TGNY 100 Miler Training Run #1: Bushwhacking, Snow, Getting Lost, Donuts, People Dancing on Railings...

Running is only as much fun as you make it.

The trick about TGNY 100 is that the course isn't really marked; this year, American-record-holder and RD decided to host training runs along the course so we could figure out the course a little bit better.

We started from the starting point in Times Square, and I only planned on running 12-15 miles because I have a 24 hour race next week. No problem, right? Easy peasy? Well....

We started out and I hung towards the back. My hamstring has been feeling funny, so why not take it easy?

We started out on the streets, chatting, laughing. Overheard dialog included, "The cock was exposed..." Beth and I tried to get further details, but did not. Oh, well!

I felt pretty good and was cheerful. The hamstring was behaving and I walked anything that somewhat looked like a hill. It was cold, but not too bad. Everyone traded running partners and got to know each other.

Then we got to a big mess of snow and ice and it took me forever to brave with, with Byron letting me cling onto his arm. Then we got to the bridge to cross into the Bronx, only to realize we could not cross. Alas, the photo below.

We ended up walking on some other icy, snowy paths. And Melissa and I were chatting with Mat, and somehow got caught behind, alone, and took the wrong path. We got lost, and bushwhacked a bunch until we got to this lovely photo.

We met up with everyone at Twin Donut, and I was so hungry I ended up eating half of Beth's donuts, even though I really hate donuts. But ultrarunners have to eat Twin Donut in NYC; it's kind of a rule. So I did.

Beth and I ran for a bit longer, than hopped on the subway. I got probably 14 + miles in for the day (when you counted getting lost) though some of that was falling into the snow (Does that count?) and then we took the super long journey of the 1 train back downtown.

Pancakes, eggs, tea, and relaxing...that's the rest of the day for me!

Sunday Night Runs

Lately, I've been enjoying my chill Sunday night runs. I'm alone, it's quiet, and I'm packing on a few extra much-needed miles. Maybe I'll run them tempo speed, or just use the time as a recovery run. Either way, I wouldn't dare think to use my headphones - they would ruin the moment.

I leave later than I intend, always. Writing, or straightening up, or studying Spanish. And then I'm out the door, flying down the block.

The neighbors all recognize me by now as the runner. They say hi as I blur past them, and I smile. I'm in my favourite time. Running. Nothing else gets me feeling like this.

The sun is setting over the buildings. The buildings to the north have half of their tops shadowed pink; the south is a glorious mixture of pink and orange and heaven. I could take a photo but it wouldn't be the same; you have to be there to experience a sunset like this.

I run past people practicing tai chi and children laughing and couples sharing coffees. I run past Brooklyn Flea and the smells and the temporary set-up reminds me of Leon, Nicaragua and so many other places I've traveled. I push on.

I push until I feel like I'm flying.

And then I'm there.

Short Runs

Because we weren't out to set out speed records today.

We slept in, tangled in blankets and each other, limbs and cat and comforter, and woke up, our hands reaching for each other. And finally, we rose.

Our legs ached - mine from a 50k on rocks and hills the day before, yours from a brutal speed workout two days before. Could we do the 10 miles at 7:45 pace?

We opted for enjoyment...and rest. We weren't ready to beat ourselves up. We tugged on running clothes and headed out.

At Gantry Plaza, you flopped on one of the chairs. I always wanted to do that, always having run by them. I sat in your lap and we watched the boats go by. You held me. We talked of island expansion, of fireworks, of important moments. And this was one, just enjoying the day, each other, ourselves.

We rose. We ran home, laughing. We ate breakfast. I ruined the eggs, you helped me save them. It all tasted fine, especially when peanut butter is around. Especially when I can kiss you after.

And now, I'm off for another short run, this time, alone, but the one this morning is what sustains me for now.

Bad Runs, Good Runs

There are many things I cannot control, and the weather is one of them. The weather turned both of my fun long runs into short cranky ones.

Saturday Iliana and I planned on running all day at Bear Mountain. She picked a loop to repeat, and the plan was, we'd head to the car in between each loop, grab a little more water, food, whatever.

