Running in the elements... Hurricanes are safe, right?

Rain, wind, snow, ice and heat never seems to stop the avid runner. Before I started running I hated rain. I never wanted to walk in it, it ruined my hair and my outfit. Now, I love the rain, snow and everything in between. The city is quiet and the pedestrians are sparse. Traffic is another story and yes your makeup will be all over your face but, you will be alone. Truth is for most runners this is the weather they prefer. The sun is not in your eyes and it feels like the endless water cup.
The first time I ever ran in the rain was right after I got rid of my gym membership. I had been kicked off the treadmill for being on too long and I needed to get a certain amount of mileage in for Boston training. I needed to get a run in and I needed 10 miles. It was pouring and that morning I decided to brave it and suck it up. That afternoon I realized rain was no longer my enemy, but my friend. The first mile I thought "F#$k my life!" The problem was that the first mile sucks even in the perfect conditions. Personally I like my first couple of miles to be full of hills to really get going. Well needless to say after mile 2 I got why everyone loves it. It was almost liberating. I was alone and the streets were quiet. It was just me and the open road. My head phones crapped out but later I would realize music was just distracting anyway. At the end of the run I felt so refreshed... I also looked like I just took a shower with 4 layers on and had makeup all over my face, but with a huge grin! After this run I started to run in everything. I loved snowstorms and the peaceful feel the city had.
A race never cancels due to weather conditions. Rain or shine your marathon will be held. Unless there is a possible hurricane or tornado. You need to be prepared for all possible race conditions. My next marathon could be extremely cold and rainy. The truth is, I hope it it rains. I seem to run better in the cold and rain than heat and sunny. Ever runner will swear that overcast and 40's are the perfect running conditions. I totally agree! Will your race pictures be beautiful glamour shots, probably not. Honestly though, they never are! So bring on the rain mother nature, I'm ready!! NYC in a month and I could not be more excited and the Boston Athletic Association Half marathon in 2 weeks. This Sunday I take on the 20 miler and a trip back to Hopkington.

Is running really cheaper than therapy?

A lot of elite runners have said a marathon is 20% percent running and 80% mental. Another good quote is "If you want to change your body, workout. If you want to change your life, become a runner."- by a ton of people. Running can really help with issues and many like myself have credited running for dealing with the pain. Many health professionals will suggest exercise and healthy diet for better mental health. It's kind of obvious. Being in shape and improving your over all health will make you feel better regaurdless. But what the hell is it with running? It works, I'm proof of that, but running seems to be on the top of the list of life changing activities.
If you don't have insurance and you don't plan on running expensive races or traveling for races, my guess is it is cheaper. Otherwise, not really. Between shoes, running clothes, race fees, lodging and plane tickets, it can rack up the dollar amount. Truth is, for me anyway, it has actually helped me save money. Maybe I just have a clear head from all the running or maybe my priorities have changed. Either way the invaluable feeling after a run also know as "runner's High" can really help in the struggle of stress, anxiety, depression and the long list of mental department. The first mile always sucks, but around mile ten, life never seems so bad.
NYC is coming and that adds it's own stress to life. The question of clothing, split times and not falling in front of millions is inevitable. The great part is all this running helps soothe the nerves. Kind of ironic that the way to deal with the nerves of a race is to run. A little over a month to the big Apple and two weeks until my shakeout half marathon right in Boston!

Running and Makeup.... Waterproof or Marathon Proof!

Sexy isn't it! This is a photo of me right after I took my first 20 mile run. I was so excited and half out of it I put this on my Facebook page. Clearly I should have thought twice about that. I'm someone who has loved makeup since I was a teen. I have always been someone trying the latest drug store eyeliners, eyeshadows, blushes and foundations. I love to find new colors, experiment with the latest eyliner techniques and lip glosses. I'm someone who never goes out the house without at least some mascara. So when I started running this became a problem. Many products claim they are waterproof, but are they 26.2 miles proof.
The answer is even if they are the more expensive products, no. I have tried so many different products and none of them stay put. I also have the problem of sweating like pig in even the coldest conditions. During the winter months I would take off my hat and my hair would be wet. So this poses a problem, How does a girly girl like myself look her best on race day? With my previous two marathons, after the clear catastrophe above, I went natural. I figured maybe now is not the time to have a full mask on. Boston was sunny so I hid behind sun glasses and Wakefield was a t night so no one could see or cared at 1 am. New York is just a short time away and if it is overcast in the earl morning, I can't hide behind sun glasses.
So I've experimented with a few more brands on the pricey side. I've some luck with an eyeliner but I still need to find a mascara. It's a tough job and looking real funny afterwards is no bueno! Especially since I run after work and always seem to bump into people when I try to slip in the back door. What you learn is there is no back door in a hospital and you always run into people when you don't look your best! A little over a month until NYC and I will find make up even if it means many more awkward running selfies!

