Tag Archives: Run

Apr30

Washington DC Recap!

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I absolutely loved DC! The weather was absolutely gorgeous, it’s so easy to get around and the sites are incredible! I definitely want to go back again soon with Michael.  It’d be nice to be there for vacation so we could spend more time sight-seeing and check out Georgetown!

Friday.

It was noon time by the time I was ready to head out and explore so I made my way to the National Mall.  On my agenda was the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial, The Korean War Memorial, The Washington Monument, The White House and I even squeezed in Arlington National Cemetery and the changing of the guards!

Lincoln Memorial

Lincoln Memorial

Inside the Lincoln Memorial

Inside the Lincoln Memorial

Washington Monument

Washington Monument

In Front of the White House

In Front of the White House

Etchings at the Vietnam Memorial

Etchings at the Vietnam Memorial

Tomb of the Unknown Solider

Tomb of the Unknown Solider

Saturday night I met up with friends for dinner at this amazing farm to table restaurant.  The food was incredible and tasted so good after a full day of sight-seeing!

Saturday.

Early Saturday morning I had meetings for work and a reception to attend but as soon as they were over I headed out to take in more sights.  My first stop was to see Congress which when you get up close and personal is pretty breath-taking!  Then I went to the National Archives to see the Declaration of Independence, The Constitution and The Bill of Rights.  The Rotunda where they are housed is gorgeous and it was amazing to see those documents in real life.  After that I had lunch of the National Sculpture Garden since it was so beautiful out and then headed to the Natural History Museum.  I only had about an hour to spend there so I took the dinosaurs, the minerals and gems and made a quick pass through everything else.  I really want to go back there and take my time going through it!

My first look at Congress!

My first look at Congress!

Congress

Congress

Sunday.

Sunday was an early day! I was up at 4:15AM to see my team off for the race.  Then I met up with other TNT staff to head to our cheer zone.  I spent most of the race at mile 10 which was really close to the Jefferson Monument.  We were there so early and were able to see the sunrise over both the capital and the Jefferson Monument! It was amazing.

Sunrise over Congress

Sunrise over Congress

Sunrise over Jefferson Memorial

Sunrise over Jefferson Memorial

Race day was long and busy but in the end my team had an incredible time.  In all there was 2,300 runners with Team In Training and they raised over 6 million dollars.  I’m so proud of them and they should be so proud of themselves!  It was really cool to be working the event as a staff.  Friday I worked at the expo helping to deal with registration issues and issues with bibs.  It was neat to see the back-end of things.  Race day was very similar in terms of being able to see the back side of the event.  So much work, effort and coordination goes into putting on a race for 16,000 runners!

Monday.

I was exhausted when I woke up and my feet were killing me.  I was on my feet pretty much the entire time I was in DC and it was really catching up to me! I took it easy in the morning, had brunch and coffee and then headed to the Newseum.  It was rainy and cold so it was the perfect day to spend time in the museum.  The Newseum covers the history of the News and was awesome! They have pieces of the Berlin Wall there, lots of 9/11 information and remains and so much more.  The highlight was the wall of over 200 front pages from the day after 9/11.  It is incredible to see how the world reacted.

9/11 Front Pages

9/11 Front Pages

If you have never been there I highly recommend it! I loved every exhibit!  After spending hours in the museum I headed to the hotel and then made my way to the airport!

I was exhausted last night and slept so good!  Today I’m playing catch up and getting my yoga on…my body desperately needs some twists and stretching and my feet need some rest!

Did you run the Nike Women’s Half?  Did you like it?  Have you been to the Newseum before?

Apr22

Hope for a New Normal

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Last week was nothing short of a nightmare.  I kept hoping I’d wake up from my restless night’s sleep to see it was all just a bad dream.  It wasn’t.  In fact, the nightmare became worse on Friday when our entire city shut down.  Thankfully Michael was just about to leave to head to work downtown when they shut the city down so we both spent the day at home in the suburbs.  The ‘burbs felt pretty good on Friday.  I was able to shut off the tv and head out into the warm sunshine for some therapy…5 beautiful miles.  I was able to head to the grocery store and feel normal for a few minutes too.  But honestly, it felt like we were on lockdown too…it’s hard to ignore that scary feeling in your stomach.  Around 5:30 we headed out to meet a friend for a cocktail and Chinese food in another attempt to feel normal.  It felt good to be out, see other people around and eat dinner but our faces said it all.  We were sad, scared for our city and anxious.  By the time we had wrapped up our early bird dinner we were paying the bill when we heard the news.  We quickly left dinner and headed home and promptly glued ourselves to the tv again.

