The 15th Floor Overlooking Fenway

Given the fact that it was to be more than 50degrees on Jan 8 plus the fact that I had no inpatients and no cases until noon (= no need to be at work early), I figured I no excuse not to go running today -- OUTSIDE. Weather.com said the "feel like" temp was 40 when I left about 8:30a. I donned the layers and gloves and set out. It was a bit chilly, but I took my gloves off once I started running. It warmed up quickly. The air wasn't too cold on my lungs, but certainly gave me a running nose.

By the time I got toward home it had to be atleast 50. I wanted to keep running but really did need to get to work. Plus 6+ miles always seems great during the run, but turns out not to have been so great the next day.

I like to run in a loop, since running 3 miles away from home isn't too hard and sometimes I forget I have to run the same distance to get home. One of the longest loops I have is from our apartment down and around the Jamaica Pond. (Click the link -- you really want to.) It's a nice route along the Emerald Necklace, so it relatively traffic free. As opposed to my other long route along the Charles River, it suffers from less wind off the water. My Nike+ told me that 6.57 miles was my longest run ever -- have to love Lance Armstrong giving you feedback at the end, it makes you feel like a complete rock star.

As you can see I'm not a very fast runner, but that's never been the point.

I have been running with the Nike+ iPod since June '06. Even when I was my most fit (the year between undergrad and med school when I worked out 5-6 days a week, could squat almost my body weight, leg press twice that, wore pants 2-3 sizes smaller, etc), I wasn't much of a runner. In those days I cross trained on the elliptical, stair master, and bike.

During medical school I rode my bike a lot and could rock Paul's 65 minute Spin class -- bring it you silly skinny sorority girls 5 years younger than me. I still miss Paul's Spin class.

When we moved to Boston, our first apartment had a sorry excuse for a gym. Plus being an intern did not work well with any sort of exercise schedule I previously had. Working out was hit or miss.

Enter Nike+ iPod which first appeared in June '06. I've always been a Nike girl, owning a large amount of Dri-Fit and wearing Nike shoes. I was also lucky enough to have an iPod Nano, which is the only iPod that supports the device. Saying Nike+ changed my life is a bit dramatic, but relatively true.

I wasn't much of a runner and was no longer as fit as I was once was, but this little thing motivated me. Combine the Emerald Necklace, motivation, and a good book on tape (well, now iPod), and I some place became a runner. The Nike+ iPod is a two part system. The sensor fits into your shoe. (The special Nike shoes have a cut out for it.) The receiver connects wirelessly to your iPod. The two track your speed, distance, calories, etc. All of this is displayed nicely on your iPod, and there is verbal feedback at specific intervals, or anytime when you press the center button. Workouts can be selected by distance or time. Of course you can listen to your favorite tunes, podcasts or books on tape.
The Nike+ iPod website is also fantastic. Once your iPod is synced, your workout data is uploaded. You can compare old and new runs, track your mileage, set goals, join challenges, chat with other runners, and so much more.

You'll see my last 5 runs over on the right side. They are from the fancy Nike+ website. When outsite, I map my runs, and link to the maps.

Nike has also expanded its line of Nike+ gear with pants, shirts, hats, etc that allow you to interface with your iPod nano more easily. There's even a new watch/remote.

Lots of people have blogged about their hacks to make the Nike+ sensor work with non Nike+ shoes. Given that I have no problem wearing Nike running shoes, I'll let you search for them if you're interested. I haven't tried any of them out, so can't give any advice.

More on the running theme....

Nike+ has goals (that you set for yourself -- run a certain distance, run more often, increase your speed), challenges (interact with other runners), and now resolutions. When you meet your goals or win a challenge, you get trophies added to your trophy case. I generally don't make resolutions, but decided I could for this intance. So I looked at my stats.

2007 monthly totals of miles run:

That's a total of 324.4mi run/walked in 2007. My schedule varies alot from month to month, as you can see in April at May I ran more than 80 miles each month but didn't run a single time in July (I was on vascular nights -- one of the hardest rotations). I figure I should aleast be able to run that same distance in 2008 especially if it's a priority. Therefore, I've entered 325 miles in 2008 as my "resolution". This seems not too hard since that's 27 miles a month. BUT I know there are months that I won't be running much. For instance, for most of March, April & May I will be rotating at our hospital in Cambridge to which I ride my bike -- about 3.5 miles each way. Nike+ doesn't work on a bike, so there's no way to get credit for those miles. Nevertheless, I'm going to go for it.
Nike+ spreads out the "resolution" (325 miles in 2008) and asks your goal for January which I've set at 30 miles. Here's my January goal meter as of today (Edit: the goal meters update to real time whenever they are loaded, i.e. with each page load, so the meters are accurate to when you're reading this):

Part of me says that 30 miles in 4 weeks is a pretty lame goal, but then I remembered that most of the year I work 80 hours a week, so I'll cut myself some slack.

This rotation really hasn't been that bad despite the home call, plus I didn't have to leave for work until 8am this morning. While the temperatures are still a bit warmer than usual, darkness + pouring rain = tredmill run. I usually find tredmill running a bit boring and have never liked the fact that you can just decide you're done and hop off. (See my previous entry about running away from home and then needing to get myself back.)

However, it was a good run this morning. I underestimated my snooze time (and didn't really want to get up at 6am when I didn't have to be at work until 9am), but got myself together and was down in the gym before 6:30a. BUT it meant I only had an hour, maybe 65 minutes. I had already decided I needed to run 5 miles. This was partially because my Wednesday run got foiled by stupid people and despite the 50 degree weather I was driving back and forth from Boston to Needham six times.

I'm slow, I know. So 5 miles in an hour and good for me. I didn't expect to hit it, but I did. That is at least the good thing about running on a treadmill is that I find I can challenge myself more. I find it difficult to pace myself when running outside even though my Nike+ will tell me how fast I'm going. I just tend to run faster than I want to and therefore can't run as far.

I've forgotten how good it is to work out first thing in the morning because you can generally do just about anything for the rest of the day and have it be a good day.

Hmmm, I see someone left a message for me on my Janurary goal, but I have to keep running to see it. Looks like I should get it with my next run -- which should be tomorrow. Very cool.

A strange afternoon workout because Ben wanted to come with me -- and he's certainly not up early enough to workout before lunch.

I ran almost the entirety of the first 5 miles (after a 1/4 mile warm up) though the 5th mile kinda kicked my ass in order to fit it in under an hour. Then I did an extended 1 mile cool down at a leisurely pace.

Better than the post workout shower was coming up to find out who left me a message on my goal page. But it was anonymous! Thanks for the support whomever you are. So far I'm at 21.7mi in January (my goal is 30 which I should easy make).

Now where's the beer and live music?

Yesterday clinic wasn't scheduled to start until 9:30, but there was this snow storm, so I had to allow double the time to get to work. Regardless I still should have been able to get out of bed and get to the gym as my alarm was set for. Sometimes the husband and the flannel sheets win over the treadmill and running shoes. Plus, there was a lot of snow outside. (Don't remind me that I don't have to go outside to get to the gym).

I think I was actually listening to my body that it hurt and wasn't going to run for a 4th day in a row.

By the time I left the hospital today I decided I should run. I figured an easy 3 miles would be reasonable and if that was all I wanted to do that was enough.

Yeah, well sometimes 3 miles becomes 5 miles in less than 60 minutes.

Which means I completed my January goal:

Then I did some arm/back stuff because I was still feeling good.

For some reason I thought this was run was much slower than I had been running lately. I was pleasantly surprised.

You might notice there's no warm up, that's because I actually forgot to turn on my iPod (I was watching TV at the gym), which means I actually don't get credit for the first 1/2 mile. It just occurred to me that maybe not having the 1/2 mile warm-up significantly increases my overall pace. However, who wants to not get credit for all the parts of the run?

The run itself: a standard "get on the treadmill and run". Nothing exciting. Maybe someday I'll be ambitious and do some speed work. It's still a tad too cold to run outside, because I'm not crazy.

I've also decided that Family Feud is possibly my favorite running TV. John O'Hurley might be my favorite host of the modern era. I guess I'm not the only one:

Our new host, John O'Hurley's quick wit and sophisticated style resonates with viewers who remember the Richard Dawson era.

After spending the first half of the day on the couch watching TV, knitting, and napping, I decided I finally had to get off my ass.

I'd say that 5 miles each under 12 minutes, and all but the first under 11:30 is more than decent. I've changed my Janurary goal to 50 miles, which is easily attainable as I'm at 44.27 mi right now.

I started getting blisters at the end of yesterday's run, so I wore different shoes today forgetting that those were usually the blister-prone shoes. That's my excuse for only going 4 miles and not running many of them.

Oh well, 4 is better than zero.

I had gone out at lunch and it seemed to be on the warm side though overcast. Then the sun came out and it seemed awfully nice.

Weather.com claimed that it felt like it was 40. I changed my clothes and decided to go OUTSIDE to run. If I have to wear more than running tights, a shirt and a sweatshirt it's too cold for me to run outside. I opted for running tights, a shirt, and a longsleeved shirt over top plus my dirty running shoes. (And by dirty, I mean old and messy.) They would become my muddy running shoes before it was over.

What one can't easily estimate from the 15th Floor Overlooking Fenway is how windy it is. There are a couple of visible trees, but it doesn't help much. Currently there are no flags flying at Fenway to help judge.

It cold. And windy. Regardless, I ran. I'd be pretty lame if I didn't. Though I could have go inside to the gym.

Here was my path around the short loop of the Fens and a bit of the Emerald Necklace. (Go visit -- it combines two of the coolest things: Google maps & Nike+.)

It looks like a funny run for me for two reasons: (1) I was running to a Nike+ Workout (see next entry); and (2) I kept encountering big patches of mud that I didn't really want to run through, so I'd slow to to walk and try to get the least muddy. It was a good thing I was just about home at 4 miles because my iPod died at that point.
Overall, I will not become one of those crazy people who run in the cold. When I got inside weather.com claimed it felt like it was 26. That's too cold for me.

Today is National Wear Red Day to promote women's heart disease awareness. I'd be lying if I said that was why I ran today since I didn't even remember until I was watching The View (which would be the first episode of the The View I have ever seen -- wasn't so bad).

This weekend you should call your mothers, sisters, aunts, and grandmothers and (gently) harass them about their heart health. Heart disease is the number one cause of death among women and many of the risk factors are modifiable.

Pretty good I'd say. While I still have too many pants that don't fit, I can run 6 miles.

I had this crazy thought while I was in the shower about running a marathon. Summer 1998 I spent at MIT without Ben (the last summer we were apart, I think) and I was studying to take the MCAT. I started "working out" that summer. I couldn't do much but I had lots of time on my hands. At that point I had this crazy plan that either I would get in to medical school or run a marathon. I have no idea why they were mutually exclusive. Hmmm.....maybe run finish a marathon before finishing surgical residency? That's a lot less crazy than, say, having a baby during surgical residency.

Did I really run the 4th mile in less than 10 minutes (9:50). So I was the girl in high school who couldn't finish a mile in less than the 16 minutes the President said I had to. Hmmm...makes me want to find those other stupid skills we had to do, like the arm hang and sit ups and pushup and seated reach.

Now off to a movie and dinner. What a great way to spend a Saturday.

