Fitness Friday: One Week Countdown

I love fall mornings in the park with the mist over the Great Lawn

We're a total of 9 days away from the NYC Marathon and sh*t has gotten really real over the past few weeks.  We've received our bib #s and start times and I've completed my 20 mile long run.  I came back from my forced 10 day break and got right back into things and was feeling great and somewhat caught up on mileage so I decided I was ready to tackle a full 20 mile run (part of me had debating just doing 18 because I was nervous as hell...).  It went off without a hitch and was one of the best long training runs I've ever had.  Needless to say it gave me a ton of confidence for the big day!  I am gearing up for the "last 10" mile run this weekend - it's organized by Jack Rabbit and Nike and we run the last 10 miles of the marathon course.  Undoubtedly some of the hardest miles because it has the most hills and it's where people tend to start to struggle a bit.  This part of the course was fairly blurry to me from the last time I ran the marathon because all I could focus on was getting across the finish line and trying to block out the pain I was in.  So I'm definitely ready to soak in this part of the course and know there won't be many surprises on race day. 

Pre-20 mile run!

Post-20 mile run and still smiling!!!

I'm also in the "taper" phase where mileage has decreased significantly and if you know any other runners this phase can be a little bit of a mind f*ck as well.  You start to feel phantom pains that weren't there before and it's also a bit of an emotional roller coaster (in weird ways I can't really explain).  For example, I got super depressed last Friday because work had been so busy and I was just exhausted and feeling really alone/isolated because I had made zero plans except my long run.  A little weird, I know, but all part of the training I guess! 

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Fitness Friday: Marathon Training Update

Hard to believe we're in week 10 of marathon training!  I'm currently on a bit of an unplanned break from training due to a mole removal (and the addition of 5 lovely stitches on my sternum) so I'm really interested to see how the rest of my training goes!  Luckily I have the NYRR Virtual Trainer coaches and my physical therapist to consult with (it truly takes a village sometimes) to get me back on my feet after I get my stitches out.  Until then, let's recap the last couple weeks, shall we?

Amazing sunset on an evening run

When I left you last I was getting ready to tackle a 13 mile run: 9/3/16 - 13.5 miles around Central Park @ 9:51 pace - this was a great LTR and the first taste of fall running weather which was amazing! 9/4/16 - respected the rest day and took it easy 9/5/16 - rest day in the running department but did a leg workout of squat jumps, curtsey lunges, side lunges and mountain climbers for good measure 9/6/16 - my first solo speed workout (and first intervals since high school!).  I did 6 x 1,000M repeats and with warm up and cool down clocked 6 miles @ 9:38 pace.  Intervals were all sub 4:40 which was awesome. I struggled with a side stitch through some of it which was annoying but was super proud of myself for getting out there even without a running buddy! 9/7/16 - rest day! 9/8/16 - 6.1 mile run at 9:18 pace 9/9/16 - SoulCycle!  Super important cross training but I was tired as hell and the class was hard! 9/10/16 - 15.2 mile run!  My friend Tricia and I ran up the West side to the Little Red Lighthouse under the GW Bridge.  It was so great to mix it up with scenery outside of Central Park.  It was humid as hell and I had no idea how much the weather took out of me until about 6 PM that night when I wanted to crash during NYFW events

All smiles after 15 miles!  And re-fueling with a Juice Press Vanilla Protein + Cold Brew shake - so good.

9/11/16 - rest day!  I'm slowly learning to love these 9/12/16 - 4 miles @ 10:11 pace.  I was really irritated that I felt so sluggish on this run but then Tricia pointed out that I was likely still recovering from the long run on Saturday which was probably true.   9/13/16 - intervals!  I got up early and knocked out 5 x 800 repeats all under 3:45 which was incredible.  I had no idea I could run that fast but I was really focused on my cadence and it made such a difference.  Total was 6.6 miles at 8:56 pace. 9/14/16 - rest day! 9/15/16 - rest day due to travel (went to Santa Barbara for a friend's wedding!) 9/16/16 - despite getting a lot of sh*t from my friends for going to bed so early (hello jetlag), I was wide awake and ready for an LTR in Santa Barbara.  I knocked out 11.2 miles at 10:30 pace and I had a smile on my face the entire time because the scenery was just so beautiful.  Forget the elevation gain I had to endure to get from our house to the beach because once I saw the Pacific Ocean I couldn't get the pep out of my step.  

