SIX DAYS!

I have six days left until the big day! I can't believe that October 21, 2007 is right around the corner. I am super excited to be that much closer to the finish line, the Tiffany's necklace, and a few mandatory spa visits. :)

I'm thinking about donating my Tiffany's necklace. I want to see what it looks like before doing so, in case I truly fall in love with it. I believe it is a runner pendant on a silver chain. Let's see, let's see!

I'm super excited to see my family, my friends, and my teammates running, cheering, and being lively on Sunday.

To those who read this blog, thank you for all the support and love you have given to me since May. Of course I will continue to write in the next days and after the race to give a wrap-up.

The Hills...

are alive....with the sound of music (in mmmyyyyy head). Yesterday, I had to do hill repeats. For those familiar with Central Park, I ran from E. 72nd to 90th (roughly a mile) on an effort level 3.5 (on a scale of 1 to 5). This terrain is called "Cat's Hill" and it has both steep incline and steady incline on the way up. We had to use the same effort level and shave off 20 seconds on the way down. We did this routine twice.

First mile up: 8:30 minutes
First mile down: 8:22 minutes
Second mile up: 8:52 minutes
Second mile down: 8:30 minutes

After this routine, we had to run with all our might from E. 72nd to the top of the hill (around E.79th) and then recover on the way down. We did this twice w/o timing.

Two lessons I learned:

1) I am horrible at math. The main reason I didn't shave off twenty seconds on the way down the hill is because I thought 8:30-20 seconds= 8:20. I don't know why. I call it my "runner's brain," sometimes similar to a "chemo brain" as my cancer survivor teammates say.

2) I have the strangest songs pop into my head. At yesterday's training, I had the following song in my head.


The beast being the marathon, I presume. It was a helpful song.
And I crashed when I got home.

What a Week!

I am still on a Saturday run high. I ran 11 miles at a 11:00 min/mile rate and was not even the least bit tired. We trained in Central Park. My husband and I got to Central Park at 6:30A to stand in the Shakespeare in the Park line. It was the last weekend for Romeo and Juliet. Around 7:40A, I walked over to 72nd Street entrance, the TnT meeting site.

I ran with my mentor teammates, Emily and Lori, and another mentor Melissa. What I love about team training is what you talk about. We chatted about so many random things. And you feel the running connection- much like a connection you make with a person while volunteering, coaching, working.

So, I ran the farthest I have ran in this training. My only pain was a weak left knee. I iced it when we got back home.

And no, we didn't get tickets to the play. But, what a great way to spend a beautiful Saturday.

Saturday: Cramp and Sickness

As it turned out, Saturday was not a good run. It was probably one of the worst runs I have had. I had a terrible sidesplitting cramp on right side, underneath my rib cage. I felt sick to my stomach starting at mile 2. And it was downright humid.

I ran with Coach Kelly. She was awesome because she helped me throughout the eight mile journey. Not only was she running on her birthday, but she is also recovering from a flu and bronchitis.

During the run, I thought of my honored teammates, Priyanka, Kavita, and Archana. I kept thinking about how my pain doesn't even compare to what they have had to go through. So, I continued on. A bit slower (ran at a 11:00/mile pace) and with more conscious steps. One thing I have continued to learn AND appreciate is putting one foot in front of the other. Eventually, I will reach the finish line.

::+::
Thank YOU to the continued monetary support! At the writing of this post, I have crossed the $1500 mark. Only $3500 to raise!

eight miles

I know, I haven't been updating this site as much as I would like. Work and other activities are keeping me balanced. Maybe a bit too much, as I didn't train yesterday. Don't worry, I ran this morning on my day "off" (from training, not from work).

I am proud to say that this Saturday I ran EIGHT miles. That is right, E-I-G-H-T. I am super excited that I did it. And I couldn't have done it without my new running pal. Seeing her run made me run. It was hot, humid, and sticky this past Saturday morning, but that didn't stop the TnT crowd from forming. Seriously, just getting out of bed is hard. But, knowing that I am not going to be alone in the run makes it all worth it.

I finished my contact list and will be sending fundraising emails this week, so watch your inbox! I am also buying new shoes this week (yeah payday!!).

Keep cheering me on via comments/emails. I really need it. And keep donating to the cause. It means a lot to me and the honored teammates.

Long Weekend

of not running. Fine, I ran on Saturday and I did six miles. In the heat, humidity, and lack of sleep, I made it.

However, that did not transpire (or inspire) into running on Sunday or Monday. Bad, Chai, bad! Although I am disappointed with myself, I know I can't rewind time. Plus, I have to show my body compassion.

That means, I run today (group run), tomorrow, and Thursday. And I cross train on Friday, followed by a Saturday group run.

Tonight, after my run, I am making a list of people I am contacting for the fundraising aspect. I also need to finish up a few other logistical aspects. If I know you, or even if I don't "know" you, you will be getting an email from me. You have been warned. :)

My weekly thank you to: Sibil M., Emily C., and Vasi M.

cross training

I am so sore from yesterday's cross training. Cross training meant running 8 minutes, then doing squats, lounges, and quad exercises. After three sets of this (3 runs, 3 squats/lounges/quads), the coaches made us do "core" exercises. Core exercises are strengthening your core (i.e., your tummy). My stomach has NEVER hurt that much before. They were the hardest, yet best exercises ever.

Strength training is a key component to training for a marathon. It reduces injuries, builds your muscles, and keeps you fit. Learning these different types of exercises will help me on my days off from running. As I previously mentioned, our training schedule builds in at least two days of cross training, which should include strength training. This is easily found in yoga, pilates, kick boxing, etc. But, even if you can't make the yoga class, now the coaches have taught you exercises you can do in your living room.

In other news, I couldn't get up at 6A to run, unlike Monday. I will either do it tonight or tomorrow. Compassion towards myself and the life changes I am instituting, right?