A Day with the New York Red Bulls

A few weeks ago, I received an invite from the folks at Red Bull to attend a day of health professional networking at the New York Red Bulls Arena.  I have to admit, I laughed when I first opened the e-mail.  I mean, were they really trying to equate Red Bull with health/nutrition? After my initial reaction, I started thinking this might actually be worth attending!  As so many people use Red Bull and other energy drinks on a daily basis, I figured this was an opportunity for me to get more information on the product, ask any questions and be better prepared to work with my clients.  And let's not forget, I'm a pretty big sports fan...

The invitation explained that we would have an informative discussion with representatives from Red Bull, including their internal Registered Dietitian.  In addition, we would be treated to VIP skybox seats, a buffet lunch and field access prior to the game.  



VIP on-field access!

 Let me just say, Red Bull did not disappoint.  My guests and I arrived around 12pm and after picking up our tickets at Will Call, we literally walked a red carpet to enter the arena.  The skybox suite was beautiful and offered an upscale buffet lunch, including carved meats, sandwiches, salads and sushi, as well as more traditional "sports" fare and sweet treats. 



Skybox buffet

I opted for a big beautiful salad (with awesome toppings like asparagus and artichoke hearts) and a few pieces of sushi. 

And of course there was plenty of Red Bull for everyone to sample.  In addition to traditional Red Bull and Red Bull Sugar-free, we were able to try the new Red, Blue and Silver editions (cranberry, blueberry and lime-flavored, respectively).  I don't typically use energy drinks nor do I necessarily recommend them, but I appreciated the opportunity to sample these new ones.  And I have to say I enjoyed the flavored ones far more than the traditional Red Bull I've tried in the past.


Lots of Red Bull!



After eating and sampling the new flavors, the RDs gathered in one of the skybox suites for our interactive discussion with a Red Bull representative as well as their nutrition expert, Becki Holmes, RD, CD.  The RDs in our group all came from different areas of the nutrition field, which made for a very interesting discussion!  Some of us were clinically based, some in private practice or community nutrition and some in marketing/research.  I was immediately impressed by Becki's knowledge base and transparancy in terms of the product.  She gave us a history of the company and products, before opening up the floor to discussion.  A few of the other things she mentioned that I found to be interesting/relevant:

-Red Bull was created in the 1980's using four main components: carbohydrates, caffeine, taurine and B-vitamins and these are still the foundation of their recipe today.

-Red Bull sugarfree is NOT labeled as an "energy drink", as carbohydrates and calories are what provide energy and this product has zero carbs and almost no calories.

-Red Bull sponsors and endorses many athletes and entertainers, including skateboarders, skiers and motocross riders.  However, they don't claim to be a sports drink, but rather a functional beverage which may improve performance.

A lot of our discussion ended up surrounding labeling, regulations and marketing claims.  While the actual science and nutrition behind energy drinks is important, these other concerns are definitely good to be aware of when addressing consumer questions and concerns!  

In the end, what I had assumed would be a laughable discussion regarding the incorporation of energy drinks in the "nutrition world" turned out to be an interesting and valuable learning experience for me.  I appreciated that the discussion was purely informative and at no time did I feel pressured to promote or endorse Red Bull.   My professional opinion?  Red Bull (and all sugar-sweetened, caffeinated beverages) should be enjoyed in moderation and only as long as it is safe for the consumer. 

 

To top off the day, the Red Bulls beat the Houston Dynamo 2-0!  A big thanks go out to the folks at Red Bull for providing us with a day of energy drink discussion, food and football! :)

Now tell me...Do you drink Red Bull (or other energy drinks)?  Do you use caffeine and energy drinks in your training/fueling?  Have you tried the new flavors?  What do you think?

Reebok Spartan Race [+FREE Race Giveaway!]

If you're a regular PB&P reader, you know I'm a big fan of setting goals and challenging yourself to see what you're made of, whether it be in the gym, at work or in your personal life!  For runners and other fitness enthusiasts, a Spartan Race is a perfect opportunity to do just that.  To find out exactly what you're made of...and according to the folks at Reebok Spartan Race, "you'll know at the finish line."

So...what is Spartan Race?

Spartan Race has been a leader in obstacle races since 2005 and has been voted #1 obstacle race by Outside Magazine.  

