Met up with the group for a hot & humid run around the park tonight. I really didn't know how my body was going to react, as it seemed difficult to even make it up to the park. But after I got going, I felt my rhythm kick in & my pace steady. Once I got over the heat, I was able to see how beautiful the sunset was...full of many shades of pink.

I realized that one of my favorite things about running is my mental state before & after runs. Right as I start my warm up to the park, my mind if full of ideas, to-dos, worries...but less than an hour later my mind is free of thoughts & just enjoying the surrounding beauty.

Distance: 5.35 miles
State of Mind: Man, the heat is challenging...

With Coach mysteriously out of town, a few of us decided to get together for some informal speed training to help round out our weeks. Instead of more of the usual, S suggested we try something new & head to Ft. Greene Park for stair repeats.

The stairs were immediately exhausting, but completely exhilarating at the same time. Plus, it was nice to spend time with a smaller crew, vibing off each other along the way.

Distance: 3 mile warm up, 7x stair climbs, 3 miles warm down
State of Mind: Off day, mentally, but physically felt great

You think you know a place until someone shows you how very wrong you are. Although I have been running in the park for several years now, G took me to places I have never been to before on what was supposed to be a usual run in the park. His goal was to start running & to let our imagination lead. It was quite tiring & quite lovely all at the same time, as I rushed to jump over logs or under bridges. A good few miles of the run I had no idea which way was up or down.

If anything, it shows how routine running can be until you go out on a limb & try something new. I truly feel spent from the effort, but at the same time a little renewed.


Distance: I would say around 7 miles, but I really have no idea
State of Mind: Maybe I should get used to be told what to do...

Started off this beautiful easter with a nice, slow run 'round the park. The heat & humidity were a perfect balance, making me feel like I was running harder than I actually was. And it just goes to show my fitness level increasing as I didn't feel one ounce of pain from yesterday.

Distance: 5.35 miles
State of Mind: I feel most comfortable running

Met up with the group to take in the sights of Brooklyn on this sunny, gorgeous morning. We decided to stay in the borough, hitting Greenwood Cemetery, the streets of Sunset Park & Bay Ridge before climbing up to take in the lovely waterfront views from Owls Head Park. A few of us stayed on & headed down to the boardwalk for a few extra miles crossing into Fort Hamilton. On our way home, we ran through Shore Road Park as we made our way back through the neighborhoods towards home.

On our way back to the slope, it was obvious that the inclines & heat impacted our ability to pick it up. We were all suffering as the sweat was dripping down our bodies, thirsting for an end to the numbered streets. As we neared the park, R suggested we visit her beloved bagel hole for a post-run treat. My legs definitely didn't have any issue calling it quits, they were begging for the beating to stop.

Distance: 14.9 miles (about 13 mod-hard, with 1.9 easy)
State of Mind: Through the grit & grime of the city, we saw beauty.

In a departure from my usual schedule, I met up with S & R to take in a yoga "happy hour" practice at Laughing Lotus. The studio was much more packed than suspected & the sunlight filled the room with a wonderful heat...blinding me through much of practice. It was a challenge for me to escape into my own world, but I just let the breath & movement take over & things fell into place. Afterwards, we went next door to Boqueria to celebrate the beautiful evening, a lovely way to end a Friday evening.

Distance: n/a
State of Mind: Practicing the control of my breath, not the other way around.

After a meeting above Chelsea Market, I found myself free to walk the island for a bit before hitting yoga class. The class was emptier than usual, as the holiday weekend is upon us. Although A was in New Orleans on a retreat, her replacement had a way of filling the gap quite well. My legs suffered a bit, especially my quads...which never seem to overcome the tightness of my back half. I will forever be pulled in two directions.

It dawned on me during meditation that my habit of falling back on my memories is only out of fear of loss. And if I accept my decisions, I should be able to sit in peace.

Distance: n/a
State of Mind: I think my biggest obstacle is boredom