100 Degree Range at the CMU Track: Running Hot & Cold

During yesterday's track workout (2 x (4 x 400)), I was pondering the fact that I may have now run on the CMU track in a whole range of 100 degrees. I looked back in the archives of the Crazy Daisies to see if I could find the temps for some of our frigid runs when we were training for the Nashville Marathon. If yesterday was 97 (which I don't think it actually was) and if January of 2005 was -3, I have it in the bag. I don't know that I really have the 100 degree range if you go by actual temps, but if you go with the "feels like temp" (ie windchill or taking humidity into consideration), I most definitely have it!

Here is a fun photo of a guy who ran barefoot on flowing lava...luckily he also had snow right next to him! This is on Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano located on the Italian island of Sicily.

PITTSBURGH MARATHON

I think I've found the two most important guys involved with the Pgh marathon and I've corresponded with BOTH of them over the past two days. They are just as excited about a potential marathon as we are.

I originally e-mailed Tom Rooney who has historically been responsive to any of my inquiries. He passed along Kevin Smith's contact info, who is the owner of Elite Runners in Robinson and said he would probably be able to fill me in.

I just got off the phone with Kevin and he is pumped up. There was just a meeting with the city this morning and he said he spoke with "the most credible person in the city" who said, "if he was a betting man (which he's not), he would bet on a spring 2008 Pittsburgh marathon."

At this point, the conversation is still very high level, though things will have to move quickly to happen in time. Kevin has begun initial planning for the course and he indicated that they will need 2,600 volunteers for water stops alone, with probably 4,000 total volunteers needed. He will be planning the expo beforehand and they are also trying to get approval for a half marathon leading up to the event. Tom's group is more in charge of lining up the sponsors for the event; he is a Rooney after all, so he knows the important people.

The best thing for us to do is sign up for Kevin's newsletter at eliterunners.com. He promised that he will send out an e-mail to everyone and then be screaming the news all over the city the moment he finds out its official.

I also know that I called at the right time on the right day because he warned me that if I attempted to print any of this he would deny that he spoke with me since its not official yet. Maybe I should make our blog non-public until its official...

RUN4IT

Quite ironic that we saw a car with that license plate on it pulled over by police on Grant Street. We had a decent 13-miler on Saturday morning. It was muggy and all of us were feeling it by the end, but afterwards we treated ourselves to breakfast, a quick shopping spree at AE and yoga in Tunnel Park, so we were feeling relaxed by the end of the morning!

No Cruise Control

While Lisa was experiencing the hot, hot, hot outside, I was experiencing it inside a car en route to Philly. I'm hardly ever able to use cruise control on the turnpike because of all the trucks and curves and construction and I rarely use it after dark (which was about half of the drive), so needless to say my right leg is going to be strong...or at least sore and cramped. We'll see how the drive back tomorrow goes.

Feeling hot, Hot, HOT

My tempo run was anything but dark as I decided to run home from work today. I don't think that it was much about 80 degrees but it was starting to get really humid and I could feel the heat from the sun and asphalt radiating intensely. I didn't realize until I was forced to stop at CMU for some water that I hadn't had any sort of shade up until that point. My hands were swollen at least twice the normal size and my skin was all blotchy. So, I believe wisely, took a short break watching some frat boys run some football plays. My run was also slow, as I had large hills most of the way on top of the nasty temps. I'm glad I fit it in though and the run home is definitely doable - I'll just pay more attention to the weather next time. The funny thing was that I could tell it was going to rain mid-afternoon as my knee started to swell - I thought that was only supposed to happen to old people!?!?!

A Dark and Slow Tempo Run

Headed out the door at 5 am this morning...right when my neighbors were also walking out their door. Not exactly sure what THEY were up to, but maybe they were thinking the same about me. (I am nearly positive it wasn't the same activity as my previous neighbor on the Southside.) I ran down the main street in Ben Avon, through Avalon to Bellevue. Its all the same street, though changes names multiple times. I turned around at the Melders and then made my way down to Ohio River Boulevard to come back in different scenery. I wasn't feeling especially good (mostly just wanted to be back in bed), so it was a bit of a slow run and I cut it a little short, though I still think I got in about 7 miles.

Watermain Break: a Good Day to Go to the Y for a Shower

It was our second morning in the new house and we woke up to no water. After this winter of frozen pipes, I knew what not having water was like, but I also knew that there was no possible way they could be frozen. My next (rational) thought was that somehow they had turned it off when they came to check up on things on Friday during the Lorence move, but that wouldn't have really made sense since they knew that we were moving IN the same day the Lorences were moving OUT. I was headed to the Y and it was too early to get ahold of the water company anyhow, so we figured we'd deal with it when I got back. (Gave me a good excuse to stop at La Prima for coffee on the way home!) As I was headed to the Y, I came across 4 water trucks, a multitude of flashing lights and flares and a LOT of water on Ohio River Boulevard. My sleuth-like mind pieced together that probably NOBODY had water and this was verified by a DEP officer directing traffic who confirmed that there was a watermain break. A rustfree shower at the Y was much enjoyed and by the time I got home the water was back on, just quite nasty.

Tennis Anyone?