On the drive up, the precipitation grew colder and icier the further north we head. At Bear Mountain, it was snowing when we arrived, and I immediately began complaining. Iliana is somehow good at tuning me out. We headed out for the first of six loops and even though she dragged me on the dreaded Stairway to Heaven, I quickly worked up a sweat as we began discussing important things such as why there are so many wretched men in NYC and upcoming ultramarathons. At the top of Perkin's Drive, the snow was sticking hardcore and as we began running, I grew worried. I insisted we run a little slower than we would've liked, because the asphalt on the road down was slippery. The run felt more like 3 hours than an hour and a half, but at least I was in good company. 

My gloves were soaked, so I decided to change them when we got to the car. I changed some layers, ate a bit of an Odwalla bar and some of those Honey Stinger chews, and drank a little water. And then I really didn't want to get out of a car with heated seats, but suddenly, the snow changed from lots of snow coming down to hardcore-you-can't-see-anything-blizzard.

So we decided to go home. Hmmmm let's drive back to the city in this? Probably not a great idea but it was good we left them. The roads grew progressively worse, with overturned cars, stuck cars, electrical fires, downed trees, and horrid drivers. The normally hour-long drive took 3.5 hours.

Sunday was supposed to be the Holiday Marathon - I would run 26.2 miles and Wayne was going to do 22. However, the race was canceled due to fallen trees and ice (pshaw! wimps!), so we decided to skip the ice/slush/snow that would plague sidewalks and head to Prospect Park to do six loops, and then I planned on running home (while Wayne would drive back). Little did I know that my legs had nothing in them and I felt like crap so I could barely push forward. I wanted to cry. Where were my trails? Where was my tough hardcore running weekend? What the hell?


We cranked out seven miles and hopped back in Wayne's car. That was enough, we told ourselves. We didn't feel it. He'd do his long run tomorrow. I would do a couple of slightly longer runs this week, and next week, 50 miles, the week after, 50k, and I'll be in good shape for the marathon.


Instead, we curled up, made a good brunch together, hung out, arranged stuff in our apartment, played with our bundle of fur.


I'll head out for another run in a bit, but really, when you just don't feel it, results don't seem to come. I think my run today was disappointing because I was supposed to be at a fun race - instead was like a hamster, running loops in a park. It was supremely depressing.


Let me out of my cage - send me to the trails - that's where I belong!


A little over a month to Cajun Coyote 100 miler!

Triplets

This weekend, due to a busy social life, lack of motivation, and other contributing factors, I did three shorter runs each day instead of one longer run.

Saturday, I had only so much time after picking up my sewing machine from the repair place, so I ran a short, hard three miles in my Vibram. I felt great. Then I headed to the beach. After swimming and eating a bunch of cherries, I ran about four or five miles on the beach, close to the hardest part of the sand. It was hot, and splashing alongside the water felt incredible. After downing a bottle of water, I swam some more. Then, after a margarita, I headed out for another short run - my boyfriend was making dinner, so I didn't have much time. Another 5 miles in my Vibrams. I really am loving training in them lately, but the longer runs can be difficult.

Sunday I intended to do 40 miles in NJ, but after some complications, I didn't. Instead, I ran about 7 miles in my Vibrams. I headed back to the beach (my addiction) and did another 7 miles on the beach towards Point Lookout. I felt really hot and after, started to feel woozy despite drinking a bottle of water on the run. A post-run smoothie helped. Then, after returning home, I changed out of bikini, back into running gear and did a few random things. Then Wayne and I headed out for a lovely night run. He learned you shouldn't bite too hard into your mouthpiece of your hydration hose, and after I was rained on for a few minutes by his hydration hose, we ran to my house and he borrowed a 2-bottle waistpack. Then we headed over the Queensboro Bridge, down 1st Avenue, then crosstown through the twenties, then down South until Chinatown for so, then back up and over, the Williamsburg Bridge, and we ended eventually at Kellogg's Diner, where we had milkshakes and grilled cheese and omelettes, and felt happy and a little tired and despite being soaked and a little sore, we were thrilled with what we accomplished, and of course, with the fun we had.

Run Long, Run Strong, Run Happy

A shorter run on Saturday (2hrs40min), followed by an all-day Sunday run with Iliana at Stirling Forest and Bear Mountain State Park (one of my favourite places to run - it will kick your ass, but it's SO pretty!). Whatever I pulled in my butt when trying to outrace gnats last weekend is still hurting...so I had to take it easy on the uphills, and Iliana's chafing led to great grief and pain for her.

creepiness in bear mtn park

But you know what? With the sweat dripping down our faces, stink of our long-run bodies, gu filling our tummies, we had a blast. We met a guy doing the entire AT, another hiker who I gave gels and bars to, we were on such beautiful trails, catching up with our friendship, living, laughing, life.

