I've Moved

Come see my new blog at yesimarunner.wordpress.com!!

New Toy!

I was so irritated about the fact that it was so gross the other day that I completely forgot to talk about my new toy!

Drum roll please.....

I GOT A GARMIN!!!!!

Until last week I had been using the MapMyRun app on my iPhone to track my workouts, but sadly I realized that it was completely inaccurate. I am not blaming the app--I think the website is great. However, it was adding distance to my workout that didn't actually exist. I will chalk it up to the fact that I was running, and the iPhone wasn't necessarily built for that. Nevertheless, I needed something else to track my runs.

ENTER GARMIN.

To accompany my obsession with running, I have started pouring over running blogs. I read them all, daily, and I love them [sorry, but they are way more interesting than the thousands of fashion blogs out there]! Okay, maybe I don't read them all, but I have 5 or 6 that I follow regularly. The one thing they have in common [other than their shared obsession with running] is that they always talk about their Garmins. So I decided to do a little research to find out whether or not it was worth it for me to get one.

It was.

So I did.

Thank god for Amazon prime is all I have to say because it came in a mere 2 days. I could not have been more excited to use it, so I set out for my 2.5 miles right when I got it. The watch worked like a charm. It was extremely easy to use, and very accurate. I loved that I could watch my pace, instead of having to wait until the end of my run to find out what it was. Needless to say, I am a very satisfied costumer.

STATS

            Date: 9/5/12 

            Distance: 2.5 mi

            Time: 27:54 min

            Avg. Pace: 11:10 mi/min

Drowning In Manhattan

For anyone who was either A. not subjected to this giant sauna called New York or B. was lucky enough to stay inside today, I am truly envious.

Today was one of the [VERY FEW] days that made me miss Houston, because at least in Houston when it is 948 degrees outside with 100% humidity you can go straight from your air conditioned home, to your air conditioned car, then to your air conditioned office/school.

NOT HERE. Here, you are subjected to this miserable heat and humidity everywhere you go. This has made very difficult to leave my lovely 68 degrees bed to go to school, let alone work out.

However, after lots of arguing with myself [yes, I argue with myself quite frequently actually], I decided to buck up and go for my 2.5 mile run.

It was rough.

The air around me felt heavy, which consequentially made my entire body feel heavy. Not a good feeling, especially when every breath you take is filled with water, and your clothes are dripping [a very attractive picture, I know].

Despite how miserable I felt the entire time [and it definitely wasn't my best run], the second I got to my stoop I was glad I did it.

STATS

             Date: 8/5/12

             Distance: 2.5 mi

             Time: 27:54 min

             Avg. Pace: 11:10 min/mi

New Clothes Are the Greatest Things

My new found obsession with all things running has officially expanded in to my wardrobe. One of my favorite stores, LF, was having an absurd sale so naturally I bought a bunch of things that I love but don't really need. On my way home, however, I happened to pass [and by "happened to pass" I mean walked 4 blocks out of the way] Lululemon and thought I would take a quick look. Well 45 minutes later I walked out with two pairs of Run: Dart and Dash shorts [they had other colors in the store] and two of their Cool Racerbacks.

As I left the store, I couldn't wait to run in my new clothes! I decided to take a short nap then head out for my 2 miles. Feeling refreshed and excited about my new clothes, I headed out for a run around campus. I did two laps around the park and was heading uptown [about 6 blocks from home], when the MapMyRun woman said I had finished two miles! I really couldn't believe it. Normally, I know when the end of my run is coming because I can feel it, but today I was feeling great!

I didn't want to push my luck too much, so I decided to go up one more block before making my way back home. I made it to my stoop, stopped the clock, and realized that not only had I run 2.77 miles, but I did it in less time it took to run my first 2 miles! I can't believe how fast I am making progress. I figured that I would be dying when I have to start increasing milage next week, but now I am extremely confident that I will have no problem!

I am almost as excited as this guy...

Record Undressing Time

Almost, but not quite.

STATS

             Date: 8/29/12
             Distance: 2.77 mi

             Time: 22:33 min

             Avg. Pace: 8:25 min/mi

I Am a Liability

Yesterday was an interesting day.

The Doctor's Office

For those who don't know, this summer I seem to have developed a small, insignificant fainting problem that my family of doctors has [no disrespect.. I love y'all] COMPLETELY freaked out about. Okay so I understand that fainting is not a normal part of most people's week, but I hate spending so much time getting tests done [especially since they haven't found anything wrong and it's probably just Vasovagal syncope--which is harmless].

