See E run. Run, E, run!

How am I supposed to run in 20 inches of snow?

2010-02-07T10:17:00.000-07:00

Really?

We got hit with our second blizzard of the winter season... *just* as I was really serious about my training for the April Half Marathon.

Okay, I managed to run 2 out of the 3 days I was supposed to run, but I was counting on this day to get my "long" run of 4 miles in.

But the streets are packed with snow and ice and... well, it's freaking cold.

I don't have a dreadmill, I don't have a gym membership... so what's a girl to do?

Coffee. Lots of Coffee.

Here we go again

2009-11-25T11:09:00.002-07:00

I just signed up for the Lehigh Valley Half marathon... my second half marathon!

Crazy? No. Determined? Yes!

A breakthrough!

2009-11-11T10:33:00.001-07:00

I did it! Not only did I get up at 5 am to run in the morning, I ran for 20 minutes non-stop! This is bog for me, as running for that amount of time non-stop is just the first step towards moer mileage!

Yeah me!

Hopefully, I continue the challenge tomorrow morning... at 5 am! If I don't do it then, I won't do it at all!

Headwind + BOB Jogging stroller = not good

2009-11-06T12:05:00.000-07:00

Once again, I am declaring war on wind in New Jersey.

See, because running into the wind by myself isn't nearly as bad as pushing a BOB jogging stroller with a 17 pound 6-month-old in it into the wind.

Obviously, I lived to talk about it, but it sucked. Something tells me that come March, when the wind is at its mightiest strength, B and the BOB will stay in the closet.

Still, I did it. And, all in all, this has been a good week. Had one 5 am run, a liller weight work out that left me needing to recover for about 3 days, and another run to finish off the week.

Next week? Running 3 times, weights twice... ugh. I'm not making any promises.

I'm supposed to be running right now...

2009-11-05T14:28:00.000-07:00

...but it is cold, and damp, and I have to take Bea with me in the BOB.

Bundled up, she should be fine, no?

What I think about during my runs

2009-11-02T06:25:00.000-07:00

A lot of runners will tell you running allows them the opportunity to think.

Life, kids, career moves, what to have for breakfast, things like that are usually the hot topics. Especially if you're running alone.

Here is what I am thinking about on my runs: How many minutes until I can walk again?

Because right now, being that I am on Week 10 of Week 5 of the Couch to 5K program, I am running 10 minutes, walking for 5 and running for 10 more before my cooldown.

In the beginning, I am feeling good. Right on target with my heart rate, breathing is good, tunes are jammin'. But by the 8th minute, I am ready to stop. To walk. To give up. And then that 5 minute break comes just in time.

I dread the day I cut that 5 minute walk break... having to link both runs together to form one, 20-minute, long run. Yes, I know I can do it, Yes, I've done it before...but being all alone at the bottom of the figurative hill looking up seems daunting. Especially with this post-baby bod.

This is it!

2009-11-01T10:30:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow morning. 5 am. No excuses!

I feel so much better when I start my day with a pre-dawn run. I feel more organized, more focused. And now that Bea is pretty much totally off the boob, I feel like I can go in the morning without too much guilt.

Week.. whatever of Couch to 5K. I lost count. But I think I am on Week 6? Regardless, I am running 10 minutes, break for 3, then another 10. At some point, I will need to join those two runs into a longer one :)

Wow, it has been a while

2009-10-18T07:59:00.002-06:00

Okay, first let me get this off my chest.

It is damn hard to find time to do anything for yourself let alone RUN with a newborn.

I told myself, "Erica, you have 6 months of excuses before you are allowed to get tough on yourself."

Bea turns 6 months old this week, which means my excuses stop now.

You know, a co-worker of mine once told me I inspired him to start running. Seriously. Me. The 10-minute mile maven inspired HIM to start running...

But he has returned the favor and listening him talk about his new weights/gym routine has inspired me to stop making excuses and find the energy to do something about this post partum ass.

So I am going back to basics... I am going to report out on my runs. My goal? 3 times a week. Weights twice a week.

After all, I've got a half marathon in April to train for. And, how could I let my mommy-running friends down? Kris, Alanna- I'm talking to you!

E

Square One? Check.

2009-06-08T12:56:00.001-06:00

Between injuries, pregnancy and the 60 pounds I gained while pregnant, there has been little time or energy for me to run.

But I'm back... and am working on week one of the Couch to 5K program. Yup. I am back where I began. No real goals in sight other than to be able to run a solid 5 miles without stopping. So.... here we go!

Can I be the butt of your joke?

2008-09-03T09:35:00.005-06:00

Maybe some of you work in big companies just like me. If you do, I am sure from time to time, you find yourself in a situation in which you're in a big meeting, with a lot of the heavy hitters in your organization.

Many times, these heavy hitters (or, people that pay my salary, thankyouverymuch) will get a laugh out of the crowd at someone else's (most likely, a colleague) expense.

Let me explain.

They are often "inside jokes" that no one outside of the organization would ever understand. A scenerio might be something like this:

Bob: And so, today I'll present this quarter's numbers, and hopefully, they'll be clear enough for everyone - even Jim - to understand!

The crowd roars with laughter... Jim might stand up, take a bow, and then sit back down.

Usually this type of interaction between, say, a superior and someone with less power might indicate said superior likes the other. In other words, if you are the butt of a joke, you are well-loved.

It's never anything malicious; it is mostly in good fun... but, well, you get it.

Here is where the disturbing part comes in.

I was at a meeting this morning and a similar joke/jab was taken.

I laughed. Out loud. Like, a real laugh. And, I think it might have happened twice.

Usually, I will roll my eyes, turn to a co-worker next to me and exchange some sort of look that says "Get a load of that guy!" or something fun... but this time. I laughed.

I mean, the joke was funny. The timing was perfect and everyone could relate. Not laughing might have downgraded company morale. I was just doing my part.

Still, the fact that I missed an eye-rolling opportunity is a real red flag for me.

Am I losing my sarcasm and sinister wit? Will I be able to see through it all? Did someone slip me a guest pass to a country club??

Someone, please, tell me it's not all lost!

Exile on South Street

2008-08-28T08:43:00.004-06:00

I was introduced to Exile in Guyville by a guy I was dating. Kind of ironic when you think about it... or was it a foreshadowing note in our relationship? (we broke up shortly after)

But I remember hearing it for the first time knowing I had never heard anything like it before... and knowing I wanted to listen to it over and over again.

Liz Phair has said that Exile in Guyville is a song-by-song answer to the Rolling Stones' album Exile on Main Street. Not being a big Stones fan, this is slightly lost on me, but what isn't lost is the timeless lyrics and melodies from Phair's debut effort.

I never saw Phair perform to support her first album- not many of us did as her stage fright kept her from performing live. But last night, Jason and I were treated to "An Evening with Liz Phair" to celebrate the re-release and remastering of Exile.

It was at the TLA on South Street, an intimate choice, and the evening promised a live performance of the entire Exile album from start to finish. After seeing her perform in recent years to support not-so-awesome albums, I took the promise with a grain of salt. Would this evening showcase the Liz Phair so many of us fell in love with back in 1993?

After all, I'd heard her song overhead in Ann Taylor Loft once. Liz Phair? The same woman who declared "I'll suck you til your dick is blue" was singing in Ann Taylor loft?? huh??

But last night, she did not disappoint.

We were standing so close to stage, it was difficult not to make eye contact with her as she performed.

Editor's note: It was actually kind of odd when I felt like I did make eye contact... seeing as how I was probably mouthing the words to her songs as she sang them. And the creepy old guy who was waaaay into her was just... creepy...

Still, she was impressive - even if she isn't 6 foot 1, but 5 foot 2. She sounded awesome and stayed true to her word. Every song ( in order! ) was played off of Exile. It was awesome. It was the show we'd been waiting 15 years to see.

Her voice sounded awesome, and with every guitar change and tuning, I was taken back to my college dormroom where I was inevitably trying to convince someone to listen ling and hard to Liz Phair. At one point she even said it was fun to rehash old memories she had of writing the album.

She even busted out a new song off her new record she is finishing. I am staying optimistic about this one, and am confident that after "Why Can't I?" she got the pop "thing" out of her system. I'm hoping for more edgy, raw, cynical and sadness to come through... we've got enough pop-crap on the radio.

Rejection, Smejection!

2008-08-26T11:21:00.004-06:00

When one door closes, so opens another...

I'm writing for SJ Magazine! It's my first paying writing gig! Yahoo! I should celebrate with... something.

I have my first assignment for the October issue... keep your eyes open.

And, my piece for South Jersey MOM should appear in the October or November issue.

Hurray for me!

In other, exciting e-news...
My love's new, closer-to-home job starts soon and I cannot wait to have him home more, and commuting less.

I am still wogging along. Though the heart rate is just out of this world. I'm up to 9 minutes of running, 2 minutes of walking, but man... this is tougher than I thought it would me. It is so hard to believe just a few months ago, I was running 13miles.

I would like to do the Philly 1/2 marathon in November, so hopefully, I will begin to progress faster as the cooler weather sets in...

And, since I haven't posted any cool photos lately, I thought I would entertain you all with this:

The wogging continues...

2008-08-21T12:59:00.002-06:00

Yeah, I'm wogging along.

My heart rate is just not what it used to be... and I have no idea why. I am cycling the same amount - even more intense. That usually trains my heart really well... I'm just tired. Maybe my new-found caffiene-free detox is taking its toll.

Speaking of cycling... As you may or may not know, I am a certified Spinning instructor. And, I just picked up another class! So now. I'll be teaching 6 classes a month... not four.

Ca-ching!

Okay, not really. Seriously, if someone finds a way to make a living teaching random aerobics classes, let me know...

My first rejection letter!

2008-08-15T11:25:00.002-06:00

In all this craziness of bouncing back from my knee thingy, I forgot to showcase my first, real rejection letter. This one comes from Running Times. I sent them a query about an feature I would like to write for them:

Hi Erica:

It sounds well thought- out, but doesn’t fit in RT, which is more for the competitive runner.

Jonathan

Okay, fine... I need to research the audience a bit better ( I actually thought I did it just fine - alas, I was wrong), but he says my idea sounds well thought out!!

