peace out, nyc

Tonight I sit at 147 West 136th Street for the final time. I was thinking about spending my final night in NYC at Dive Bar or Professor Thom's, but it seems fitting that I spend my final night in my apartment in Harlem. 


I am spending my final night alone as my wife is in Connecticut for business. Tomorrow night we will be heading to Ohio for the weekend (and my first 50 mile ultramarathon) on our way to our new home in Chicago.


On Monday I start at Red Frog Events. I am extremely excited to work there and am excited to move into an awesome apartment with my wife and sister...but I will always miss NYC for a number of reasons.


NYC will always hold a special place in my heart. For one thing, it was the first "real" place Liz and I have had. Sure, we lived in Princeton for two years, but we lived in married housing, which was basically a glorified dorm room. I feel like our Harlem apartment was our first real place: we moved here by ourselves, spent the huge majority of time with each other, and got to explore our new city together. I'll never forget this apartment or the memories that we made in it.


I've also had some amazing times in NYC: running in Central Park, seeing the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade from a $15 million apartment on Central Park West, seeing Wicked and The Book of Mormon on Broadway, walking across the Brooklyn Bridge and having brunch in Vinegar Hill, exploring Bottle Neck Beach, catching a subway and being at the foot of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, ice skating in Bryant Park, taking classes at Columbia, interning at Redeemer, running through Harlem, doing a half marathon with Liz in Central Park while it's snowing...so many memories that I will keep for a lifetime.


Walking through Harlem tonight on my way to our favorite pizza shop, I couldn't help but reminisce about the amazing times that we have had in this amazing city. I definitely had a moment with myself. This past year has been amazing.

I never thought I would ever say this, but I love NYC. Not only that, but I loved being a New Yorker this past year. 


I'm looking forward to Chicago and it makes it a little easier knowing that we are moving to another worldclass city...but I'll never forget our time in NYC. Just me, my wife, our pup, and the city that never sleeps.

last long run (and nasa)

So today I set out for my final long run before my 50 miler on May 12. I set out to run at least 20 miles. I left our apartment in Harlem and went west to the Hudson. I stopped to watch the space shuttle being flown over the Hudson. It was an amazing site.

I then ran through Riverside Park to Central Park at 96th St. I ran a Central Park loop, then a bridle path loop, then another Central Park loop when my watch, which I have neglected to recharge, pooped out around 14.7 miles. I ran another Central Park loop (6.3 miles), so I ended the day with about 21 miles.

I felt good and don't feel too sore tonight (we'll see how tomorrow looks when we get there), so I'm encouraged. 50 miles will be a beast, but I'm sure I can do it!

Keep running!!

cold & rainy

This morning I had some things to do for work and for our apartment application in Chicago. I wanted to get out early for a run, but it just didn't happen today.

So I left for a run early this afternoon and wanted to do around 20 miles. I got to 3.75 and hit the curb at 96th & Broadway oddly and felt the tightness in my right calf act up again. So annoying!!

I'm going to stretch it tomorrow and see how many miles I can do. Hopefully upwards of 10. I'll have to save my 20 miler until Friday since I'll be in Princeton on Wednesday for work.

Keep running!

a bit short

Today I was hoping to run at least 13.1 miles.

I ran from Harlem over to the Hudson to a new route through Riverside Park (a very nice find, which I will frequent from now on) down to 96th Street and then over to Central Park. During my second loop around Central Park at 10.75 miles into my run I felt a little twinge in my right calf (high on the muscle). I stopped immediately. I've only had one injury during my running career and it was my right calf (high on the muscle) about two years ago. It sidelined me for two weeks. I obviously didn't want a rerun of that situation.

So, today was a bit disappointing because I didn't get the mileage that I wanted, but I least I hit double digits. I'll see how I feel tomorrow. I don't want to take the day off because I know I will most likely have to take Friday off because I will be working in Princeton all day and probably won't get back home in time for a run. We'll see how it turns out. I guess two days of rest is better than pushing it with an injury when you are less than a month away from a 50 miler!