Not a bad view during the run!  Definitely not in Central Park anymore

9/17/16 - rest day (also bestie's wedding day!) 9/18/16 - rest day (and travel day) 9/19/16 - HIIT strength training class.  I had really wanted to get some miles in but I was so tired from traveling I knew it wouldn't happen. 9/20/16 - 6.1 miles @ 8:35 pace.  I was still super tired but went out for a run anyway since it had been so many days in between and I knew I was looking at about 2 weeks off.  I have no idea where my speed came from but I just kinda went and let my feet take me and I ended up having an amazingly fast run.  I was also starting to wonder if the speedwork has been helping a little!
And that brings us to today.  Wish me luck that I don't go totally stir crazy until I can run again.  Check back in a couple of weeks to see what I've done in my down time (the goal is to continue with mobility stuff and hip strength but we'll see how the healing is going) and what my plan of attack is going to be.  

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Fitness Friday: NYC Marathon Update

The last time we did a Fitness Friday post I gave you all the deets on my first triathlon experience.  Since that post I started training for the New York City Marathon and I'm getting ready to wrap up week SEVEN of training.  I'm on the 16 week NYRR Virtual Trainer plan so the fact that I'm almost halfway there is just crazy talk.  But it's happening and I'm somehow just cruising right along.  I say somehow because if you've been following me long enough, you know I was working through a crazy ITBand injury from the 2014 NYC Marathon.  I just kinda limped along hoping it'd passively fix itself and it wasn't until February of this year that I decided to take control and overcome it.  Since then I've run the Brooklyn Half Marathon and completed my tri.  A few things I've done differently during this marathon training versus 2014: consistently warmed up and done dynamic stretches before every.single.run (I can't stress how important that is if you sit at a desk most of the day), consistently gone to physical therapy (I swear my PT has turned into my actual therapist at this point), consistently done strength training (definitely once if not twice a week) and actively incorporated cross training to mix it up (SoulCycle has been my go-to for this!).

Also, can we talk about how AMAZING these shorts are?  They're Lululemon and have two side pockets (perfect for stashing my gummies, phone, keys and other essentials on a long run), they don't ride up and they're the perfect length.  If you're in the market for new running shorts I highly recommend them!


Running and training continues to amaze me because literally every run is different and sometimes I have bad days where I have pain, some days I'm sluggish and some days I pound out 4 miles at a 9 min/mile pace (fast for me considering I usually run a 9:45-10 min pace).  Will be sure to check in with you guys soon, in the meantime wish me luck on my 13 mile run this weekend...!
Photos by Lisa Schiller

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Fitness Friday: My First Triathlon

I finished my first (sprint) triathlon on Sunday, July 10th and it was AMAZING.  I am still over the moon about the entire experience because it was by far the most fun race I've ever completed.  I went out to Jamesport with Emily (who also competed) and Kaitlin who was our cheer squad (and photog!).  This sprint tri consisted of a 500M swim in the Peconic Bay, a 16.1 mile bike ride around the North Fork and a 5k (3.1 mile) run.  

Getting our numbers stamped on!

At this point we were excited!  Then I put my wetsuit on and anxiety set in.

Admiring our numbers [and our guns ;) ]

While I definitely didn't train as hard as I could have,I was definitely the least prepared for the swim because I still get a lot of anxiety in the water and I had no idea what to expect with the open water swim.  I wore a wetsuit and the water was incredibly warm so luckily I skipped the full body shock people normally experience when running into the water for the first time.  What did shock me was that the bay was salt water.  I don't ask why this never occurred to me but I guess that's what you get for growing up around lakes and only swimming in pools!  That first splash of salt water to the face was terrible and I ended up back stroking about 90% of the swim.  To make sure I was continually sighting, I made up a fun game of flipping over ever 13-15 strokes so I didn't go too far off course.  