Spartan Race features a race for everyone beginning with the entry level Spartan Sprint (3+ miles and 15+ obstacles), intermediate level Super Spartan (8+ miles and 20+ obstacles), the advanced Spartan Beast (12+ miles and 25+ obstacles), and the ‘99.9% need not apply’ extreme level Death Race. 

Spartan Race prides itself on ripping its racers out of their comfort zones, and therefore does not provide course maps or details on what obstacles will be encountered.  But for an idea of what you might expect during a Spartan Race, check out the video below:





So are YOU up for the challenge?  What are you waiting for?!  Enter my giveaway below for a chance to score a FREE entry to a Spartan Race of your choice!  AROO!

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

And don't worry! If you're not lucky enough to win the FREE race entry, just follow this link to receive 15% off when you register for a race.  So sign up, show up and don't GIVE UP!

 

Disclaimer: The awesome folks at Spartan Race are providing one lucky PB&P reader with a free registration to any open heat Spartan Race in the continental U.S.  I have not been compensated for writing this post.  Only entries through Rafflecopter will be eligible for selection.  Giveaway ends 6/15/13.

OrthoLite Review & Giveaway!

Happy Monday! It's supposedly spring, but here in NYC the weather has remained cold and dreary.  Which is why I was more than delighted to come home today to find the new pair of Sauconys I ordered had arrived!  I usually run in Asics, but the updated models just don't fit the same and I needed something new.  

Hello, new Saucony ProGrids!

If you're a runner, you probably find yourself in this predicament a lot.  Due to high mileage, you may need to replace shoes fairly often and it can get frustrating when model updates change the fit of the shoe.  Back in October my awesome doctor recommended that I run with insoles to provide a little more comfort, support and stability, no matter what type/brand of shoe I wear.  I thought this was a great idea because it's also a cheap and easy way to extend the life of my running shoes.  I've been using a pair of Powerstep insoles for awhile now, but was very excited when the lovely folks at OrthoLite offered to send me a pair of their Fusion insoles to review.  

So what did I think?

I've gone on a few runs in these insoles and have to say they're pretty good.  I immediately noticed the "update" and my shoes felt new again!  You can custom fit the OrthoLite Fusion insoles to any running shoe brand or size by simply removing the current insole, lining them up next to each other and cutting them into the proper shape.  I really like that adding the insole to my shoe doesn't impact the fit of the shoe in other ways.  These insoles are definitely softer and more flexible than my Powerstep insoles, but they provide similar cushioning and support.  Here's a little more info on the insoles:

·         Designed to fit all athletic and outdoor shoes or boots

·         Breathable: Air circulates in and around the insole, leaving the foot cooler and drier

·         Moisture Wicking: Unique insole structure moves moisture away from your foot

·         Retains Structure: Unlike many of the insoles on the market that go flat, unique spring-back technology ensures your insole will retain over 95% of its thickness over time

·         Anti-Microbial: Patented formulation fights fungus, bacteria and odor

·         Lightweight: Insoles provide cushioning and optimum performance without adding weight to the shoe

·         Fully washable

·         Availability: Available for purchase on OrthoLite.com for $19.99/pair

·         Benefits Athletes: For every pair of Fusion insoles purchased, OrthoLite will donate $1 to the Level Field Fund, a grant-giving program that bridges gaps in funding to uniquely talented athletes

If you're interested in snagging some OrthoLite insoles for yourself, I have three pairs to giveaway!  Enter to win by leaving me a comment below telling me what your favorite running/workout sneakers are!  The giveaway will be open through Sunday, March 31st at midnight, when three lucky readers will be chosen to receive a pair of OrthoLite Fusion Insoles.  Good luck and Happy Running! :)

**Disclosure:  OrthoLite provided me with a sample pair of insoles to review as well as the information above and will be providing three (3) pairs of insoles to the winners of this giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spotlight on Steph: Running for a Cure with TNT

Meet Steph.  