Running and superstitions... Yeah we all have them!

Every runner has rituals and superstitions. It can be as benign as the way they tie their shoes, to never wearing clean socks. Before a race your told to never do anything new. Don't try new food, don't wear new clothes or shoes and don't try new soaps. Clearly we all have rituals and some of us take it to the extreme. Trust me, I have a pre race dinner and breakfast. I also will buy my marathon outfit within the next week and go for a run in it, plus I will  buy 2 more pairs of sneakers and break them in. I personally check my shoe laces about 40 times prior to being corralled. I use the bathroom about 4 times before the start. I have a certain race brand of socks. I have a hair bow that I wore for Boston which is now a good luck charm. The superstition that has been killing me lately is the swag every marathoner looks forward to; the elusive marathon jacket!
Before Boston I was scared to purchase the jacket. I was worried that if I bought it, and didn't finish, I was stuck looking at how I blew it. When I went to the expo (where you pick up your number) I even got my size and got in line to pay. Waited in line for about 45 minutes and when it came time to purchase it, I bailed. I was so scared that if I bought it, I would most certainly blow out a knee in Ashland (about 5 miles in). About a week after I went into marathon sports, one of the last stores to actually have any jackets left and ended up with a men's small and I can fit myself and three friends in it. I was so mad at myself for waiting and now my first jacket looks sloppy! After my next marathon we received free t-shirts, I wouldn't even take it out of the swag bag because I was afraid if I touch it, I wouldn't finish!
About a few days ago I received an email from the NYRR (New York Road Runners) that the marathon jackets were ready to order. I was about 5 seconds from purchasing when it hit me. You buy it, you DNF (did not finish)! Then I tried to come up with a plan. I thought if I purchased it and sent it to my friends house, asked her to hide it, then I wouldn't see it until after. I spent the whole day going into the website, putting it in my cart and then closing the window. My fear was if I hit purchase, then I would fall out of my chair and break my foot. As of today, no jacket purchased!
Most likely I will end up with an extra large! I have one more possible plan of handing my friend or my parents money, running down the street and having them buy one for me at the Expo. Most likely I will buy it afterwards and end up with a new knida ugly dress. I guess whether it fits or not it's still the symbol of the dream. So there is my random thoughts on Superstitions and running. Whether it's not pooping 1 hour prior to the start or eating only tomatoes 8 hours before we all have something weird! 6 WEEKS!!!

"Why are you still running?"... Why does everyone ask that!