Night Running

I'm running tired, but I'm not tired of running.

I thought that to myself as I pushed the pace down Bedford Avenue last night, past the drunken hipsters with cigarettes limping out of their mouths, staring at me, mouths agape, "Is she running - at 12:30 in the morning?"

Yes. Yes. What else should I be doing? Well, usually I'm sleeping, so I can get up at 5:30 to run. But when Dee asked for company on a 35 miler at 1a.m. on a Thursday night/Friday morning, four others decided to join her.

Because I had some pretty tough runs the past week (hills, speed, tempo runs, plyometrics, heat, and I also ran 1hr40min yesterday morning), I decided to only run part of the "course."

Why night runs? During a 100miler, the toughest part of the race can be the night...it's later in the race, so you're slowing down. Your adrenalin levels have dropped. You get tired...yawning...eyes closing...you walk zig-zag-zig-zag. In my first 100, Vermont 100, I slowed down due to major blisters and could barely walk, much less keep my eyes open. Overnight runs on no sleep really help your body train. I also enjoy those 5 hour energy shots to keep me going. Wooooohooooo!

Zandy (training for Finger Lakes 50 Miler) and I ran over the bridge, catching up, about races, life. Then we met up with Dee (training for a 100miler in SD), Jacqueline (training for a 24 hour and The Beast of Burden 100 Miler), and Mike (doing Leadville again, the warrior). It was nice to catch up with friends.

Night in NYC can be magical. The skyline from the bridge is just beautiful. And there's few people around, so there's more room on the sidewalks for runners. It was hot, but much cooled down after dark and rainstorms. The moon and the stars were up there, somewhere beyond the edges of the buildings and heavenly rooftop parties. People tend to be more chill because during the day, they're stressed about work and their kids and how it's been months since they've mopped the kitchen floor. At night, most people are relaxed, maybe had a glass of wine or two or three, seeing friends, really being themselves.

We took a few photos...we talked...I felt like I was flying. I forgot about my super tight calves and my exhaustion and chattered on with Zandy and Dee and Mike and Jacqueline. I felt great. 

I left everyone to go home - couldn't push myself as much as I wanted, at least not tonight. I ran alone, and when I turned back on 11th Ave, I saw a long street of lights - white and green. It was truly beautiful.

A woman sitting on a bench said, "Wow. You're badass. You're badass. Wow. A badass."

I took it as a compliment.

Bear Mountain Weekend

On the ride back to the city after running yesterday, I said to Wayne, "Sometimes being an ultrarunner is a big time suck. Like my weekend, gone. All I did was run at Bear Mountain." (Not entirely true; went to Wayne's party and celebrated his birthday w/ him and drinks with Gwendolyn and a little writing and a bunch of baking.)

He responded so beautifully, "That sounds like a great weekend. Running's a great way to spend your time."

And it was. It was a beautiful time running some technical trails that try my running, my body, and of course my soul.

Saturday was great. Al and I took some of the most difficult trails (I begged for the hardest climbs to prep me for the North Face Bear Mtn 50 Miler in just three weeks), including the dreaded Stairway to Heaven. Andrea stuck with Martin on some slightly different trails, and all of us were on almost no sleep. It was great. It was chilly (high 30s/low 40s), and got rather rainy and windy towards the end and we all got chilled. But still, you'd look around at such gorgeous trails with lovely views and almost no one in sight - and feel lucky to be training in such a great place.

Sunday wasn't as long of a run - just around 4 hours. We hit up some slightly easier trails, but enjoyed awesome views, a couple climbs, a run around a lake, and LOTS and LOTS of puddles to run through. (Many of the paths and stream trickles turned into brooks, which was so much fun to run through.)

Training Run at Bear Mountain!

My girls and I went for a great 4.5 hour run at Bear Mountain. There were stomach aches, hills, great views, more hills, tripping, peeing behind bushes, mud, freaking out about running out of water, talking about the deliciousness of chocolate Accelegels (that was all me, on the chocolate Accelegels...like pudding, I tell you!), talking about boys, and stupid men, and bad dates, and good dates, and what we did last night...Andrea and I were collectively on less than 2.5 hours sleep, but we substituted some caffeine for sleep, and all that dancing I did the night before - I'm pretty sure it's what propelled me up those hills.

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