Geoff and I set out for the best variation of cross training that I've had in a long time. We played tennis for forever this afternoon and even though I hadn't played in two years, I hadn't lost it completely! Now if only I could serve....

Friday Long Run

It was almost a pleasure to roll out of bed at 4:30 this morning. Temps were in the upper 50s, but even more exciting was the joy of running with Megan AND Amber again for the first time in forever. We also hit some of our old running stomping grounds (Shadyside corner to 5th downtown and back up the massive hill {could we qualify it as a mountain?} through the 'lovely' neighborhoods along Penn Ave. The pace was fast for 12 miles but I must say that it was one of the more favorable runs in recent history.

Girl Outruns Barge!

Yes it is true - I outran a barge from the Ingram Barge fleet! Today was my last tempo run with the starting point of 50 Magdalena Street and I headed down to the Riverfront Trail (as always). Once I crossed Hot Metal Street, I saw a barge ahead and thought that it might be possible for me to catch up to it. Just as I was about to reach my turnaround point, I passed it. Despite my best efforts at running some fast splits, they were still some of my slowest since we've started training (must be that humidity outside today).

Six Times Past the Dead Squirrel

They're still doing work on the track at CMU, so we headed to our favorite block in Shadyside to do our 6 x 1k repeats. Who knows how accurate we were with the distance, but I think a 1k might be my favorite repeat interval.

Morning Tempo

The morning tempo (in honor of the Bday party) almost didn't happen as I rolled out of bed on less than five hours sleep. Fortunately, it's Geoff's week off and he rolled out with me. The 2/3/2 run was delightful on the cool, bright morning. Geoff turned around after the first couple miles and I moved on to actually do 8 since I decided to not end on the same loose gravel trail that I usually take. I headed up commercial ave regretting that soon thereafter. It gives me inspiration to switch back to morning runs again, as long as the husband doesn't keep me up so late...

Tough "Track" Course

Megan and I attempted to meet at the CMU track for our 3 mile repeats but it was still under construction. We ended up heading to our new favorite half mile loop around the block surrounding Shadyside Pres. The whole purpose of the workout is to train the body to continue to go fast under fatigue. We did ok, but we have a lot of work to do to stay consistent the whole workout. Mile splits: 7:26, 7:30 and 7:47 (ouch!). Thank goodness the rain has come today to cool things down for our tempo run.

Future Runner

A future runner for sure - look at those long legs!

The Father-in-Law Route

We are in Carlisle this weekend for Nathan's cousin's wedding, so I gave my father-in-law a heads up that I was going to need a 12 mile route. We sat down on Friday night when we got in to go over my two options. I had a country option or a town option. He also offered to pump up the tires on Maggie's bike so that Nathan could ride with me! I ended up going with the country route since it was a simple triangle and only required me to remember two turns. I started out pretty early because I knew there was a high of ninety predicted for the day. It was a beautiful run, kind of reminded me of running at Grove City in cow pastures and cornfields. Nathan ended up playing tennis with his dad (instead of riding Maggie's bike with me) and then met me for about the last mile and a half and finished with me.

Long Run Successful

So I started out for my 12 mile run thinking that I'd just extend the last 10 miler from my house. There happened to be very little the same other than the starting point, running through Frick Park and the cemetary (but different trails/paths). I didn't make it out of the house til almost 9 so it definitely was killer hot (I have a nice watch tan to show off). I inadvertantly passed by a waterfountain every half hour. I couldn't have planned it better if I tried. Unfortunately, to avoid going up the double hill of Wightman from Wilkins, I took Beeler until it came out at the CMU track (sucky! I then realized that I would be forced to run up that hideous section of Forbes). Another point of interest. They have resurfaced the CMU track - I believe that it is going to be black now unless they are putting another layer on (it looked to be back at normal level). We'll see if they have lines on it and we can use it by Tuesday or else we have to find a new place to run this week. Overall, a good run. I should have brought a gel pack for mid run as my joints were very tired for the last couple miles. Excited for everyone to stop being on vacation so we can do some joint runs again.

All I Need to Know I Learned from my Massage Therapist

My muscles were so tight the other day, that I broke down and decided to go get a full body massage before we headed out of town for the weekend. A few tips I learned:

• I am not drinking enough water. Jay continued on to tell me that if you don't get enough water, your body becomes like a stagnat pond instead of a flowing river. He also gave me a good rule of thumb of how much water you should drink. He said to take your body weight divided by two and that is how many ounces you should drink. This works out basically to the 64 ounces I've always heard (8 glasses of 8 ounces a day), but the same equation would indicate Nathan needs to drink more than that!
• I also need to have more magnesium...need to do some research on where exactly I get this, but I need to get it. One thing he mentioned is to take baths with epsom salt...apparently epsom salt has magnesium in it.
• Along with the magnesium and water tips, he told me that drinking coffee mitigates any of the good effects of drinking water and consuming magnesium. Maaayyybe I will consider limiting my coffee intake, but definitely not giving it up entirely.

I liked the guy a lot...will consider going back to him. He does housecalls too, which is a little weird, but super convenient.