She is my cousin, my best friend and a recent addition to the Team in Training NYC Chapter.  On March 17, 2013 she will run the NYC Half Marathon and complete her first half marathon.  Steph will be training and fundraising for the next three months so that she can raise money to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, an incredible organization that works to fight blood cancers.  I couldn't be more excited for or proud of Steph for having the courage to take on this incredible challenge.  Both the training and fundraising will certainly be tough but ridiculously rewarding!  Please join me in supporting her (both emotionally & financially) and stay tuned to continue following Steph's story here on PB&P!

For now, let's get to know Steph a little bit better:

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Stephanie Meyering, I’m a 26 year-old publicist and I live in Astoria, New York with my boyfriend, Kevin and our energetic puppy, Kirra. I love to cook, entertain, and spend time with Kim and my other amazing friends!

What’s your current level of exercise? 

I was a competitive cheerleader for about 18 years and was able to stay in shape for a few years after college. But at the moment my level of exercise is probably not as up to what it should be! I sit at a desk for probably 8-10 hours a day and I’ve been running on and off for about 6 months but have definitely not committed myself to a training program – until now!

What inspired you to sign up for a Half Marathon through Team in Training?

Believe it or not, I’ve had a few inspirations for signing up for Team in Training:

• First and foremost, in October a colleague of mine, Ellen Kushman lost her battle with blood cancer. A group of my colleagues and others that loved Ellen decided that joining Team in Training to raise money to find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma. 
• Secondly, as you know, my cousin and uncle are huge runners! Reading this blog alone, you come away inspired. Their love of running is contagious and I hope to catch the bug! 
•  Last June, my boyfriend participated in the Ride to Montauk with Team In Training. He fund raised about $3,000 for the cause and rode a 100-mile bike ride! Seeing Kevin meet new people and grow through the process was also a huge inspiration to sign up. 

Raising $1,600 is a big challenge!  That's a lot of money. Are you worried you won’t be able to meet your goal?

Well, yes! But Team In Training provides you with support to discuss fundraising ideas and help you plan any fundraising activities you’d like. In addition, my team has already begun planning our fundraisers and we’re ready and rearing to go! As a team we want to beat our goal of $15,400 and give LLS as much support as possible.

So, how are you feeling as you head into this crazy fitness & fundraising journey?

I’m nervous and excited about this! My first official training run is tomorrow and it kind of feels like the first day of school! This past week there was a kick-off meeting and we met our coaches and now I’m ready to go! I’m sure there will be good days and bad days but I am just going to think about who I’m running for and that by running I  will be helping others!

Besides crossing the finish line on 3/17/13, what are you hoping to get out of this experience?

Through training for this half marathon and fundraising for LLS, I hope to become a better person! This will be a challenge for me physically and mentally and I can’t wait to take it on!

Last but definitely not least...What can we help support you and TNT?

If you’re interested in supporting the cause, you can check out my Team in Training Page here: http://pages.teamintraining.org/nyc/halfnyc13/stephaniemeyering  

Because I am a part of  Team Ellen we also have a team page, you can check it out here: http://pages.teamintraining.org/nyc/halfnyc13/teamellen 

In addition to collecting donations on the site, Steph will also be documenting her training and fundraising here on PB&P.  Please donate what you can, help us spread the word and check back to see how she's doing!

Race Recap: MHRRC Turkey Trot 2012

Happy (belated) Thanksgiving to you and yours!  Enjoying good food with family and friends makes Thanksgiving one of my favorite holidays.  Not to mention I'm a big fan of reflecting on all the things we're thankful for...so this is my kind of day!  Another reason I love Turkey Day is because it's becoming a holiday for running!  Turkey Trots are becoming a popular Thanksgiving tradition and I can't think of a better way to start a day of feasting than a few sweaty miles shared with family and friends.

For as long as I can remember, my dad has run our local Turkey Trot.  And my brothers and I would either be out there freezing cheering for him or joining in the kids races. The Mid-Hudson Road Runners Club offers a few distances so that runners of any level can participate in the Turkey Trot: Kids 1-mile, 2-mile fun run, 5-mile and 25K (AKA 15.5 miles).  The last few years I've run the 5-mile race and every time I struggled with the hilly course.  It's not like anything I'm used to running in NYC, but I can push through anything for 5 miles, right?  Sometime back in July, I was reassessing my 2012 goals and decided that this would be the year to take on the challenge of the 25K race.  It sounded like a great idea at the time...

