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Double Jackpot!

18 Feb

I have two exciting running updates to share:

1. I have a new PR!  Yesterday I ran in the Polar Bear Walk/Run for Autism 5K in Sea Isle City, NJ.  It. Was. COLD!  Still, I was able to crank out a 23:49, beating my old PR by :06.  (I ran a 23:55 five years ago and I’ve been chasing down that time unsuccessfully ever since.)

Image via Facebook.com

Image via Facebook.com

This race was a fabulous out and back on the promenade.  There was even a heated tent in which we passed the time before the start.  Here’s hoping the wind isn’t as brutal next year!  I’d love to do this one again.

2. I got into Broad Street!

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The email plopped itself into my inbox this morning.  This is the first year the Broad Street Run is registering runners through a lottery system.  Squeezing in more than 40,000 runners last year, it’s the largest 10-miler in the United States … and it certainly felt that way as we dodged runners all the way to the finish line last year!

Image via blogs.phillymag.com/bewellphilly

Image via blogs.phillymag.com/bewellphilly

The best part?  Mr. Dish and my (future) SIL got in, too!  Will I be able to beat my 10-miler PR of 1:28?  We shall see!

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Bumps and Bruises

12 Feb

Last weekend, the Poconos got walloped with its biggest snow event so far this winter. So naturally, it was also the weekend that all of our friends from high school planned to meet up in the Poconos for a 30th birthday celebration.

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Getting there was a challenge, but we all made it to our winter haven in one piece.

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Because I don’t really love skiing, and I would be that girl who tears her ACL on the slopes eight weeks before her wedding, I decided to stay behind in the cabin and hold down the fort. (Note: there was a fireplace, wine, and a hot tub in the cabin. Don’t feel bad for me.)

But before I settled in, I decided to go out for a short run in the winter wonderland.

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Of course, in the whipping wind and drifts of snow, I lost my footing and slammed my knee into the pavement. So much for “playing it safe.” I ended up with a sizeable bruise on my knee.

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Fortunately, that’s all it is – a bruise. I was able to run 10 miles the next day with no problem.  Still, this event got me thinking about getting some better winter running gear.  While I have lots of warm clothes and accessories, I really don’t have much in the way of traction.  Has anyone out there used any type of ice cleat, like these Kahtoola MICROSpikes grip crampons?

 

Image via gearjunkie.com

Image via gearjunkie.com

I love buying new running toys… especially if they make running safer!  Any winter gear suggestions?

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Friday Road Warriors

1 Feb

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Snow squalls moved in quickly this afternoon, bringing white out conditions along with it. When I stepped outside to gail force winds when I left for work I thought, “Thank goodness we ran early!”

Like last Friday, I met a few buddies from the gym for a 7 mile run this morning.  They are training for a half marathon in April, and I am training to fit into my wedding dress.  While it was windy and in the 20′s, the sunshine and conversation kept things moving along.  We ended up with around a 9:30 average pace.  Much faster than if I had run alone.  (Let alone a much longer distance.)

Four of us went out for coffee afterwards.  I feel a little guilty now, because we were definitely “that loud, sweaty table” at Dunkin Donuts.  We regaled one another with tales of embarrassing locker room moments, laughing until our sides hurt.

And people wonder why I love running…

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Winter Workout!

27 Dec

Today’s total body workout was brought to you by the holiday snow storm of 2012.

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About five inches of snow fell yesterday and overnight. Waking up to a winter wonderland reminded me if the days when I could spend all day playing in it!

Alas, I am a grown up. No snow day for me. Fortunately my snow duties turned into a workout before my work day.

Rather than dumbells, this was my equipment for this morning’s arm and shoulder workout:

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Apparently you can burn up to 400 calories in an hour while shoveling snow! That’s about how long it took me to clear my porch, walk, and car.

Once that was done, I realized I wasn’t ready to go inside just yet. The wind had died down and lots of folks were out and about. So I swapped my boots for running shoes.

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I forgot how much running in snow feels like running in sand. Not everyone had gotten around to shoveling yet! But I didn’t mind. I felt like a kid as I ran through the snowy sidewalks. (Many thanks to those who HAD cleared their walks!)

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Three miles later, I was finally ready to come in and warm up. I remember quite well… the best way to do that is with some hot chocolate!

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I hope everyone is enjoying this holiday week… and staying warm!

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Christmas Cheer!

26 Dec

I know Christmas isn’t all about presents… but it is fun to get them… and share them!

I got lots of great stuff, including housewares, clothes, and knitting supplies!

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Mr. Dish got me a lovely case for my needles and a book that will tell me everything I ever wanted to know about knitting and more!

He also got me this awesome mug:

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I got Mr. Dish a canvas of one of our favorite engagement pictures…

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Another gift I was pretty excited to give was this scarf for Mama Dish:

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I had trouble parting with this half merino wool, half silk lace scarf… but I know it’s going to a good home!

So that’s a glimpse into Christmas 2012. Bring on the new year!

