By now many of you may know that I recently ran the NYC Marathon, and as detailed in my race report, was completely bowled over by what an incredible day it was in every way. When I finished this dizzyingly fun race, my entire being was beaming from the inside out, but my legs and feet were also screaming. My post-marathon waddle back to the hotel had me bracing for a long recovery, like all my other marathons.
Much to my surprise, however, it took just a few short days before I felt like a million bucks again.
So what did I do differently this time around? I planned ahead…and did the full court press on recovery immediately after the race. Here’s how it unfolded:
It’s hard to know where to begin with my 2023 NYC Marathon race report because the level of EPICness was off the charts. I’ll just start by telling you that my facial muscles are still recovering from smiling and laughing so much. This race was an absolute hoot from start to finish, even when my legs were screaming.
Let’s start at the beginning though. I flew in to New York with my husband and daughter Thursday afternoon after starting our days at 3:30 am in Santa Barbara (Jeffrey and me) and San Francisco (Olivia). My awesome decades-long friend/college BFF/running partner, Janet Cook, arrived later that evening from Hood River, OR.
Friday morning Janet and I hopped on a subway to the Jacob Javits Center, where we picked up our race bibs and immersed ourselves in all things marathon. The flurry of positive vibes hit us the moment we walked into the convention center. You could feel the joy, excitement, and nerves, as well as a large dose of mutual admiration, swirling together as each of us knew how much we had put into getting to this weekend, and how lucky we were to finally be here.
In addition to the many photo ops, vendors, and speakers, there was an overwhelming amount of merch for sale, which sucked us in for far too long. We left walloped, but giddy, ready to finally get this party started!
Saturday Janet and I went on a shake-out run through Central Park on a classic, crisp autumn morning. We couldn’t get over our luck with the perfect weather, especially since it had rained every single weekend for over two months straight. A USATF 5k Championship race was taking place while we were there, with multitudes of runners and walkers blazing through the park, which only added to the charged atmosphere. As Janet and I stopped to take one of our many selfies along the way, a runner wearing a chicken costume photo bombed us, which sent us totally over the edge. So classic.
Saturday evening, after cruising around the city with my family far more than anyone would recommend the day before a big race, Janet and I met up to go over our race gear, fuel, and logistics. We got it all dialed in, and in the process, my laugh muscles got a massive workout as Janet tried to figure out how she was going to carry all her fuel during this race, momentarily opting for the “vending machine” look. OMG this chica has a future in stand-up.
RACE DAY: Sunday morning arrived in a blink, with our Lyft driver arriving at 5:15 to take us to our private Team for Kids ferry, which would then take us to Staten Island. When we arrived at the dock, we were greeted by our fabulous teammates as well a beautiful sunrise, reinforcing that indeed, it really was our day. Everything felt perfect. Our ferry even cruised right past the Statue of Liberty on the way.
Once on Staten Island our team was guided to buses, which took us to Fort Wadsworth military installation a few miles away. This is where we would station ourselves until we lined up for the start of the race on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. Our bus driver, Vinny, had driven runners to the start of this marathon for the past 20 years, which earned him a rousing round of applause from our bus full of appreciative athletes.
When we arrived at Fort Wadsworth we were led to the private Team for Kids tent area, complete with food, drinks, heat, fantastic volunteers, and porta-potties exclusively for our team—a huge amenity with 51,000+ runners. Inside our designated area we ate, stretched, hung out, took pictures, got our gear just right, peeled off our warm clothes and placed them in donation boxes. Then we warmed up and mentally prepared ourselves to run 26.2 miles.
I wrote DAD on my hand, just like I did 25 years ago when I ran this race in honor of him. Once again, I would honor him, and focus on some of his last words to me: “You are a tough bird.” He would be tickled that I was still loving life and chasing after it all at 57, when his life was cut short by cancer at 51. I also wrote the names of my #1 Support Crew (aka my husband, Jeffrey, and daughter, Olivia), who have always been there for me on every crazy adventure, and who sacrifice a lot so I can train and do special events like this. I knew I would be leaning on their love and support to help carry me through. Thank you, dear peeps.
In no time, it was our turn to queue up for the start of the race. Helicopters hovered overhead and a Jumbotron live streamed the elite runners who were sprinting the entire marathon–an awe-inspiring sight, which got us even more fired up. We were placed in a special Team for Kids corral inside the Pink Wave 2 group. When Janet and I saw that our corral was with the 3:45 finishers we simultaneously howled and got nauseous.
As we all began moving toward the starting line on the bridge, heart-pumping music pulsed through the air. Adrenaline surged. Butterflies got busy. Then came a beautiful rendition of the national anthem sung by a fellow runner, followed by the announcer’s “radio party voice:”
“All right Wave #2 I want them to hear you in Brooklyn this morning! LET’S WAKE UP THE NEIGHBORS!!!” to which we hooted and hollered.
“A sea of humanity from New York City awaits you, runners! Enjoy every step of your marathon journey!
“Wave #2, on your mark”……BOOM…the cannon exploded, signaling the start of our journey through the five boroughs of New York. Frank Sinatra’s New York, New York began wafting through the air, which instantly produced a lump in my throat.
“Oh shit!” the young woman squealed behind us, like she was momentarily terrified and still in denial that this was actually happening.
Janet and I hugged, screamed, laughed, high-five, then began shuffling with the crowd until we could eventually ease into a nice warm-up run pace heading over the bridge toward Brooklyn. “Oh my god, we’re doing this!!!!! We are moving, we are moving,” we joked in our best Eddie Murphy Coming to America voices. (IYKYK).
As it turned out, there was no need for our prior pseudo-freakout about being placed in the 3:45 pace group because there was quickly plenty of room for everyone to spread so there was little chance of being trampled or slowing anyone down. Team for Kids knows what it’s doing.
My only disappointment in this entire race was that our corral ran on the bottom span of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge instead of over the iconic top span, which I was hoping Janet could experience, like I had when I ran my first three races here. With 51,000+ runners though, you win some and you lose some. It was a minuscule detail in the grand scheme of our awesome day, and we were appreciative of how flawless this event was run, and especially blown away by Team for Kids, who took care of us with their extraordinary hospitality, organization, and attention to every detail. The silver lining of running on the lower span was that our legs saved a tiny bit of energy because it has a smaller incline than the top. Either way, the start of the race gets your heart pumping right away. Fortunately, it’s only for about a mile, and then you quickly start descending.
As we were coming down across the bridge and heading into Brooklyn we both knew we were running too fast so we slowed down, reminding ourselves we had a long day ahead of us.