I mean, sure, it is a rejection, but he actually responded to me and was nice about it.

In the same week I got a rejection letter, I got my first writing assignment for South Jersey MOM.

One rejection, one acceptance. Just call me butter 'cuz I am on a roll!

I forgot how dark it is at 5 am

2008-08-15T08:21:00.002-06:00

This morning, I went out for a pre-dawn run - the first in a very long time, since before my injury/resting period anyway.

I forgot how dark it is at 5 am! I was actually kind of creeped out! I mean, I carry my runner's pepper spray, but still!

So I am up to 7-9 minute intervals of running, peppered with 3 minute brisk walk breaks. I'm getting back to my old self again.

It was good to get it done and over with. I've been too tired after work to do anything productive other than fix some dinner.

This is the weather to run in

2008-08-12T06:17:00.001-06:00

I can't remember the last time it was this beautiful in August. The sun shining, humidity low, a cool breeze in the evening; it is what summer is supposed to be like.

That's why this weekend, I thought I would take a chance and take advantage of the awesome weather by running two days in a row.

The first day, I did a 5 minute run/2 minute walk combo. I lasted for about 35 minutes. It felt great.
The second day, I did a 7 minute run/2 minute walk combo. I did this for about 30 minutes. Not so great.

My hammys are still tight, and my left leg is just tight all around. I forgot how important it is to stretch, stretch, stretch... and then stretch a little more.

I took Monday off, tonight I'm in the Spin zone, but I think I need to work up to the two-days-running-in-a-row plan.

Still, I think I might be in good enough shape to run the Philly half marathon in November. Yeah!

I'm not complaining but...

2008-08-08T06:36:00.002-06:00

...the journey back to my pre-injury mileage is going to be long.

Last night it took me 42 minutes to complete a 5k. Sure, it was a walk/jog mix, but man, did it feel like forever.

Transplant

2008-08-05T20:32:00.004-06:00

I miss the Lehigh Valley - even more so this time of year.

Musikfest is going on and aside from the absent open container laws, awesome food and great music, it must be nice to have something to do every night of the week when you live in Bethlehem around this time of year. To be out of doors, mixin' it up with friends and neighbors on the streets, or seeing some of those people from high school you'd like to forget.

Of course, if you are a resident within the city limits, you might think otherwise. Fools peeing in your bushes, kids drinking all over the place; but isn't it a wonderful trade off when you can polka your bum off in Liederplatz? I think so.

I miss the community of living in a town that has charm and character and things to do. I miss good restaurants, bars on every corner, and less traffic. I miss rolling hills, shaded neighborhoods and that smells that come along with them.

How is it all supposed to be?

Everyone needs an editor.

2008-07-30T05:09:00.004-06:00

Even me.

I keep thinking my talents in writing would be better suited for magazine writing. My sarcastic style, witty commentary and interesting approach to research would make me a great freelance reporter and writer for any of the popular magazines you see on the newsstands like Fitness, Women's Health, Self, Cosmopolitan and Dog Fancy.

Why Dog Fancy? Because I love my dog and he gives me great stories to tell.

Of course, I am always entertaining my next great idea for a novel, which will end up being my retirement fund, but I need to focus small first and work my way up.

So, if anyone out there knows anyone in publishing, the magazine trade or knows a fantastic editor, please let me know.

My creativity needs an outlet, and I'm not into scrapbooking.

Wax on, wax off.

2008-07-28T16:09:00.002-06:00

I will be a good grasshopper and start my running/walking/overall consistent exercising outside of a pool in a very conservative manner.

And, for the sake my my sanity and not having to be at X amount of miles by X week, I am not signing up for any races.

Here's the plan, and I plan to stick to this for at least 2 weeks before I increase the running.

Monday- Rest
Tuesday - Indoor cycling
Wednesday- Run/walk 30 minutes. 1 minute run, 2 minute walk
Thursday - Swimming
Friday - Run/Walk 30 minutes. 1 minute run, 2 minute walk
Saturday- Outdoor cycling
Sunday - Run/Walk 30 minutes. 1 minute run, 2 minute walk

I'm sort of scared to run. I'm afraid the pain will come back and I will be at square one.
And, really, I am so over the pool.

Starting all over

2008-07-27T09:58:00.002-06:00

I've decided my knee is good enough to begin running again.

I've obeyed my doctors and physical therapists, and now it's time to get on with it.

But, how so I start after not running at all for about 6 weeks?

I'm guessing I will start all over with the Couch to 5K program? But that seems so far away. After all, I am not really going from the Couch... err... but I have been on vacation...

Maybe I will do a regimented 1 minute run/2 minute walk for 30 minutes and build up from there?

Whatever I do, I need to do it at the butt crack of dawn. It's still in the upper 80s and I sweat way too much for that.

On vacation...

2008-07-24T09:06:00.005-06:00

Ate lots of crabs.
Run/walked without pain.
Drank lots of beer.
Got lots of tan.
Still feel like I'm on a boat.

Day 9 - no pain

2008-07-07T18:37:00.001-06:00

So far, so good. Not one twinge of pain or discomfort in my knee for 9 days.

Nothing. Nada.

That is all.

I've been tagged.

2008-07-03T11:18:00.003-06:00

Thanks to Jenn, I have been tagged and you all have to read 6 things about me that you don't care about. I will try to make this entertaining...

Thanks Jenn!

1. I am the best. See here.

2. I have been known to chase and yell at neighborhood/random kids for pissing me off doing... well... whatever they do. It's okay though because my husband once made them cry. haha.

3. I burp. Loud. Often. Really, it's mostly when I drink canned soda, but even my husband is jealous of my burps. No need though, because I always blame my giant burps on him. I know what you're thinking: I am a class act... OH... and the best (see #1).

4. I am a hypochondriac. I like to think I can blame it on the fact I work in health care, but honestly, I began thinking I had various ailments when I was young. Question for you thirty-something girls out there... Is it me, or in the 80's were there a lot of books out there like "16 and Dying" or "How much time do I have left?" all about teenage girls and cancer? What's that about?

5. I love the Howard Stern show. To the point of it almost being weird.

6. I have regrets. Most of them involve alcohol.

Okay. Now I need to tag six people... Dena, Vince, Leo, Doug, Eric and Nitmos.

Here are the rules:

- Link to the person who tagged you.
- Post the rules on your blog.
- Write six random things about yourself.
- Tag six people at the end of your post.
- Let each person know they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
- Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

Please note.

2008-07-02T05:14:00.003-06:00

I picked this up a few weeks ago.

It's not so much a fortune as a truism... yes?

Speedo man, let me share your lap lane

2008-06-25T16:24:00.004-06:00

Swimming. Most of you probably haven't swam laps since you were in school or during an "adult swim" at a local neighborhood pool. But starting Monday this has been my main form of exercise.

And it sucks.

I mean, sure I have the fancy goggles, and I really know how to rock a black speedo, but... um... is it really exercise?

Let me explain.

Monday, I had a mini lesson from Joe, who looks old enough to be my so---err----young cousin... and he was telling me about my stroke. Lift the hips, breath when the arm comes up, use the floaty thing that keeps up your legs... stuff like that. I spent about 30 minutes in the pool doing this, back and forth... back and forth....

I got out of the pool and bam! I felt.... um... the same as I did when I got in the pool. Did I even work out? What happened to those last 30 minutes of my life? Should I stretch? Cool down? Wait, I am cool...I was just in water.

This morning, I get up super early to hit the pool before work. This time, it is more stuctured and looks more like this:

5 minutes warm up with a kick board
45 minutes of lap swimming - mostly freestyle and breaststroke
10 minutes of water jogging in the deep water with a float belt
5 minutes of stretching in the warm water pool

Did I even work out? How can I tell if I am not sweating? I was out of breath at times... but not consistently. How can I find out my heart rate??

But perhaps the big question is... what kind of "exercise" is this when I am swimming along side of middle-aged men in speedos?

I know what you're thinking: Fierce

2008-06-21T12:55:00.003-06:00

That's right. Tyra's got nothing on me when I'm rocking these super-awesome mirrored Speedo goggles.

I'm taking this swimming thing very seriously.

Goggles that make me look like an alien? check.
Uber-ugly Speedo bathing suit that does absolutely nothing for my figure? check.
Swim cap to protect my $100 dye job and highlights? check.

Now I just need a pool. I am joining the fitness club at work and ... get this... getting a swim lesson to teach me proper technique. Apparently, just jumping in and swimming is not good enough.

And, unlike the super cute running skirts, neato running shoes, and sweet tanks running has to offer, swimming in no way lends itself to making you, the swimmer, look cool.

Um... looking at the photo above, I think that's fairly obvious.

Sadness...

2008-06-17T18:09:00.002-06:00

My PT told me today that I most definitely need to rest - everything - for AT LEAST 4 to 6 weeks.

I told her I already tried the resting thing for 3 weeks... I did nothing, totally lost fitness and still saw no change in pain level in my knee. And now, after 4 weeks of PT, still no change.

She says tissue needs at least 4 to 6 weeks of complete rest.

I urged... let me do something, please... what about swimming? Biking?

The verdict?

Try swimming, bike without resistance... no running.

So, now, I need to join a gym for at least 2 months.

Ca-Ching.

Things are still "happening"

2008-06-13T11:16:00.010-06:00

I've been busy... still running... but let me tell you, it is so nice to run when I feel like, not beat myself up if I don't wake up at a certain time for a specific distance run. I'm enjoying it! I got in 16 miles since last Friday! 10 of which were over last weekend in the HOT HOT HEAT.

Still, things have been "happening" and I decided to just post some random thoughts and photos.

Visited the Valley and saw little Beau again:

Hot, Hot, Hot. Jason and I went to the Lehigh Parkway...did some rails-t--trails... Awesome. He rode, I ran. Hot as hell, but it was great to be back in the Valley, enjoying the scenery, and all the Valley has to offer.

Manages to get some activities too. The "America on Wheels" car/auto/bike exhibit. It was so interesting, we saw fun stuff, but I was most impressed with this:

Yes, it is the EV1... subject of the controversial film Who Killed the Electric Car? I thought all of them were crushed, but this shell was saved and taken to the museum.

I immediately got all sorts of angry....