Come Thursday morning the weather was perfect--Mid 40s and sunny for the 8:30 a.m. start.  I wore shorts, a thin long-sleeve tee, vest, compression socks and (of course) a Sparkly Soul headband.  As I've never run 15.5 miles before, let alone "raced" it, I had no idea how to plan for this race.  Dad had sent me the course map and elevation, so you'd think I knew what I was getting myself into, but nope!  My ultimate goal was to survive (and not cry) and I guess we could say 10:30 min/miles was goal pace (given the hills).  The 25K distance typically draws only about 75-80 runners, most being faster and more seasoned than me, so I also mentally prepared myself to come in last for this race.  

Dad and I at the start

Since I already established that there was no way I was racing 15.5 miles, Dad decided we would just "have fun" and run together.  That plan worked for awhile.  The hills were tough but the downhills helped.  Dad and I had driven the course prior to the race and strategically dropped Gatorade where we wanted it.  I also brought my fuel belt and my favorite Gu Chomps for fuel.  In sharp contrast to NYC races, there was not water at every mile and definitely not many cheerleaders out on this course. There were a few water stations staffed by running club members and volunteers, who were very friendly and encouraging.  And then there were the few families (not affiliated with the running club) who stood out on their lawns or at the ends of their driveways to clap, cheer and hand out additional water to runners!!!  Talk about thankful! That's some awesome "small town" spirit to push a girl through an otherwise tough course.   

My new favorite photo.  Check out our matching form!

I mentally broke the distance down to 5, 5, 3 and 2.5 miles.  I decided early on that if I was going to meet my goal of surviving, I would have to walk most of the hills.  The inclines were hurting my calves and my lower back pretty badly, but I fought through it and felt strong for the first 10 miles.  My Nike+ app GPS was really thrown off, so I have no clue what my pace or splits were, but I also didn't care.  Despite the walking on inclines, I was starting to lose my umph.

Seriously, hills?

After the 10-mile marker, I told Dad to go on his own because I knew he could run faster and I didn't want to hold him back.  I tried to keep him in my sight for as long as I could, but that man is a beast and took off.  He's currently training for another Goofy Challenge in January so this was a good long run for him to practice.

Go, Dad, Go!

As I watched him disappear up over a hill, I turned up my music and dug deep to finish out the last 5.5 miles solo.  I thought to myself, "you run 5 miles all the time, no big deal...you can do this."  But I felt super slow and just wanted to finish.  My feet hurt, I was hating the pitch of the road making me run on a slant and I kept feeling anxious that drivers were not paying attention and I would get run over.

Can you see the ridiculous hill wayyy in the distance?

Mile 12 was (gasp!) yet another hill.  I distracted myself by singing (okay, rapping) to myself and thinking about all of the yummy food I was planning to eat later.  Sweet potatoes, turnips, pumpkin pie, beer...oh my! I thought about how I was missing the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.  I thought about how crazy those people are for sitting in the freezing cold for hours to watch that parade.  I thought about how people probably think I'm crazy for choosing to run 15.5 miles on Thanksgiving.  They're right. It is crazy, but in my opinion it's always a good idea to be active and moving and sweating! :)


I was so excited when I saw Mile marker 15 and my Dad cheering me on shortly after! That last stretch was the longest half mile of my life.  The course heads back into the high school parking lot where it started, but in order to make up the complete distance, you have to run a little loop of the parking lot before crossing the finish line.  So you can SEE the finish line, but have to run a loop to actually get there.  Awful!  I just kept putting one foot in front of the other, but I felt like I going backward.

Almost there.

And finally....I crossed the finish line!  With a new PDR of 15.5 miles!

My official time was 2:48:27 (avg pace 10:52) which ended up being 89th of 96 total runners (not last!).  It could have been 3+ hours and I wouldn't have cared.  I was just happy to be done!  The first thing I said to my dad was "Okay, now I can say I've done that.  And I'm never doing it again."

Dad's offiical time was 2:41:01 (avg pace 10:23), which undoubtedly would have been much faster if he didn't stick with me in the early miles!  But I'm glad that he did (thanks, Dad!) because no matter how fast or slow...I love running with that guy!

In the end...I'm so THANKFUL that I survived my first (and most likely last) 25K Turkey Trot and was able to spend the rest of the holiday enjoying family and good food!