HUMID Tempo

Well for a day filled with rain, it was pretty ironic that last night's run was sunny, hot and humid (until of course I stepped on my porch as it started to pour). The 5 mile run was actually very nice as I did a portion of our last 10 mile loop. I need to start finding routes that do not end on massive hills - I guess that means I have to start doing them backwards...But again, Frick Park saved me from the heat and the busy-ness of cars.

An Infinite Number of Pigeons, 6 Rabbits, 5 Miles, 3 Other Runners and a Very Successful Tempo Run

You can sing that to the tune of the 12 Days of Christmas. A humid run after last night's massive thunderstorm, but successful!

Brentwood Firecracker 5k & Parade

Alright, just had to post the picture of my hair in flight on the run.
Here is a link to the results: http://www.runhigh.com/2007%20Results/2007%20Results%20A/R070407AB.html








Here's the picture of the crew that was there for the parade: Erika, Amber, Lisa, Mike, Geoff, Nathan, Pat, Alexandra, Olivia and Trish. We have no clue who the two old people are in the front.

Spinning on the Roof

A fun surprise this morning - spinning was on the roof. I was jealous of the sunrise yoga the other day, but was not going to jump into the class simply because it happened to be on the roof. The spinners got the same treatment today! No one, including Emery, knew it was happening, but it was great! It was a perfect cool morning for it and it was great to have some fresh air. Emery wants to continue it in the future, so keep your eyes open for it!

Another long-sleeved shirt run!

Can you believe it - two long-sleeved shirt Saturday runs in a row in June? This nice weather on weekends is absolutely amazing! I did an alteration of our "9-mile" 4 bridge route as my 11-miler on Saturday.

My husband happened to wake up about the time early-risers in Reykjavik (the capital of Iceland) get up. I figure they are about two time zones east of us. I can't figure out any other country who might be in that time zone - potentially the Bermuda Triangle? I guess there is a large gap between normal cities we've all heard of - NYC compared to London is 5 hours difference...who is in that void? Anyhow - I got an early start on the run and then had a whole Saturday ahead of me!

Scorching Sprints

We set out at 8 pm to avoid the mid-day heat wave. It didn't seem to have much of an effect as it only seemed to cool down on our last lap. And I guess I wouldn't really call our running sprints (12x400s ranging from 1:36-1:48) we still finished and managed to sidestep all the flying softballs around us....hey maybe the removal of the top layer of track slowed us down...oh well, here's to 12 more track workouts ahead of us!

My Favorite Run...Quite Possibly EVER

Our Sunday morning 10 mile run was fantastically perfect. The weather was cool and was (gasp) not humid. We had the perfect mix of neighborhood streets, Frick Park, cemetery trails and of course, a few hills. The Starbucks on Shady and Forbes was a perfect stopping point for a bathroom/water break and while there we saw Marissa's grandparents. They had also just run up Forbes and were enjoying their break there as well. I felt great for this run (maybe due to choking down a GU before beginning...awful, but I suppose it might help) and definitely want to do it again at some point.

Welcome Summer!

So on the longest day of the year, I finally made it out of bed for an early morning run. I decided to run through the cemetery that we're running through on Sunday since I've never done that before. It was so delightful as the mist was lifting and the deer were caught bounding past the headstones. I have to admit that the graveyard probably slowed down the tempo portion as I was reading the headstones and grouping families together. I forgot that Frick Park is always 5-10 degrees cooler as I ended my run racing down the hill, skin turning red from both exertion and being so cold! Oh yeah, I made a reststop by the frick nature center. Nicest porta poties ever. Obviously used for kid camps as there were laminated stars on the walls and hanging from the ceiling (not to mention a step stool). I'm going to have to clock this route. I hit 62 minutes at the BP, longer than expected. Good run but excited for some company.

The Smoking Goat is No Longer

First off - did you guys know that there is a Crazy Mocha in Gateway 1? I have seen the van out front a few times, but thought that they just did catering somewhere in this area. In fact, they've been open since January 2007! (Shows how much I'm actually in the office.)

But also, I asked if the Gateway 1 facility is smoking and she said actually, none of their locations are now. After the first try on implementing a smoking ban (that was repealed the next day) they became non-smoking because they figured at some point it was going to pass anyways.

According to the girl behind the counter, the Ellsworth Avenue location is better for atmosphere, but Gateway 1 has better drinks since she makes them!

Ten Miler

http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/pa/pittsburgh/511007993

Sorry - having issues making a hyperlink....

Possible route for Sunday's run...the loop at the end can be extended or shortened according to the time left...especially because the trail part is less than acurate.

9 Mile Run for This Saturday

http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/pa/pittsburgh/488887471

What do you think of this route? We will park down near where the Steelers practice, near the UPMC Sports Facility. It only comes to 8.6 miles, but we can continue on down the trail a bit or add on in a few different places.

Full Spinning Room

FYI - I was planning on spinning last night during the 5:30 - 7:00 session and the room was completely full at 5:45. I ended up lifting instead. Probably not the cross training the FIRST program has in mind, but that's what I ended up doing.

First Long Run Followed by Brunch

Amber, Lisa and I did our first long run of the Chicago marathon training on Saturday. I had certainly forgotten how hilly our beloved Beechwood route is. But I kept thinking about brunch to follow and we had such gorgeous weather that you had to enjoy the run.