Mom and Dad off in Prague. Hope they're having fun!

Went out with Nick and Jason for dinner and drinks. Felt old at the bar :( Everyone was annoying.

Jason and I checked out a British Car Show in Saucon Valley.

Then we came back and all took naps before heading to Jersey:

Last night we saw Death Cab for Cutie. They were playing at the Mann Music Center. It took us about 1:30 hours to get there, and I would say 1:15 of that time was spent in line trying to get in. It was obnoxious...

But not as obnoxious as all these moronic kids with their digital cameras. Um... yeah, most of them spent the entier show watching through a tiny LCD screen. Don't kids enjoy the moment any more?

Also, let's be honest here... Death Cab is like, a step above dinner music. They are mellow, kids... relax. Still, some of them were pumping their fists like they were watching some hard core metal band.

Jason, concerned this generation "doesn't know how to rock," commented: "If I took these kids to a Dillinger Escape Plan Show they would blow up."

And honestly, this is a concern of mine.

How can I, as a one-day parent, make sure my kids is less of this:

and more like this:

I have some theories on how to prevent the prevailing wimpy aspects of emo from coming into my household, but I will save that for another time ... stay tuned.

Oh, one more thing... I am still on my quest for a non-mom hair do is still on... trying to cure my momish hair today ;)

Things are going swimmingly... slow

2008-06-02T16:38:00.004-06:00

So after a week of run/walking, or wogging as some woulld call it, I am up to running 35 minutes non stop. Today, my heart rate was at a place I quite liked, and I got my first pre-dawn run of the season.

So, running 35 minutes non stop after not running at all for 3 weeks is a pretty big deal to me.

Okay, I should clarify that these days, 5 am isn't technically pre-dawn, as the sun was breaking through the horizon, but it was cool nonetheless.

Since I don't have any great running related photos to post, I'll post this one of Freddie. He is doing a plant imitation.

This guy drinks your milkshake.

2008-05-28T16:11:00.008-06:00

On Memorial Day, Jason and I visited Fort Mott and Pea Patch Island.

It was interesting, you can read about the places on those links. But, perhaps the most intriguing part of our day, was seeing this Civil War Era re-enactor:

"When I'm not re-enacting in my Civil War re-enactment club, I drink your milkshake."

who looked a lot like Daniel Day Lewis in "There Will Be Blood."

"I'm an oil man...and I drink your milkshake."

Naturally, all day, Jason and I were trying to outdo each other's "I drink your milkshake!" from this famous scene:

YouTube of scene... special cut

You get the idea.

One more thing about the Civil War tour... Does anyone find it awkward when people who are true to their characters circa 1864 talk to you like it was 1864? It's like, okay, we're 30 years old. We know you're not really living in 1864, now can you please tell me where the bathrooms are?

We're hip to your game, soldierman.

In running news... I got another 3.2 miles in yesterday... and felt great after the run. My HR is still not where I want it to be during a run, but I will get there.

Had PT today and am resting!

Don't call it a comeback...

2008-05-24T19:02:00.003-06:00

...because it really wasn't.

Today, I officially ran/walked 3.2 miles. It was the first time I'd attempted to run since Broad Street. Here's how it went down.

9 am: Wake up with some achiness/pain in my left hip. Probably because of all the IT Band stretching I'd been doing. Outside of knee hurts, not inside like it had been.

9:30: 5 minute warm up turns into a light jog. Ouch. Knee/hip still hurting.

9:40: Okay, things seem to be falling in place. Knee/hip feeling better, looser. Wow, but look at that 173 BPM heart rate. Gotta bring that down. I like to be at around 160 for a slower run.

9:50: HR still higher than ever... WTF? I walk it down.

9:55: Okay, run some more. Get about a mile in.

10:05: WTF Heart rate? Still 175???

10:10: Walk/jog to home.

So, I guess after 3 weeks of total inactivity, your heart is NOT at the same level of fitness it was before.(sigh)

BUT... knee and hip feeling great today. Didn't ice or anything. Jason and I spent the rest of the day doing some yardwork.

Here's what he did in the front!

I worked on the back, but I'll save that for another time.

Now, it's 9:15 at night, and both of us are ready for some ZZZzzzzs.

Argh! Evil Bike!

2008-05-22T18:26:00.005-06:00

I just found this and it is 100% accurate for what is going on in my right knee:

The cause of the instability (patella tracking) really determines what activities will work and what won't. Many people have problems on bikes because biking is primarily a quadriceps muscle activity as you continuously are straightening out your knee with that muscle. Every time the quadriceps muscle contracts the tracking problem is provoked as a quadriceps contraction pulls the kneecap(patella) superiorly with normal tracking and usually more lateral when abnormal (tracking out).

So again as the demands on the knee increase the force of the quadriceps contraction must also increase thereby causing greater patella movement.

I'll be back in no time!

2008-05-22T15:44:00.002-06:00

First PT session... okay, not really a session... more of an intake assessment. It was great!

She did notice some tracking and my kneecap is lifting with flexion... she thinks it might be a tight IT Band paired with a weak, inner quad muscle/ligament.

She gave me some stretching exercises, and I will go to see her 2/week for 4 weeks.

And...

then are going to tape my knee on Tuesday after work to see it if helps with spinning class!

Huurrrrahhh!

OhAndIDecidedToRunThePhiladephiaMarathonInNoSpecificTime.

Thanks Bye!

I took it easy!

2008-05-20T18:42:00.002-06:00

I taught my spinning class tonight, and a-ha! I gave myself a break, rarely spinning, and with no tension... and no pain!

So, in true, typical fashion, I made my physical therapy appointment for Thursday and since then, have had no pain.

I need therapy.

2008-05-19T16:47:00.002-06:00

Friday - knee hurt
Saturday - knee hurt
Sunday - knee hurt
Monday - knee great.
WTF?

I have an appointment with a physical therapist. She has run the Boston Marathon.

I feel like I'm in good hands.

Look at my jugs!

2008-05-16T18:57:00.011-06:00

If I had a dime for every empty water bottle I see on the side of the road during my runs... well, I'd have a lot of dough. Fortunately, I know everyone reading this blog recycles their bottles. Better yet, I would guess some of you actually have some sort of slick, reusable water bottle like a cool Sigg or something to use.

About 8 years ago, I began using a Nalgene jug for my obsessively compulsive water-drinking habits. I got this fresh, pink water bottle.

Made from polycarbonate... err.. plastic? Nalgene boasted high impact resistance, clarity and resistance to odors. Once reserved solely for hippies, everyone - even those who showered - was hip to the Nalgene trend.

I once heard about the dangers of plastic used in "popular water bottles." I did a little research, found no real concerns to worry me, and continued to drink out of my polycarbonate, unbreakable Nalgene bottle.

But only a few weeks ago, the Nalgene rumors surfaced again. This time, Nalgene stated they would cease production of the polycarbonate (BPA) bottles.

Apparently, BPA has been known to have adverse effects on hormones. Apparently, all of the BPA talk made the news and soon, everyone was asking me about my water bottle as if to say, " Do you give a damn about your hormones?" Well, of course I do, but thanks for giving my hypochondriac arse something new to obsess about.

The reality is, we needn't be worried. The amount of BPA it would take to see a significant difference is enormous.

Still if Nalgene was ceasing production, I thought maybe this was a real concern.

At first, I felt betrayed.

Then I was angry

Then I decided Pink Nalgene was history.

I mean, WTF?

But, I am not a Nalgene jugless girl... as I have fallen in love all over again...

Non-BPA Nalgene bottle, you're the best!

Whatever you use, please use a reusable bottle or jug, or jar, or whatever you want to call it. It won't fit into the cup holder of your hard, it's hard to drink out of while running on the treadmill, and it definitely may not look pretty, but isn't it worth it? I mean, do we need more plastic water bottles on the side of the road?

Didn't think so. Drink on.

I think my knee is almost better

2008-05-14T12:10:00.000-06:00

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HURRAH!!

What am I doing while I rest?

2008-05-09T17:42:00.003-06:00

Three words.

Super Mario Brothers.

Jason downloaded some old school Nintendo games to the Wii and I've been playing Super Mario Brothers all week.
I can't get past level 8-1.

It is amazing. As a kid, I played so much Mario Brothers. I knew the shortcuts, the secret chutes to different levels, the right places to jump to reveal secret points. And, as a 31-year-old I remember them all. Well, it takes me a little bit to get my mind back to 1991, but still... it is there.

I've also been using The Stick, which, even though I feel like a sucker for paying for something so simple, is really working.

My knee is feeling so much better. Today is the second day I am not noticing anything feeling weird. So, hopefully, if I PROMISE to myself to teach Tuesday's class off the bike I will be ready for a run this week.

See E rest. Rest, E, rest!

2008-05-08T15:20:00.004-06:00

I'm resting my knee.

I've decided it needs a full week ( at least) of doing nothing. Of course, this did not stop me from teaching my spin class on Tuesday. We did a 10 mile hill, as suggested by a student-teacher, whose daughter told me " If you do this class, my dad will come" as she handed me a Spinning Member class profile.

Was that a run-on sentence?

It was called "The 10 mile hill"and, as the name suggests, it was hilly.

It was an awesome class. I taught a lot of it off the bike because hilly climbs seem to aggrevate my knee more than anything. Still, I felt it after class and again Wednesday and Thursday.

Oddly enough, running doesn't aggrevate it, but spinning does. Go figure.

And, I think I am real runner now because all I am wanting to do these days is RUN!

The BSR- A race of "firsts"

2008-05-04T18:04:00.003-06:00

Today, I did four things I have never done before:

1. Run the Broad Street Run. A 10 mile race that begins in North Philly and ends at the Naval Yard in South Philly.

Since I was already trained for the Lehigh Valley Half Marathon, I figured running a 10 mile, flat course would be no problem. And it wasn't.

It was the largest race I have run, with about 22,000 people registered. We all parked near the finish and rode SEPTA up the the start. Never before have I seen a sea of runners flood SEPTA trains like this. I wished I had a camera.

We all got to the start. I checked my bag, and wanted to go... hey? where are all the porta-potties????

2. Pee in an abandoned parking lot in a part of Philadelphia I would never visit again - until next year's BSR.

Yeah, I totally peed in a random parking lot in North Philly. It was gross. It had to be done.

