My favorite day of the year in NYC — and this one did not disappoint — The NYC Marathon. Actually, New York showed off in any way and it was truly a magical day. I did not run — but cheered for 5 hours — and it was absolutely glorious.
My preparation for the marathon started on Saturday by watching Kipchoge’s documentary — he is my absolute favorite runner (and maybe even athlete, close to Nadal) and this documentary is so inspirational and incredible.
This past weekend, I ran my 24th marathon (my 10th Chicago Marathon). It was a great day and despite it being hard (all marathons are hard), I enjoyed the process, the journey, and the race itself. One of my favorite parts of the race were all the Nike signs posted along the course. They were HUGE, and EVERYWHERE and really, really helped. Here are a few of my favorite. They are creative, cute, and different! Enjoy!
I don’t remember this one — and not my favorite sign — but still a good one.
Wow — it’s been SOOOOO long since I posted a running playlist! So, here is one! Enjoy!
A beautiful run (well not sure about the run part, but beautiful view)
If you are a long time reader, you know that I have run two marathons with Achilles Interntational — an organization that transforms the lives of people with disabilities through athletic programs and social connection. The marathon experiences guiding my blind athlete, Eddie, have been absolutely incredible.
My first time running the NYC Marathon as an Achilles Guide was back in November 2018. It was an unforgettable experience.
Even back then, I had the habit of taking selfies of my coffee before the marathon. Love how things never change.
That year, Eddie ran a 3:36 — which was an incredible feat for him! I was so happy that day!
We ran again together in 2022 — it was a very very very very difficult marathon.
It was extremely hot that day and Eddie ended up fainting at mile 26. ALL THAT SAID, Achilles is the most incredible organization and I believe in it and its athletes 100 percent.
This was before he fainted.
Mid faint
Why am I telling you about Achilles now? 2 plus years later? Because we decided that it would be a great community even for 12 year old Tusia to get involved with. So after watching videos, passing all these different tests, and forms, we completed our first workout on Saturday morning.
We ran 2 miles with Andrew in Central Park. Andrew was INCREDIBLE. Such a brilliant, calm, patient, soothing blind athlete, who helped Tusia learn how to use the toggle and how to speak with him when he ran.
We are so excited to be involved with this organization and look forward to many more Saturday runs together.
And yes, Tusia was the youngest volunteer by far, and yes I have to be present for all the workouts, but I cannot wait. Such an incredible organization and I love being a part of it — with and without Tusia.
Hope you have a great week!
In all my years of running, I have never wanted to “look” like a runner — because I have never FELT like a runner. Meaning, I have always seen these athletes running that are in this awesome gear and look all fresh and hip and FAST and like they belong to the “runner” label. But I have never felt like that, call it imposter syndrome, but it has taken me time to dress like a real runner. Finally, this Fall, I decided to bite the bullet on a top I have seen on all the fast runners in Central Park, and purchase it. It’s what the REAL runners wear….and real runner or not, I now know why it is everywhere. It is the best top and I wish I had purchased it in the Spring and worn it all summer — it is so good — that I have been wearing it and washing it the same day, so I can wear it the next day.
Bandit running top. Built in bra so there is only ONE top — and it is tight and. smooth and does not chafe. A little cropped — I would size up — but sadly, they were out of the size I wanted, so I had to go with what is left, and it is a little TOO cropped, but I still love it oh so much.
As a runner, parts of my body are always sore. I have tried to foam roll but I have failed consistently at doing so. So when I read about a Deep Tissue Massage Roller that acts as a foam roller, but better, I knew I needed it. I first read about it in the NYTimes Running Section, and the author was just like me — always sore, not dedicated to a foam roller, and on the look out for the soreness to be reduced! And I am so happy that I read this article and bought the R8 Deep Tissue Massage Roller Recovery — I LOVE IT.
It is sold on Amazon, but at the time I bought it, it was sold out, so I went directly to their website. It arrived very quickly.
