Not so fast...

I was all excited to start training this week for marathon #6 - and then Sean broke the news to me that we don't have to start training until the second week in July! So, I'm a little anxious to get going...I don't think I've ever registered for a marathon so far in advance, I'm not used to this whole waiting to train thing...

In the meantime, I'm doing smaller races. As I mentioned previously I ran the 5 Mile Achilles International Hope and Possibility race on Sunday...lets just say, the highlight was my 5 second glimpse of the very handsome Prince Harry as the race began.

It was hot, humid, sticky, muggy...gross. The minute I started moving I immediately was sweating profusely. I really don't mind running in the heat, but racing in the heat is another story. I pushed it for the first mile or so and then realized there was no way I was going to keep my 7 min mile pace for much longer...I slowed down to a comfortable 7:30 pace and stuck with it. I finished in just over 37 minutes, not horrible....not great, I know I can do better.

With this said, I think I need to set some goals for my upcoming training runs. For 1, I HAVE to do speed work. The hardest part for me when running races is pushing myself to the finish. I'm the one maintaining my speed, while at least 5-10 people sprint on by me...I just never can get my little legs to move faster! Active.com posted an article about "progression runs" which I will be sure to integrate into my training program in a few weeks...

http://www.active.com/running/Articles/3_Progression_Runs_to_Reach_Race-Day_Success.htm?cmp=11-4104&utm_source=sendible&utm_medium=feed

Hill workouts...also key. Since I ran Goofy in January, I have been avoiding doing any sort of hill work. I will still run the typical loop up cat hill in the Park, but I've probably only ran Harlem Hill (that daunting horrible hill on the UWS in the park) maybe 3 times? I have a feeling that hill is going to be the best (and worst) thing to ever happen to me during these training runs.

And finally....I need to realize that rest days are fine. I've gotten into this crazy mindset that I HAVE to work out 6 days a week...If I don't work out a day that I was planning on working out, I get kind of crazy, just ask Sean. The best thing I can do for myself is to let my legs recover after the hard workouts. Thats going to be a tough one.

Here we go...

The past few months there have many many ups and even more downs on the "personal life front" In turn, running has been somewhat put on the back-burner. Not in the sense that I stopped running...no way! More along the lines of, not pushing myself as hard as I know I can, cutting runs short and honestly...not quite enjoying myself as much as typically do.

With that said, it looks like everything is finally getting back to normal...what a relief! We are just 4 months away from the Marine Corp Marathon and its about time I get back into the swing of things. To kick of training Sean and I will be running a 5 mile race around Central Park for Achilles International. There is no doubt in my mind that any "lack of motivation" I feel will be wiped away after running this race.

I'm looking forward to getting back into the training mindset, the long runs on hot summer mornings and the opportunity to continue to push myself towards bigger (faster) racing goals.

If you aren't familiar with Achilles International - here's a quick overview from their website:

In 1976, Dick Traum, an above the knee amputee, found himself approaching middle age and out of shape. After joining a local YMCA, Dick began running – small distances at first and then, eventually several miles. Within a year, Dick became the first amputee to run the New York City Marathon. The experience was life changing, bringing a powerful sense of achievement and self-esteem. In 1983, seeking to provide that same opportunity to other people with disabilities, Dick created the Achilles Track Club, now called Achilles International.

Today, this non-profit organization has chapters and members in over 70 countries. Every day, in parks, gyms, and tracks all over the world, Achilles provides athletes with disabilities with a community of support. Able-bodied volunteers and disabled runners come together to train in an environment of support and community. Within this community, runners gain measurable physical strength and build confidence through their sense of accomplishment, which often transfers to other parts of their life.

Over the years, Achilles has also developed specialized programs for children and war veterans. Achilles Kids provides training, racing opportunities, and an in-school program for children with disabilities, while our Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans program brings running programs and marathon opportunities to disabled veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

While our programs focus on athletics, the truth is, sports are simply the tool for accomplishing our main objective: to bring hope, inspiration and the joys of achievement to people with disabilities. Nothing illustrates this more than our signature event, the Hope and Possibility Five-Miler. In this race, able-bodied and disabled athletes participate side-by-side and, with several disabled award categories, it puts a first place win within the grasp of all runners.

Watch out for that...bomb proof trash can!

It's been awhile since I've last written - mostly because there hasn't been much excitement on th running front out here in good ole NYC. I've been keeping it to mainly short distances lately, trying to get mentally prepared for the training that is just a few weeks from beginning...Crazy!

On a semi funny note (but not so funny at the time) - I went for a run the other day in the park. Just another 4 mile jaunt - nothing too fast, it was hot but I felt pretty good. Typically, on the way back to the apartment we run by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Outside the Museum there is a large area of cobble stone, and then a flat area of "side walk' by the road, which I always opt to run on.

So...I'm running feeling good, I'm almost done woo woo - then BAM...I slam into one of those bomb proof (literally...bomb proof) giant green NYC trash barrels. The barrels that I run around almost EVERY day.

At first I was in shock, then yelled some profanity and added "Massachusetts doesn't have giant trash barrels to run around..." started to cry...then immediately decided the only way to fix how I felt was to SPRINT back to the apartment. I ran the fastest I've run in months - all the way back to Apt 5A.

Hopefully that was the last time I'll ever run into a bomb proof trash barrel here in NYC. I am now left with a nasty bruise on my arm - kind of looks like I have a boyfriend who beats me or something...I've definitely gotten some looks over the past few days but its too hot to wear sleeves...so I'll keep it exposed for now - nice right?