3. Drink - what I believe to be - Philadelphia fire hydrant water. Seriously.

Because I am a back of the pack runner, by the time I got to water stations, they were sparse. Hey, with 22 thousand runners entrants, what do you expect, right?

Still, something inside of me decided it would be "okay" or "safe" to drink water from a garbage bag-lined can that volunteers had filled with water to dip cups in to fill before handing to runners.

It was gross. It had to be done.

4. Pop a blister under my toenail.

Yeah, so hey.. knee a little stiff... no worries... but in the name of God, what is THAT under my toe nail?

I was in pain. It was gross and whatever was under there was pushing up my toenail. I popped it with a pin.

It was gross. It had to be done.

So, the race itself was fine. The crowd never "thinned out" and I was often battling to get out from behind slower runners (there are people slower than me!)

People were cheering, and singing... just before I got to City Hall, a high school band was playing the theme song from "Rocky", which was nice. Saw lots of doggies with spectating owners and by the time I reached the finish line, I was spent.

And sweaty.

And gross. But I had to do it.

Unofficial chip time 1:41:20

Okay, one more...

2008-05-02T09:04:00.002-06:00

Did I mention I am doing the Broad Street Run on Sunday?

Me and about 20, 000 runners.

I hope to finish under 1:50, but no pressure. It will be an automatic PR for me since this is the first one I've done.

Then, I am breaking for about 1 week to fully rest the knee. I'll start back with some speedwork training, and building up to a good mileage to train for the Philadelphia Marathon on November 23.

Yeah, I'm doing that one.

I was going to do the Steamtown Marathon - I even got a room for that weekend - but I have to work that weekend at an event, so that one is out.

I can do it!

My first half marathon-I thought I could- and I did!

2008-04-27T21:13:00.020-06:00

I rocked my first half marathon!

The Clif Notes are that I finished. It was a great weekend. The weather was perfect ( 50’s, cloudy, dry) and the crowd was amazing.

The Lehigh Valley Half Marathon began as the “Rodale Half Marathon” and was then called “The Runner’s World Half Marathon” before getting its present-day namesake.

This year, the event attracted about 4,000 runners for the half marathon and about 750 runners for the 5k.

The event kicked off on Saturday with with a kids fun run. We watched as the kids got their start.

Here they are lining up to start.

And they're off!

*I saw a photo caption in the newspaper about this event. There was a quote from a 3-year-old who ran with his face painted as Spiderman. He said “The best part about running is running like Spiderman.” I thought that was cute.

Ever-thoughtful friend Alanna and her sisters Mary, Cathy, (who had me laughing all weekend, by the way) and I visited the expo to get our packets, chips and information.

I bought “The Stick” because I am “The Sucker.”

I also got info for the Garmin Pace group I was in – anticipated finish time - 2:20. Running with this group should keep me on pace and not let me go too fast in the start.

Can I be an honorary sister for the weekend please?

We went to the pasta dinner – Joan Benoit-Samuelson was the speaker. After, I met up with some Runnersworld.com friends at the Allentown BrewWorks (Hi Kris! Hi Kim! Hi Will!) We had a few beers, and had a great time!

Me, Kris and Kim

Race day morning: 5:30 wake up. I picked up my friend Sarah at 6:45 to get to the race by 7 am. Potty stop #1.

Get in the high school, meet up with Kim at the pace group meeting area, see Kris and her hubby and little girl. Decide I need to go again. Potty stop #2.

Time to line up. Kim and I get in line with the pace group and I need to go again. This time, the line is a lot longer and there is a real chance I might not make it to the beginning.

5k runners start and there is 10 minutes to go before the start of the half. I am pretty deep in line and I begin to worry if I will finish what I gotta do in time. I do, with 30 seconds to spare. Potty stop #3.

I find my pace coach and Kim and the group and we are OFF!

Flat and loving life

So, the purpose of the pace group is to keep you at an even pace the entire time so as not to burn out so quick early in the race. Our ideal time was to run every mile at or around 10:41.

Before mile one, I felt a side cramp coming on. Fan-freaking-tastic.

The pace coach was incredible and the group was so supportive. I tend to talk… a lot… even when I am running. I like to chat, insert witty comments here and there, and sometimes sing to myself. I am like the “Chipper Runner” when I am out there because I feel like if I encourage people around me, I will encourage myself.

By mile 2, I had “worked out” the side stich and felt awesome. Still on pace. Garmin pace coach still right next to me.

I was feeling great. I mean, I really felt awesome. There were bands on the course (I thought about Celeste when a band was playing a Bon Jovi song), spectators, cameras, dogs, kids, signs. Every two miles was Gatorade and water and I took both every time I passed a water station.

We began to see the “elite runners” after their turnarounds at around mile 5 or 6. It was awesome to see them all coming back. I am sure I saw Ms. Benoit-Samuelson herself running at the head of the pack.

The Lehigh Parkway
I couldn’t help but think of my orthopedic doctor and the comment he made to me when I told him I was running this half marathon, here is why.

Hill #1- Parkway entrance. Long, steep.
I took it well. Tried to go super fast on the downslope.

Hill #2- After the LVRR clubhouse. Longer, smaller gradient.
I know this hill well. Small steps and “Enter Sandman” by Metallica got me to the top.

Hill #3- Immediately after hill #2. Short, steep.
Whah? I forgot about how they snuck this one in there.

Hill #4- After covered bridge. Long, smaller gradient.
I am secretly hoping there is a surprise escalator taking all the runners up the hill to the next part of the Parkway.

Hill #5- Are you effing serious? STEEP, STEEP- really steep.
I knew this was coming, but come on. Are you serious?

By the last hill, we are about a mile 10 or so. I’ve consumed my second gel because I really think I just need to think about something else (like swallowing) than the pain in my legs.

The Garmin pace coach looked at the four of us who were still with her and said “ I am crossing the finish line with this group right here.”

Um, can you wait until, oh, mile 12 to say that please? Yikes!

Homestretch
Mentally, I am finding staying with my pace coach difficult. We are out of the Parkway and I am getting Jello legs.

Mile 11- Hurrah! 2 more to go!

Mile 12- Yeah, I was slowing down. But I still saw my awesome pace coach. I decided it was time to just go for it.

And I did.

Hill #6- A very, very, short step hill into the high school stadium to take one final victor lap on the track and be done with it.

I see Jason, Mom, Dad, Alanna, Damon, Nana, Mary and Cathy on the dieslines cheering me on. Jason comes around to take a few snapshots.

Here I come!

I am so close to finishing fast and strong… Here I go… arms up… crossing the line… I DID IT!!

Un-Official chip time 2:19:38!!!!!

My pace coach congratulated me….She was awesome!

Jason came over to snap some photos. Here I am with my medal, and metal blankie thingy!

What is the name of this blankie thingy? Who cares! I finished!

The deejay at the event, Wes Barrett came over to congratulate me. He was the deejay at our wedding and in a weird twist of life he has now seen me at my best AND at my worst. Fun.

I wait for Kim who is coming up, and wish her congratulations before giving Kris big cheers as she ran on to the finish line!

I did it!

After the line
Lots of photos.

Me, Alanna and her sisters.

Me and Kris.

Finally, when we got home to Jersey, I got this awesome surprise on our front porch from my friends Trish and Jeff.

Trish and Jeff decorated our steps and stoop with awesome balloons that they wrote all over! how much fun is that????

Seriously, this was an amazing weekend and I feel so proud that I did it! So much hard work, early mornings running in freezing weather, windy days, lonely long runs. All for this.

The official medal for the Lehigh Valley half finishers! It spins!

My husband is such a supporter and such a believer in me. He puts up with my “plans” and “runner talk” and is as proud of me as I am of him.

So, Broad Street Run next week? 10 miles? Flat? Yeah, bring it on.

Argh! 2 days... what if?

2008-04-25T07:55:00.001-06:00

WARNING... some of this is TMI....

I'm getting scared. My first -ever half is on Sunday. I feel the same way I did right before my wedding.

Again...some of this is TMI....expecially for the boys...BUT....

What if I start out too fast?
What if I can't make it?
What if I need to pee?
What if I start hurting?
What if I overheat?
What if I am constipated the day of the race?
What if I get my period?
What if I decide I want to take my camera?
What if I lose my car keys?
What if I can't find my hubby?
What if my hubby misses me completely?

Should I bring my cell phone?
Should I take water or can I trust there will be enough on the course?
Should I bring my own GU?
Should I wear a fanny pack?
Should I drink coffee the morning of the race?

ARGH! WTF???I should have figured all this out, like, 3 weeks ago!!!

I know I can, I know I can!

2008-04-24T07:12:00.006-06:00

Only four days before my first ever half marathon, and I am once again impressed with my friend Alanna's thoughtfulness and inspiration.

Some of you may remember this post in which she dazzled me with a cute blue running skirt.

But yesterday, I got this in the mail. And being the girl I am, started to tear up.

Thank you, Alanna! You are so awesome, and I will be so happy to run - even if I am 2 miles behind!

Oh, and for those of you that don't remember what happens to the little engine...

A brief math lesson

2008-04-20T17:29:00.004-06:00

X 3

night before a long run

I like Cherry Jello.

I hate when my legs feel like Jello.

I think them feeling like jello-y dead weight today had something to do with drinking three beers with dinner last night.

Lesson learned.

6 more days!

The shortest race report ever

2008-04-19T21:05:00.003-06:00

5k today, hot sunshine;

My legs like Jello;

5 seconds faster this time.

It was the first time my hubby came out to support/watch, and it was SO great to have him there. Seeing him when I needed to make me smile and get through what I thought was difficult. He even brought the pups.

29:23 was my watch time. Not sure what the official time was ( not chipped though) but I figure it is as good as any!

SEVEN DAYS UNTIL THE LEHIGH VALLEY HALF MARATHON.

wow. lots of caps there.

Okay, GO!

2008-04-18T09:15:00.002-06:00

I can run, I can run!

Had an MRI, met my fabulous orthopedic doctor ( if anyone needs a recommendation for a great doc that understands runners, let me know), and I am good to go!

My knee feels great! GREAT!

