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: How to be #WeatherProof

I'm sure the thought of working out outside during the winter time is less than appealing to you (as it always has been with me).  In all honesty, when the alarm goes off at 5:45 AM and you see it "feels like -17 degrees," most people would think you're bat shit crazy for getting up and working out in the bitter cold.  But not with November Project.  The term "fair weather" runner doesn't even exist because this tribe of fitness fanatics works out under all conditions.  Before you start wondering if I'm crazy enough to work out outside when it "feels like -17 degrees," no, I drew the line last week for the sunrise 6k and chose not to run outside at 6 AM (I also needed sleep but that's a whole other story).  But, I have definitely worked out outside when it's in the teens (and colder) and the only way to do it is to perfect your layering and #weatherproof gear.    
  I always start with a thin (but warm) base layer of Uniqlo heat tech leggings and top and for my top half layer I add an Under Armour fleece lined dri-fit long sleeve, usually my North Face fleece on top of that, my trusty ultra light down vest and a sold windbreaker.  For the bottoms, I throw on my Under Armour fleece-lined leggings and my newest edition, my Lululemon base runner sweats.  You could also take the approach my BRF (best running friend) Nina takes and get some Sugoi Subzero Tights (some people can't do multiple layers on the bottom and that's cool, you have to find what works best for you).  Oh and don't forget the wool socks, gloves and headband.  This is probably my max amount of layers and I just kind of subtract depending on the temperature.  Always keep in mind: dress like it's 20 degrees warmer (because once you start moving your body will really heat up).

New York City Marathon Asics Jacket, Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Vest, Under Armour ColdGear Long Sleeve Top, Lululemon Base Runner Pants, Under Armour ColdGear Leggings, Asics Shoes, Feetures Socks, Under Armour Infrared Headband

 Check out all my #weatherproof favorites:

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Gift Guide: Fitness Friday

Buon giorno from Milano!  I'm on the last leg of my journey and finally have a bit of time to wrap up this post.  I wanted it to go out last Friday but all the trip prep just made it too crazy.  It's weird not being immersed in all the Black Friday madness (although I saw Mango in the train station was having a Black Friday sale - maybe I should have stopped!!).  I can't wait to fill you in on my adventures over the next couple of weeks!   Until then, I'm super excited about today's gift guide because it's all about fitness and cold weather gear (so appropriate for working on being #weatherproof for all those early November Project mornings).  As you know fitness has become a much bigger part of my life these days (and I can't wait to get back to working out after all this French and Italian food).  I've included some things for outdoor workouts/running, the Gaiam reformer for working on the core indoors during the cold months and those awesome non-slip barre socks (that I should probably own by now...).  Would love to hear what you're scooping up for that fitness buff in your life!

Under Armour Fleece Headband, Fitbit, Under Armour Gloves, Gap Long Sleeve Baselayer, Under Armour Gotta Have It Tote, Lululemon Water Bottle, Toe Sox Gripper Socks, Aveda Active Composition Analgesic (for sore muscles), Gaiam CorePlus Reformer

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