Running Skirt

I'm back!

2007-01-23T11:35:00.000-05:00

Ok, so perhaps it's not reasonable to run the Bronx Half in three weeks. But that's ok. I'm going to try. Back in December when thinking about my next goal it was to run another Half in two hours and cut out eight minutes of time. But alas my goal again is just to finish due to my late decision of running this race. But it's kind of hard to turn it down when it's the Bronx! It's my neighborhood so I feel I must run the race (not quite, but close by). And even if that means just finishing it I know I'll have a good time. Last night I ran four miles in the gym on the track. It felt good! I was tired at the end but my goal is to do a 7 or 8 mile run this Sunday and see how it goes. If I'm not dying then I know I'll be ok for the race. I'm back. I'm focused. Probably not being very smart about it. But I'm excited. It feels good to have another goal.

Failed Attempt

2006-12-05T00:11:00.000-05:00

I hadn't run in about two weeks. Sunday, after I got home from the knitting store, Akiva called and asked if I wanted to go for a run. I did but I was nervous. Would the pain in my heel come back? Had I given it enough time to heal (no pun intended :) )? I hadn't had too much trouble in the past while so I thought I would give it a try.

So here's how it went:

Mile one: I was feeling good. I remembered that I like running. We ran the first mile in 9:30--a good pace for me.

Mile two: the pain came back. It was hard to put any pressure on the right foot. I was very frustrated. There was no way I was going to do more than two miles. How on earth did I do thirteen? I limped the rest of the way home disappointed.

What to do? I am sort of impatient but I feel that I am forced to wait. A guy in my lab told me to see a doctor. I am not sure a doctor would tell me anything except to stop running for a while. Some "almost" doctors have diagnosed me as having plantar fasciitus. Perhaps. But there's not much to do about that but wait.

So in the meantime I took a Pilates class. Maybe Wednesday a yoga class. Someone told me to go to the pool and "run" in the pool. It builds strength for when I get back to running on the road. We'll see about that one...

Reflections

2006-11-29T13:11:00.000-05:00

So I am not sure why I didn't post immediately following the run in Philidelphia. Perhaps I just wanted my foot to feel better, or maybe I was just lazy...In any case, it was a wonderful adventure. I arrived Saturday night with Danny, Akiva, and my friend Bracha. We stayed at a wonderful Marriot hotel just outside of Phili. I say that the hotel was wonderful because the beds were extremely comfortable and the rooms were very clean. Sunday morning I woke up very excited. I am not sure I have ever kept up an exercise program such as this and now I was reaching my thirteen-mile goal...

Running is a unique way to explore a city. I have visitied Phildelphia before but saw some select sites. On this course I got an overview of the famous sites, small stores, restaraunts, parks, boathouses, colleges...I didn't need an iPod during the race because I was so entertained by my surroundings.

At mile six Bracha met me on 20th street. It was great fun to run with her for a block before I continued on the next seven miles. Seeing familiar faces really does energize you. I know it was only thirteen miles, but it's still nice to share the experience with people that are close to you...and at the same time I was sharing this eperience with thousands of other people I didn't know yet still felt connected to. This was evident around mile 9. There was a huge hill and I was just about to slow down and start to walk when a woman next to me gave me some sports beans and told me I was going to be ok.

I guess the best line of the day was at mile 10 when someone on the sidelines yelled "Run Skirt Lady, Run"

I've kind of taken a bit of a break the past week and a half. My right foot was in a lot of pain at the end of the race. I suppose I wasn't watching my step and landed on it strangely. It's much better now and I think it's time to start moving once again. I need to come up withi a new goal. I think that will be to work on my time. I finished the face in 2:08 and I think next time I will finish in 2:00. I know I can do it. My goal this time was to get to thirteen and now that I now I can finish, I want to finish faster.

Throught these past few months people ask me if I feel healthier. I tell them it's hard to compare because you get used to a new baseline. But I feel good, I feel strong, I feel I can set more goals and complete them.

Running in place is not running...

2006-11-15T10:15:00.000-05:00

When I started running a few months ago I started outside. So that is what Iam used to. Perhaps it's harder in the sense that you have to set your own pace and keep it up, but I like moving around and watching the scenery as I go by. Unfortunately yesterday was a treadmill day. I didn't run in the morning and I got out of lab when after dark so I didn't have much of a choice.

Maybe it's becauase I don't have an iPod. Maybe it's because there wasn't a TV in front of me. Maybe it's because the guys' basketball game was finished. But I just got bored after a while. I finished my four miles and was happy to get out of there.

