I will leave this post with an image of my week 2 Wednesday morning breakfast - an example of carb loading at it's finest. Coconut cashew chocolate chip pancakes from Friendly Toast in Kendall Square. Absolutely, amazing!
 |
Friday, February 25, 2011
Carbs: A Girl's Best Friend
There are many great things about running I've come to appreciate over the years. The high after a great run, the sense of accomplishment after reaching a personal goal, the rewards of hard work and dedication. But one outweighs the rest, and that is carb loading.
Ok, maybe it isn't the greatest part of running, but it sure ranks high on the list. Training for an endurance event is like a free pass to carb city. Physically, your body needs carbs for energy and to fuel workouts. It only takes one run to realize what it feels like when you haven't eaten enough carbs. When I trained for my half marathon last fall, soon into the training I thought, "This is great! I pretty much have to eat Brueggers Bagels on a regular basis!"
I will leave this post with an image of my week 2 Wednesday morning breakfast - an example of carb loading at it's finest. Coconut cashew chocolate chip pancakes from Friendly Toast in Kendall Square. Absolutely, amazing!
I will leave this post with an image of my week 2 Wednesday morning breakfast - an example of carb loading at it's finest. Coconut cashew chocolate chip pancakes from Friendly Toast in Kendall Square. Absolutely, amazing!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Toe Caps... Who'd have thought?
One thing for sure is that understanding your body as a runner and the experimenting with different type of gear is half the battle. I still remember running a 5K in high school with completely inappropriate trail running shoes which were all wrong. At that point I picked the sneaker that I thought looked the coolest, with no attention to whether it was actually the right shoe for my foot and body. I ended that race in extreme pain from shin splits, with no understanding why. 'I must not have trained hard enough. My body isn't responding! I'm frustrated!'
Little did I know it was the wrong sneaker for me. It didn't take long for me to realize that when you have the wrong fit or support, your body is working double time. Running is hard enough on the body, the key is finding a shoe that works for and not against you!
I have listed some of the gear I could not run without. I have come upon many of these simply through trial and error.
My must haves for winter running:
Toe caps are little silicon coverings that slip over your toe to protect the nail. Black toe (it's as pleasant as it sounds) results from the nail constantly pressing against some part of your shoe - either the front if your sneakers are too short, or the bottom, if your toes have a tendency to grip or claw the bottom with each stride (which is what I was doing) Toe caps are amazing! It's the little finds like this that make me (and any runner) very happy.
That concludes Week 1 of training. Time to eat! Tonight's menu: garlic and pepper marinated pork loin (from Meat House yum!), brussel sprouts and homemade asparagus risotto. And yes, one of the best parts of running is eating! After all, they say your workout is not complete until you've refueled. I've got that part down!
Little did I know it was the wrong sneaker for me. It didn't take long for me to realize that when you have the wrong fit or support, your body is working double time. Running is hard enough on the body, the key is finding a shoe that works for and not against you!
I have listed some of the gear I could not run without. I have come upon many of these simply through trial and error.
My must haves for winter running:
- Ear band, gloves (they make you look fast, it's a fact), running tights, tissues (stuff them in sleeve).
- Non-cotton socks - My feet have never been happier (and dryer)
- Toe Caps - if you know what black toe it, these are little pieces of heaven
- Brooks Adrenaline, Narrow - 1 whole size bigger than I wear in a dress shoe
- Wicking Base layer
- Wicking Mid-layer (the zipper helps when you inevitably feel over heated)
Toe caps are little silicon coverings that slip over your toe to protect the nail. Black toe (it's as pleasant as it sounds) results from the nail constantly pressing against some part of your shoe - either the front if your sneakers are too short, or the bottom, if your toes have a tendency to grip or claw the bottom with each stride (which is what I was doing) Toe caps are amazing! It's the little finds like this that make me (and any runner) very happy.
That concludes Week 1 of training. Time to eat! Tonight's menu: garlic and pepper marinated pork loin (from Meat House yum!), brussel sprouts and homemade asparagus risotto. And yes, one of the best parts of running is eating! After all, they say your workout is not complete until you've refueled. I've got that part down!