After the grueling run, we reconvened, added Deborah to the mix and enjoyed quiche, blueberry muffins and yogurt w/ fresh fruit...oh yeah and lots of good girl talk (the boys enjoyed 9 holes at North Park).

Late run provides relief on suicide mission

In hindsight, I was very glad that I didn't feel well when I got home from work to run 6 miles in the blistering (though dry) heat. I was feeling much better and pumped by 8 o'clock after the temps had dropped at least 10 degrees. Now my only urgency was getting back for the Cavs tip-off. Sixty-three minutes later I dragged myself up the front steps after the hardest run I've done in a long time (and I would still say I'm pretty out of shape). So the goal was two miles easy, two miles hard, two miles easy. Let's just say that my second hard mile was the entire length of S Dallas. You know, that ridiculous hill that we used to pretend was Bunker Hill...Yikes. Well in the long run, I'll be in really good shape and be able to not collapse in the run around the square - but today when I had my four major hills, I just wanted to die. I also want to add that I LOVE Frick Park - it's the only way that I can tolerate evening runs.

Ok - half time is long over - GO CAVS!

P.S. I ordered the patriotic sweatbands today and they've already shipped! AND it was a wholesale company so they required a company name - of course I used "Crazy Daisies"

The Courier Beats the Train

I was informed by my secretary yesterday that I needed to stop in the office in the evening to pick up some partner changes to a report that needed to be incorporated out at the client I was to be at today...I forgot. Though I had my route mapped out as to how I was going to do my mid-distance workout, I figured I could very easily alter that and run downtown to the office, pick up the 45 page report and run back home with it. (Since I was running 6 miles, I did not want to try to get in there pre-7am to park out front and the whole Arts Fest thing has it all a little messed up anyhow.) I headed down the hill to take the Riverfront Trail down to the Smithfield Bridge and for the second run in a row, I've come across a train bearing down the tracks. Lisa heard my story about last time - the bars started coming down and bells started ringing right when I was on the tracks. This time, the bells and bar drop started while I was still a block away. I was dumb and thought I could beat it, so I sped up and made it across the tracks, but then for the rest of the run I'm envisioning getting hit by a train. I have never actually tripped while running (like some of us have), but I would hate for the first time to be on train tracks while a train is headed my way. I think I'm done trying to beat trains!

New Blog to watch

Check it out:

http://www.nickanddebondrasik.blogspot.com/

Not exciting yet, but give it some time.

LET'S GET READY TO RUN!

The marathon training season officially kicks off today. We are just 124 days away from our largest marathon yet. Can't wait to keep up blog-wise and meet you guys on the weekends!

And - I am seriously considering doing Columbus Oct 28. It's much lower key than the marine corp (hopefully meaning that I can wait a little bit to sign up) and it's only $65. Think about it.

GOTR 5k

Lisa and Amber smile for the camera as they race by.








Megan tries to keep up with Marissa and Katie.

GOTR Banquet

Coaches Megan, CJ, Lisa, Erica and Amber

We handed out superlatives and a certificate to each girl, a pink boa and an inspirational compilation running CD. Of course, we had lots of KFC, as always!

GOTR Community Project

Mollie has got a serious necklace in progress. Our Community Project was making gift bags filled with homemade jewelry and fun supplies to be given to kids who are staying at the Ronald McDonald house.

Girls on the Run is SO much FUN!

GOTR Mock 5k

And they're off!

FIRST Training Program

http://www.furman.edu/first/2006%20marathon%20training-first%20marathon.pdf

Looks like we need to start June 3 to get in an 18 week training program!

No Sweat Trail Run

I think even Amber wouldn't produce a sweat in this dry Arizona air! I went for a run this afternoon in South Mountain Park. Our resort is right at the tip of this massive park, so I grabbed a trail map and headed out. The weather has been surprisingly chilly today. Nothing Pittsburgh like, I mean there are still plenty of blue-lipped kids swimming in the pool, just not sane adults like yesterday when it was hot. With the cloud cover (some say its actually smog), an afternoon run was totally feasible. I was thinking I needed to do it early in the morning before it got too hot, but not true. I like the cacti!

The Story of GU

Came across this ad in Trail Runner magazine on our flight out to Phoenix. Thought you gals might like it:

There's a girl who loves to run
100 miles, for her, is just fun
She needed nutrition
Which came to fruition
When her dad, a doctor, made bars...the first ones.

But the bars made the girl's stomach mad
She got sick, cried, told her dad
Knowing just what to do
In his lab he made GU
Changing food-on-the-go forever, not a fad.

Now the girl and thousands more
Eat GU, the fuel they adore
Running for miles
With big happy smiles
Finishing races, with no muscles sore.

A huge thanks to Dr. Vaughan and Laura D.
Without them, where would we be?
Sick on the trail
To no more avail
With GU we reach the line, where we all want to be.

New Shoes

Finally connected with the guy at Athlete's Foot to go in and get a new pair of shoes. He also informed me that he will be getting in a computer system that analyzes your running and tells you what types of things you need in a shoe. He is on a pilot program, so it should be coming in within the next week or two and then he will have it for two months. Thought I'd let you guys know, if you are interested.

