Month: July 2015

My Saturday morning long run was a SUCCESS! 15/71

I got up at 7:40am on Saturday and hit the Mount Vernon Trail. I opted to drive to the trail (although it is about a 2 mile run away) so I could stay as tree covered and shady as possible. 

Most of my training runs this go-round have been run for 2-3 songs then walk a song. I was proud that minus 1 extra walk break around during mile 4 (an bunch if uphills) I stuck to run 3 songs, walk 1 song. I actually didn’t walk during my last mile because I felt great. 

I had hoped to do the run in 2 hours and look at that 2:00:18. I even managed an elusive NEGATIVE SPLIT, by just 30 seconds or so, but STILL. 

The weather really cooperated. It was hot at first, just I acclimated well to the heat, plus I was properly hydrated/ brought proper hydration and gels. About halfway into my run it got pretty cloudy and even drizzled slight at points which was welcomed! 

Week 4 wrapped up well – ¼ there! 

I got the spend the rest of my Saturday drinking beer at the pool from like 1:30pm-7:30pm with T and two friends. Yesterday however was TOO DAMN HOT for anything, including the pool. We went to the mall, basically to just walk around. 

The Pre-Run

Tomorrow I have a 9 mile (15/71)  training run, it will be my furthest run since ummmmmm March 2014, I think, when I did the NYC half. I’m anxious, but ready for 9. 

The prep for that runs starts today:

  • Good diet
  • Lots of water
  • No alcohol
  • Bed early 
  • Running fuel ready/purchased

It’s also important to check the weather for a “big” run. It’s supposed to be hot as hell all weekend, so my best bet is to suck it up and get up early tomorrow to run. The heat and humidity will only be worse by Sunday morning, so it’s best for me to just knock the run out ASAP. 

The rest of my run plan includes of course post run:

  • Hearty breakfast
  • Plans to lay by the pool 
  • Beer, ya know for “recovery” 

Ready to wrap up week 4 of marathon training! I’m ¼ there! 

Morning Miles

This morning’s 4 miler was run 14/71

It’s technically 14/70 because I skipped a run last week due to my 11 mile hike day – which is training, but not a run. 

The weather was mild and the humidity was low. However this weekend my 9 miler is going to be hot and gross. I’m planning on getting up at 8am on Saturday and then spend the rest of the day at the pool. We’ll see. 

WIW – :/ edition

Last week: 202.6 

This week: 202.6 

WHY SCALE WHY.

 I’ve been running 4x week aka average over 100K a week, making good food choices, limiting alcohol to 1x week. 

I will battle on, but I’m just really frustrated that these first 10lbs I’m trying to get off are being so stubborn. 

Help me not be homeless :P

Hey DC/NoVA area friends.

I just thought I would try crowdsourcing before good ol’ craiglist (I’ve had good luck 2/2 and rather not push it) that I am looking for an apt/share. Here’s what I’m looking for: 

-move in 8/15-9/1.
-month to month or short term (~3 month lease/sublet)
-dog friendly (freddie is less than 10lbs)
-spend no more than $1000/month total
-commutable to Fairfax (preference to greater Arlington/Alexandria area)

Let me know if you know of any places or friends’s places!
Thanks

Race Woes

In my marathon training, I’m scheduled to run a half marathon 8/16 and there is practically NOTHING in the tri-state area. There is one, but it’s a legit trail half and I’m sorry, but that sounds like a nightmare on so many levels. I want to register for a half FOR the crowd support (even if limited) not to be by myself in the middle of the woods. 

College Tour

I should remind you that I work in Higher Education and love visiting college campuses. I try to stop and visit noteworthy campuses as much as I can when traveling (Pepperdine has been the most impressive thus far). 

I went to a wedding down in Roanoke this weekend and on the the drive back yesterday we drove (a touch out of the way) to visit Virginia Tech. I have never been to Tech and figured I’ve lived it’s VA for over 3 years it’s time. After about 2 hours at Tech we made our way north with another stop at UVA. 

The visit to UVA (the “flagship” public university in the state) got me curious just how many flagship campuses I’ve been to. Thanks for the list wikipedia (note that Texas as 2…of course they do). I’m shocked I’ve only been to 8/51 (bolded). Looks like I have a new life goal!