I get this question all the time and I can't fathom the reason. "Why are you still running?" This seems to puzzle so many. Let's start out with the obvious. I usually counter with the question, "If you work that hard for so long, why would you stop?" This also seems to ellicet some thought. What I'm usually actually thinking is "What's it to you?" At the end of the day, I'm not asking you to come with me.
Training for your first marathon, you have to start from scratch. It takes months of working your way up to the milage. Most people, without a marathon in the schedule, are not running 18, 19, 20 miles on a Sunday. You start out around 10 and work your way up. Now after months of training, random injuries and surviving the 26.2 mile journey wherever, you just stop? Maybe for a week to recover (or in my case a day because I'm nuts), but stop entirely, umm... probably not! Running is for most people who choose to run a marathon their passion. After working that hard, they are not going to just throw in the towel.
Another reason is most who decided to run a marathon, probably were running before. Most people don't wake up one day from a sedentary life and decide "I'm running a marathon!" Maybe a 5K or even a 10K, but marathon, not likely. The amount of effort and discipline that goes into training, you kind of have to like it. No matter your speed and time, it's a long ass journey and you have to love it to push through. If you did not like it before, it's going to be a looong road! Now some people do run one just to run one but, it's unlikely they won't still be recreational joggers afterwards. For me, training for Boston, I wanted to learn how to run marathons, plural. I wanted to run them all and why not start with the worst. If you can take on Boston, you can take on them all.
Another reason I'm always caught off gaurd by the question is, this is how I lost a good chunk of the weight. Most people who ask know this. So my question back is "Why would I stop what I love that helps me stay healthy?" Running also helps in the mental department. Plus once you find a good goal why not keep going? Most marathon runners you talk to will tell you they have done multiple in different states and countries. It's fun to see new places and run different routes.
Next I always wonder why even ask? Whats it to you? I'm the kind of person who wants everyone to run because it's amazing but I'm not asking you to. So if I want to still run, what does it matter? The only reason for this question is because it's usually delivered in a rude tone. It's ok to run, nobody gets hurt except for me. It's ok for everyone to run. I think whether it's basket weaving, finding the latest trends in fashion or collecting salt and pepper shakers, if you love it.... DO IT!!
So there are my random thoughts on a dumb question! Less than 6 weeks to the TCS NYC marathon and it feels surreal. I cant honestly express how f*&king excited I am!

Ice Baths, Foam Rolling and all the fun ways to get rid of the pain!

Running everyday can get painful. Sore muscles, cuts and bruises, foot aches and shit splints are just some of the common injuries for long distance runners. After mile 3 you usually can't feel anything, but once you stop, you feel it all. So what is a runner to do? Well, there are a lot of options to help deal with the pain. NSAID's (also known as your standard, over the counter pain relievers) help but are not good for prolonged use. Kidney disease and hypertension are just two of the side effects from long term use. Thankfully (kinda) there are many other options to deal with the pain besides the I'm going to just suck it up attitude many of us have.
Foam rolling is one of the unique ways to deal with the muscle soreness you experience. This is also pretty painful. Many runners will tell you they have a lovely name for their foam roller. Usually it involves four letter words. The basic goal is to roll back and forth on this lovely contraption to lengthen and stretch out the muscle. While this sounds relaxing, think yoga. Trust me it hurts like a bitch and you curse the poor roller until your done. Then it becomes you new best friend until your sore again. Curse and repeat.
Ice bath, think bucket challenge without the fun of knowing your doing it for charity. Plus you sit in it and get hypothermia. It's not like you just dump it on you, you literally sit in it for 20 minutes. Yeah if you can't find your inner strength after that.. Not sure you shall find it! I have cursed the world, men and even candles during this process. I have silently sobbed begging for it to be over, but what a difference it makes. So if you ever want to see me cry like a baby, come watch an ice bath.
There are many other affective pain relievers such as heat packs, stretching out prior and good shoes and equipment but at the end of the day... It's really impossible to avoid. Running that many miles your bound to get little annoying injuries. So next time you see someone barreling down the road, know that it might not be a rainbow at the end but a torture session in a bath tub!
Less than 7 weeks to NYC! It's time for all the crazy last minute shenanigans to begin, plus tonight an ice bath! I'll be cursing the world while others party on this Friday night!

The 20 mile run... the moment you realize your crazy!