It wasn’t long before Brooklyn’s massive “street party” wrapped its raucous arms around us. It was block after block, mile after mile of nonstop support. All of our senses were bombarded with people clapping, cheering, hooting and hollering, clanking cowbells, tooting horns, and banging pans and buckets. Large party poppers exploded, launching confetti into the air. People held clever, and often hysterically off-color signs, and handed out everything from oranges, pretzels, and drinks to napkins and an assortment of candy options. Bands played rocking music, dancers shook their groove thing, spectators called out our names as if we were their best friends. “Go Becky! Go JC! You’re looking strong!” “Yeah ladies, power on!”
The energy bouncing back and forth between runners and spectators was intoxicating. Every kind of person showed up. Families. Young people. Old people. Stylish people. Sporty people. College kids drinking and celebrating their dizzying Brooklyn race day tradition. Costumed people (a giant pickle being one of my favs). People peacefully making political statements. Languages from near and far and beautiful skin tones to match. The love, energy, and untold smiles we received from Brooklyn launched us right up into Queens. Pure magic.
I was having so much fun mixing it up with the crowd, high-fiving rows of kids, hitting nearly every sign that said, “Tap here to Power Up,” encouraging the crowd to chant Janet’s nickname: “JC, JC, JC”, and telling them it was her first marathon, and witnessing her reaction to the magic of this day, I have to admit I took my eye off the my fuel and hydration. It was also rapidly heating up from 54 degrees to 61 degrees, and I was already sweating buckets. I should have been downing a ton of electrolytes and salt chews in between deeply reveling in the joy of it all. But…Alas.
My quads felt it first. Oh oh. Then my calves got twingy and thought about getting grumpy. Just before we hit the half-way point on the Pulaski Bridge, I pounded my Nuun electrolytes again, another SIS gel, and a salted watermelon chew, then threw a prayer up to the heavens that it wouldn’t get any worse.
Then we reached the Queensboro Bridge, which is long and devoid of spectators. Janet said a mantra out loud, “Run the mile you’re in.” So perfect. “Just keep moving forward,” I repeated to myself as we worked our way up the incline. Then I chirped, “We like hills, we eat them up. We like hills, we never give up.”
We were right on pace to reach a sub-5 hour finish, which is what Janet was quietly hoping for after both of us having to adjust our training many times due to injuries and bumps along the way. I had zero expectations for a finish time. My only goal was to soak up the joy and madness of this crazy marathon again after 25 years, and celebrate Janet’s first marathon, but I 1000% wanted Janet to reach her goal, no matter what.
Coming off the quiet and challenging Queensboro Bridge just past Mile 16, and turning onto the cacophony of 1st Avenue lifted our spirits ten feet off the ground. Throngs of spectators instantly took our minds off our bodies with their chanting, cowbell’ing, and hooting and hollering, and boy was I happy about that because my legs were getting loud and sassy.
One of the most remarkable moments came when Janet somehow, in the midst of thousands of spectators, spotted her friend Chrissie, who had flown to NY to cheer her on. I still don’t know how she saw her, but what a fun moment for all! I was thrilled I happened to have my camera out right then.
My support crew had initially planned to go near the same area, but got stuck in the maze of barriers in Central Park. They could see us on the live stream in the park though, and snapped this fun photo of us as we continued our way up 1st Avenue in Queens, heading toward The Bronx.
When we reached our fourth bridge of the day, the Willis, at Mile 20, I could see in Janet’s gait and body language that she was feeling strong, and could definitely do more, so I insisted she take off so she could reach her goal. She was hesitant, not wanting to abandon me, but I was adamant. “This may be the only marathon you ever do in your entire life. You go and see what you can do. GO CRUSH IT!!!” With that, she picked up her pace, and I happily continued on solo, knowing she would reach her goal. She is the epitome of grit. Remember, this is the woman who broke ribs on both sides of her body while windfoiling just a few short months ago, then got right back at training as soon as she could breathe semi-deeply again.
The last 6 miles were what you might expect, especially when my longest training run was only 18 miles for this race. It simply came down to mind over matter.
What’s an extra 6.2 miles?You’ve done this many times before, I reminded myself. You know how to finish.
I counted steps…1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8…1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8…focused on what felt strong at the moment (that was difficult to ascertain – haha), thought about my dad, and also thought about all my Team for Kids supporters who generously donated to this awesome organization. Our team raised 7 million dollars during this event! Then I thought about all the little kids who would likely grow up to run this remarkable race themselves.
I continued to soak up the energy of the crowd who constantly called out my name and propelled me to the next aid station. I thanked volunteers profusely, just like I had throughout the entire race, because this event would be half of what it is without them. Such heroes.
At mile 23, a volunteer shrieked, “Hey, my name is Becky too!! Do you want a banana?” That received a big high-five and a, “Hell yes!” from me. Cheers to you, Becky! That banana and your joyful energy were just what I needed.
Between mile 24 and 25 it felt like people were dropping like flies. One guy on my right suddenly tripped, and in a shocked, adrenaline-induced moment somehow popped right back up, only to realize he may have broken his ankle. Poor guy. Argh. Not much farther up the road, I came across another warrior, a guy from Texas, whom Janet and I had been running with in Brooklyn, laying on his back with one leg in the air as another runner tried to press his foot back to release the cramp in his calf. Some were staggering. Others were limping and grunting.
“Just keep moving forward,” I told myself.
Then suddenly out of nowhere, I heard my people cheering for me!! OMG, where did they come from? I was expecting to see them in the grandstands at the finish line, but this was even better! What a wonderful moment seeing their smiling faces on Central Park South! Olivia was jumping up and down and screaming, “Go Mom!!!!” and Jeffrey was doing his crazy soccer announcer voice, “Go Beeckyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!! You got this Beeeeeeeeee!!!!” I didn’t know they were going to be at that location, so as luck would have it, I was on the other side of the street, which prevented me from stopping and hugging them, but I felt their love deeply. Jeffrey captured a little video as I pushed on down the road. “Only 1 more mile to go. You can do anything for 1 mile.” I reminded myself.
Oh man, that one mile was a loooonnng one, but the park was glorious in its blaze of color, and the spectators made us feel like we were all 1st Place finishers. There was no way they were going to allow us to slow down or stop, no matter how much our bodies were complaining.
And then, just like that, with one final uphill push, the finish line appeared. Halle-freaking-lujah!! Another unforgettable New York City Marathon in the books. What a day!! 5:08:09. I’ll take it, especially since it nearly matched my finish time from 25 years ago. 658 out of 1,322 in our age group. Stats were not the point of this race though, AT ALL. I got everything I came for and more. Especially when I saw that Janet crossed the finish line 19 SECONDS ahead of her 5 hour goal!!!!!! She killed it!!!!! So incredibly happy for her, and proud of her. Welcome to the wonderful world of marathon running, my friend!
What made this moment especially fabulous was when
As we head into the last few days of training before hopping on a plane to NYC, I’m feeling charged, organized, and ready to take on 26.2 once again. I’d be lying though, if I told you that butterflies weren’t getting busy in my tummy.
