. We got to hear about some of their treatments. One woman has been coming here every few weeks for a month and a half for a very aggressive breast cancer. Now she's on an experimental drug that's really working for her. It's just nice to connect to the cause, and to see that the money we raise does have some effect. It makes all the hard work feel worth it. Plus it was really fun having cupcakes for dinner :)
Now tonight, I will run them off.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
18 miles- DONE!
Saturday I didn’t get my run in. I had to bag watch. In the pouring rain. It was awesome. I got a little bored and took videos of myself singing “It’s Raining It’s Pouring.” They weren’t pretty. I won’t share them with you. But I will show you my beautiful trash bag shirt. They’re the next big thing in fashion.
Good news is today was perfect weather for a run. It was in the 60’s with low humidity and nice cloud cover. I’d like to request this weather for the marathon please. I got up early and headed to the park for my run. I was super excited because I made arrangements to meet up with Michelle for one loop of my run. I just had to get through the first 8 miles. There was a race going on in the park, and there were lots of interesting people to keep me entertained. There was a guy juggling while running. Yes, juggling. I passed him twice, and he just kept on juggling. Running a marathon is THAT easy that now you do it while juggling. Some people are over achievers.
Then I met up with Michelle. It was soooooooo nice to run with her. It was just like old running times. We chatted as we plodded along. It made the time pass and before you know it, I had 13 miles done. Thanks Michelle! I had planned to go for 18, so I had one loop left. Sometimes I think of Finding Nemo when I’m running. There’s that part when they say “Just keep swimming.” I like to repeat to myself, “Just keep running.” So I just kept running. I actually felt really good and my last mile ended up being my fastest. I think that means I’m awesome ☺ Also awesome, I ran in my new shoes and didn’t get any blisters! These are my new official long run shoes!
Post run, I had to get a pastry, so I made my way to the Hungarian pastry shop. The cream puff was calling to me.
The cream was the most decadent thing ever. I thought the puff part would be puffier, but I'm no cream puff expert and it was still delicious. I’ve decided that next week, I’m going to go for 20 miles, and that deserves a Shake Shack burger and a milkshake. I’m actually looking forward to my 20 mile run!
This has nothing to do with anything, but I went to a screening of True Wolf on Friday night, and we had a special guest join us after the movie. This is Atka, and he’s a wolf.
I died a little.
Good news is today was perfect weather for a run. It was in the 60’s with low humidity and nice cloud cover. I’d like to request this weather for the marathon please. I got up early and headed to the park for my run. I was super excited because I made arrangements to meet up with Michelle for one loop of my run. I just had to get through the first 8 miles. There was a race going on in the park, and there were lots of interesting people to keep me entertained. There was a guy juggling while running. Yes, juggling. I passed him twice, and he just kept on juggling. Running a marathon is THAT easy that now you do it while juggling. Some people are over achievers.
Then I met up with Michelle. It was soooooooo nice to run with her. It was just like old running times. We chatted as we plodded along. It made the time pass and before you know it, I had 13 miles done. Thanks Michelle! I had planned to go for 18, so I had one loop left. Sometimes I think of Finding Nemo when I’m running. There’s that part when they say “Just keep swimming.” I like to repeat to myself, “Just keep running.” So I just kept running. I actually felt really good and my last mile ended up being my fastest. I think that means I’m awesome ☺ Also awesome, I ran in my new shoes and didn’t get any blisters! These are my new official long run shoes!
Post run, I had to get a pastry, so I made my way to the Hungarian pastry shop. The cream puff was calling to me.
The cream was the most decadent thing ever. I thought the puff part would be puffier, but I'm no cream puff expert and it was still delicious. I’ve decided that next week, I’m going to go for 20 miles, and that deserves a Shake Shack burger and a milkshake. I’m actually looking forward to my 20 mile run!
This has nothing to do with anything, but I went to a screening of True Wolf on Friday night, and we had a special guest join us after the movie. This is Atka, and he’s a wolf.
I died a little.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Back on Track
Ok. I did it. I really didn't want to but this morning when my alarm went off, I actually got up and went for a run. Luckily the kitty was helping by being more annoying than snuggly. He must have known I wanted to get up. Even when I was out for my run, I still didn't want to. But I'm training for a marathon, gosh darnit. So run I must!
In other news, I fear this is about to become a blog more about my cat than anything else. I took a picture of him when I got back from my run and turned on the shower.