Keep running!!

long, short, long

To many people the life of an ultrarunner is the culmination of a lifetime of poor decisions...I can't say I disagree.

I submit into evidence yesterday's decision: an 80 degree day with zero cloud cover and I decided to go out for a 20 miler with only 2 carb gels and no sunscreen. Not the greatest decision I have ever made in my life, but I needed the mileage. Needless to say I slept well last night...save for the sunburn,

Today I went out for a 3.5 miler around the bridle path in Central Park. I wanted to do at least 3 miles just to stay loose.

Tomorrow I'm heading out early (before it gets too hot) to do at least 13.1. I'd like to do closer to 15, but we'll see how I'm feeling after my second loop around Central Park.

I leave you with Anton's reflections on injury, being patient, and moving into your truck.

Keep running!!

i'm back

Alright, enough time off. It's time to get back into the swing of blogging. Sorry for my absence, which I'm sure you've felt created a large void in your life. I apologize for any pain this may have caused you.


I'm ramping up my mileage lately because my 50 miler is less than a month away. I'm really looking forward to it. It's going to be one of the hardest things I've ever done, but it will be worth it.


Today I ran 11.88 miles. I ran through Harlem, down Riverside Drive to 96th, and then to and around Central Park (once on the road loop and once on the bridle path loop). 


I've been running in the new New Balance MT110s (pictured), which were designed by Anton Krupicka for running in trail ultramarathons. He runs in the Minimus for shorter distances, but needs the support of the MT110s for ultras. I like them because they are minimalist, yet they have more padding than the MT00s (the new Minimus Zeros) or the MT20s in which I have been running. They also have a rock plate in the forefoot which is much appreciated. I've been wearing them without socks and haven't had any issues with blistering. They wick away moisture really well and don't have any problem areas. I found the MT20s to have a large stitch near the arch of the foot that would cause blisters on longer runs. The MT110s don't have that problem.


In other news, I'm down 20lbs since January 1 (from 196 to 176). I still want to break into the 160s before my ultra. I may have to resort to drastic measures and stop drinking beer until then. We'll see how it goes!


Keep running!

update

Shot of the JKO Res that I took this fall. My favorite
part of the Bridle Path loop in Central Park.

So it's been about two weeks since I've updated...sorry for the lapse! I've been working a lot as well as studying a bunch for midterms. Since they are on Thursday and I've already studied, I decided a quick update would be a nice break before Biggest Loser.


I've been consistent with my P90X and Insanity workouts. I've also been consistent in running...but, truth be told, I did not run the day before or the day after my ultramarathon. It's a shame. I had a pretty good streak going but the day before the ultra I was working in Princeton all day and just barely made it back to the city for the reservations my wife and I had that night. The day after my ultra I was just too sore to move. Running would have made it worse.


So I've now failed with both of my New Year's resolutions. Oh well. I'll need some rest days as I ramp up my training for my 50 miler in May, so it's probably for the best. 


Today I did Legs and Back as well as Ab Ripper X for P90X and I did Max Interval Plyo for Insanity. I also ran around the Bridle Path in Central Park (3.8 miles) and rode my bike about 10 miles to classes. Not a bad day.


Tomorrow I will be working in Princeton again, but I hope to get back with enough time to do another 3–4 miler. We'll see how work goes.


I leave you with an excellent article by Anton over at his Running Times blog about what he thinks about while he runs. If you have a runner in your life and tend to wonder what they think about while they are out running for hours at a time, give this a read. It gives you a little insight into how us runners think.


Keep running!

febapple frozen 50k race report

At mile 21. One more 10M loop to go.

Today I was meant to be running the Ugly Mudder 7.5M trail race in Reading. After waking up and barely being able to move I realized that I am neither Dean Karnazes nor Marshall Ulrich and would not be able to run the race today. I'm really bummed, but life goes on (or, to be grammatically correct, wouldn't that phrase have to be "but onwards life goes"?...I digress.).


So I decided I would revisit the Febapple Frozen 50K that I ran yesterday. 


Woke up early (5AM) to get out of the city and to Maplewood, NJ for the 7AM start. My lovely wife also work up early to come with me. What a lady! 