Even after all these years of running and all these races, they still visit like clockwork, and that’s a good thing because it means I’m still excited (understatement), and a wee bit nervous, fully acknowledging that the challenge ahead is big enough to push me beyond my everyday limits. No matter how many marathons you run, covering 26.2 miles is still a test of mind, body, spirit.
While a marathon is obviously meant to be a race, it means a whole lot more to me than just that. In fact, if I’m honest, I’m not really “race” racing this one in the classic sense, but rather focusing on fully absorbing the experience again, and looking at it as a celebration of my longevity in running and my everlasting love of the sport.
Being able to circle back to New York 25 years after I ran my first marathon there is truly a gift; and to run it with my dear friend Janet as she crushes her first marathon while also being part of a team raising funds so kids across the nation can fall in love with the sport we love so much, it doesn’t get any better.
And those electric butterflies circling? They are ones of deep, deep gratitude for my health and fitness, which I never take for granted, especially on this journey back which has been filled with some bumps along the way. And they are butterflies of tremendous joy that I GET to do this again. How lucky am I (and the 50,000 other runners who are taking on this challenge)? For a 57-year old runner, this feels like a fantastic gift. #pinchme
After this last post, I will catch you all on the flip side of the race and let you know how it went. Your good thoughts for #24080 and her badass sidekick #24198 are appreciated!! Woot! Woot!
In the meantime, here’s a look back at Week 19 & 20 training schedule (Oct 23-Nov 5):
Mon 10/23: Run 4.22 miles with the second half at a “controlled discomfort pace”
Tues 10/24: Spin class 60 min medium/EZ, core & mobility 30 min
Wed 10/25: Run 4.45 miles on undulating hills, walk 1.5 miles w/ my hubby
Thur 10/26: Rest, core & mobility 20 min
Fri 10/27: 5K self-timed TT, core & mobility
Sat 10/28: Run 7.75 run with Becca
Sun 10/29: Rest & recovery day (walk with my hubby)
Mon 10/30: Run 4.17 miles with 2 x 5 min @ 10K pace
Tues 10/31: Cross-train 30 min ez, core & mobility
Wed 11/1: Run 3 miles easy
Thurs 11/2: Travel day
Fri 11/3: Expo
Sat 11/4: Shake-out run
Sun 11/5: RACE DAY!!
Monday: It was a blue bird day to kick off the week, and no better way to find my happy place. The schedule called for a 40 min run, with the second half run at a “controlled discomfort.” I ran it thinking about the last 4 miles of the marathon, visualizing powering through the last 2.2 miles and finishing strong with a smile on my face. Practice. Practice. Practice.
Tuesday: Knocked out another of my favorite spin classes with Kristine, one of the most positive, funny, motivating instructors you’ll find. It’s always a joy to take her class and get my butt kicked. I followed it up with a short and sweet core & mobility sesh at home.
Wednesday: It was a cool autumn morning, perfect for 45 minute scamper with some undulating hills, starting and ending at East Beach. Once again, I focused on visualizing race day, getting up the last hills in Central Park at the end of the race. I tested out a new pair of Zensah calf sleeves too, to make sure they would feel good for race day. Yep.
Thursday: It was a rest day with some core & mobility work, but mostly it was a “stop and smell the roses” kind of day. My sweet sister-in-law, Jess, and brother Scott, sent me a surprise package in the mail with this cute run shirt, along with pampering foot mask socks and CHOCOLATE to celebrate the journey. Totally made my day, and reminded me once again that it’s the little things that are the big things.
Friday: 5K time trial. It was fun to see my progress since the beginning of this training cycle, even though I intentionally didn’t run full throttle (just 3/4 throttle). At this point in the game, it’s more about keeping sharp and healthy and avoiding injury. I found a happy balance that left me feeling confident and energized.
Saturday: What a treat to knock out my last long run with my friend Becca on another spectacular Santa Barbara morning. Becca is one of those unassuming “beast” runners, someone who is super sweet, but unknowingly pushes you to be a better runner. Thank you Becca! My legs were a little heavy, perhaps from Friday’s time trial, but my heart was light, appreciating what a beautiful journey this has all been, and knowing that next weekend I’ll be in running through the streets of NY.
Sunday: It was a rest & recovery day, and a perfect morning to catch up with a dear friend Kimberly for coffee. Thank you friend! And thank you taper days for giving me so much more time and flexibility to be able to do this again without rushing to squeeze it in.
Monday: Yesterday was a classic autumn afternoon in which I celebrated the end of this training cycle with a big high five and a chuckle as I cruised through a neighborhood ablaze with Halloween humor and cheer. Janet and I have officially made it! Phew! Now it’s on to the starting line on Staten Island to enjoy our victory celebration through New York’s unforgettable 26.2 mile street party!
As I sign off, I want to thank you all again for your incredible support, uplifting messages, good humor, and especially your overwhelming generosity in supporting Team for Kids. Together we raised $3,050 to help support free youth running programs across the nation. I will circle back around after the race to let you know how much our team raised in total during this event. I think you may be surprised.
Onward we head to the Big Apple!!!!!
xo Becky
PS: If you’ve missed any of my previous NYC Marathon training posts, you can click here to check them out:
After 17 weeks of slowly, steadily building up endurance, strength, and mental toughness, it’s now suddenly time to taper back down on mileage and intensity as we head into the last two weeks before finally reaching race day. It’s not uncommon to struggle with this stage of marathon training. It may bring on panicky feelings, wondering if you’ve trained hard enough, thinking it might be a good idea to squeeze in one more 20-miler, even though it would likely cause more damage than add more fitness. Or you may suddenly feel weird pains you’ve never felt before, or worry that your gear isn’t quite right even though you’ve been training with it just fine all along.
This is the time to block out the tapering crazies and lean into your plan.
Repeat after me: TRUST YOUR TRAINING.
Instead of doing more, focus on sharpening and fine-tuning everything, from your final training workouts to your nutrition, your mental strategies to your organization and logistics preparation. Most of all, focus on resting and pampering your body so it’s as primed as it can be when you finally toe the line on race day.
Here’s a look back at Week #18 training schedule (Oct 16-22):
Mon 10/16: Run 1.5 mile (test run for my grumpy foot)
Tues 10/17: Spin class 42 min medium EZ, core 30 min
Wed 10/18: Run 3.5 miles on the treadmill (testing foot again)
Thur 10/19: Run 7.5 miles
Fri 10/20: Core and mobility 30 min, walk
Sat 10/21: Run 11 miles
Sun 10/22: Rest & recovery day (walk with my hubby)
Monday: My foot/ankle/anterior tibialis tendon was strained and grumpy after last Saturday’s 18-mile run, so after resting on Sunday, I simply went on a micro scamper (1.5 miles) to see how it felt being taped up and wearing compression sleeves. Not too bad! I didn’t want to push it so I called it good for the day. See, I’m heeding my own advice and using restraint!
