Healthy Life Happy Wife

About a week and a half ago, I ran the NYC Half Marathon for the second year in a row.  Check out my recap from last year’s NYC Half Marathon.

I decided to wait to do the recap since I figured all of you would be bombarded by races recaps the week following the race (just kidding…I’m just a procrastinator).  Either way, my race recap is here!

Let’s start from the day before, shall we?

Saturday, March 17, 2013 – The Day Before the Race (AKA St. Patty’s Day)

11AM – BLC and I made our way into the city from Brooklyn to pick up my bib at the Expo.  It was in a different place than last year which, to be honest, wasn’t a great choice IMHO.

This year, it was across the street from Penn Station.  On St. Patty’s Day.  So BLC and I basically weaved in and out of drunk people dressed in green before we could even get into the building.  It also got me hyped for an Irish Car Bomb…but I digress.

I should also mention that I work in NYC.  I could have easily picked my bib up on Thursday or Friday after work.  But I didn’t.  Because I am a procrastinator (see above).  So I really shouldn’t complain

The expo was nothing to write home about but I did pick up a green Sparkly Soul band to get into the St. Patty’s Day spirit.

The swag bag included hair conditioner (?) and some iced tea mix.  I’m pretty sure the only addition last year were a few PowerBar Gels which I would have appreciated but at the end of the race they gave everyone NYC Half drawstring bags.  So if they replaced the gels with the bag – I approve!

BLC and I left the expo, headed home, changed into green clothes and went out to celebrate the wonderful holiday that makes people think it is okay to get wasted during the day.

Yes.  I did go out the day before my half marathon.  The half marathon that I did not really train for very well.  & yes, I did drink quite a bit too much.  But it may be my new strategy.  Intrigued?  Let’s continue.

We got to our friend, Michelle’s apartment around 2PM, and had a beer and a shot while waiting for another friend.  After everyone had arrived, we went across the street to get pizza (to soak up all the booze, clearly).  I got a plain slice, ate half of BLC’s second slice and washed it down with a Guiness.  Because it was St. Patty’s Day.

After that we went to an Irish pub called Molly’s.  Word to the wise, don’t go to an Irish pub on St.Patty’s Day unless you don’t want to move and you want to pay $10 for a draught of Guiness.  We got a drink there because we were waiting for another friend but we immediately left after our first drink.  For those of you keeping tabs, I had an Irish Car Bomb.  Because it was St. Patty’s Day.

We literally walked to the bar next door and continued our celebration.  Shots were bought, beers were drank, conversation (albeit over very loud Irish music) was had and overall I had a pretty excellent time.  I cut myself off around 8:45PM (self-control, duh) and took a cab home.  Now that is where my night gets a little hazy.  What I can tell you for sure is:

1.  I woke up around 3AM, chugged a giant glass of water, checked my alarm and went back to bed.

2.  My alarm went off at 5:45AM, I got up, made coffee, changed into the clothes I laid threw out in the living room the night before, drank some water with Nuun, and double checked I wasn’t missing anything.

3.  I made it out the door around 6:30AM only to watch the train I was supposed to take leave the station a mere 1 minute before I got there (of note:  It was scheduled for 6:33AM and decided to come early for the first time in the history of the subway)

So at this point I basically think I am not going to make it and I am not going to be able to run the race that I love and paid a ton of money for.  I am not a happy camper.

Long story short, I get to the 72^nd Street Central Park stop at 7:45AM.  I was not aware of the closed corral rule at 7:00AM. So when I saw the line of runners slowly moving toward the start line, I ran over to the VERY END of the line (but not until after I used the line free porta-potty) and started walking with the rest of the group toward the start.

My being late may have been a blessing in disguise considering it was very cold out so I didn’t have to stand in the cold at all.  I heard that it took people a few miles to warm their bodies back up.  While I was definitely cold, I was warmed up after a half mile or so.  I am just glad the NYRR police allowed me to run.  Because it was probably my favorite race out of all the races that I have run EVER.

