Breathe Deeply & Don't Look Back

That's exactly what I did when I hit "submit" and received this message a few seconds later:

"Thank you for registering for the 36th Marine Corps Marathon held on October 30, 2011."

Don't get me wrong. This wasn't a mistake and I did intend to register. It's just that the thought of doing this is just a wee bit scary...and exhilarating.

Breathe in...breathe out. 26.2 --- here I come.

There's No Place Like Home...Or Something Like That

Looks can definitely be deceiving.

This morning I was scheduled to complete an 11-mile run...which shouldn't have been a problem since I completed the same distance last week. The trouble is I'm at the beach this weekend and that means I have to tackle the 11-miles solo.

Running solo, at least for me, can be hard. It's hard to stay focused and on target. Thank goodness for my iPod. I created an ultimate super mix. Saw the brilliant sunshine. Got dressed for the warmer temps and then was stopped in my tracks...by the wind.

The weather forecasters were right. The winds were gusting 30-40-almost 50 miles per hour. I actually couldn't open my car door because the wind was blowing so hard.

Regardless, I was already heading out for my run from Fenwick to North Bethany and back so there was no use turning back now and really, how bad could it really be?

Well...never challenge the Gods.

On my way out the wind pushed me around pretty regularly for nearly five miles. I often was pushed back or laterally toward oncoming traffic. I lost my hat once and got sand in my eyes a couple times. Lovely...just lovely.

Here's a pix from my run along the bayside --- the more brutal of the sections. Things look so peaceful, but in fact there were some serious white-caps in the distance and sand was blowing up and across the street.

On my way back the wind was more to my back, but that caused other problems --- like trying to stay on my feet and not letting the wind push me off the road and causing me to tumble into the grass.

It's no surprise to anyone with half their wits that I was the only person out running along this stretch. I did encounter one biker and even he was struggling a bit with the wind.

Regardless, my run is done. This wind didn't get the best of me and though there were a couple times I wanted to click my ruby slippers and cry out for Auntie Em I can officially cross today's workout off the list.
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Hello Velo

Tonight was the first time this year (yes I did say first time) that the Cannondale experienced the outdoors. It was nearly perfect --- temps in the 70s, an open highway and a little time to knock the dust off --- literally. When I pulled my bike out my tires were flat and my bike still had a sticker on it from my last race.

I'm a little bummed that I got a late start and only had a half hour, but it was a pretty fantastic half hour to be out on the road. Yay...I feel spring just around the corner and many many more opportunities to just go out and ride. Cheers!

Some Enchanted Evening

Some people might enjoy a romantic dinner, flowers or even a thoughtful gift on Valentine's Day. This year I'm going to remember that Cupid smiled upon me and on this day of hearts and candy I found myself faced with two facts.

First, I was away from home and the one I love working in our Palo Alto office.

Second, today was the first day of the half Ironman training program.

Both of these facts meant one thing. I had a fabulous date planned for the evening ...at the gym. And not just any gym, but a night at Equinox. Hello big facility, with fancy equipment, a steam room, a swimming pool and Kiehls products.

Surprisingly I wasn't the only one embracing some cardio. The gym was packed with folks cramming in a quick workout before heading out for the night's festivities and folks like me who were making a date with the gym.

I spent the night cycling and then was guided up to the heated outdoor pool located on the roof. Check it out. Three beautiful lanes of uninterrupted perfection. Say it isn't so. I think my heart may have skipped a beat.

The night was only made more perfect by relaxing in the steam room and using an ungodly amount of Kiehl's products.

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Colorful Accessories

I think we've all experienced doubt and fear when deciding to do something new or hard. For me, the half Ironman triathlon distance and separately a marathon are those for me. Just crazy almost ridiculous things to even contemplate, but yet here I am contemplating them. But more on that later.

This week I'm heading west and to entertain myself on my flight to San Francisco I decided to catch up on one of my favorite things --- movies.

First up was The September Issue which documents the months leading up to the launch of Vogue's largest September issue --- the one with Sienna Miller on the cover and the fabulous spread in Rome.

One would be surprised to learn that I was seriously obsessed with fashion and accessories when I was younger. Each month I would eagerly pour over Seventeen magazine and American Vogue to mimic the styles elegantly strewn across the glossy pages --- from preppy to punk to all-American to European.

I remember planning my outfits with as much determination as I would spend studying for a test and kept track of each creation so that I would limit repeating myself. When I couldn't find exactly what I wanted --- either because it was just too expensive or the stores didn't have what I envisioned--- my mom would many times make it for me. Let's be for real. The only reason I worked at the mall was for the store discount and to make a few bucks to blow on concert tickets.