I know not all of you are runners, so this post might not be that interesting to you, but just for my own records, wanted to put it out there to the universe. Also — if you ever want to run a marathon — you should. I love it so much — it is a journey and a process — bot the training and the race itself. This past Sunday, not only did my son turn 14 (!!!) but I ran my 21st marathon at my favorite marathon, the Chicago Marathon. It was a great day — perfectly chilly weather and a happy outcome.
As always, I left on Saturday morning for Chicago, and went straight to the expo to pick up my bib. I hate expos — they are so nerve wracking and stressful, and I much prefer to not discuss my race with strangers…I was in and out as fast as I could be, and asked someone to take this photo. I always get a little sad when I am at expos alone — it is usually something you share with others, but alas, I traveled to the race alone and on this rare weekend, my friends that I normally stay with, weren’t there.
I have so many new playlists this summer that I find it almost overwhelming to choose which one to listen to! Recently, one of Ken’s best friends from boarding school and I decided to share music with one another, and it has been so fun building these playlists.
On my run last Friday when I picked up Cruzzie from camp, I spent most of the time taking pictures of all the beauty I was surrounded by.
Almost 2 weeks have passed since the NYC Marathon, and although it feels like a lifetime ago, I still think about the run all the time. More than any other marathon due to the fact that I ran with Eddie, the blind athlete, and our unfortunate ending of the race. Eddie continues to be an inspiration to me — blind, and yet fully loving and appreciative of life. He does not let his disability define him and seeks challenges, joy, and happiness in everything he does. I hope to be more like Eddie in my daily life. This was our most recent exchange.
The hot, humid, and slogging runs have begun! Here is what I am enjoying listening to on my runs recently.
I saw this advertisement on a run this past week and it made me smile. Super clever.
Summer 2022 Running Playlist
More (Jan Blomqvist)
Sign of the Times (Nore En Pure)
I’m Not Alone (Calvin Harris, deadmau5)
Spotlight (feat. Sarah Ikumu) (S.A.M, Sarah Ikumu)
Treat You Better – Cassian Remix (RUFUS DU SOL, Cassian)
Sonnentanz – Sun Don’t Shine (Klangkarussel, Will Heard)
Calabria 2008 (Enur, Natasja)
Original Sin (Sofi Tukker)
I Just Wanna Dance (Coldabank. Freedo)
Problems (Don Diablo, JLV, John K)
Let You Go (Diplo, TSHA, Kareen Lomax)
When The Summer Dies (deadmau5, Lights)
Behind The Sun (ODESZA)
Red Lights – EMBRZ Remix (Lane 8, Emmit Fenn, EMBRZ)
Losing It (Fisher)
Belly Dancer (Imanbek, BYOR)
Silence (Dark Heart, NEUBAUER)
___
Happy running! Happy June! Happy almost Summer!
This past weekend, I completed my 16th marathon and my 5th (or 6th) Chicago Marathon. It was a crazy busy weekend with first a visit from my beloved brother and his wife, Cruzzie’s 12th birthday, and then flying to Chicago and running the marathon and flying home. It was overall a great full weekend and now I am exhausted!
The expo was INSANE. Usually, I am in and out in 20 minutes, but due to COVID regulations and checking proof of vaccine, it was incredibly delayed. Took over 2 hours to pick up my number. And always awkward for me to ask a stranger to take a picture of myself holding up my number, but hey, YOLO.
Last Thursday, May 6th, 2021, three friends and I set out to run the Rim to Rim to Rim – a trail run in the Grand Canyon from one side of the canyon (South Rim) to the other (North Rim) and back again. It was over 42 miles and a huge obstacle to undertake. After months of training and planning, we successfully completed the journey. It was a one of a kind experience and I am still in disbelief that we actually did it! Unlike other marathons, this was a self assisted ultramarathon, meaning it was only us on the trail (although we ran in to two groups of 2 guys doing the same thing that we were doing). It was also more risky than a marathon, not just because of the heat and the longer distance, but because once you go in to the canyon, you cannot be rescued. Our half way point – the North Kaibab trailhead is closed in Winter months – which means that once we got there, the only way back was to do the full 21 miles all over again.
