Tomorrow at 9 a.m. I along with Vane and Blondie and about 4,000 women will be running the Mini 10K, along with two of our hero's Kara Goucher and Paula Radcliffe (who are 5 months pregnant) in Central Park. If your in the area come and cheer us on we will be wearing our lovely TFK jersey's.
Yes, I am a nerd because I will be taking my camera to try to get a picture hopefully with them!! I will update you guys on Monday. After the run its off to watch the WORLD CUP!!
Till then Happy Running!
MM
Friday, June 11, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010
Marathon Training has started!!
Hi everyone!!
It is that time of year again when all the crazy people start by giving up their Friday night outings for early Saturday morning runs, Blondie will start to make her lovely lasagne's and of course body glide...yes it is here Marathon Season is among us!
Today will be my first practice back with my team TFK so be on the look out of all of my fundraising activities and if you can please donate ;).
So excited as last year's NYC Marathon was amazing. Here are some highlights from last year:
Having my mom try to find me in NYC, along with Miss MT, Tiffany and my Kermit.
Lissy, Buddha and Ken surprising me at George's and supporting me in BK, thank you B Aponte BB Aponte.
Short Michelle, I love ya for all that you do :).
I do have a thank you for all my TFKer's but that has to be a seperate post...up next.
It is that time of year again when all the crazy people start by giving up their Friday night outings for early Saturday morning runs, Blondie will start to make her lovely lasagne's and of course body glide...yes it is here Marathon Season is among us!
Today will be my first practice back with my team TFK so be on the look out of all of my fundraising activities and if you can please donate ;).
So excited as last year's NYC Marathon was amazing. Here are some highlights from last year:
Having my mom try to find me in NYC, along with Miss MT, Tiffany and my Kermit.
Lissy, Buddha and Ken surprising me at George's and supporting me in BK, thank you B Aponte BB Aponte.
Short Michelle, I love ya for all that you do :).
I do have a thank you for all my TFKer's but that has to be a seperate post...up next.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
National Running Day
Today June 2nd is National Running day!!!
Here is some information I "borrowed" from NYRR on National Running Day.
What is National Running Day:
National Running Day is a national initiative of the major organizations within the running industry to join forces in an unprecedented unified effort to nationally promote running as a healthy, easy, and accessible form of exercise. The second annual National Running Day will be Wednesday, June 2.
From New York to San Diego, the day will celebrate the benefits of running as part of a healthy and active lifestyle aimed at combating some of today’s most pressing health issues.
You can participate in National Running Day anywhere—you don’t have to be in one of the cities hosting events to take part. At the least, all it takes is to wear your running shoes throughout the day, go for a run, and invite a friend to join you.
So, what do you think? Ready to get out and run?
For those that are not runners, thats ok: Read below.
It’s easy to get started running. Here are some simple guidelines everyone can follow to safely and pleasurably develop their ability to run.
Relax. Running is a natural act, like breathing or walking. Just about anyone can do it. It is, however, recommended that you consult a health professional before undertaking a serious training program. You may wish to start by walking first, and then gradually incorporating running into your training program.
Think positively. Don’t be discouraged. If you can get through the first several weeks of training, you will find that what seems like a big effort at the start will soon feel natural and easy to you. Within a few weeks, you will experience the pure joy of running down the street or along a park path.
Buy quality gear. The only equipment you will need is comfortable exercise clothes and good running shoes. Go to a running specialty store and get advice about the right shoes for you. You can get good running shoes for $80-120.
Train with a plan. Choose a running/walking course that is readily accessible to you. During your first two training weeks, try to run two or three times per week, on alternate days. When you feel ready, increase to four days a week, then five days. The idea is to build up gradually. Even top competitive runners take days off regularly to rest and avoid injury. Stretch your muscles on both your running and non-running days.
It’s okay to walk. Begin your first workouts with 15 minutes of alternating walking and jogging: Walk for five minutes, then run easily for two or three minutes; repeat. If you are comfortable jogging from the start, that’s fine, but do not run the entire time even if you think you can. Don’t worry about the distance you cover. On your third or fourth workout, try increasing your time to 20 minutes. After three or four more workouts, move to 25 minutes, then after another three or four workouts, try a 30-minute continuous run. Don’t force yourself to go farther or faster than what feels comfortable to you. The idea is to keep running regularly, and you’re more likely to do that if you’re enjoying yourself and looking forward to your next run.