When my creativity was to be dashed once I entered private school and forced to wear a uniform I ended up focused more on accessories --- shoes, jewelry, hats and hair. Boy, did I enjoy changing my hair. Short, long and somewhere in the middle. And the colors --- highlights, low lights, brown, black and even a purple-ish tone. My stylist loved seeing me walk in the door.

Anyway, as I watched the movie I realized something more about Anna Wintour --- more than the person characterized to our delight in The Devil Wears Prada. Yes she's driven and a perfectionist and icy and most likely a genius. I would agree with all of that.

Instead I was taken by her singular focus to do exactly what she knows to be right and having the strength, confidence, determination or whatever one would call it to just execute. It is truly stunning.

You can learn a lot from that kind of strength and confidence --- no matter what you set your mind to.

So the next time someone else's doubts --- even if that person is me --- seeps around the edges, I'm going to remember Miss Wintour and her steely confidence shielded behind those extra large sunglasses and remember that I can do whatever I set my mind to --- as long as it includes a colorful accessory.

I love hills...I love hills...I love hills

What a difference a week can make. After weeks of yucky winter weather we received a reprieve --- sun and temps in the 40's. Heat wave!

This morning the goal was to complete 11 miles. Mission accomplished. 11.21 miles done.

Given my prior week's workout schedule I decided to pull back this morning and join a slower pace group. Good decision. It was fun to catch up with some of my summer running buddies and given the route (more on that later) I was happy to have taken a more measured approach.

This morning the theme was scenic --- with some hills to make life interesting. As always it was beautiful to run around Cap Hill, the Mall and Georgetown.

Then came Wisconsin Ave. Oh boy. Last week we batted the short but steep Calvert Hill --- yes my heart rate may have red-lined once I got to the top. The prior week we battled the icy hill up Massachusetts Ave to the National Cathedral.

This week it was all about intensity. Let me set the stage from around mile 5. We:

•turned off the Mall at 15th and headed to Pennsylvania Ave

•cruised over to M Street and headed through Georgetown. Though flat the uneven bricks did cause me to nearly wipe out --- nearly full on Superman lunge. Luckily I somehow recovered before face planting onto the sidewalk. Very elegant.

•and then we saw the beginning of the hill of death. It went on...and on...and on...and on. We turned on Wisconsin Ave (elevation: 6 ft) and proceeded to run uphill for nearly 2 miles up through Georgetown before reaching the National Cathedral (elevation: 363!!!) and beginning our well deserved decent back to Logan Circle.

That Wisconsin Ave ascent was insane. Needless to say, my legs got a serious workout today. We'll see if I can even walk tomorrow. Good times.

The Cycle

After 5-6 consecutive days of being committed to some serious training and nutrition I feel great, am proud of my consistency...and am freaking tired. I'm looking forward to taking two days off in advance of Saturday's 11-mile run.

Last night's spinning felt great, but I was a reminder that I need to get on the bike more to build up those muscles and get in better position to attack those hills once spring/summer comes around.

The challenge with this lifestyle is that when you're not training you are eating...when you're not training or eating then you're sleeping. When you're not training, eating or sleeping then you're thinking about or planning to train, eat or sleep.

The good news is that I'm getting a lot of sleep, eating some great stuff and regularly high on endorphines.

The bad news is that unless you are someone who's a part of this cycle, I probably don't have time to hang out with you. In that respect it is a bit annoying.

Hit The Defrost

As I packed my gear for tonight's run I was pretty amped up. In theory it felt great to hook back up for a workout with the crew. I knew it was cold ---- I mean I have been running on Saturdays in the frigid wintry mix.

Here's the thing. I don't think I'm a baby, but stepping out of the car and preparing for the workout was brutal. I mean really brutal. I'm pretty sure that with the wind chill it was close to 17 degrees. I'm serious. The moment I stepped out of the car I was already shivering and wondering if I could convince these other three clearly insane people to bail and hit Five Guys or something. Sadly we all decided that our attendance was the commitment we needed to just get rolling and knock out the workout.

Unfortunately the three guys I was with were much faster and as a result I lumbered behind them ---shivering and wishing the workout to be over so that I could get back in the car. I was surprised by how cold it was --- teeth chattering cold, body shivering cold and so cold my throat was stinging. I spent the majority of the workout just trying to make my mind go blank and almost meditate through the entire experience --- which was difficult because everything just felt off. My legs felt like lead and almost like they were completely disconnected from my brain.

I guess I should feel worse for the guys because they slowed down periodically to make sure I was still behind them and ok. What gentleman.

Soon enough I was done, back in a heated car, shivering, teeth chattering and shaking my head wondering how the hell I got here --- to a place in which I voluntarily would choose to do this. My goodness.

Skinny Vanilla Lattes

There is something magical about a grande skinny vanilla latte.