The transition to the bike was not as hard as I expected.  It was a bit of a jog to the transition area but luckily I had my whits about me and wasn't too disoriented from the swim.  My wetsuit also came off really easily (which was a pleasant surprise).  I decided not to clip in to the bike because I hadn't practiced that yet.  The bike course was absolutely beautiful.  We were passing all the farms and fields and it was so peaceful and I truly think the bike was my favorite part.  I was also fascinated by the ages of other participants.  You get your age stamped on your right calf so every time someone passed me I would note their age and they ranged all the way from 18 - 75,!  All I could think was that I will make it a new #lifegoal to still be competing in triathlons when I'm in my 70s.  It was incredible. 
The bike to run was totally comical.  Since I didn't clip in I literally racked the bike, took my helmet off, clipped on my number belt and took off.  My legs felt like lead and I really thought I'd have the WORST time.  Knowing I wasn't going for any specific time goal but rather to just finish, I really focused on relaxing and settling into my breathing.  I don't think I had really caught my breath between the swim and the bike so it was nice to chill and just jog along.  

I had estimated the race would take me about 2 hours so when I rounded the corner to the finish and saw the time I was ecstatic!  Unofficially I saw my time as 1:47 which was amazing.  I later found out my official time was 1:42 which was even better!
I think this triathlon was so good for me because it pushed me to try something new that I wasn't sure I would succeed at.  It's so easy to just get out and run when I've been doing it for so long but by challenging myself to do this race, it reminded me that trying new things is sometimes scary but necessary to continue to grow and develop.  I have to give a huge thanks to my friend Peter for all the amazing bike knowledge and showing me the riding ropes, Nina for letting me borrow her wheels and my NP fam for all the well wishes and support.  I am beyond pleased with my performance considering I didn't train nearly as hard as I could have.  I don't think there will be any more triathlons this summer but I'm gearing up to get my own bike and sign up for at least one if not two next year!  
I am definitely planning to do a post talking about my packing strategy, how I set up my transition area, my favorite triathlon resources, etc. so look forward to those!  I also started NYC Marathon training this week so keep me in your thoughts as I start to rack up the miles.  I'll hopefully get back into regular Fitness Friday posts recapping my runs and workouts so stay tuned for those!

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Fitness Friday: New Workouts and a Training Update

Photo by: Kathleen O'Neill Photography

Happy Friday loves!  So excited for this Fitness Friday post because I've had a lot going on (in the fitness department) this week.  If you caught Wednesday's post, I talked a little about my amazing run.  This piggy backs off the great long run I had last weekend - it was supposed to be 9 miles but my running buddy and I dialed it back because she was getting blisters and I didn't want to push myself too far.  Great decision because come Tuesday night I was ready.to.go.  I had a ton of energy to channel and what was supposed to be a 35-40 minute run turned into a 47 minute (5 miles total) run that felt absolutely incredible.  I then hit up a Body Conceptions class that Ashley hosted, followed by a barre class at Physique 57 and a 3.2 mile run last night.  Whew, that seems like a lot...  Tomorrow is a 6 mile run and then we have a fairly restful week ahead while we prep for BROOKLYN!  

Saturday 5.7.16 long run stats

I do have something fun next Tuesday so stay tuned on Snapchat and Instagram or check in next Friday for my recap!  Have a great weekend!

