Bummer

This is not a good week for running. I'm back from Rhode Island, back in school, and Hurricane Irene isn't making things any easier. I haven't done any of my runs this week and it's Thursday and I just got word that the half marathon I was supposed to do on Sunday is cancelled. To top it off, the YMCA is closed for summer renovations. I'm hoping that I'll get up earlier enough tomorrow to get in at least 4 miles. 6 would be preferable.

Running in Rhode Island

First, I need to say that I shattered a personal record today. Up until today, a half marathon was my longest run and I had only done 13 mile runs twice in races. Today I did a 14-mile training run and I felt fantastic. I know that the mileage is going to go up from here, and I'm still 12 miles short of a marathon, but I'm pretty darn proud.

I didn't snap this photo on my run this morning, but this is the view I've had all week from our house. This week has been full of this amazing view, incredible food, and really great runs. In addition to a lot of rest and relaxation, I was able to completely stick to my training schedule for the first time all summer. This week left me in a great position to start a new school year. If I can adhere to my training schedule like I did this week, I'll feel more than ready for November 6th.

Running in Rhode Island has been wonderful. The roads are flat (no rolling hills here!), the sea air is refreshing, and the scenery keeps my mind occupied. Although I missed running with Team in Training this week, this was a great running-filled vacation.

Bridge Practice

A week ago today, I was so happy to train in the city, especially since it was a NYC Summer Streets Saturday. I wasn't so psyched about catching the 5:30AM train, but that's something I'm going to have to get used to. TNT meets at 8AM on Saturday mornings and the 6:30 train doesn't get me in to the city quite early enough. So 5:30 it is.

Not only was I excited about Summer Streets (when they close Park Avenue for people to exercise), but I got to try out bridges. Our run started with the Brooklyn Bridge, followed by the Manhattan Bridge, and ended with an out and back up Park and back to the World Financial Center. The weather couldn't have been more beautiful, the views from the bridges were breathtaking, and I was so enthralled with the city, 12.5 miles just flew by. I've been having trouble with my long runs for the past couple months and this one seemed to be a turning point for me. Ever since that run in the city my runs have felt amazing. I'm feeling strong and ready to tackle the last 11 or so weeks of training.

The above photo is a view from the Manhattan Bridge. My friend and running buddy, Paige, took it during her visit to a Brooklyn Flea market. We must have just missed each other on the bridge. I was glad she had her camera to capture what a spectacular day it was.

New Threads

My brother and sister were home in CT visiting for their birthdays a couple of weeks ago. We had our friends (who I should really just call family), the Mitchells, over to celebrate my siblings' birthdays, and they so generously brought gifts for all three of us. My birthday was in February, but they still had a gift for me. So nice! Not only was it unnecessary, it was a perfect present. A new running shirt. My running wardrobe has more than doubled in the last year, and for good reason.

I was so happy to show off my new shirt on a run the very next day. While most of my shirts are reminders of races I've run, this shirt will make me think of the Mitchells, and all the amazing support I have for my first marathon.