New blues

I laced up my new blue Brooks shoes and got out there to do my medium long run. These shoes feel SO much more cushiony than the pair I needed to retire :( I tried relaxing and eased into a nice pace. It felt like a crisp, autumnal day, and I ended up running all the way to North Berkeley. At the turn around point, there was an incredible view of the bay, SF skyline, and Golden Gate bridge--wow!

URD

Today was an unscheduled rest day (URD) because the phlegm in my throat and gunk in my legs refused to get out & crank out the miles; they were telling me to rest up before the final two weeks of tough workouts. SO close, yet so far, eh?!

On the positive side, I'm already feeling a bit better, and I'll try my very, very best not to set any records during tomorrow's medium long run ;) However, I will lace up my new pair of blue Brooks because I think I deserve the extra spring in my steps!

The big five-one

Because I ran 51 miles this week, I now feel as if I've made it over the running hill! Of course, for what it's worth, Olympics-level distance runners typically run over 100 miles per week.

Yesterday's 20 miler was challenging. With just over a month before New York, I could blame my legs for being tired or the heat in Walnut Creek, but I really think that something was wrong with my tummy :( The TMI--I had some cramping plus a not-so-fun bathroom stop. But after all that, I was able to finish the last portion of the pace miles in good form. I'm proud that I stuck with it, and the workout was a great reminder that not every day of training is smooth or ideal.

In gear news, my beloved Salomon hydration fanny pack, which has been a staple of my running gear for 5 years, is thrashed (seams are ripped apart), and I might need to replace it soon. My Brooks shoes are also quite worn down, and I've started to rotate in an older (yet less worn down) pair of Brooks. But really, it's about time to start training in my marathon Brooks (Adrenalines again, but a nice new blue!). Finally, I splurged on a new running skirt because they're so darn comfortable...I'll post pictures when it arrives!

1 week, 1 day

That translates to 36 days till the start of the NYC marathon!

I think I could list 36 things that fire me up about this race, but I'll just mention that I'm eager to taper, carbo-load on east coast bagels, see some incredible views, hear some wonderful cheers, and give snuggle wuggles to my nephew, Z. Awww :)

Tomorrow's run should be a feisty one--warm temperatures & 20 miles with 7 at pace!

Small things with great love

The super talented husband & wife distance runners, Ryan (Olympic marathon runner) and Sara Hall, just started a charity supporting programs that promote better lives for poor and underserved kids in the U.S. and abroad...Nice work, Ryan and Sara Hall!

For more information: http://www.runningnetwork.com/read_new/ryan-and-sara-hall-announce-formation-hall-steps-foundation

Tenderized

During every marathon training cycle, there seems to come a point when your legs feel like they've been marinated and pounded, thoroughly ready to be charred. During today's 80 minute recovery run (probably a bit long for a post-track workout recovery run) my legs felt a bit tenderized. Hmm, I'm hoping that some extra protein, water, rest, and foam rolling will help them recover prior to Saturday's LONG pace run :O

Note: My Memu (maternal grandmother), who was supremely athletic & had great endurance for her age (she loved long swims and walks in her 70s and 80s), always referred to muscles as meat. She would joke with me that my strong legs would make delicious steaks :)