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Top 10 Sights of the Philadelphia Marathon

20 Nov

My eighth marathon is in the books.  Sunday was a picture perfect running day, and Mama Dish and I had a great time running our respective races.

Finished!

Despite one MAJOR fail, (NO soft pretzels at the finish line) I think it was a fabulous race.  Here’s my Top 10 list:

10.  Clif Bar gel stops.  Once I realized I lost TWO of my four gels during the first few miles (darn safety pins) the kind folks handing out gels at several points during the race were a sight for sore eyes.

9. Dogs. There seemed to be an unusual amount of dogs out with their cheering owners.  Some barked, and some looked confused as to why so many crazy humans were all chasing each other and why aren’t we allowed to join too???

8. Adorable signs. I saw a man… standing alone… holding a stuffed hippo, which was holding a sign that said, “Stay Strong Stacy.”  If that’s not love, then I don’t know what is.

7. The Drexel Greek Crowd.  As we ran through Drexel’s campus, we passed several frat houses.  Wouldn’t you know there were guys and gals outside cheering.  Some looked a little hungover.  A few were (still?) drinking.  But God love ‘em they were out there at 8:00 a.m. on a Sunday morning.  Extra credit for all of you.

6. The Cheer Zone at Mile 11.  This group of people blasting music was no ordinary cheer section.  There was a man dressed as a unicorn, women in sequined cocktail dresses, and I think I high-fived a man with giant stuffed crab claws.  No bopping and clapping here.  These people were dancing as if they were in a night club.  Booty shaking = energy boost.

5. The 4:30 pace group. The middle miles were a struggle for me.  By mile 17 I was all over the road… flying, then shuffling.  I was having trouble concentrating and I was getting frustrated.  Then, I saw a runner holding that 4:30 sign with a few people in tow.  I’ve never run with a pace group before, but when I saw him it became my goal to stay with him.  And I did, all the way to the end.  While I did not finish in 4:30, having someone to pace me and keep me steady was a Godsend.  Thanks, Joe.

4. Yuengling in Manayunk. Manayunk is one of the most interesting parts of the course, and there’s lots of people out cheering.  As is tradition, people here set up their own beer stations, ready to hand out shots of beer as if it was water.  Most decline.  Normally I would, but in a moment of weakness I grabbed one, and down the hatch it went.  Probably not the best idea, but it tasted good all the same.

3. Snickers at Mile 22.  A young girl handed me something.  At first I thought it was a mirage.  A fun size Snickers?  Couldn’t be!  Oh, but it was.  And it was the most delicious Snickers bar I’ve ever eaten.

2.  NYC Would-be Marathoners.  I saw several runners with their New York Marathon bibs pinned to their backs, along with messages saying, “Thanks, Philly.”  The Philadelphia Marathon opened up 3,000 spots to runners registered for New York after the race was cancelled because of Hurricane Sandy.  It was a nice gesture, and it made me happy to see it did not go unappreciated.

1.  The finish line.  Never gets old.

Taken moments after crossing the finish line in 4:39.

The medal isn’t too shabby, either.

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Oh right, *that* marathon…

16 Nov

I didn’t exactly forget that I was running the Philadelphia Marathon this weekend, but I’ve kind of been living life as if I weren’t.  Sure, I did my long runs.  16 three weeks ago, then 10, then six… but very few shorter runs and I’ve all but fallen off the yoga/strength training bandwagon.

(I went to yoga class for the first time in two weeks on Wednesday and I thought I was going to get kicked out for falling over too much.)

Work and wedding planning have completely taken over.  A fabulous way to start the holidays if I ever saw one.  (Will I be a horrible person if everyone gets gift cards for Christmas?  Don’t answer that.)

So in a way, this marathon couldn’t come at a better time.  The idea of 4+ hours on the road with nothing else to do but put one foot in front of the other while taking it all in sounds like heaven.

Because work and wedding-related duties will monopolize my Saturday, I won’t be able to attend the expo.  This saddens me, because I really do love race expos.  It’s where the excitement really builds!  Fortunately, Mama Dish did go to the expo and picked up my race materials  for me.

Thanks, Mom!

As you may recall, Mama Dish is running the half.  Because of a recent ankle injury, she is planning to run the race conservatively.  She enjoys having both ankles fully functioning.

Philly was my first marathon in 2008.  I’m really looking forward to running it again, four years and seven full marathons later.

Me after finishing Philly in ’08… standing in front of the baggage bus… eating a soft pretzel.

Good luck to my fellow Philly runners this weekend!  Do it for the pretzels!

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Cancelled.

2 Nov

Within the past hour, we learned the ING NYC Marathon has been cancelled.  The event, scheduled for this Sunday, would have brought tens of thousands of runners onto the streets of New York… less than a week after Hurricane Sandy ravaged the city.  More than a million people are still without power.

Image via NewYorkDailyNews.com

Mayor Bloomburg and the New York Road Runners at first made the controversial decision to hold the marathon.  This decision was met with vehement outcry.  Now, instead of runners wondering, “How the heck are they going to pull this off?” they’re wondering, “Now what?”

