Marathon Monday: 15 weeks

My first week of training is done (yay!), and while it was insanely hot, I managed to fit in all my runs, stay on pace, and not melt. My right IT band is acting up a smidgen but otherwise I feel awesome and on track! 


Sunday I ran the B.A.A 10K with Alex and Jennifer and had an absolute blast. Since I needed to do a 10-miler that day, I ran the 4 miles from my home to the start line (like a total bad ass). Unfortunately, I got caught up in race day excitement and ran 30 seconds faster per mile than my training schedule dictated. Oops!

And speaking of training schedules, here's mine (per request): 

(Yes. I keep my training schedule in an Excel spreadsheet. And I color-code it. It's all good. )

This plan is a mix of Runner's World Smartcoach and an intermediate marathon plan from the Runner's World magazine. It took me an embarrassingly long time to come up with it but I'm quite happy (and confident) with the end result. 


Plus, it's pretty to look at. 

To go: 15 weeks | 414.2 miles 

Completed: 1 week | 19.5 miles

If you missed it: Week 16

P.S.  -- I'm SUPER excited to be featured in The Saga of a Twenty-Something and The Scribble Pad's Nine to Five series today! I'm wearing bright neon pink pants and talking about my day job. Read it here and here. 

Outfit details.

Rainy day runs

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More than half of my last 14 runs have been in the rain and I couldn't be happier! Running in the rain reminds me of being a kid and jumping in puddles -- not caring how soaked my clothes or shoes got. I've done 16 and 20 milers in torrential downpours -- literally buckets of water -- and I remember laughing in the middle of both and just having the greatest time. (Though, in fairness, it doesn't take much to excite me mid-16 or 20 miler.)

I don't have any fancy-schmancy rain gear -- and personally I don't think it's necessary-- however, there are a few things I do to make rainy runs more pleasant.

• Wear a water-resistant (ish) jacket with a hood. The chances of you finding a jacket that keeps you from getting soaked in downpours are slim to none, but a basic windbreaker with a hood will (usually) keep you relatively dry long enough for you to warm up and get over the rain. I recommend this one from Nike.
• Wear a hat. It won't keep your head dry but it does keep the water out of your eyes so at least you can see. Which is always important.
• Don't wear cotton. I don't think you should wear cotton ever on runs but I think this especially true in rain. Cotton holds in the water so you'll be chilly -- and you'll get some pretty nasty blisters if you wear cotton socks. 
• Wrap any electronics in plastic. If I'm doing a long run in the rain, chances are good I have my phone on me (safety first) and while it's tucked away in my Camelbak, those things aren't meant to be submerged in water. To prevent damage, I always toss mine into a little plastic baggie.   
• Smile and wave to other runners. You already feel like a crazy badass -- and they probably do too. So why not acknowledge your insane-runner selves and say hello? Sometimes I even go as far as making a joke. "Great day for a run, aye?" Sounds corny now but trust me -- it always gets both of us to giggle.
• If there's lightning, abort. Water is one thing but if you see flashes of light, find shelter and wait it out. Even if that means hiding in a super-classy administrative building at Harvard. It's fine. No ones judging you.
• Just deal with it. Look, I get that the idea of running in the rain -- especially when it's windy and chilly -- sounds horrible. And while non-runners may think it's a good excuse to stay in, you know better. And you also know that the first step is the hardest. So stop complaining -- it's not going to help the situation. Just suck it up and go! You won't regret it.  

And now, on a completely unrelated note, how handsome does Little Greg look in this photo?

Total rockstar.

Runner's food: energy ballz

The Boston Marathon was this past Monday and I'm so amazed with all the runners (including Kate!) who kicked major butt in 90 degree temps (totally insane!). It's just so inspiring to see all those people do something so extraordinary and I'm more determined than ever to run Boston next year.

But for now, I'm busy training for a half marathon in Hyannis at the end of May. I have a semi-crazy time goal in mind (more on that soon), which means I'm pushing myself extra hard and THAT means I need more food. 

These little energy ballz are my new favorite post-run snack (washed down with chocolate milk, naturally). They're ridiculously easy to make, super portable, and delicious. It's basically trail mix ingredients thrown in a food processor and rolled into balls. (And by basically I mean literally.)