Tuesday: Back doing my favorite cross-training…zoom, zooming on the spin bike.
Wednesday: Testing out my ankle/foot tendon again by running 3.5 miles on the treadmill. Fortunately, it felt okay! Phew.
Thursday: As we count down the days and hours to race day, I’m trying to do more runs around the time I know I’ll be running through the streets of NY. I started at noon for this run when the temperature was 69 degrees with 68% humidity. Sounds like pretty great conditions, but it quickly felt much hotter than that, offering me ample opportunity to work on cooling techniques and staying laser focused on hydration and salt intake. With my tender anterior tibialis taped up again, I wanted to test out how it would feel to wear full compression tights and compression socks pushed down during the race on a warm day. Although it felt a little “sausauge-like,” the extra support was also nice as I knocked out 4 miles on the soft surface of SBCC’s track, then 3.7 miles on the waterfront bike path.
Friday: This was another day of listening to my body, knowing that sometimes the best workouts at this stage in training involve a “Less is More” approach. I simply did a short core/mobility/foot strengthening routine, then went for a nice walk with my hubby in preparation for Saturday’s last long run.
Saturday: It felt really good to knock out the last double-digit long run of this training cycle with my friend Becca. We started at 8:30, did a 1-mile warm-up run on the track before running 10 more out and back along the waterfront. It was a glorious Santa Barbara morning and we did not take it for granted. The best part is the big mental boost you get when 11 miles now feels easy (compared to when we started training all those weeks ago). Becca is training for a half marathon and conquered her longest run yet, adding an additional mile at the end to round it out with 12 miles. So proud of this gritty warrior!
As we head into the last two weeks of training, as you can imagine, I’m feeling all the feels: excited, grateful, relieved to have gotten through the longest and hardest training days, a bit nervous (even after all these years and races), and most of all thrilled that I get to take on this challenge again, and honored that I get to do it with my dear friend Janet, and also share it all with my family.
Onward we go…sharpening, trusting, and slightly losing our minds with excitement. It’s getting real!!!
xo Becky
PS: If you’ve missed any of my previous NYC Marathon training posts, you can click here to check them out:
I’ve been looking forward to this week for quite some time, knowing that once I knock it out, it will be smooth sailing to the starting line on Staten Island. I’d repeat, Just keep it together, stay positive, focused, and relentless with recovery, and you will get this done like a boss.
For the most part that has been the case, but I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you that marathon training feels ridiculously insignificant right now compared to what is going on in the world. It’s hard not to carry a heavy weight of sadness after the terrorist attacks on Israel and the horrific collateral damage that continues to unfold. I don’t usually share these kinds of thoughts here on this blog because I know readers are much more interested in being wrapped in inspiration and celebrating all the goodness health and fitness gives us, but I’ve decided to share it today because I know I’m not alone.
So what do you do when the world has gone mad?
The only thing you can: just keep going.
You compartmentalize as much as you can. You get your work done. You use your training to sift though your anger, sadness, and frustration, then you spread love and compassion wherever and however you can. You do your small (or large) part in making the world a better place. You help others. You lift people up. You tell others that it’s okay not to be okay right now. Because what happened is not okay. You listen. And you listen some more. You look for the good in others, even if you don’t agree with everything they believe. You remind yourself that we share our common humanity. You acknowledge that we may have different skin tones, religions, and languages, but we are one in the same. You lean into the notion that only love will win, and you do your part to make that lofty goal a reality.
So while I celebrate getting through peak week like a boss (with a few bumps and niggles along the way), I also want to stop and take a breath, and acknowledge that while running is life to many of us, life has a way of putting things into perspective. Let us never forget our history nor our humanity.
I will repeat one of my quotes once again:
“The most important muscles we ever use in life are those we use to lift others up.”
Now circling back to our regularly scheduled programming … here’s a peek at Week #16 training schedule (Oct 9-15):
Mon 10/9: Run 5 miles with hills
Tues 10/10: Spin class 50 min medium EZ (18 miles), leg weights
Wed 10/11: Run 55 minutes on the ElliptiGo
Thur 10/12: Run 7.5 miles
Fri 10/13: Core and mobility 30 min
Sat 10/14: Run 18 miles
Sun 10/15: Rest & recovery day
Monday: Whoa, doggy, it took a lot of digging to get my creaky and melancholy body out the door, but somehow when you make yourself go through the motions, (ie-“Don’t think, just go”) and simply put one foot in front of the other, it somehow always comes together. After about 10 minutes, I was in a completely different frame of mind and happily cranking out the miles up and down hills.
Trying to talk myself into this workout before I finally got my body moving. I tested out my Hoka Mach Xs again, messing with the lacing configuration to see if I could get these shoes to settle into my grumpy feet. They felt good for about 4 miles, then I had to switch back to my Rincon 3s for the last mile. This shoe/foot situation is making me slightly insane, but soon enough I’ll just have to put my faith in one and hope for the best.
Tuesday and Wednesday: It was another spin class on Tuesday to flush out my legs, followed by a weight sesh to keep working on strength. Wednesday it took all day to knock out my workout. I finally opted for the elliptical in my garage so I could avoid further pounding on my foot/ankle/shin which currently has a grumpy tendon. It had been also a busy day that pulled me in a lot of directions so this option felt doable.
Just keep moving forward even when things feel dark.
Thursday: My morning run got pushed to late afternoon (gotta bend like a willow so you don’t break like an oak). It was just a 7.5-miler along the waterfront with a little jaunt out to the breakwater, but it felt more like a 10-miler. Some days are harder than others, but all add value. The only thing that matters is that I got it done, and my tender ankle held up mostly well. One step closer to NY.
Friday: Did a short core and mobility sesh in preparation for Saturday’s long run.
Saturday: It was my last long run before tapering for New York!! Woot!! I had originally planned to run 20 miles, then heeded the advice of multiple coaches/sources who said running longer than 3:15 often does more damage than good. In the end I ran 18 miles in 3:30. I coined this run “Beauty & the Beast” as all went well until about mile 13 when the tendon in my ankle went south again. Let’s just say the last 5 miles provided ample opportunity to work on my grit. I was especially grateful for the fun and beautiful 10 miles I ran with my friend Becca at the beginning. The solo miles at the end were there to remind me once again that I can do hard things. Got ‘er done. Soaked my legs in the ocean afterward to quickly knock down inflammation, then did the full-court press on recovery with compression, ice, foam rolling calves and quads, lots of protein, hydration, rest, a soak in the tub, more protein. And oh, there might have been some pizza too. :-).