What are you Thankful for this Thanksgiving? Did you run a Turkey Trot this year?  Eat a lot of turkey & mashed potatoes? Tell me about it!

Race Recap: Billy Goat 5K 2012

The Billy Goat 5K, a fall trail race at James Baird State Park in Pleasant Valley, NY is probably my favorite 3.1 miles ever.  It's hilly, rocky, sometimes muddy and definitely challenging.  Also, race registration includes a super comfy long-sleeved colored t-shirt.  This year it's maroon and I'm loving it.  This Sunday was a picture perfect fall day: sunny and a cool 60 degrees.  Dad and I arrived early and did a quick warm-up jog before lining up with the other 150ish runners.  The start line doesn't have corrals or signs...just a white line painted in the grass between two orange cones.  Hello, "small town" running.

The race starts out with a short flat stretch until you enter the woods, where the fairly narrow path follows a steady uphill, so it's tough to get past anyone.  Every year I've done this race, I've been frustrated when people take off fast from the start line only to slow down or WALK once the uphill climb starts. And this year was no different. UGH.  When will people learn?  I just want to shout "Move out of my way so I can dominate this crazy climb!"  As expected, this first mile killed me.  I kept my head down, which is smart on a trail run anyway so as to keep your footing and avoid twisting an ankle or tripping over a root.  I spent most of the race talking to myself, repeating "breathe" on the uphills and "slow down" on the downhills.  I also had the new Florida Georgia Line song "Cruise" stuck in my head, which I sang to myself during the few flat stretches. 

I didn't see the second mile marker and wasn't wearing my watch, so pretty much had no idea how fast (or slow) I was running.  I knew that last year I finished in 34:01 (a solid 10:57 pace!) so I guess the plan was to beat that.  I really didn't have super high hopes for a race PR for a few reasons.  First, my running has been lacking this month (especially for the last two weeks since the SI Half).  Also, I've done exactly no hill training.  But I gave it my best and really enjoyed pushing myself the whole race.  There's something so great about running in the (mostly) quiet woods, just focusing in on your own body, breath and heartbeat. 

At Mile 3, I exited the woods and gave it my all for the last tenth of a mile to the finish.  And my official finish time was 32:45!  Boom.  Not fast by any means, but I still feel great about it!

And Dad? 

He once again kicked my butt and finished in 27:00 flat.  What the heck?! He is just getting faster with every race this year.  I'd watch out though, Dad--one of these days I'm going to catch up!

The Billy Goat 5K had 165 finishers this year, and as always had great organization, volunteers and post-run snacks (the donuts won't get my seal of approval, but bagels & apples were great!).  See ya next year, Baird Park! :)

Thankful Thursday: The One Where I Went to the Doctor!

Good evening! I've had quite a day.  I went to work early so that I could leave early for my doctor's appointment.  I had a crazy busy day today at work and earned myself a sweet little headache.  Which certainly hasn't improved after sitting in traffic on my way back home from my appointment.  But it's Thursday and we're feeling very thankful, right? Good.  

So this week I'm thankful...

...that I went to the doctor.  And not just any doctor.  Today I had an appointment with Dr. Jordan Metzl, sports medicine genius and multiple marathoner/ironman triathlete.  As I've mentioned here on PB&P, I've had some quad-hip-leg pain for about a month now which resting, icing, heating and rolling has not improved.  Insert trip to Dr. Ironman.  His assessment?  My ass is weak.  Literally.  Dr. Metzl says that my weak glutes, hips, core is contributing to this muscular pain.  Also I run a little funny on my left foot (likely secondary to my previous hip fracture).  So my prescription?  Get fit, girl!  Which I'm so on board for.  I've got lots of strengthening workouts to do and I'm really excited.  I've been wanting to build strength for awhile now, and this is a perfect motivator.

...that my business cards have arrived! Let me know if you'd like one (or twenty) to pass on to your friends, family, co-workers, worst enemies, whoever! :)

...that I won Holly's giveaway and just received my very own case of 16 different LaraBars!  