Ingredients*

• 1 cup mixed nuts (or just peanuts!)
• 1 cup dried fruit (I like to use a mixed blend)
• 1 cup chocolate chips (though you could just throw a Hershey's bar in there, probably)

Directions

1. Throw all ingredients in a food processor. Process. 
2. Roll into small ballz. (About the size of those bouncy balls you played with as a kid.)
3. Put in the fridge to harden -- or just eat.

*Feel free to experiment with the ingredients! I think coconut would be extra delish here. If you do add a lot  more things, you may have to increase the dried fruit since that's the glue that holds it all together.

Let's talk sports bras (and boobs)

One of the most common questions I get -- from friends and strangers alike -- is "what sports bra do you wear?" You see, I'm genetically cursed blessed in that department  (34 D or DD) but I'm very good at controlling the bounce (which I think impresses people -- as it should).

I've probably tried every sports bra on the market,  and after blood, sweat, and tears (I did a 4 mile run with cone-boobs courtesy of the Ta-Ta-Tamer), I've FINALLY figured out what works: adjustable straps and a clasp back. Those two things are pretty much non-negotiable in my book. You don't necessarily need underwire (one of my favorite sports bras doesn't have it) but that usually doesn't hurt your case.

Here are the bras I swear by and I run in regularly. (I also have a Gap Body one that I LOVE but that's no longer available. Lame.) No, they're not pretty -- and they also include words like "full-figure" in their names which makes you feel AWESOME about yourself -- but they ARE the best sports bras for big boobs. Promise.

1. Champion Shape Scoop-Back Full-Figure Underwire Sports Bra $46 (on sale for $36)
2. Moving Comfort Fiona Bra $46
3. Moving Comfort Juno Bra $56 < --- Warning: you may pull a muscle putting this one on. It's a challenge but at least it lets me wear a racerback tank top! 

I really want to try out the new Under Armour Armour Bra -- the bra design varies per size, which is pretty genius. Any one tried it before?

Oh and also! I've tried the Enell Sports Bra -- you know, the one Oprah swears by -- but it's REALLY intense, takes forever to put on, and is pretty much is the ugliest things ever. I sent it back before I really got to test it out because I felt like it was suffocating me.

I'm just going to run

I've decided to run at least one race every month this year (except for January -- but we don't talk about January).

I'm pretty excited since it's a fun way to take my running to the next level. I started the goal on the right foot (pun intended) by running a 5-miler in Cambridge this past Super Bowl Sunday. It was freezing at the start (hence why I'm sitting in my car in that top photo) but it was the perfect precursor to a day of gorging.

Here's my tentative schedule for the rest of 2012 (I'm still looking for a few races so suggestions are much appreciated!):

• February 5: Super Sunday 5 miler in Cambridge Done!
• March 18: Historic Quincy's Half Marathon (registered)
• April 15: B.A.A 5K (registered) 
• May 27: John Kelley Half Marathon in Hyannis (registered)
• June 24: B.A.A 10K
• July:
• August:
• September: Husky Big Dog 5K
• October 7: Mohawk-Hudson River Marathon in Schenectady, NY
• November:
• December: 

Weekend snapshot: Polaroid edition

Baking. Racing. Puppy Bowl. Alex -- an all around great weekend!

Oh and you see those darling cupcakes on the bottom right? Those are this month's cupcakes, and they're to die for. Recipe to come tomorrow.

(In case you couldn't tell, I just discovered this desktop widget, which lets me shake it like a Polaroid picture all day, every day. It's my newest obsession, though I'm sure many of you are cooler than me and discovered this tool years ago. But whateves. Better late than never!)

Secrets of an early morning runner (winter edition)

Waking up at the ass crack of dawn to run outside in the winter months is not easy. In addition to the usual my-bed-is-too-comfy-to-leave battle, you now have to contend with below zero temps, blizzards, ice storms, bone-chilling winds, and god knows what else -- all before 7 a.m.

For the most part Sometimes I love it. There's nothing like being outside so early -- it's so peaceful, so calm, and so badass. However there are many frigid days when I just want to curl up under the covers and sleep for another hour.

Unfortunately -- or fortunately -- for me, I have dogs. My lovely, sweet pups need their weekday morning runs, and Peggy Sue (the crazier of the two) does not let me or Jack forget when it's time to WAKE UP AND GO! (The all caps is my attempt to capture her unwavering enthusiasm for life.)