I feel like CHIPPER JEN! ( That was for you, Alanna)

Less than 10 days until the Lehigh Valley 1/2 marathon!!!

OKay, my knee thing is just in my head

2008-04-14T17:48:00.002-06:00

My knee hurts.

I got 10 miles in yesterday.

My knee hurts.

I had an MRI today, and am visiting my ortho in two days.

My knee hurts.

Ice doesn't help.. much... and my hamstring is so tight right now, you could probably play it like a violin.

My knee hurts.

Um, so yeah, my 1/2 is less than 2 weeks away. What do I do?

I am thinking maybe I will just cross train until the 1/2, then rest completely.

Anyone have any advice???

Help me choose my first marathon

2008-04-11T10:34:00.004-06:00

After my venture into double digits Sunday, I did a 5 miler... then started that achy knee thing again. A few days off, stretching, ice and ibuprofen, and feeling much better...

So good, that I am thinking about running the Steamtown Marathon in October, or perhaps the Marine Corps Marathon the same month.

I mean, why not, right?

So... MCM or Steamtown... what will it be?

Wow, 11 miles sure takes a long time!

2008-04-06T09:35:00.003-06:00

I was running for 1 hour and 50 minutes in the pouring rain and wind at 8 am this morning.

I was supposed to only do 10 ( only!!), but when I got to the 10 mile mark, I figured what the heck. I'm already soaking wet (my awesome rain jacket keeps the wind and rain out, the sweat in), I just had an energy gel at mile 6, so why not go one more freaking mile.

I did it. It was long.

I guess 110 minutes of exercise for 11 miles puts me around the 10 minute/ mile mark.

This excites me, because there may be a chance that I finish the 1/2 marathon in under ... drumroll please... 2 hours and 20 minutes!

Did I mention that according to my heart rate monitor, which was so helpful in keeping me at my LSD pace, I burned about 1100 calories.

Yup. And, I spent about 1 hours and 45 minutes in my fat burning zone.

Post run bagel with cream cheese, here I come!

Post script: I should mention that yes, I would take running in the cold rain over high winds any day!

I ain't sayin she's a gold digger

2008-04-03T17:20:00.003-06:00

5 miles in the wind gives me ample opportunity to really examine the lyrics of the songs on my playlists. Usually, I hear a song I like, I like the beat, and that is the end of it. But today, I really paid attention to the lyrics by Kanye West in "Gold Digger" and, now, I shall analyze.

I think in the beginning, it is about him looking for a girl, but all he finds are these girls who carry Luis Vitton bags and yak about stupid stuff with their girlfriends. But, a pyschic tells him the perfect girl for him will have a butt like J. Lo and 4 kids.

Interesting.

Then he talks about how if you date a Gold Digger, you better get a pre-nup. And once, there was a football player who won a SuperBowl and then drive away in a Hyndai. Too bad for that sucker. He should have gotten a pre-nup, or, apparently you can get your money insured with Geico and he should have done that too.

Geico insures cash?

Then the last part is like, advice for women. Like, even though your man may be poor right now, stick by him because he has ambition. Then when he gets rich, according to Kanye, he will dump you for a white girl.

Who knew it was so complicated?

I'm thinking on my next run, I should tackle some stronger, more mystical lyrics. Suggestions?

5 miles...and a big SPIT to Nike plus

2008-04-02T18:40:00.002-06:00

5 miles before work this morning. Still. Freaking. Windy.

Come on, I have had it with this wind already.

And to make this even sweeter, my Nike Plus is kaboots. Need a new sensor.

I am mentally preparing for TEN MILES this weekend, folks. OMG. I don;t even know where to run at this point, but I hope it is nice and sunny.

9 miles OMG!

2008-04-02T18:38:00.002-06:00

I ran 9 miles on Sunday. Once again, the wind was whipping, it was cold... and when I got done about 95 minutes later, I was whipped too. I had SALT CRYSTALS on my face from the wind drying all my sweat.

It was also the first time I ate a gel while on my run. What a surprise, it was kinda gross.

I was so glad to be done and it felt so good to do it. If I can do nine, what's another 4 more?

Did I just really write that?

Join me in the fight

2008-03-23T12:55:00.002-06:00

I am officially declaring war on wind in New Jersey.

As I am a proponent of wind energy, you might be thinking this is absurd of me. Wind = energy. But, in my case, the case of my 8-mile run this morning, the wind does the opposite. It zaps my energy.

In my war on wind, I will create a sub-committee to concentrate on helping those affected wind. Another sub-committee will concentrate on creating new technologies that can shield us runners from the wind in an almost tunnel-like shield that will let the wind touch everything, but us.

I am not sure of the exact averages, but I would venture to say every single day in March has been windy.

Folks, get your wind-breakers, bust out the windmills, sign up for a wind energy program and let's get to know our enemy. Let's fight wind!

Thoughtful People Rule, part two

2008-03-20T08:13:00.002-06:00

I had some unexpected wrenches thrown at me late in the day yesterday, and left work feeling frazzled and beat up. This morning, after a brilliant ( fast!) 3 mile run with my neighbor, (Hi Tricia!) I came in to my office to find this.

My co-worker felt bad for the rough patch yesterday afternoon, knew I loved Peeps and brought me matching flowers! She didn't need to do it. I am used to bumps in the road at work, but I thought this was so thoughtful and nice of her. What a great way to start a busy day.

How can I be so blessed to be surrounded by wonderful people in my work and personal life? I feel so lucky!

My longest run was the most fun!

2008-03-18T10:32:00.003-06:00

I got a chance to run with a fellow Runner's World forumite over the weekend, and it was awesome. We met for a 7 mile run through part of the 1/2 marathon course.

7 miles came and went like no time had passed at all. We chatted through the whole thing and pushed each other up the hills ( with words, not arms ). It was a great run and the longest run to date!

I did another 5 miles this morning and the knee... the "popping" knee is a little bit achy. I don't know if it is an injury in my head or my knee, but I am getting it checked out to be on the safe side.

I am running this 1/2 coming up though, so if it is a knee injury, I hope they can shoot me up with something until those 13 miles are out of the way!

4 miles- magically delicious

2008-03-15T19:13:00.003-06:00

Clif notes: Run 4 Luck! 4-mile race! Lancaster, PA. 38:30!! Whoo hoo!

Get up. 6 AM. Hit snooze. Mom yells to wake me up. I’m 31 and the last time Mom has yelled for me to wake, I was probably 18 years old. So I get up.

Mom, Dad and me pile into the car. They’re driving me to the Lancaster Run 4 Luck 4 miler and we are picking up my brother along the way. I talked him into running the race with me, and when I ask him if he’s ready my very fit brother says. ”I guess. I’ve been running for 2 weeks.”

I’ve been running since November.

300 pre-registered and Mom and Dad are proudly supporting their kids in the warm up. I insist they take some photos now because after the race, I will look exceptionally scary and sweaty. I am right.

We line up. iPods? Check. Nike Plus? Check. Go.

Mile one split. 9 minutes.

Gosh, this is rather hilly.

Mile two. 18 minutes.

Wow, this is even hillier than before. And, wow, there’s another. Great.

Mile three. 28 minutes.

I really need to start practicing on hills

Oh wait, that’s the end!

Time, 38:30.

And my brother, who has been running for 2 weeks? About 5 minutes faster than me.
Ahh… youth.

To top off an already great day, Dad made a stop at Cabela's. This was my first time there… and oh, did I have fun.

Here I am fighting a polar bear!

Thanks for reading!

Pop goes my kne--- wait... what WAS that?

2008-03-13T18:53:00.002-06:00

Is it possible to hear a loud pop in your knee followed by a dull pain and really have it be nothing?
I don't know, but while teaching spin class the other night, on a hilly climb, standing up.. it popped... then it hurt.. .a little.

Was it a "pop" was it a "crack" ?? I don't know.

Earlier that morning I ran 4.5 miles at about 9:48 minute/ mile pace... I felt awesome. After the pop incident at spin class, I iced it... and it felt okay. Wednesday, I went for a fast 3 mile run ( 27 minutes!!) and it felt okay... but then it felt a little achy.

Today it feels normal.

I am not sure if it is all in my head, but it is awfully close to the 1/2 and I might be oversensitive when it comes to possible injuries.

This Weekend I have a 4 mile run with my brother. a Run for Luck race. And hopefully, getting in 7 over the 1/2 course .

Hopefully that "pop" was nothing more than another little quirck of me.

Thoughtful people rule.

2008-03-09T14:23:00.005-06:00

I hope Alanna doesn't mind me sharing this... but everyone needs to know how awesome a friend she is!

My friend, Alanna, is running the 1/2 marathon with me. Or should I say, I am running behind her in the 1/2 marathon. If it wasn't for her I wouldn't be running it at all.

When I was thinking about signing up for the 13.1 miles, I was himming and hawwing about it and she said " Just think of all the great mixes you will be able to make for your iPod while training!" I was pretty much sold.

She sent me this awesome book to inspire me on my training journey. It made me laugh out loud and Alanna could have written it herself - it was totally in the tone of her voice.

A few weeks ago, she sent me this great, inspirational card that played music to encourage me and today, I got this in the mail....

along with this:

Yes, it is a super cute RUNNING SKIRT!

In true, Alanna fashion, she knows how to hit my fashion spot to continue to give me new reasons to run. The skirt fits perfectly, and it looks great.

So I get this right before a 6 miler and I was near tears. Alanna is one of the most, if not the most sincere, thoughtful people I know. Both me and my hubby were amazed and I was smiling ear to ear on my 6 mile run this morning.

Thank you, Alanna! You made my day!

So long, mom hair..Hello sub 10 minute miles!

2008-03-06T09:31:00.004-07:00

I got a new hair cut. I like it. It is short and no, it is not pink.

But I think it still passes for a trendy cut.

In running news, I had a GREAT 4 miler the other morning and when I completed it and looked down at my Nike plus... it told me something very special...

Average pace: 9:59 per mile.

Technically its sub 10 minute miles... only by 1 second, but I'll take it!

6 miles down...134 to go...

2008-03-02T17:34:00.002-07:00

until the Lehigh Valley 1/2!

It was a perfect run. I dressed so well... perfect for the weather. I also took some cash to get a drink along the way at the Wawa on my way.