Monday, February 14, 2011
First Team Saturday Run
Laying in bed Friday night, I felt like a kid on the eve of the first day of school. I'll admit it, I was excited for the first team run the next morning! I had all my gear out and ready. I woke up the next morning, ate my trusted bagel, got ready and was out the door by 7:30am to catch the T. There were more people out and about than I would have thought. I guess 7:30 isn't that early.
We all met at 8am in Back Bay at BSC. What a gym! I couldn't believe how big it is! Before our run, we gathered in a room and had our first clinic. Shane from Marathon Sports gave a great talk on proper footwear, apparel and gear.
Some things I thought were interesting:
After some stretching and visiting with my new teammates post-run, everyone slowly started trickling out. I headed to Marathon Sports, to check out their 30% off sale on winter apparel. Shane's 'informational session' clearly had an impact, and hey, I can't resist a sale. I was in need of a running jacket, which I had been thinking about getting to round out my winter/spring running wear. It blocks the wind and rain, and is light weight so you can wear it over a mid layer, or even just a base layer as the weather warms up.
When I arrived at the store, half the team was there! Everyone was stocking up on tops, compression tights, jackets, sneakers. One thing's for sure, we'll all be looking good on our next run!
We all met at 8am in Back Bay at BSC. What a gym! I couldn't believe how big it is! Before our run, we gathered in a room and had our first clinic. Shane from Marathon Sports gave a great talk on proper footwear, apparel and gear.
Some things I thought were interesting:
- Cotton is the runner's worst enemy (it absorbs and holds moisture = makes you feel wet and uncomfortable while running)
- The ideal running form is like that of a marching solider, straight up and down, rather than leaning forward. Leaning puts your weight over your knees in an unnatural way and could lead to pain.
- Your knee should track directly over your ankle with each stride. This prevents injury and knee/leg/foot pain.
After some stretching and visiting with my new teammates post-run, everyone slowly started trickling out. I headed to Marathon Sports, to check out their 30% off sale on winter apparel. Shane's 'informational session' clearly had an impact, and hey, I can't resist a sale. I was in need of a running jacket, which I had been thinking about getting to round out my winter/spring running wear. It blocks the wind and rain, and is light weight so you can wear it over a mid layer, or even just a base layer as the weather warms up.
When I arrived at the store, half the team was there! Everyone was stocking up on tops, compression tights, jackets, sneakers. One thing's for sure, we'll all be looking good on our next run!
Week 1: Let's Get This Party Started!
This is it, time to get organized and plan out my week. Sixteen weeks sounds like an awful lot, but as I looked over the training schedule it didn't seem that long! The whole thing pretty much fit on one page! Maybe I was over reacting. But I had a slight anxious feeling of 'I need more time! We need more weeks of training, the schedule looks too short!' After I came to my senses and realized the schedule was in fact a full 16 weeks, I calmed down. I tend to over react at the onset of a large project or challenge, and think I need double the time it will actually take to complete. I've come to appreciate the fact that this it's how I'm wired. No one's perfect.
The training schedule as laid out by TNT consists of 2 strength training days, 2 cross training days, 1 easy run day, 1 long run day, and one rest day. Week one, my plan was as follows:
Sunday: Easy run
Monday: Cross train at the gym
Tuesday: Pilates
Wednesday: Cross train at the gym
Thursday: Pilates
Friday: Rest
Saturday: Group long run
I followed my week one schedule pretty close. The only modification was that I swapped out Wednesday's cross training day with a third Pilates class (optional makeup class for the ones we missed because of the weather). Pilates three days in a row was hard! I felt great Tue and Wed, but come Thursday my body was saying, 'this again?!?' As my teacher says "bring the mind in" and "do the breath". But on the third day I found it more difficult to focus and remain in the moment which is important in Pilates.
Other than that, I stuck to the schedule and come Friday was ready for my day off!