I thought the end would make me feel better, that I’d feel relieved and I’d finally get a good night’s sleep.  But, none of those things happened.  And even today I still feel sad and heart-broken.  I think our city has a lot of heart ache and grief to work through but also see tremendous pride and resiliency in our city.  I’ve seen our city come together in incredible ways this week and I know it won’t stop anytime soon.  That makes me feel good.

Boston-Marathon-2013 2

As we head into this new week and let time pass I know we will have our good days and our bad.  I personally am looking forward to a week of work, running in the early morning and teaching my yoga classes.  Friday I fly to DC for the Nike Women’s Marathon Half with my team and look forward to giving them the best Team In Training experience possible.  Sure, I’m anxious and nervous.  I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t.  But running belongs to the runners and spectators, just like they showed us yesterday at the London Marathon.  Runners support each other, and lift each other up.  The community showed that in a big way last week and I know I’ll see it again at Nike.  I’m hoping to find comfort and peace with in that.  I hope that runners continue to support each other and stand strong together…I hope that is our new normal.

I hope that as we return to our routines, that as the days and months pass we will continue to stand strong as a running community, as a city and as people.  I hope the acts of kindness will continue on.  I hope that we continue to support each other and lift each other up.  I hope that we are there to help the victims.  I hope we are there to fill our streets of Boston with love.  I hope the runners continue to fill our streets for community runs and training runs.  I hope the spectators and runners will come out to make not only Boston 2014 the best yet, but every 5k, 10k and half until then just as good.  I hope the new normal is a world of kindness like I saw in the past week.

As we return to a new normal I hope you’ll have as much hope as I do…

#bostonstrong

Apr16

Thoughts on Boston Marathon 2013

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Yesterday my heart broke.  It broke in so many ways and in many little pieces and I’m not even really sure where to begin but I’m going to try.  I don’t know if my words are right or wrong, but this is what came today, these are my words and my thoughts on this horrible event that happened yesterday…

The day was picture perfect.  The sun was shining, the temperatures just warm enough but not too warm and a gorgeous day for a marathon.  My day started at Mile 10.  I was so excited because for the first time since I’ve lived in Boston I was going to see the elites run by.  I excitedly watched Shalane Flanagan and Kara Goucher zoom by me followed shortly by the insanely fast men.  I made friends with a man from Michigan whose wife Rachel was running, he was telling us about her and how after this they were going to start a very large family, “just a big soccer team size family” to be exact, after Boston and couldn’t be more excited.  We joked that it was an overshare but then commented how the running community is a family so it makes it kind of ok.  Rachel ran by and off he went.  As the morning wore on all 146 Team In Training participants ran by.  My voice started to get shaky from all my cheering and I received many sweaty hugs and high fives.  It was awesome to be seeing a team I was part of last year running by and many of my teammates out again getting redemption from last years high heat.  I felt so happy. 

I headed to Mile 15 and reunited with my boss and coworker Colleen and continued to cheer the TEAM on.  We couldn’t believe how many people were having amazing races.  There were PR’s and amazing first marathons happening left and right…we were beyond excited for our team.  After the last runner ran by all 3 of us headed to our cars.  We hopped on Route 9 and headed into Boston.  Our plan was to check in at our hotel suite with our other staff and a few would head to the finish line to watch the rest of the TEAM finish.