In surfing the internet this evening, I found a very cool tool at Runner's Word. What should I wear? gives you recommendations for what to wear based on the temperature, sun condition, wind, and if you like to be cool or warm. For instance I found out that during my run last week when I froze my but off, I should have been wearing a hat, long sleeve shirt (check), tights (check), jacket, and gloves (check). Guess it sounds easy when you think about it....

I think I need to go back to work and my real life because I'm about to get caught up in the running thing.

I joined a fun new challenge today:

I've run 26.5 mi this week which means I can easily get to 30 miles for the week of vacation (my weeks start Monday) which I would say was a pretty good vacation even if I didn't put away the laundry (yet).

Today's was a short run because I have things to do:

And because 16+ miles in 3 days was starting to wear on me.

I finished with 30.52 miles which is the second most I have EVER run in a week (most was 30.72 in May 07). Tomorrow I'm back to working 80hrs a week and waking up before 5am.

Here's my plan for the next 4 weeks (the length of this rotation -- afterwhich my schedule is quite wacky and I will reassess then):

• run twice a week during weeks that I am on call on Saturday
  
• run 3 times a week if I'm off for the weekend (or just on call on Friday)
  

I somehow left work at 12:30 (how is that my service is ridiculously slow) right after Ash Wednesday mass.

Since I knew it was unlikely that I would run again before Sunday, I set out to run 6 miles. I've never before decided to run 6 miles. Usually it just happens.

Somehow this gives me 22.8 miles for Feburary.

The last two days have made me feel like a regular person -- I voted, got ashes, went running. I suppose regular people put away the laundry, too.

My random Saturday on call for transplant surgery wasn't too horrible yesterday. I came home this morning at 8am having slept a couple of random hours. Before I left the hospital I had given thought to running when I got home. However, it is amazing how absolutely different one feels during the last 10 minutes in the hospital versus the first 10 minutes at home. I came home and got into bed instead.

In the afternoon I could have sat on the couch in my pj's watching TV and knitting for the rest of the evening. But I made this deal that I would at least run twice a week despite being on call on Saturday. It's really not that much, so I decided to get off my ass.

Throughout the entire run I kept reassessing and bargaining with my self as to how far I'd run. Somehow I squeaked out 6 miles.

That gives me 12+ miles for the week and leaves me with zero of the guilt that would have come from sitting on the couch for the rest of the evening.

I can't completely explain today. After my first patient failed to show up for her surgery, I stood for most of 9 hours operating:
1. Exploratory laparotomy, biopsy of mesenteric mass (which, after several hours, we deemed unresectable), bowel resection, hand-sewn bowel anastomosis
2. wide local excision of an arm melanoma
3. umbilical hernia repair

I was leaving about 6:15 when I found out that Ben was stuck at work. I really wanted to lay on the couch until he came home. Instead, I went for a little run. Crazy. Maybe this was just my Lenten sacrifice.

Nothing fancy, and I came upstairs because Ben came home. I should be able to get my 3 runs in this week. My goal is 15 miles this week.

....it must be time for a long run.

Not sure where I got the speed from because it was the fastest 6.5 miles I've ever run. The 6 miles was under 66 minutes which is great for me.

It also means I finished my February goal already -- maybe I need to make these goals a bit more difficult.

I'm still on track for 15 miles this week (remember my week starts on Monday).

The aforementioned plan for the day is out the window, but it's still been a pretty good Saturday.

Grr, I just discovered that the old Nike+ widgets are all angry and want to be reloaded. I will, but just this once.

I should have known that if I ran the fastest 6.5 miles ever yesterday, that I should have taken today off. Except I had this silly goal of 15 miles this week, and would have been a run behind my "run 10 times in 4 weeks" goal, and there's really no projection of being able to make that up.

Alas, I "ran". It took 2 miles before I could find a pace I could sustain for even a mile. At that point I listened to by body and walked the remaining 1+ mile in order to have 15 miles for the week. I shouldn't be so hard on myself, it wasn't 15 miles for the week, it was 15 miles for 3 DAYS.

Then I did some upper body weight lifting so now my arms as are jelly as my legs are.

I'm off tomorrow, so hopefully today was some sort of rest and I can be back to my regular pace tomorrow.

I wish I was kidding.

Today started out very rainy -- windshield whippers on continuous "very rainy". Fortunately I went shopping & to get a pedicure this morning. The rain stopped and the sun tried to come out. It was also a lovely 55. It all spelled running outside. I set out to do 5+ miles. I was dressed fairly appropriately, but realized I could use a wind vest. I've done alot of treadmill running since I last seriously ran outside. I noticed a difference. With help of Nike+ I was able to pace myself which I often have a difficult time doing outside. I end up running faster than I can sustain. I had a nice little run. My apartment to the esplanade to the "end of the esplanade" and back. I ran most of the 5 miles, and it was getting a bit chilly on the way back, but I decided to keep running since I didn't know how the rest of the week would turn out. I made sure to stay out of the mud.

Mile 5.83. I had just checked my distance and time and decided I could push out the past part of mile 6. Then I tripped. I was running hard at that point. I tried to catch myself, but I went down. Hard. Onto both knees, then my palms. I yelled, and swore very loudly. It echoed. Why wasn't it atleast cold enough to be wearing gloves? My palms were quite scrapped. People from the park looked; I tried to make some motion that I was okay. I couldn't figure out how to get up without using my hands or knees and both hurt like hell. Fortunately I was less than 1/2 mile from home. I wanted to cry. I was pissed. Scraped palms are not conducive to operating.

The scrapped and stingy feeling doesn't photograph, but look, there's blood:

I was slightly pissed about the hole in my pants, but figured I could fix that without much issue.

Then I took off my pants.
I couldn't capture the large hematoma underlying the large scrape.

After a painful shower I discovered that my right shoulder and elbow are all scrapped. I guess I must have rolled.

At least my pedicure wasn't harmed.
(That one's kind of for Amanda.)

I've forced myself to sit down, put my legs up and ice my knee. I took a nice loading dose of Advil. I'm going to hurt tomorrow.

I decided this deserved it's own post. After the fall I had almost forgotten -- with today's run I passed 100 miles since the start of the year: 102.5 miles in 49 days. I'd pat myself on the back, but my palms hurt too much.

Despite my knee still looking like this:

(I couldn't really capture the large area of blue/purple or the decent amount of swelling that remains.)

I put on these when I came home from work:

Fortunately, there was no question about going outside, because this

looked like this:

I was unable to run. Later I decided it was stupid that I tried.

I walked far enough to complete 10 miles so far for the week.

I went out later and just walked home a mile through a foot of trampled snow which is similar to walking on the beach. I'm going to have to bench myself from trying to run on Sunday. Fortunately I'm on call tomorrow, so that should keep from doing anything too stupid.

After getting some sleep this morning Ben and I went out for a late lunch/early dinner -- as we say "let's make lunch our big meal". This often happens when I'm post-call.

We were out driving along both sides of the Charles River and I was longingly staring at all the people out running. (I'll ignore the fact that it was too cold to be outside.) My knee is not good. It's worse today that it has been, and I wonder how much Friday's long walk/attempt at running impacted that. Yesterday's call wasn't too demanding and I could sit with my leg up more than a usual work day, however the swelling yesterday morning was worse than in the last several days.

I'm not dealing well with this injury, though I'm trying to remind myself it's been less than a week. I guess I should go back to taking advil and give it some more time. Where's my darn magic wand?

Since it is highly unlikely I'll be running tomorrow (I'm on call), I figured I would cap off February with some stats.

February Goal: 35 miles
February Miles: 53.91 (can I round to 54?)

January Miles: 52.31
Total 2008 Miles: 116.22
March Goal: 35 miles

February
Number of runs: 10
Longest run: 6.51 mi 2/16/08
Fastest run (on average): 11.29/mile also on 2/16/08

Number of falls: one
Injuries: Left knee, right knee, right elbow, right shoulder, right palm
Remaining injuries: Left knee

My knee is much better. The superficial wound is almost completely healed, and my leg swells much less at the end of the day. I can tell during the little runs across the street to catch the bus or the walk signal that I might be able to run for real soon. I might still give it this weekend off. Maybe I'll try a little bike riding.

I'm on to a new rotation today. It's two blocks at the same place, and will actually be 11 weeks away from the big house. I'm on call during the week, but no night float means I'm also more likely to get to leave early when I'm not on call.

Today was one of those lucky days. I also decided to see if my knee was healed and I if maybe I was over my cold. I guess all the sitting around and napping I did this weekend helped.

I appear to be better:

I'm not sure why the graph looks so funny, or flat.

Driving home I thought maybe I could do 3 miles. Ahem, so I doubled that. It may have been just warm enough to go outside, but I decided to stay inside in case I needed spend some time on the exercise bike if my knee wasn't up to running.

The new rotation schedule is nuts. All I can say is that I have to try to run when I can. I'd love to average twice a week, and there will be weeks I run 4 times and weeks I don't run at all. That's life.

I am the proud owner of this:

(SInce July 2006)

Work has been busy this week plus I'm still getting over this silly cold. Monday's 6.5 mile run was odd because I had the time to do it and because I felt well enough.

I was granted a slight reprieve today and don't have to be at work until this evening when I'm on call. I slept in much later than usual (a testament to my illness), and then couldn't completely figure out how to spend my day. I finally got off my butt and down to the gym. However, I felt like crap on he treadmill and decided I had too many other things to do to force myself to workout when I was sick. Plus I'll likely not sleep tonight and am on call for another 24-30 hours on Sunday.

I wasn't going to post this piddly little 15 minutes on the treadmill, but I decided to be honest -- much unlike then the scientific community only publishes the results of the experiments that work. Here's my negative data.

Have a good weekend.

For the non medical people, post-call refers to the day after one is on call. In the era of the duty hour regulations, one can only work 30 hours straight, so being post-call now also means not being at the hospital. Some people try to refer to being post-call as having a "day off". Sometimes it is; usually it is not. If you haven't slept and it's the second time on call in 3 days, it's not much of a day off.
I was on call on yesterday which means I went to work at 7:30a (relatively late) yesterday morning and left this morning morning about 7:45a. In that 24 hours I was responsible for my ICU patients, my floor patients, and any surgery consults that came through the ED or from the inpatient floors. It was not all that bad of day, and I even slept for 2 hours (uninterrupted at that) from 2:30 to 4:30a.

I give myself an A+ for today's post-call day.

• slept from 8:30a-1p
  
• ate lunch
  
• dressed (sorta)
  
• went to the Rite Aid
  
• put away some old laundry (including two sets of sheets)
  
• dusted my room (seriously)
  
• ran 6 miles
  
• made pancakes and bacon for dinner (then my husband claimed he doesn't like pancakes)

Not my best 6 miles, as it was plagued by blisters and chafing. It's still chillly here -- I was running outside in January, wasn't I? Just a mildly boring get on the "treadmill and run" run.

I might be a tad behind on my March goal, but as long as I stay/get healthy, I should be okay.

It's always nice to have gotten some sleep on call meaning a post-call day can be useful.

I did so serious work on my research project, and then went down to the gym what turned out to be my longest run ever.

I ran the first 3 miles at a steady rate increase. Then I ran each of the next 3 miles as intervals: walked the first 0.2 miles, then starting running and increased every 0.1 miles. I was ready to do the 7th(!) mile in the same manner but my hamstrings had had enough, so I walked out the last mile.

