Pounding the (NYC) Pavement

The Island of Staten

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:49:00 +0000

Well, its been a little while. Oh say, about a month and a half? During that time I might have taken a little vacation to where the East meets the West, ran down and around Wall Street, participated in some Japanese exercise, and slept in when I saw rain upon waking bright and early for a 5 mile Father's Day race.

Now that I write this, I am four days away from my first triathlon. And I have to admit - I am pretty excited. Not excited for the whole getting to the triathlon part. That will involve biking to the Staten Island ferry, taking the ferry across, hoping on the train, and then biking from the train stop to the event location. More nerve wracking than the race itself if you ask me.

Four days away and I just finished putting together my triathlon ensemble yesterday, picking up some Zoot tri shorts I bought on sale at the Running Company for 25% off (score!). I also picked up a tri tank not too long ago that my tri team was selling for $20 because it was last year's uniform. Last year, this year. I don't think tri tanks go in and out with the seasons.

I have my powergels. And Thursday is race packet pick-up day. All that is left after that is to make sure I have everything and then take it all with me on my long trek to the island of staten.

Stay tuned....

5 Boro Bike Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Fri, 08 May 2009 15:08:00 +0000

Last weekend was the 5 boro bike tour - 42 miles of biking through each of the five boroughs in NYC. I had wanted to do this ride last year, but it was set for a day that I was out of the country on vacation, so this year I made sure to plan my vacation either before or after it.

Anyway, I was pretty psyched to do this bike ride until I a few days before, when they started saying it was going to rain. I still had hope, because those weather people are never right. So I asked everyone to pray that it wouldn't rain.

Well I guess I need more religious friends, because it rained.

I woke up Sunday morning, saw it was cloudy out and drizzling, and thought to myself, hmmm I should've bought that poncho yesterday. Note - I did not buy said poncho the day before because (1) there was only a 30% chance of rain; and (2) ponchos are ugly and remind me of tourists and I would probably never wear it again. But I was regretting that decision Sunday morning, so I hastily tried to find a poncho at the supermarket or bodega - the only things that were open so early in the morning.

Well, I never found a poncho. And I debated whether I should even do the ride in the rain. But I soldiered on and met up with my people anyway, hoping that it would stop drizzling.

The ride starts all the way down in Battery Park, but unless you want to get stuck in that huge clusterf**k, its best to start uptown a little and get ahead of the pack. So that is what we did. And we made great time. We rode up sixth avenue, through Central Park, then up into the Bronx (briefly), and then back into Manhattan. We then got to ride on the FDR (which was closed) and over the Queensboro Bridge. We made it to Astoria Park, the first rest stop, by 9:30. At that point, my feet were pretty soaked, as was I, but it wasn't so bad. Plus, it stopped raining!. I grabbed some bananas, chips and lara bars, and used the porta potty (note: being a female and using the porta potty when you are soaking wet is, er, not so fun).

At 10:05, the tour started again and so did the rain. We made our way down through Queens and into Brooklyn, making great time again. I have to say, I was riding way faster than I rode last year, and that is all thanks to spin class. Now unfortunately, during this second half, it started to pour. Which wasn't horrible, but all that NYC dirt that was being thrown up onto my back and into my hair by my back tire? Well, that wasn't so fun.

On that last stretch of highway, as we approached the Verrazano bridge, which would take us into Staten Island, the final borough of the tour, I had had about enough. The rain was pelting me in the face, I was pretty sure my eye-makeup was streaming down my face (it wasn't, luckily) and I was ready for a hot shower. Of course they save the worse hill for last, but I pushed through it and we were done. But er, then we had to ride three miles back to the Staten Island ferry to get back to Manhattan. Mmmm great. And did I mention that I then had to bike back home once I got off the ferry? Well, needless to say, I rode as fast as I could home and after I cleaned up my dirty, sopping wet bike (and my apartment floor), I took a nice hot shower.

All in all, I am glad I did the tour and it was a lot of fun, despite the rain. Plus, I get to say I rode 42 miles and then some in the rain. Here's hoping next year's forecast is sun sun sun!

Need advice....

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 22:02:00 +0000

I need your advice. I have to get tri shorts and a tri shirt. However, I do not want to pay full price, because man, they are expensive. Does anyone buy their tri clothes online? If so, from where? I am thinking of buying them from the Sports Basement, but I have never bought anything from there before. Also, how do they typically fit? True to size?

Thoughts are welcome.

Chip Cheaters Busted

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 22:35:00 +0000

As my fellow New Yorkers' know, you have to volunteer for one race (in addition to running 9 races) to get automatic entry into the NYC marathon. So on Sunday, I signed up to volunteer at the Run as One in where else but Central Park. When I got there I was immediately disappointed that I didn't run this race. Wanna know why? Because dude, they gave out tech t-shirts! They never give out tech t-shirts. Wanna know what kind of t-shirt I got for volunteering? A bright yellow long-sleeved cotton t-shirt that will probably never see the light of day again. Also note, that this yellow shirt was accompanied by an equally sexy crossing guard-esque vest that was made for someone a lot bigger than me. (Sorry, didn't get to keep the vest though). When paired with my black bag that I bring to work, it was a hot combination.

I had signed up to be a chip clipper, because, well, you get to sit down while you volunteer. But before I could clip chips, I had to work the corrals at the start. I was in one of the faster corrals and it was my job to make sure that nobody snuck into the corral who wasn't supposed to be there. Well sure enough, people who run 10 or 11 minute miles started moseying into the 7 minute mile corral. Now, normally I am not such a hard ass, but being a fellow runner who gets stuck in this clusterf**k every race, where it is hard to pass people, I thought it was messed up and started regulating on these people (nicely of course). And of course they fought with me. Them: "But I want to run with my friend." Me: "You can run with your friend, your friend just has to go into your corral back there." Them: "Bitch bitch, whine whine." Me: "Please don't fight with me and just get into the other corral!"

Come on people. That is so rude. Corrals are there for a reason. When you take your 10 minute mile self and put it in a 7 minute corral, you will just trip up the people behind you. I think it is really inconsiderate to your fellow runners. Plus, please don't give your fellow runner volunteers who got up at 6 a.m. on a Sunday and are sporting a bright yellow shirt and orange vest a hard time.

