Category: Runs

I set out today bundled up in a goose-down vest compliments of Nurse Jackie and other warm running gear for my first run since the Philly Marathon. I had set out to do 8 miles but settled on 4.7 miles (the bathroom was calling), a distance which was fine by me. The hills are just great here, especially the final one before arriving at my place. I tell ya, it’s about a 20 degree angle, which probably doesn’t sound that bad, but it’s unrelenting. Here are the deets:

Running with the added clothing (as opposed to shirtlessness, which has tended to be my trend) was a more motivating experience. It might smother my breathing a bit–not sure–but it definitely gets me out there.

I didn’t really set out with goals more than “just run,” which is like saying “just endure.” My dad asked me later in the day whether I have a tough time with hills. I really couldn’t answer him. I wasn’t really focused on them. I was focused on just running, and by my 8:22 pace, you can see I was closer to jogging than running. 🙂

This evening I got out and did 7.97 miles partially with Elizabeth. We jogged around her pace up to Great Hill, sprinted up it (she caught me at the top!), walked down it, then I split and finished off my run while she did other work. It was my first time running since the NYC Marathon last Sunday and catching a cold on Friday. Saturday I was in bed much of the day, as was I this morning. I wanted to test out my legs and particularly this right knee sensitivity I have taken on since the marathon, mostly now when going down stairs. Fortunately it played no issue in running. Although I was a bit slower, my legs and body seemed okay. Here are the deets, keeping in mind I walked about .25 miles down Great Hill:

The temperature was 55 and it was getting darker as we started our run. We were around a pace which is good for her, one she’s hoping to be around for the entirety of the Philly Marathon this Sunday. Myself, I’m concerned how much fitness I’ve lost since last weekend’s race–hard to tell. Catching a cold hasn’t helped my motivation. It’s one of those colds, though, that running aids. Loosened up my phlegm and mucus.

This afternoon I did my last training run before the NYC Marathon 2010. And I showed some promise. I ran the last 1.22 miles of the marathon, from Mile 25 to the finish, in 8:02, running 6:33s. My hope was to get a feel for this last bit of the course so when I encounter it, I know what I’m up against. Of course, I won’t hit it doing 6:33s tomorrow, but it’s nice to know that upon hitting Mile 25, I have 8 minutes to go at very least. Here are the deets (the map’s a bit all-over-the-place but I ran straight on Central Park South):

I did a 10-minute Pilates routine just before this quick last run. My legs felt fine. I wore a long-sleeved top this time but shorts with no compression socks.

Tomorrow, be across from 210 Central Park South (between 7th Avenue and Columbus Circle) to watch me. There will be people I know, and it’s the only place along the course where I’ll be looking for people. Stay parkside (that is, the north side of the street) because I will probably hug that side.

Let’s hope I make it that far. I’m nervous.