A map of the Grand Canyon. The route that we took was from South Kaibab Trailhead to the North Kaibab and back the same route. Other people opt to go down or up the Bright Angel Trail as it is more gradual, shady, and has more water sources — but it is also 4 miles longer.
It is that time of the year where it is cold, dreary, and rainy or snowy or cloudy. Yet, despite the weather, as a runner, I am outside no matter what. Many people ask what I wear when I run in the cold weather, so here are my top gear choices for Winter Running!
This is me after my long run (15 miles) when it was 28 degrees out. I would rather sweat a lot than be cold, so yes, I overdressed and LOOK AT MY SWEAT. It felt so good. The sweat is my whole shirt — even in the cold!
Like all of you, I have been on pins and needles waiting for the election results….I have not been productive and not sure what I have done, but the days have FLOWN by….and so here we are at the end of the week. So it seems like a great time to have a fluffy post of songs I am currently loving, rather than a heavy and heartfelt post on how I feel the country is divided and my fears for the future….so here it is: Fall 2020 Running Playlist. Get outside and enjoy these tracks.
Early morning runs.
I spend a lot of time in Oregon on designated runner’s trails, which have lots of signs (other than keep 6 feet away and maintain social distancing) that are little inspirational quotes. Throughout my summers in Oregon, I always smile and laugh when I see them. To some they are just words, but to me, they are motivation and inspiration. No matter how silly or short they are, just knowing someone out there is cheering us on, makes all the difference.
I love this quote. It definitely brought an extra bounce to my run that day I read it for the first time.
This past Saturday, I did something I never thought I would do — I ran a 50K (31 miles). It wasn’t just any ultra — it was an unofficial one. Originally, I had signed up with a childhood friend, CJ, to run the Mt Hood 50K at the beginning of July. But due to COVID, it was canceled. We both decided that even though it was no longer happening, that the two of us would run together creating our own date and route. So for the past several months, I have been training for this ultra. Most ultras happen on trails, hills, mountains, and are flipping hard. And this proved to be true. It was incredibly hard and challenging — all the trails, hills, and long distance — but thankfully I had CJ who is a veteran ultramarathoner (who runs 100K, 50 miles, 50Ks all the time), to help me through it all.
The route. 31 miles in Eugene covers a lot of territory. We did 3 major loops — each ending at the “aid station” aka my parent’s home. Which is where we had our food, refill of water, and bathroom. These stops lasted 2-5 minutes and were crucial. There is no way I could have done it without refilling my water and fuel.
A little over a month until my first ultramarathon (virtual 50K since the one I had originally signed up for was canceled), so lots of running and listening to music! Here is a summer playlist to help you jog / skip / hop / run to some fun beats!
Dreamy Southern California
Although I am not currently training for a marathon, I am running as if I were. Not at the same high intensity, but as my only form of exercise, I am running everyday, a lot……I can’t wait to start back at my training to give me some variation in speed / miles / direction….but for now, it is just a lot of miles for a lot of days….so here is my COVID running playlist. Enjoy!
Sometimes I run along the ocean, sometimes on a path, it’s not a lot of variation but MAN is it pretty!
On Sunday, I ran my first LA marathon and my 15th marathon overall. I decided on the LA marathon as one of my close friends from Ken’s Business School class lives there and we decided to run it together. It was a glorious day — made even better to be with a good friend in a spectacular setting. WHY DON’T I LIVE IN LA????
Bib pick up downtown. All I wanted was a shot with some palm trees, and my friend, Katie, was a good Instagram Husband and took a million shots for this one. YOLO.