Onto the chip clipping. Before the day of the race, we were told, via email, to be on the lookout for people wearing two chips and to report anyone doing so, because this is a NYRR no-no. I couldn't understand why someone would wear two chips. But then someone explained it to me. Apparently, people will wear one chip for themselves on one foot, and one for a friend/significant other who can't/doesn't want to run the race. As a result, the friend/significant other gets credit for the race and the other person's time. Now when I heard this, all I could think of was "If I have to get up at the crack of dawn on a Sunday morning and run a race to get entry into the NYC marathon, well then so should YOU!"

So I was on the lookout for these "chip cheaters." And let me tell you, I found them (Hi! You will probably be disqualified! Sorry about your luck!). Now, come on people. If you are going to cheat and wear two chips, don't go up to the chip clippers, ask them to clip one of them and then they hope you don't see the other. We are not blind. Smart people would either rip the chips off themselves and hand them in, or just leave and return the chips to NYRR the next day. But I guess these people weren't so smart.

I will say though, every person whose chip I clipped said "Thank you" and some even said "Thanks for coming out and volunteering today." Even the chip cheaters said it. I thought it was really nice.

After volunteering and a post-volunteer nap, I headed over to the Y to get my swim on. I used one the workouts posted by my triathlon team. Total yards: 2000. Did I do it? You bet! I actually did 2100 by accident. But who would've thought I could swim that far! And it didn't even feel that hard! Olympic tri, here I come.

Race Report: Run for the Parks 4 Miler

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 22:25:00 +0000

Sunday. The best day of the weekend, and thank God this race was on Sunday because Saturday was awful. Between the messed-up trains and the ridiculous wind, Sunday was a blessing. But oh yeah, there was this one part where I had to get up at 5:45 a.m.!! Not to mention I had a class all day Saturday so no sleeping in all weekend.

Anyway, I got a ride up to Central Park on Sunday (score!) and ended up getting there early. I picked up my shirt, bib and chip (no time to pick it up during the week) and then warmed up. I am big into warming up now, by the way. In these shorter races, I do feel that it helps.

This race was not a capped race. So, of course, it was mad crowded. The announcer said there were 8,000 people there. Yikes. At this point, I am getting used to weaving in and out of crowds, although I think it is absurd (and will probably continue to complain about it). I long for one of those Long Island races, where there are no more than a few hundred people in a race. But I digress.

Everything started off all well and fine, until the first mile and a half. That is when my stupid ankle started hurting me. This is the ankle pain I developed in mile 9 of the Staten Island half-marathon and which periodically comes back to haunt me. Usually it bugs me if I try to run over 6 miles. But this time it started after a mile and a half. What the heck? I kept going though, and pushed through it. And eventually this phantom pain disappeared around mile 3.

Oh, and what happened to the water stations? There was only one water station out on the course, when normally there is at least two. Thank God for the hydration belt.

But, back to the race. I was feeling pretty good, and the last mile I usually try to pick it up, but I didn't pick it up too much because it was crowded and I was kind of like "eh, I will wait until I see the finish line and then do my usual sprint." Well, surprise surprise, sprinting was impossible at the finish because of the number of people. I seriously think people actually start jogging when they see the finish line. I mean there was not an ounce of effort to pick it up with some people. I did manage to do a version of sprint with weaving but then someone had the genius idea of setting up a water station right after the finish line. So once people crossed the finish line, they just stopped and tried to get water. Which means the finish line was backed up and you couldn't really run through, unless you wanted to run into a herd of people.

Overall I was pretty happy with the race. The best part was that I knocked off over a minute off my overall time. Another PR! And I was soooo close to getting under a 10 minute mile. Just four seconds and I would've been there. Just think, almost exactly a year ago, I ran my first race, a 4 miler, and ran at a 12 something pace. Now I am almost down to under a 10 minute mile. Woo hoo! That is progress in a year, at least for me.

Goal for the next race: see if I can bring to under a 10 minute mile.

Next race? Looks like it is going to be the Wall Street 5K in May.

2 races down, 7 races and one volunteer event to go for NYC 2010.

Run. Bike. Swim. Repeat.

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:09:00 +0000

I haven't been writing much because, well, I don't feel like I have much to write. Run. bike. swim. repeat. Nothing too interesting there. Actually, my running has been taking a hit with biking and swimming competing with it.

This weekend I went for a nice, long bike ride through Brooklyn. Nothing too fast. But I can definitely tell that spin class has made a difference. Last year, I would go for a 15 mile ride and feel a bit sore after. This time? No problem. Except I realize that my bike seat is a tad too low (another thing I learned in spin class).

Hairy Spaz was back at swim class this week. Again, he still hasn't learned when to stop swimming. He just keeps on swimming laps when the rest of us have already completed them. He must have been an English major, because counting is not for him.

Well, that is all I have to report. Boring, I know. But it is what it is.

King of Pain

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 22:38:00 +0000

Can I tell you why I haven't ran (or biked) since Thursday? Well, it is because I got the worst. charlie horse. ever. on Thursday night. Thursday nights are swim nights. It was a good night, because Hairy Spaz was not there flapping around and running us all over. At the very end of practice, the coach had us swim down to one end and then back, each time counting our strokes. As I pushed off the wall to swim back down the pool, I gave myself a mondo charlie horse in my right calf muscle. I am talking about the worse charlie horse of my life. I have gotten charlie horses plenty of times before, but I must say this was the all time worst. I immediately stopped swimming (luckily no one was behind me - I think) and managed to get out of the pool, whereby I could not put an ounce of pressure on my right leg. I hobbled on one leg to the hot tub, hoping the hot water would release the giant knot that had seized up in my calf muscle. And it did help. But stupid me, as I go to get out, I put pressure on the leg and it seized up again. So back into the hot tub I went.

I managed to hobble my way home that night, but the pain in the calf muscle did not go away. Seriously, it lasted for a whole 4 days! Never have I had charlie horse pain last that long - usually the muscle seizes up in the middle of the night when I am sleeping, I rub it out as I yelp in pain, and then I go back to bed with no traces of the charlie horse the next morning. But not this time. Even my trusty, orange foam roller didn't help.

Thus, I thought it wise that I not run until the pain went away. And I can't say I felt TOO bad about not running or biking this weekend. No, not so bad at all. But with the pain in my calf muscle gone, I am back out tonight for (hopefully) a 4 miler.

Here's hoping to no more charlie horses!