The training schedule as laid out by TNT consists of 2 strength training days, 2 cross training days, 1 easy run day, 1 long run day, and one rest day. Week one, my plan was as follows:
Sunday: Easy run
Monday: Cross train at the gym
Tuesday: Pilates
Wednesday: Cross train at the gym
Thursday: Pilates
Friday: Rest
Saturday: Group long run
I followed my week one schedule pretty close. The only modification was that I swapped out Wednesday's cross training day with a third Pilates class (optional makeup class for the ones we missed because of the weather). Pilates three days in a row was hard! I felt great Tue and Wed, but come Thursday my body was saying, 'this again?!?' As my teacher says "bring the mind in" and "do the breath". But on the third day I found it more difficult to focus and remain in the moment which is important in Pilates.
Other than that, I stuck to the schedule and come Friday was ready for my day off!
Team in Training Summer 2011 Kick off Event - Boston University
It was a bleak Saturday morning, Boston has just been dumped on with snow again for the third time, but that didn't deter my excitement as I walked to the kick off meeting. I would meet my coach (sometimes I think I'm on MTV's MADE), mentors, and teammates (aka the people I'm banking on to get me through this!). I signed in and was pleasantly surprised when they handed me a T shirt given out to those running the San Diego Marathon. I love free T-shirts! Things were off to a good start.
Vendors lined the perimeter of the gym, with chairs set up in the middle. I took a seat and soon started chatting with two other first time marathoners who were on the Boston team as well. I was immediately put at ease and I didn't feel like I was the only newbie to marathon running. We looked over the training schedule, talked about our current workout routines, discussed sneaker preferences... you know, the usual. The event began with a presentation on LLS, and the impact our decision to sign up will make on patient care and research.
Then, two cancer survivors told their stories. It was the first time I had heard the concept of "two birthdays". The first is their actual birthday, and the second is the date of their successful bone marrow transplant, when they began their second chance at life. Both women were in their early to mid 30s, both mothers and wives, and both blindsided by their diagnosis. Seemingly "healthy" individuals, they were transported from their everyday lives to the world of cancer treatment in a matter of hours. They learned that what they had thought was a severe sinus infection or flu was actually much worse. Both now are cancer free - which is truly a miracle. This made it all very real, and very inspiring at the same time!
I left with my training schedule in hand. This was it - time to get moving!
Vendors lined the perimeter of the gym, with chairs set up in the middle. I took a seat and soon started chatting with two other first time marathoners who were on the Boston team as well. I was immediately put at ease and I didn't feel like I was the only newbie to marathon running. We looked over the training schedule, talked about our current workout routines, discussed sneaker preferences... you know, the usual. The event began with a presentation on LLS, and the impact our decision to sign up will make on patient care and research.
Then, two cancer survivors told their stories. It was the first time I had heard the concept of "two birthdays". The first is their actual birthday, and the second is the date of their successful bone marrow transplant, when they began their second chance at life. Both women were in their early to mid 30s, both mothers and wives, and both blindsided by their diagnosis. Seemingly "healthy" individuals, they were transported from their everyday lives to the world of cancer treatment in a matter of hours. They learned that what they had thought was a severe sinus infection or flu was actually much worse. Both now are cancer free - which is truly a miracle. This made it all very real, and very inspiring at the same time!
I left with my training schedule in hand. This was it - time to get moving!
Let the Fundraising Begin!
That following Monday, after excitedly telling my family and friends all about my new challenge, I was emailed my fundraising page and went right to work. I personalized my page and began sending it out via email to everyone I knew. Listen up everyone, I've decided to run a marathon! I might be crazy, but I need your support! Donate on my fundraising page today! OK, so I was a tad less blunt but I wasted no time getting the word out and asking people to support me and the worthy cause I was running for - the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS).
Many people in my "network" were already familiar with this cause. Sadly, my sorority sister passed away from Leukemia at the age of 23. All of us college friends followed her battle, as chronicled by her family on a amazing website which is now the site for a foundation whose efforts support patients like her. I feel proud that I am able to contribute to these efforts through my fundraising as well.