This is what the start of the Boston marathon actually looks like on a normal day. It's pretty much in the middle of nowhere on route 135. This was the last thing I expected back on a cold, rainy day in March. The only things Hopkington is known for is some British guy who killed his wife and child and the start of the Boston Marathon. You take your 20 mile run about 3 weeks prior to your marathon. Today I signed up with City Sports to take another trip down memory lane before New York. The great thing about being in a city full of running nuts that they even realize we all ship out for the various large fall marathons and need to take the big long run. They had one for Chicago, Berlin and NYC. The great thing is Boston lands right in the middle of the big 3 that take place in the spring, Paris, London and Boston are within days of each other so Paris I'm covered! When I signed up today for the NYC long run it took me back to the day I realized I could actually run.
I woke up that Sunday and it was biblical out. I was thinking "Really? I have to run 20 miles in this? Only me!" At the time I hated rain and wind. Of course it had to be a tsunami. I figured if I could run it in this, then I would be fully prepared for Boston. Looking back I actually got lucky because it was hot as hell for Boston and that made it ten times worse. I packed my gear, wore about 6 layers and headed out to Wellesley for possible death. When I got to City Sports there was about 60 people there. I was shocked but after talking to a girl in line for the bathroom, I realized they all came from the Red Cross team. Many of the people there had done Boston multiple times and this was a yearly event for them. All I could think was "Shit, I'm going to crash and burn in front of a whole team!" They gathered us up and we got in the school bus "Big yellow school bus, for real!" As we were riding I was thinking "Where the hell are they taking us?" When the bus stopped we were in the middle of nowhere! It scared the bejesus out of me. Then the guy running the show said "Okay follow 135 until you get to Newton and take a right on Commonwealth Ave., we will meet you at the bottom of Heart Break Hill and we won't leave until everyone has finished." I almost pooped my pants right there. I not only had no damn clue where I was and, I had no idea where I was going. This really nice group of ladies said I could run with them but I was not going to slow everyone down. So I thought...
They sent us on our way and I just kept praying I would finish. The first four towns in the marathon are essentially no mans land. People must have been looking at us like what the.. But they must be used to it by now. I decided to just keep pace and do what I love and run. I kept passing people and I got nervous. Was I going to fast? Should I slow down? I had no clue but I just kept looking for the different town signs. Every time I passed a town sign I got excited and just kept looking for the next. I had no clue how many miles to each one and just hoped I at least made it to Wellesley which is the half way point. They provided water stops and food along the way which was kind of redundant considering it was raining and the cups were filled with rain water by the time any of us got there. I just kept going and kept passing people. Every time I passed someone I got scared that maybe I Should slow it down but I felt fine. So I told myself to just keep going. When I saw the Wellesley sign I started to tear up. I couldn't believe it! I had made it to the half way point. Then I thought to myself  "Oh shit, where is Newton and Comm. Ave.?" Luckily I found some guys who were running who I followed all the way over Heart Break Hill. Dumbest girl moment ever. When we stopped I asked "Where is Heart Break Hill?" They replied "We just went over it." Yeah, not embarrassing at all!
I couldn't believe it! I had just ran 21 miles. Me, the girl who had only been running less than a year at that point, was the second girl to finish. I took an awful picture and posted it on Facebook. I had mascara running down my face from sweat and tears. I grabbed a water, received many congrats from fellow runners and cried like a baby. I was in shock. Then my hands stopped working and I got hypothermia waiting for everyone else to finish. That was a lot of fun! It was at that point the best day of my life. I had done something I never thought in a million years I could do. My next 20 mile run was similar but on my own, but you never forget your first! I'm already nervous for round 3, and the great thing is everyone who signs up will be running NYC with me so it will be nice to get the real truth on the run. I will return to the scene of the crime a seasoned Marathoner and hopefully won't fall and embarrass myself. Less than 7 weeks away! I'm so excited but starting to get really nervous!

Marathon eating.. More like competitive eating!