Adventures in Swimland

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 12:51:00 +0000

Whew, this has been an excellent week. Work was normal pace. And I also took some time to "play," which made all the difference. Sunday was my off day, so no working out that day. Sunday night we had a snowstorm so Monday night was no good for running outside unless you were looking to break a leg. I was not in the mood to go to the gym and run on the treadmill, so I said "eh, f-it" and I did NOTHING. Oh whoops, I meant I "played." Ok, not play in the typical sense of the word. More like I put a pair of really old flannel pjs on (it was cold in my apartment people) at 8:00 p.m. after my 7:30 p.m. shower and laid in bed and read a book.

Then, on Tuesday, I had every intention of going to spin class after work. But while I was on the subway, almost to the gym, I realized I had left my gym bag at work. Argh. So I turned around and went all the way back, because I thought, "well, I will just do a quick two miles outside tonight then, and I need my running sneakers." Well, I came home and it was cold out again and I said, "eh f-it" and I "played" again. Now you would think I was doing something uber-luxurious, like bathing in liquid 14 carat gold. But no, a book and some flannel pjs and the mere fact that I don't have to do ANYTHING was so thrilling to me (I am easy to please).

On Wednesday, I finally did a four mile run after work and I felt so much better. Three days off, and my legs were no longer super tight. I wasn't dead tired. And mentally, I was ready for the run. Sweet!

Now this brings me to Thursday, swim practice night. I am in the slow lane of the beginners group and hey, I am fine with that. It's not a competition. But hairy spaz was back again. Yes, that is my name for him and while it may not be politically correct, he is both hairy and a spaz so I feel like it is an appropriate name. (On a side note, if I have to wear a swim cap to avoid clogging the filter with my hair, shouldn't hairy spaz have to wear a body cap to prevent his copious amounts of back hair, chest hair, arm hair and leg hair from clogging the filter? - just a thought).

Anywho, hairy spaz was back and we had a new addition to the lane, a lady in her 60s (go her!) who I will call "the nagger." Instead of going first, like he should, hairy spaz goes somewhere the middle of our five person line-up, does not ensure adequate spacing, and proceeds to start running people over again. So we suggested he lead the group, and he was reluctant. Leading the group does not require a lot of skill. All you must do is start swimming first (hard, I know) and then count the number of laps you have swam (this is what got hairy spaz). Hairy spaz could NOT count the number of laps properly. I suppose math is not his strong point. He always did an extra lap when the rest of us had already stopped. Then he would say, "wasn't that five?", to which we would answer, "no, you did six." And really, he was always surprised, every. single. time.

Now for the nagger. The nagger was never happy. First, she is complaining that we are stopping and standing at each end of the pool. Now, I know this is not the correct thing to do, but every lane was doing it and we do that to ensure proper spacing, because (a) there are five people in a lane; and (b) the pool is mad small. Ultimately our coach called us out on it and prohibited us from standing.

Next, the nagger started complaining that we weren't permitting her to finish her lap. Our coach gave us these drills to do that required 20 seconds of rest in between. Well, there are five of us in a lane and we would get backed up. So, at times there were three of us standing in front of the wall, thereby preventing the nagger from touching her precious wall and "finishing" her lap. But, seriously, get over it lady. You are in the slow lane of the beginners group in a tiny pool with five other people. Deal with it.

Finally, the nagger started complaining that the girl in front of her kept slowing down. She replied that she was slowing down because she caught up with the girl in front of her. To which the nagger replies, "so pass her!" Well, maybe that is easy to do in an open water swim, but when you are in a tiny pool with five people and you've got hairy spaz coming at you about to mow you over, well it is a little hard to pass people.

Now, do I need this kvetching after a long day at work? No. Swim practice is supposed to be fun. And relaxing. It is not a race. Nor is it a competition. I was about to tell the nagger that she needed to relax (maybe take a Valium before? no, that wouldn't be too safe) and the hairy spaz that he needed to be more careful, but then I thought, "well, these are supposed to be my teammates and I probably shouldn't be a bitch to them because then they will all hate me and I will be known as the bitchy girl in the slow lane of the beginners practice." So next time I will settle for telling hairy spaz and the nagger that they must go first and second, respectively, in the line-up. Actually, I think it would be quite funny if the nagger went first, and hairy spaz went second and hairy spaz ran over the nagger. Then she could kvetch at him and maybe he would stop being so spastic.

Also, a very exciting swim night last night at swim class. I finally figured out how to "pull" in the water with my arms! For the past couple of months, I have been, for the most part, using my legs to propel me in the water, which has resulted in tight muscles and sore legs. My co-worker who does triathlons told me that is no good, because my legs will be shredded before I even get to the biking and running parts. But last night, we did drills to practice using our arms to propel us, and it worked! I didn't have to use my legs as much. Today they feel so much better too.

Now, if I could only get the smell of chlorine off of my skin....

Recipe: Turkey Paprikash

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 02:31:00 +0000

A while ago I said I was going to start posting some recipes that I have enjoyed making, but uh, well, I seemed to have gotten side tracked. One recipe I made and enjoyed not too long ago was Turkey Paprikash, a Hungarian stew, so named for its main ingredient - paprika. I found this recipe in Everyday Food (seriously, the best little cooking magazine ever), which is a much healthier version of the traditional recipe. Although this recipe uses turkey, I just used chicken, because it was cheaper and easier to find. And not only is this recipe healthy, but it only calls for a few ingredients and you can make it in no time at all.

Turkey Paprikash
Yield: 4 Servings

Course salt and ground pepper
8 ounces whole-wheat egg noodles
1 small boneless, skinless turkey breast half (about 2 pounds), cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
2 tbsps. sweet paprika
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can (14.5 oz) whole peeled tomatoes in juice
1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream

1. Cook noodles in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Then drain. In a bowl, toss turkey with 1 tbsp. paprika and season with salt and pepper. In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium. Working in batches, brown the turkey (about 3 to 5 minutes). Transfer turkey to a plate. Then add the onion to the skillet and cook, stirring, until tender (about 4 to 6 minutes).

2. Return turkey to skillet (along with any juices) and add tomatoes with their juices, 1 tbsp. paprika, and 1/2 cup of water. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cook, breaking up tomatoes with a wooden spoon, until turkey is opaque throughout (about 2 to 4 minutes).

3. Remove from heat, and stir in sour cream; season with salt and pepper. Serve paprikash over noodles.

Play

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 22:52:00 +0000

The other day, while I was looking over an article in the New York Times that a co-worker sent to me, I came across a reference to a new book called "Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul." A basic premise of the book is that play "is a biological drive as integral to our health as sleep or nutrition. In fact, our ability to play throughout life is the single most important factor in determining our success and happiness."

