10 week check

I've already mentioned this in my previous posts, but I am REALLY enjoying skipping the hard marathon training. Just looked at my training plan a minute ago and saw that I was supposed to do 20 today. Didn't come close - did 14 instead, but it felt like 20 because of the warmth and humidity. The only reason I'm doing these long runs now is so that I can at least jog the marathon comfortably. I don't want to have to do a death march starting at mile 13.

Speaking of enjoying the NYC marathon, I think I'm going to borrow my wife's Pre and post photos as I go. I had so much fun taking pictures at the NYC half that I want to do the same for this event. I'll probably need to buy her an extra battery so the charge lasts. As far as time is concerned, I'm probably looking at a 3:45 - 4:00 run including the photos along the way.

There's A First for Everything

Never ever thought I'd get smacked by hail in the summer. Yet, that's what happened tonight. Thanks to heat and humidity induced grumpiness, my wife and I decided to step out at about 9:45 tonight just as a flash thunder and lightning storm happened on Manhattan. It was a blast. My wife and I like enjoying New York moments, and this was definitely one of them - a stormy, hailing rainstorm for our first night run in Central Park.

When we got back, it was somewhat cooler in the apartment. And thanks to the rain and endorphins, we were much better company for each other.

Active Summer Weekends

Over the past few years especially since moving from Hawaii, many of my weekends have consisted of running...then running some more. It's not as easy to jump in the ocean for a swim or go out for an easy bike ride in the middle of Manhattan. But the past few weekends have been active in ways other than running. And I've definitely enjoyed it a lot more.

I've been getting more into canoe paddling lately. The past few Saturday's, I've gone paddling on the Hudson by Chelsea Piers, and it's knocked me out every time once I got home. It's a total body workout...legs, core, back, shoulders...merciless if you work honestly. The last couple of Sunday's, I have enjoyed 55 mile bike ride to Nyack and today, the NYC Half Marathon with my wife.

Speaking of which, I have no doubt I enjoyed it a lot more running with her than if I were to push for time. I didn't particularly care what the time was. I enjoyed the course a lot more, and there was an energy at the back of the pack that I've missed. There was an honest excitement about discovering the love of running, which I'm sure I'll find again. In the meantime, I'm just looking to enjoy one active weekend after another while the days are warm.

Catching Up

It's getting longer between posts, but it definitely has been for the better. As I said, I'm refocusing my energies elsewhere. Never thought that I'd be enjoying it as much. There are things in life other than running....BUT, I still need to run :-)

Without really trying, I might actually hit nearly 40 miles this week. I'll be running to NYRR tomorrow to pick up the NYC Half race packet, run to the starting line on 85 for the NYC half then run the race. Here's my running spreadsheet for this NYC marathon training period.

About the NYC half, I'm definitely not going to race it. Looking forward to doing an easy run with my wife. It's not every Sunday that I get to run with her.

Doing Just Fine Without the Running!

This past week, ran 3.65 miles. Managed to do that by choosing other things besides going out for a run, and found that I've enjoyed spending time with my wife and riding my bike. I think the hardest part has been making sure that I still will be able to fit into my pants because of my addiction to baked goods. But whatever. Planning on riding out to Nyack tomorrow in place of a long run. Next week is the NYC half. Won't be racing. Just enjoying the route. And I'm looking forward to it.

Not Quitting, Just Relaxing

Yep, I'm going to relax this season. No more training to get faster. Just going to enjoy running for the sake of running for however long I want to. That said, my marathon training is going to take a back seat. Rearranging my priorities and going to enjoy life for a little bit. :-)

Missed Long Run This Weekend...

Probably my first that i can remember since I started marathon training. But if I were to miss it for any reason, it would be because I'm with my wife on a trip - in that particular order. We're enjoying our first visit to Niagara Falls. I think this place is a must see for every nature lover. The Maid of the Mist must be experienced also. Awesome.