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Fitness (and Food!) Friday

No sleep til Brooklyn is feeling pretty real right now.  It has been really challenging finding the energy and time to get sleep, my runs and strength training in but we're on the home stretch!  Today I wanted to chat running and share some recipes I've been loving (and literally surviving off of). If you tuned in last week, you know I was feeling pretty unsure about how my training would progress.  And if you follow me on Instagram you'll know I had a really GREAT long run last weekend.  I went out with one of my NP gal pals and she kept me on pace at 10:00 min/mile and we busted out an 8.9 mile run.  This weekend is the same thing - slow and steady and aiming for about 9 miles.  That's a pretty conservative distance for the longest run in a half marathon training but I wouldn't have been able to get more based on how long my training has been and how I was focused on easing into everything.  I'll be pretty happy with two weekends of 9 mile runs and I'm tapering down to 6 miles the next weekend and then it's race day!   I'm also really learning how good true rest days are and that overdoing it really isn't worth it.    Here's where my training was this last week: 4.30.16: 8.9 mile long run 5.1.16: true REST day 5.2.16: 3.2 mile run 5.3.16: Glutes, abs and hips 5.4.16: Another rest day because this week has been a doozey 5.5.16: 5 mile run (blasted through this one at a 9:23/min pace) 5.6.16: Hip work, PT and gearing up for tomorrow's LTR!   And now to the food department!  Because fuel is just as important as the miles on your legs.  I have been using this super cute and super handy Rifle Paper Co. week planner to map out all my meals.  For the type A (and busy) in my it's been a life saver because I don't even have to think when getting everything ready in the morning.
I've switched my pre-long run training breakfast from oatmeal to a whole wheat english muffin with Justin's honey peanut butter.  And it has felt so much more sustainable!  Tomorrow I'm also going to experiment with some chews (versus Gu because it's been upsetting my stomach with all the sugar).    My favorite snacks as of late:

• Greek yogurt, agave, fruit and almonds have been my jam.  I usually lean toward FAGE 2% (yes, full fat, I just feel like it's better for you) but if you're not into the dairy thang, my roommate talked very highly about Kite Hill Almond Milk Yogurt.  She said it was the best non-dairy yogurt she's ever had (found it at Whole Foods).  I have yet to grab some because I always forget when I'm there. 
• Carrots and Trader Joe's roasted red pepper hummus
• Homemade trail mix (cashews, dried cranberries and Trader Joe's coconut strips - they are the bomb.com)

For breakfast during the week I've been all over sweet potato waffles.  I make a batch of them and eat one with fruit each day.  I'll work on posting the recipe but you've definitely seen them on my snapchat.  

(Photo Via Budget Bytes)

Dinner is usually salmon with sauteed brussels sprouts or chicken and a salad but this week I tried a couple new recipes.  This roasted red pepper tomato soup from Budget Bytes was super hearty (I paired it with some garlic french bread) and perfect for the stupid rainy weather we've been having.   If you follow me on snapchat (username: rightshoesblog) you might have caught my story about the butternut squash "mac n cheese" I made last night (link to similar recipe, this one was from the Minimalist Baker cookbook).  I have consulted with my roommate (who is going to school for nutrition and dietetics) about this dish at least 5 times and finally decided to try it.  It's made with butternut squash and nutritional yeast and while it's definitely delicious, it does not satisfy the mac n cheese cravings I get.  I'll definitely make it again next winter as it feels really hearty.  

(Photo Via Minimalist Baker)

That's a quick overview of the foods I've been loving.  Do you have any suggestions of recipes or food things you can't get enough of?  Would love to hear in the comments below! Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!    

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Fitness Friday:BK Half Training Update

First order of business today: this is the last day to enter to win a Wahoo Tickr X! Head here for the original post - you don't want to miss this!


Today I want to talk about the roller coaster that is getting back into running and training for a long distance race.  I actually started writing this post on Monday and it started a little something like this... "GUYS.  Sorry not sorry for the all caps that will be thrown in this post but HOLY MOLY I'm over the moon with my training right now!  Last weekend was my longest run since the 2014 NYC Marathon - I clocked in 7.6 miles and I have to be honest, I've been nervous as hell getting back into distance running because I'm so scared of injuring myself again. I've been battling little pains here and there (my calves are tighter than a knotted rope and it's been affecting my Achilles and tendons along my shins) but overall my mobility and hip work has been paying off big time.  I just have to re-focus on my strength training because I know that's something I tend to neglect and it's oh so important.  We're only 3 weeks out from the BK Half so here's to hoping all keeps going well."