Run at “conversation” pace. If you can’t chat with your running companions, you are going too fast. If you are running alone, try singing to yourself, out loud, to make sure your effort and breathing are under control. If you can’t sing, slow down.
If your schedule allows, include cross training. Biking, elliptical training, and lifting light weights can help strengthen non-running muscles and prevent injury. Swimming and deep water running can also be helpful in balancing your training and avoiding injuries.
Aim for a race. Pick an event that’s at least six weeks in the future. An ideal distance for your first race would be 5K (3.1 miles) or four miles. This is short enough so that you can truly be ready for your first effort, and long enough to give you the sense of accomplishment that will fuel your future running. Your goal should be to finish, enjoy the event, and look ahead. Start at the back of the pack, hold yourself back at the start, and run within your comfort range. If your time was slow, that’s good—now you have a base from which to improve.
For your next race, try a few short speed workouts. After a mile warm-up, run a series of faster intervals with jogging in between. A good “starter” workout is a sequence of about 400 meters at a quicker pace, followed by a slow 400-meter jog, repeated six times. This will loosen up your legs, lengthen your stride, and give you the confidence you will need to race.
**Food for thought: No one starts off a runner we all worked our way to where we are now. Example me, I was never a runner I was on the track team in high school and HATED IT! Now I am working towards my 3rd marathon. If I can do it so can you!
Enjoy the day!!
MM
Here is some information I "borrowed" from NYRR on National Running Day.
What is National Running Day:
National Running Day is a national initiative of the major organizations within the running industry to join forces in an unprecedented unified effort to nationally promote running as a healthy, easy, and accessible form of exercise. The second annual National Running Day will be Wednesday, June 2.
From New York to San Diego, the day will celebrate the benefits of running as part of a healthy and active lifestyle aimed at combating some of today’s most pressing health issues.
You can participate in National Running Day anywhere—you don’t have to be in one of the cities hosting events to take part. At the least, all it takes is to wear your running shoes throughout the day, go for a run, and invite a friend to join you.
So, what do you think? Ready to get out and run?
For those that are not runners, thats ok: Read below.
It’s easy to get started running. Here are some simple guidelines everyone can follow to safely and pleasurably develop their ability to run.
Relax. Running is a natural act, like breathing or walking. Just about anyone can do it. It is, however, recommended that you consult a health professional before undertaking a serious training program. You may wish to start by walking first, and then gradually incorporating running into your training program.
Think positively. Don’t be discouraged. If you can get through the first several weeks of training, you will find that what seems like a big effort at the start will soon feel natural and easy to you. Within a few weeks, you will experience the pure joy of running down the street or along a park path.
Buy quality gear. The only equipment you will need is comfortable exercise clothes and good running shoes. Go to a running specialty store and get advice about the right shoes for you. You can get good running shoes for $80-120.
Train with a plan. Choose a running/walking course that is readily accessible to you. During your first two training weeks, try to run two or three times per week, on alternate days. When you feel ready, increase to four days a week, then five days. The idea is to build up gradually. Even top competitive runners take days off regularly to rest and avoid injury. Stretch your muscles on both your running and non-running days.
It’s okay to walk. Begin your first workouts with 15 minutes of alternating walking and jogging: Walk for five minutes, then run easily for two or three minutes; repeat. If you are comfortable jogging from the start, that’s fine, but do not run the entire time even if you think you can. Don’t worry about the distance you cover. On your third or fourth workout, try increasing your time to 20 minutes. After three or four more workouts, move to 25 minutes, then after another three or four workouts, try a 30-minute continuous run. Don’t force yourself to go farther or faster than what feels comfortable to you. The idea is to keep running regularly, and you’re more likely to do that if you’re enjoying yourself and looking forward to your next run.
Run at “conversation” pace. If you can’t chat with your running companions, you are going too fast. If you are running alone, try singing to yourself, out loud, to make sure your effort and breathing are under control. If you can’t sing, slow down.
If your schedule allows, include cross training. Biking, elliptical training, and lifting light weights can help strengthen non-running muscles and prevent injury. Swimming and deep water running can also be helpful in balancing your training and avoiding injuries.
Aim for a race. Pick an event that’s at least six weeks in the future. An ideal distance for your first race would be 5K (3.1 miles) or four miles. This is short enough so that you can truly be ready for your first effort, and long enough to give you the sense of accomplishment that will fuel your future running. Your goal should be to finish, enjoy the event, and look ahead. Start at the back of the pack, hold yourself back at the start, and run within your comfort range. If your time was slow, that’s good—now you have a base from which to improve.