MIL was so cute. She called my husband after I was home and said," I saw E running. I called her on her cell phone and she didn't pick up."

Funny thing is if I had my phone on me, I probably would have picked it up.

And, since I haven't posted any great photos lately, here is a totally non-running related photo of my dog I dressed up to look like a European immigrant circa 1860.

Google search: Frostbite

2008-02-29T21:12:00.003-07:00

It took a quick search on google images to convince me I did not get a touch of frostbite on my 4 mile run in single digit temperatures yesterday morning. I will spare you the gore of the photos that assured me frostbite is more than just very red skin, but oh. my. god.

The phrases "charcoal black" and "shriveled fingers" should really never be in the same sentence.

Um, but "stinging ice" and "buttocks" should probably not be in the same sentence either.

Training is back on and feeling great. Now, if only spring would come.

Oh and I wanted to mention that someone posted a comment to me about how this Lehigh Valley 1/2 is going to be huge... and it is... and I am getting so freaking excited. I mean, I can already feel the energy. I just hope that energy can carry me for 13.1 miles on race day.

I have mom hair

2008-02-26T11:06:00.002-07:00

I need a hair cut. Something that says "I swear, I used to be cool when I was 17" but something that doesn't say "I'm 31 trying to be a cool teenager."

I think there is a fine line.

It needs to not be safe... I think it needs to be.... PINK!

Oh yeah, totally ran 4 miles before dawn.

Meet my new roommate.

2008-02-24T17:59:00.002-07:00

Yeah, this guy has moved into my sinuses. So, I have been crazy tired, sick, coughing, sneezing, barely breathing out of the right nostril of my nose. You know, fun stuff.

Got 5 miles in the morning. Kind of slow... It felt labored and my HR was getting as high as it usually does, it was staying atound 158 BPM, but it felt so ... hard... like my legs were made of lead.

Off to bed... again :(

Look at me running in the snow!

2008-02-20T16:52:00.004-07:00

Okay, so this is not really me. But every time I think of running in the snow I think of the peaceful, quiet whispers of snowflakes hitting my nose as I swiftly glide through the white powder; effortless strides that tell everyone "I am a runner!"

So when I saw it snowing from my office window, I knew I had to run in it.

I did. I even managed to get some "tempo" action in there.... But, alas, I am sure I did not look like the graceful runner posted above. Still, I like to think I tried.

Just Do It.

2008-02-17T12:15:00.003-07:00

You know, when I look at training plans for the 1/2 I think "How am I going to run all those miles?" and my mantra all along has been "Just do it." Today I did 5 miles.

But those three little words are more than a corporate logo/tag line. They represent everything in real life.

If you want to quit smoking, for example, regardless of all the bells and whistles, tools and programs, when push comes to shove, you have to just do it.

But running is a little different. Remember in school, if you had a test, you knew you had to study for it. Unless, you were a natural smartie, you needed to work for it. You may have sat down with a book a few nights before the test... maybe you studied, maybe you got distracted, but you swore the next night you would study more, harder, longer.

It backfired, because that next night, you became overwhelmed with everything. You should have been studying all along and now, the test is only three days away and you still have 10 more chapters to read.

When it came time for the test, you were unprepared. You didn't do well.

Running is like that. You need to prepare all along. A friend of mine who has run several marathons once said to me "Just get in the miles" and it is so true. You just need to do it.

When people talk about not being able to get up in the morning to run, not finding time in the day to work out, or eat well, I think to myself "Just do it."

There are no secrets, there are no mysteries. If you want something bad enough and you know what you need to do to get there, shut up and just do it.

Guess what this is...

2008-02-16T16:06:00.003-07:00

If you guessed "Great food before a 3.5 mile run" you would be wrong.

Unfortunately, I thought it would be a great lunch filled with protein and carbs to prep me for an evening run. Unfortunate for me because I had severe indigestion and was burping the entire run following aforementioned lunch.

Did I mention ever time I burped it tasted like salmon sushi?

But I got it in... and it felt good when I was done. Tomorrow morning, a fiver. Something tells me sushi will not be n the breakfast menu.

Running along...

2008-02-13T14:03:00.002-07:00

First time on the treadmill tonight for me.. 2 mile slated, but i am feeling like 3... It is so wet and rainy and puddly outside. I really need to get some rainy weather running gear.

Anyway, it should be interesting considering I don't usually run on a treadmill. But, if you rewinded about 6 months ago, I would have never attempted to actually run outside, so it should be fun to see if it feels easier or harder than normal.

Blah. Don't feel like writing much today!

Back on track and sort of freaking out

2008-02-10T18:42:00.000-07:00

I did something to my knee. Something I am sure was related to the fact I didn't warm up for the race, nor did I stretch after said race. My knee was cracking and hurting, so I thought I would take some time off, cross train and jump back in the game when I was ready.

And I did. And it was great.

I was sort of afraid to run my 4 miles because I was feeling so good, I didn't want to re- injure myself. But I felt strong, didn't need walking breaks and ran 4.2 miles in about 40 minutes.

But here is the freaking out part. I have exactly 11 weeks until this 13 mile race. And I am beginning to worry about things like fueling during a run, proper hydration. What if I have to pee during the race? What do I eat before the race? What if I start out to fast?

Will I figure it out in the next 11 weeks?

A 5K Personal Record!

2008-02-03T16:09:00.000-07:00

I did it!

The race was small... about 100 people or so... in the city I used to call home, West Chester PA. Boy, the town sure did change. It is incredible. Trendy stores, cute coffee shops, lovely bars. It was always there, but now there is just more.

So we got there early, got our race packets, decided what to leave in the car, and got ready to run.

It was a relatively flat course, with two loops to make the 3.1. No chips, no timers... So I began my watch exactly when we started and went off.

The pack quickly left me, which I expected, and so did my running partner (God bless her, at one point I was looking for her shirt in the crowd and couldn't even see her bright red hair in the distance...) I checked my HR once or twice, looked good, felt good, so I pushed on.

I ran by the old gym I used to work out at with my friends. I ran by my old apartment, the first real "place" I had on my own. I ran by the park I used to wander to on spring afternoons. I felt good. And then...

The first "split" I saw said 13:11. I was confused. A 13 minutes mile? I felt defeated... why was I going so slow? I didn't even feel like finishing the race... but I kept moving on.

Then something happened. I began to be happy. I started smiling at all the race marshals, asking hem how far I had to go and making little friends along the way.

I saw the split marker again, but this time there was a crowd standing around. I thought, "Man, all those fast runners are rubbing it in by standing there at the 2 mile split."

I saw my running partner cheering me on " Sprint! You're almost there!" Almost there? I said ' Wait, is that the finish line?" It was!

I ran my butt off and made it... a PR for me at 29:28! A sub 30:00!

We all went back to the bar where we picked up our registration packets. It was nice, intimate and fun. They gave the winners their prizes (Overall winner rant the course in 15 minutes!!) and then we went on our way.

A great day, great race and a really fun time.

31 minutes flat

2008-01-31T18:38:00.000-07:00

I did my training 5K run in 31 minutes! That's fast for me!

This weekend, I'm running a 5K with my 1/2 marathon partner. Hoping to make a PR at this one, and based n my training runs, I just might make a sub 31!

I also switched 1/2 training programs from the Runners World Smart Coach function on their website which plans a training program based on your current PR for distance, to Hal Higdon's program for novices.

"Lost" is about to start, so I am outta here!

My run was hard this morning!

2008-01-29T06:13:00.000-07:00

And I only had to do 2 miles. Meh, I just didn't have the energy for some reason. I slept well, got to bed early... I think I should have eaten a better dinner with more whole grains.

I could use a nap now!

Why I hate teenagers, #2

2008-01-28T14:16:00.000-07:00

I must be getting old. Seriously, the lack of respect for anything has my mind boggled.

A few of us are bowling in Glassboro. The place is pretty busy. After all, it is a Saturday night. To the left of us is a lane with about 4 kids. I would peg them at about 18. The boys looked like they belonged in some bad band with a dumb name like “Bowling for Soup” or “OK BOWL!” or something like that where all the band members have dyed black hair fashioned into piecey girl haircuts.

All of them leave and one comes back. He grabs their pitcher of soda, and as he is walking past us, decides to throw all the soda over his shoulder hitting some of our group along the way.

The guys in the group proceed to chase him in an effort to make him and his friends cry. I believe they were successful, but that’s not the point.

Why would you throw a pitcher of soda over your shoulder? Are you retarded? Do you have some sort of behavior problem?

Let me say again. I was no model teen. I smoked and drank. I skipped school and wore Doc Martens and dyed my hair pink. But I didn’t throw stuff at people. I didn’t act like a total jerk in public.

My parents didn’t raise no fool!

But apparently, lots of parents today are raising fools. I hope the tides will change….

I did it!

2008-01-27T12:50:00.000-07:00

I ran 6 miles without stopping today. Made sure I was running at a good pace ( 11:11 according to the Nike Plus... which I still need to calibrate...) and I could have gone longer if I had to.

Thank God I didn't have to though.

So I set out with my Nike plus and earbuds. I was listening to LCD Soundsystem's album "45:33" or something like that. It was a great mix. Each song melded into the other with no breaks and it was great running music. Would totally recommend.

So it took me about 1 hour and change to get to 6 miles...

Maybe in 12 weeks I will be able to get that 1/2 marathon in under 2:30!

Okay something is seriously wrong...

2008-01-24T18:03:00.000-07:00

...because I am a slow runner and according to my Nike +, I am running 10:07 miles for a 5K. Maybe I need to calibrate it.

Anyway, next week starts 1/2 marathon training! I am enjoying the last moments of my sanity this week!

I love a good, full moon

2008-01-22T17:55:00.001-07:00

There’s nothing like running in the pre-dawn of morning while a full moon lights your path.

I love the moon, the stars, and the crisp winter sky just before dawn. While people are still sleeping, I’m on the roads with the paper boys, shift workers and early risers ready to meet the day. The morning is quiet save for the brisk thumping of my Brooks Glycerin 5s and my breaths with each left foot strike.

But the moon is always the most fascinating.

