10 Sometimes Healthy Tips for First Time Marathoners

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This weekend I learned that it’s not very easy to write a healthy living blog if you’re not feeling healthy. I’m still sick, so much of my weekend was spent indoors ignoring the beautiful weather outside, with the exception of a few much-needed puppy walks.

The last thing I want to do right now is run a marathon, but, as you may or may not know, I have indeed run a few marathons. So today, I’m going to share with you some tips for marathon success. Enjoy!

This rather unattractive picture of me shows most of the medals I’ve won over 8 years of running races, many of them marathons and half marathons. In total, I have run 3 marathons and 12 half marathons, with many 10Ks, 5Ks, etc. mixed in between.

This pic was taken when I moved out of NYC. I was sick then too...I looked about as good that day as I do right now.

This pic was taken when I moved out of NYC. I was sick then too…I looked about as good that day as I do right now.

While I am by no means a professional runner, I’ve run in enough races to share a few tips for success while training, before, during and after your first long race.

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Posted in: Races, Runs \ Tagged: , ,

5Ks, Cupcakes and and Country Music

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Ever since I almost won a medal in the Soldier’s Field 10 Miler (circa 2007), I have always had the secret goal of placing in a race. Year after year, I’ve finished close to the top of smaller races…but never have I won a spot on the winner’s stand. A couple years ago, I decided I needed to win a medal before my 30th birthday, because the next age bracket tends to be more competitive.

Well, I finally reached that elusive goal this on Saturday at the Gardiner 5K Cupcake Classic!

Finally, I'm a winner!!

Finally, I’m a winner!!

After a speedy race through the fields and country roads of Wrights Farm, I was awarded second place overall for females.

Leave it to me to medal in a race that is centered around cupcakes. However, when I decided to ride in another 5K on Sunday, I never expected to have a repeat performance…

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Posted in: cupcakes, Hudson Valley, Quick Dinners, Races \ Tagged: , , , ,

Girls on the Run 5K Recap: A Lesson in Runpowerment!

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This morning I started off my day in my favorite way: Running.

But, as much as I love running alone, what made today’s run EXTRA SPECIAL was the company. Today was the Girls on the Run Manhattan 5K, and I was privileged to be able to run as a Running Buddy alongside a very talented young runner, 9-year-old Makoyan. A very shy and modest little runner, Makoyan nearly left me in the dust as she completed the 5K at a pace remarkably fast for such a young runner. What impressed me even more was her modesty, determination and clear passion for running. The Girls on the Run 5K was by far one of my favorite races that I’ve ever run because I had the opportunity to see all of these young woman achieve a huge accomplishment: their first 5K. Continue Reading →

Posted in: NYC, Races, Runs, Uncategorized \ Tagged: , , ,

Takin it to the Tropics…Kitchen Sink Salad Style

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Another Monday, Another plan astray! I had such a great meal planned for tonight, but by the time I finished work and put in my 7 miles at the gym, it was too late and I was just too tired to put some major time into dinner. THUS, another Kitchen Sink Salad was born…I think I may just need to rename it the Monday Night New Yorker’s Kitchen Sink Salad. I believe this is the third week in a row.

First we had the Fiesta, then the Thanksgiving Style and now…. Continue Reading →

Posted in: New York, Quick Dinners, Races

National Marathon Recap (Part 2) – The Big Day: It’s a Marathon not a SPRINT

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Marathon Day – A Race is a Journey, not a Destination?

Me and my BFF Michelle showing off our beautiful medals

Can you hear the Rudy soundtrack playing in the background? If not, click here, and listen while you read (note: this is entirely optional – I’m just trying to add drama here. Is it working?) Apologies for the lengthy post – I promise, most will be shorter. But seriously, if I can run 26.2 miles, you can spend an extra 5 minutes staring at your screen right?

Anyway, when it comes to long races, I always tell myself a race is a journey and not a destination (thank you Steven Tyler). To me, it’s never really about the finish line or the crowds, but how I can work through obstacles mentally to finish strong. Well, in this race, it was certainly a battle until the end, but it just felt even sweeter when I crossed the finish line. I’m going to break down the race in chunks and recap my thought process at the milestones. I’m hoping the recap will be helpful and entertaining and NOT self-indulgent. Please let me know. I need all the help I can get on this blog. Continue Reading →

Posted in: Races \ Tagged: , ,

National Marathon Recap (Part 1) – Because we ALL Want A Rudy Moment

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Olympics here I come?

Well…the first post might as well be at the top of the mountain because I’m sure I’ll be struggling to climb back up MANY times. I’m on the train home from running in the National Marathon in Washington D.C. and just finished watching Rudy and crying like a little baby. This movie gets me every time, even more than the Notebook. Thankfully, the tears prevented anyone from sitting next to me so I had room to stretch out my sore little legs. So, while my mind is full of cheesy inspiration, without further ado, here’s the National Marathon Recap.. Continue Reading →

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