Heading to the Big Apple

I left the house this morning to head for the train for NY and as usual on these recent Saturdays, there are masses of runners heading from Newton direction right onto Beacon Street.

My foot is still bother some and honestly I was in two minds. I did a Half-Marathon in NYC last August and I remember the week before it ; every time I ran or attempted too I was having issues with my hamstring. In the end that week I did no running and on race day had no problems. On race day I finished the half with no aches and a new PB of 2 hrs 9 seconds. I am hoping that again the last two rest days will bode me well for running in such a great city.

I have to say that each Saturday morning when I see all the folks out running I am always curious; what mile are they on? are they running Boston? how much training have they done?

Running is viewed by many as such an individual or solidarity activity, but this morning I witnessed a camaraderie. Runners going past other runners with a tilt of the head, passing by saying a few words to some. Family, friends of the runners manning a make-shift water station in Washington Sq.

On the T as I watched them for the 2.5 mile T run, I got goosebumps for what lays ahead on Marathon Monday.

I am hoping the half marathon will give me the confidence and hunger for what lays ahead. If all goes well that is.

I arrived in NY and made a beeline to the race expo to get my bib and chip. At the expo I managed to purchase a advance copy of "Marathon Woman" by Katherine Switzer which I am sure will inspire me the next few weeks until Boston. Katherine herself was there and signed it for me.

So in the space of a few weeks I got well wishes from Katherine Switzer a marathoning icon. In 1967, K Switzer was the first woman to register for and wear a bib number in what was then the all male Boston Marathon, infuriating the event director. Katherine, now pioneered the way for woman runners was the guest of honor at the More Marathon and Half Marathon, which just happens to be an all women event.

"Emma, In honor of your first Boston! The victory will be forever - keep at it, the world awaits! Go for it! K. Switzer"

Today all female runners should take a minute to recognize how K.Switzer made all this possible for us all.

Foot hurts... just what I need

Right foot sore today, not sure what is wrong with it but it does feel funny. Last night and today I have been icing it and taking Advil for the inflammation.

Enjoyed a nice bottle of red wine this evening, first night all week that I felt relaxed and non-stressed, it was just a busy work week.

Floating today

Motivated and in the mood, need to be really Boston is 25 days away. Me and Geraldine did 10 miles together this morning. Felt great throughout, definitely one of those runs that is just enjoyable. I am sure a lot of runners know, some days are just like that, they do not happen often so when they did, make the most, when everything just feels good.

In a few days I am heading to NY to run my half-marathon so this will be my last run until then.

Temp 41f
Avg Pace 9:11
Avg HR 151
Max HR 167

Sleepy Head

Had a nice sleep in this morning, got up did some stretching and weights. Busy day ahead at work so just focused on that.

Where is the time going?

Typing the date today and am like crap, it is March 20 already, that means Marathon Day is less than a month away. I think I need time to stop for a bit so I can catch up.

I am definitely going to be one of the lowest mileage runners at the starting line on Marathon Monday - but for my body too that means less change on injury, every time I go over 35 miles for a week, aches and pain persist and eventually an injury sets in.

Hopefully my unorthodox preparation will be right for me on the day itself.

Ran 5 miles this morning, felt good throughout, wanted to keep going but time was an issue.

Weather: 32F
Avg Pace: 9:32
Avg HR: 154
Max HR: 165

Great improvement the last few weeks in my heart-rate, now just need to get legs stronger. I have also been doing lots of upper-body weights, and strengthing. I would love great Abs who would not, but I just the exercises involved in getting them.

Either way I am forcing myself through push-ups and sit-ups as when I did my only prior marathon my back hurt more than my legs afterwards..... need to strengthen the core...

Caught Up at Home

So while the 5K never took anything out of me. Today was a non-running day as I simply had too much to do since I was not home all weekend.

Got all caught up and can now focus on getting some miles in this week.

Also, it is my two year wedding anniversary, so I think a day off and some down-time is allowed.

Not so official - 5K

So the Ras was on today, and despite the snow from earlier in the week it was a great success. Very busy two days for me and suffering from a toothache only made the days go slower.

I knew quite a few people running today, so it was great to catch up and see them. Conor ran with some folks from work, and after my official duties I joined them in the Sligo for a few (sprite for me), plenty of Guinness for them.

My intentions were to do a medium length run in the afternoon when home, but when I got back I really did not feel like running. I forced myself to get decked out in my running attire and at least get in a few miles.

I had some really fast paced songs going on my i-pod so I decided to go with the flow and run a hard 5k myself, while not official, it was fun to run at a little faster pace than my regular running days.

Ending up with a time of 27:01 which was great considering the number of times I had to wait at traffic lights.

Felt great working up a sweat and finally after a drink free weekend, enjoyed some great red wine, before falling asleep very early.

Weather: 32F
Avg Pace: 8:42
Avg HR: 147
Max HR: 165