Because I woke up so early and had to get to the race, I didn't have time to eat anything. I thought that may go to my disadvantage, but it actually worked out well. I had a gel and a banana before the start and felt fine throughout the race.


The race was on the trails of the South Mountain Reserve in Maplewood, NJ. The 50K was run on a 10M loop (plus a short 1M out and back at the beginning). I didn't think I would like the idea of a loop, but I ended up really enjoying it, especially during the final loop as I knew what kind of terrain was coming up.


It was a really windy day in the Northeast, so I had to battle some pretty strong (and cold!) winds at some points during the race, but for the most part it wasn't too windy as the trees and mountains kept the wind from really picking up. It snowed lightly at some points, but overall it was a really nice day to run: not too cold and not too warm.


The first two loops weren't bad at all. I felt relatively fresh and was able to run most of the uphills as well as the downhills. I started getting pretty wiped out at around mile 25, but since I knew what type of terrain was upcoming and since I knew there was only 6 miles left, I kept pushing.


Overall the race was pretty good. The trail was a good mix of wide, rolling sections, technical uphill and downhill sections, and a few pretty big climbs. Normal fair for a trail race in the Northeast. It had rained the night before, so there were some pretty muddy sections of the course. The rain also caused some confusion as the course was marked with flour the night before the race. It was a bit frustrating at some points because it was hard to figure out the markings. I much prefer races that use flour AND flags to mark the course. It's much easier to find your way with flags than with wet flour that has been mostly washed away over night.


The aid stations were well stocked with various snacks, water, cola, and Hammer gels and drinks. The race t-shirt is a nice, long-sleeved tech shirt, but there was no finisher's medal or prize. A bit disappointing (even if it is vain).


All in all, it was a pretty good race. I still enjoyed the NorthFace 50k at Bear Mountain and the Blues Cruise 50k more, but I'm glad I did this race. It beat me up, but it served it's purpose to get me closer to my 50 Miler that I'm doing in May.


Keep running!

weekend (and week-beginning) workouts

I apologize to my three readers for not posting this weekend. Things got away from me and I simply forgot. But I have not been slacking off, I promise! I've been doing my P90X and Insanity workouts everyday as well as running everyday (haven't missed a day all year!). I was even able to get Liz to do P90X Yoga X on Sunday. She was sore the following day, but she said she wants to keep doing it on Sundays. 


My mileage for the days I missed blogging were: Friday 2.7m, Saturday 2.9m, Sunday, 2.8m, Monday 2m, and today 2m. 


I have two races this weekend (which is why I'm keeping my mileage down): Febapple Frozen 50k trail race on Saturday and the Ugly Mudder 7.5m trail race on Sunday. Should be a great weekend!


I leave you with a video that introduces you to Marshall Ulrich. His exploits are incredible: from summitting Everest multiple times to running Bad Water UNSUPPORTED (he used an ice cream cart that he pushed and pulled through Death Valley to Mt. Whitney...in JULY!).


Keep running!

short post

A short post for a pretty short day of workouts. I wanted to wake up early to pump out a nice 10k before classes, but I woke up too late to do so. I went to classes, came home and did Pure Cardio (Insanity) and Yoga X (P90X). After my afternoon classes I did a short run in the rain around the City College loop (2m). 

To keep with my "short" theme, I leave you with the trailer for Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant's new venture: "Life's Too Short." I've seen the entire first season (via BBC) which begins this Sunday on HBO. It's absolutely hilarious. Keep running!!

linsane in the membrane

I'm a Boston sports fan. It's how I was raised. It's who I am. I love the Sox (pronounced "Sawx"), Pats, Cs, and Bs. So, naturally, I hate all NY based sports teams. It kills me to say that I have been swept up in the "LINsanity" surrounding Jeremy Lin. Not because I don't like him (he did, after all, attend Harvard which is right across the Charles River from Beantown), but because he's a Knick.


I don't care. I love the story. I love what he is doing for the game of basketball. The NBA needed a story like this after the crap they pulled this past fall with the strike/lockout fiasco. I love NBA basketball. I used to "like" it until I read Bill Simmons' book "The Book of Basketball." Now I'm a huge fan.