As soon as the shower comes on, there he is. He just stands there and stares. Sometimes when I'm in the shower he'll come and stick his face under the curtain, and stare some more. I'm not sure what he finds so fascinating about showers.
In other news, I fear this is about to become a blog more about my cat than anything else. I took a picture of him when I got back from my run and turned on the shower.
As soon as the shower comes on, there he is. He just stands there and stares. Sometimes when I'm in the shower he'll come and stick his face under the curtain, and stare some more. I'm not sure what he finds so fascinating about showers.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Sleepy Runner
I’ve been a bad runner lately. Actually more like a sleepy runner. Everyday I’ve attempted to get up and run, I could barely keep my eyes open and went back to sleep instead. Kitty doesn’t help either when he snuggles up in the crook of my arm. How can I wake the kitty? Bit I promise that tomorrow, no matter how nicely kitty is snuggled, I WILL get up and run. I WILL!
I was awake enough to make it to practice last night, just in time for MORE HILL TRAINING!!! I’m always excited for hills. This week’s workout was similar to last week’s- run up the hill as hard as you can. I told Krista that last week this workout made me feel like I wanted to throw up. She said that means I did it right. So I did it again. There was more running and more wanting to throw up. SO MUCH FUN!! That was all sarcastic and none of it was fun or exciting. It was exhausting. But I did get some new shoes, which is actually very exciting (if you’re a runner or a lame person like me). There was nothing wrong with my other shoes, but I had been feeling like I might like a little extra cushion sometimes, plus shoes were 40% off for DetermiNation athletes. And most runners have more than one pair of shoes. So I bought these bad boys.
I don’t actually know what they are, other than Nikes. I wore them on the run last night and didn’t take the box with me. But I can tell you they are VERY comfortable. They have a little bit more squish and the toe box is very soft. I didn’t get a single blister! These might have to be my new long run shoes.
In other news, kitty is OBSESSED with the bath tub. He sneaks in there and stares at the water drops left in the tub. He's weird.
I was awake enough to make it to practice last night, just in time for MORE HILL TRAINING!!! I’m always excited for hills. This week’s workout was similar to last week’s- run up the hill as hard as you can. I told Krista that last week this workout made me feel like I wanted to throw up. She said that means I did it right. So I did it again. There was more running and more wanting to throw up. SO MUCH FUN!! That was all sarcastic and none of it was fun or exciting. It was exhausting. But I did get some new shoes, which is actually very exciting (if you’re a runner or a lame person like me). There was nothing wrong with my other shoes, but I had been feeling like I might like a little extra cushion sometimes, plus shoes were 40% off for DetermiNation athletes. And most runners have more than one pair of shoes. So I bought these bad boys.
I don’t actually know what they are, other than Nikes. I wore them on the run last night and didn’t take the box with me. But I can tell you they are VERY comfortable. They have a little bit more squish and the toe box is very soft. I didn’t get a single blister! These might have to be my new long run shoes.
In other news, kitty is OBSESSED with the bath tub. He sneaks in there and stares at the water drops left in the tub. He's weird.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Summer Streets and Yummy Donuts
Summer streets is one of my favorite runs of the year. Three Saturdays in August, they shut down Park Ave from 72nd Street to Brooklyn Bridge for runners, bikers, or anyone just looking to enjoy the day. There are lots of free events, like rock climbing and zip lining, and lots of free samples too. But we were just there for the running.
It's always nice when we get to run somewhere other than the park, even if today it was like running through soup. I ran to the bathroom before we even started and came back covered in sweat. I was doubtful that today's run was going to go well. Luckily, I was wrong. At the very least, the run was scenic. We ran all the way downtown and over the Brooklyn Bridge. We even stopped for a picture.
On the second half, I definitely started getting tired, but today, I was running to donuts. There was a bakery on the east side that fills their donuts with fresh jelly right in front of you. I know it's kind of lame, but whatever keeps me motivated works for me. I just kept thinking "8 more blocks until donuts and coffee!"
What a lovely sight when I arrived.
I chose the sugar donut with raspberry jelly.
I may just be that I was hungry after 14 miles. Or it may have been the copious amounts of jelly, but this was probably the best pastry I've had post-run. On a side note, I love fresh jam, so I might be a little biased. I can't even buy it because I end up just eating most of it with a spoon. So yea, this was pretty awesome. My run got even better when I got home to find that Grandma Betty made a donation to my fundraising. This year alone, I've raised almost $3,000. Everyone's support makes these long runs SOOOO much easier.