So while snoozing late is not an option for me anymore, there are a few things that make getting out a bed less painful. Note that these are also the things I did before Little Greg and Peggy Sue entered my life -- before I was a morning person and before I loved running. (Yes there was such a time not that long ago!)

1. Invest in one (or two) pieces of cold weather running gear. You don't have to spend a bundle but having something that you know is a. warm and b. comfy makes it a lot easier to throw off those covers and change out of your PJs. My key pieces -- both from Lululemon -- are the pictured pink coat I got two years ago and these dog runner pants* that I got -- on sale! -- a few weeks back. If you need help getting started, check out my picks for cold weather running gear here. (*Side note: OMG I LOVE THESE PANTS. 80 percent of the time it's too warm to run in them but for the uber chilly and windy mornings -- they're beyond perfect.) 
2. Lay out your running clothes the night before. Prepare everything from your hat to your socks to your bra to your underwear -- it makes it a lot easier to get out of bed when you know where everything is. I also recommend setting your coffeemaker to start brewing a few minutes before you get home from your run. (If you coffee drink before your run, set it for a few minutes before you wake up.) 
3. Go to bed early (ish). Over the years I've developed a reputation for going to bed early on weeknights. It may make me uncool to be under the covers at 10 p.m. (ok, ideally 9:30 p.m.) but it makes a HUGE difference in the morning. So there! 
4. Eat a well-balanced dinner. No one wants to run with an upset -- or even slightly off -- stomach. You're going to need to experiment with works for you since every body is different, but for the most part, keep it healthy(ish) and watch those portions. You don't want to wake up full. Oh and easy on the fiber!
5. Don't hit snooze. It's mine and Jack's joint 2012 resolution to stop hitting snooze 27 times in the morning. That's only a slight exaggeration. Snooze doesn't make getting up easier -- in fact, it makes it harder and more miserable. So when your alarm goes off, throw on the light and sit up. It's not fun but it gets you one step closer to the road.

These tips should get you through the first few weeks of winter, which are always the hardest. After that, I promise it'll be easier -- and you may actually start to enjoy it, you badass runner!

P.S. - If you have any running-related questions, leave a comment below or send me an email! I LOVE to talk running to everyone and anyone.

In 48 hours ....

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I will be one of thousands of runners on the Verrazano Bridge waiting to tackle 26.2 miles.

I'm extremely terrified. And extremely excited.

I have a million and one "what ifs" running through my head: What if I don't finish? What if I don't hydrate properly? What if I chafe? What if I puke? What if the weather sucks? What if I die!?

But I've done all I can do.

Now it's time to run. With ribbons in my hair.

I'll be back Monday -- as a marathoner! (Fingers crossed.)

P.S. -- For those who are wondering, my number is 38048 and you can track me here. Start time is 10:10 a.m. EEK!

Cold weather running: the basics

Screw the treadmill. You don't need a lot of stuff -- and you definitely don't need to spend a lot of money -- to keep running all winter long. A few basics are enough to get you through even the coldest of days (and this is coming from a Boston runner).

Cold-weather running basics:

1. Hat: Heat escapes the body through the head so a good running hat is crucial. I love this one from Lululemon because it has a ponytail hole in the back. 
2. Headband: A hat may be too warm when the temps are in the high 20s or low 30s -- or when it's super sunny. For these situations, I recommend a running headband. Your ears will stay warm but you won't overheat.
3. Mockneck: Winter running is all about layering, and this Under Armour mockneck is the perfect bottom layer. (Plus it keeps your neck warm!)
4. Jacket: Even though it's cold, you're still going to sweat so you need breathable materials. When buying a jacket, think thin. You want it to block out snow and wind but you also want it to let in some air. I also like my jackets to have hoods since the weather can change at any moment in New England. (Side note: This Nike jacket is on sale for $49.99!)
5. Tights: Depending on the temperature, running tights can be worn alone or as a base. I often wear running shorts over my tights to a. keep my bum warm and b. keep my tights from falling down (oddly, this seems to be a common problem among runners). 
6. Pants. If tights aren't your thing -- or you want another bottom layer -- these Nike thermal pants are a good option.  
7. Gloves: I have yet to find a pair of gloves that keep my fingers warm. So instead I wear two pairs of gloves. And since I'm horrible at keeping track of them, I buy the base gloves for $3 at CVS. They're not breathable AT ALL -- but they work well enough for me. If you want to be fancier, a super thin pair like this City Sports version would be good. For the top layer, go for a thicker pair -- like these Mizuno ones. 