So happy to have this one in the books, and a share some laughs with Becca as we work on our tall running posture. 🙂
As I sign off this week, gratitude floods me once again for the gift that running is in my life, especially during weeks like this. From the time and space in which to process life’s complexities to the friends who bring so much joy, to the never-ending reminder that we can do hard things. It’s all there in every breath, step, and mile, delivering a meditation of sorts, along with a profound sense of satisfaction, knowing we are able to complete what we set our minds to, even when the going gets tough.
Here’s to keeping on, celebrating all that is good in life, and lifting others up whenever we can. It’s a new week ahead. Let’s go get it!
xo Becky
PS: If you’ve missed any of my previous NYC Marathon training posts, you can click here to check them out:
Oh, hey. Hi! Coming at you from Hood River, Oregon, where I live, run, work, play. Of late, I’m also training for the upcoming New York City Marathon on Nov. 5, which has me exchanging lots of daily text messages with Becky. In one of them, she asked me to make a guest appearance on her blog, so here I am.
I’ve been a lifelong runner, having started on a youth team at age 10 in my running-crazed hometown of Boulder, Colorado. I ran competitively through high school, continued running for sanity through college (where I met Becky!), and then just kept on running for the pure joy of it all the way until, well, now. Which means I’ve been enjoying the perks and enduring the inevitable pains of running for 47 years.
Where it all began in Boulder, CO
Through all that time, I’ve run a lot of races and completed lots of distances — but never a marathon. In Becky’s early years as a marathon runner, she tried to get me to join her, but I always had an excuse. Too busy this, too caught up in that. Well, now that I could have a legitimate excuse (my aging body! My aching knees/hips/ankles!), I decided this is one of the things I really want to do. Better late than never, I guess.
So, in the spirit of imparting my take on this marathon journey, I offer a kernel of wisdom that lies at the heart of this whole thing and actually has nothing to do with running: Get yourself a friend who’s always up for an adventure. Last fall, after stalking all the NYC Marathon social media sites I could find post-race as I do every year, and watching video after video of all the hoopla, I had an epiphany. This is the one marathon I’ve always wanted to run, and I would run it next year. With Becky. She didn’t know that my epiphany involved her, but a quick text took care of that. She is, after all, the one friend I have who I can message saying, essentially, Hey, wanna do this crazy thing with me? and she responds, verbatim, Let’s do this!!! and then we actually do it. So here we are, with only a month to go before toeing the line at Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island.
Even though we live in different states, training for NYC “together” has been so much more fun than if I had been doing this alone. Plus, as a first-time marathoner, I’ve gotten invaluable advice and recommendations from Becky on everything from foot-strengthening exercises to fueling on long runs to the pros and cons of various hydration belts. We don’t get to run together very often (we have managed it on a couple of occasions when I happened to be in the Santa Barbara area) but we connect daily, checking in on each other’s runs and comparing notes on cross-training activities, strength-building regimens, fueling strategies, running attire, challenges, triumphs, aches and pains, and life in general. I treasure all of it. A training pal who you can run with in real life is ideal, but this is the next best thing.
One of our rare training runs we enjoyed together while I was in the Santa Barbara area.View on a morning run along the Columbia River Gorge.A blistering hot mid-August run to the Mosier Twin Tunnels.
Probably the biggest takeaway for me on this, my first marathon journey, can be summed up by one of my favorite quotes from the poet Robert Burns: The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry. Since Becky and I signed up with Team for Kids early on, pledging to raise money for a great charity that brings free running programs to kids all over the country in exchange for guaranteed entry to the marathon, we had plenty of time to discuss our goals, come up with a target finish time and formulate our training plans. I landed on a 20-week plan that seemed to balance this being my first marathon with the fact that I’m a fairly seasoned runner starting with a relatively solid base. Last spring, as April turned to May, I was doing my usual “maintenance” running, getting out four or five days a week for a few easy miles. But I couldn’t wait to get started on my real marathon training.
Finally mid-June arrived and I launched my 20-week plan right on schedule. I followed it to a T for the first week, running exactly the prescribed miles on running days and cross-training when indicated, doing core and strength exercises, and dutifully taking a rest day. Basically crushing this marathon training thing! Then, on Day 7, I broke my ribs. (Long story short, I crashed on my wingfoil board.) In case you were wondering, running with broken ribs is impossible. I could barely move for a few days; a trip from the couch to the bathroom felt like climbing Everest. Then it was a couple of weeks of walking gingerly, looking like I was carrying a vessel filled with water on my head (and moving about as fast).
I regrouped, and four weeks after my crash started a 16-week marathon training plan. Needless to say, it has not gone entirely as planned. Setbacks have included a flare-up of plantar fasciitis from jump-starting my running after weeks of doing practically nothing on my feet; some unwanted but necessary days off for travel; a wonky knee following an unruly downhill leg on Oregon’s annual 200-mile Hood to Coast Relay, which I do every August with my team of 12; a few days laid flat by a bug my son brought home from school; and grumpy quads from ramping up my mileage too quickly, forcing me to reduce said mileage until they became more cooperative.
One of my favorite trail runs in the Hood River areaThis views never disappoints
Whenever I hit a bump in the road that makes me veer from my training plan, I freak out a little about whether I’ll be able to get the starting line — or, really, the finish line. Fortunately, Becky is always there with some words of wisdom to calm me down. After I fire off a text lamenting my latest issue along with a bunch of stress emojis, she sends back gems like, “Success simply means getting to the start, having fun, and crossing the finish line, no matter what pace.” And “…throw out all expectations of what you think you ‘should’ be doing and just enjoy the fact that you GET to run the NY-freaking-marathon …” When I was laid up with the virus my kid brought home, she walked me through a visualization of the course, which I’ve now incorporated into my routine. It came with this sage advice: “Our minds are what’s going to make this happen. Our bodies are just along for the glorious ride.”
And, training setbacks aside, a glorious ride it’s been. My weekly long runs have prompted me to expand my horizons beyond the few 3- to 5-mile routes close to my house that I dearly love, but have run so many times I could practically do with a blindfold on. I’ve made friends with some sheep in a pasture I run by on one of my new routes, and chat with a friendly Bernese mountain dog who always greets me on another. Running alongside pear and apple orchards that I normally whiz by in a car allows me to see — and smell! — the fruit up close.
Scenes from some of my exploratory road runs.
My training has spanned two seasons now, and I’ve had a front row seat to the change from summer to fall. Early in my training, the long Pacific Northwest days allowed me to indulge my love for sunset runs. I could set out at 8 p.m. and cruise along under red-orange skies that faded to purple as I finished my miles. Now, with the shorter days, I run earlier and have even developed a newfound affection for morning runs in the cool, crisp fall air. Running every day (or nearly) has a strange way of slowing down time. From one day to the next, I see leaves turn from green to yellow and red, then fall to the ground. I witness practically in real time the subtle change in light and shadows as the sun drifts south.