That's 20.5 miles for the month, and I'm back on track to complete my goal of 35miles for March, plus few extra.

The sunshine really tempted me to get outside, alas it's still only about 35 degrees.

While I'm supposed to run every post-call day this rotation (or so I'm trying), today was different because it's Sunday, and I actually was post-call AND my husband was home. After getting our acts together this afternoon we decided to go out to do some errands. The tale of the 70 minutes at the Verizon Wireless store is too painful, but I have to admit that my husband was correct when he didn't want to go because it was going to be a headache. I thought I'd just go buy a new cell phone....... I should have stuck to online.

Anyway, I decided to "claim" the miles we walked while out doing our errands, so I took my iPod with us.

Claiming today's miles makes 15.7 for week, which isn't too shabby, and is only slightly cheating.

For whatever reason, I didn't have it today.

My shins where killing me, and I could hardly march out 3 miles, running less than half of it.

Oh well, I have work to do. There's always the next run.

I had many reasons to start today out with a lovely run: not having run in a week, being stressed about work/life/family, it being Easter, it being Sunday, and it being by birthday.

Not that I was hanging everything on this little run.

All was fine save for lack on anything on TV on Sunday morning. It's been a long time since I started by day with a run. I felt pretty good though my endurance seemed to be lacking a bit. It may have been because I was trying to just be done with the run, and wasn't in the groove.

Fortunately I've almost reached by March goal, but it seems I will run significantly less than in January (52.3 mi) and Feburary (53.9 mi).

I might have kept going except that I needed to get showered and dressed for church.

We didn't leave for church quite as early as I had hoped (neither of us were ready), but we did still secure seats -- I have no desire to stand through mass even if it is Easter. We ended the morning with a lovely Birthday/Easter Brunch at Burton's Grill. The stuffed brioche french toast was wonderful with a side of maplewood bacon, though it may have negated the run.

I shall now fast until my birthday dinner tonight at Fugakyu. It's rumored that I once ate a boat of sushi by myself......

I think the only thing that could make starting the day with a run was if it was warm enough to do it outside.

I happen to be off today (don't worry, I'll work 48 of 72 hours from Friday morning to Monday morning), and went running shortly after got up.

The highlights: the first 5 miles in 55 minutes, running 3 miles continuously, followed by another 2 (after a 1/4 mile walk). Since I usually run about 6 miles, I was very surprised to actually feel my knees note the 6 mile mark and try to tell me they were done. I kept running, though. I may have gone even farther, but I decided I wanted to walk to the mall later and that's ~3mile round trip, so I figured I better not kill myself.

I don't know who Brandon Moss is, but I guess I should now know. Go Red Sox.

Because seriously, it walking to and from the mall makes 10.5 miles today, I think I have every right to claim these 3 miles.

It was just a jaunt with my mom, so speed is irrelevant.

Oh, and I updated my fun Nike+ Challenges on the side bar. (I'm running for the beautiful B's.)

I was fortunate to get several hours of sleep on call last night which always makes being post-call much more tolerable.

Today's agenda:
1. Nap 9a-noon
2. French toast and bacon for lunch made with love by mom
3. Pedicure & manicure with mom
4. To the gym with mom & dad (yep, we made a family trip to the gym -- Ben is still out of town)
5. Shower and dress
6. Dinner with Mom and Dad at Legal Seafood because they don't think a trip to Boston is complete with going to Legal. I don't argue.
7. Chocolate cake at home before bed.

When I got down to the gym I was thinking 5 miles was reasonable. Then I started running and felt really good from the beginning, so I quickly changed the goal to 7 miles. I ran the first 4.5 miles continuously. Not too long ago I'd run the first 2 miles and then each mile individually. Last run was the first 3 miles and today I just ran steadily. Seven miles is not so long if you can run 4 miles continuously.

I was thinking maybe I should work on speed some time.

I think I've solved the blister/chafing problem. A nice layer of bag balm in critical places like where the draw string rubs on my stomach and the instep of both feet and I haven't had any problems for the last couple of runs. At some point I ordered mine from CVS.com.

Yesterday was one of those post call days when I needed to crash and just sleep. I've been trying to do stuff post-call which usually means I don't make up for not getting enough sleep. The night on call wasn't the best, coupled with coming home early, coupled with Ben still being away, I came home, showered, closed the curtains in my room and slept from 8a-1:30p. I thought I had set the alarm for 1pm, but I guess I didn't.

I had meetings back at work at 4pm, so there was no running planned despite wanting another 3.5 miles to finish off March. Regardless here's the year so far:

Miles through March 31: 106.93
Gold stars given to myself: 5

It's trying to be a nice day -- 62 degrees but wet and windy. There was sun at times, but the 2nd half of the run the wind really picked up. It was the kind of wind that you can lay into and not fall over. The wind made it quite difficult to get any sort of pace going. I got frustrated until I decided I was close enough to just walk home.

All in all 8 miles isn't too bad a way to start April.

Route: It was a pretty nice run along the river to Science Park. Shortly after turning around is when the wind started to I cut over to the Common on the Charles St foot bridge. Then up around the Common and back home down Boylston. The route includes running through BU to get to the Charles River, 4 miles along the River including past the Hatchshell, to the Common past the State house, around the Common, past the Paul Revere impersonators, though Copley Sq, past the Boston Public Library and the Prudential Center and home.

A great Boston Run.

In my ears: The Last Precinct, by Patricia Cornwell

Last night was another not to great night on call. When I got up this afternoon I wanted to do nothing but wasn't happy sitting on the couch. It was sunny at 45, so I put on my running clothes and went outside. I still wasn't all that convinced I wanted to do something, but again, wasn't happy with sitting on the couch.

I felt pretty good despite the slight chill in the air. The sun was pleasant.

The route was from my apartment through the Fens, through Copley Square, around the Common, and back home.

Here's a nice picture from the middle of my run:

The Massachusetts Capitol Building alongside Boston Common

Given how nice it came out, I think I might start taking more pictures along the way because there are some great sights.

Call last night was reasonable (i.e. I slept for 3 hours, and uninterrupted at that), but I still didn't feel like doing much today. After watching the Red Sox loose to the evil Blue Jays, I decided to do some quick errands before dinner. Despite the cold (35 degrees) and rain (I underestimated this part), I made a quick jaunt out.

I piled on the layers and actually was pretty toasty, though my legs could have used some running tights under the "gym" pants. It made me realize I have the right clothes for some cooler weather running.

One of my stops was the Niketown where I happened upon the World Series Trophy. Unfortunately I didn't have time to stop and get my picture taken (already done that). While there I also learned that Mike Lowell will be there tomorrow at 4pm to help celebrate opening day. What's the possibility I get get out of work early?

I'm claiming the 3+ miles to make 18.09 miles for the week.

Second week in a row with 18+ miles.

I slept for a total of 30 minutes on cal last night, and that was because I crashed and was going to fall asleep wherever I was.

It wasn't a bad general surgery day:
1. incisional hernia
2. vericose vein ligation & radio frequency ablation
3. left 2nd & 3rd toe amputations
4. laparoscopic cholecystectomy
5. laparoscopic appendectomy

I slept from 9a-1p today. I thought I might be able to find some energy to run, at least walk. I was hoping the bustle of Fenway would get me going once I got out side.

Surprizingly I got myself ready and go out side (this used to be the harest part). But I was a block from home when I realized I was physically exhausted and there would be no walking. I couldn't even fathom a little 2 miles walk. Since my eyes are half open I'm going to take a nap until dinner.

Not very exciting. A little cold, and then it started to rain, so I jogged a bit.

(ETA: This run: 3.64mi, 1:06'44'', 18'20''/mi, 451 cal)

Crazy thing was that when I went running yesterday I could feel the Boston Marathon in the air. It's on Monday, and I'm post-call so maybe I'll even catch part of it.

In honor of the Marathon, I made it a true Boston run including running past (though going the wrong way) the finish line and around the Common.

(ETA: Nike+ having some kinks. This run: 6.34mi, 1:27'32'', 12'48''/mile, 785 cal)

My pace was a bit slower than usual, and by mile 6 I had nothing to give.

Here's the beginning of the staging at the finish line (in front of the Boston Public Library:

And here's the memorial a block further in Copley Square:

And half-way through the month I'm more than half way through my April goal of 40 miles:

I'm in a tremendously good mood today all because of the little things:

• Making it through another night of call without a disaster
  
• The Red Sox beating the MFNYY, and getting to watch an hour of the game while on call
  
• A perfectly sunny & 70 degree day today
  
• Being post-call on Friday and actually having Saturday off. Really, a day off on the weekend when my husband is home!
  
• Running 7.5 miles almost like I had slept all night
  
• Getting an overdue hair cut today
  
• Running into my favorite Red Sox middle reliever when getting off the elevator. His finger is better, he's off the DL, and regardless of what my husband tries to claim, still lives next door.
  

Today's run:

(Something funny seems to be happening when trying to post my runs -- will investigate further). Nike+ confirms this is a problem after a recent update to the site.

So....today's run: 7.63 miles, 1:37'20'', 12'45''/mile, 946 cal

The route: Through BU to the Esplanade, up the Charles River to Science Park, across the river, down along he Charles River/MIT, across the Harvard Bridge/Mass Ave down the Fens, and home.

I couldn't capture what a wonderful day it was, but I tried:

The Boston skyline, Charles River & the Longfellow Bridge from Cambridge

I joined some goofy Nike+ Challenges the other day. Here's a selection:

These two are more or less the same as my 2008 Resolution, but I figured why not join. It promotes community.

Obviously running for the David Ortiz team.

I don't know what to say, really.....

Of course facebook.

All the great things from yesterday continue to today. Best of all it's beautifully sunny and 60. Not much better than sleeping, going running, and being showered by 11:30a to do whatever I want for the rest of the day.

Nike+ is still semi broken. I'll keep putting up the widgets in the hope that they will get fixed at some point.

Today's run: 6.62 mi, 1:22'55'', 13'07''/mi, 821cal. The run's not as slow as it might seem. The one thing that I noticed is that when not on the treadmill, my rest spots -- i.e. a bit of walking -- is much slower.

If the widget actually worked you'd see that all the miles are less than 11min/mile (usually 10'30''/mi), but the warm-up and cool down walks are much slower.

The route: The BU bridge to Longfellow Bridge loop.

The sites:

MIT great dome. Okay, could have been a better picture, but I was supposed to be running.

And I finished April's goal today:

I've run 20.58 miles this week which is the most I've run this year when not on vacation.

.....is still a lovely walk in the park.

This:

(A beautiful day in Boston)

Plus this:

(Me in the car on the way home from work before 3pm)

Made this:

(Woohoo, Nike+ fixed the widget!)

So it was a decent 3 mile run followed by a 3 mile walk because my legs didn't have anything more to give.

But seriously, with views like this:

(Sail boats on the Charles River)

Who could care how fast one was going?

Because otherwise I would have sat on the couch all day. He suggested that we go to the gym, and almost 7 miles later I feel much better.

To be honest, I didn't feel all that great for the first half of the run. And during a trip the bathroom (bordering on TMI), I accidentally ended my workout.

But as demonstrated on the second half of the run I was feeling much better. I might have kept running except that we have plans to walk to Chinatown for dinner.