Many people in my "network" were already familiar with this cause. Sadly, my sorority sister passed away from Leukemia at the age of 23. All of us college friends followed her battle, as chronicled by her family on a amazing website which is now the site for a foundation whose efforts support patients like her. I feel proud that I am able to contribute to these efforts through my fundraising as well.
One thing I quickly learned once I started identifying my network of people to reach out to, is that I have a big network! My extended family alone on both sides (and significant others - have to include them in the fundraising efforts!) accounted for around 60 people! What a lucky girl I am! Others in my network included friends near and far, some I hadn't even been in contact with for a while. I figured better to include everyone, even those I haven't connected with in some time, because I'd be happy to support someone who reached out and hoped they felt the same!
Other groups I included in my outreach were co-workers, alumni groups, current members of my sorority, facebook friends, and my parents' and sister's co-workers and friends. I also reached out to my gym to see if they support members for events like this, and the CEO committed $50.00! Donations can come from just about anywhere, you just have to ask.
Other groups I included in my outreach were co-workers, alumni groups, current members of my sorority, facebook friends, and my parents' and sister's co-workers and friends. I also reached out to my gym to see if they support members for events like this, and the CEO committed $50.00! Donations can come from just about anywhere, you just have to ask.
At The Start
What made me sign on for my first marathon? Well, it was for a couple of reasons. One, I've enjoyed running for several years. I am not a new runner, but definitely not marathon endurance level. I've run a 15K road race in my hometown for 7 years through college and after, and this was really my first taste of distance running. It was without a doubt a slow progression to that level. I still remember finishing my first 5K race sophomore year of high school when I was really new to running, thinking, 'No way could I ever triple that!'
What is that saying, practice makes perfect? Well I hadn't exactly reached perfect yet. But I did stick with it recreationally, until that fateful summer between my freshman and sophomore years of college when my good friend Kassie turned to me as we finished up a leisurely jog around the neighborhood and said, 'Let's train for the 15K!' Me, taken slightly aback thought, 'This is really nice idea Kassie and I appreciate the thought, but really? Run 9 miles? I was planning on a nice relaxing summer...'
Believe it or not, we did it. We trained that summer and ran together all 9.3 miles to the finish which I had only ever watched on TV, wondering how it was possible. We completed our goal - what a great feeling! I still attribute my emergence into running to Kassie and that crazy idea of hers. Granted that first year I couldn't walk for the rest of the day following the race, and was laid up in bed feeling pretty bad (probably from dehydration), but it was a great feeling nonetheless. It's funny thinking back on my early days of running. How far I've come!
Another reason for signing up for a marathon was I was looking for the next big challenge. Something to commit myself to and nurture overtime to meet an ultimate goal. Having finished the Boston half marathon this past October in just under 2 hours, I entertained the thought of someday training for a marathon. But soon after convinced myself otherwise. But a part of me always thought, 'Come on! How great would it be to finish a marathon? It might be do-able, just double the training you did for the half!'
It was the first time I actually wrapped my head around the idea of completing 26.2 miles. I knew what I did for the half, and assumed if I doubled it - doubled the length of training, mileage, and commitment - it might be possible. It was a revelation of sorts, to think what you once perceived as impossible ('I have no idea how people could do that'), to understanding a path by which it may be achievable. Still on the fence and not 100% committed to the idea, I put it to rest for a while. Then on January 22nd, things changed.
My final reason for signing up for a marathon and ultimately the deciding factor, was learning about the Leukemia and Lymphoma's Team in Training program. I had heard about it before, but wasn't really sure what it was all about. I went on their website to learn more and was really taken aback at the program, and how it helps you meet a lifetime goal while raising funds for patients battling life threatening diseases. At that point I was moved, but not yet ready to sign on for a marathon (I'm a thinker, and not easily moved to action by my emotions!).