& now that this post is getting to be a little ridiculous, I will have to continue the rest tomorrow.  Sorry, buddies.

P.S. How do you like the race recap with literally zero running talk?  Perhaps I am making history?

Talk soon!

What do you think of the new site?  There are definitely some tweaks that I still need to work out – but I plan on trying to do a lot of cleaning up this weekend.  Work has been busy so I have not had any time to do anything during the week.  Dang you full-time job.

But on that note – pleeeeeaaassseee look through the site for a minute and let me know if you see anything that is glaringly messed up!  I will not be insulted, I swear.  I just want to make the little baby blog perfect.

Also, for those of you who have self-hosted WordPress sites – any widget suggestions?  It is crazy how much I want to do now that I have the ability to – and I have no idea where to start!

I’m a nervous baby.

In other news, I ran the NYC Half Marathon last Sunday.  I have a lot to tell you about it – recap this weekend, you lucky ducks!  What I can say is the NYC Half Marathon is my favorite race by far.  It is truly magical.  And – spoiler alert – because if you are anything like me this is all you really want to know

2:16:42

Not my best, not my worst.  But you will find out why I am proud of this time anyway!  Hope you will still come read my recap even though I already gave away the good part.

But as much as I would like to sit at home and write my recap right now – work is calling.  More like yelling.  Talk soon!

So I don’t think I’ve mentioned yet but I won the lottery!

No…not that lotto (although I did win the lotto a couple months back – $500 big ones! Guess I’m pretty lucky.)

I actually have to pay quite a bit of money for winning this lotto but I’m still pretty excited!

I will be running the NYC Half again this year!

This race holds a special spot in my heart (cheeseeeey) because it was my first ever half marathon. Plus, the course is amazing!

The only problem is…I haven’t really been running. Like, at all. Between starting work full-time, the holidays & being sick – running has been put on the back burner.

But I realized that I found a sure fire way to kick start my NYC Training schedule. It’s actually pretty simple.

Buy fun, new running gear!

So on Saturday, BLC & I took our gift cards and went shopping in Manhattan.

Wanna see my new stuff?! (Also, someone decided that they wanted in on the photoshoot…)

Women’s Active Compression Leggings and Women’s Active Compression Jacket from Old Navy (hey there, Freck…)

Nike Rain Running Jacket from Macy’s (oh, Freck. Stop slouching!)

Yoga top from Lady Foot Locker – $9.99! (Can you spot the nose?)

GapFit gfast colorblock capris from Gap (Such a lady.)

This one actually arrived on Friday – through PV Body! PV Body is a really cool monthly package that sends a workout shirt & pants for $49.95. Most of their packages have a retail value of at least $100! Definitely a deal! I’d recommend checking it out (Freck liked it)

Women’s Active Stretch Pullover from Old Navy

She thinks she is a model. Actually, she was. That’s a story for another time…

So obviously all my new stuff made me super stoked for my first training run on Sunday! & I saved my favorite new outfit for the special occasion…

Pullover from Lady Foot Locker (love the green zipper accent and thumb holes!) and GapFit gfast Running Tights from Gap.

I woke up on Sunday, made some coffee & ate a banana with PB. (After putting on my new gear, of course!)

I also had some FRS energy chews while I waited for my Garmin to locate those damn satellites. (Freck thought they were for her.)

After about 30 minutes (no exaggeration) I was finally ready to head out on my run!

The day was gorgeous in Brooklyn (I even got a little warm!) & I barely looked at my Garmin. I tried to just run on feel & I felt great this whole run!

Oh running…how I’ve missed you!

5 miles in the books!

WHY DID I STOP FOR SO LONG!

Moral of the story:
Buy cheap, awesome running clothes. Renew your love for running.

Done and done.

Have you bought any new running gear (or fitness gear) to help kick start your routine?!

Tomorrow is my long run so I figured I would let you all know what I do the night before a long run. I’m sure you’ve heard it all before – but for the one or two people that have been wondering how to prepare for a long run, you are welcome

1. Check the weather.

I like to check the weather first so I can figure out what I need to bring, wear & what time I should leave. Tomorrow’s weather looks perfect for an 8am run!