So I think today was pretty awesome.
It's always nice when we get to run somewhere other than the park, even if today it was like running through soup. I ran to the bathroom before we even started and came back covered in sweat. I was doubtful that today's run was going to go well. Luckily, I was wrong. At the very least, the run was scenic. We ran all the way downtown and over the Brooklyn Bridge. We even stopped for a picture.
On the second half, I definitely started getting tired, but today, I was running to donuts. There was a bakery on the east side that fills their donuts with fresh jelly right in front of you. I know it's kind of lame, but whatever keeps me motivated works for me. I just kept thinking "8 more blocks until donuts and coffee!"
What a lovely sight when I arrived.
I chose the sugar donut with raspberry jelly.
I may just be that I was hungry after 14 miles. Or it may have been the copious amounts of jelly, but this was probably the best pastry I've had post-run. On a side note, I love fresh jam, so I might be a little biased. I can't even buy it because I end up just eating most of it with a spoon. So yea, this was pretty awesome. My run got even better when I got home to find that Grandma Betty made a donation to my fundraising. This year alone, I've raised almost $3,000. Everyone's support makes these long runs SOOOO much easier.
So I think today was pretty awesome.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Finding Greatness
If you've been watching the Olympics at all, you've probably seen this commercial.
I cannot tell you how much I love this commercial. I want it on a loop when I run. I love that it's encouraging average people to be great. We started hill training this week and I was trying REALLY hard to tap into my Nike greatness. I felt like I was giving it my all sprinting up the hill as hard as I could, gasping for breath, feeling like I was going to vomit, but apparently Coach Cider thinks I can run harder. We'll have to see about that in weeks to come.
I felt pretty great this morning when I got up early to willingly do a speed workout. Without anyone yelling at me to it. If that's not finding greatness, I don't know what is.
This morning I also took a picture of this statue. I don't know what this is supposed to be about, but I find it terrifying. The bear looks like he's trying to eat the kid. Is it just me?
I cannot tell you how much I love this commercial. I want it on a loop when I run. I love that it's encouraging average people to be great. We started hill training this week and I was trying REALLY hard to tap into my Nike greatness. I felt like I was giving it my all sprinting up the hill as hard as I could, gasping for breath, feeling like I was going to vomit, but apparently Coach Cider thinks I can run harder. We'll have to see about that in weeks to come.
I felt pretty great this morning when I got up early to willingly do a speed workout. Without anyone yelling at me to it. If that's not finding greatness, I don't know what is.
This morning I also took a picture of this statue. I don't know what this is supposed to be about, but I find it terrifying. The bear looks like he's trying to eat the kid. Is it just me?
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Monday, August 6, 2012
Celebrate Hope and Kitty News
Saturday was quite an interesting day. It was hot, and the air was like soup, so I went for a VERY SLOOOOOW run. Good news is it was a down week for me, so I only ran about 6 or 7 miles. Bad news- no pastry :( But more good news! Post-run, we had breakfast at the Hope Lodge with the Hope Lodge guests and my fellow runners. It’s an event we call Celebrate Hope, and it’s usually one of the best events of the training season. It ended up being part celebration, part therapy. The most touching part is always when everyone shares their stories, either why they’re running or why they’re staying at Hope Lodge. There were LOTS of stories. A few of them had happy endings, but more often than not, they didn’t. This is why we all run and raise money. One of the common sentiments amongst the runners was they didn’t know what else to do. They couldn’t do nothing, but we’re not doctors. We can’t find a cure. But we can run, and raise money, and maybe inspire people. It was a very touching morning and it reminds me how thankful I am to be a part of DetermiNation. You can always help by donating here. I'm SUPER CLOSE to my goal. Who wants to give that last little push?