Moraine State Park

I've been working up in New Castle this week, so I thought on a gorgeous spring Friday afternoon, I'd hit up the trails after work. It was beautiful! I picked a spot to park along the bike trail and wandered through some swampy forest and eventually came out to the lakefront.

Spring Showers Lead to Downpours

Headed out the door this morning on a misty spring morning and just as I was marveling about how absolutely perfect the temperature and amount of precipitation was, it started to downpour! Oh well, I like the rain, it just made it a bit chillier than I expected. Its turned out to be an absolutely dismal grey day!

You Tube - Treadmill video - MUST SEE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pv5zWaTEVkI

Next time we coreograph a dance at the Y, we should consider using the treadmills!

Sunday morning run in the snow

Since I can't honestly remember the last time I went for a run, I consider it a big accomplishment to get out of bed this morning and head out into the cold. I do love running in the snow, so it was enticing to get out there admist the fresh dusting. Nathan joined me and we did a pretty short run, but if felt so good!

Small Success...

So - after MANY weeks of not running I got pretty sick of the switch back and forth between the eliptical and spinning and decided to go for a run. How could I not? The warm air was calling my name yesterday so I braved the slushy track by my house and knocked out 3 miles. Not fast, but hey, I've got an extra 12 or so pounds strapped around the middle. Boy did that feel good!
Plus, I'm sick of listening to all the people who say you can't do anything tooo vigorous when you're pregnant. PSHAW.

Ultra Sahara Marathon

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/news/story?id=2772368&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines

[seriously, never in our lifetime...]

[Snowy/Icy] Hill Training

Alright - my running the past week has purely been comprised of running (normally in full work garb, though I change into hiking boots) between my house and wherever my car might happen to be parked. I've been experimenting with some different routes. One up on St. Leo, just a short run to Gregory, or the long haul out to 18th!

Geriatric Gym

I am not going to stop until I come back home....

So I got to the gym this morning at six, right as it opened. It is relatively nice for a hotel gym - as in the equipment is actually NOT broken. Within ten minutes, all six machines were being used and there was a line. The best part was that everyone else was at least 50 years older than me! It was funny. So I did some biking and then left to let the old folks have a seat...
Miss you guys!

Fabulous Find (Yes, I am a Nerd)

So I went for my six mile jog this morning in the constant but relatively light rain while it was just 55 degrees. ( I know that I am not getting ANY sympathy from you guys.) I had misestimated how long my loop was and instead of five miles I ended up with six and a half! And of course I had to use the facilities so I tried to go into another section of the resort to no avail. And last night at dinner we had a long conversation about alligators and how they are everywhere and jump out of the canals and lakes. So there was no way I was going to find a secluded bush....BUT I did find a middle school that had a lovely rubberized track for the speed work on thursday. It was kinda dark but there were several other runners so I'm totally down!

Frost Bite

Well, so I decided to go for a run this morning, even though it was -2. But I figured that Lisa and I did it a few years ago, I have a balaklava, it's for extreme temperatures! So, I whipped it all out, put on my running tights, layered on my shirts and a jacket, put on my coat and mittens, and even a hat on top of the balaklava. AND goggles (like cool looking ski ones). So, I was bundled. I hustled out there and started moving. Then I remembered why we hated he balaklavas, you feel like you're going to die because you can't breathe out of your mouth and whenever you do it's a constant freeze/burning feeling with each inhalation and exhalation. I was out for about 30 minutes. When I came back in, I stretched did my usual crunches/pushups then jumped in the shower. I noticed that my legs were kind of tingly, but figured it was a-ok. I got out of the shower and my legs were all itchy. I started scratching to realize that there were huge rashes all over my calves and thighs. Very gross and puffy red. I put on some lotion and they just kept itching, which I refrained from scratching. I don't know if it was heat/cold rash or frost bite (probably not), but it was horrible. It is gone now, but still. I thought I would share with you my running horrors. I miss running with you all!! Take care.

Rainy Run

Wow. Look at the alliteration....Two blogs in a row...
So this morning, I drove to Ft. Lauderdale Beach for my now annual Sunday morning run. It was cloudy and raining but 65 degrees. After dashing a half mile down the beach to the bathhouse for a pit stop, I was warm enough to actually enjoy the rest of the 8 mile run. Aside from the strong wind gusts and the lack of being able to lay in the sun afterwards, the run was nice (slow but nice) and gave me hope that I could actually run long distances again...Since I had extra time in the day, I went to the pool/jacuzzi. It was incredible. No one was there due to the rain and it was really warm. I swear the pool was at least 90 degrees, if not 95. (The Y's pool is about 84 as a frame of reference). The length of the pool was probably about 40 meters so I did at least a quarter mile if not a half. To top off my overly productive day I spent the next two hours getting my facial and massage. I think we all need to pamper ourselves more often. Miss you guys!