The Historic Columbia River Highway, a paved trail between Hood River and Mosier, one of my go-to running routes.After a beautiful but hot summer, signs of fall on a country road.
Ever since I started running as a 10-year-old, fall has always reminded me of cross country season. So it feels right that I’m here, in yet another autumn running season, striding toward New York and the longest run I’ve ever done. I feel immense gratitude that I’m still able to do this thing that brings me so much joy. I have to listen to my body more, compromise, forego a few miles here and there in favor of staying healthy and running again tomorrow. The best-laid plans, I’ve come to know, must sometimes be replaced with alternate plans. But that’s ok. Onward I go to that starting line on Staten Island — and, with a little luck and Becky by my side, to the finish line in Central Park.
I wonder what our next crazy adventure together will be?
The one-month countdown is on until our big day on November 5th, and I couldn’t be more fired up! The NYC Marathon and Team for Kids both do a great job of posting inspiring messages and Instagram videos to get us dreaming, visualizing, and staying pumped up to reach our goals.
Although my goal may have drifted and morphed into something wildly different than when I started daydreaming about it months and months ago, and then when I actually started training for it twenty weeks ago, I truly believe this is one of the best goals I’ve ever set: simply to have fun and fully enjoy the experience with my friend Janet. It feels perfect.
My training days now feel light, even on the most challenging days, because my entire focus is on enjoying the journey back to the starting line. I’ve thrown out the pressure of what I feel like I “should” be doing in terms of pace and outcomes, and have embraced the place I’m currently at in my mind, body, and spirit. It has been utterly freeing.
As I visualize myself running with Janet from Staten Island, over the Varrazzano-Narrows Bridge into Brooklyn, then up to Queens, then the Bronx, and finally back down into Manhattan, the overwhelming thing I see and feel in my mind is giant smile on my face and so much joy and gratitude wrapped around my heart that it lifts me ten feet off the ground.
Here’s a peek at my Week #16 training schedule looked like (Oct 2-8):
Mon 10/2: Run 5.25 miles (w/ 2.0 mile pick-up effort in the middle), walk with Jeffrey
Tues 10/3: Spin class 55 min medium EZ (21.5 miles), leg weights
Wed 10/4: Run 6 miles, undulating hills on Mt. Drive
Thur 10/5: Rest day
Fri 10/6: Run 5 miles with 4x80m strides, core
Sat 10/7: Run 14 miles (cutback week for the long run before next weekend’s 20-miler)
Sun 10/8: Rest & recovery day
Monday: I was still a little creaky on Monday morning after last Saturday’s 18-miler, but once I got moving, everything worked itself out so it was an enjoyable 5-miler with a push in the middle. Later in the afternoon, I went for a nice walk with my hubby and kept my body in motion, which usually helps, along with healthy nutrition and continuing to focus on recovery. This body isn’t 29 any more, but with some gentleness, It can usually be cajoled into finding its stride.
Tuesday: Just like last week, I used my spin class for an easy/moderate cross-training day to get my heart pumping and my legs flushed out. Normally I start my base around gear 13-14 and build up from there into the high teens or low 20s, but on easier days like this, I start more around 10 and keep the cadence high and lighter. Even when holding back, it’s still a sweatfest that leaves my heart pumping and my energy high. Days like this are about working with your body instead of grinding it down.
After spinning, I did a quick leg workout in the gym: extensions, curls, adductions, abductions, squats.
Wednesday: Just a straight-forward 6 miles of rolling hills on Mt. Drive, getting the legs ready for the course’s five bridges, and hills in Central Park.
Mountain Drive always puts a smile on my face with its windy road, oak trees, bougainvillea, scenic vistas, and unique houses, like the one in the top photo with a succulent garden on its rooftop, and mailboxes like this cyclist, whose bottom opens up for deliveries.
Thursday: On this rest day, I think I finally landed on a pair of shoes that may work for my sassy feet. It has been a lonnnnng time coming, with a lot of trial and error, but hopefully the fifth time is a charm–actually sixth (I forgot I tried the Hoka Challengers before this long line of shoes). Let’s go, Mach Xs. Please, oh please, work for me! I’m starting to feel like the Prince and the Pea.
All shoes lead to New York: Hoka Cliftons, Hoka Rincon 3s, Saucony Triumph 21, Saucony Kinvera, Hoka Mach 10
Friday: I started early on Friday because we are being hit with kooky hot October weather (definitely not sweater weather). 🙂 It was a really nice run, knocking out 5 miles at a gentle pace with 4 x strides at the end.
There were many highlights on this run, especially testing out these Mach Xs, which I really like.
Saturday: With our heatwave, I started early on my long run, which I was hoping would pay off in droves. Sure enough. So much joy. So much beauty. So many other runners out training along the waterfront. Did a 9 mile loop, refilled bottles, then another 5 mile loop. Soaked my legs in the ocean afterward and stretched on the beach. It’s mornings like these that take marathon training up a notch or two.
14 miles goes by quickly when you’re surrounded by beauty.It has been a challenge to stay hydrated, but I try to stay prepped and ready to roll…
Sunday: Today is an active recovery day, walking, chilling out, eating good food, getting organized and prepared for the week ahead. I value this day immensely, and so does my big brown four-legged baby, Doodles. Recharging the batteries does wonders for one’s ability to believe that everything will come together beautifully on race day. When your body has a chance to absorb the load from the week and get fired back up to hit it again on Monday, you feel unstoppable.
Review of SIS (Science in Sport) : The course fuel for the New York Marathon is SIS Isotonic Energy gels. I had never heard of SIS, nor could I find it anywhere in my town (it’s from the UK), so I had to purchase it on Amazon to try it out in case I need to rely on one during the race. Here’s what I thought of it:
With just five weeks to go until race day, we are now heading into our peak weeks of training before we start tapering back down to get our batteries fully recharged before our big event. This is both an exciting and grueling few weeks because while we’ve been steadily building up our bodies to be able to handle the load, no matter how disciplined we’ve been with our training, we are still doing long runs of 18 and 20-miles in addition to all our other usual training. GREAT stuff all around.
These are also the weeks when we focus on putting it all together in earnest, working intently on our mental game, fueling our bodies well, and trying to get as much rest as possible.
I’ve said this numerous times before, but endurance events are 85-90% mental. If you skimp on training your mind in addition to your legs, lungs and heart, you will do yourself a great disservice. Long runs offer us perfect opportunities to work on steeling ourselves to the challenges and discomfort that come with this sport. How will you respond when fatigue hits hard? What will you do to keep moving forward when your feet are telling you they have other ideas? What kind of discipline and focus will you have to remember to fuel and hydrate like clockwork so you feel your best? What mental techniques will you use to help you reach your goals when the going gets tough?