2. Lay out my clothes, fuel & shoes.

Black Aspaeris Compression shorts, Mizunos, running socks, Nathan hydration belt, Nike Dri-fit tank, Chapstick, Metrocard, money, keys, sports bras ( yes, I wear 3) & RevHoney Energy.

3. Hydrate.

All.day.long. Water (& some Nuun, of course.)

4. Compression.

Love my new white Pro Compression socks! Already had the pink & black – just tight enough without cutting off circulation! Official review to come

5. Charge your devices.

For me, that means my Garmin 305 & my iPod.

6. If you run with music, create a pump up playlist. I know I always get more excited for a run when I have an awesome playlist to listen to. Check out my previous playlists for some new tunes!

7. Eat some carbs!

In the mix:
Veggie pasta
1/2 pack TJ’s Soy Chorizo
1/2 diced onion
3 cloves garlic
1 can diced tomatoes with jalapeños
1/2 can corn
TJ’s Sesame Peanut dressing
Frank’s Red Hot
Parm

8. Set out coffee & something to eat before my run.

TJ’s Instant coffee

My homemade energy bar (normally I have a banana but…alas, none in the house).

9. Lay on the couch & relax!

With the pup…

While watching True Blood & SOA.

& finally,

10. Get your beauty sleep!

I know Freck will

What do you do the night before a long run?!

YTD: 257/600 miles for 2012

So for the past two weeks, BLC & I have been training at the track around the corner from our apartment for Reach The Beach: NJ.

I have been loving it. I haven’t run on a track since high school & I’m so glad we finally headed over there!

Since I love it so much & now think everyone should find a track to run on – I thought I would give you my top 10 reasons why I love the track!

10 Reasons Why I Love the Track

1. You can run on them at night & feel safe because there are lights!!

BLC & I ran an easy 3 miler at 8pm on Monday at the track. It was perfect because the track was perfectly lit so there was no chance of tripping (which I am really good at) or getting mugged. Important things.

2. Water Fountains. I love not having to bring or buy water during a relatively shorter run or speed work, especially in the summer. Amazing.

3. People watching. I don’t know if this occurs at all tracks but at the track we frequent (for a whole two weeks) there are a lot of interesting people to look at. & I get to look at them over and over again because I get to pass them numerous times. Yesterday there were guys break dancing in the corner & a children’s soccer practice. Pure entertainment.

4. Better for your legs because the track is rubber and gives a bit more than concrete or asphalt. With BLC’s shin splint issues, this is super important.

My legs love you, Mr. Track.

5. You can run with others who run at different speeds than you & not totally lose them. So if you want to do intervals but your run-friend wants to run easy, you can both head to the track together & do your own thing & still be able to leave together. Easy peasy.

6. Speed work is much easier. Yesterday BLC & I did some speed work at the track. I ended up sprinting 1 lap, recovery jog for 2 laps & repeated 3 times. I love speed work & this was so much easier than having to keep looking down at my Garmin over and over again.

7. Passing people. Road kill. I definitely get passed plenty but it’s still kinda fun to pass people on your sprints on the track. Even better if you can lap them

8. Takes me back to high school track. I only ran track for two years & pretty much sucked but still. The track makes me feel a little nostalgic. Kinda. Sorta.

9. I am one of those people who absolutely loves having a tangible distance to run. I will constantly be saying, “Sprint to that post.” or “Slow down till the end of the bridge.” in my head while I’m running. When I’m at the track, I can accurately figure out how much further I need to sprint or recover. I also love knowing when I’m exactly half way done my run or when I only have 1 lap left. But that may just be me.

10. No pot holes or stop lights – and if you do fall – its a little softer than asphalt. I love not having to worry about falling or having to stop at every light.

& that’s why I love the track! I recommend if you’ve never been!

Do you run on a track? If so, what do you love about it?