Muggy Morning

So I did my 4 miles a couple days ago...and I guess based on my extreme out of shape-ness my HM goal time should be about 2 hours. So I get up at five this morning to do my 800s and it is already 72 degrees. Once I leave the building, I get slammed by a wall of humidity...yuck...yesterday was perfect and it wasn't a running day (65 degrees at wake up time). So my 800 splits: 3:51, 3:52, 3:58, 3:55....The last two everyone decided to leave for work so I was totally dodging cars. I felt like a slug even with being somewhat consistent. I can't wait to be in shape again...and more excitingly - have people to run with.

Sneaker Revelation

Alright - I swore I would never do it, but I wore sneakers from the Y to the office today. I always made fun of those people (sorry, Lisa, I think you do it sometimes), but once you do it...geez...I don't know if I can ever go back. It was so glorious and so quick of a walk without clomping in heels amidst the salt & ice and under the heavy load of gym gear, computer, massive purse, lunch, breakfast...you get the point.

Thanks to the Y again for providing a hot shower when our pipes are frozen!

Jessie Akpan - Miami Marathon

http://ing.activeresult.com/miami/?event=&posted_p=t&refresh=300&bib_list=&bib=&last_name=akpan&first_names=j&x=19&y=6
Congrats to Jessie! [I'm 99% sure its her first marathon.]

Snowy Sunday

So fortunately, Megan and I actually got out of bed to meet each other, otherwise neither of us w0uld have run. The schedule called for a six mile run this morning - and we were close at 5 1/2...but might I add that we did about four hills on Beechwood and then went up Murray...so the extra hill work makes up for the shorter distance....Very excited to get back into running!

Fresh Snow in East Stroudsburg

Amber and I had a fresh snowfall to make tracks in on Thursday morning. Friday morning was single digits and no run for us...

Happy [belated] Anniversary

We forgot to celebrate the one year anniversary of Crazy Daisies on January 12th! We're back to a cycle of running we've already done - Hermitage, East Stroudsburg...and the much warmer - Florida - for Lisa! I have to say Hermitage was comprised more of a week straight of desserts after every dinner and no running at all. I took running attire to run on the treadmill, but somehow debits and credits enticed me away from the Comfort Inn exercise room. East Stroudsburg has already been more productive than that, though not up to our previous year's standards. Amber and I are looking at a low of eight degrees tomorrow morning for our scheduled 5:30 a.m. run.

Half Marathon Training

Alright, Lisa and I have it scheduled in - "Just a Short Run" 1/2 marathon on March 31. We're just in time to start a 10 week program. Technically we should have started Tuesday this week, but we'll just have to work extra hard. Here is the schedule I'd like to follow:

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,sss6-238-244--9369-7-1X2X3X4X5X6X7-8,00.html

This is the 3 day a week schedule we used similar to the marathon plan for Nashville.

What do you say?

Oh The Hills

Amber and I set out this fine chilly morning (19 degrees-ouch) in matching red shirts and black tights....cute...we did the traditional Beechwood loop (mini-version - only going to Murray) and actually did it in 40 minutes...I'm somewhat impressed due to our lack of consistent running and our fear of the Beechwood hill....but we survived and were actually smiling when we finished - or was that just our faces frozen in place!?!?!

Did you actually run?

Yes, everyone, that is the question that Geoff asked me as I walked in the door at 9:05 this morning. Megan and I met for a cold and rainy run through our old stomping grounds of Shadyside. We did seem to cut it short but we were both satisfied to have gotten out of bed to face the inclement weather!

FitLinxx

All logged in and set under the FitLinxx system! I lifted for the first time in many moons and was really sore the next day(s).

The Post-Prenup Run

Lisa and I enjoyed an early (well, actually kind of late by our running standards, but I haven't been as insane about getting up at ass-o'clock - Nathan's phrase - in the morning to run) Sunday morning run on the ole Prenup Route! It was a chilly one!

The Prenup Run

A fantastic start to an amazing day!

Pre-Pre Nuptial Run

It was the first weekday run after we've all moved away and it brought back so many lovely memories of the past...running down a deserted E. Carson street in the dark...crossing the .7 mile long Birmingham bridge...running shirtless at least one day every month in unseasonably warm temperatures...It really made me miss our runs in the past but got me excited for 1) Saturday's actual pre-nup run and 2)the actual possibility of us being able to run together again in the mornings!!! Miss you girls!

Sitting Idle

So I know that for some people it will remain crazy for the next month or so....but I've run one time since I got married (YES - exactly one month ago!)...I need some motivation. I know I don't want to train for a marathon during tax season again...but there has to be something we can do and then go on long runs together...it's been way too long...any suggestions are more than welcome!

Old Route

I was driving along Wible Run Road the other day, reminiscing about some of our past runs there. I always did like that route, but I'm not sure anyone else did.

Soliciting Donations

I had a vision last night that maybe I could petition some of our favorite running apparel stores & magazines to donate to the worthy cause of my Prenup Run. Well, some do not see it as such a worthy cause. See Patagonia's response:

Congratulations and thank you very much for contacting us about this opportunity, but I'm afraid that we will have to decline. Resources thatmight otherwise go to donations have been earmarked for another purpose:Patagonia has elected to donate its dollars and goods to non-profitgrassroots environmental organizations. These groups work to protect theenvironment and to educate people to reduce the daily impact that we have onthe earth. By donating to these groups, we are helping to promote andprotect the environment for everyone.