Now I'm going to start this post by saying I'm not a registered dietitian! Everyone has their own ideas and this is not the you should eat this post! There's the disclaimer, here are my thoughts on the total mind f%&k of marathon training, diet. When I first started training I had no clue what I was doing. It is really the worst part. Many people think you can just eat what you want because your running so much and many people adhere to this and are successful. Personally this is not my strategy. Healthy eating and keeping track of my exact input to my output is how I roll. There are a ton of articles on marathon diets and how not to gain weight because unfortunately many people do. You can feel extremely hungry after a grueling long run and feel the need to spend the day sleeping and pigging out but the voice inside knows it will just slow you down.
So what do you do? Every running magazine and book will tell you every two pounds you lose you will shave off about 5 seconds on your split time. The question remains how much is too much. How much weight should you really lose before your under what you should be? Really that's between you, your nutritionist and your doctor. For me, I eat a healthy low fat, high carb and protein diet. I'm not going to post my diet because I don't want anyone to think it's the way to go. I also have celiac disease so no gluten for me. Shit I miss pretzels! Gluten is not bad for runners. Also a low carb diet is bad. You need a good amount of good carbs to run all those extra miles. You really have to get used to eating so much because of the energy your putting out but it really can mess with your mind. It took me a lot of coaching from my nutritionist (who is the shit.org!) and many mornings on the scale to see my weight maintained before I could wrap my head around it. You lose all that weight and then they tell you to eat how much?
The taper which begins right after you take that final last long run three weeks prior. They tell you to still eat just as much and not run as often. Everyone's dream right? No! You freak out and get a pre marathon pooch. They say it's normal to gain about 2-3 pounds prior to the marathon. If you think about it makes total sense but it scares everyone, even the seasoned runner has a rough time at taper. You just try to relax and remember you will burn about 2600 calories that day. The food for me has always been my biggest obstacle because it scares me. I have ran on very little food and know it's not possible. I have also over ate and felt like a sack of bricks on a training run. It's a very delicate balance but you learn your own food regimen and your peronal pre-race supersticious meal. Race day NYC will be a banana, corn tortillas and chicken. Don't ask, just roll with it. 7 weeks to the Big Apple and I can feel the nerves.

The end of sandals! No pedicures anytime soon!!

They say a dancer has the worst feet. I'm here to tell you that's a load of crap. I have never had good looking feet. My feet have always resembled potatoes. Short, pudgy and round have always been the best adjectives to describe the shoe boxes that connect to my cankles. When I was a dancer they were bad but never as bad as a runner. I have lost all ten toenails at some point, huge blisters and cuts that bleed with every step. Yet everyday I tape them up and by mile 2 I no longer feel them. People on the train always stare when I'm wearing flip flops. I'm always thinking "if your feet looked liked this, clearly I'm in a little pain here!" Wearing open toe heels are completely out of the question. Let's get on a cute dress, makeup and a good blow out and then let the world see the ugly piggies! That sounds real bright! I always thought maybe I am wearing the wrong shoes, but after some investigation, clearly this is part of the territory. After both marathons I got huge blisters. I had two different styles of shoes and had identical foot issues. Maybe I just have bad feet, but at the end of the day these two little potatoes get me to the finish line in relative comfort. Good bye my lovely sandals and heels, you shall be missed. Luckily it's the fall and the cold weather is coming! I won't be the only person in full flats on a warm summer day! 7 weeks to NYC!! My ugly feet will grace the five boroughs very soon!! 

The Fall Marathon season... time to freak out!

There are two major marathon seasons, fall and spring. The World major marathon's are broken into these two seasons and some other big races. This fall elite athletes will try their hand at NYC, Chicago or Berlin. There is also the Marine Corp Marathon, Seattle and many other small ones. It's also a huge season for 1/2 marathons. Many cities who host their marathons in the spring have their half's in the fall. It actually works perfectly because you have enough time in between to recover and get ready all over again but still stay in shape. In the middle of Halloween, leaf peeping and pumpkin spiced everything (including tiolet paper) us runners start to freak out.
Boston has a huge running community. While many participate in the smaller marathons in the state, many venture to the other major marathons but train in their own back yard. For starters we have access to one of the toughest routes in the US. An area full of hills and actually decent weather in the fall. I know one of my big advantages for training for NYC is that my area is full of hills and tough terrain. NYC is flat and fast so once I get their it will be easier than my norm (I hope). While everyone enjoys leisurely strolls around the pumpkin patch, we are running at ungodly hours and resting all day to gear up for our long run in hopes to get a faster time. The fall is ideal because the chance of it being ass-crack sweat hot out is not likely. The perfect conditions for running is slight overcast in the mid 50's, basically fall weather.
My fall marathon is New York City and only seven weeks away! I'm starting to feel the anxiety of the illusive paper prison number and a field size of 50,000! It's close to the moment to take the 20 mile run and to really kick up the training. It's that time in training to make every run count and to pick up the pace. Power runs have to be faster and pace runs need to be quick. You really start to feel the push and that's when the nerves hit. A marathon of this size is a moment you cherish for a lifetime. To be there, to finish and to share a moment so few ever experience is a feeling that's truly indescribable. It's also scary as hell and can make you pee your pants. It becomes this moment when all of a sudden you realize it's televised and you could go down in a firey flame in front of millions. I projectile vommited the Friday before Boston and the weight of NYC is definitely starting to hit. So once again I pray I don't shit my pants in front of millions and land in Central Park with everything attached and working! To everyone running one of the fall marathons, good luck!! We shall all be victorius!!