I came across this book at the most perfect time. Exhausted from work and "training" after work, I kept desperately counting down the days to the weekend, struggling to get through the week. And I feel like this has become all too common lately. Monday through Friday is so scheduled, that I find myself longing for some playtime. Not in the typical little kid sense - no tea parties or impromptu baseball games in someone's backyard. Rather, just some unscheduled time. As much time as I want to go for a walk, or watch a movie, or read a book, or go to a museum, or do anything not involving some kind of exercise.

I haven't read the aforementioned book, but I imagine that what the author is getting at is that having a very scheduled life is not healthy. There needs to be unscheduled time, where you aren't, for example running to change out of your work clothes, eat dinner, throw all your swim gear into a bag, and rush off to swim practice. I think we have to remind ourselves of this from time to time. Because while all the training we do is great, we can schedule our lives so much that it is no longer healthy for us mentally. The end result is that we end up unhappy, when training for a triathlon or marathon or any other race is supposed to be fun and make us happy. Otherwise, why spend all that precious time doing it?

February is cramping my style

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 03:00:00 +0000

Seriously, the month of February is cramping my running style. My February mileage is appalling, because every time I want to run, either is is raining/snowing or freezing cold out. Yesterday was a VERY long and busy day at work. So when I came home, I was exhausted but figured I would run 2 miles because 2 miles is better than nothing and I needed to do something. So I donned my winter running gear, headed outside and it was COLD. The worst part was the wind - like an icy slap in the face. I thought I was going to get some serious frost bite, so I only ended up doing a mile. But I guess 1 mile is better than no miles.

And yes, I know I could always running on the dreadmill, but ugh I. don't. want. to. do. it.

Wouldn't it be great if you could have an indoor running class, like spin class? Picture it: a bunch of treadmills in a room, with an instructor in front telling you when to increase your incline, speed up, or slow down, set to some cool music? Even though it is a workout on the treadmill, I would totally go. Would make the time fly by, and I bet I would get a better workout.

At least daylight savings is less than two weeks away!

Race Report: Al Gordon Snowflake 5K

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 13:24:00 +0000

Yes, I actually did a race in the cold weather. I know I said I wasn't going to, but I looked at the weather and it didn't look that bad, so I figured why not. I also did it because this race was in Prospect Park in Brooklyn, which I had never been to and because it was a New York Road Runners' Race that was someplace OTHER than Central Park.

Anyway, the race started at 9:00, so I didn't have to get up until 6:45 a.m. This time, getting up that early was OK because (1) it is the same time I get up for work, (2) I made myself go to sleep early the night before, and (3) it was actually light out when I woke up. I left the apartment around 7:30 and headed to a local school to pick up my number, timing chip, and t-shirt. Normally I pick those up before the day of the race, but between work and swimming practices and classes, I didn't have any time.

Yes, it was cold out (28 degrees to be exact), but as I was walking to and from the subways, I really didn't think it was THAT bad. When I made my way over to the starting line in Prospect Park. I didn't some jogging around for a good 20 minutes to keep myself warm. While I was jogging around, I thought, hmmm Prospect Park looks a lot like Central Park. About ten minutes before the race started, I happened to see my friend who was also running the race, so we both did some jogging together. When I mentioned to friend how Prospect Park looks exactly like Central Park, he noted that the same person designed both. So there you go.

We got into our corral five minutes before the start, and at 9:00 we were off. Now, New York Road Runners caps its races at 5,000 people. And according to the race's statistics, there were over 3,000 people there. However, while it was not the full 5,000 people, the race still felt VERY crowded. When I crossed the starting mats, there was a herd of people still in front of me and I had to weave in and out of them. I actually had to weave in and out for the entire race because it just never opened up.

Friend and I were running together, but he got a little ahead of me, and then he got more ahead of me when I had to stop and tie my danged shoe. Five minutes later, I had to stop and tie it again! Grrr. At this point, I couldn't see friend anymore, so I was just running along with the mass of people. I have to say that I wasn't really enjoying myself. Again, because of the cold weather, it felt like I was slogging through mud. As I got to the first mile marker, I saw the clock and thought (1) only a mile? That's it? and (2) yikes, it looks like I am running at an 11 something pace.

I kept on going, even though I was not enjoying this overly crowded race in the freezing cold weather with legs that felt like lead weights. Around mile 2 1/2, the pain in my ankle that I first developed during the Staten Island half-marathon came back. I don't know why it started hurting so early - it usually only starts if I run more than 6 miles. But, luckily it did not hurt enough to make me walk.

At the mile 3 marker, I thought, "Thank God, let this be over" and then all of a sudden became very nauseous. So then I started chanting to myself "Please don't puke yet, please don't puke yet." I managed to muster up something of a sprint at the very end, passing three people (one of whom I was NOT going to let beat me). I found friend at the end and he told me that he had had to stop to use the bathroom, but still beat me by two minutes.

When I got home, I checked my final time, and it was my best 5k time so far!?!? I was seriously surprised, because I thought I was sucking it up out there on the race course. But somehow, I managed to run faster than I ever had.

Anyway, I thought about doing the 5k in Washington Heights next weekend, but given my displeasure of running in 28 degree weather with a huge mass of people, I think I am going to pass on any races again until it gets a little warmer out.

1 race down, 8 races + 1 volunteer event to go to qualify for the 2010 NYC Marathon.

Fitness Isn't an Overnight Sensation, says the New York Times

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 01:29:00 +0000

You know those ads on t.v. that promise that if you take this pill or buy that machine, then you will go from fat and flabby to thin and toned in only a few short weeks? Not true says an article published in the New York Times.

An exercise physiologist at the University of Wisconsin performed a study on sedentary men age 18 to 40, photographing them in skimpy bathing suits and then assigning them randomly to a cardiovascular exercise group, weight lifting group, or control group. The results six weeks later?

"The subjects rated themselves more highly than anyone else rated them, and female panelists rated the subjects lower than the male subjects or panelists rated them. But, over all, the subjects’ ratings barely changed, if at all, after their exercise program. And neither did objective measures, like weight or percentage of body fat, or waist size or the size of the bicep or thigh."

A kinesiology professor at the University of Connecticut goes on to say:

"To make a change in how you look, you are talking about a significant period of training,” Dr. Kraemer said. “In our studies it takes six months to a year.” And, he added, that is with regular strength-training workouts, using the appropriate weights and with a carefully designed individualized program."