Some additional tips:

• Before you hit the running and sporting goods stores, check out Marshalls and TJ Maxx. I've gotten almost all of my running gear -- including the above Under Armour mockneck -- at these stores for SUPER cheap. (Just ask Alex!)
• Your body heats up a lot while your running, so dress as though it's 20 degrees warmer. You should be a little chilly when you first step outside. 
• If you're really not sure what to wear on your run, check out this awesome "what should I wear" tool from RunnersWorld. It's pretty much a lifesaver.

The final long run

 

This was my last week of hard training before the marathon. Now all that stands before me and a (much needed) 3 week taper is a single 22 mile run. I'm so anxious and excited that I'm doing it tonight after work instead of this weekend.

It's a very bittersweet moment. While I'm ready to ease up and let my body recover, the fact that my next long run will be in New York City scares me a tad.

Before now I always had a buffer of another run. One more chance to figure out the fueling, the clothing, the pacing. If something went wrong, it was OK: There was always next week.

But THIS IS IT.

Sure, I still I have plenty of miles to go before November 6 -- tapering isn't all food and sleep -- but all the runs are less than 13 miles. It's not the same.

I may or may not be freaking out. Just slightly.

For my own Jack's sanity, I hope this final run goes well. Beyond well.

Wish me luck!  

P.S. - I'm thinking of wearing glitter and sequined ribbon in my ponytail for the race. Thoughts?

Monday mashup: all better!

This weekend was absolutely phenomenal! After being sick for the latter part of last week -- and drinking loads and loads of tea -- I had a wonderful long run Saturday morning. The weather was gorgeous and I was very happy to see that the leaves are starting to change colors. That night I headed to Hartford, Conn. for a good friend's fabulous birthday celebration. While my camera was out of commission for the night (probably for the best), I did snap a pic of the fine bottle of Martha Stewart Cyanide I got her.

How was your weekend?!

Technicolor running sneaks

These psychedelic New Balance 890s are my new running sneaker -- aren't they phenomenal?! I've been in a training rut this week -- dreading each run to the point of tears -- but I think these bright, glittery (yes there's glitter under the turquoise) beauties are exactly what the doctor ordered. I already took them for a spin this morning and I can't wait to further break them in this weekend! (Side note: I ordered them from onlineshoes.com late Tuesday afternoon and got them Thursday -- with free shipping. Highly recommend the site.)

Happy Friday!

P.S. - Last night's Sip and Swap was fantastic -- so fun and I can't wait to share all my finds! Thank you to The Swapaholics for hosting so a wonderful event!

Running colors (and prints)

Training for a marathon takes a lot out of you mentally -- long runs are looongg. My trick for pushing through a mental block is to visualize myself crossing the finish line the day of. There are several scenarios that I play over and over again in my head but they all include me wearing a brightly-colored and/or multi-patterned running outfit. While I know from experience when the actual moment comes the last thing I will be thinking about is how pretty or cute I look, I also know having stylish gear the morning of the race will boost my confidence. (Plus it's great to wear during training!)

1. The North Face Eat My Dust Sport Tank ($48)
2. Nike Printed Tempo Track Women's Running Shorts ($36)
3. Running Skirts Blue Sparkle Sweaty Band ($15)
4. Athleta Printed Base Camp Half Zip ($69)
5. Saucony Elite Arm Warmers ($25)
6. Nike Printed Tempo Track Women's Running Shorts ($36) (yes I did them twice but the prints are all so fantastic!)
7. Running Skirts Red "Mini" Dot Running Skirt ($58)
8. Adidas Nova Graphic Fitted Tank ($35)
9. CEP Progressive Running Sock  ($59.99)
10. Puma Complete Running Top (only available in stores.)

Labor Day mashup

As may be evident by the photos above, my Labor Day weekend was filled with random -- yet completely awesome -- things. I survived my first ever 20 mile run (I'm not crazy -- I'm training for the NYC marathon), got all dolled up for drinks with fantastic friends, relaxed on the beach, and tackled some much needed cleaning. Combine that with a lot of silliness and a little baking and you get a great way to end the summer -- and to kick off the fall.