The good news is that I felt a lot less tight that on Sunday. So I suppose I should keep up these small runs to keep me in check for Sunday.

Nearing the Goal?

2006-11-13T12:15:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was one of those days where one should be cuddled up on a couch with a cup of tea watching a movie. Outside was windy, rainy, and dreary and I blamed the weather for my groggy mood. At 1pm it was time to leave my apartment and try and get the day started. The rain didn't seem like it was going to let up, but I thought that maybe a run would give me some energy. But alas it did not. I felt achy and slow. I was wet and uncomfortable. After running two miles I decided to turn back for a total of four miles. I didn't complete my goal of six miles. I didn't accomplish much after that. All and all it was an unproductive day. I suppose we all have our bad days. I don't know how I ran twelve miles last week and yesterday's four seemed impossible. But I will take it easy this week, eat right, sleep well, and recharge for Sunday.

2006-11-06T11:08:00.000-05:00

The last time I had run was Tuesday. I was a bit of a slacker last week and was nervous that it would be a difficult run. But perhaps the weather and the beautiful scenery propelled me forward. Autumn was in full bloom as we ran up the West Side Highway towards the Bronx. With the GW Bridge in the distance, the Hudson River to our left, and the beautiful red, orange, and yellow leafed trees that surrounded us, the run was very pleasant. I kept my usual pace of around 10 minute miles. Running just under twelve miles yesterday, I know that that in two weeks time there won't be a problem finishing this race. And when I complete my goal of distance I will have to think about my next step...Should I work on my time? Should I work on distance? I suppose I will focus on these things after Phili and in the meantime enjoy the next two weeks of running in Autumn.

Running Skirt

2006-11-03T10:25:00.000-05:00

Who Knew?

2006-11-01T10:13:00.000-05:00

So last night at the parade there was a float of people that were dressed up as Kiss. But apparently, it wasn't other people dressed up as Kiss, it was actually Paul and Gene Simmons dressed up as Kiss. How was I to know? :)

Things I Can Cross of My To-Do List

2006-11-01T00:14:00.000-05:00

1. Run five miles
2. Go the the parade in the Greenwich Village

I ran this morning bright and early. While I felt it was tough, we kept the pace under 9:30 miles. Until the end when I got really tired I was able to keep up a conversation with Akiva which made the run much more enjoyable.

This evening I went to the Halloween parade. It was certainly an experience. Lots of strange and inappropriate costumes. Lots and lots and lots of people. Lots of walking. Lots of walking among lots and lots and lots of people in strange and inappropriate costumes.

My two goals for today are accomplished and now I'm off to bed.

Good night!

2006-10-29T23:08:00.000-05:00

So apparently I have my post already written for me:

"Went to Central Park to run a 5-mile race. Ran it in about 48 minutes, then went out to breakfast."

And while this pretty much sums up the morning, I think I would like to share a few more thoughts about the run. It seems that many who are not from New York are under the impression that New Yorkers are rude and impatient folk. However, I noticed today that this does not include the New York runner. As Danny mentioned, there were over 6000 people in the Poland Springs 5 mile race this morning, and after the horn blew at 9am to start the race, it took a good few minutes before I got a chance to start running. There was no pushing or shoving or racing ahead. After the few thousand people ahead of me started running, I walked and got to the starting point and then the running commenced. I was quite shocked at the calmness that surrounded me as the race started. In the beginning I found it hard to move at the pace I wanted but eventually people spread out.

I finished the first mile at 8:50 pace but slowed down for the remaining four miles. I was happy that I kept my pace under 10 minute miles. At some points I felt like I was running quite slowly and at other times I was breezing past my fellow runners. I don't have a Garmin so it's hard to say what my exact pace was but I enjoyed the challenge of running and finding an empty space to move in to and move forward past the next runner--kinda like driving on the highway.

I enjoyed the many costumed runners in honor of Halloween. My favorite was a guy that was holding handle bars and ringing a bell while fellow runner friends surrounded him and said "Make room for Lance."

I want to congratulate my friend David on running the marathon in D.C. today. I look forward to hearing about his run. I also want to wish good luck to my friend Mimi who is a fellow "running skirt" and will be running the marathon next week.

I'm quite enjoying this new running hobby and am hoping that there will be many more runs in the future.

And Miles To Go Before I Sleep...