I am a huge fan of LaraBar.  Most bars are around 200 calories and contain no more than 9 ingredients in each bar.  The base is usually dates and other ingredients include unsweetened fruits & nuts.  They're packed with fiber, protein, healthy fats and make a great snack! Not to mention they're delicious...with flavors like Banana Bread, Apple Pie, Chocolate Chip Brownie, Ginger Snap and Peanut Butter and Jelly. 

...for this awesome Amazon Local deal!  I've been wanting to try CrossFit for awhile now but wasn't ready to commit to paying for a gym or classes.  Now that strength building is doctor-prescribed (see above), it's like I HAVE to start this.  I can't wait to see what this fitness craze is all about!  Want to join me? Buy yours now! :)

...that I'm going home again this weekend!  Upstate fall foliage, free laundry, hugs from Mom and my favorite 5k race of the year?! What could be better?


Okay. I'm all thankful-ed out.  What are you thankful for this week? I'd love to hear all about it!

Race Recap: NYRR Staten Island Half Marathon

Staten Island, Sunday October 7th, 2012 at 8:30am.  50 degrees, overcast and breezy.  This was the scene at the NYRR Staten Island Half-Marathon this weekend. 

 This race was scheduled to be my second half marathon and my training was pretty solid up until 2-3 weeks ago.  I've since been battling some quad/hip pain (Don't worry, I have an MD appointment scheduled), so I wasn't sure how or if I was going to be able to run this Sunday. I ultimately decided to give it a shot.  After all, I had paid for this race and more importantly, Dad was coming down to run too! 

On Saturday, after Dad and I went out for a pre-race dinner, I got my gear together for race day: C9 by Champion running shorts, Nike Dri-fit top, Asics, RRS Dryroad socks, Sparkly Soul headband, SpiBelt, Blueberry Pomegranate Gu Chomps and Jet Blackberry Gu.

We arrived to the Island of Staten around 7:30am and quickly found parking.  Race Central was right next to Richmond County Bank Ballpark (home of the SI Yankees) with amazing views of lower Manhattan and an incredible September 11th Memorial.

There was a ridiculous line for the porta-pottys right before the start, so we didn't have much any time to warm up.  NYRR had their usual color-coded corrals and we lined up to wait for the start.  While listening to race announcements and the National Anthem, we snapped a few pre-race photos.

One of the best parts of the race came right as the starting gun went off...A FDNY Marine Unit in the harbor put on an awesome show for us:

The course was an out-and-back with a few hills and one long hill around mile 8-9.  Most of the course was along the waterfront, with awesome views like the one below of the Verrazano Bridge.  

I started this race with no expectations of pace or time, especially because I didn't want to worsen my injury.  Since I mentally break the half-marathon distance into two 5-milers and a 5k, I told myself I would get to the 5-mile marker and assess how I felt.  Although the out-and-back course wouldn't have made it easy for me to stop and turn around if my leg acted up, that was my plan.

The race started out fabulously.  Miles 1-4 absolutely flew by.  I was loving the cool weather, I wasn't paying any attention to my splits and my body felt happy to be running.  My quad pain was noticeable but I didn't feel hindered by it.  As I came across Mile Marker 5, I took some Gu Chomps and decided I would push through.  A few minutes later, I started seeing the race leaders speeding by me.  I was expecting the turnaround to be around the 10K marker, but it ended up being further along around 7.5 miles.  Mile 6 through the turnaround flew by as I was so distracted by all the runners on their way back to the finish.  It was super motivating and I picked up my pace, realizing I had some potential to PR.

Mile 8-8.5ish was the one serious hill of the course, but I had gone down it during the first half so I was mentally prepared to go back up it.  My only complaint with this race comes in here.  There was a water station placed right BEFORE the peak of this hill.  Maybe it's just me, but I like to power through all the way to the top of the hill! 

At Mile 9, I could definitely feel the impact of my sub-par training over the last 2 weeks.  My feet were tired and my lower back started hurting.  The next two miles were mentally challenging, but I was motivated by the fact that I was still on target to PR.  

Mile 12 was a slight uphill back toward St. George terminal and the finish line.  This was tough because I hadn't realized it was a downhill during the first half and I wasn't ready for it.  I was so close to the finish but this mile seemed to go on forever.  There were tons of spectators at this point and they were great! Cowbells, funny signs, high-fives, motivational cheers...I love it all.  And then finally there was a right turn back down to the waterfront and a quick sprint to the finish line.  