Anyway, all that aside, I did manage to get my workouts and runs in these past few days (I apologize for not blogging yesterday, but my full attention was on my wife). 


Yesterday I did Cardio Power (Insanity), Kenpo X (P90X), and ran 3.5m. 


Today I did Stretch X (P90X), Plyo Circuit (Insanity), and ran 2.1m. 


It's meant to rain tomorrow, but it looks like it will be later in the afternoon. I'm going to try to get a 6–8m run in the morning before classes.


I leave you with a video highlighting the biggest race series in the world, Warrior Dash, which is a production of the best company in the world, Red Frog Events, for whom I will be working in May! Keep running!

all work

Today I woke up early (5a) and caught the 6.01a train to Princeton to work the entire day. I got home a little after 5p and cooked dinner for my beautiful wife (I have to add those romantic adjectives because Valentine's Day is tomorrow). Needless to say, the last thing I wanted to do was go for a cold, night run and work out.


But I sucked it up and am glad I did. I went out for a 2m run around the City College loop and then got back and did Ab Ripper X. I'm moving my other P90X and Insanity workouts back a day, which cancels out my rest day on Wednesday (Monday's workouts to Tuesday; Tuesday's workouts to Wednesday). It's worth it so that I won't miss a workout.


I decided that I need to stop snacking after dinner. I usually enjoy some sunflower seeds or popcorn (the latter being my favorite). I think that will help in my weight loss journey. I'm definitely going to be cutting the calories over the next few weeks. I want to drop at least 5lbs by next weekend for my 50k on Sat and a 7.5m trail run on Sun.


I leave you with Anton's video promoting the NB Minimus (my go-to running shoes). Enjoy and keep running!

jack frost

It was a cold one today in NYC. I woke up early looking at getting out for a run, but it was extremely cold and windy (15 degrees, windchill to 8 degrees at 6.30a). So I decided to do Yoga X (P90X) and then Cardio Recovery (Insanity), which were good to get me loose for my run.


I finally got out to do my run around 11a after spending some time cleaning the apartment since Liz gets home from Chicago tonight.


The first 10 miles felt alright, but then my knees started hurting and the weather (20 degree wind chill...and it was WINDY!) started taking a toll. I ended up with a 12.5m run because I honestly couldn't imagine running around Central Park one more time. I love the park, but running loops is boring and running on the road is miserable.


So, it was a bit disappointing I didn't hit my 20m goal, but I feel good about it anyway. Running on trails is so much easier on my body than running on roads. I ran like a beast in the fall of 2010 and never felt my knees hurt until I ran the Harrisburg Marathon (100% roads) that fall. It beat me up. 


I hate road running.


I leave you with a funny video that reminds us all not to be that awkward runner. Keep running!!

halfway

Today marks day 45 of P90X, which means I'm halfway through the program. I definitely feel a lot better. I have more energy, I can feel my body tightening up, and can definitely see results. I'm also 15 days into Insanity and can definitely feel results, especially in my cardio and in my abs. I'm also half way to my weight loss goal. I started at 196lbs and am now 181lbs as of my latest weigh in (which was nearly a week ago...I weigh in again tomorrow). I'm positive that I'm going to hit my goal and am more determined after doing 45 days!


This morning I did Pure Cardio and Cardio Abs (Insanity). I then did Back & Biceps as well as Ab Ripper X (P90X). I then got some work done and went for a 6.27m run around Central Park. I'm now over 1,000 miles on my Nike+ profile (which I started last April). I did a 10k today because it was snowing and raining most of the day so I decided to push my 20 miler to tomorrow since it's meant to be sunny all day. I'm going to get to bed early tonight so that I can head out early tomorrow for the run.


I leave you with a funny video: Sh*t Ultrarunners Say. "Do you read Anton's blog?" Hilarious. Keep running!

plyo-mania

This morning I spent my entire time working. At 1p I came back to my apartment and did Plyo Cardio Circuit (Insanity) and then took my dog to the groomers. I returned and did a 2.75m run around the City College loop (less than I wanted to do today, but it works) and then picked up my newly groomed dog. I got home and did Plyo (P90X). Not too shabby of a day.