2006-10-27T09:29:00.000-05:00

Well, only three miles. It's supposed to be an easy three this afternoon but it's cold and I am lazy. So to make sure I run, I decided to post now. On Wednesday I went with Akiva to the track. I think to have an effective tempo run one needs a watch. And yes, I said a few weeks ago I would get one but I didn't and so I'll have to put it as a priority on my to-do list. The highlight of the tempo run on Wednesday was the bright green parrots that I saw building a nest in the lighting above the track. There were about seven of them--beautiful and green--I don't think they could have been any other kind of bird but a parrot. Perhaps some escaped from someone's home and now live in the wild a.k.a. The Bronx.

In other news I now have my iTunes working again. I had made the mistake of downloading version 7. It didn't work and now I am back to version 6. It's wonderful to have my music again but eventually I will have to deal with this version seven problem because I will be buying an iPod in the near future and the new ones are only compatible with the new version. In the meantime I have my music blasting in the apartment and it's wonderful to listen to it.

A good weekend to all!

West Side

2006-10-23T09:09:00.000-05:00

Going in to the run yesterday I was nervous. The goal was ten miles and it seemed somewhat unattainable. The last long run I had done was nine miles but the whole week of not feeling great on and off I felt had slowed me down. On Friday, Akiva and I ran five miles and those five miles were tough!! Thankfully I had a nice relaxing weekend and felt really ready for the run. We decided to go down the West Side highway. The weather was perfect--a little on the chilly side but once I started moving I quickly warmed up. I loved that this route was flat! After the five mile marker I knew that the route back would be the same and this propelled me onward. Akiva and Danny ran a few paces ahead of me for most of the run. I kind of enjoyed looking at all the people and the Manhattan scenery (all the huge buildings on my left and the water and boats on my right) but being in my own little world at the same time. I am always afraid when I run by myself that I will just give up at the moment I get the slightest bit tired. Seeing them in the near distance kept me moving. All in all it was a good run. It felt good to get to ten miles. I'm almost at my goal of thirteen. Phili here I come!

Slow Week

2006-10-18T09:58:00.000-05:00

I haven't been feeling well this week so Monday's goal of 4.5 miles turned into Tuesday's goal of 4 miles. It was pouring rain yesterday so I decided to run on the indoor track in the gym. The whole setup is really kind of nice. There is a raised track above the basketball court that is nice and soft on the knees. Here's the problem with it: 20 laps = 1 mile. So of course I had to run each lap saying "one one one" to keep track of where I was. It's also disappointing when you get to twenty and have to start again at one. All in all it was a good run. I hadn't run since Friday so I felt ready to run and I was feeling better and had some energy.

This morning however was terrible. Apparently I am still not feeling as well as I could be, I haven't eaten that much in the past few days and apparently all my energy went to to the run yesterday because after 1.5 miles I had to walk the rest of the way. I was exhausted. So my next run will be on Fridady and I will just rest and make sure I am in good shape for the weekend.

Seven to Nine

2006-10-16T08:32:00.000-05:00

Friday I did nine miles. Danny had done eight the week before while I had stayed at seven so I knew the jump from seven to nine was going to be challenging. It was hard!! The first half was hard, the second half was hard. It didn't get any easier. I'm not sure if I believe in this runners' high. Or perhaps one has to run for longer than two months to experience it. In any case, I survived. I was really sore on Saturday. But Sunday was better and today I'm ready to run.

The Jewish holidays are over now so I am looking forward to getting back to the routine of long runs on Sundays and not Fridays.

Today's goal: 4.5 miles.

Change is Good

2006-10-11T10:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday: a typical run in the Bronx--running with the cowboys

This morning Danny and I changed it up a bit and worked on some speed training. I had never been to this track before or any track for that matter in a long time. It was a lot softer than I expected. I ran a loop and walked a loop for a total of about four miles-sixteen times around the track. I didn't have a watch with me so I am not sure of my times but my calves were tired at the end and the loops that I ran I tried to run pretty hard. It was a lot of fun and a nice change of pace. Looking forward to doing it next week-with a watch.

In other news, my Ravens lost this week to the Denver Broncos 13-3. Coming into the game we were 4-0 so it was difficult to watch them lose. Hopefully they are resting this week and planning a good game for Sunday!!