Under Armour Long Sleeve top, Simply Vera Vera Wang Simply Breathe Capri Leggings, PUMA Carson Runner Shoes

Fast forward to today and I have to admit I'm still hurting (I wore sneakers to work all week just to make sure I had good shoes on) and I'm supposed to tackle a 1 hour 20 minute run tomorrow.  So I'm a little nervous.  It's amazing how one day you have an amazing run and two days later it's crap.  I think running really teaches you to try to overcome difficulties and roll with the punches and sometimes it really is just a mental game but you do have to listen to your body.  I'll be visiting my PT today so of course we'll chat about this and discuss a game plan but it sucks to think that Brooklyn may not happen and not because I can't physically do it but rather that I shouldn't do it.  It's how I hurt myself the last time and what I wanted to avoid this time.  Stay tuned on how this all pans out!   On to some positive things... I did my first Indoor Triathlon last weekend and it was really great!   Also my running best friend (RBF) Nina and I were featured in my friend Ali's write up about "Swole Mates"/workout buddies on Daily Burn!  Check it out here.  And here's a quick recap of my training/workouts this past week:  4.23.16: 70 minute run (totaling 7.6 miles - my pace was crazy fast and not even on purpose... I just sorta found my groove!) 4.24.16: Indoor Triathlon (350M swim, 8.8 mile bike and 1.73 mile run) 4.25.16: SoulCycle with Nina 4.26.16: REST DAY (really needed this one!) 4.27.16: 20 minute run + NP Recovery Deck (leg workout!) 4.28.16: 40 minute run 4.29.16: 30 minute run + NP workout
I also realize I really need to get some strength training in so that'll be a new focus over the next couple of weeks (definitely mentioned that above - sorry for the repeat ;) ).  Thanks for stopping by - I hope you all have a great weekend!
Photos by Lydia Hudgens

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Fitness Friday: Training Update & Giveaway!

Happy Fitness Friday friends!  So many exciting things in today's post.  First a little training update/running talk.  I got my butt to the running store last weekend to get some new shoes and lord.  I did not realize how badly I had worn out my other pair (in the photos).  I put on the new ones and instantly felt better!  Here's my little training update for the week (the weather has been amazingly kind to us!):
4.16.16: 60 minute run  4.17.16: Rest day!  Oh so important and this one was oh so necessary 4.18.16: Day off (but wore the shoes all day because I needed to break them in - I felt like I got a run in because of how busy my day was!)  4.19.16: 30 min run/took the shoes on their maiden voyage 4.20.16: Day off 4.21.16: 30 minute run + hip work 4.22.16: Early morning FlyWheel class and resting up for my 70 minute run tomorrow!  This will be a huge test - can't wait to let you know how it goes!


Now the fun part!  I recently told you all about the amazing 7 minute workout I've been doing and a couple weeks ago I told you about my new workout buddy. Well today you get the chance to win a new workout buddy (a Wahoo TickrX heart rate monitor) for yourself!  Head to the bottom of this post for all the deets.
Wahoo Fitness is also doing a campaign to motivate people to get up and move with the 7 Minute Workout!  There are no more excuses to not get a workout in.  The #Find7 campaign shows you how quick and easy it to fit in a workout in your daily routine and see real health benefits, if you’re willing to get creative.
To kick off the campaign, Wahoo is holding a contest complete with a grand prize to find out how people are finding seven minutes in their day to exercise. The first stage begins on April 18th, when participants will be encouraged to submit a short video to Wahoo demonstrating why they would be great for the new campaign and how they #Find7. Creativity is strongly encouraged to demonstrate how you #Find7 - from jumping jacks in the office to wall sits on the train.  For more details and to share how you #Find7 head here and stay tuned for my video!  