I may have to postpone my 20 miler until Sunday since it's meant to snow/rain all day tomorrow. I'll make a game day decision. Either way I need to run at least 10k tomorrow.


I leave you with, quite possibly, the funniest moment in television history...mostly because I love Ricky Gervais and that this scene was shot in one take and was improvised. Keep running!!

40!

So today marks my 40th day of running without missing a day. Only once have I gone 40 days in a row without missing a day. That was during my "10K a Day Until Christmas" experiment in 2010. 


That means tomorrow will mark 41 days without missing a run, which will be a record for me.


Sure, it's a small step towards my 365 day goal, but, to quote What About Bob?, "Baby steps..." 


Keep running!

martin lawrence: comic genius

Yes, I own this shirt.

Liz is on her way to Chicago for the weekend, so I am stuck home all alone. That means two things:

1. I get to watch Martin Lawrence movies all weekend without any objections (ML movies are my guilty pleasure).
2. I get to go on some nice long runs this weekend without feeling as if I'm abandoning my poor wife!

Yes, I will miss her...but silver linings...

Anyway, today I only got to run the City College loop (2.13m) because I had classes, had to get our tire fixed, and had to drive Liz to LaGuardia. No worries. I'll make up for the mileage this weekend.

After my morning class I did Cardio X (P90X) and the Fit Test (Insanity). After my afternoon classes I did Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps (P90X) and Ab Ripper X (P90X). All in all, a pretty decent day.

I leave you with a short review of the NB Minimus Zero MR00. Can't wait to get these puppies. Keep running!

beat the snow

Glad I decided to run earlier in the day today as I just went out to walk Sammie and it was snowing.


Didn't get around to blogging yesterday so here's the deal: did a 3.12m run around City College and did Kenpo X (P90X) and Cardio Circuit and Cardio Abs (Insanity). Had to squeeze them all between classes and meeting Liz for dinner, but I got it done!


Today was my easy day. I had a rest day for Insanity and did Stretch X for P90X. I also ran 3.24m around City College before Liz got home. I also cooked some amazing grass fed beef meatballs simmered in curry sauce over a bed of brown rice. Delicious and healthy: win/win!


Tomorrow night Liz is heading to Chicago, which means that Friday, Saturday, and Sunday I'll be able to do some nice long runs. I'm aiming for 12 on Friday, 20 on Saturday, and 15 on Sunday. I need to get used to running longer distances as I have a 50k coming up and a 7m trail run the day after!


I leave you with one of my favorite Phish songs. For longer runs I'll sometimes listen to music. I only, however, listen to Phish when I run. Whenever this song comes on my pace definitely picks up. Keep running!!

no smoking

One of the biggest things I hate about running in NYC, besides the fact that I am running on the road instead of the trail, is when I go to pass a pedestrian and she or he blows a huge smoke of toxic funk out of their mouth right into my face. Smoking sucks. It's honestly one of the top 1 dumbest things you can do.


"Hey, consumer: why don't you pay between $45-$150 a month (depending on where you live) for a few relaxing minutes where you experience peace and euphoria. Oh, by the way, that peace and euphoria come at a price: you won't be able to exercise without coughing your lungs out, you will spend a large amount of money supporting this habit, your health premiums will increase, and, oh by the way, it is scientifically proven that it will give you cancer.....are you in?"


Idiots.


Anyway (now that I have that off my chest), today was a good day. I woke up early and did our laundry (something that was WAY overdue). I came home and did Cardio X (P90X), Cardio Resistance Circuit (Insanity), Legs & Back (P90X), and Ab Ripper X (P90X). I then ran to the post office and bank and then (actually) ran 4m, which met my "over 5K" minimum for the week.


Tomorrow I'm ready to do about 7 miles as well as my P90X and Insanity workouts in between my classes at Columbia.


I leave you with a short clip from someone who ran 50s For Yo Momma last year. This year I will be running the 50m race as my first 50 miler. It's good inspiration. 