I then started seeing ads on the T and decided to attend an informational session in January 2011. After hearing in person about the program and speaking with alumni, I had made up my mind. I had actually signed up for a marathon - the San Diego Marathon on June 5th - and was responsible for raising a lot of money along the way - WOW!
This was one of the moments in my life where my gut was shouting at me, "Do it!" and I recognized and acted on it. My mind was frantically running through the logistics, 'Would I have enough time, am I ready to take on this commitment, what will I have to sacrifice to make this happen, am I ready to put my body through this?' I surprised myself that day, not expecting to actually commit before thinking it over a little more. All I can say is, I went with my gut!
What is that saying, practice makes perfect? Well I hadn't exactly reached perfect yet. But I did stick with it recreationally, until that fateful summer between my freshman and sophomore years of college when my good friend Kassie turned to me as we finished up a leisurely jog around the neighborhood and said, 'Let's train for the 15K!' Me, taken slightly aback thought, 'This is really nice idea Kassie and I appreciate the thought, but really? Run 9 miles? I was planning on a nice relaxing summer...'
Believe it or not, we did it. We trained that summer and ran together all 9.3 miles to the finish which I had only ever watched on TV, wondering how it was possible. We completed our goal - what a great feeling! I still attribute my emergence into running to Kassie and that crazy idea of hers. Granted that first year I couldn't walk for the rest of the day following the race, and was laid up in bed feeling pretty bad (probably from dehydration), but it was a great feeling nonetheless. It's funny thinking back on my early days of running. How far I've come!
Another reason for signing up for a marathon was I was looking for the next big challenge. Something to commit myself to and nurture overtime to meet an ultimate goal. Having finished the Boston half marathon this past October in just under 2 hours, I entertained the thought of someday training for a marathon. But soon after convinced myself otherwise. But a part of me always thought, 'Come on! How great would it be to finish a marathon? It might be do-able, just double the training you did for the half!'
It was the first time I actually wrapped my head around the idea of completing 26.2 miles. I knew what I did for the half, and assumed if I doubled it - doubled the length of training, mileage, and commitment - it might be possible. It was a revelation of sorts, to think what you once perceived as impossible ('I have no idea how people could do that'), to understanding a path by which it may be achievable. Still on the fence and not 100% committed to the idea, I put it to rest for a while. Then on January 22nd, things changed.
My final reason for signing up for a marathon and ultimately the deciding factor, was learning about the Leukemia and Lymphoma's Team in Training program. I had heard about it before, but wasn't really sure what it was all about. I went on their website to learn more and was really taken aback at the program, and how it helps you meet a lifetime goal while raising funds for patients battling life threatening diseases. At that point I was moved, but not yet ready to sign on for a marathon (I'm a thinker, and not easily moved to action by my emotions!).
I then started seeing ads on the T and decided to attend an informational session in January 2011. After hearing in person about the program and speaking with alumni, I had made up my mind. I had actually signed up for a marathon - the San Diego Marathon on June 5th - and was responsible for raising a lot of money along the way - WOW!
This was one of the moments in my life where my gut was shouting at me, "Do it!" and I recognized and acted on it. My mind was frantically running through the logistics, 'Would I have enough time, am I ready to take on this commitment, what will I have to sacrifice to make this happen, am I ready to put my body through this?' I surprised myself that day, not expecting to actually commit before thinking it over a little more. All I can say is, I went with my gut!
Sarah's Mile
Hello and welcome to my blog!
My name is Sarah and I live in Boston, MA. I'm a transplant to the city and originate from New York. I'm training for my first marathon and have created this blog as a way to keep a record of my training and preparation over the next four months. I want to track my progress and log what works for me and what does not, so that my running life is long and prospers!
'The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.' ~John Bingham
My name is Sarah and I live in Boston, MA. I'm a transplant to the city and originate from New York. I'm training for my first marathon and have created this blog as a way to keep a record of my training and preparation over the next four months. I want to track my progress and log what works for me and what does not, so that my running life is long and prospers!
'The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.' ~John Bingham
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)