As a runner, I can understand the desire to run it anyway if the race were still on.  Months of hard work, early mornings, and hours on the roads, away from your family.  Especially for a first-time marathoner, the news of cancellation could be crushing.

All that being said… while the residents of New York City can fault race organizers (or runners) for continuing on with the race, I don’t think a runner can possibly fault the organizers for cancelling the race.  The resources, personnel, and energy that are used to run a major city marathon are clearly needed for recovery efforts.  I know if I were running, I would feel horribly guilty as the miles ticked by.  I’d feel as if I were imposing upon people who have had no power or heat for a week.

I do have a few friends who are signed up for NYC (I was not) who received very mean messages from people… because they were still going to run.  Some expected runners not to show up in protest.  I think that’s a little harsh.  The runners did not cause the storm or the destruction.  I know many runners planned to donate money and goods when they made their trip to the Big Apple.  Runners, as a group, tend to have the utmost respect for the miles they cover and the places which allow them to do so.

There’s no word if the marathon will be postponed, or if registrations will be deferred to next year.  Either way, I hope the decision not to hold the race this weekend has eased the minds of New Yorkers and runners… and aids in the recovery the city so desperately needs.

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The “Ultimate Bridal Body”?

1 Nov

Yesterday I got an email from theknot.com with this in the subject line:

“Only a Few More Months to Get the Ultimate Bridal Body!”

Upon opening said email, this is the picture that appeared:

Image via theknot.com

So, is this email implying that I DON’T have the “ultimate bridal body?”

This email really struck a nerve.  I seem to have a love/hate relationship with the folks at The Knot. On one hand, it is a great bridal resource and I find myself visiting the website if I have an etiquette question or just for some inspiration.  On the other hand, every time I get an email from The Knot I get stressed out.  (Maybe I just need to somehow opt of these emails.  Must investigate that.)

For instance: Inside this particular email the headline reads, “Want to look ridiculously good on your wedding day?”

OK I don’t think I’ve ever been to a wedding where the bride DOESN’T look ridiculously good.  Have you EVER been to wedding and thought to yourself when the bride appears…. “Eh.  She looks OK…” ???  (If the answer is yes, you have no soul.)

Second, look at the above picture.  The only way I’d ever look like that is if I ate carrots and only carrots until April.  Sure, she’s gorgeous.  But I’m not going to starve myself or work out obsessively to drop down to a size 2… only to gain it all back during the honeymoon.

Third, I’ve always viewed fitness as a lifestyle.  I love exercising, but I’m not going to let it dominate my life until April 6.  I don’t have the time to do that even if I wanted to!  I love the way being fit makes me feel, and if I had to walk down that aisle tomorrow, I’d be ready and raring to go.  I’m thankful that I feel that way.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ll probably try to “be good” in the weeks leading up to the wedding in an effort to look and feel my very best.  You only get one chance to wear that dress, after all!  But I fully intend on enjoying the holidays.  This wedding will not keep me away from pumpkin pie and Christmas cookies.  (It certainly won’t affect Mr. Dish’s eating habits!)

There was a time in my life when I might have crash dieted and worked out for hours everyday to look stick thin in my dress.  But I’m at an age and in a mindset where I know better.  When I am walking down the aisle, I’m not going to be thinking about what size I am or if my arms are toned enough.

So bridal industry… please stop telling us brides to lose weight.  If a bride decides to do so, it is her personal choice.  And if she doesn’t, she will still look “ridiculously good” … and ridiculously in love on her wedding day.

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Double the Miles, Double the Fun!

12 Oct

Months and months ago, before all the hot, sweaty training runs, I wrote a post weighing the pros and cons of the Steamtown Marathon vs. the Philadelphia Marathon.  I actually considered running both races, which are six weeks apart.  But I erred on the side of caution and stuck with Steamtown.

Well, now that I’ve survived the scenic 26.2 mile trek through NEPA, I have a confession to make:  I am signed up for the Philadelphia Marathon, too!

Image via press.visitphilly.com

It was an accident, I swear.  Here’s how it all went down:

  • April:  Sign up for Steamtown.  Decide that will be my only full this year.
  • June:  Convince Mama Dish she should run another half this fall.  Tell her I will run the Philly Half  with her in November, because my Steamtown training will be over.
  • July: Mama Dish signs up for Philly Half.  I procrastinate.
  • August:  I fall and injure my knee.
  • September:  Philly Half sells out.
  • Later in September: As my knee starts to feel better, I notice the Philly Full still has spots available.  I bite the bullet and sign up.

My initial idea was to sign up and just finish at the half point with Mama Dish.  (which is still a possibility.)  But who am I kidding?  I’m signed up for a marathon that I was thinking about running anyway, and I’m injury free after marathon #1.  Of COURSE I’m going to go for the whole thing.  It’s kind of the best of both worlds: I’ll still get to run the half with my mom, and if all goes well, I’ll have my EIGHTH marathon medal… from a race I love, to boot!

Time will be inconsequential, so I will really just try to relax and enjoy it.  So… anyone have any training tips on running two fulls six weeks apart?

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