Tag: marathon

From 2009 into 2010: Places, races & goals

1

In terms of my athletic goals and experiences, 2009 has been an excellent year. (It’s been a great year for other reasons as well, just not necessarily central to this blog :)). I have met some of the coolest runners and triathletes,  some of which I have been fortunate to develop relationships with, others who passed through my life for a day, as I did through theirs. So many smiles, so many words of encouragement. Peace, love and light to all of you in 2010! I’ve enjoyed interacting with all of you here on my blog, on twitter, at races …

The Streets of Philadelphia

1

My husband John, my sister-in-law Tracy, and I ran the Philadelphia Marathon yesterday, along with 7,465 other marathon finishers. The Philly was Tracy’s first marathon ever. For John and I, this was the first race we’ve ever done with more than 1,000 entrants. Including the half marathon and the 8k, there were about 15,000 runners in yesterday’s events. The last race I ran had about 600 runners. The collective energy of that many runners along with the thousands of spectators was invigorating, contributing mightily to a successful race day for all three of us. Philadelphia is a special place for …

Three dogs, one beautiful morning, and 14 miles of flow

 Shady, one of my three dogs, woke me at 5:30 a.m. She was whining because she needed to use the doggie restroom, a.k.a., outside. She was ahead of my alarm clock’s schedule, which wasn’t set to go off until 6 a.m.    As I shuffled to put on some warmer clothes to take them outside, my dogs clustered around me. Mag’s tail banged loudly against the wall as he waited (impatiently) for me to be ready to take them outside and feed them. One of Mag’s nicknames is Mag-the-Wag because we are hard-pressed to find a time when that tail …

Satisfying the demands of reason and emotion through gradual adaptation and 1% improvements

2

I’m antsy. I’ve got work to do.   It’s been a week since the half iron distance triathlon. The soreness has faded. The feeling of accomplishment is there, but I can’t help feeling that I want to do better, go faster, be stronger. My basic goal for the triathlon was 6 hours, and while I accomplished that goal with a time of 5:55;37, I secretly (or not so secretly) wished I would do better–like 5:45 would have been great. I had wanted to place in my age group, but was 4th (by over a minute). My rational mind knows that I …

Dreams, courage, and guts

1

There is no telling how many miles you will have to run while chasing a dream.  ~Author Unknown I rolled over and looked at the clock. It read 4:15. The alarm hadn’t gone off yet because I had set it for 4:30 a.m. John was sleeping, so I tried to be as quiet as possible as I headed to the bathroom to start getting ready for the day. I looked out the hotel window: rain. As I brushed my teeth in the darkness, I thought about what was in store for us that day: John would be running his first ultramarathon: …

It’s the most wonderful time of the year: Marathon Season!

4

As the weather gets cooler, the distances get longer. That’s right, people: it’s marathon season. While you can find a marathon during any time of this year, the fall season has a many, many options. And, there are also plentiful options for other racing distances: half marathons, 10 miles, 10K, 5k – and for those who really love endurance – ultras (50K or more). Recently, I was tweeting with a fellow runner (runningtops) who asked for tips for first time marathon runners. I offered her some of the tips that I thought worked well for me. Then, it occurred to me: perhaps …

Enjoy what the body can do

I read a profound statement in my friend Lorin’s blog the other day (VeganAsana: Adventures in Veganism and Yoga): “Wouldn’t it be great to always be in that place – to just live in the body and enjoy what it can do and be instead of critiquing what it is not?” I’ve been touched by the line since I read it, and have thought much about it. It’s reminded me about my long history of trouble with body image–and the lessons I have learned about my body from exercise and endurance training. I have had body issues of varying sorts since I was a young …

Running home: Atlantic City Boardwalk Run

5

For today’s long run (18 miles), I headed to the Atlantic City Boardwalk at 5:30 a.m. Last summer, I ran all of my long runs on the Boardwalk; this summer, I’ve done all of my long runs in the Pine Barrens, where my Half Ironman will be set. But, you know, I missed the Boardwalk. There is so much more to Atlantic City than casinos, and when I run the boardwalk I can feel a positive energy that makes me want to move. I feel like a runner when I’m cruising down the boards. For long runs, I travel on foot …

Marathons are a gateway drug

2

This time last year, I was about one month into a marathon training plan. I was preparing for my first marathon, the Atlantic City Marathon. Prior to this experience, I had only raced in a 10 mile event and maybe one or two 5Ks for charities that I supported. But, for the most part, I just ran–and had been a runner since I was 13 years old. I didn’t compete. It was what I did to stay fit, and I really enjoyed the peace and fulfillment of a good run. As we grow older, we may begin to take the …

My First Marathon

4

I ran my first marathon on October 19, 2008. The 50th Annual Atlantic City Marathon was a small event with just 250 runners. It was perfect for my entrance into the experience of marathon running. The course was my home turf. I spent the summer and early fall of 2008 completing my long runs up and down the Atlantic City Boardwalk, with the ocean as a constant companion. Other “companions” included the bleary eyed gamblers leaving the dark hole of the casino floor for a quick smoke in the early morning hours, a group of older gentlemen who met in front of the Ocean …