The rest of my day was less good, and it had to do with the kitty. We took him to the vet on Saturday afternoon, and just has a precaution, had him scanned for a microchip. Wouldn’t you guess that the one cat I find that I actually want to keep has a microchip? I was a little bit heartbroken. I called the chip company and they told me someone would be calling me right back. So I waited. And waited. And waited. After about an hour I called them back. They said they spoke to the owners and gave them my phone number. I was a little confused. No owner had called me. Why would someone missing their cat wait? I asked if they sounded like they wanted him. They said all they can tell me is they gave them my number, and I have to wait for them to call me. Ball is in their court. BUT if they don’t call me within 2 weeks, then I can go through the process of having his chip information changed over to me. I don’t want to get my hopes up too much, but it’s been 2 days, and they haven’t called. And I had his for almost a week before I called the chip company and he was never reported missing. The vet assistant said believe it or not, a lot of times people “lose” their pets and don’t want them back. (That’s a whole other thing that really pisses me off, that I won’t rant about now.) So I’m just crossing my fingers that no one calls. I’m pretty sure he wants to be my cat. His last owners named him Chris. He told me he doesn't want to be Chris because that's a dumb name for a cat.
Plus I can’t give him back now. He’s too stinking cute.
The rest of my day was less good, and it had to do with the kitty. We took him to the vet on Saturday afternoon, and just has a precaution, had him scanned for a microchip. Wouldn’t you guess that the one cat I find that I actually want to keep has a microchip? I was a little bit heartbroken. I called the chip company and they told me someone would be calling me right back. So I waited. And waited. And waited. After about an hour I called them back. They said they spoke to the owners and gave them my phone number. I was a little confused. No owner had called me. Why would someone missing their cat wait? I asked if they sounded like they wanted him. They said all they can tell me is they gave them my number, and I have to wait for them to call me. Ball is in their court. BUT if they don’t call me within 2 weeks, then I can go through the process of having his chip information changed over to me. I don’t want to get my hopes up too much, but it’s been 2 days, and they haven’t called. And I had his for almost a week before I called the chip company and he was never reported missing. The vet assistant said believe it or not, a lot of times people “lose” their pets and don’t want them back. (That’s a whole other thing that really pisses me off, that I won’t rant about now.) So I’m just crossing my fingers that no one calls. I’m pretty sure he wants to be my cat. His last owners named him Chris. He told me he doesn't want to be Chris because that's a dumb name for a cat.
Plus I can’t give him back now. He’s too stinking cute.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Mile Repeats...AND KITTY!!!
I have to admit. I’m pretty freaking proud of myself. At last night’s practice, we did mile repeats. Basically, you run a mile as fast as you can, recover for about half a mile, and repeat. I remember doing this before and it was HARD, so I wasn’t expecting too much. Now here’s the part where I toot my own horn a little. I was freaking awesome. On a normal slow run, I average about a 10:30 or 11 minute mile. Last night, my first mile was 8:25 (SPEEDY LISA), my second mile was 8:22 (SPEEDIER LISA) and my last was 8:25, which means that I paced myself pretty perfectly, while still pushing myself. On my second mile I was running basically step for step with another woman. I don’t know who she was, but I just tried to keep up with her. And in the end, I beat her. Ok, that wasn’t part of the workout, but it’s still awesome. And the most surprising part of this workout? I felt great when it was all done. Sure I felt like I was going to throw up during the run (coach said we got extra bragging rights if we threw up), but afterwards I was really proud that I pushed myself that little extra bit. If anything this means I should probably pick up the pace a little on my long runs, but we’ll have to see about that one.
Another reason to be proud- I raised $75 just by making cookies. Never under estimate the appeal of a chocolate chip cookie to the average office worker. They literally disappeared. So that brings me just a little bit closer to my goal! WOOHOO! Since it’s August 1st, let’s set a new goal. By the end of August, I want my total to be at $2000, which means I have about $250 left to go. Who wants to put me over the top? DONATE HERE!
In other news, LOOK AT THE KITTY!!!
I’m totally obsessed with him. It’s honestly kind of distracting. I’ve determined that he was definitely not a feral cat. He likes people too much. We’re taking him to the vet on Saturday to make sure he doesn’t have a micro chip. If he’s chip free, then HE’S MINE!!
Another reason to be proud- I raised $75 just by making cookies. Never under estimate the appeal of a chocolate chip cookie to the average office worker. They literally disappeared. So that brings me just a little bit closer to my goal! WOOHOO! Since it’s August 1st, let’s set a new goal. By the end of August, I want my total to be at $2000, which means I have about $250 left to go. Who wants to put me over the top? DONATE HERE!
In other news, LOOK AT THE KITTY!!!
I’m totally obsessed with him. It’s honestly kind of distracting. I’ve determined that he was definitely not a feral cat. He likes people too much. We’re taking him to the vet on Saturday to make sure he doesn’t have a micro chip. If he’s chip free, then HE’S MINE!!
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