For me it’s mantras, counting steps, visualizing, singing, focusing on what feels strong, not letting my mind wander too far so that I don’t space out my nutrition, and most of all it’s about swimming in gratitude. It’s celebrating the fact that I GET TO DO THIS and be part of this remarkable moment.
Never underestimate the power of gratitude. It has a way of wrapping itself around your pain and reminding you of how lucky you are that you get to experience this incredible journey–the one you so boldly signed up for so long ago, and trained your heart out to get to where you are. So many other people will never know the beauty of this adventure, so be in the moment and appreciate it all, especially during the hardest moments.
Here’s a peek at my Week #15 training schedule (Sept 25-Oct 1):
Mon 9/25: Run 6 miles (w/ 2.5 mile pick-up effort in the middle), strength 45 min. (Kim Miller Fitness legs/glutes)
Tues 9/26: Spin class 55 min EZ (15 miles), mobility work 25 min
Wed 9/27: Run 6 miles, undulating hills
Thur 9/28: Active recovery day–yoga, core, & foot exercises 35 min, walk with Jeffrey
Fri 9/29: Run 5 miles with 4x80m strides, core and mobility work 25 min.
Sat 9/30: Run 18 miles
Sun 10/1: Rest & recovery day, yoga, walks
Monday morning, short on time, I set out directly from my house instead of driving somewhere scenic, and knocked out a 6-mile run on nothing but concrete and asphalt. It wasn’t the most exciting route, but it was good mental practice for running through the streets of NYC. In the middle of the run I pushed the pace for 2.5 miles.
Feeling stronger each week, and spending time focusing on my mental game.Monday afternoon was a quick strength and core session after seeing a chiropractor and getting my Covid vaccination.
Tuesday was another fun outdoor spin class at the gym with Kristine. I intentionally took it easy and used this workout to simply flush out my legs from Monday’s run in preparation for Wednesday’s run. I came across a quote somewhere the other day that said something like, “The sign of a maturity in a runner is knowing when to reign it in, and also having the discipline to do it.” I’m definitely a work-in-progress in that department, but today was a win.
Refueling after spin class with a garden salad and a fruit smoothie with protein.
Wednesday I felt strong after taking it easy on Tuesday, and knocked out 6 miles of rolling hills in the early morning. Repetez, s’il vous plait: “I like hills, I eat them up. I like hills, I never give up.” Mantras aren’t just for race day! 🙂
Testing another new pair of shoes (Hoka Rincon 3s again), still trying to make my feet happy for the long haul. Up and down hills today, getting my quads ready for the bridges of NY and the final push in Central Park.
Thursday was an active recovery day after yesterday’s hills, and in preparation for Friday’s 5-miler and Saturday’s 18-miler.
Mash-up yoga, core, mobility, foot exercises, and balance. Still trying to embrace pigeon pose and get past the “oy.”Went on a nice morning walk with my main squeeze (aka my hubby Jeffrey, who also happens to be my #1 supporter). Clearly we’ve been married a long time when we meet up and discover we’re wearing the same kind of vibe. Next thing you know we’ll be wearing matching silk baseball jackets. 🙂
Friday morning was a steady 5-mile maintenance run, topped off with 4-5 strides at the end. I countered our gray weather with cheery color, fiery tunes, and thoughts drifting to race day.
Chasing the gray away and embracing the journey by being transported to NY in my mind during my run.
Visualization is a powerful training tool I lean on often for endurance events. For NYC, I begin by imagining myself at the starting line on Staten Island, swimming in gratitude, feeling all the feels, then taking off, light on my feet, soaking up the experience, smiling, running strong and steady, turning the crowd’s energy into my own, remembering to fuel and hydrate as I cruise through each borough, powering over the “forever long and quiet” Queensboro Bridge, and then being lifted off the ground by the indescribable energy reverberating from throngs of spectators as we turn onto 1st Avenue; making it all the way up to the top of the course at mile 21 then turning left and heading back down 5th Avenue into Harlem, knowing this is where it gets especially real; thinking about how I will focus on the parts of my body that feel strong, then count steps to stay focused, remind myself of tall posture and good form; then finally, oh finally, turning into Central Park where there last two miles will feel like forever, but knowing my mental toughness will help me find another gear to get across the finish line, all the while savoring every second and appreciating all that has gone into getting to this moment.
Saturday was an 18-mile dry run for race day, starting with carbo loading the night before, trying out shorts I plan to wear, practicing my fueling and hydration, testing out the shoes I’m hoping will work, and working on my mental game. This ended up being a great learning day, for which I’m eternally grateful, because some things did not work well for me. Traditional carbo loading did not feel good on my run so I will adjust that to a lighter pre-race meal and start with small carb meals/snacks earlier throughout the day. The shorts I had to planned to wear on race day continually felt like they were going to fall off (which Becca and I laughed about hysterically. Thankfully I discovered this during our quick warm-up loop not far from my car, and had also thrown in a back-up pair of shorts in my car so I was able to remedy the annoying problem before knocking out the other 17 miles.
Team B & B (Becca & Becky) sharing laughs on our long run.
Sunday is a whole lot of aaaaah (ie-rest, recovery, and reset) after yesterday’s long run. The deeper we get into training, the more important this day feels in order to be ready to knock out another run on Monday. Today is all about good food, nice walks, and friends and family.
Things I’m Loving Right Now
Training for a marathon takes a lot of time, as we well know. Finding time to make gourmet meals to replenish our bodies isn’t always easy, even with good planning, so I thought I would share a few ideas here that I have leaned on recently when there aren’t enough hours in the day (or energy in the body).
The iconic start of the NYC Marathon, running over the Varrazzo-Narrows bridge from Staten Island. Photo credit: New York Road Runners
It has been 25 years since I crossed the finish line in Central Park, having just run 26.2 miles through the lively streets of New York, knowing I’d never be the same.
Gobsmacked would be the best way to describe how I’m currently feeling about the fact that two and half decades have already flown by since that memorable autumn day, especially since I remember it like it was yesterday.
As I’ve been deep in the throes of training for this year’s New York Marathon, which I’ll be running soon (!!) with my dear friend, and former college roommate, Janet Cook Hixson, I’ve been reminiscing about my first experience in the Big Apple, along with the many marathons that followed.
Yesterday I came across an ancient article I wrote for Runner’s World, which chronicled my first journey through New York. The beauty of being a Goddess Keeper of All Things Sentimental (aka pack rat) is that it’s never too difficult to put my fingers on memories. I’m sharing this relic here because it brings back all the feels, and leaves me sporting a big goofy smile, just like my finish line photo. A digital version of this piece never existed, so I’m simply posting a snapshot of the article, which will hopefully be legible enough to read.