The power of support... Friends and tight pants!

Hoes before bros! Friends don't let friends look stupid! Friends are always your best bet in surviving the marathon process. Training can be grueling, mentally challenging and can totally screw with you. I don't care what anyone says, you need a great support system! Honestly, through marathon training I actually became closer to my family and friends. Some friends unfortunately did jump ship but, clearly they weren't really my friends to begin with. Having friends you can call and laugh with sometimes is all you need after a grueling long run or a really bad run. When you have thrown up, toes are bloody and you can't really see straight a great friend is always there to remind you why you do it. Usually they also remind you that your crazy and you need a pedicure. Truth is when I started training it was very much a lonely process. A lot of people doubted me and laughed at me. The great moment was when I finally let everyone know I was running and the amount of love and support I received! I know I would have never have made it through without everyone! So here is my thoughts on great friends. The people who will be there for a good laugh, talk you down from quitting and be at the finish line with a banana and a smoke!! Less than 2 months to NYC and only a month to the Boston half!! Fall is here and time for action... And everyone to go pumpkin crazy!!!

Boys and running...

I started running to lose weight. I decided to run a marathon to prove something. I continue to run because it sets me free. Any runner and about a million images on google search will tell you running is therapeutic. If you you type in a search there are more life quotes on running than images of the actor John Hamm's package. When I started running I was dealing with boy issues. I'm not going to elaborate on these issues because he didn't decide to go marathon crazy and start a blog, outing him isn't fair. I was determined to get down to a certain size and running has always been a sure fire way to help with a good diet to drop pounds. Unfortunately I became obsessed with the process and things took a turn for the worse. Once I started training for the marathon it became about proving him wrong and showing everyone what I was capable of. During training something crazy started happening. Slowly it started to become about me. I enjoyed pushing myself to the limit. I started to live for the long run. I also started to become more confident in myself. Once I ran my first marathon I realized it had become my journey. It was no longer about what he thought or any other guy, it became about what I thought. I started to walk with my head held higher and my posture a little straighter. I was no longer the little girl who had a broken heart who started running but, I was a marathon runner. The day this guy congratulated me, it took everything out of me not to cry my eyes out (plus it was at work and I would have looked like an ass)! Now I realize my self worth and what I deserve. Sure I have insecurities but who doesn't? At the end of the day I still believe he's out there but until I find him I always have the run! When I do find him, he's going to have to be totally cool with Sunday mornings by himself and the smell of sweaty running clothes. So ladies no matter what keep your head held high and run on!!!

Hill Training... Push it!

Salt and Pepper knew what was up! After my long run for my first marathon, one of the girls came up to me and said "Way to kill it on those hills!" I let her in on my training secret. Hills, hills, and more hills. Every article on training will tell you hill running will improve your time. I can tell you from personal experience, the experts don't lie. My first marathon is famous for it's hills (Heartbreak Hill). Everyone kept warning me about the hills. Newton is not what did me in but a mountain in Brighton tripped me up and made a fool out of me. Let me tell you, I will never let that happen again.
When I first started running I was training on a treadmil with no hills. My walking program was a hill program. It took a long time to work up going over a bridge. Once I mastered the bridge, I went on to the famous Beacon hill. Beacon Hill is famous for beatiful brownstones, scenic views of the city and the feel of "you will never afford this!" It's the same feeling I get when I run past Hermes on Boylston street. Someday I will have a Birkin Bag! It's also famous for crazy hills. All of the streets are a steep incline and horrible brick sidewalks. Considering I live in a city, no sprawling hills in the country readily available, I figured this was the best way to train. You can still find me everyday over in this area sweating up the hills. My first crazy training injury was on the lovely Garden street (pictured above). I pushed it up the hill , finished the run, then got a massive stomach ache. I ended up throwing up all night confused. When I consulted my doctor, I apperantly got an internal organ concusion. I didn't even know this was possible but its coomon in marathon runners. Lesson learned, push it but don't go crazy!
All of my run routes involve hills. I live in Boston, kind of hard to aviod. It really helps push your endurance. Bonus is once you've tackled the mountain, you can always look down and think "And what! Boo-ya!" It's kind of a mental test no matter if it's a long or short run. If you run all flat, it's easy. Throw in some crazy hills and see where your at. Hills are also great for the mental aspect of running. Pushing yourself can really relive some stress. Every run I usually have at least 5 hills, varied in size.
Going downhill is a whole different ballgame. Going downhill scares the bejesus out of me. I usually just slow down and chant "Please Mr. Knee, don't give out!" Going downhill is not an easy task and you can really screw yourself up. If you go up a steep hill, you have to go down a steep hill! While it might be fun to barrel down the hill and pretend your sliding down a rainbow, chances are you could get run over not being able to stop. I've barrelled down the hill and almost ate pavement. It's an extremely scary moment.
Hills are extremely important to anyone training for a road race. The world was unfortunately not made flat. Plus the view from the top is always amazing!