Sorry it has taken me so long to write my recap but I was hoping I could wait for some race pictures to add. But no such luck!

Anyway – I ran the NYRR Mini 10k on Saturday. It was an insta-PR (because this was the first 10k race I have ever run). But let’s start from Friday.

On Friday afternoon I went to the NYRR office to pick up my bib. Just an FYI, it is not very easy to get to for me. I have to transfer twice then walk about 6 blocks – not complaining, just kinda explaining why I waited until the last minute to go pick up my bib.

So I got there at around 6:15 ish (they close at 7 – way to cut it close, Alex) & it was pretty packed. I went upstairs, got my bib & came back downstairs to get my shirt (which I was very excited about because it was in women sizes!!!). I got in line & realized they only had large & extra large left. Bum City. So I got my shirt & swag bag & moved on. They had Lara bars (love – grabbed 2 cashew cookies) & they had samples of the new Über Lara bar (pretty excited to try them!)

Freck wanted in with all my Lara bars & large t-shirt…there was a progression…

All up in my grill like usual…

Finally, a good pic…but wait!

Freck left her bone! Obviously, that was too important to leave…

Getting sick of this, yet? Me, too.

Well, Freck is only finished when she wants to be finished. It’s Freckles world, we’re just living in it.

But I digress.

Once I left NYRR I checked out my bib…& was pretty disappointed. I was in the 10:44 pace corral. Bum city numero dos. I knew that they had gotten my pace from my Brooklyn Half time but this was one day after my super amazing sub-9 minute 10k so I was bummed. Plus, I know a lot of people were put in corrals based on 5k paces or the pace they estimated themselves. But I’ll stop bitching now

I met up with BLC after my bummer of a trip to NYRR & we wandered around Central Park for a minute.

Gorg.

Unbelievable that this is in the middle of NYC. <3

Then I kinda did exactly what you are not supposed to do the night before a race.

I went out with BLC & a girlfriend. We went to Boukies in the East Village for some Greek food (really, really good! Try it if you are in the area!) I had lots of bread & one wheat beer. But then…we went to International Bar (my new fav dive bar in the city). We had a tad too much fun, drank a little too much (don’t I always say this?) & didn’t get home till about 2:30a. Eek. I am quite the party animal.

Set alarm for 6a. Slept for about 3 1/2 hours. Smart, real smart.

But I got up! Made some coffee & put it in a water bottle. Classy.

BLC woke up for 5 seconds to take a pic and wish me luck then he went back to bed & didn’t wake up till I got home. Lucky.

I ate my Double Latte Gel because I felt like I needed a little bit more caffeine and I didn’t have a banana to bring with me. (I was really prepared.)

I will reiterate even though I’ve said it before, I am not a fan of the Double Latte flavor. Blech!

So my subway transfers went pretty smoothly & I got to the start at around 7:40a. I bought a water from the bodega at the start & waited in my corral with my tunes blasting.

At about 7:55a ish, there were a few speakers (all of which inspirational & amazing – one of which was my run-crush, Desi Davila). I honestly got a little teared up during the speakers considering what a lot of them helped to do for women’s running.

The race started right on time which I loved because I was the loser standing by herself. I didn’t actually cross the start line till about 2:50 in.

The race was hard. I actually overheard Desi saying it was a “tough course” when i saw her sitting at the end of the race. There were rolling hills throughout most of the course & it probably didn’t help that I only slept for less than 4 hours & ran a very fast 10k (for me) only two days prior (legs weren’t exactly fresh). But I ran that sucker, didn’t stop and passed quite a few runners.

Plus, I had originally wanted to finish under an hour & guess what?! I did! Even without a Garmin to tell me my paces.

Official time: 59:48
Pace: 9:38
Place: 2820/6122

Insta-PR!

At the end of the race, they had bagels, plums &…wait for it…Popsicles! What a great idea, right?

So as I was eating my Popsicle, I saw Desi & all of the other winners near the stage so I went over to see the award ceremony & kinda stalked Desi from a far.