Total: 6.83mi, 85'28'', 847 cal

I had forgotten how much easier it is to push yourself on the treadmill. It takes no brains to get on, run, increase the speed, and make yourself run harder.

Hmm...less than 5 more miles this month and I'll hit 60 miles for April.

There are still a couple days left, but today I reached 60 miles for April which is my highest millage month so far. It's cold & raining outside, so I stayed inside which was actually a nice change of pace given all the outside runs I've been on recently. The controlled climate, TV, and ability to push myself harder was nice. I somehow even found an episode of Law & Order Criminal Intent I hadn't seen before (hope it's not on my TiVo).

Pretty darn good. I felt like I had too much stuff to be doing to keep running, and really my goal was only to get to 60 miles for the month. Of course now I'm thinking that if I get home early tomorrow or Wednesday I could get to 65 miles....

After I showered I donned this number which I just bought on sale:

However I'm now at 610 miles since July '06.

There are no 1000 mile shirts yet, but there is this one which I might have to buy:

There's no baseball tonight....but some of us have decided the team needs an off day.

Only a tad late:

2008 miles: 217.64

I have no idea where the energy for this run came from. I hadn't slept much, was feeling truly "post-call", had a headache, and when I finished I showered and got into bed.

I set out thinking 3 miles would be reasonable, and was running at a slower than usual pace (11'/mi). I kept running finding a pretty easy rhythm.

Three miles some how turned into my usual 6 miles with an additional mile walk at the end. Not bad especially since I was significantly behind for May miles.

I almost forgot to mention what a beautiful day it turned out to be. Started with rain in the morning but by lunch was sunny at 77. I think the sun and warmth somehow fueled me.

I'm still a bit behind for the month of May, and as I start a new rotation (i.e. new work schedule) on Monday, I'm unlikely to be able to run during the week for the next 5 weeks. That is of course, excluding the week I am on vacation.

My goal for this weekend is 15 miles. Seriously, where did I get the audacity to think I could run 15 miles in two days?

Here's the first half.

I accidentally ended my work-out at one point so the run was split.

Total: 7.67mi, 1:37'02

Getting there:

While my official goal is only 35 miles, I've run more than 50 miles a month this year, and to be honest if I don't run 50 miles this month, I will be somewhat disappointed.

One of my best qualities is being creative.

So, I creatively worked in another 3 miles this afternoon as a walk to the movie theater and then to dinner.

Total miles for today: 11.51

I made my goal of 15 miles this weekend to get to 31.6 miles for the month so far.

I stayed inside today so I could go to the gym with my husband, but I think it's time to head outside since it's a gorgeous day out.

I rarely get home before 7p on this rotation and have no call during the week which means no post-call days. And no post-call running. So the vast majority of the miles will need to be on the weekends. Add in the normal living I do on the weekend means I'm running out of time.

This weekend I'm on a very short trip to my parents, but still have the goal of 10 miles for the weekend (would be 15 had I been at home).

I tackled the majority of that today.

Now I just have to get up and run another 4 miles in the morning. It's a shame the kids don't take naps anymore.....

Yesterday's run:

Not a particularly good run, but I guess it doesn't look at bad as I thought....it was awfully slow, though.

I miscalculated my weekends, and am on call this Saturday which is the last day of May. So far I'm at 48.36 miles for the month. Guess that means I have some running to do this week to get to 50 miles. On Saturday I passed 650 miles with my Nike+ which is pretty nice.

Since I've been running 50 miles/month since the beginning of the year, to finish May with only 48.1 would have been quite lame.

So I made plans to finish out the month tonight. By the time I got home and got to the gym it was 7pm, so I opted for a quick 3 miles. And quick it was. Since when I can run two consecutive miles under 10 minutes?

I feel great, but way to energized to go to bed in an hour like I should. Plus there's the whole idea of dinner......

Year to date totals next time unless I throw in a couple more miles somehow.

We're currently en route to Nassau with a 2 hour lay-over in JFK. Jet Blue flies out of the old TWA terminal which is very 1960's. However, the free wifi is anything but. Ben just informed me this terminal is on the list of the registry of historic places.

Yesterday's run:

Not stellar, and for the first mile I was unsure if I was even going to be able to run at all. I guess I've been working too much and running too little recently. But I pushed through and finished a long (but slow) run. The weather in Boston is very warm and sunny, which makes me wonder a bit why we're going to the Bahamas.

I forgot my end of the month post.

2008 miles: 269.42

Sometimes running is not meant to be. During an island vacation is one of those times. I didn't feel much like running, but had to do something to justify the laziness of this vacation. I generally woke up hours earlier than Ben and needed to get out of bed cause it didn't agree with my back. So I ventured out three mornings before it was too ridiculously hot & humid. The 10 miles below doesn't do justice to the beautiful surroundings I walked through. (Island vacation = no cell phone, not even for pictures.)

There will need to be some serious, actually running this weekend, however.

I had little desire to run...actually, I put on my running clothes and then cleaned the apartment for 3 hours instead of running. Seriously, who cleans instead of running? I needed encouragement to even get down to the gym once I had my shoes on. I was feeling high maintenance enough not to even attempt to run outside. I certainly need all the help I could get and the gym offers climate control, TV, some place to put my water, and a treadmill to kick my butt.

I think I may have actually found my running mojo by the end which has been seriously missing lately.

Maybe it had something to do with the bad made-for-TV movie I was watching: Eight Days to Live. A mother's love... A son's survival.

Nike+ Training
I'm trying out the Nike+ Training program to train for the Nike+ Human Race 10K.

To be honest I'm not sure if I'll change my running schedule since I run when I can, but it might help to make sure I run as many miles as I should.

The Human Race is a race in 24 cities on 8/31/08, or you can run anywhere with your Nike+. Boston is not one of the 24 cities, and I can't really dedicate going to NYC (especially since I may well be on call and this might be moot anyway). I've tried to do other Nike+ events, but have ended up on call. So I'm hoping to run my personal 10K on 8/31/08.

Today's run sponsored by Can't Hardly Wait.

We actually went to college with Charlie Korsmo; Ben even took 6.002 with him.

Over the past 2 days I've confirmed that when running outside I take it too easy. I find myself enjoying the weather and the "outside". I'm not sure how to change that, but for now I'm on the treadmill and working harder.

This ends to week with 27+ miles which leaves me at 34 miles for June. I'm going to try to push for another 20 miles in the next 2 weeks.

This past weekend included a night on call, a graduation party, getting Ben from the airport, and graduation dinner. I didn't manage to run on Saturday, and I tried to make up for it on Sunday.

This made three 7-mile runs in a row. I ran outside before the rain came. It was already pretty warm humid which took some getting used to.

I could have continued sleeping post-call today, or at least laid on the couch.

Since I got myself down to the gym, I'm giving me a gold star. I didn't think there was any chance I could run.

And there wasn't! The walk wasn't very notable.

Just trying to get in the miles. Though I haven't been running to many of them lately, or so I feel.

Saturday's walk with my husband which really should have been a good 5-mile run:

And today's short little run (in two parts by accident):

To follow, June wrap-up.

I usually dislike when the Red Sox aren't on NESN because nobody is better than Don & Jerry. Watching a Red Sox-Yankees game on Fox feels like you're in New York watching a Yankees game rather than in Boston watching a Red Sox game, i.e. there's too much of a New York slant.

Nonetheless, there's no NESN in our gym, and the game on Fox meant I had serious entertainment.

The good run was a combination of:

• a good night's sleep
  
• a nap
  
• a week since I last run
  
• the Red Sox on Fox.
  

No seriously...I didn't even have a mile in my legs today.

In an effort to make up for my laziness/tiredness/post-call-ness yesterday, when I left work a tad early, I came home and went to the gym.

Having a time frame plus a twinge of guilt, plus this girl I know with her personal trainer made me run.

...that this does not count as blogging. A treadmill run that didn't start out so well. I dug in and pulled out a pretty decent run.

I got home from work early with plans to go running. I got down to the gym, turned on the treadmill, started warming up, turned on my iPod, clicked Nike+ iPod, and got this message:
"Connect receiver before beginning workout."
I unplugged the receiver and put it back in...several times....nothing.
I called Ben for as assist as to how to reset my iPod. He started to tell me "press a couple buttons simultaneously". Yeah, I got that part, look on the internet for me, please.
Tried resetting several times. Same thing.
"Connect receiver before beginning workout."
I considered going back up stairs. I considered running anyway. But, seriously, what would I do if I ran and couldn't log the miles? I was standing on the treadmill, after all.
Still, I couldn't run. I decided it was the sign to do some cross training & got on the elliptical. Formerly I elliptical trained almost exclusively as my cardio workout.
I was bored. Seriously bored despite watching David Letterman on Oprah. Bored.
Why would I be bored on the elliptical and not when I run?
I mustered 30 minutes.

I came upstairs to try to fix my iPod. I charged it fully. Reset it a couple times. Synced it. All to no avail.
I searched the internets. Nothing.
I remembered that when I synced yesterday I also downloaded a new version of iTunes. Had this new iTunes sabotaged my Nike+ iPod?!
Would I ever run again?

Nike+ says the sensor (the shoe part) needs to be replaced after about 1000 hours of use as the battery dies. They sell a separate replacement sensor indicating that the receiver should continue working indefinitely. All the more confounding.

Ben's solution was to wait a while to see if other people were having problems with the new version of iTunes & Nike+. Was I not going to run for a week? No.

I decided the easiest thing was to go buy a new Nike+ kit. All the easier as we live across from the Best Buy.

Ten minutes later. Plugged in, and viola. All fixed. Good as new. My running career is intact.

While I was writing this I did some math:

735 miles at an average of 14'23'' per mile = 175 hours of running....hmmm..... That's a bit shy of 1000 hours. However I guess the wear and tear over 2 years of use adds up. And for $30 it's not worth the effort of seeing if someone wants to replace it.

In searching the internets, it appears that someone else really wanted to claim the miles he had run when forgetting this Nike+ iPod sensor all together. This comes dangerously close to cheating, but he states he only uses it for good & not evil.

I set out this morning knowing it was going to rain, but not caring. I needed to run seriously. Outside. Sometime about mile 3 it started raining lightly and the clouds looked ominous, but I kept running further from home. It actually felt pretty good.

I didn't exactly start heading home once it started pouring, rather headed to pick up my new glasses. By the time I got there it was seriously raining. I wrung out my shirt before I went in to the eye doctor and apologized for being so wet, but they were more than happy to have me in from the rain.

I left and had 2.5 miles to get home. I hadn't been so wet possibly ever. As Scott was writing the other day, I couldn't have been more wet if I was in the shower.

About a mile from home I remembered that I own a very nice, very expensive, paper-thin, Gortex running rain coat. It even has a waterproof pocket for my iPod. It was shortly thereafter that my iPod starting freaking out a bit and again decided it couldn't find my Nike+ receiver. Fortunately, I only lost credit for about 3/4 mile.

By the time I arrived home it was sunny & not raining......

Here's the radar from 30 min after finishing my run. All the green over the coast? That's what I ran through as to moved from Worcester out to see.

My iPod's still freaking out, so I'm giving it some time to "dry" before I freak out. Though I'm beginning to think that maybe the problem is with my iPod & not with my Nike+ receiver.