For your next race, try a few short speed workouts. After a mile warm-up, run a series of faster intervals with jogging in between. A good “starter” workout is a sequence of about 400 meters at a quicker pace, followed by a slow 400-meter jog, repeated six times. This will loosen up your legs, lengthen your stride, and give you the confidence you will need to race.
**Food for thought: No one starts off a runner we all worked our way to where we are now. Example me, I was never a runner I was on the track team in high school and HATED IT! Now I am working towards my 3rd marathon. If I can do it so can you!
Enjoy the day!!
MM
Monday, May 24, 2010
Hello Brooklyn. Goodbye Fear
Finally, Finally, Finally. I finally had an AMAZING run!!! I have said it before and I will say it again THANK YOU VANE!!!
I would have never been able to do this without her. She was there with me even though she was in pain from her hip, but she kept me on track and just when I thought I could not push it anymore she yelled to me "COME ON GIRL, YOU GOT THIS" and just like that, I did. Then I saw Ren, Kelsey and Blondie cheering for us, that I had to push it and you know what it felt great and I also received my very first PR!!! What is a PR you ask? Well, simple//// Personal Record with a time of 2:14:29 for a half marathon, which is great because my last half I completed in 2:24:45.
Vane, Blondie and I all headed up to Brooklyn together in a cab and I have to say. no one was feeling this half marathon. We were all very quiet which is always an odd thing for all of us. My goal was to leave all my fears in Prospect Park because these last couple of run have not been the best since Paris. My stomach was in knots and I was really nervous once we showed up. I told myself it was ok to feel it now as long as I left it in the park and I did.
The Highlights of the Brooklyn Half were:
1. I GOT A FLIPPING PR!!
2. Vane and I crossed the finish line together for the first time ever.
3. Seeing Ren, Kelsey and Blondie at the finish line.
4. Seeing Michelle and Alex at mile 11.5 I think..lol
The one and only low light of the race....was watching a squirrel commit suicide as we did the first lap in Prospect Park. The poor squirrel fell out of a tree to its death, was actually a very very sad moment.
Other than that, the run was great! We all celebrated together and enjoyed a wonderful Saturday morning Run.
Thank you to everyone for all of their support and well wishes...I have broken the mental wall. :)
I would have never been able to do this without her. She was there with me even though she was in pain from her hip, but she kept me on track and just when I thought I could not push it anymore she yelled to me "COME ON GIRL, YOU GOT THIS" and just like that, I did. Then I saw Ren, Kelsey and Blondie cheering for us, that I had to push it and you know what it felt great and I also received my very first PR!!! What is a PR you ask? Well, simple//// Personal Record with a time of 2:14:29 for a half marathon, which is great because my last half I completed in 2:24:45.
Vane, Blondie and I all headed up to Brooklyn together in a cab and I have to say. no one was feeling this half marathon. We were all very quiet which is always an odd thing for all of us. My goal was to leave all my fears in Prospect Park because these last couple of run have not been the best since Paris. My stomach was in knots and I was really nervous once we showed up. I told myself it was ok to feel it now as long as I left it in the park and I did.
The Highlights of the Brooklyn Half were:
1. I GOT A FLIPPING PR!!
2. Vane and I crossed the finish line together for the first time ever.
3. Seeing Ren, Kelsey and Blondie at the finish line.
4. Seeing Michelle and Alex at mile 11.5 I think..lol
The one and only low light of the race....was watching a squirrel commit suicide as we did the first lap in Prospect Park. The poor squirrel fell out of a tree to its death, was actually a very very sad moment.
Other than that, the run was great! We all celebrated together and enjoyed a wonderful Saturday morning Run.
Thank you to everyone for all of their support and well wishes...I have broken the mental wall. :)
Friday, May 21, 2010
Need to leave it all behind
Oh Paris, Oh Paris, how you have scorned me. You all have read how Paris has been the hardest race for me to date and I guess I still haven't gotten over it. Its been a little over a month and when I enter the corrals to start a race, my stomach turns into knots and I literally want to curl up into a ball and just lay there still and motionless. I didn't realize how bad Paris hurt my running ego, but it really did quite the number on it. When people ask me how Paris was, the first thing out of my mouth is "Terrible, I hated it with a passion". The truth is that for the first 20 miles it was a great race, but dammit those last six point two. I cant get those out of my mind. Since I have been back, I have done two races. One was the shameful 4 miles, and the Healthy Kidney 10k. With both, I didn't feel as comfortable as I should have.