Keep running!

ouch

Brady: Rightfully Dejected

If "misery" is defined as "the state, condition, or situation in which a Boston team loses a game," then "absolute misery" is defined as "the state, condition, or situation in which a Boston team loses a game to a New York team."


Absolutely miserable.


In other news, I worked out early this morning because Liz and I went to Princeton to watch the game with our friends Sarah, Jono, Scott, and Abby. It was a good time even though the Pats lost. Always great to catch up with good friends.


Before heading to Princeton I did Yoga X (P90X), Cardio Recovery (Insanity), and ran around the City College loop (2.1 miles). 


This week, and especially this weekend, I'm pumping up the mileage. No runs under 5k with a 20 miler on Saturday (since Liz will be out of town!).


Congrats to Hal Koerner on his win at the Rocky Raccoon 100 this weekend. Great time at 13:24! Keep running!

weekend update

Norm. Still my favorite host
of Weekend Update

Yesterday wasn't the best. I woke up at 5.00a and was on my way to Princeton to work the entire day at the Princeton Dead Sea Scrolls Project. I didn't get back to my apartment in good ole Harlem until 5.30p. Needless to say I was completely wiped out. Nevertheless, I did head out for a 2.1 mile run around the City College loop. I didn't, however, do my P90X or Insanity workouts.


Today Liz and I took the subway down to City Hall and then walked across the Brooklyn Bridge. We hadn't been down there yet, so it was a fun trip for us. We had coffee and brunch in DUMBO and then walked back across the Brooklyn Bridge to catch the subway home.


Once we got home I did the Plyo Cardio Circuit for Insanity and then did Back & Arms and Ab Ripper X for P90X. Afterwards I went out for a 2.1 miler around the City College loop. I'm going to head out early tomorrow for a longer run. Wish I was able to get a longer run in today...but I'll deal with it.


I'll leave you with a nice clip of Anton talking about winter running. Keep running!

rapid fire workouts

I started today by spending the morning at Redeemer as part of my internship. It was good to get back there as I haven't been there since December. It was a good time of catching up with everyone and seeing how their holidays went.


I got home at 12.30p and had to push it. I knew I had about 4 hours of workouts to do and that Liz usually gets home around 4.30p. No time to mess about!


I started with Kenpo X (P90X) and moved right into Plyo Cardio Circuit (Insanity). Since I still felt good and it was BEAUTIFUL outside today, I decided to go for a bike ride. I rode through Harlem, around the Central Park loop, and then back up to our apartment (10 miles). I got home and saw I had enough time for a longer run today, so I caught the subway down to Central Park and ran along the bridle path for 7.5 miles (the bridle path is much easier on my knees than the God-forsaken pavement). 


All in all, it was a great day! All of my workouts felt great and I was able to push it a bit in all of them. Looking forward to the good weather predicted for the next few days!


Since I was rocking out to Bone Thugs on my iPod all day, here is a little treat. Keep running!

global warming

"Global warming is a myth!!"


That was the refrain last winter from a bunch of people who swear that global warming is some sort of leftist theory. Funny that I don't hear this refrain this winter. I mean, a 56 degree day on 31 January? Those haters can keep hating it; us runners will keep loving it!


Today I did Cardio X (P90X) in the morning and went to class. Came home and did Pure Cardio (Insanity), Legs & Back and Ab Ripper X (P90X). I still don't feel great and my ear is still bugging me, but I was still able to make it through my workouts with a decent effort.


When Liz got home from work we went for a 2.75 mile run around the longer City College loop. I really hope it doesn't rain tomorrow so that I can pump out a 10+ mile run in the early afternoon. I'm looking forward to getting back to longer runs.


Tonight I made some homemade pizza with goat cheese, roasted red pepper, arugula, kalamata olives, pesto sauce, on a whole wheat dough. It was really good (I got the recipe from this past month's Runner's World, which isn't online yet). Keep running!!

sidelined

As you know, I was battling a cold this past week. Just when I thought things were on the up-and-up, I came down with an ear infection yesterday. Spent the entire day yesterday and today with a throbbing ear and an accompanying headache. I can't wait to feel well again!