....so that Ben could come to the gym with me. I'm feeling a bit behind my pace of 50mi/month because of the day my iPod didn't work. So I have 9 miles left for this week....

In the push to get to 50 miles this month, I pulled off my 3rd straight 7mi run in a matter of 5 days. Today was significantly harder than the previous two. There are probably a number of reasons for that, but I was able to finish fairly strong. Not sure while mile 6 was easier than mile 4.

Compared to Saturday's treadmill run:

And Thursday's run in the pouring rain:

I'll have to admit that Thursday I took a ~20 min break after ~5 miles to pick up my glasses. Easier to run another couple miles if you stop for 20 minutes.

Now to fit in 1.6 miles tomorrow or Wednesday -- seems pretty reasonable!

For several minutes today I considered running another 7 miles today, but realized I really didn't have much more than the 1.5 miles in me to get to 50 miles for July.

I walked......


Monthly wrap up:

2008 miles: 372.58

The Nike+ Human Race 10K: 083108 the day the world stopped to run.

10K's do's and don'ts:

Don't:

• Get sick and stop running abruptly for 29 days leading up to the race
  
• Work the previous 20 days straight
  
• Make a cool pumped up 10K play list the night before but fail to notice it didn't make it on to your iPod until you're standing at the start line.
  
• Set your Nike+ for a "10K" run instead of a "6.2mi" run so that while running all the data is in metric (i.e. kph, km run) given that math while running a 10K is no fun.
  

Do:

• Get up early on your first day off in 3 weeks because this only happens once
  
• Remember that even if you walk you're more than able to finish 6.2 miles (or 10K)
  
• Make your first 10K an unofficial, laid-back, fun run
  
• Enjoy a lovely run around the Charles River, enjoy the view, and the wonderful weather
  
• Walk when you can't run any more, but remember to pick the pace back up.
  
• Do it for the free shirt
  
• Get a free 10-minute massage when you're done
  
• Do it for you, because you can
  
• Just do it.
  

(where's my Nike contract?)

I ran the unofficial Boston run which started from the Finish Line at the Cambridgeside Galleria. We ran around the Charles River, though in the opposite direction that I usually run, which was a bit odd. It was unofficial as it was timed, so we were on our own to upload our runs. We still got the shirts (for free), and had fun stuff like refreshments and massages.

Overall, it was a very respectable 6.2 miles for me. It could have been a much better 10K race, but seriously, I'm not bothered by it. I like the idea of running an event, and pushing myself for a "race".

How cool is it that the shirts all have different numbers?

I got knocked out from running this month from a bad cold and a couple bad weeks at work. I knew this would happen at some point.

Monthly wrap up:

*Somehow I never created by August goal (foreshadowing), until today. I sort of cheated and made my goal only 10 mi.

2008 miles: 383.24

Here's to a better September.

I actually didn't have to work today. I didn't make any plans for the day until after I had gotten up. I did pretty well:

1. Sleep in. Check.
I believe the alarm said 8:45 when I got up.

2. Get outside & enjoy the weather. Check.


3. Do errands around town. Check.
CVS
Marshall's
City Sports
Niketown

View Larger Map

4. Log some miles. Running would be nice, but walking is acceptable. Check. (See #5)
(See the extra route around the Common?)

5. Learn how to hack my Nike+ when my iPod freaks out in the middle of the walk/run/errands and looses my run. Check.

http://gabeanderson.com/2008/03/02/how-to-hack-your-nano-nike-run-data-when-ipod-freezes/
http://www.osxfaq.com/dailytips/02-2005/02-01.ws
So, the first run up there is simulated. It's less miles than I logged (but not that significant), but a bit faster overall. Given how annoying I found this process, plus I don't lie very well, this power will only be used when disasters happen.

I'm feeling quite refreshed after a crappy couple of weeks at work. Now I only have 4 days of work until I'm on vacation. That also means only 4 days to get the laundry & packing done.

After 4 weeks of not running, a shotty 10K, and two weeks of trying to convince myself to run, today I had the first really good run in a long time.

I am at my parents for a couple days, and went to the gym with my mom today. I stepped on to a treadmill I'm not used to and started my warm up, thinking it seemed a bit faster than usual. Then I started running, and felt good, but still thought it seemed faster than usual. I kept running in a nice groove realizing how good I felt, but still thinking it seemed fast. Then I checked my iPod. Sure enough at 2 miles on the treadmill, it said 3.4mi...... On my home treadmill there can be up to a 10% difference, though it all seems to even out in the end, or isn't enough to care about.

So I mentioned to my mom that the treadmill seemed funny. She said, "Oh, yeah, that's the funny one. Some times it doesn't even turn on." HA. So I switched to another machine, and sure enough it felt like normal.

In reality I have no idea how far I ran. Looking at the Nike+ graph I realize it was also screwy...... A 4:40 mile?! Unlikely. In all the treadmill total was 5.25 mi, and I paused my iPod for at least a mile that distance would be so far off.

Regardless, it was a good run, and the first in a while. Hopefully, it means I'm back on track.

Yesterday late morning when I was getting dressed in the morning I put on my running clothes though I wasn't ready to go running. I spent the morning/early afternoon cleaning the apartment. Then it was 3pm and I was realizing I needed to think about things like showering and looking presentable.

However, I fell for my trick and thought it would be ridiculous to take off my running clothes without having gone running. I headed down to the gym.

After 1/2 mile I still didn't feel warmed up, had no desire to run, and considered going upstairs. I tried to run a bit, but it didn't feel right. For some reason I actually increased the speed on the treadmill and started running. Running at a speed I usually have to work up to. And I felt great.

It almost seems like I need to take a month off from running, and that my running has been better as a result.

This morning I used getting to and from the dentist as my work-out. Because I never get tired of these little widgets, here they are:

While I was hoping for clear skies this morning, the weather was awful without hopes of it letting up before lunch. I gave in an went down to the gym though I was really looking forward to a long run outside.

Fortunately I had a good audiobook that I was invested in after 5 hours of driving this weekend. (Trace, by Patricia Cornwell) So I hunkered down and ran.

I can't argue with 7 miles. I felt good. That's 33 miles during vacation which have gone far toward my much improved spirit.

This isn't it, however.

A nice 6 miles on the treadmill. Drew Carey & The (new) Price Is Right kept me company.

Not much for a blog post.

I have finished knitting, but pictures still need to be taken.

On my way to work this morning I passed folks heading to the start/finish line of the Boston Half Marathon. I felt a twinge of jealousy.....then I was walking home from work and ran into mobs of people walking the other way with their race bibs and finisher medals. Plus it was 70 & sunny. As if I could think twice about running.

I headed out for the 10K loop around the Charles River and pushed myself.

I finished the 10K part in 1:15, and then walked another 1.5 miles.

Interestingly, today's 10K wasn't any better than the Nike+ Human Race:

Though, I really thought it was.

Tonight I went to get an overdue pedicure and 2/3 of the way through the chic asked me if I had been running. I said yes, she said "because you feet never look this bad". Well, thanks. Now only if my ass could figure it out.

Next week is the Women's Nike Half Marathon that I also wish I was running.

Being the chief, and being in charge means you can run things according to your schedule...... And can steal some extra running time.

I had the pleasure of having a running partner (on my attendings who's the same age as my sister). I don't think I've run with someone since college. We're a good match, though because I run a bit farther than she normally would, and she runs faster than I sometimes do. So we both push each other without having to say anything.

The weather was gorgeous both days, perfect fall running weather. Of course this makes 17.5 miles in 3 days and my legs feel like it.

Congrats to my friends who ran the Chicago Marathon this weekend -- I'm sure you're legs still feel worse than mine.

For the last two days my runs have been kicking my butt. It's taken me longer to warm up and a couple miles to convince myself I could run. But ultimately, I finished strongly both days. I suspect being on the treadmill has something to do with it, as it's harder to find the pace that feels right. Interestingly, I felt better running FASTER than slower. This I can not explain.

Saturday's Run:

Today's Run:

As the pictures show, today was better than yesterday - a whole minute/mile faster today. Plan is for another 5 miles tomorrow on my random day off.

Go Red Sox!

I've been running with someone from work recently -- the first time I've run with anyone since college -- and I could hardly run back then. It's been nice, and she has this expectation that we'll run (outside) through the winter. I was ready to back out of today's run and it's only 40 degrees. We ran, however, and I didn't whine about being cold. The truth is that I really do have a wardrobe of athletic gear that will get me into the winter. (I'm not so sure about through the winter.)

So when dressed appropriately, the cool weather was just fine.

And how did I decide what appropriate is? My favorite Runner's World "What should I wear?". Today was 40, windy & raining. I did as I was told and wore a longsleeve shirt, windbreaker and running tights. I had on gloves to start, but I took them off shortly into the run. I realized once I got back that I was much sweatier on top that I noticed, but my windbreaker kept me from being cold even though I was wet.

I'm already at 45 miles for the month and should be able to get in atleast 2 runs before the month is over. The most I've run in a month in 2008 is 60 miles in April, so I'm setting that as my unofficial goal for October. My official goal is still only 50 miles, however.

I didn't realize I never did a September summary until I was looking for it to copy into this post.

Monthly wrap up:

total 2008 miles: 493.27

[Edited] I have some crazy new goal of 500 600 miles for 2008.....that's only 107 miles for November & December. I might have to get creative. If only August hasn't been such a horrible month.....

Not really sure why I was so (relatively) speedy today, except that I hadn't run in 4 days.

I felt pretty good, the company was good, the weather was decent, and run we did.

Despite my wanting to lay on the couch all day and two naps before 3p, I actually convinced myself to go out running. I was smart enough to put my running clothes on after my shower this morning. Who wants to admit defeat by taking off running clothes without having actually run in them?

I got outside to find that it was the perfect day to run: 60 and overcast. There wasn't even the tiniest bit of chill in the air and my long sleeve shirt and capri tights were just right. And they were two of my favorite pieces of running clothing. Regardless, I still wasn't sold on the whole running thing. I was wishing my running partner wasn't on a plane some place.

This all lasted about 1/4 mile, and then the running took over. What is it that initial getting dressed and out of the house so hard?

It was a good run and I might have kept running except I more or less came to the end of my route at 6 miles, and I plan to run tomorrow though it won't be quite as warm.

I basically did yesterday's run again today with a small extra bit at the end to top 20 miles this week.

It was pretty good the second day in a row, though a bit chillier when I started out. However, at this point my legs are wondering what I've done.

When I uploaded my run, I was greated with this:

Getting to 1000 this year would be only another 7.33 miles beyond my goal of 600 miles for 2008, but requires 115 miles over November & December.....we shall see.

This week got me down for a number of reasons. Changing services is always stressful especially when it means leaving a great rotation an awesome team.

I hadn't gotten to run since last weekend. Not running alone was bad enough, but no running during a bad week was even worse.

So I went for a long run Friday since my husband had left town, and who really needs dinner? It was surprising quite warm and I was actually overdressed.

This is what it looked like to run all the stress away:

And I like the trend in my running (though I'm sure the upward slope will stop with this run):

I only had time for a quick run, and I was tempting fate with this radar:

My legs initially said no, however. After 8 miles yesterday they didn't want to go. I felt better after mile 2, but I wasn't sure if that's because my legs knew I only had time for 3 miles.