Fast forward to yesterday...

I went to yet another doctor for a stress test, and was told that I was not allowed to eat or drink for 12 hours prior to the appointment. So, there I was starving and dehydrated, and about to get on a treadmill when I was told that I was misinformed. I only had to fast for 4 hours and water was fair game. [ughh].

Well, I was hoping that the stress test was going to be long enough to count for yesterday's workout. It wasn't. I lasted 10 minutes before I decided if I moved another inch I would die [which was really awkward considering I had just told the doctor I was training for a half marathon].

After getting dresses and shoving a builder's bar down my throat, the doctor comes in to speak with me. As I had predicted, there was nothing abnormal on the test. However, she [like everyone else] was very worried about how much I have been fainting, and recommended that I don't run outside by myself. HA. Not going to happen. But thanks.

My Afternoon Run

A pretty accurate depiction of yesterday's run

Once I got home, I figured that since I was already in my workout clothes I would venture out for the day's run. I scarfed down an orange and headed out. Now, I had never run on the streets of New York before, but I figured that it would be fine because of my MapMyRun app [if you don't have it, get it]. I weaved in and out of angry New Yorkers like a champ, and before I knew it 1 mile had passed [and I did it at a record speed for me]. 

Well, I should say that I only moved in to a new apartment 3 months ago and hadn't yet had time to explore the area. Considering the West Village was originally designed to make it difficult to navigate, I probably should have mapped out a route--I was feeling very ambitious. 

Before the MapMyRun voice told me I had hit two miles, I was starting to feel sick. Not good. It was as if my body was angry and was telling me to fuck off, but I powered through and finally hit the 2 miles I had wanted.

The only problem is that I was still about half a mile from home, hungry, thirsty, and fatigued [I will attribute that to the fact that I had almost nothing to eat or drink prior to the run--not that I am an out of shape fool]. Instead of walking home like a normal person would, I decided to do a weird "walk, jog, shuffle, die" sequence. It sucked. Maybe I am a liability--thanks doc. 

Things to remember before my next run:

• Don't do it after a stress test
• EAT
• Bring money for a cab ride home when since you will most definitely get lost

STATS

          Distance: 2.43 Miles

          Time: 22:30

          Avg. Pace: 9:15 (min/mile)

[Dont' ask me how I did this run so much faster than others, I couldn't tell you--I should probably learn how to pace myself when I'm not on a treadmill]

Wish List

One of my favorite things about all of this is that I finally have an excuse to buy a bunch of great workout clothes that I have always wanted, but never needed. Here are just a few things I'm pining over right now... (and yes, it is mostly lululemon)

Lululemon "Energy Bra" in angel blue: $42

Lululemon "Run: Swiftly Tech Racerback" in currant: $48

Lululemon "Run: Shorty Short" in deep indigo: $54 

Lululemon "Roll Down Short" in mirage deep indigo: $58

Wait... did I say mostly Lululemon? I meant entirely. Oops. My wallet is about to be very unhappy. I do have a birthday coming up though (sort of...)

Something Noteworthy

I did two things today that I thought were worth mentioning.

1. I joined New York Road Runners
2. I signed up for my first race! 

The race I signed up for is the NYRR Dash to the Finish Line 5K. It starts at 47th St. and 1st Ave., and ends at the marathon finish line. Needless to say, I am very excited about this. I wasn't sure what to say about my pace since I am expecting to have made some serious progress by then, but I put my current best (9:50), just incase.

As I said earlier, I had every intention of running today. However, my aunt invited me to a spin class with her, and since it was my last day in town I decided to go. It was a great class though! I'll just make today a cross-training day instead. Back to New York tomorrow!

Goal Oriented

As you all know (mostly because I won't shut up the fuck about it), I am running a half marathon in April. However, I have decided to set a few other goals to better ensure I stay on track. (Ok lets be honest, we all know this is my way of finding reasons to reward myself with new shoes and bags... sorry I'm not sorry)

My Goals

• Run a 5K in November (something my dear cousin Keri better be ready for as she is running it with me)
• Run a 10K in January--maybe somewhere warm?
• Run 8 minute miles (consistently) by the new year
• Run the full loop around Central Park by the new year (while it is only 6.1 miles, and I should be able to do that with no problem in a few months, I've heard it is a difficult run because of all the hills)
• Find a running buddy!
• Oh.. and run a half marathon

So now that you know my current goals, you will all be able to kick my ass when I inevitably start complaining or making excuses.