Yesterday Liz and I ran the 2.1 mile City College loop, but I didn't do my P90X or Insanity workouts. I decided that I was going to push all my workouts back a day and skip my rest day on Wednesday. That means today I did my "Sunday" workout (Yoga X for P90X and Cardio Recovery for Insanity) and I will do my scheduled Monday workout tomorrow and my scheduled Tuesday workout on Wednesday. It works out well because I don't end up missing any workouts. I only switch my rest day.


Today I also ran the 2.1 mile City College loop. I'm meant to be bumping up my mileage this week, but my ear just wouldn't let me get in a longer run today. I'm going to try to do 6-ish miles tomorrow in between classes or early morning and then do a few miles with Liz when she gets home from work.


Keep running!

intense saturday

This morning my wife and I spent some time cleaning up the apartment, so I ended up doing my workouts back-to-back-to-back-to-back this afternoon. 


I started with Insanity's Cardio Power & Resistance workout. Within 10 minutes I was drenched in sweat and it got even more intense as the workout progressed. I pushed it really hard and was absolutely SPENT by the end of the workout. It was awesome.


I then immediately went on to P90X's Back and Biceps workout. P90X isn't as intense cardio-wise, so I still able to push it since it was weight training.


Ab Ripper X was next. I did 20 of all of the exercises, plus 40 Mason twists at the end. 


Just when I thought I was done I decided to lace up my shoes and go for a run. It was only a short 2.1 miler around the City College loop, but it felt good. I'm looking forward to amping up my mileage next week (30-40 miles).


How was everyone else's weekend workout?


Keep running!

plyo friday

Short and sweet tonight because I'm tired:


Caught the train to Princeton early this morning to get some work done for the DSS project.


Got home at 2:30p and busted out the P90X Plyo workout as well as the Insanity Plyo Cardio Circuit workout. I then went for a short 2.1 mile run around the City College loop.


Now that I'm feeling better I am looking forward to ramping up my mileage during the week to start building my base for my 50k in late February. I'm looking to go between 30-40 miles a week leading up to the race. I hope to get a few 15-20 milers into the mix, but we'll see how that fits into my schedule.


Keep running!

insanity + p90x = ?

Today I started the "doubles" portion of my P90X schedule. It usually includes two workouts a day (usually cardio combined with weight training and abs). Other days it's either Plyo or Kenpo. Either way, it's intense!


I also started Insanity! It's perfect timing because today until the end of P90X is 60 days and the Insanity program is 60 days as well! I'll be finishing both on 28 March.


Here was the breakdown of today's activities: 
Woke up and did Cardio X (P90X). Took a shower and went to class.
Came back from class and did the Fit Text (Insanity) and Chest, Shoulders, & Tris and Ab Ripper X (P90X). Took a shower and went to another class.
Came back and ran 2.1 miles in the rain around the City College loop.


What a great day of workouts! Tomorrow I only have 1 workout for P90X and 1 for Insanity, so it will be a lighter day.


Keep running!

sick day: take three

Well, I hope I'm finally on the upswing. I didn't feel as bad today, but I have had a raging headache all day, which isn't ideal.

I did Yoga X and ran the City College loop today. I hope I feel better soon so I can bump up my mileage. I also start P90X doubles tomorrow, so I really hope I start feeling better.

Keep running!

sick day: redux

Again, I feel like crap today. 


I had class in the morning, came home and ran the City College loop (2.1 miles), then left for my afternoon class. I just got home and absolutely cannot do P90X tonight (it's Yoga X day). Since tomorrow is "Rest/Stretch X" day on my P90X schedule, I'm doing to double up and do Yoga X tomorrow. I need the rest, especially with doubles sessions of P90X starting on Thursday.


I really hope I feel better tomorrow. Feeling sick absolutely sucks.


Keep well and keep running!

sick day

Short and sweet tonight since I feel like crap.

Ran the City College loop (2.1 miles) this morning and did Core Synergistics. Went and did laundry then did Kenpo X.