So for all working towards your fitness New Year's resolutions, keep on keepin' on, because it is going to take more than six weeks to transform your body.

Now, maybe I should put down this cheese....

What I've Noticed

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 01:13:00 +0000

Here are a couple of things I noticed this past week:

1. My running clothes are rapidly replacing my work/weekend clothes; and
2. Sometimes running two miles can feel like you are running through mud, while other times, running six miles can feel like floating on air.

This week has been very stressful. There were so many things I need to get done and not enough time to do them. Needless to say, I was looking forward to the long weekend, where my only plans were to relax. And oh yeah, I thought running, biking and swimming would be part of my relaxation plans. While I had the best intentions, it never happened this weekend. Other than a walk on Sunday, I attempted a run today. And today was one of those days where I felt like I was running though mud. Every step was a struggle. So I only ended up running a little over a mile, and walking the rest of the way back.

I didn't do what I had planned/hoped to do running/biking/swimming wise this weekend. But that's OK. Because sometimes you need a break not only from work, but from all that training as well.

At least it was a beautiful weekend....

It's a beautiful morning

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 15:06:00 +0000

Yes, that's right. It is beautiful out. Warm. Sunny. And yesterday was great as well, although today promises to be even better. I really want to go biking today, but I also need to run, because my running this week has been dismal. Yes, I know I could do both. But I have other things I need to do, painfully exciting things, like cleaning and even doing some work I brought home. I think running is going to win out. Plus, I went to spin class on Tuesday, so I got some biking in for the week. Three sports are hard to fit into one's weekly schedule!

As for swimming. Swimming is going very well. I feel much better in the water. Thursday night I went to team swim practice again. We had this guy in our lane who was way too enthusiastic (and seriously way hairy). Not only was he overly enthusiastic, but he was a total spaz. He kept "running" everyone over by not waiting long enough before he followed the person in front of him, swimming into the other side of the lane, swinging his arms everywhere. I could usually see him coming at me in time to get out of the way, but others were not so lucky. When he would ask who wanted to go first, we would say "Oh you should definitely go first" thereby hoping to avoid a head-on collision.

And really, I cannot understand the mute men at practice. They do not talk! One guy developed a cramp in his calf muscles and hopped out of the pool. While he was rubbing his muscles, me and another girl started telling him we get cramps in our calves and feet all the time and he was just nodding. Nothing verbal. Nada. Cannot understand it. Are they socially awkward? It's not like we are hitting on them.

My one complaint with that pool though is that the walls are so rough. They are lined with some kind of spackle material that hurts if you rub up against it. Like last week, my hand brushed against it and I had cuts all over my hand. This week, I slide into the pool and as I was doing so, my pinkie toe hit the side and a good chunk of toe was removed. It hurt! (And it still does!) That pool is a serious safety hazard. What ever happened to lining a pool with tiles??

Anyway, this beautiful weather has got me excited for racing again and being outside in general. So, yesterday, I started planning which races I want to do in the upcoming months. I signed up for the 5 boro bike tour yesterday (OK, technically not a race), which is May 3rd. I also want to do the More half-marathon at the end of April, the Brooklyn duathlon at the beginning of April, the Staten Island "flat as a pancake" sprint triathlon and then some NYRR races thrown in there. I am thinking about doing the NYRR 5k race on the 21st in Prospect Park (a NYRR not in Central Park? It's a miracle!), but I am waiting until it gets a little closer so I can check the weather for that day. Cold and snowy will not work for me.

Oh and for those NYers who like cupcakes, you must try Butter Lane. Simply but oh so delicious cupcakes. The best I have ever had! And the store is so cute! Seriously, check it out.

I can see the light at the end of the tunnel

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:15:00 +0000

The last two days have been fantastic weather wise. Sunny. Warm(er). I can feel spring in the air. Too bad it is going to get cold again. But lets just pretend for the time being that its not and spring and everything that comes with it (flowers, farmers' markets, running outside, biking outside, reading outside) will be here shortly.

Now, when I last left you, I was having a slight shoe problem. So that weekend, I went to Jack Rabbit Sports to get fitted for the proper shoes. I ran on the treadmill and they analyzed my gait - the left foot is normal, the right foot has slight pronation. The recommendation: the Mizuno Wave Rider and a pair of Brooks. I tried the Mizuno's on first - they are pretty cool looking but they felt just slightly narrow. (I couldn't tell if I was being paranoid or not.) Next up, the Brooks. Wayyy too narrow. The lady said I could take them out for a run and bring them back to exchange if I wasn't happy with them, but then I thought - what if they don't have anything I want in exchange? So I told them I would think about it (code for: no, thank you, I will pass).

The following week, I hustled over to Modells by work to see if they had my beloved Asics - the ones that fit like a dream (and the people at Jack Rabbits told me were correct for my feet). And guess what - they had them! Score! So I grabbed those. And on my way out, I came across some tech shirts on clearance for $5. Another score!

So, now I am happy because I have my sneakers and some more tech shirts.

I also went to my first triathlon team practice last week. Lets just say that while the pool isn't all that big (3 lanes, 20 yards), the place that houses the gym is like the Bellagio of sports clubs. I mean clearly the members are paying for it, but you should see the locker rooms. Ridiculous the stuff they have in there.

Anyway, I went to swim practice and I think I was on par with everyone else. The coach isn't the friendlist person in the world and I don't think he is the best teacher, but it will do for some extra practice. The other women in my lane were very friendly -the week before had been their first week. On a side note, I find that at my swim practice and my swim lessons the women are much more friendler and chattier - the men don't talk very much. I wonder why that is.

Here are some other non (running, biking, swimming) things I have been enjoying lately:

1. Revolutionary Road (the movie) - saw this movie the other weekend and I really liked it (probably because I have a fear of getting married, moving to the burbs and being so bored I want to stab myself in the eye). Thought Kate and Leo did excellant jobs.

2. Twilight (the book) - Its no Harry Potter - the plot and characters aren't nearly as intricate or creative - but I couldn't put this book down this weekend. I found myself reading for hours on end it was just that addicting.

3. Vicky Cristina Barcelona - Javier Bardem in Barcelona. Need I say more?

4. Jennifer Weiner's blog - if you have never read "Good in Bed" then you must, because it is one of my favorite books of all time. The book and main character is supper witty. Her blog can also be pretty hilarious - one of my more recent favorites is the "Six Short Stories about My Mother," particularly the "Six Million Dollar Fran." Had me laughing. Also hilarious is her November 11, 2008 entry and her "I was Told That There'd Be Other Fat People." Also hilarious.