Half way through the month I'm at 30 miles, though the second half of the month will be busier, so I better keep get some more miles for padding.

I'm again amazed how putting on my running clothes after I shower in the morning provides hours of reinforcement that I will go running today. Plus, it's a good outfit to clean the apartment in. Much like yesterday my legs took an awful long time to stop arguing. After about 2 miles I felt back to normal. But until then my quads, calves, abs, and even delts protested.

Slower than usual on purpose:

I was planning to run outside, but when I got there I realized I didn't have a wind layer on and that it was colder than I had thought. Running on the treadmill was much less work than going back up and changing my clothes.

Plus, it meant an hour of Will & Grace followed by the first 30 minutes of Monarchy: The Royal Family at Work: The State Visit on WGBH which was actually quite interesting. Yes, I'm a big dork.

A few things for which I am thankful:

1. My day off this week is Thanksgiving
2. My parents still being able to come visit for Thanksgiving
4. My husband being home for Thanksgiving
3. A great 6 1/2 mile run:

4. Spending several days with my entire family at once the week before Christmas

Happy Thanksgiving!

Ignore the fact that it's almost January....there were a couple of minor life-changing events leading to less blogging and less running.

Here's through November:

Monthly wrap up:

total 2008 miles: 558.31

Seems like the 600 miles for 2008 is still doable. I was one run shy of 70 miles for November.

Some decent vacation runs, on the treadmill because it's Chicago in December and I am not as crazy as my cousin*.

*Of course said crazy cousin is training for her second marathon, so I have serious respect for her snow running.

I was calling my cousin crazy for running outside in December in Chicago. I guess this might make me crazy, too.

It looked like this:

And I was only willing to go out for one person.

I bundled up with the help of

I'm not sure I want to admit that I was actually pretty well dressed with my slight tweak on the Runner's World recommendations. I had on a Nike Headband instead of a hat because I don't own a hat that covers my ears. Plus I had a lightweight tech-fleece on between by Dri-Fit longsleeve short & windbreaker. I was pretty toasty. I got a bit over heated at one point, but the sleeves of my windbreaker come off, so I unzipped them. Ultimately my thighs and butt were cold and could have used another layer.

The run/company was great. It wasn't until the end that we noticed it was cold and dark and our legs were done. Then I still had to walk home.

I uploaded my run today to find my "2008 Rundown" which was pretty cool:

Plus, my Nike Mini has new clothes!

And will keep getting new stuff the further I run. I'm putting her up on the side bar of the main blog page.

Here's today's run:

I wasn't going to run but after walking for a mile I was bored and realized walking was too slow, so I ran miles 2-5 and walked the last mile. That's 34 miles for vacation.

I'm off today because I'm on call tomorrow, and I actually started the day with a long run out in the cold.

I was one layer overdressed on the top half only in the following:

• Nike Dri-Fit Running tights
  
• Second layer of thin running tights because neither is particularly heavy
  
• Long sleeve Nike Dri-Fit Shirt
  
• Second long-sleeve Dri-Fit top (this is the layer I should have omitted)
  
• Nike Therma-Fit fleece running jacket (not exactly the one linked, but essentially the same)
  
• Nike Convertable Running Jacket (with removable sleeves) -- one of the best running pieces I own. I wish mine was in this cool red color, but it's not.
  
• Nike running gloves
  
• Nike Dri-fit headband/ear cover (similar, though mine is several years older)
  

I'm not sure I complained about the weather once. Okay, maybe once. The run was good, the company was great, I was warm and the air wasn't too cold on my lungs. Oh, and the salted caramel hot chocolate when we were done.....

Guess I could have gone another 0.42 miles today, but I will save the 1000mi milestone for next run.

A short little post-call run on 12/30 (on the treadmill):

And I was greated with this when I uploaded the run:

I had honestly forgotten. And since I wasn't really sure how I ended up running that day*, it was all the more a reward.

*somehow I just ended up with my running clothes on in the gym

Monthly wrap up:

total 2008 miles: 610.6 I recovered from August and was able to average 50 miles/month for 12 months straight. I'm quite pleased.

The whole Nike+ Community:

1. Keep running. This is the important part. Who cares how fast or how many miles as long as my resting pulse continues to be 56 as a result.

2. Top the 610 miles of 2008. I am tempted to make of goal of 730 miles which is an average of 2 miles per day. It seems to be too much of a stretch, though. And who wants to make a goal she can't keep? So 730 miles will be my unofficial goal.

3. Run a half marathon. There I go. It's been announced. It shall happen. It will likely be this one. Hmmm, if I ran my first 10K in 2008 and plan for a half marathon in 2009, I wonder what might happen in 2010?

4. Spend less money on clothes. All the goals don't have to be about running. Maybe I can put the a day of shopping money into the vacation savings account. (This might just be a test to see if my husband reads the blog.) And there might have to be an exception for running clothes, right?

If I'm going to make such goals, there's no time like the present to get started.

That's 7 miles all under 12 min/mile which is pretty darn good. I think it has to do with this:

That's my run mileage by weeks, and that's 29 miles two weeks ago when I was on vacation. Then only 7.6 miles the following week. A little rest helps. Plus it's nice to have the treadmill tell me to get running.

How to run further than you plan. In the cold. Without your running partner.

(Boston Common Covered in snow)

1. Dress warmly
• Nike running tights
  
• 2nd pair of thin, slightly large running tights
  
• Nike Dri Fit Shell
  
• Nike Dri Fit Long sleeve shirt
  
• Champion Fleece lined wind-stopper short ski jacket
  
• Nike Running gloves
  
• Nike fleece Running headband
  


2. 2. Have some good tunes



3. Sleep for four uninterrupted hours on call overnight


4. Need some time to think or some emotion to work through (i.e. anger works well)


5. Run 3.5 miles in the same direction away from your apartment


6. Turn left in Chinatown.


7. Keep running despite being "lost", and not particularly in the general direction of home


8. Come upon a known destination at the end of mile 5


9. At some point in you running career stop carrying money or a Charlie Card such that if you are going to get home it will be via your own two feet.


10. Realize that the shortest way home is 2.5 miles


11. Start running toward home


12. Opt not to take the shortest way home

Yes the widget really does say 8 miles.

I'm trying not let this away rotation and the driving associated with it keep me from running.

There's been enough excitement in the world that my part can be boring.

I've had some extra, nervous energy built up. Monday I ran away 7.5 miles of said energy while watching Oprah do her thing from the Kennedy Center on inauguration eve. As if I hadn't had energy that needed to be worked off, I couldn't help be a tad bit inspired at the history being made.

Monthly wrap up:

2009 total miles: 50.18

I start 6 weeks of nights tonight, but first I sort of had the day off since I didn't have to go to work until 6pm. Plus it was 45, and snow is melting. I had a good, long run.

The obligatory "what I was wearing":

• Nike dri-fit running tights
  
• Nike dri-fit long-sleeve shirt
  
• Nike dri-fit long-sleeve top
  
• Nike fleece vest
  
• Nike running gloves
  
• Nike fleece headband
  

As much as I miss my running partner, it was good to get outside, listen to some good music, and just run. The weather goes down hill from here, and there should be more snow. So I'm all the happier I got outside today.

Interestingly, this was already a blog title.....I guess my life repeats itself.

I got out of the house earlier than I would have planned because I needed to go to the post-office before they closed at noon. It was chillier than I wanted (25), but I wanted to get my errands done. And if I walking the 1/2 mile to the PO, then that might as well be the start of my run.

I donned:
my new Nike Thermal cold weather running tights (though I wondered if it was too warm for them)
Nike Dri Fit Long Sleeve Shirt
Nike Dri-fit long-sleeved medium weight top thing
Nike Therma-fit fleece
Nike Gloves (the heavy ones)
Nike Hat

I got to the post-office at 11:45 to find a line of atleast 30 people out the door. After 10 minutes in line I had not moved and only 1 person had left. I decided I didn't need to mail my stuff that badly.

I ran. I occasionally though about the fact that I was over dressed and then the wind would pick up and I would be cold.

But I really thought about just one thing for 8 miles: being a transplant fellow. I'm super excited.

And now I'll go spend that 1000 calories at:

I've officially registered for the Boston Run to Remember half marathon on May 24, 2009.

At some time I've run almost this entire course, and very much like the route.

While I was looking at my Nike+ stats yesterday my husband asked how my February running was going. Then he reminded me that February has fewer days - "10% fewer days". I guess that's actually a sizable amount when you think about it. Regardless, I seem to be doing just fine.

I haven't blogged about any of last week's running. There was a lot. Almost too much, I think. A quick recap:

Wed 2/11/09: It was 65 degrees outside, so I had no choice to run.


(I hate then I accidentally end the run while I'm trying to change the music or something.) That's a total of 8.55 miles.

Thurs 2/12/09: I was still high from yesterday's run, and decided to run more.

Saturday 2/14/09: I had to do something on my one day off for the week. Alas, I couldn't convince myself to run.

Then I specifically made myself take a couple days off.

Today (well, yesterday, technically) I was back to running:

Overall, a but slower than I had hoped, but it WAS 35 degrees outside. Fortunately the snow is gone and things were pretty dry. Until it started raining tonight.

How I was overdressed for 35 degrees:

• My new favorite Nike Heavyweight running tights -- sooo toasty warm. I am sorry I only splurged on one pair when I found them on medium* sale.
  
• Nke Drifit long sleeve shirt
  
• Brandless** tech intermediate weight sport jacket***
  
• Nike Thermafit Fleece
  
• Nike running gloves
  
• Matching Nike hat.
  

Unzipped I managed to cool down, but I was still sweatier than I prefer.

First a smooth, steady (slow) run outside on Thursday 2/19:

Then a smooth, steady, faster run on the treadmill today. I could have run outside but didn't really want to don all the layers and deal with a runny nose.

I think the treadmill runs are a good thing because I can set my pace and force myself to keep up. While I could certainly stare at my Nike+ read-out the whole time while running outside, it's not really the same.

There's still 7 days left in this short month, but I've already run 56 miles. Hmmm....14 next week?

Last week I commented that I had already run 56 miles in the first 3 weeks of February, and then thought it would be "easy" to get to 70 miles for the month. Plus I realized it would mean that I would be averaging 2 miles/day for this calendar year. So....once that was the unofficial plan, anything less would sort of be failing.

But I didn't factor in having a crappy weak and not running for 5 days straight, which left 14 miles for a day and a half.

Fortunately it was 50 on Friday, and I could overcome the lack of sleep and just run. I knew if I was going to get these 14 miles in, Friday's run would have to be considerably longer than Saturday's. Who runs 7 miles one day knowing I still had to run 7 miles the next day.

My goal was 9 miles. I just didn't think I would be able to run it all. It was good. It was very good. I averaged just over 12 min/mile for the entire run.

This is a run that only happened because of this whole Nike+ thing. I VERY easily could have spent the entire day on the couch doing absolutely nothing. But once I start logging runs, seeing the pretty little graphs and widgets, and making goals -- even ridiculous ones like running 70 miles this month....well....runs happen that I wouldn't otherwise take.

This finishes February, which will be summarized in the next post.

Monthly wrap up:

2009 total miles: 120.29
2009 average miles per day: 2.03

I had no idea I hadn't run 70 miles in one month before. I suppose that might be the only perk to this awful night rotation.