Wasn't the best effort in my workouts today, but at least I got them done. I can't wait until I'm feeling better again.

the day after

So today was a tough day. Not only was I sore from the half marathon yesterday, but I'm also sick. Not a great combo.

So after laying around takin medicine all day, I finally got out for a short 2.3 miler around City College. Now I'm back and am trying to warm up. Probably wasn't the best idea to run while I'm sick, but I have a resolution to keep!

I am, however, taking the day off my P90X. To make up for it I'm going to double up tomorrow with Kenpo (today's workout) and Core Synergistics (tomorrow's workout).

Hope everyone had a great Sunday. Keep running!!

manhattan half marathon race report

The disappointing view this morning.

As we were warned last night, snow hit NYC early this morning. We woke up to about 2 inches already on the ground. The NYRR made the decision to have the race, but to have it "unscored," which means no prize money and no club scoring (that has to do with the different running clubs, like my own Harlem Road Runner's Club, competing for points each year based on the amount of runners in each event and how they finish). They still had a bag drop and water stations throughout the run, which was appreciated.


We got down to West 63rd about 20 minutes before the race and dropped off our bag...then we were off on a snowy adventure of 2.25 laps around Central Park (starting on West 63 and finishing in front of Bethesda Fountain on the 72nd St. transverse). 


The first lap wasn't too bad. The snow was still packed pretty hard, so we didn't have to deal with slush and possible ice. We were both dressed really warm, so the coldness wasn't too much of an issue. The biggest issue was the snow constantly falling in our face and eyes.


The second lap got a little slushy towards the southwest side of the park. But by that time we were at mile 11, so we both were in good spirits since we only had 2 miles left.


We ran together the entire time and we actually RAN the entire time (except for one short bathroom break). I was really impressed with Liz. I thought for sure she would want to walk up the series of hills at the northwest of the park on the second loop, but she kept pushing it. I couldn't be more proud!


So, our first half marathon is in the books. Besides the Chicago Marathon this fall, I think I'm done with road races. Trail races are so much more fun. It was also a bummer that we didn't get a medal for this half marathon. Not to be vain or needy, but I thought it was etiquette to get a medal for anything over 10k. Oh well, at least we finished in some very unique weather conditions. Enjoy the photos and keep running!

At the start of the race!

About 3 miles into the race coming up to the Met.

About 11 miles in coming down the West Side.

Us at the finish!

half marathon eve

Not great...

Well tomorrow is the big day: Liz and I will conquer the Manhattan Half Marathon...if it doesn't get cancelled that is! Unfortunately the weather tomorrow looks grim. There is already a winter advisory in NYC, they've cancelled alternate side parking this weekend for their anticipated snow removal, and the NYRR has said that they will make the call tomorrow before 6.00a. 


I really hope they don't cancel it because I don't think they reschedule (at least they didn't reschedule the Bronx Half Marathon this past fall, which was cancelled because of the hurricane). That would be the worst!


Today Liz and I did our last training run as we did the 2 mile City College loop. It was a bit cold, but we know that is what we are going to be facing tomorrow, so it was good practice.


I did Core Synergistics for P90X today and I have found my new favorite workout! I love it: a good mix of weight training, ab work, and leg work. I think I'd do it everyday if I could!


I'll (hopefully) be back tomorrow with a race report.


Keep running!

two days away

Like the Helvetica!

Only two days until the Manhattan Half! I only did a short run today (2.1 mile City College loop) which I'll probably do again tomorrow just to stay loose. I also biked 11 miles today commuting to Columbia, going to NYRR's offices, and then back home.


Liz took the day off since she worked another overnight shift last night. The good news is that her weeks of overnight shifts are over and she has the day off tomorrow!

Look for this number mid-pack!

I'm just about to do Yoga X and then head to bed. Tomorrow is my first time doing Core Synergistics. Not sure what to expect, but I'm sure it will be a tough workout.


Picked up our race packets today. The shirts are pretty nice. I wish I'd be able to run all of the races in the Borough Half Marathon Series, but the rest of them aren't until later in the summer and fall. Oh well. At least I get to run this one!


Keep running!