Kohl's Dri Fit Zip Up Jacket (similar), Gap Sports Bra, Lululemon Crops, Asics GT 2000 Sneakers

Good luck on my giveaway - contest ends 4.29.16 a Rafflecopter giveaway


Photography by Lydia Hudgens

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Fitness Friday: Training Update

Under Armour Long Sleeve top, Simply Vera Vera Wang Simply Breathe Capri Leggings, PUMA Carson Runner Shoes

Happy Fitness Friday friends!  First a little story/training update and then the good stuff - a giveaway!  You know when you finally pick up momentum to get back to the gym or back to a workout routine, all is going great for a while and then BAM, something happens and you're set back?  That definitely happened to me within the last two weeks.  I had a cold/allergy combo from hell and I was so upset my training got derailed.  Also we had a ridiculous cold snap in NYC and it left me snugging in bed each morning instead of hitting the pavement or the gym.  I think I finally got back to it the last weekend so here's a quick recap of where we left off last week:
4.3.16: Rest day!  Oh so important and this one was oh so necessary 4.4.16 & 4.5.16: Days off because of stupid cold/allergies  4.6.16: 30 min run on the treadmill because it was still too cold to run outside 4.7.16 & 4.8.16: More days off because #JuryDuty and cold/allergies 4.9.16: Double day - 35 minute run to SoulCycle & my favorite Saturday SoulCycle class with Joey 4.10.16: Long run in the form of 20 minute run to Central Park and 40 minute 4-mile race (and at this point I'm def feeling that run/Soul combo and the 6 miles I tacked on this morning)    4.11.16: Yoga.  Much needed stretching time - I used this Yoga for Runner's YouTube video 4.13.16: 20 minute run + NP recovery deck/strength training 4.14.16: Visit to the Physical Therapist and he WERK'D me 4.15.16: crazy busy week so taking the day off to recover for another 60 minute run tomorrow   Check back in next week for an exciting announcement in next week's Fitness Friday!   Photography by Lydia Hudgens

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Fitness Friday: The 7 Minute Workout and Training Update

   Confession: since I've been working in more outdoor runs, my trips to the gym have declined in frequency.  I have learned that strength training is extremely important while training so to make sure I'm still getting my strength workouts in, I've been doing a few 7 minute workouts post-run.  Have you heard of the 7 minute workout?  The Wahoo 7 Minute Workout is a science-based, high-intensity, interval workout that packs 12 bodyweight exercises into a focused seven-minute training session. When you download to your phone or tablet, the 7 Minute Workout app is free with the additional option of $1.99 to unlock an Alternate 7 Minute Workout, a Pilates 7 Minute Workout, and even the ability to create your own 7 Minute Workout.  I'll do a run and do 2-3 rounds of the standard workout or mix it up with the standard and alternate workouts.  Since the weather has gotten a little warmer it's been easy to do these at the park and then stretch after my run.  I highly recommend it and would love to hear if you try it!

Here's a little update on where I'm at with my BK Half training:

3/28/2016: 25 Minute Run along East River Run Path (not sure of pace because the app was all wonky that day!)
3/30/2016: 26 Minute Run @ 10:09/mi pace + Recovery Deck Legwork at NP Bridge Day
4/1/2016: 25 Minute Run over the BK Bridge to the NP Workout in Fort Greene @ 9:49/mi pace
4/2/2016: 40 Minute "Long" Training Run @ 9:26/mi pace

 

Gap Mesh Sports Bra, Lululemon Pace Rival Crop, Asics GT-2000 Running Shoes

And can we quickly talk about this sports bra and these crops?  I am loving the crop top trend in sports bras/workout tops - it definitely makes bearing it a little easier!  And these crops.  I just can't with how good they are.  They're my first pair of Lululemon pants and they truly are different than other crops I own.  The stitching is on point to match all of my curves, the material is amazing (including the super soft mesh panels) and they just lift me up when I wear them.  Good for the body, bad for the wallet (which is why I never owned Lulu pants before this!).  I highly recommend!
Deets on My Workout Gear:

  Photography by Lydia Hudgens

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