It's 3:33 am, and I may have discovered I tie my shoes incorrectly. I don't have any shoes with laces in the hospital, so I can't test it out. But I always double knot anyway....maybe it's because I tie them wrong.

No, you didn't miss the week 1 post - there wasn't one. I was sick for what was to be half-marathon training week 1. Since I already run more than week 3 even calls for, I figured it would be okay to "skip" week 1. Plus, I ran 70 miles last month which probably calls for a week off.

I'm following the NIke+ training plan for a half-marathon for beginners. Ok, after running for more than a year, I'm probably not a beginner, but it IS my first half-marathon, right? Every week is three runs. This week should be 4, 4, and 7 miles.

Overall, I'm not so impressed with the Nike+ Training. My biggest disappointment, is that is appears that once you miss a run, then it decides that you are behind no matter if you run longer than necessary on other runs or even run on a day it doesn't have you scheduled to run. So since I missed the first week, no matter how much extra I run it will always say I'm 14 miles behind in my training. You are able to delete the runs, but only up until they should happen. That means if you don't run that day and forget to delete the run from your training schedule, then you will be behind. I don't like being behind. It's not good psychologically. It is still in beta testing, so maybe they'll resolve that feature.

So I'm still sort of recovering from my cold, as was demonstrated by Monday's crappy non-run (i.e. walk):

Wednesday I gathered some momentum to run:

And Friday (yesterday), I had to find things to do in order to stay up all day and try to get back on a non-night-shifted routine. So I convinced myself to run:

Plus, it started to make up for last week lack of running.

Today's long run in the next post.

Today's run was to be 7 miles....7 miles isn't that long. But I have to admit that when I run 7 miles (or longer), it's because I feel like it, not because someone/something is telling me to. So it proved interesting. I've been running the same outdoors run for some time which includes a small piece of the Fens and then around the Boston Common and back. It's roughly 7 miles. I didn't want to do it today.

Before leaving, I visited Google maps pedometer to find a new run, but to make sure it was at least 7 miles.

Here's what I decided:

It's not someplace I usually run, but looked good, and was a route I could remember. (Interactive map.)

It was an interesting day out there in the Boston running world. The marathon (there is only one, right), is 5 weeks away. I encountered at least 5 different runners. And the feeling I got from everyone one of them was that it was "long run Saturday". I have no idea how many of them are training for the marathon, but everyone, including myself seemed to be out for a long run. These were serious runners. We all had layers on given that the temperature would change about 10 degrees while we were out. Everyone had something in his/her hand: a water bottle, the gloves they had taken off, the hat they decided they didn't need, etc.

It was an interesting feeling. I was happy to be part of it even if my long run was less than half what I would be doing if I had a marathon in 5 weeks.

With this feeling in mind, it was somewhat ironic that I forgot my route would include Heartbreak hill. While I had only run 4 miles rather than 20 when I hit it, it still felt the same. I failed to be able to run it. As I was running DOWN heartbreak hill, I felt like using the potential energy that I had hardly earned was like cheating.

Overall, I feel like it was a good week #2 of half-marathon training. I might even get to run with my running partner soon.

I officially finished 6 weeks of working nights this morning when I came home at 6:30a. Today was the last of the 4 day plan to get back on a normal sleeping schedule since it has been weeks since I could sleep through the night on the two nights a week I wasn't working. This makes the 24-hour 6a-6a shift on Sunday extremely painful when you've been up since 3am because you wouldn't normally be asleep.

The short story is that I had to stay up today which wasn't all that terrible because I slept for 5 hours last night -- it was day 3 of "get back on a day schedule" and things were going well, PLUS I got left alone while on call.

I did make a slight allowance and take a nap from 12:30 until 2p today because life was catching up. But I kept to my plan to run today.

I believe the relief of finishing this horrible rotation is why I ran my fastest 5 miles ever (I think):

I finished the 5 miles in something like 57 minutes, then walked the last 3/4 mile as a cool down while I hooked on an episode Deal or No Deal.

Now back to regular half-marathon training or I'm going to get hurt -- my hip flexors are screaming right now.

Half Marathon Training Week 2 Long Run, in adjectives:

Heavy: my sputum & saliva (the kind that can't be swallowed, but need to be spit)
Tight: my chest
Heavy AND tight: my calves and shins
Twisted: my right ankle at mile 2.75

Runny: my nose
The ONLY thing loose: The Boss on my iPod

My run:

Evidently not at bad as I would have thought.

Monthly wrap up:

2009 total miles: 190.73
2009 average miles per day: 2.14

Looks like March was speedy and filled with lots of running. Hoping to continue the trend in April, and given the half-marathon is only 7 weeks away, that shouldn't be hard.

While I haven't been blogging about it, I have continued to train for my half marathon. There was three days that I had to take off for some foot pain, but that as resolved, and I'm running a bunch especially now that I am on vacation.

The training has certainly made me run miles I otherwise wouldn't have. Thursday I ran at 9p despite not having eaten dinner. That's crazy.

Here's the week:

Thoughts about running 11 miles:
+ after running 5 miles (a decent run), you still have 6 miles left to go (a second run)
+ you can see almost all of Boston during an 11-mile run
+ after running 11 miles you can eat whatever you want
+ after running 7 miles, you still have 4 miles left to go

Random things I saw on my 11-mile run along the Charles River on a 80-degree Saturday:
+ people playing guitar
+ people playing bean-bag toss
+ a girl riding a unicycle barefoot
+ women in their bikinis for the first time this season
+ an entire wedding party taking pictures
+ people play boccie ball

In case it isn't obvious, I am a total "tech" person. Must have the right running wear and gear. Here are my new acquisitions keeping in mind the long runs required for half-marathon (and maybe marathon) training:

iPod Nano 4th generation

I had been running with a First gneration iPod nano and Nike+. My Nike+ experience is well documented here. However, after 4+ years the battery on my 1G nano was going. It would not last more than 8 miles of Nike+ and music even when fully charged. I was lucky enough to get a brand new shiny iPod 4th generation for my birthday. I haven't even had a chance to use all the new features like videos, I did download one video podcast just to demo the picture; it's great. It's even smaller than my old iPod.

Nike+ on the 4th Generation iPod Nano
The Nike+ software on the new iPod Nano is a bit different.
++ Work-outs can easily be paused and restarted (the latter was an issue on my old iPod, and more often that not the work-out would end if I tried to pause it)
-- The screen saver screen only displays the distance with one decimal and the total time. The older version didn't have a different screen saver mode. I liked always being able to see the distance (with two decimals), the time, the pace, the song, AND the clock.
+- The clock no longer appears at the top of the Nike+ screen (even the active screen). I've tried to see if this is a setting that I can change, but haven't been able to find it.
++ Being able to change the screen orientation.
++ I have yet to even challenge the battery.
++ Nike+ over all. It's still the reason why I run.

Grantwood TuneBand

I ended up buying three cases for my new iPod. My previous, beloved case was slim fitting, clear, and had removable belt clip. The new version has no belt clip. I was somewhat annoyed to have to buy multiple cases just to get the different features I was looking for. However, I am pleased with the Grantwood TuneBand. Even though I haven't really previously used an arm bad despite having one, I like this one. My only criticism is that it's a tad big for my small arms. At a minimum I have to have it on my upper forearm or bicep. The iPod goes in and out with reasonable ease, and the Nike+ receiver fits just fine. There is no screen cover, so it will not work in the rain. For under $15 though, I have no complaints.
For the first time I tucked my ear phone cord inside my shirt during my long run on Saturday and truly enjoyed not having to deal with it for 11 miles.

Incidentally, the other two cases I bought were:
1. Speck SeeThru which I love as an everyday case and have no idea why it doesn't have a belt clip. I like the rubberized sides and the screen cover.
2. Hard Crystal Case. It's a bit cheap and the Nike+ receiver doesn't quite fit. Plus it's hard to get the case open to take the iPod in and out. But it has a clip, and I paid $5 with shipping.

Body Glide

This stuff is amazing. I used to have chronic open sores where my sports bra rubs my ex-lap scar and where the drawstring rubs my belly. It made running unpleasant. You can not feel this stuff the second after it is applied. No idea it's there, but it continues working. I expected it would work on the minor irritation on my inner arms, but it completely prevents the other open wounds. Completely. I haven't really used it on my feet, but I might start. Amazing.

Fuel Belt

I previously owned a Fuel Belt that was about a size too big. And the elastic as getting stretched. I decided my running reward was a new, correctly sized Fuel Belt. There is still no better product, I am sure. The bottles do not bounce, and the compression on my belly actually feels good while running. I also like the pockets for carrying keys, phone, and money. I do think maybe I should have gotten the 6 bottle version if there's a marathon in my future.

Gatorade G2

Chuging large amounts of water during runs now makes me nauseated. Before I got my new Fuel Belt I found I was running specifically TO the 7-11 at mile 4.5 and was craving the sugary goodness of a bottle of Gatorade. I've since switched to G2 and find it to be much better hydration than water. I even happened to find G2 individual powder packs at the grocery store. I mixed some up and filled my fuel belt on Saturday. Of course it meant I had to actually wash out my Fuel Belt bottles when I was done.

Monthly wrap up:

2009 total miles: 273.24
2009 average miles per day: 2.27

Between some great weather and half-marathon training, I somehow pounded out 80+ miles this month. That's 10 miles more than the most previous month (March 2009).

Vacation + good weather = good runs this week.

On the training plan, this week should have been 6mi, 6mi, and 11 mi runs.

Monday 4/27/09: 10 mi bike ride while doing errands.

Tuesday 4/28/09:


Wednesday 4/29/09: I forbade myself from running, though I spent the entire day cleaning the apartment and probably logged at least 2 miles in my small place.

Thursday 4/30/09:

I felt good enough and decided it was too nice to come home at 6 miles. I was enjoying the sun until I came home and realized I had worn neither a hat nor sunscreen.

Friday 5/1/09: Does the T to the airport and flying to Chicago count as a work-out? Not really, and I was kind of itching for a run by the end of the day.

Saturday 5/2/09:

Today's long run was the first non-treadmill run away from home I've attempted. I somewhat planned a route that wouldn't bore me completely. It even included some time in the Hammel Wood Forest Preserve which was nice. Sadly, it rained here for the past week so things were pretty wet and I couldn't make it very far north through the preserve because the paved path was underwater. I was already muddy enough by that point as it was.

Overall the run was good. The first 9 miles weren't "easy", but were reasonable. Mile 10 took some effort. Mile 11 was okay since I knew it would be over soon, and I finished the 11 miles in 2:10. With a little more addrenaline and encouragement, I can hope for 2:30 for the half marathon. Unfortunately, I realized I still had a mile to walk home after finishing the 11 miles. (I have no idea why the graph looks all funny with that line on the bottom.)

This is the last week of increased mileage, and we start to taper after this in our 12 week plan. This week was to be 6 miles, 6 miles, and 12 miles.

Tuesday's run was "eh", mostly because the first 3 miles were uphill, certainly much more uphill for which I am conditioned.

Thursday's run was not to be. I came up with at least a half-dozen reasons why that might be: 1. too much running lately, 2. being on vacation and doing strange "vacation" things, 3. being in Canada, 4. Tuesday's run uphill, 5. the cold/wet weather in Niagara falls that morning, 6. it being too early in the morning. Most of my problem were my hip flexors where killing, which made me favor the uphill run as the biggest problem.
Alas, I listened to my body and walked 3 miles before heading back to the hotel.