Legendary runner and former Runner’s World Editor, Amby Burfoot (1968 Boston Marathon winner), was generous in accepting an article from a newbie writer. This little piece helped launched my budding writing career when my full-time career at the time was running our bustling photo agency. Never underestimate what one small act of kindness can do for another person. 🙂In a full circle moment, Janet, who I’m running this year’s race with, and who is a talented writer, and Editor of The Gorge Magazine, was also beyond generous with her time back in the day, helping me carve down a truly horrible and massive first draft of my article into something much more appropriate for publication.Without her advice, I’m not sure this would have ever seen the light of day.
When this little piece was published in November 1999, I was about to head back to New York to run my second marathon with Fred’s Team, an organization I cannot say enough good things about. The mission of this nonprofit, raising funds for Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, along with the fabulous (now former) Directors, Sue Shay and Sheila Lennon, and the team of passionate athletes who each had their own reasons for being part of it, all swirled together into a priceless gift for each of us.
One of the many NYC highlights: high-fiving pediatric cancer patients who came out in front of Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to cheer us on.
The second and third time running New York were just as fun and gratifying as the first, especially when my friend Elizabeth Whitton joined the team and ran her first marathon along side me. Then in 2002 Elizabeth and I headed to France to run the Paris Marathon with Fred’s Team; and 2003 took my hubby Jeffrey and me to Italy so I could combine running the Rome Marathon with our honeymoon afterward. Then came the Portland Marathon nine months after our daughter was born, and then the inaugural Santa Barbara Marathon. The two most recent marathons I completed took place during Ironman triathlons in Arizona and Sacramento. Each of these races was different and memorable in its own way, and I do believe none of these marathons would have happened if I hadn’t fallen madly in love with my first one. If you want to see photos from some of those events, click on SPECIAL PEEPS | PLACES | EVENTS or find it on the menu bar at the top of this blog.
As Janet and I head to New York in early November, I cannot wait to share her first marathon with her, and also experience the race again through fresh, more mature eyes. I wonder if Janet will get hooked on 26.2 like I did or be thrilled with “one and done?” Will the energy be the same? Will the scale, almost 20,000 more runners than in 1998, be energizing or overwhelming, or both? Will I get choked up at the starting line like I always do? And when I cross the finish line will I know that it’s just the beginning of another adventure or decide 10 marathons is enough?
Whatever lies ahead, I know it will be memorable. New York never disappoints.
Running a marathon is simple at its core: lace up your shoes, train for 16 to 20 weeks, then conquer 26.2 miles, hopefully while creating unforgettable memories all along the way. Obviously there’s a whole lot more that goes into it though: the details–and the details are what can make or break your level of enjoyment during the race, and training in general. This week has been about noodling out some of the details of the race, from fuel and hydration to shoes and clothing choices to timing and logistics, while at the same time consistently plugging away at training, one day, one work-out at a time.
Even though this will be my 10th marathon (including two I ran during IM races), I still get nervous/excited like it’s my first marathon all over again. The one thing that wraps me a warm blanket of calm on race day is hammering out all the logistics well in advance. Having an awesome training partner like Janet helps in that department, even though we live 900 miles apart (she’s in OR and I’m in CA). Texts and DMs have been flying back and forth during the week with thoughts and questions, all of which are coming together in my mind and then landing squarely on my hand-written “Race List,” something I always lean on for races and big events. Without my list, my mind spins in overdrive.
As John Wooden once said, “It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.” Taking the time to think them through and test them usually pays off tenfold.
Here’s a peek at my Week #14 training schedule (Sept 18-24):
Mon 9/18: Run 5 miles, strength 45 min. (Kim Miller Fitness legs/glutes)
Tues 9/19: Spin class 60 min (23 miles), strength 20 min arms
Wed 9/20: Run 7 miles (track) 1.5 mile warm-up, 5x800s w/ 400 RI, 2 mile cool down, core 15 min.
Thur 9/21: Yoga 30 min, rest day
Fri 9/22: Run 5 miles, core and mobility work 25 min.
Sat 9/23: Run 12 miles, walk 1 mile with my hubby afterward
Sun 9/24: Rest & recovery day, yoga, walks
Monday: Nothing feels quite as good as starting the week strong, and being able to enjoy another fab fall-like run. I chose a new route to keep it fresh, which included a few little hills, knowing NYC includes five bridges with sneaky inclines and descents, along with several deceptive hills in the last few miles near Central Park. Practice. Practice. Practice.
Kim Miller Fitness app is helping me keep my strength workouts short, sweet, and focused
Tuesday was another heart-pumping outdoor spin class with my favorite instructor, Kristine. Good tunes, great vibes, and a killer workout with hills and sprint intervals, always leaving my spirits high and my body drenched in sweat. Afterward I did a short dumb bell arm workout session at the gym.
Wednesday was a “hurt so good” kind of training day with a 7-mile track workout, starting with a 1.5 mile warm-up followed by 5 x 800m intervals with 400m recovery intervals, finishing with a 2-mile cool down. Good stuff. Felt great to finally move my feet a little faster.
What started out as a cool morning quickly heated up so I had to lose the hat, peel off my arm sleeves, and consume two bottles by the end of my workout.It has been a while since I’ve done speedwork so I was especially diligent with stretching, foam rolling, Theragun’ing, and rolling my calves with “the stick.”
Thursday I opted for yoga and foot exercises, and then went on a 1.5 mile walk at Lake Los Carneros with my hubby. All in all, a nice recovery and reset day.
Rest is good for the soul. Since I’m not planning to win New York :-), I’m trying to settle into my training plan and tweak it to fit where my body is at so I get to the starting line in one piece.
Friday was a 5-mile maintenance run, which I chose to knock out on Mountain Drive, a scenic, windy road in the foothills of Santa Barbara. It never disappoints with its views and gently rolling hills.
Later in the afternoon it was time for some core and mobility work.
Saturday’s long run was shorter this week (12 miles) to get the body rested up for next week’s 18-miler. I had the pleasure of running the first 8 miles with my friend Becca (the other B in Team B & B), who is currently training for a half marathon. Yay Becca! We ran from Leadbetter Beach to Montecito and back on another spectacular SB morning. The miles flew by so quickly, we almost blew past our turnaround point. That’s the power running partners. Afterward, I finished up with 4 more miles–up Shoreline Drive on the Nite Moves course and back. It was noticeable how much longer those 4 miles felt solo.
Time zips by when you’re laughing and telling stories. On the last part of my run, when I was solo, I finished my audiobook, A Race Like No Other: 26.2 Miles Through the Streets of New York, which not only got me even more excited about the race, but got me circling back to honing the details.
Here are a few of the details that are getting sculpted into shape…
Run Be Run 