A Stroll Around Baltimore

2006-10-09T08:26:00.000-05:00

This past weekend I went home to Baltimore for the Jewish holiday of Succot. Being that I am Sabbath observant, I don't drive cars during Sabbath or most of the holidays. Yet I've never let that stop me from getting around. I live about a mile from the closet shul so walking to services always took about twenty minutes. From there I would go and visit friends and walk back home. It was never a big deal to me but this time I wondered how far I actually walked throughtout the day. So I used my favoriate Gmaps Pedometer and learned that I walked a fair amount yestserday! While it wasn't all at once, I felt that if I wasn't running, at least I got some good walking in in addition to seeing my family and friends.

Do your thang honey!

2006-10-05T21:18:00.000-05:00

The week flew by and tomorrow will be a busy day. I am off to Baltimore for the weekend and will leave tomrorow at 12. So this afternoon I borrowed by roommates's iPod and off I went to City Island. Seven miles. I took a break yesterday from running so today I felt really refreshed as I ran--no knee pain even at the finish line.

I know that I need to purchase an iPod of my own. I'll get there. In the meantime my favorite song of the day from Yael's collection was Christina Aguilera's "Ain't no Man". Can't get it out of my head.

Danny, have a great trip to Cleveland.

Akiva, have a wonderful time in Israel.

Do night runs keep me up?

2006-10-04T09:23:00.000-05:00

So far this week I ran on Monday and Tuesday night. I have always been under the impression that exercising at night is not the best thing to do. Some people have told me this is a myth. However, I am starting to believe the myth has some truth. The Monday night run was done following a 25 hour fast--Yom Kippor. While the day was quite exhausting-it was more of a mental exhaustion and after a light break-fast I was ready for a run. We ran about 4 miles. It felt good to move around after praying all day. Then some of my upstairs neighbors decided they were making pancakes at midnight. I can't turn down pancakes and after leaving their apartment at about 1:30 I still wasn't ready for bed. That night I didn't go to sleep until about 3:30am. At the time I attributed my lack of sleepiness to the fact that it felt more like a Saturday night than a Monday night.

Last night I ran at about 10:00pm. Akiva and I decided that since it was going to be a short run we would pick up the pace. We did about 9:30 miles which for me was quite tiring--but it felt good. I think for the shorter runs I will try and keep this pace but for the longer runs I will slow it down a bit. Coming back from the run I felt energized and didn't go to sleep until after 2:30am.

I don't think these two nighttime runs can tell me if this myth is true or not. Perhaps I will investigate the matter more...

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,...SEVEN!

2006-09-29T10:25:00.000-05:00

Seven miles! It was rough start and for the last three tenths of a mile my knee started hurting but it was a good run. I think perhaps some adjustments could be made so that I might be better prepared for the next long run. Note to self: don't stay out until 3am drinking when you are runnning at 8:00am the next day. It wasn't terrible. I was just a little grumpy for the first mile. After about mile two I woke up and started to enjoy my surroundings. The run to City Island is beautiful. Each time I run by the water and look at all the trees I can't believe that it's the Bronx.

I'm still not sure how I will do thirteen miles in November but I'll just take it one run at a time. I think for now I will each lunch, finish up some work in the lab, and go take a nice long nap.

At 8am this morning....

2006-09-27T20:43:00.000-05:00

Just as the Nimbus 2000 allowed Harry Potter fly, so to my new Nimbus VIII shoes let me fly through my run. Well, not quite fly-but they definitely felt a lot better than my old shoes. We did about four and a half miles at about a ten-minute mile pace. I can't seem to run much faster than that yet but I think that I will have to eventually pick up the pace.

Looking forward to the rest tomorrow to prepare for the seven mile run on Friday.

If The Shoe Fits...

2006-09-26T23:43:00.000-05:00

I've been running in my Sketchers that I've had for at least four years. And while they give me blisters, that's about my only complaint during runs. Yesterday when I went for a run with the guys, there were complaints about knees, and shins, and there I was with the bad shoes--doing ok (well, my pinky toe hurt a bit from the shoes). So it was time for real running shoes. I went to this store where someone there watched how I walk and took the time to make sure that the shoes I was going to run in fit just right. I walked out of the stored with some ASICS^® GEL-Nimbus VIII. Here's hoping they're better than my Sketchers :).

New Year - New Resolution

2006-09-26T08:59:00.000-05:00

While I'm not new to the blog world, I am quite new to the world of running. It began about five weeks ago when I was having a bad day. A friend tried to get me out of my blah state by encouraging that we go for a run. It felt great! I didn't think I would be able to keep it up but here I am five weeks later and still running. So here's hoping there will be more runs and many more posts about them.