5. Tea & Cookies - another blog, but an oh-so-good one for other reasons. Namely, the photos and writing make you feel so cozy. Its like being at your parents house snuggled up on the couch under the blankets with a good book, mug of tea, and your parents' dog on a cold, rainy day. Yeah, that kind of cozy.

6. Baoguette - for you NYC dwellers, you MUST check out this Vietnamese sandwhich shop. So. Unbelievably. Good. I got the classic and TWO Vietnamese iced coffees. Now, I HATE coffee in general and will not drink it. But I will drink these Vietnamese iced coffees because they do indeed taste like melted coffee ice cream (which I like). Go there. Support places like this so we don't get anymore banks, drugstores or frozen yogurt chains. And check out the cool artwork on the wall while you are there. Like this, which was one of three:

Abs? What Abs?

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 23:52:00 +0000

Remember how one of my New Year's resolutions was to do more ab work? Well..er...um..yeahhhh. That kind of hasn't been happening. Not because I don't want to do ab work. I really do. But I find myself forgetting to do it and then remembering at the most inconvenient times, like right as I am going to bed for the night. It is kind of like me and stretching, although I think I show stretching more love.

My goal was to do my ab work in the morning before work. Only a few minutes. Nothing fancy. I was hoping to work it into my routine right after brushing my teeth, but before putting on my makeup. Yet, it has not become part of my routine - not in the least bit.

Why am I so resistant to ab work? I mean I want abs of steel. Who doesn't? Could it be that it is, well, just plain boring? Another chore to be done like scrumming the NYC grim off the outside of windows that seems to reappear five minutes after washing?

The one thing I have been a little more into is using the big orange foam roller I got for Christmas. I haven't exactly watched the DVD that shows you how to use it yet, but a friend taught me, and I will admit, my leg muscles do feel looser after rolling on it (or maybe its just in my head). It hurts oh so good.

By the way, anyone doing the Aflac Iron Girl National Women's Event Series? Active.com sent me a $10 coupon code if anyone is interested. Just use CCIGSOE09 when registering.

You're It

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 03:07:00 +0000

I was tagged by RunningLaur the other day, and I actually like this tag because it requires you to "share 5 of your addictions and then select five more fab bloggers to receive the award and do the same." (Note - I am not tagging anyway so consider yourself tagged if you are reading this.)

So here are my top 5 current obsessions in no particular order:

1. Junior Mints
Seriously, I eat these everyday. BUT I do buy two mini boxes - like the kind you give out at Halloween. So that's not so bad, right?

2. Blackberry Messenger
Its like AOL instant messenger, but on your blackberry! Which means you can take it everywhere! But you have to have more than two contacts first. :(

3. Listening to music on You Tube
If you want to play out a song, just listen to it a gazillon times on You Tube while you are surfing the Internet and doing all kinds of mindless things. By the time you are ready to hit the sack, you will know every word to the song (especially if its one of those music videos with all the lyrics spelt out for you) AND swear that you never want to hear the song again because you are so sick of it.

4. Spinning podcasts
Makes me feel less guilty about missing spin class. Plus, good music!

5. Cold Eeze
Everyone at my job is sick. And they all keep breathing their germs in my general direction. So I have been popping Cold Eeze in an attempt to fend of the germs. And you know what? I think it is working. (Knock on wood.)

On the running front, I HATE my new running sneakers. They hurt my feet. And I take full responsibility because instead of getting fitted for the proper sneaker, I thought it would be easier to just slip into Modells during lunch and pick up some Asics. Because I like Asics, so any Asics will do, right? Wrong. I hate these. They push on the upper parts of my feet and after a while, just plain hurt.

Swimming. Ah swimming. I think my swimming is coming along quite nicely. I feel like my stroke is really improving, which makes me happy. Also, I think by the end of my swim classes, I will actually be a much better swimmer.

By the way, swimming after work is SO HARD. My whole lower body is tight from sitting at a computer all day, especially my hip flexors. I try to do some warm-ups, which consists of swinging my legs and arms around, but what I really need is to do some warm-up laps before class. Too bad I can't because there is another class before mine. The first lap is always the hardest. I am immediately tired and sore and can barely make it across and back. But by the end of class, I am all warmed up and swimming much better.

Next week I plan to start attending swim practice with my new triathlon team. I

Biking. Well, I didn't make it to spin class this week, again. But that's no problem because I will have my spin podcasts to keep me spinning along tomorrow.

Long Time No See

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 02:19:00 +0000

OK, so I have been MIA for a little while. But boy, time sure does fly by fast. Where have the past two weeks gone? So much to say, but I will keep it short.

Running - its been difficult to run because it is either brutally cold out or it has snowed and the sidewalks are slippery. I get really excited when it is above 25 degrees and there is no snow/ice on the ground, because that means I can run outside. Running on the treadmill has been a no go for me. So my running mileage hasn't been all that great.

I have also decided that races are not going to happen until it gets warmer out - oh say sometime in March. Getting up real early when it is dark and cold out and all I want to do is stay in bed is not going to happen. So as much as I would like to do a race or two or five, I am sitting them out until Mrs. Springtime comes along.

Biking - I have had to miss spin class a couple of times because of work. BUT, I downloaded some spin podcasts and am loving them. I did one this past weekend and it was fantastic. Good music and an excellent workout. Definitely helps when I can't make it to spin class.

Swimming - my swimming is really coming along. The more I practice, the more comfortable I feel. I also started swim classes last week. They happen to be after work so after one lap l, my legs were tired. I couldn't believe it - 20 yards should tire me. However, I blame sitting at a desk all day. I think I am just going to need to really warm up and stretch before class.

The instructor gave us some helpful hints on how to improve our stroke, so I have been working on really concentrating on that, and doing my drills.

I also joined a triathlon club/team. I have yet to go to a swim practice - will probably go next week. I am looking forward to it. The run practices are not going to happen - 6:00-7:30 a.m.? Don't people have to go to work? Or do they just mosey in when they please? I could never run until 7:30 a.m. and then expect to make it to work by 8:30 a.m. They also have team bike reads on the weekends when it gets warmer. I am going to try one of those out and will hope that I don't get dropped. Getting back from Jersey by my lonesome will not be fun.