Today's long run is in it's own entry.

No, I still have no idea what the line on the bottom of the widget graphs is.....

The scenery for Tuesday's and Thursday's runs:

The rest of the vacation pictures are here and here.

Despite Thursday's run not really happening, I wasn't deterred for today's 12-mile run. I am a bit surprised I wasn't too stressed about needing to run 12 miles today. I suppose that's what the last 9 weeks of training does. Ten and 11 mile runs weren't horrible. I can do 12.

Running 12 miles takes some planning.

(Interactive map here.)

I collected my running partner and we set out a bit later than we would have hoped (11a). We haven't run together in weeks and haven't done a long run in even longer. So it would be interesting to see how we had progressed without each other. The weather was good: 65, overcast, rained for a couple minutes, breezy.

We averaged 5 MPH for the entire 12 miles, which thrills me. We finished 12 miles in 2:20. I'm still not quite sure how/if we'll get to 13.1 miles in 2:30 (my unofficial goal). When running, we're at or below 10-min miles, but the walk breaks drop us to 12-min mile averages.

By mile 9, I was struggling. Miles 9, 10 and 11 were ok, but not great. At mile 11 we ran into a March of Dimes walk and had no choice by to walk, maybe for longer than we would have otherwise. We started running again at mile 11.3, and I remember complaining that my whole body hurt. My lats hurt, my delts hurt, my hip flexors hurt. We finished 12 miles strong, though I counted every hundredth of the last 0.7 miles.

The mile that we walked home felt like an eternity. I wanted to sit down when I got home, but don't allow sweaty people on the furniture. I was afraid if I sat down on the ground I wouldn't be able to get up. I immediately got in the shower, but found that my quads were still screaming. I finally sat down on the side of the tub. After the shower I drank some poweraid zero, ate two spoon-fulls of peanut butter, and crawled into bed with my napping husband.

The half-marathon is 2 weeks from tomorrow. Time to taper.

I figure I had better blog about the rest of half-marathon training before the actual race.

Week 11 (last week in real time) was the first of the tapering weeks, so the schedule was 6, 6, and 8 miles.

Again I realized that some of the weekday runs lately only happened because I was "training", and otherwise I would have claimed I was too busy -- certainly something to take away from training for when I'm back to just running.

Tuesday's run I was able to carve some time in the afternoon (the benefit of being the Chief):

Thursday's run was late, as a result I did finish my 6 miles because I was already up past my bedtime.

Saturday's long run was good. I took it somewhat easy just wanting to run. I can't honestly remember what the route was.

Mentally it was nice to set out on Sunday not needing to run 10+ miles.

Prerace: I got up at 5:30 with plans to be out the door by 6:30. Since the race didn't start until 8a, I figured I could eat a reasonable breakfast by 6a and still have two hours to rest my stomach. I made an egg beater and cheese breakfast burrito with a big glass of OJ. It then started pouring while I was in the shower....

What I wore: I had picked out my clothes the night before, but still had doubt about my shirt. I ended up wearing:
+ Body Glide antichaffing stuff in all the right places including at waist/bra bands, arms, thighs, feet, etc.
+ Nike Dri Fit Personal Best Capri's (my absolutely favorite bottoms)

+ Nike Dri Fit bra. (actually quite old, and they don't make the style anymore which is why I am still wearing it)
+ Lightweight Nike Dri fit longsleeve shirt. I was back and forth about short sleeves vs long. Ultimately I decided I wouldn't be too hot in long sleeves in the 60-65 degree weather. It would also meant I wouldn't have to wear sunscreen.
+ My new favorite running socks: ASICS Women's Sorbtec® Tab Lowcut Socks. I bought them on Friday as a race splurge. I will now buy many more pairs on eBay.
+ Nike Air Zoom Plus. One of the two original styles of Nike+ that they no longer make. I've been working through the pairs I've been able to find on eBay.
+ Nike Feather Light Hat.
+ Sunglasses (generic). For some reason I usually run in sunglasses even if it's not particularly sunny. Reduces eye strain or something.

I was dressing and realized I was covered head to toe in some sort of moisture-wicking technology except my underwear. Maybe I should change that.

What I packed to bring:
+ Nike Trailwind wind breaker. Okay, I actually wore this enroute to the race since it was still raining, and planned to wear it if it looked the rain would continue.
+ Heavier Nike Dri Fit shirt incase it seemed colder once we got out side.
+ Short sleeved Run to Remember Tech shirt to either wear home or during the race if it seemed appropriate once we got there.
+ SPF 30 lip balm
+ money/Charlie Card/phone/ATM card
+ iPod Nano with Nike +
+ Race number (3628)

What I would bring next time:
+ flip flops or a different pair of shoes for the commute home
+ a bottle of water or poweraide or something to be able to drink on the way home
+ a piece of fruit or spoonful of peanut butter for the same

The race: Fortunately the rain stopped before we got to the Seaport World Trade Center and from the radar, it looked like more rain should hold off until the afternoon. Bag check was easy. There were tons of port-a-potties. We stretched and lined up in the 10 min/mi pace spot. We sang the national anthem which seemed very cool.

And we ran.

The official results aren't up yet, but we finished the first 6 miles in a hour which is the fastest I've ever run 6 miles. I was worried we would run too fast and wouldn't be able to finish. I liked being with "regular people" for whom this was quite an accomplishment as well.

At 7 miles I could see that my Nike+ was ahead by ~0.05 miles, so I paused the workout to "catch up" a bit because who wants your arm to say you're at mile 11.5 when you haven't yet reached mile 11!?!

Mile 9 kicked my butt again. Mile 10 was okay, and 11-13 weren't the easiest but we kept running. We weren't carried off in an ambulance like the two people we saw about mile 11. While we took a couple ~60 second walk breaks at the water stations, we didn't really take a break until mile 10, I think. And then we only walked for 2 minutes.

Overall, my Nike+ seemed to be ahead by ~8%. Given that I've never calibrated it, I can't complain.

We believe our chip time will be 2:25. We crossed the line at 2:27-something, and had been 3 minutes behind the gun time. My goal was 2:30, so I was pleased. It's a 11 min/mi pace overall which is just fine with me.

When we were done we were still walking, not hobbling. We collected our medals and several more cups of water/gatorade. We finished late enough to miss the fruit. There were plenty of bagels and potato chips. Never have I finished running and though, "gee, I could go for some potato chips". We didn't need band aids, and I actually have no blisters.

We meet some very nice people including the guy who convinced me and his sister that bridges might look like hills, but they really get you places. Thanks to Tara who made us run the hills/bridges, too.

Post-race: We took the T back home, feeling bad for the people riding with us. However, we did not reek as much as the sweaty men. We collected Tara's husband & kids, showered, and had brunch. They hung out for a bit, and then I fell asleep on the couch for several hours, remembering that I had napped after our 12 mile run, too.

Post-race Day 1: I feel a bit achy but hungry. I feel a bit like "that was it"? Maybe I didn't quite leave it all out there. Maybe next time we can finish with a 10 min/mi overall pace.

Stay tuned for what is next to come in terms of running and for our official finish times and official race photos.

I didn't intend to take the week off from running; it just happened.

I did try to run on Wednesday, three days after the race; it didn't go very well. However, it could have been (1) the hour - 8 pm, (2) the 2 pieces of pizza and 4 cinna-sticks still rumbling around my belly, or (3) the fact that I was tired and contemplating go to bed early instead. My goal was 3 mi, but I could only run about half. I had physically felt okay until I tried to run. My calves didn't agree. And running slower was just annoying.

Today, however, I decided a 7-day break was long enough, and I needed to run.

I didn't really have a plan. I decided 6 miles sounded like a nice run. It was warm and partly sunny. It felt great to be out. I felt good, but still not quite at my peak. I realized, however, that I was running 6 miles without giving it much thought.

Above all, it was nice to be running just to run. I'm looking forward to more running just to run. No training for a while.

Monthly wrap up:

2009 total miles: 364.99
2009 average miles per day: 2.42

The final month of half-marathon training meant some great mileage, and the speediest month, too. I suspect a significant drop for June, but maybe just back down to 70 miles/month.

Running has been hit or miss since the race.

Yesterday's run felt better. A bit more consistent, though I had to work at it.

The run was most certainly like this:

The first mile hates seeing you with running. It would rather you would just go back to the couch. But both you and running know there are other things to look forward to, like the second mile. Of course I've never owned anything New Balance, but this commercial certainly captures the way I feel on most runs.

This run isn't so much blog-worthy except to say that it was the best run I've had since the half-marathon.

I ran without feeling like I was working my ass off. It was the first 5 miles under an hour since the race (my pre-race pace). I can't say I thought it would take 2.5 weeks to "recover" from the race given how much training I had done for it, and maybe bad runs recently are completely unrelated.

(Nike+ is being funny again; I have no idea why there are two lines in the widget.)

Monthly wrap up:

2009 total miles: 419.54
2009 average miles per day: 2.32

Ugh. June started out slowly because of needing to recover from the race. My pace had just seemed to get back to normal when the end of the academic year got very busy AND I got sick which resulted in a two week break from running. Nine months ago I would have been pleased with a 55-mile month, but after a 90-mile month I certainly felt like I wasn't running at all.

July should be better. Plus, a new race for which to train -- announcement this week when I officially register.

Eeek, no entry since the June wrap-up?

Monthly wrap up:

2009 total miles: 493.76
2009 average miles per day: 2.33

From the even prettier new Nike+:

On October 11 I will be running the Boston Half Marathon along with 5000 other people. This is a serious half marathon, and the course is only open for 2.5 hours. I hope not to be the last person to finish, but know there won't be many people behind me. My goal is 2:15 which is 10 minutes shorter than the Boston Run to Remember.

I'm following the Nike + Intermediate 1 training plan which looks like this:

As opposed to the beginning training plan than I followed last time, this adds the short run on Wednesday and gets to 14 miles on week 10 (of 12).

Sadly, it appears that I have no partner to run with. I do know a number of people who will be running the race, but none of whom run at my pace, with me. We shall see if I can keep myself running without someone at my side.

To realize how very crazy I am, not only am I running alone, I will very likely get on a plane later that day destined for a conference in Chicago.....

Here's the race course:

It's another great course that I know well. Even better, the start/finish line is less than 1/2 mile from my apartment!

I certainly feel like I'm full gear into training which usually means I've run days I otherwise wouldn't have made the time if I wasn't training.

Here's week #2:

The goals were 5, 2.5, 6, and 9 miles on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday respectively.

Today's long run was around the Charles River (click on map for interactive map):

hmmm.....do I blog to say that for a number of reason I took a week off from running, and skipped all the mid-week runs this week.

I did Saturday's shorter run:

(can't explain if multiple lines show up on the graph)

Then today was supposed to be a 10K time trial (hence it was on Sunday instead of Saturday) with a 2 mile warm up and then cool-down.....didn't go so well and my legs crapped out after mile 7.5:

The previous weeks had been going pretty well including last week's 11 mile long run. We'll hope this week is back on speed.

There will be no running tomorrow because >100 miles this month is enough.

Monthly wrap up:

2009 total miles: 597.60
2009 average miles per day: 2.47