Then I decided to head home to the hub. But I felt great, the weather was perfect running weather (overcast with a slight occasional drizzle) & I didn’t feel like transferring subways. So I ran to the 14th street L stop from the middle of Central Park. For those of you who don’t know, that’s about 4 miles. I figured I would round out the day with a solid 10 miles. Why not?

I took the miles slow (about 4 miles in a little over 40 minutes), took in NYC & grabbed a giant iced coffee at the end.

All in all, a pretty amazing day before the time of 11a.

Then we did what I absolutely love to do after a race – gorge

We had lots of pizza, Stella’s & water. Then, I laid around with Freck all night.

She acts like she ran 10 miles…what a little princess.

But she’s cute, ain’t she?

I was so goofy excited when I saw that Megan over at Run Like a Grl nominated Healthy Life Happy Wife for the One Lovely Blog Pink Tree Award!

She left me a super sweet message telling me she had nominated me & I’ve gotta say I was shocked! I’m still accepting the fact that people other than my mother, mother-in-law & husband actually read my blog so getting nominated was really an honor (cheesy, I know – but true!). I’m just glad that someone actually enjoys reading my rants

Thanks, Megan! BTW, I love your blog, too! I’m so glad we are running RTB together in the fall! Hopefully we can run together before that! Make sure to check out her blog!

So there are a few rules you need to follow to accept this award:

Link back to the blogger who nominated you.
Paste the award image on your blog, anywhere.
Share 7 facts about yourself.
Nominate some other blogs you like for this award.
Post a comment on each of your nominees’ blogs telling them about the nomination.
__________________________________________________________

& now for 7 facts about me:

1. I am obsessed with my pup, Freckles. (As if you didn’t already know that…)

I mean, how could you not be in love with that face?

She is like a little person & it is really amazing how she can do any little thing & all I wanna do is hug her forever. I’m totally weird but it is the truth. I think it may be because I lost my first dog way too early (long, sad story…we won’t go there) so I think it makes me cherish Freck that much more.

Dang, I’m obsessed.

2. I only started running in college & never ran more than 4 miles straight until this year – as in January of 2012.

Since then I have run the NYC Half &

The Brooklyn Half. It’s amazing what training & dedication can do

3. I hoard magazines. Mainly because I subscribe to 9 different magazines. I used to be able to read them all because I would constantly go on the elliptical & read a magazine. Since I have started running, no more magazine time! Now I have a stockpile in my bedroom that I’m sure BLC would love to disappear…

My magazine subscription list:

Runners World
Running Times
Fitness
Shape
Self
Glamour
Marie Claire
Allure
US Weekly

My fav is Runners World!

4. I got married on April 16, 2012 to my best friend. BLC is absolutely amazing & I’m so lucky to have him. I tend to have a bit of a temper & he is super mellow so he definitely evens me out. I have no idea what I would do without him!!

5. I am always the first one to know any & all celebrity gossip. My Google Reader is full of Perezhilton, TMZ, etc. I also get emails from US Weekly. It is sad but I’m almost proud when I find out the news first & get to tell everyone. Maybe proud shouldn’t be the word…

6. I am an attorney…albeit an unemployed attorney. I am licensed in CA & NY. Anyone wanna give me a job?

7. I will drive 30 minutes to go to a Trader Joe’s even if another supermarket is only five minutes away. I just love TJ’s.

Swoon.

I have been meaning to write a My Favorites of Trader Joe’s post – & I will soon! I swear…I say that a lot. But I mean it this time!!

xoxoxo.

So now I get to nominate some other blogs for the award! I have a lot of blogs that I read but a few that have recently stuck out in my mind that I really love! I would nominate a ton but that just isn’t practical so I decided on 7 to stay with the 7 theme…(I know they may already be nominated but I still wanna pass on the love!)

Couch to Ironwoman

The Nut Kase

Sour as a Grapefruit

Runs on Greens

Runner in Denial

Howdy from New York City

A Healthy Happier Bear

Thanks to all those wonderful blogs who make my procrastination sooo much easier