Heat Training... How to look like a drowned rat!

You look at the weather about 6 times during the day and the temperature keeps going up. You think to yourself "What am I smoking?" All summer this is how I've spent my days. Sitting, praying that the internet is lying to me. Then I go out for my run and realized it's about nasty level 10. I run right after work, which ends up being mid afternoon. The hottest time of day. At the end of my run my make up is crawling down my face and I look like I just took a shower. I told myself it was good for my character. Heat has definitely taught me how to talk myself into finishing under any circumstances.
I started puposefully heat training when preparing for my second marathon. Even though the marathon was at night (random, I know), I knew it was still going to be hot. I really learned my lesson during a shake out half marathon I ran in early June. They only had one water stop. It was eighty degrees out. I threw up twice. There was no Gatorade or sports drink before, during or after. 13.1 miles and nothing! Needless to say my parents had to pick me up at the medical tent and I realized hydration is everything. I'm not a fan of sports drinks. I prefer water and orange slices. Many swear by GU. Yes, it's called GU and I think it tastes exactly like it sounds. The first time I tried it I spit it back out. Think Gatorade in pudding form. Yep, it's that nasty.
You also learn during heat runs make up is a bad idea. I know it sounds pretty logical, but at the end of the day, I'm still a girl. I have dignity (kind of). I have purchased many so called water proof eye liners, mascara and primers and I can tell you first hand. They are only waterproof if the water happens to not splash you in the face. I sweat a lot. After a run I look like I just took a shower or there was a down pour. I'm always so careful not to rub my eyes always thinking it's still on there but nope. I look in the mirroor and it's embarressing. I look like a cross between a KISS member and a scary clown. Be afraid children, be afraid!
There are some advantages to training in heat. After 31 years, I have a tan! Now it maybe an uneven sports bra tan but I'll take it! I have the coloring of a sparkly vampire so a tan is a monumental achievement. I wear it with pride! Also, heat training has helped with the mental push. Many ninety degree days I had to talk myself into finishing. These days I may hate it and leave a lot of my DNA on the streets of Boston but I no longer feel the fatigue of the heat.
It's fall but today is another hot one but the good news is that's going to change very soon. Even after a great summer of fun running adventures, I can't wait for the cold. I would personally rather run in a snowstorm then run in a heat wave. Good bye summer, you will not be missed!

Running clothes... The great equalizer!

Many run in a t-shirt and shorts. Absolutely nothing wrong with this! You should run in whatever you feel comfortable in. See that's the thing, there are so many options and styles. Some are great looking, some are for performance, some for weather and some for making a lot of people driving by you laugh and honk!