Each Saturday after my long run I treat myself to this magical beverage --- after a wintry run it's the perfect combo of warmth and sweetness that adds a pep to your step. It's a portable treat.

After Monday's workout with J. I was seriously feeling a bit weak (don't tell J. that or else he'll remind you that success is best measured by regular attendance) and the added metro and walk back to my office seemed a bit too much.

Enter the skinny vanilla latte. A couple sips made everything all better.

Hello Hot Pink Fabulousness

Is it wrong that I really want a pair of Newton running shoes just because they look cute? Forget what their purpose is and if they are even geared to someone with my running --- dare I say style. I am willing to venture that "style" can be interpreted in different ways --- maybe performance and cuteness.

I keep seeing them --- in magazines, on websites, on blogs and now in stores. Grrrr.

Must not buy unnecessary things.

Must not buy unnecessary things.

Must not buy unnecessary things.

Unless...are they necessary?

Definitely not...definitely not.

50/50 chances foiled

Last night The Husband and I lucked into a set of tickets to the Wizards/Hawks game. Though I'm not a huge pro basketball fan --- b/c they just don't seem to have their hearts in the game --- I was happy to go. Bonus that the company tickets are fantastic. There are two sets. One set is right behind the Wizard bench. The other set is two rows from the court. We've sat in the primo seats in the past and they are spectacular. We sat in the other seats this time. As you can see from the pix, they are still pretty snazzy. Bonus that I ran into a handful of folks from work and from around the city. Double-bonus that our seats were better than one of the partners whose seats were 15 rows back. Hee hee.

During the game they had a 50/50 raffle. Winner got a set of tixs and (more interesting to me) half the pot --- just shy of 2k. Clearly I did NOT win, but in the 60 seconds it took for them to draw the winning tix and announce the winner I did have a flood of images race through my mind of what I would buy. I am such a loser. Bonus that I was sitting right behind where they were picking the tix and so I believe my disappointment was clearly captured.

Misty Morning 10-Miler

Thank goodness that's over. 10 miles in the misty, rainy, chilly streets/trails around DC.

This morning we did things in reverse of our usual route --- which is a fine way to break up the routine, BUT (and that's a BIG but) that meant we would be running up The Beast. By Beast I mean the hill at Calvert coming off the toe path. Bonus that we met him (and I say it has to be a him b/c no woman would be this cruel) around mile 7. At least we were almost home. Though he did not beat me (yay for me) he still was a formidable opponent.

All in all the run was fine. The first half felt fantastic and the pace felt a little fast. Just over the halfway point and after downing a vanilla Glu I started to feel sick to my stomach. Man I can't win. As has been the case for the last two years, I'm still searching for the right thing/combo of things to eat/drink while I'm running. All combinations thus far have caused some degree of upset stomach icky-ness.

Clearly it's the contents of my stomach doing flips as I run and anything the least bit sugary is causing all these problems. Let me assure you, it's not a good feeling.

On the weather front, I guess I should be grateful for the consistent misting vs. full on rainstorm, but nonetheless my clothes, hair and shoes were soaked by the end of the run. Thank goodness for a change of clothes.

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There was something in the air tonight...the stars were bright...Fernando

Who doesn't like a little ABBA in the evening?

Tonight I headed to the Firm's gym and used one of the spin bikes to do a 50-minute workout. Bonus that I showed up as someone (my fellow rider) was cranking ABBA in the bike studio. I'm sure everyone else in the gym was wondering when the disco ball would descend from the ceiling.

It felt good to get on the bike, but I'll admit that it did feel a little weird since I haven't really biked consistently since early September. Heck, my bike STILL has my Nations Triathlon number attached to the tube. I think my bike may even have cobwebs on it.

Best Laid Plans

I really hate when I do something really stupid ....but who doesn't?

Though this really has nothing to do with training, it does have to do with running, navigating an obstacle course and the agony of defeat.

Everyone knows I hate the stress of rushing around and being late. With that in mind I thought I had it all planned out --- changed my train ticket for an earlier departure out of Penn Station, took the subway and left with a lot of time.

As I was sitting in the Acela Lounge waiting for my 3 pm train and on a conference call I hear "final call for the 3 pm Acela to DC." Are you freaking kidding me???!! Crap!!!!!!!!!!

I jumped up, grabbed my stuff and bolted for the escalator --- clearly almost knocking people down along the way. Unfortunately as I reached the platform the train...pulled...away. Do you feel the heartbreak and hear the gasp of despair?

Luckily I practiced mental fortitude as I stood in an ever winding line to be rebooked on the next train --- which of course was cancelled, but I was able to grab a seat on the 5 pm Acela.

The good news is that I have a ticket. The bad news is that my chatty, single-focused approach to life once again burned me in the ass.
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