Today, my shadow was backlit by its clean, blue light. It was breathtaking and monstrously big. Still, it never ceases to amaze me that while I am admiring this wonderful, natural existence, someone else is probably looking at the same thing, or not caring about it at all.

Things felt good today. It was about 16 degrees Fahrenheit outside. I bundled in my long sleeve tee, fleece, down vest, balaclava, gloves and tights. By the end of the run, my legs were stinging from the cold air and my hair was saturated with sweat. One day, I will understand the comforts of proper dress, I swear.

It was also the first time I ran with my Nike +. According to my new, fun gadget, I ran 4.1 miles in 43 minutes, and my pace was about 10:20 per minute, which is pretty good for me. My pace was faster than I expected, but I did feel especially strong today, Or, it could use a good calibration!

I am running a 5K with Alanna on Superbowl Sunday, and then it is serious ½ marathon training time. Guess I’ll be getting up pre-pre-dawn then, eh?

Cutest. Dog. Ever.

2008-01-19T14:21:00.001-07:00

Lessons learned

2008-01-19T11:06:00.000-07:00

Today's run was difficult. It seemed that regardless of how much I slowed down, my HR thought it should be way higher than it normally is. I was tired, my muscles were achy. I hated running.

Food fuels the body. Duh... but I learned this lesson first hand because I had to fast all day yesterday for a metabolism test... and, despite the fact that I did eat dinner last night, today, I paid for it.

Anyway, it took me about 35 minutes to complete a 5k... which is even slow for me...

One more lesson I learned. I had a nutrition consultation to discuss weight goals, nutrition goals etc. Found out I have been under eating for too long. So I am shifting my eating plans and planning more balances, more protein..

It is hard, I am so used to this mind set of eating less and less is best, but I am putting my trust in my nutrition counselor and will really dive into it for as long as it takes to get to my goal.

I have no idea where Suri is...

2008-01-18T06:45:00.001-07:00

...and I don't know how to do the Charleston. However, I do know that I love my new 'do.

Five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes…

2008-01-17T07:29:00.000-07:00

…is rough estimate of the time it will probably take me to run 13.1 miles.

For some reason, on this day two of my LAST WEEK doing the Couch to 5K program, I had this song from the Broadway show “Rent” in my head. It was like musical torture, really. But, I guess this is what I get for deciding to run without my iPod.

Anyway, today was a PR for me and my running. I ran, get this… 3.6 miles WITHOUT STOPPING. And the odd thing is this time around, it was my legs that began to tire before my heart/breathing.

But I felt good, I felt strong, and then I felt tired. And thirsty, very thirsty.

All in all, to finish my 4.2 mile route, including about 5 minutes each of cool down and warm up, it took me about 43 minutes. Anyway, distance before speed, right? Right…

Oh, one more thing. I feel like I should update about the girl with the bare feet at the theater (post below titled " I saw Britney...") I was sharing the story with my brother in law and he mentioned there was a girl just like this girl at Temple University, where he went to school. She never wore shoes- ever. Disgusting, yes, but perhaps even more disgusting considering she was in Filthadelphia.

Anyway, the more I was describing the theater girl, the sooner we realized it was the same girl. Which is not surprising, I guess, because how many people out there don’t wear shoes in the winter?

Yeck!

A week nine haiku, by Erica

2008-01-14T07:46:00.000-07:00

Week Nine, here you are,
Wow, I’ve really come this far,
I am still too slow.

Today was Day One, Week Nine. My final week of the Couch to 5K Training Program!

For a little more than 2 months, I’ve been waking up at hours in which I should still be sleeping to do my weekly Couch to 5K jaunt. It’s been cold, it’s been warm. I’ve cursed out loud at nothing but my iPod, I’ve grown used to the paper boy routes. I’ve watched lights come on, cars get warm, and many people walking their dogs. I’ve gone from running 2 minutes at a time, to 5, 12, 21 and now 30.

And now, when I don’t run, I miss it for the day.

This morning was also the first time I ran without an iPod. I just ran, listened to my breath and was very aware of my surroundings. It was quite nice, actually. I think I will do it again.

I am looking forward to beginning my real ½ marathon training… which starts in about 2 weeks. It also starts the real countdown to the Lehigh Valley Half Marathon.

Also, I google found this, my race results from my first 5K in 1998. I was (gasp)21. I think I just woke up, went with my mom and ran.

(place/total)641/815 Erica 21, (time)33:01 (pace)10:39 (div/total)67/78

Then, 4 years later at 25...
(place)639 Erica, 25 (time) 33:54 (div/total)71/97

Finally, I decided to walk it in 2004...and I actually placed in my division.
(place)7 Erica, 27 KNBT (time)41:36.10

Anyway, my next 5K is Superbowl Sunday. I hope (no, PRAY) to get it done in 30 or less.

God, please stop laughing at me.

82 minutes per mile is slow.

2008-01-12T09:51:00.000-07:00

It's my birthday. I am 31.

So, it is only appropriate that I run for 31 minutes straight without stopping. And I did! This is a huge thing for me...
I was THIRTY SIX minutes in my "zone" and average HR was about 160 with a max of 181- perfect!

I also tried to use my Nike+, but alas... the bobo ankle strap I used did not pick up the signal too well. Obviously, I need to get something more appropriate because it recorded my run like this:

Time: 44 minutes; Distance: .56 miles

Okay, I know I am slow, but that is just ridiculous...

And I ran, I ran so far away...

2008-01-09T11:05:00.000-07:00

It felt like someone was pushing me back with every step I took during this morning's run. That's because it was windy as hell and man, it is hard to rin into the wind when I am already so slow.

But this morning was awesome. I did Day 2 of Week 8, and didn't need to stop for side stickers, mausea... nothing like that. I just went.

Someone on the Runner's World boards suggested to start very slow and build up to a faster pace to end strong. That is exactly what I did. I kept my HR in the high 150s to start, working up to about 175 by the end. When I felt tired, I checked out my HR monitor and saw it was higher than I wanted, so I would dial it back a little.

It really worked. I spent more time in my "zone."

I've also decided I need to eat more. At least 1700 calories on the days I don't work out and on the days that I do my running and teach spinning, I need to eat at least 2,000 calories. I think my bod was in some sort of starvation mode.

Okay, not exciting post, just had to get it in...

I saw Britney, she was barefoot

2008-01-07T11:04:00.001-07:00

If there is one thing I hate more than teens with a sense of entitlement, it's adults with a sense of entitlement.

Oh wait, was I supposed to be talking about running? Yes, great... Day one of Week 8 of the Couch to 5K program. Had to stop in the middle of my 28 minute run because I was nauseus, finished strong and fast... felt great.

Okay, back to where I was...

As a kid, if I so much as thought about putting my feet on the back of a chair in a movie theater, I was given an evil eye by my mother that spoke volumes. The volume was about a "12" and it was scary. To this day, my feet stay on the sticky floor of the movie theatre... the entire movie.

So, you can imagine my shock when, at the Philadelphia Academy of Music, four young "women" had their feet graciously resting on the back of the theater chairs.

Act one
One of them was barefoot. Yes, barefoot.

My Mother-in-Law treated me to see "Rent," (which was AMAZING... as always), and the Academy is a pretty swanky place. It is very old, and the seats are crushed velvet. I mean, we didn't just plop down eight bucks to see the latest slasher movie. Men were wearing sportcoats and ties, women were dressed in their holiday fashions and children were squirming in their woolen sweaters.

This chick was barefoot, in a dress with her stinky feet hanging over the chair.

People occupied the seats, and Miss Barefoot was kind enough to put her feet down.

Intermission

Bathroom line.

You don't have to be a germ phobe to have common sense when you use a public bathroom. Leave the snacks out. Close the cell phone. Wash the hands. Wear shoes--- wha????

Not Miss Barefoot. Miss Barefoot, who was standing in line in front of me, had no shoes.

Did she not wear shoes at all? Do people just not wear shoes when they pay $80 to see a show at the theater? Does she own shoes?? Even hippies wear those ugly Birkenstocks. But it is the dead of winter, and she has no shoes. Obviously, she can afford it ( she bought a ticket ), but dear, oh dear.

Does her lack of shoes say "I'm cute and whimsical!" or perhaps "My feet deserve some air!" or maybe "Germs, step aside for me!"

Maybe she will put them on before she goes in the stall... maybe... monkeys might fly out of my arse, because there were no shoes, and there was definitely a stall.

I threw up a little in my mouth.

Act Two
There is no Act Two. It was gross, she was gross, and what the hell is wrong with people anyway??

Week Seven, don't let the door hit you on your way out...

2008-01-05T08:48:00.000-07:00

Because I am on to Week 8 of the Couch to 5K program, and I am tossing you out like a cheap pair of undies.

Okay, I am not really sure what that means, but Week Seven was kind of a b&tch to me, and really, I want her gone. I think Week 8, with it's sleek curves, will be much better for me.

Okay, truth? Truth.

I am a little bummed about moving on because I was just beginning to get comfortable with running 25 minutes without stopping... and now, well, I have to run 28 minutes without stopping. I much prefer the 5 minute increments... why not 30 minutes? 28 minutes of non stop running is like saying " Remember when you thought you were going to die at 25 minutes? Well, here is another 3 to really piss you off."

I have some new goals in place though. Like, maintaining a HR of 170-175 BPM rather than the 160-165 I was so accustomed to. And, I want to start slow, and increase my *speed as the run goes on so as not to tire out by the end and merely shuffle my way home.

Carry On, designers and welcome to week EIGHT!!

*this word, in no way, implies that I am fast, or, in fact, have "speed"

Okay, kneecap, get in the groove

2008-01-02T09:29:00.000-07:00

I visited Ortho Doc #2 who assured me my knee was in tip top condition, it was the back of my kneecap that is making all the racket down there...Chondromalacia, to be exact, is the culprit of the grinding, crunching and clicking of my knee. Behind the kneecap is a small piece of cartilage that has grooves and ridges and bumps... and it appears to be bumping on my kneecap itself.

So come, on, knee! Get all "Madonna" on me and get into the groove already!

Fortunately, nothing is wrong, I can proceed with the training!

The best part of the whole visit went like this:

Doc: So, what race are you doing in the spring?
Me: The Lehigh Valley Half Marathon.
Doc: Oh...hilly.