Don't get your hopes up for any free goods, I've also gotten negative responses from Adidas, Nike and Title IX.

People with Courage

Jen (Bain) Reilly relayed this story to me last night and I think it is hilarious! She is a third grade teacher and she had her kids working on a collage of "People with Courage." She brought in a bunch of old magazines from home (including an old Geedunk). Well, it happened to be the one we were featured in and one of her kids cut out the picture of us and Jen said, "That's a good choice - those people DEFINITELY have courage - they run marathons!"

How cool is that? We are hanging on the wall of a third grade classroom, included in a collage of "People with Courage!"

50 Marathons in 50 States in 50 Days...

Crazy daisies

Now - this is sheer craziness! Have you guys heard of this guy? Check it out....

http://www.endurance50.com/press/press10.html

Honorary Crazy Daisy Members

Congrats to Jeb & Lisa Schreiber on their completion of the Erie Marathon!

Running + Biking + Swimming = Triathlon

Hit by a Train (no, not really)

It was the coolest thing today - as I was running down 12th Street across the overpass to the tracks, a train came right at that moment. It was still dark out and the headlight was bearing down the tracks. I did a fun route - down Carson Street to the Smithfield Bridge, then up 2nd and back across the 10th Street Bridge and up the hill. Miss running with you girls!

Regent Square - Run Around the Square

http://www.runhigh.com/2006%20Results/2006%20Results%20A/R082606AF.html

Frigid Missoula

Running in Montana was fantastic. We (Nate, Katie, Mr. Troxell) started our run at a mere 48 degrees - how wonderfully chilling! We started on the far side of University of Montana's campus and ran along the Clark Fork River and back - this was scenery that makes Runner's World magazine frequently - a runner's dream run!

"I saw the reflectors on your shoes, but you should watch your back."

5:30 am, sun is just beginning to rise - I was running down Oporto Street, which is really more of legs just working against the force of gravity to keep yourself upright since it is such a steep hill, and at the bottom a jeep pulled up next to me and said, "I saw the reflectors on your shoes, but you should watch your back." I was on the SIDEWALK! So unless he normally drives on the sidewalk, I think I will probably be okay.

Covered for 2 sessions of snooze

I think this is the first time since I've moved into my new house that I have actually used my down comforter! This morning after my first alarm went off I pulled the covers up and enjoyed 2 delicious snooze sessions before getting out of bed for a Southside run with Nathan. We went on the trail down by the river, which was nice for the most part. There were some bugs and cobwebs to deal with, but other than that, it was a good morning for a run.

Back on Land

Back On Land

Well...just to let everyone know - I am back; just in time to save my plants and finally get some running in. Alaska was beautiful, but running on a boat while it is moving is not good for the stomach. I did manage to get a lot of stationary bike in (in between the 8,000 meals that are served a day), but treadmills just aren't my thing. There was an outdoor track around the top of the boat too, but the wind was so strong, I could barely walk up there! I guess they probably get more use out of that when they sail to the Caribbean.

One success however - David gave us some good swimming tips! We were pretty excited about the lap pool on board, but of course it broke the first day we were there, and was out of commission for the rest of the week. Oh well, I can't complain - I had a great time!

Forgotten undergarments

Yes, top and bottom both were forgotten today. Its a hazard of not having my house unpacked yet. I think I attempted to find those two items wherever they may have been packed, but somehow got distracted last night. Oh well, a tank w/ shelf bra and a reuse on the bottom had to suffice.

On another note - Kung Fu Fighting is stuck in my head!

Run home to the S'Side

Ran home from the office to my new place - 22 minutes! [Faster than the bus?]

Chicago 2007

Just put it on my calendar...in addition to all the great people we normally run with, I've got some others lined up to run it - Heather Lievens (my brother's girlfriend), Matt & Krystal Hawkins, maybe we can convince Carlynn and Erica to do it again??, AND Nathan????

Across the Stateline

I ran all the way to Lansing, IL today! (You may be thinking Lansing, MI, but no - that would be way across the stateline.) Sounds like a big feat, but it was only 15 minutes to get there, which was a perfect place to turn around to then complete my 30 minute tempo.

Actually, I take back the words I implied about it not really being a big feat...the heat and humidity makes anything outside of the comfort of A/C a VERY large feat!

10k Training Schedule

http://www.halhigdon.com/10ktraining/10kadv.htm

Alright - I think I need to get back on some type of schedule for running with a goal in mind because I've been pretty sporadic and quite wimpy in the runs I have done lately. I'm leaning towards this Hal Higdon one for the Great Race. It would start two weeks from now, so I may just do weeks 7 & 8 two times in a row. I'll be in Chicago/really Indiana next week, so it would be a hard commute to run w/ you guys, but hopefully when I get back I can jump into meeting up a few times a week. A swim in the river is sounding good today...

Rain definitely preferable

SO this morning I went for my first non-city of pittsburgh run. It was nice to be able to explore some new neighborhoods and be so close to the trails at Frick Park...but it was kinda lonely and not as much fun. ANd not to mention that it was one big hazy fog. It NEEDS to rain. It is getting VERY nasty outside.