Smiling at the finish! 

Apparently in previous years, the course had one of those finishes where you can see the finish line but have to do a wrap-around or little loop to finish off the 13.1.  No one likes that.  So this year the course was modified in response to runner feedback and I have to say, this finish was awesome!  I flew down that last hill and finished super strong.  My official time was 2:10:46.  That's a 4 minute 6 second PR! With an injured leg. Boom.  

And Dad? 2:01:21, which would have been sub-2 hours if he didn't have to make a pit stop! As usual, I'm in awe of this guy...

I guess getting older=getting faster?! Maybe one of these days I'll be able to keep up with him (and maybe beat him??).

It almost doesn't need to be said that NYRR put together fantastic races.  They're always very well organized with plenty of water, post-race refreshments, volunteers, etc. and Staten Island was no different.    

All in all, a great day, a great race and a shiny new PR.  Next up...a visit to the MD to figure out what's going on with my leg.  Hopefully followed by the Disney World Half Marathon in January! :)

I'm Thankful For Thursdays.

Oh, Thursday...how I love you! You signify the almost end to the work week and my rest day and the day I get to have a few drinks with friends! :)

I'm definitely thankful for Thursdays. I'm also thankful for...

...good things happening to good people.  I love when people in my life are happy! Some are having babies, some getting jobs...and it's all awesome!  

...for runs with my dad. DUH.

...that The Color Run is Sunday! I'm pretty psyched to see what the "Happiest 5K on the Planet" is all about! Let's go Team CT!

...for my new early morning running routine.  

Ahh...The sunrise over Con Edison.  Okay, so it's no sandy beach or mountain view...but I'll take it! I'm really liking that my runs are done and over with before most people start their days.  I feel super accomplished.

...for this cool gift from cuz:

It's lip balm.  By ClifBar. I know..I don't even really understand it, but I'm loving it.

Okay...it's late! You go! What are you thankful for?! 

Home Is Where the Heart Is

I've had a very busy weekend! Yesterday I headed upstate to my parent's house so I could take Rocky to the vet. Shocker...he has something NEW wrong with him! Although I hate when he has bully issues and I certainly hate spending so much dang $ on these issues, I have to admit I loved the excuse to go home.

Rocky and Tow Mater. BFF.

I do get to see my family fairly often because they're just a few short hours drive away.  It's been a while since I've seen everyone so I was sure to make the rounds during my short trip home.  Rocky and I visited with my aunt, I went out to dinner with my parents and I even spent some time with my grandparents and their house full of animals!

Oh, and I hung out with this one-eyed guy too!

Hi Wile. E.

As I've said many times before, one of my favorite things to do is go running with my dad.  So of course I did that too!  When I woke up (a little late) this morning, the weather was absolutely perfect.  I mean sunny and mid 50-60 degrees! Amazing.  Dad probably wanted to do a longer run, but I told him my training called for somewhere between 7-9 miles.  

My parents live less than a mile from the Dutchess Rail Trail, a running/walking/biking trail that covers about 12 miles through the middle of Dutchess County.  It's pretty much flat and since you can access it from several entrances, it's great for short runs away from dangerous cars or can be added as part of a longer distance.  

So we started out on the Rail Trail and covered 3ish miles heading over to Vassar College campus.  Although Dad promised there wouldn't be hills on this run, Vassar has does a few inclines.  It wasn't so bad.  And it's a really pretty campus that was super quiet because school is obviously not back in session yet.  In hindsight, I should've snapped a few pictures of the pretty views and buildings throughout campus.

Dad also showed me a "hidden gem" in Vassar Farm, which is huge and I never even knew it existed from driving by on the road.  

Farms? Yeah, we don't have those in Queens.

After a quick visit to this big old farm (which of course has now intrigued me and has me looking into the Poughkeepsie Farm Project), we doubled back and headed back home via the Rail Trail.

Not quite a NYC intersection.

So we did a nice 8.5 miles, keeping a 9:50ish pace.  Good stuff. 

Overall, my whirlwind weekend home was awesome. Doesn't get much better than running with Dad, visiting the rest of the fam, and doing some laundry for free! :)