On my drive in I was reflecting on how happy marathons made me and was beginning to think about how I planned to run Boston in 2014. We headed into Boston with no troubles at all and then as we approached the Back Bay the traffic slowed.  Traffic stopped and grid lock began right under the Prudential Building over pass and directly in front of the Marriott hotel…one block from the finish line.  I started to notice there were too many people.  Too many people were crying and hugging and walking wwwaaayyyy to fast for just having ran a marathon.  And then the police and state police started emerging from everywhere.  More police than I have ever seen in Boston in my entire life.  Then I saw a line of about 5 to 6 cars…a 2001 baby blue Camry with a man yelling at cars to stop moving while putting on the bright yellow police jacket, an old minivan with 5 or 6 men suiting up in it and 3 more cars just like this behind it.  It was then I knew something was wrong.  Very wrong.

My phone rang and it was Colleen…miraculously she was 2 cars in front of me.  The call went something like this “OMG WhitneytherewasanexpolosionatthefinishOMGIdontknowwhattodothisissoscaryanexplosion!”  I told Colleen to breathe deep and keep driving…she needed to pull into the first parking garage she could, I was 2 cars behind her and was right there.  I think Colleen’s panic kept me calm.  Then my cousin Annbritt texted me, “Are you ok? There was an explosion at the finish…”  I immediately texted her back to tell her I was ok and told her to call my parents and Michael.  For the next hour she was pretty much the only person I could text.  Calls wouldn’t go through, and texts were failing and my phone was beeping every second with a new text or call with someone looking for me.  The sirens and ambulances trying to get by was unreal.  I just sat in the car shaking and going with the traffic.  We tried to pull into the Marriott parking garage but were told it was full so we just kept driving.  As we sat at the intersection of Huntington Ave and Dartmouth Street our boss came running down the street and jumped in Colleen’s car.  She had been right near us the whole time and was able to ditch her car.  Colleen and I were yelling out our windows to each other trying to stick together and park our cars.  I made it through the intersection but she was stopped.  As I stopped on Stuart Street trying to determine if I could park in 100 Clarendon more ambulances than I could count blew by me with their sirens flashing.  I sat paralyzed in the car, shaking.  A man taking photos tapped on my window and told me to pull into the garage and told me it was ok.  I pulled into the garage and parked on the first level…I was hoping Colleen saw where I went.  Two minutes later Colleen pulls in and takes the spot next to me.

My boss Rita and Colleen and I headed to our hotel where we made it safely.  We spent the next 4 hours establishing a plan and finding our participants. Thankfully everyone and their families were safe and accounted for.  We heard incredible stories of kindness as we sat in the hotel suite waiting for news.  Fossil was handing out clothing so runners could stay warm, spectators were giving people clothes off their backs, cell phones, food and even a place to stay safe.  We heard of professors at BU opening their offices to runners and letting them make long distance phone calls.  I heard countless stories of kindness and love.

Once I got to the hotel I was able to text my family and friends so people knew I was safe but it was only people with iPhones who I was able to talk to.  I wasn’t able to talk to Michael for almost 3 hours and only some of my texts were going through.  It was so scary and horrifying.  We had no idea what was happening and if and when we could leave the city.  The mixed news reports were terrifying and the entire time I was hoping for the best.  Around 8pm we were able to leave the hotel.  As I walked to my car I couldn’t ignore the eerie quite that had taken over what should have been such a busy night.  The air smelled horrible and for the first time, Back Bay felt uncomfortable.  I was never so happy to make it home to the suburbs and be greeted by Michael.  I connected with my family and received many calls from caring friends.  My head was pounding, my stomach hurt and my heart was broken.

The Boston Marathon...You Will Go On.

The Boston Marathon…You Will Go On.

Today I woke up hoping it was all a bad dream and it would all go away. But it didn’t, this is real life.  I felt so empty today and just wanted to go back to bed.  I’m saddened for the families of loved ones and the many many people who are injured.  I’m sad for the runners who were stopped along the course.  I’m sad for the spectators and everyone involved.  And I’m shocked.  I never thought something like this would happen in my world.  I always thought I’d hear about it on the news and it would be in another city where I am not but now that seems so naive.  Yesterday it happened in the city I not only call home but blocks, literally blocks, from my old apartment. And on Marathon Monday.  It happened in my city and on a day I hold so close to my heart. I’m a runner and I’m proud of it.  I’m a Boston Marathoner and proud of that too. Running is who I am, its how I define myself and this feels all to personal and for that it breaks my heart.