I know that I have hit a mental wall, maybe even a physical wall. How do I get over it? At the Healthy Kidney run, Vane and I spoke to two elite runners and Vane told them about her experience in Paris which was also bad. Then the runner asked "Well why was the race so hard"? Vane responded "Because I was injured". The runner looked at her and said "Why did you run"? It was like the messiah himself came down and shed light onto our little running feet. Then I asked the other elite runner how to get over a bad run, and he said "You just do". You leave it behind. Sometimes you have good days, sometimes you have bad days. You just need to leave them behind. When Vane and I walked away we couldn't get over the simple sentences that these elites had shared with us.
But as much as they are simple, they are still very hard to overcome. I need to get over my mental hump I have the Brooklyn half tomorrow and I want to do well. NO, not well…. I want to do AMAZING! I know I can do this I just need to get over the fear that I have. The fear that keeps growing when I put my chip on my shoe, when I enter the corrals. I need to leave them behind and Brooklyn will be the place where that happens.
My goal for this half is to not let my mind beat me up, not let the walking word enter my thoughts and most importantly, to enjoy this run. Brooklyn was by far my favorite borough during the NYC Marathon and I know tomorrow will be just as amazing.
Vane sent me a blog entry she found about hitting the wall. My favorite line from that is the following: "I wonder if it's possible to imagine drawing a new starting line just when we think we can't muster another step. Some experienced runners say the race doesn't even begin until mile 20...until the wall. Thats when you really find out what you are up against, and in that same sweet moment, what you are really made of.
Hopefully come Monday I will have a different outlook on running.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Brooklyn Half This Saturday.
Hello All!!
The Brooklyn Half will be held this Saturday 7 a.m. start time. You know that this lovely TFK'er will be running it along with Vane and Blondie. If you in the hood come look and cheer for us.
I cannot wait...well I kind of can because I have been having an issue with running but I am playing it smart. Hopefully on Monday I can write an entry about it since I am leaving for Mexico on Tuesday.
We start the race in Prospect Park (very excited I have never been there) and end at Coney Island (WHOT WHOT I get a hot dog).
XOXO
MM
The Brooklyn Half will be held this Saturday 7 a.m. start time. You know that this lovely TFK'er will be running it along with Vane and Blondie. If you in the hood come look and cheer for us.
I cannot wait...well I kind of can because I have been having an issue with running but I am playing it smart. Hopefully on Monday I can write an entry about it since I am leaving for Mexico on Tuesday.
We start the race in Prospect Park (very excited I have never been there) and end at Coney Island (WHOT WHOT I get a hot dog).
XOXO
MM
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
43:29...My running card should be revoked!!
Happy Mother's Day!!! This past Sunday, Vane and I participated in a 4 mile race in Central Park. Easy right? I mean what is 4 miles?? Should have been so easy since we had just done a 26.2 marathon in Paris less than a month ago....
Let me preface this with saying that Vane and I decided to hang out with BriCar (two girls from TFK, Vane came up with the name for them). We decided it would be fun to have a sloppy brunch which was the plan since Vane and I had already ran our 8 miles earlier that morning. I mean we were on a roll I even remembered Evan's fish Nemo (the fat fish) and Fuego (skinny mini) so I was all good. Brunch was awesome! We tried a new place on the Upper West Side. I stuck to Bloody Mary's because the last time I went to brunch with these ladies I didn't make it passed 4 p.m.
Before we left we also each had a nice cold Fosters Beer (YUMS IN THE TUMS)
we arrived at our brunch location promptly at noon and didn't leave until 4pm. Already a problem. Then, of course, our lovely Vane has a brilliant idea to drink Prosecco in the park, I admit that I don't help the situation because I ended up buying another bottle. Before heading to the park we stopped off at Levain Bakery. I had a dark chocolate with peanut butter cookie (probably best I have ever had in my LIFE).
Why peanut butter, you might ask? Simple, I needed the protein for my run....inside running joke.
We also stopped off at Starbucks to get these cool cups. They are so slick no one will ever know that we are drinking in public....hee hee hee.
While boozing it up in the park the day is filled with laughs, the crow pose, cartwheels and handstands, buying two mojitos in the park and of course throwing around a Frisbee. Could you ask for a better day?!