Back to reality...

Yesterday was a "rest" day, but I did go on a short bike with my dad and brother. However, Friday I did my two miles with no problems. Today looks like it is going to rain all day (lame!), so I might be stuck running on the treadmill. Good thing my schedule only has me doing a mile and a half (I might modify that a little, and add some core work). 

It is back to New York for me tomorrow!! After three long weeks away, I am ready to get back to real life.

STATS

          Distance: 2.0 Miles

          Time: 20:03

          Avg. Pace: 11:38 (min/mile) 

2 miles: 8/24

  

I Get It Now

Well, after a month of ridiculous excuses ("It's too hot!" "I need an armband for my iPod!" "It's too dark!"), I finally built up enough confidence to get off the treadmill and head outside for my afternoon run. 

I did a two mile loop around my neighborhood. The weather was beautiful, and felt like I had accomplished much more than I ever did on a treadmill. I am happy to report that I finally understand why all runners HATE the treadmill. They suck! Looks like I'm flinging myself on to the bandwagon... sorry Crunch, I will be spending substantially less time with you. 

My first outdoor run (8/22)

STATS

         Distance: 2.16 Miles

         Time: 23:33

         Avg. Pace: 10:54 (min/mile)

         

Why Now?

As a 20 year old who had never even run a mile until a month ago, many people have been asking me, "why the hell are you suddenly obsessed with running?" Well I am warning you now, it is kind of a long story.

How much I hated running 

When I say I hated running, I mean I really, truly, and passionately HATED it. When I was 7, I refused to run after the ball during soccer games because I didn't want to, "get all hot and sweaty." When I started high school I played lacrosse until I found out that we had to run a mile during every practice, so that didn't last very long. In fact, the only sport I didn't quit because of running requirements was volleyball (I quit because at a mere 5 feet I wasn't exactly an ideal player).  

It is not that I wasn't fit. On the contrary, in the last 4 or 5 years I worked out quite a bit. However, I only did weight training or yoga. Occasionally you could find me in a spin class or on an elliptical, but those occasions were few and far between. 

My Inspiration

Then, last November, my roommate's (Ryan) step-mom (Kathryn) ran the New York Marathon. Since we live in New York, Ryan, his dad, a few other friends, and I all went to Brooklyn to watch Kathryn run. We were in a huge crowd of friends and family members of all the runners. It was an incredible atmosphere! I found myself wanting to be a part of in, but not just on the sidelines. I wanted to run it. 

Well after 2 failed attempts on the treadmill (I gave up after 5 minutes), I put myself in the category of "those who can't run," and moved on with my life.

What Changed?

I spent this past summer interning, and (because I was always so exhausted from work at the end of the day) found myself spending less and less time at the gym until my weekly routine was completely gone. So, in order to motivate myself and get back in shape, I got a trainer. Three times a week Jen helped me focus on strength training however, she insisted that I do 10 minutes on the treadmill before each workout, then 10 minutes after (5 minutes at a walking pace and 5 minutes at a jog). In addition she encouraged me to do 10 minutes on the treadmill and 30 minutes on the elliptical on days I wasn't training with her. 

After two weeks of this, I felt these dreaded cardiac workouts becoming slightly easier. I was getting bored, so I decided to increase the difficulty a little each day. By the 4th week of training, for the first time in my life (ridiculous, I know), I ran 2 miles at the same pace. 

Moving Forward...

In hind site, I realized that it wasn't actually running I hated, but the discouraging pain in your side and heavy breathing (after only a very short time) that comes with being out of shape. However, I thought if I could go from avoiding a 5 minute run at all costs, to running 2 miles in just a few weeks, I could be ready for a half marathon in the spring. I was so excited about my decision that I ran straight home, demanded that Ryan get Kathryn on the phone, and picked her brain for a half hour about how to train for a half marathon. 

She confirmed my thought and gave me tons of wonderful advice. What I have found to be the most important piece of advice so far was to tell EVERYONE I know about my goal. So I did, and have received nothing but support from everyone. This has really helped me stay motivated through these first few weeks because it has been quite difficult to establish a routine. However, courtesy of my wonderful friend Rose, I have a fantastic training plan that will slowly prepare me to run a half marathon in April. So far so good! 


My hope is that this blog will be a way for me to share my experience with my friends and family, and stay motivated and excited about becoming a runner.