Gosh, it's getting cold. Met up with the group tonight for a cold, slow run around the park. If it wasn't for the group, I definitely wouldn't have gone out tonight BUT I am so happy I did. Felt sore, which was strange, must be from yoga on Monday. Balance & counterbalance.

Distance: 5.35 miles
State of Mind: I would be so bored without running

Excited about running tonight, met up with the group at BPS & headed all the way down to Red Hook Track. Coach had us do 400's, 3 sets of 4 with 3 minute recovery after each set. I felt fine, until the last two when my foot started to hurt so I did the smart thing & stopped. Can't wait to see how I feel tomorrow.

I do have to say that running at the track in the dark was amazing, the moon & the clouds were absolutely amazing. So peaceful.

Distance: 2 miles biking, 1.7 mile running, 10x400 hard, 3x400 easy, 1.7 miles running, 2 miles biking
State of Mind: I love running so much, please don't take it away from me

With my foot still causing me a lot of pain, I decided to dedicate myself to yoga. Went to LL, knowing I wouldn't get Ali...but maybe that was a blessing since I haven't practiced in weeks.

Felt good, not great but I do think it helped my foot a bit. We'll see tomorrow.

Distance: n/a
State of Mind: Please, let something work

My right foot is in so much pain, not sure what it is BUT it is not good. Instead of raining, I decided to stay indoors on this rainy Sunday & use my trainer to sweat it up a bit. Actually felt great pushing myself, could feel my foot a bit, hope cycling isn't bad for it.

Distance: 40 minutes of hard riding
State of Mind: Icing, ibu, resting, elevating...

Ran the 5th Avenue mile today, with a very lackluster performance. My body still doesn't feel totally recovered from Reach the Beach & I ended up staying up all night on Thursday night to help my sister welcome her first child. But, I decided to run anyways. Probably not the best idea.

Headed up to Central Park on my own & did a very thorough workout prior to the race. Ran the first 1/4 just fine, but fell short after that. My legs just didn't have anything in them. Ended up running a 6:18, which is 15 second slower than last year. Very disappointed.

Distance: Maybe 3 miles
State of Mind: In pain, tired & feeling very out of shape.

Met up with the group tonight with a special surprise, Bubba joined us. Yeah for me. So happy to have my lil bro here in NYC. We took it easy, especially since he hasn't run in a while. It was fun.

Distance: 5.35 miles
State of Mind: Hopefully this recovery will help me this Saturday

After two days of non-running, I was really excited about running tonight. But my legs weren't. They just wouldn't turn over & I definitely felt my age, lack of recovery. Coach had us do 800's, sorta. The first was more like a 1000, followed by a 600, followed by a 800 & finishing it with a mile. A very strange workout.

Distance: 3 mile warmup, 4x800's (sorta), 2 mile warmdown
State of Mind: Feeling really really slow

Reach the Beach 2009

After months of planning, the relay race FINALLY arrived. But I really had no idea what I was getting myself into. What a crazy crazy crazy experience. I have so many memories that I can't even put them into words. But what I can say is that I knew the event would be one in a lifetime & I was definitely not let down.

Distance: Leg 1: 5.5 at 7 pace Leg 2: 6.52 at 7:45 pace Leg 3: 8.54 at 7:45 pace
State of Mind: Besides major stomach issues, I truly ran with my heart this weekend. I left everything out on the road & I am proud of myself.

Life has been a little crazy lately so I am consolidating my last few runs into this update.

On Sunday, I did an easy loop with a smaller group.

Distance: 5.35 miles

On Tuesday, the speed session started & we had a nice sized group. Coach started us off with a core routine...which was interesting to say the least. We ended up only doing a 2.6 mile tempo run along the top loop.

Distance: 2 mile bike ride, core routine, 2.6 mile run, 2 mile bike

On Wednesday, my friend J from my hometown joined us for a easy run around the park. I talked the whole time, flirted with the usual suspects & had a nice run.

Distance: 5.35 miles

State of Mind: So excited, and a little nervous, for REACH THE BEACH

Really looked forward ot today's run, just nice to be back on some sort of schedule. After all, what is life without a routine. Met up with a smaller group this morning & did a nice, easy run across the Brooklyn bridge & back.

All the rest from London really made a difference to my legs, minus the strange pinching on the bottom of my right foot that just won't go away.

Distance: 9.6 miles
State of Mind: Running makes me happy...

Ahh, back to running in Brooklyn. There really is nothing like it. Enjoyed a smaller group of all men (yeah me) around the park. M & B definitely set a fast pace, which was fun to endure.

Distance: 5.35 miles
State of Mind: Good to be back

After a little too much drinking last night, I scraped myself out of bed to try my second day at Hyde Park. Followed two runners on some outside trails through the outside of the park & decided to make my way around the rose garden before turning back.

I have to say that Hyde Park is quite beautiful, much less crowded than Prospect or Central (obviously).

Distance: 7 miles
State of Mind: Loving London...

Got up early today, because I wanted to be sure to get in a nice run before we headed out for the day. Left my sister's place & headed straight for central London & Hyde Park. Not too many runners out, but tons of people making their ways to work. I ran a bit around Kensington Gardens & ventured over across the street to Hyde Park. I should have gone a bit longer to take in the park more, but I decided to play it safe & stick around the lake to avoid not getting lost. All in all, a very nice run.

Distance: maybe 6 miles

State of Mind: The outdoor life is the way to go

After an overnight flight with very little sleep, I decided to take it easy this afternoon & do just an easy swim at the local swimming pool. My sis & I took turns playing with Fin in the kiddy pool while other did laps. It was really very peaceful.

Distance: n/a

State of Mind: London is so nice...

Joined up with a few cute guys for a makeshift speed workout tonight at the park. My legs were really tight, so I decided to take it easy until I felt my stride fully back. We ended up doing hydrants, which are always fun yet very distracting.

This was my last run in the park for a few days, since I am heading off to London tomorrow. Hope I can make some time to visit any of the number of running paradises across the pond.

Distance: 7+ miles
State of Mind: Feeling not bad...