Personally I've tried them all but a small few. I have tried pretty much every company out there simply because very few make my size. I prefer to be sucked in tight like a vacuum when I'm running. During the summer its all capri running tights and tank tops. I wear bright colors to be seen. Not in a look at me kind of way but, a please don't knock or run over me. The color scheme never helps but I keep thinking it will. I have seen some pretty crazy outfits during races and just on the streets. Lot's of running skirts, short shorts and tank tops, sports bras. A lot of t-shirts with catchy slogans like "I run so I don't choke people", "I run for beer" and my personal favorite "running sucks". If it sucks, why are you out here. Running skirts also amaze me. There is a part of running no one ever wants to talk about called chafing. Body glide helps with this issue, but it only does so much. Also many of the elite athletes wear running bikinis. They have the body but that has to be uncomfortable.
During the winter months I find to be the most tricky. This winter I wore 2 pairs of running tights, a tank top, t-shirt, a sweater and a dryfit jacket. I also wore 2 pairs of socks, 2 pairs of gloves, a scarf and a hat. The whole keep you warm crap is so just in your mind. I would sweat and proceed to get hypothermia. I had my hands stop working on several ocassions. Sure after about a mile your warm but once you stop, you are screwed. The things we put up with for what we love.
Considering there are so many different companies it's hard to find ones that work for everyone. I find Nike and Abercrombie to be the best and randomly the City Sports store brand. Mainly I like these because they have my size. Adidas, New Balance and the north face are too big for me but many swear by them. Truthfuly you have to be comfortable. The outfit should be breathable enough for you. It's all about what you like and if you want to wear some crazy outfit, who cares, your still running! Just be careful of the chafing and runners nipple. Runners nipple is real and scary! 2 months to NYC, plenty of time to find the perfect race day outfit!!

Who have I become.. A year of running!

It's fall. The leaves are changing, the college kids are back and yet it's still hot out. It felt like I was running in a toilet today. A good nine mile run on this holiday weekend after my long run yesterday. It was a slow nine miles, but it's Monday which is easy day, so if it's slow it's fine by me. When I finished my run, I had a thought. A year ago today I could barely run 3 miles. How things have changed.
Last fall I had not even ran my first 5k. I had never participated in any kind of road race and secretly wanted to try. I had heard so many stories about running races. Many of my family members had participated in various local races. I always thought I wasn't good enough. At this point I had gotten down to a size 6 and most people thought I was done and had achieved my goal. Secretly I was getting worse with the mental aspect of my weight loss and desperately wanted to lose more. Last fall I was barely eating, barely running and was hitting the wall. I also ran for the first time in Boston and had only one goal, to get over the Long fellow bridge. This bridge connects Cambridge to Boston. Stunning views of the Charles river and currently under construction, still! The bridge itself is only about a quarter of a mile long. I mapped out from my apartment, over the bridge into Boston and over to City plaza was about 2 miles. The first time I ran this I barely got over the bridge, hacked and wheezed half of it and felt like death slightly warmed over when I was finished. I told myself I would keep trying until it became easy. It took a couple of weeks but finally it got easier. I just kept trying and eventually I went farther into the city. I ran my first 5k with an unimpressive time of 38 minutes. What I realize now that it's not the time that matters, it's completing your goal.
My body has changed dramatically too. Since last fall I dropped 60 pounds and now have the runners body. My legs and arms are solid muscle. Sometimes I look in the mirror and wonder who is she. I have an extremely athletic build. Sometimes I don't even recognize myself. It's crazy how much one can transform themselves in just one year.
In one year I went from the girl who could barely make it over the bridge to the girl who has ran two marathons is still crazy to me. We get caught up in our daily lives and forget to stop and think of what we have achieved so far. If I stopped running today (which will not happen), I'll always be a marathon runner. I will still be the girl who within a year went from barely running 3 miles to running 26.2. I have become an athlete. Sometimes it still hard to eat but I look at my food and remind myself if you don't eat you can't run. Everyday I know things will be okay because at some point I will be able to go pound the pavement. It may have taken a year, but in the end I got there. To know that in one year my next goal is to run New York and last year my goal was to run over the bridge is amazing to me. Sometimes it feels good to just to feel like I can breathe again.I really realized today running saved my life. I forever will be grateful to running and the life it's given to me. After all the crazy injuries, the pushing through the pain and the relentless fight to keep going running has given me the power to know I can do anything. I no longer fear tomorrow because I know what I did yesterday. So onward and upward to NYC and excitement thinking about what this year will bring.