Rain Preferable

Of the two days I ran out here in Indiana, both of them rained. I sort of planned the first day, but today was not planned. I didn't even realize it was raining until I saw a big flash of lightning and heard thunder rumbling in the distance as I was lacing up my shoes. I thought, eh, what the heck, it will be fine. I got outside and it was POURING down rain, so much so that my contacts were falling out of my eyes and I pretty much had to keep them closed. It was very refreshing though and it let up a little towards the end to where it was just a light shower.

I got back into the hotel and the guy at the front desk thought that it was hilarious that I would like running in the rain (which he assumed I did since I had done it two days that he saw). Gotta love the friendly Hampton employees!

Solidarity

Yesterday was the ultimate test. It was my first run in a LONG TIME in the city of Pittsburgh without Lisa or Megan! It was kind of hard, especially to get out of bed, but I did it. Now, the real test will be if I can do that on a regular basis. I miss not working out with you guys all the time. At least I did get to see Lisa Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday mornings. That helped. :) What will we do to fill the gap? Plan evening runs?

The 'burgh is hazy today and makes my hair a pouf ball. I look like a dead poodle! Sans the curl.

Talk to you chickadees later.

A Rainy Run in Indiana

Feel like its busy season again...sitting in a hotel, writing about my lastest running escapade. Well, I am in Munster, IN - very small town, mid-Western feel to it. Got up for a run this morning and it was pouring. Running in the rain is always pretty cool, though, so I headed out for a short jaunt.

Deja Vu II

So...today I met Geoff and Rusty at Max & Erma's...and (not surprisingly) I saw the trainer from the Y as well...It just really throws you off when you see people out of their normal context....

So new idea - everyone move in with Lisa so we can all run together in the morning and drive to spinning together again...it's too sad to do it solo 100% of the time...

Nonexistent Water Stop

Remember how we used to stop at the Get Go down near the 40th Street Bridge during some of our long runs? Well it is all boarded up! Don't know if its just being renovated or what happened, but don't plan on stopping there anytime soon!

First Official No-Lisa Run

It was a sad day in Three Rivers City...our first real run when Lisa doesn't live in Shadyside anymore.

Results - Brentwood Firecracker 5k

http://runhigh.com/2006%20Results/2006%20Results%20A/R070406AB.html

Everday Mojo

"The pain of discipline is less than the
pain of regret."

Es Usted Rapido?

Don't mean to go crazy w/ the posts to the blog , but I am trying to keep up/catch up w/ all the fun stuff that's been going on!

I read this article in Outside magazine:

Learn Spanish and other languages while you train w/ this smarter-than-average spinning class

Do you break out in a cold sweat at the thought of language lessons? Here's an even better reason to perspire. San Francisco-based Connect18 is launching spin classes that promise to tone your gray matter as well as your glutes. While riding a stationary bike, you'll take virtual tours of countries like Mexico and Italy via a big-screen, cycle-centric travel documentary...

A Delayed Blogpost [last year's Firecracker 5k]

For the sake of those who missed this last year (you would not have even THOUGHT of doing this today) and in honor of one of our fave running buddies/cheerleaders

Brentwood Firecracker 5k

So the Brentwood Firecracker 5k was a fizzle this year. Well, it was still super fun, but there was lots of rain involved and it was tough to stick around shivering for the door prize drawings (which none of us won), let alone the parade. We had 2 supporters too - Kathryn and Noah!

Oh well, there is always next year, as it is becoming a tradition embedded in celebrating the Fourth of July. (This was Nathan and my 5th year!)

YMCA staff and Max & Erma's waitress

I went to lunch at M&E's today and who was our waitress, but the very tall girl that works upstairs at the Y. It was a weird double-take-out-of-context situation.

Damien Rice and The Buggles

John's hint - Condoleezza

Megan's hint - anytime he plays it, he asks who it is and the girl who normally gets it right wasn't there today

Answer - Damien Rice

[The other one I had to ask Nathan...and then I verified it on iTunes.]

Two Days in a Row with Matt

Matt and Krystal were in town over the weekend and I got to do two fantastic runs - (1) Saturday morning the group consisted of Matt and myself, along with Krystal and Lisa and we went up Beechwood, did the trail loop in Frick Park and then came back down Shady and (2) Matt and I headed up to Highland Park and actually ran around the reservoir.

It could happen to anyone...

...well, maybe not. I totally forgot about a small event during the Rachel Carson Trail Challenge. I don't remember what mile marker or leg we were at - it might have been the last 8 but definitely the last 16. Amber and I were running through the woods (well Amber was, I was doing some kind of "fast" movement) and all of the sudden my klutzy tired feet hit a root and I went sprawling across the woods floor!!!! But I do have to say, out of all my falls (we're up to three now) this one was the best and softest...I could've laid there the rest of the day! So my streak of being the only one to trip and fall reigns and grows....Oh yeah, and today I was walking in the Strip and tripped with my left foot and the back of my right knee that has been aching since the hike was subjected to shooting pain....I think I need to retire. But no! since I've been determined by all my coworkers to be NUTS I have to keep up my reputation!