Which implied (to me, anyway)
Doc: Oh, so you meant to choose a really difficult 1/2 marathon for your very first time? Yeah, good luck with that.

Hope that pre-race pasta dinner includes complimentary steriods!

I did it again...

2007-12-31T06:56:00.000-07:00

...and it was still so hard.

I ran 25 minutes straight outside in the dark and cold. Once again, I think I overdressed. It was about 38 degrees (in philly... so give or take here) and I wore my wicking long sleeve tee, a fleece, fleece hat and fleece gloves... my head and hands were way way too hot...

Next time, maybe just the headband?

I spent 26 minutes in my heart rate zone with an average of 145 BM ( Yeah!) and the highest BPM at 173 ( yeah again!) Training with HR monitor is the best thing ever.

Well, I felt so good after the run/shuffle, I am going to look for some NY day 5Ks... maybe just to taste the race for a bit.

Hmm... might be too much...

I hate teenagers with "entitlement" issues

2007-12-30T13:51:00.000-07:00

I was driving down the main road in my development the other night. It was getting dark, and there was a big SUV in front of me. Two teenage girls on cell phones were walking on the side of the road in the same direction as me and the driver of the SUV.

One of the girls pushed the other in front of the SUV. The driver swerved the car... and the girls began laughing hysterically. I guess it was my turn because the other girl then pushed the other in front of my car causing me to swerve. Both were still laughing on their cell phones.

I pulled over, yelled something completely immature and drove away... in fury.

This is just one example of things I see with teenagers and children... Where did teenagers get this attitude?

Simple, bad parenting from people who, had I gone to high school with them, I would have hated.

I am going to get slammed for this.. but whatever...and I am not talking about kids who have special challenges like autistic spectrum disorders... I am very sensitive to that, but for everyone else...

I think a lot of parents today are being bullied by their kids i.e. trained to ensure every child feels "special" and "right" and never "bad" just perhaps a child who makes "bad choices."

And, trained to think their child is:
1. always right
2. needs a cell phone
3. should drive a better car than themselves
4. need to wear name brand everything

And their parents are paying for everything.

Honestly, am I the only person that thinks kids today are getting too coddled? I feel like we're raising a society of uber-sensitive, under-achieving, "entitled" brats. We're raising a bunch of pu$$ies.

I'm not getting into a whole "when I was younger, we had to..." kind of thing. But honestly, I didn't treat strangers the way I see some kids treating people. I might have had pink hair, worn combat boots and crazy clothing, but I was a nice kid who worked hard and never assumed I could get anything I wanted.

So, I decided that when we have kids we are going to move to the country, like on 13 acres of land, and never our kids come in contact with a$$holes in the 'hood.

I'm going to be the bad cop.

I didn't think I would make it...

2007-12-29T16:14:00.000-07:00

It was warmer than usual. Balmy for a late December morning... I geared up in my dry wicking long sleeve tee, paired with a long sleeve tee to layer. It was too hot.

Today was the last day of my week six for the Couch to 5K program and I seriously didn't think I could do the 25 minutes of non-stop running. Actually, in my case, it was more like shuffling than running.

I am so slow. Like, freakishly slow.

I tried to keep my heart rate in the 165 BPM area. That's the place I feel most comfortable, like I could go for a long time at that HR... so every time I noticed I was getting out of that zone, I would slow my pace...

I don't know exactly how fast I was going... err... slow I was going, but it felt slower than normal. I am going to chalk this run up to overdressing and being overheated.

I much prefer the brisk, cold, air to run.

BUT... I did it. I wanted to stop, I wanted to walk, but I kept "running" and after 25 minutes... I was complete! I have NEVER done that before... so, I was pretty freaking happy.

AND... I need to lose more of this junk in the trunk. I need to be serious because there is no way I am ever going to get faster carrying this extra... luggage in the caboose!

Dear Robert Ullery,

2007-12-27T07:11:00.000-07:00

You know I love you, but when you tell "Now it's tome to run" I tend to whine out loud. Not because I am mad at you, but because I am tired. And in this second day of week 6 Couch to 5K training... well, I get a little fiesty.

See, not all of us live in "Northern California" and have time to create podcast after podcast. It's nice you are an "artist, sculpter and painter" or whatever you are, because I am sure you can run whenever you want. However, for me, a girl living in the Northest with it's cold, rainy and dark winter, I need to get my runs in at 5 am.

And, as a girl who teaches two spinning classes on two consecutive days at 6 pm, getting up early the day after can be a bit of a challenge.

And boy, that heart rate monitor strap is cold in the morning!

Sadly for you and your chipper voice, this means I tend to yell out loud.

But I appreciate your podcasts, the time you took to make them, mix the music and invite us to e mail you with feedback. Unfortunately, the feedback I am most inclined to give could make you upset, so I will refrain.

Thank you, Robert. I will try not to curse at you too much anymore. But if I do, please don;t take it too personally.

I love the little Lehigh...

2007-12-26T09:43:00.000-07:00

Christmas eve was beautiful. A cold front came in, but it was brisk, not super windy and very sunny. We were in Bethlehem, so I took advantage of beginning week 6 of Couch to 5K in my brand new, super fitted running shoes, at the Little Lehigh Parkway in Allentown.

Dad didn't think anyone would be out there to run..."Not on Christmas eve" he said, but I knew there would be a ton of people out and about... and there were!

I forgot how nice runners are and how much I enjoy running when there is other people around. Everyone smiles, waves, gives you that little head nod. It makes me feel more accepted or something...

Anyway. It was a great first Christmas as a "Mrs."

I did it!

2007-12-22T12:46:00.000-07:00

I ran 20 minutes non-stop, outside on hills, in the cold... slowly... but I did it!

AND, i got real running shoes. I was fit properly, and got inserts to compensate for my high arches, which were a problem... Hurrah! Hopefully, it will make my knee feel better :)

Monday, Christmas eve, I am looking forward to doing Day one of week 6 of Couth to 5K back in the Valley... Hurrah!

hahahaha!

2007-12-21T07:19:00.000-07:00

I'm supposed to run 20 minutes without stopping tomorrow morning... outside!

Blah! haha!

On a more serious note, I think something is changing because yesterday morning on my way into the office, I thought to myself, "Wow, I missed my morning run today." Not because I literally missed it, like I overslept, I missed it because I wasn't scheduled to do it.

I love my new AM workout morning routine. And I love knowing I can just walk out of my door and start it. I don;t have to go to the gym and wait for it to open, arrange my treadmill, water bottle, towel, find something on the television... I just do it!

In the cold, no less!

Dear knee....

2007-12-19T07:26:00.000-07:00

Why do you hate me so much? I can hear your anger with every crunch you make when I extend my leg or go up stairs. I never did anything to you. Sure, I've called you fat, but you didn't think I was serious, did you?

This blip in our relationship has me vey, very sad.

Last year, I saw an orthopedic specialist, he said you looked great... He called you a "runners knee" and gave me some stretches to do. But I wasn't even running! he should have called you "Spinner's knee." I am so sorry for that.

Now, you are yelling at me again and really have me worried. But it seems as though you've ganged up with quadricep, hamstring and hip flexor. Please don't let them talk you into doing something you'll regret..

You feel so good when I run. I was even in the "zone" this morning... when I felt like I could keep running at that pace for hours. it felt awesome! Maybe I don't thank you enough...

This time it will be different, I promise. I am going to get fitted for real shoes, start taking yoga classes for deeper stretching and keep icing/stretching after exercise.

Let's not do this... not now... I need you, knee. More than ever.

Love,

Erica

Why do I get up at 5 am...

2007-12-17T07:36:00.000-07:00

to be outside in the bone chilling wind to train?

The stars.

After a cloudy, rainy past two weeks, I got outside and about 20 minutes into my 30 minute training session I looked up and saw a clear, dark sky that stretched forever spotted with tiny specks of light.

It was beautiful and reminded me that it's not so bad to haul my bum out of bed at 5 am.

Week 5 of Counch to 5K program today! 3, 5 minute runs divided by recovery walks of 3 minutes each.

It felt awesome!

Why do I have so much crap?

2007-12-07T07:57:00.000-07:00

I am trying to clean out everything as if I was moving and I could only take the necessary stuff. Like, do I need empty boxes of perfumes I bought? How about sencted candles I've had for three years and never burned? Yeah, okay, that makes sense.

What am I thinking with all this crap I'm schlepping all over. I know what it is, I haven't moved in a while. Like you know when you move from place to place, you end up tossing a lot of stuff when you pack and what not? College is great for that.

In fact, I think as young adults, everyone should go away to college, live in a 9x12foot space and be forced to eliminate junk as necessary.

In my running world.... I bought some cold weather gear like a balaclava

not to be confused with the tasty pastry "baklava"

So, now, I look like a very slow running ninja when I run. Lovely!

My first pre-dawn run....

2007-12-03T13:12:00.000-07:00

...again, using the term "run" loosely...

Today I began week three of my "Couch to 5K" program. This week, we do longer running intervals with shorter recovery times. It was cold, it was damp, and it was dark, but after a brief run in with a opossum, I was ready to go.

Maybe it was because the intervals of running and resting were longer, but it felt like I was done with the run in no time. I literally thought "Wow, that was short and painless."

I was also entirely way too hot by the end of the brief workout. How the hell do you balance hot/cold in the winter? I tried to layer, but still was so warm...

This week I'm off to a real running shop to get some fab new cold-weather gear- yahoo!

Things I don't really want to do on a Saturday morning...

2007-12-01T09:14:00.001-07:00

1. Run outside in 30 degree weather? check.

2. Feel it necessary to blow snot rickets out of my drippy nose? check.

3. Layer with things other than warm, toasty blankets? check.

Saturday mornings are the day I take the training to the outside elements.

It is December 1.

It is cold.

I am wearing a ridiculous blue, fleece cap with a little fuzzy ball at the top. I feel ridiculous, but when I stop running, I feel insanely good.

I will be starting week 3 of my "Couch to 5K" training program, which is designed to take non-runners and turn them into brilliant, running machines that can run a 5K.

That would be great, but ultimately, I am running a 1/2 marathon in April, so my couch to 5K is just a step in the process...sigh.

Someone suggested I write during my training, so here I am...