Spinning Podcasts

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 03:31:00 +0000

I normally don't post twice in one day, but I had to share my excitement about finding spinning podcasts. This will be great for when I can't go to spinning class! I am so excited. I haven't actually tried them yet, but I am sure they will be awesome.

The podcasts can be found here if you want to share in the excitement.

Training Plans

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:05:00 +0000

Tomorrow's "Take It and Run" theme at the Runners' Lounge is "Training Plans Do's and Don'ts."

When I got it in my head last year to run a half-marathon, I knew I was going to need a training plan. I am not one of those fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants people. I need a plan. And then I need to print out the plan, check things off, highlight things, etc. etc. Basically, I am anal.

Anyway, I decided to use Runners World's training plan customized to fit me based upon my per mile pace, etc. Everything started off just fine. But as I ticked off the weeks on the chart, the mileage the plan had me running during the week became very long. Too long in my opinion. That plan had me running 8 miles as my mid-week run. The worst part is that it happened during the busiest time at work. So when I had to work late, I would get all bent out of shape because I wouldn't have the time or energy to run all those miles after work. This ultimately stressed me out because I was deviating from my plan and the anal person inside me did not like that.

Maybe because I was training for so long, but at the end, I said F it and figured as long as I did my long runs on the weekends, I didn't need to be running 8 or 9 miles as my mid-week run. I also took the time to look at some other half-marathon plans for beginners and they did not call for such long mid-week runs. Nor did others I spoke to think I needed to run such a long distance during the week. So I cut back to 5 miles during the week. And you know what? I was just fine in the end. I completed the race in the time I figured I would complete it and that was that.

So, what I have learned from that experience is to adjust training plans to suit your life and schedule. If the plan calls for a 5 mile run and you have to work late and can only manage 2 miles, then run 2 miles and don't beat yourself up over it. Or run the 5 miles another day/night. If you need to shift workouts around, do that as well. I was so anal about following the plan to a T that I stressed myself out. I had to remind myself that I was doing this for fun - my life and career did not depend upon me running the Staten Island half-marathon. As long as I got the bulk of my runs in (especially the long runs), I knew in the end I would be fine.

Also, all the training plans I found always called for a cut back in distance every third week. I found this to be invaluable not only physically, but mentally as well. Taking a little break every once in a while really prevents mental and physical burnout.

I also think taking a week or two off after an event you have been training for for a while is crucial for the same reasons.

Speaking of training plans though, I found some triathlon training plans that I like. I am starting with the beginner 11 week sprint distance program. I am really following it for the swimming part - I can already run for way more than 15 minutes and bike more than 20 minutes. What I like about the swimming plan is that: (1) it gives the workouts in yards, instead of minutes; and (2) it is totally doable. It also gives a detailed description of each workout. After I finish that plan, I am going to move onto the beginner 10 week Olympic distance program.

The Nose Clip that Saved My (Swimming) Life

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:29:00 +0000

This week, I picked up some new running shoes, swim goggles and a nose clip. I was told that a nose clip would help me with my "breathing-while-trying-to-swim" issues. With regard to the goggles, it was a total guess as to which brand and kind I should purchase. I ultimately went with the Speedo sprint goggle with soft cushion seals, a low profile design, an adjustable nose piece and a silicone headstrap. And I am very happy with my purchase because they are awesome. The soft cushion seal is amazing - it didn't feel like I was even wearing goggles. Plus they didn't leak. Also, the silicone headstrap is a lot better than the latex kinds I have had in the past.

I also went with the Speedo brand nose clip. That nose clip is also amazing because it totally solved my breathing issue! I can now breathe in through my mouth without getting water up my nose, which allows me to actually concentrate on my stroke. I was so excited when I tested it out. Took all my frustrations away. Now I just have to work on building up endurance.

I also did some speed work today. I don't do much speed work - I find it hard on my body and I have a tendency to get shin splints. Plus, running on the track is BORING. I can't stand running in circles. I managed to get some speed work in, but stopped when I felt an inkling of a shin splint in my right leg. Ultimately, it only worked out to be 2 miles.

So now its time to tally up my HBBC points, because the challenge ends today. Let's see what I did this week.

Monday - did I work out? I can't remember. Old age is setting in. (0 points)
Tuesday - again, can't remember if I worked out. Yikes. (0 points)
Wednesday - nothing (0 points)
Thursday - 1 hour of spin class and 1/2 of sculpting class (6 points)
Friday - Ran 5 miles (5 points)
Saturday - Lifted weights for 1/2 hour (2 points)
Sunday - Ran 2 miles and swam for 40 minutes (4 points)

Total for the week: 17 points
Grand total: 63 points

Ok, clearly I am not winning.

Also, is it bad when you have absolutely no idea what you did after work two nights of the week? I mean zero, zilch? I think I remember running, but not too sure.

On the food front, I made this amazing chocolate cookie over the holidays. I know, I know, its not healthy and won't help with any New Year's resolutions, but what's one little cookie? It even uses plain yogurt instead of eggs or oil. See? Kind of healthy. Plus, you can bring the rest of them to work to impress your co-workers and prevent you from eating them all.

This cookie was so great because it is not greasy or oily and is just so light and perfect. The recipe calls for dried cherries but you can really use any kind of dried fruit, candy or chocolate chips. I used craisins. The recipe says to bake them for 9-12 minutes, but I found 12 minutes to be perfect.

Cocoa Fudge Cookies
Yield: about 2 dozen
A recipe by Alice Medrich from Cooking Light

Ingredients:
1 cup all purpose flour
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/8 tsp. salt
1/4 cup butter, room temperature
7 tbsps. unsweetened cocoa powder
2/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup plain yogurt
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup dried tart cherries (or mini chocolate chips)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350F.

2. Whisk together flour, baking soda and salt in a small bowl. In a large, microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in the microwave. Then, stir in the cocoa powder, sugars, yogurt and vanilla extract. Add the flour and mix until just combined. Next, stir in cherries or mini-chocolate chips, if using.

3. Drop tablespoonfuls of batter onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Press down slightly to flatten; cookies do not spread a lot.

4. Bake at 350F for 9-12 minutes or until set and slightly firm at the edges. Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

A New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 13:40:00 +0000

Welcome 2009! I am pretty excited for the start of the new year, because I never know what it just may bring. My New Years Eve consisted of a post-work happy hour followed by a 9:30 bedtime (what can I say - beer makes me sleepy), although I did wake up at 12 a.m. when everyone outside started screaming "Happy New Year!" and blowing noise makers.