Marathon #14 in the books! Over the weekend, I completed (and set a personal best time) in the Chicago Marathon. It is one of my favorite weekends of the year, as I stay with a dear friend that I met in the Paris Marathon while running. For those of you who have read the blog for many years, this is a repetitive story, but it always reminds me that you can find a great friend in a stranger and to be kind, loving, and open to everyone. I feel incredibly fortunate to have Michelle in my life and to share this special weekend on a yearly basis with her. It was so great to just be with her and her family. And the race is just an excuse to visit them, and something to train for. One thing for sure, is I love the journey of training! Sign me up for the next one (actually, I am already signed up for LA Marathon March 8th).
Straight from the airport to the expo to get my number. The pants I am wearing are my favorite jeans but let me tell you — THEY ARE NOT PHOTOGENIC. They are so cool in person. But in a picture, they scream BIG THIGHS and MOM JEANS.
This past Monday, I conquered my fear, and ran the Boston Marathon. Ever since last year’s difficult weather and race conditions, I have been very afraid of the Boston Marathon. So on Monday, my goal was not a personal record, but just to have a redemption run. A run where I erased my negative experiences of the previous year, and tried my hardest. And that I did. No marathon is ever easy (or maybe for some it is?), but running 26.2 miles is difficult for me. No matter how many times I do it, it is always a challenge. And on the Boston Marathon course, it is even harder — the Northeast weather conditions are spotty, the start line is far away and requires a marathon of sitting and waiting BEFORE the marathon, and the course itself is extremely difficult with so many hills — TOUGH TOUGH hills. But I did it — I went out there, tried my best, had a fun (yes, I did), challenged myself (ohhhhh yes, that, too), and ran a good race.
Expo. One of my best college friends lives in Boston, and so she was a wonderful host and driver. She picked me up at the airport, drove me to the expo, cooked me the perfect dinner, and then drove me to the start line. Thanks, Gigs!
I am currently back on the marathon track — training for Boston Marathon 2019 in April….I must say that it is much harder to find motivation and inspiration to run in the freezing cold in the dead of winter….which is why having the right playlist is THAT much more important. Here are the tunes that I am currently loving to run to.
One of the things I love most about running is I get to be a part of my surroundings. This past weekend, I had a 15 miler and ran the whole perimeter of Manhattan — I love seeing the views, the people, the energy, the natural beauty, my island, everything and anything.
I know, I know, I included these down leg warmers in a post last month, but they are so good that I needed to create a post devoted solely to them. As I mentioned before, a good friend gave them to me saying that “they were so me.” And she was so right — they are so me — anything that shimmer and shines I love (metallic, sparkle, sequin) AND they are practical and useful (I am one of those devoted sneaker wearers because heels are not practical). Since New York is freezing cold in the winter and I continue to run outside in the winter months, these leg warmers are a game changer. This past week, in 22 degrees (where it actually felt more like 13 degrees), these leg warmers kept me toasty warm. I never feel cold when I am wearing them! So if anyone is a runner in the cold weather and wants to be warmer — these are a must. A MUST.
Yep, down leg warmers. They literally make your (almost) naked legs feel so toasty and warm!
Here we are again, another marathon. It was an especially important one as it was the first one that my whole family traveled to watch. I also atrained really hard, hoping fora personal best. And it turns off that despite my lack of confidence and the bad weather going in to the race, I ended up with my fastest time ever, 3:19:47. I am still on cloud 9 (and also very sore) and just so happy and proud. Take a look at all the pictures from the whirlwind 34 hours in Chicago!
We left NYC on a 9 o’clock flight Saturday morning. I was so happy to have the whole family together as I tend to be a basket case before a marathon. Traveling alone with just my thoughts is never a good idea…..
Here is the playlist that I have been using on all my long runs this Summer. Enjoy!
Playlist is full of color and energy, just like the outfits in this picture.
