ACHILLES (5M) RACE RECAP & MARATHON TRAINING BEGINS

This weekend, I finally had the chance to take my running back to racing. After a sprained ankle kept me out of commission for over a month, I wasn’t sure how this race would play out. I arrived at Central Park on Sunday morning for the NYRR’s Achilles Hope & Possibility race. Once there, I realized very quickly that it was not the race or place for my selfish concerns.

The race was sponsored by Achilles International. Achilles provides a fantastic community for both able-bodied volunteers and disabled runners to join forces and train in an atmosphere of support and unity. Within this special community, runners gain physical strength and build confidence through their sense of accomplishment, which often transfers to other parts of their life.

On this gorgeous morning in NYC, physical differences were irrelevant.  We all ran together as one.

I started out at a good pace (post ankle injury) but by mile 3 I was annoyed at the times appearing on my Garmin watch. I was slacking physically and couldn’t believe a silly little 5 miler would feel like a never ending half marathon.

Just when I was having a full-fledged pity party, I passed a fellow athlete which brought the party to an abrupt end. I passed a child with not one but two prosthetic legs running hand in hand with an adult in a wheelchair along with other Achilles volunteers. 

L.A. - You have nothing to complain about right now so lock it up. Enough said. I was done.

This race was incredibly humbling and inspiring. It was an honor to spend a Sunday cruising around Central Park with this extraordinary group of athletes.

On Monday, I officially kicked off Operation: Train for a Marathon. I dragged myself out of bed at 6am for a nasty 5 miles. It was HOT. It was HUMID. There was RAIN.  Did I mention that the skies decided to open up when I was 2 ½ miles away from my apartment?  Luckily, the iPhone and I both survived. Thanks for asking.

Again, I was pretty tough on myself for those 5 miles. My lungs were not keeping up and my legs were tired most likely from the race the day before. I was not a happy camper and don’t care to repeat the mental dialogue going on in my head. You don’t talk to yourself when you run? That’s a shame.

Instead of dwelling on it, I remembered my Sunday race and was thankful.  I also decided to pat myself on the back for getting out of bed on a dreary Monday morning, lacing up the sneakers, and hitting the pavement as the sun came up.

Speaking of training plans, here’s what my week looks like. I’m very lucky to have an expertly crafted training plan courtesy of Team for Kids.

	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday (flex)	Total	Total (w/flex)
TFK Plan	5	REST	6	4	REST	8	4	23	27
LAH Plan	5	Strength	6	REST	8	REST	6 NYRR Queens 10K	25	27

I had to move around my miles this weekend because I have big plans. I’m heading out of town for a Bridal Shower in honor of one of my very best friends! I can’t wait for a Saturday with some running relief and quality time with my best girlfriends.

Did I mention that I am running the NYC Marathon with Team for Kids on November 4th? No?  Well, here check it out!

Lots of love and laughs.

XOXO

L.A.

THERE'S A FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING

Last Monday, I FINALLY signed up to run the ING New York City Marathon on November 4th. 

This Monday, I am FINALLY starting my blog.

Both of these adventures were 2012 New Year's Resolutions. Check! 

The list also consisted of losing 10lbs and doing yoga once a month. Oops?

Let me take you back to November 7, 2010.

I watched the start of the ING NYC Marathon on a treadmill at my local sports club. I attempted to burn off some overindulgent calories from the night before and there wasn't anything else to watch on television. Unexpectedly, I was mesmerized. I heard about this "Marathon Sunday" since I moved to NYC a few months prior but never understood the hype. On this Sunday morning, I could not pull myself away from the TV and even kept running for an extra mile or two. After the run, I headed uptown with friends to partake in the festivities. I was not running. I was not cheering along the course. I was at a packed bar. So far, I liked this "Marathon Sunday". 

On my way home, I stopped by a local spot to congratulate a sorority sister on her marathon completion. My friend A was over the moon (and looked super skinny). We chatted briefly and I shared with her my morning marathon mesmerization. Later that week, I signed up for my first half marathon with A and an eclectic group of sweat sisters. ("Sweat sisters" is what I call my best friends that run, courtesy of Kristin Armstrong). 

Now, let's fast forward a year to November 6, 2011.

Two of my best friends and favorite sweat sisters were running the 2011 NYC Marathon. A was running it for her second year and this year was K's first. I was thrilled to be the official parent escort and iPhone runner tracker for both of my girls. By coincidence, both families ran into each other on the Subway and we all hiked up to the viewing spot together. I stood along the course and jumped up and down like an overly supportive lunatic friend when both girls ran our way. I saw their pain, sweat, and most importantly runner's bliss.
In late 2011, I entered the lottery for the 2012 NYC Marathon. I knew full well that I had as much of a chance winning this lottery as I did winning the Mega Millions. I entered with high hopes of having beginner's luck. I was destined to run this race so I would totally get in, right? Wrong. 

For weeks after the lottery REJECTION my closest friends and sweat sisters strongly encouraged me to join a charity team. Charity teams provide guaranteed entry to the highly coveted race as long as fundraising requirements are met. I LOVED the idea of running with a charity. I especially loved the idea of supporting the NYRR's Team for Kids. 

Running for charity sounded perfect except for my one serious hesitation. Funny enough, the race itself didn't scare me but the hefty fundraising requirement kept me hanging out in marathon limbo. I HATE asking people for money. I would never make it as a solicitor. I wanted to run this race but I did not want to bother family and friends in the meantime. 

Finally, I knew that I could not be in NYC on November 4th running on a treadmill. I needed the real thing. As I mentioned earlier, I walked into work a week ago today and registered. Enough was enough. This race was mine. 

Fast forward to...November 4, 2012 

I will be participating in the most anticipated and challenging athletic event of my life. I will be running the ING New York City Marathon. Bring it on! 

 

The best part about this race is that it's no longer all about me. I made a commitment and joined a group of fellow runners supporting a fantastic cause. I am proud to be a member of Team for Kids for this 26.2 mile journey through New York City. I knew all along, this was a cause that I felt VERY passionately about for many reasons. Don't worry, I will save that story for a later post and time. 

I am starting this blog today to share my crazy journey of training, fundraising, and other NYC fun that I encounter along the way. 

Like what you read? Want to help? I don't think you can carry me on your back for the 20 mile long runs but through fundraising you can help me get to the starting line! 

Here is the link to hear my Team for Kids story and even an opportunity to DONATE! 

L.A's Team for Kids Profile

Lots of love and laughs.

XOXO
L