As we all left, BriCar were on their way to dinner with another friend and they invited Vane and I but somehow we both knew that if we went it would not be a good night. So we parted ways and Vane and I went to our favorite Mexican restaurant in the hood. Clearly we drank more beers because that's what you do when you start at noon---did I mention that at this point it is 8 p.m. Needless to say we never ended up meeting BriCar that night. We both were sleeping by 9:30 I remember it clearly because I told Vane I was going to head home at 10:00 I woke up from her cocoon at midnight. (To be clear I fell asleep before 9:30 and woke up at midnight)
The next morning my alarm went off just in time for the four mile race. At first I could not move (thinking to myself...I AM WAY TOO OLD FOR THIS). Vane bbm'd and told me we had to do the race. We ended up meeting at the park and ohhh this four mile run was probably one of the hardest things I have ever had to do.
The highlights of the run (and by highlights I clearly I mean the low points):
-We ran an 11 minute mile! 43:29 was our finish time
-We walked twice!! Do you remember I did not allow myself to walk in Paris...WTF?
-We stopped for water at all three of the water stops
-I almost tossed my cookies at mile three...so disappointing.
-A man the age of 76 beat us with a time of 38:22
I most certainly need to call Mary Wittenberg and have her revoke not only my marathon bib but also my running card. This run was not my best run...but Vane and I learned a couple of things:
1. We are too old for this.
2. If we are going to play hard we need work harder. Although we did 11 minute miles we still did the run which at the end of the day was the important thing.
The rest of the day consisted of me laying in my bed then moving over to Vane's as she made lunch then we assumed position in her cocoon.
Let me preface this with saying that Vane and I decided to hang out with BriCar (two girls from TFK, Vane came up with the name for them). We decided it would be fun to have a sloppy brunch which was the plan since Vane and I had already ran our 8 miles earlier that morning. I mean we were on a roll I even remembered Evan's fish Nemo (the fat fish) and Fuego (skinny mini) so I was all good. Brunch was awesome! We tried a new place on the Upper West Side. I stuck to Bloody Mary's because the last time I went to brunch with these ladies I didn't make it passed 4 p.m.
Before we left we also each had a nice cold Fosters Beer (YUMS IN THE TUMS)
we arrived at our brunch location promptly at noon and didn't leave until 4pm. Already a problem. Then, of course, our lovely Vane has a brilliant idea to drink Prosecco in the park, I admit that I don't help the situation because I ended up buying another bottle. Before heading to the park we stopped off at Levain Bakery. I had a dark chocolate with peanut butter cookie (probably best I have ever had in my LIFE).
Why peanut butter, you might ask? Simple, I needed the protein for my run....inside running joke.
We also stopped off at Starbucks to get these cool cups. They are so slick no one will ever know that we are drinking in public....hee hee hee.
While boozing it up in the park the day is filled with laughs, the crow pose, cartwheels and handstands, buying two mojitos in the park and of course throwing around a Frisbee. Could you ask for a better day?!
As we all left, BriCar were on their way to dinner with another friend and they invited Vane and I but somehow we both knew that if we went it would not be a good night. So we parted ways and Vane and I went to our favorite Mexican restaurant in the hood. Clearly we drank more beers because that's what you do when you start at noon---did I mention that at this point it is 8 p.m. Needless to say we never ended up meeting BriCar that night. We both were sleeping by 9:30 I remember it clearly because I told Vane I was going to head home at 10:00 I woke up from her cocoon at midnight. (To be clear I fell asleep before 9:30 and woke up at midnight)
The next morning my alarm went off just in time for the four mile race. At first I could not move (thinking to myself...I AM WAY TOO OLD FOR THIS). Vane bbm'd and told me we had to do the race. We ended up meeting at the park and ohhh this four mile run was probably one of the hardest things I have ever had to do.
The highlights of the run (and by highlights I clearly I mean the low points):
-We ran an 11 minute mile! 43:29 was our finish time
-We walked twice!! Do you remember I did not allow myself to walk in Paris...WTF?
-We stopped for water at all three of the water stops
-I almost tossed my cookies at mile three...so disappointing.
-A man the age of 76 beat us with a time of 38:22
I most certainly need to call Mary Wittenberg and have her revoke not only my marathon bib but also my running card. This run was not my best run...but Vane and I learned a couple of things:
1. We are too old for this.
2. If we are going to play hard we need work harder. Although we did 11 minute miles we still did the run which at the end of the day was the important thing.
The rest of the day consisted of me laying in my bed then moving over to Vane's as she made lunch then we assumed position in her cocoon.
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