Easy run with HM & H tonight, except it isn't too easy running with those way faster than me. But, nonetheless, it was fun & I was full of energy. Which is always a good thing.

Distance: 3.35 miles + 2 mile bike
State of Mind: Running definitely makes the days go by faster.

Went on a little double date hike up to Bear Mountain today. On the way up, I compared the value of living in the country & commuting into the city vs living in the city & commuting out to the country. The longer & longer I live in NYC, the more I miss the great outdoors & see the city as merely the place I put my time in to work & afford my life. But will I always feel this way??? Who is to say.

The hike was absolutely beautiful though. We decided to do a 4 miler that was quite difficult at times, but well worth the views at the top. Besides the amount of people on the trails, it was ideal in every way. Plus, I just loved watching H work her magic.

After the hike, H recommended we run across the BM bridge that looks over the Hudson. It was a little nerveracking but incredibly beautiful.

Distance: 4 mile hike/run + 2.5 mile run
State of Mind: "Life is worth living" signs were posted all over the bridge...

Excited to get out & enjoy the beautiful weekend, I met up with the group for a long run. Since many are recovering from the NYC marathon, it was interesting to notice that few people wanted to go long. In a way, living here & being part of PPTC makes very much follow the same training program as the marathoners, without the races to prove it. Not sure I care, but I may need to start proving myself one of these days.

Since it was so gorgeous, we headed out to the Promenade & over Brooklyn to Manhattan bridge. We ended up running on the North end of the Manhattan bridge, which was different & nice. After we were back in Brooklyn, H, S & I headed to the Y to for our weights routine.

Although I am really loving the idea of doing weights, I am so not a gym rat. But I do feel like it will help get through this winter.

Distance: 10.9 miles + resistance training
State of Mind: What a perfect way to start the weekend

I am beginning to think that the last few months of the year produce the most amazing yoga practices. It may have something to do with the warmth I feel inside compared to the chilling outdoors, or maybe it is just how my mood constantly is evolving as closure is upon me. Practice was beautiful tonight, full of partner work & balancing acts -- very fulfilling way to enjoy my day.

Distance: n/a
State of Mind: Changes...

What is with this up & down? Still felt pretty tired tonight, but I had a big night of running & resistance training in store. Met up with the group & did a usual loop, felt pretty tired at first but warmed up & finished strong. Afterwards, H & I headed to the Y to start our winter workout routine. Sounds fun, eh? Well, it was. We ended up doing 4 arm/leg exercises + 5 minutes of biking in between & finish with some abs. 2+ hours of working out never felt so good.

Distance: 6.5 miles + resistance training
State of Mind: Will do just about anything to get out of this funk

Felt tired today, it is so strange to go from a high (Sunday/Monday) to a low today. But I headed down to the speed session, knowing that it would wake me up a bit. The temps are definitely dropping now, no more shorts & tshirt weather...that's for sure.

After a long warmup, coach said he wanted us to do 400's from GAP to 3rd street. Although much more than a 400, we did as he instructed. I ran mostly with (behind) M, just not motivated to pick it up as much as I should/could. We ended up doing about 8, which felt like forever to me.

Afterwards, I started my 100 pushup plan (with the hubs) by doing 5 sets of pushups -- 10, 12, 7, 7, 9. Felt great.

Distance: 2 mile bike, 2 mile warmup, 8x500's, .5 mile warmdown, 2 mile bike
State of Mind: Up & down...

Full of energy, I jumped at the chance of doing a loop around the park with a few people from the group. The moon was definitely the star tonight, glaring down at us while we crunched the leaves of the park. HM & N took off halfway through, but A & I weren't running slow. In some ways, I felt like we owned the park tonight...quiet, undisturbed...until we came through in a storm.

Distance: 5.35 miles
State of Mind: I wish every day felt this good