I have few goals for 2009. They include:

Run nine races and volunteer for one race so I can qualify for the NYC Marathon in 2010;
Complete at least one duathlon;
Complete at least one sprint triathlon;
Complete the Nautica NYC triathlon without drowning or passing out from heat stroke;
Become a much better swimmer; and
Maybe run a marathon in the fall

I also have a couple of resolutions:

start doing ab-work again; and
keep track of how many miles I run during 2009

Well I am off to start the new year right - time for spin class!

Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, etc. etc.

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:26:00 +0000

And I am back. I had a good Christmas and nice few days off from work. I probably watched more t.v. in the past few days than I have in the past six months. But how can you go wrong with the Dog Whisperer? I mean, I could probably start my own dog training business at this point.

Anyway, I have been trying to exercise, but it has not always been easy. I blame the crappy cold weather, and the fact that until recently, there was slush and ice all over the ground, which made running outside treacherous, and the thought of running on the boring treadmill extremely unappealing. Let's recap the past week or so:

Sunday, the 21st - 4 miles on the boring treadmill and 35 minutes of swimming (6 points)
Monday, the 22nd - nothing (0 points)
Tuesday, the 23rd - 45 minutes of spin class (3 points)
Wednesday, the 24th - nothing (0 points)
Thursday, the 25th - nothing (unless cooking and eating counts) (0 points)
Friday, the 26th - ran six miles outside while my thighs went numb (6 points)
Saturday, the 27th - swam for 45 minutes (4 points)
Sunday, the 28th - biked outside for 1 hour 20 minutes (6 points)

HBBC total points for past week(ish): 25 points (woo hoo! I guess I worked out more than I thought).

Cumulative points: 46 points

On the swimming front, I am frustrated. Mainly because I cannot do the whole "turn the head and breathe while still maintaining your stroke" thing. My advice to parents out there: when you teach your children to swim, teach them how to swim a proper freestyle stroke, because one day they will grow up and maybe want to do a triathlon, but then have to struggle with trying to fix their bad stoke form and spend their evenings going to swim classes just to correct all the bad things they have learned over the years.

Also, having been inspired by other running bloggers, I am going to start sharing some of my favorite recipes. Besides loving to run (and bike and swim and exercise) I also really like food. I like eating it. I like cooking it. I like reading about it on food blogs. And I like sharing it. I try to stick to easy, healthy recipes that can be made quickly with common ingredients, and that work well for work lunches.

First up is Michael Chiarello's caponata:

My friend made this for a holiday party. We ate it over Italian bread and it was delicious - I kept going back for more. However, I decided that instead of bread, this time I would eat it over some chicken that I dredged in flour and then cooked in olive oil.

The caponata is very easy to make. First, you saute some garlic and onion in olive oil, cooking until the onion is well browned. Then you add some caper juice and balsamic vinegar, and then cook until reduced and thick. In a separate pan, you then saute the eggplant until browned and cooked through. Next combine the cooked eggplant with the onion mixture, more balsamic vinegar, capers, roasted peppers and parsley. Let cool to room temperature, and you are ready to eat.

You can find the recipe here. (Note that I did not use the lettuce or add anchovies or chili flakes.)

A Race Not to Be

noreply@blogger.com (Marie) — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 14:31:00 +0000

I was supposed to run the Ted Corbitt 15k in Central Park yesterday and that didn't end up happening. The race had been turned into a "fun run" (i.e., no one is being timed) because of the weather. I don't like "fun runs," because if I am going to run all those miles in the cold, then I want to get credit for it.

Anyway, I woke up at 6:30 with every intention of going. I first checked the weather (24 degrees with a wind chill of 12 degrees) and thought "Oh great, I am going to freeze." But I ate breakfast and continued getting ready anyway. Then I looked out the window and saw that while the sidewalks and crosswalks still weren't shoveled, it was also flurrying. All I could think was, "Great, my feet are going to be soaked and frozen by the time I get up to 102nd street because I know it is going to be one slushy mess out there." That is what I said, F-it. "Why am I forcing myself to do something I don't really want to do?" So I went back to bed.

I felt kind of bad about it and I wanted to do the race because it is so much easier to run those miles in a race rather than on a treadmill. But it was cold and dark and yucky out so I didn't do it.

Which makes me question whether I will actually do the Manhattan and Bronx half-marathons in January and February, respectively. I want to do them in theory, but if I wake up and it is cold and dark and yucky out like yesterday, then I know I am just going to go back to bed. And all those miles logged on a boring treadmill will be for naught.

In other news, I signed up for swim lessons this past Sunday, and I am mucho excited. Also, I have a secret to share with you. Ready? I found out where all the good looking guys with nice bodies are in NYC.

They are swimming in the Y's pool on Tuesday nights!

Seriously. I was running on the treadmill, which happens to overlook the pool area, and was like oh.my.God. So maybe I should start swimming on Tuesday nights then.

I also went to a spin class for the first time on Wednesday evening after work. These bikes were a lot more comfortable than that crappy spin bike I used to try to cycle on at my old gym. However, I found the spin class to be too easy. From what everyone has told me, I thought you were supposed to be dying by the time you are done. But I wasn't. Not even close. So I don't get it. But it was fun and I really liked it. I am definitely going back again.

With all this spinning and treadmilling, you would think I had been working out a lot this week. But I haven't because, surprise surprise, work has been very busy and instead of going for a run on Thursday, I went to bed at 9:00 p.m. because I was so tired that it hurt.

So lets how I am doing with regard to the Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge:

Sunday - ran 8 miles (woo hoo! 8 points)
Monday - nothing
Tuesday - ran 3 miles and did half-an-hour of weight lifting (5 points)
Wednesday - 45 minutes of spinning (3 points)
Thursday - nothing
Friday - nothing
Saturday - nothing

Grand total for the past week: 16 points

Cumulative points: 21 points.

Ok, still weak, but better than nothing.

On my 8 mile run last Sunday, I took the opportunity to test out some gels, because Gatorade makes me far too thirsty, but I need more than water. I tried out the Caramel flavored PowerBar Gel, and it was delicious! And it didn't upset my stomach or anything. For a fleeting moment, I thought that it would be tasty as an after dinner dessert, but then banished that thought from my mind because that is a total fattie move. Now, I am going to have to try the vanilla bean or chocolate outrage Gu that N.D. suggested (thanks for the suggestion!).