If I’ve learned one thing over the many years I’ve been running, it’s that the running community is a family.  We lift each other up, share stories, encourage each other and give each other a shoulder to cry on.  We are connected by the miles we run.  I know that this will only make our family stronger, it will unite us.  And Boston, well I’ve always known the love for this city runs deep but now I’m truly seeing it.  We may be a city but it feels more like a small town.  I know we will carry on.

remember-boston 2

I can’t predict what will happen in the world of running or how marathons and our sport will change as a result of this and I’m not going to try to.  Time will tell.  I can tell you that running takes courage, and strength and running a marathon is more about the mental ability to cover 26.2 than it is anything else.  I know we are strong, and that the sadness will pass.  I know we will continue to be connected by the miles we run, the charities we run for, the BQ’s we all dream of and so much more.  Yesterday my love of running grew tremendously.  My dream of a BQ became even stronger.

Today I ran. I ran for the victims, for Boston, for runners everywhere and for everyone who wasn’t able to cross that finish line yesterday.  I will continue to run for those reasons and I hope you will too.  Our marathons may be marred by heat and hurricanes and horrific events but as runners we always have the pavement, our training runs and our community to hold us together.  Keep running and show the world the courage and strength we all have.

Thank you to all of you.  Yesterday you made me feel blessed and cared for.  There were so many texts and calls from my close family and friends, tweets from readers, comments and emails from so many of you who read faithfully but I’ve never actually met.  I felt blessed and overwhelmed by the outpouring of concern and love.  Thank you all for that…it is much appreciated and means more than you know…

Apr11

Running Ramblings

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I pretty much have a constant conversation going through my head about running.  It truly never stops.  So today, I thought I’d share the conversation with you because really, a conversation is more fun when other people are involved.  Mostly because it makes it a real conversation rather than me talking to myself…

Moving on to my running ramblings…

Running in moist, wet air is so much better than the cold dry air we had to endure all winter.  Running without wheezing?! So awesome!  I’m loving my morning runs now that it’s warm (er), the air is better and most of all the sun starts to rise about 10 minutes into my run!  And not wearing 2 layers and a jacket is feels so good.

I really need to come up with a rough training plan to follow.  I’ve been heading out for easy runs for months now and my pace is reflecting that.  My legs feel tired and slow too.  I’m tired of seeing 9:15 minute/miles.  I know I’m faster than that and I want to be faster too.  I need to add in some speed work and tempo runs.  Now that the weather is getting warmer I’m more motivated to stay out for longer too.  I’d like to add in some long runs too.  A 10 miler always feels good.  And if I’m going to go for a 10 miler maybe I need to find a half to sign up for in late June.  My running needs a shake up that’s for sure!

Why is it that when you need new running shoes you NEED new running shoes NOW?  Last week I had that first inclination that my shoes were starting to die.  I held off on getting shoes right away and this week I’ve been feeling my planter fasciitis flaring up.  After a rather uncomfortable 3 miler the other day I headed out for new shoes that morning.  I tried some new brands but in the end went with my favorite, Mizuno Wave Inspire.  They got me through 2 marathons healthy so why fix what’s not broken? Plus, I kind of dig the bright blue and green.  Happiness in a running shoe? I think so!

Yay! New Running Shoes!

Yay! New Running Shoes!

Can you believe that Boston Marathon is on Monday?! And that a year ago I was heading to the expo to pick up my own bib? It seems like just yesterday I was compulsively checking the weather and beginning to fear the 90 degree temps before crossing the start line in Hopkinton.  I felt so proud of myself when I crossed that finish line on Boylston Street. The marathon took so much determination and sheer grit to get through, I don’t think there will ever be another race like that one for me.  I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t sad to be on the other side of the race this year.  I know on race day I’ll be wishing I was on the course with those runners.  It’s times like these that let me know I have some more marathons in me…and definitely another Boston Marathon!

Boston Marathon Finish!

Boston Marathon Finish!

Can you believe the marathon is on Monday?  Are you enjoying the warmer weather for running? Update me on your running!

Mar5

A Running Update!

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It seems like it’s been awhile since we chatted about running here and with spring almost upon us I’m starting to think more about my miles and look forward to my runs a bit more.  Winter has always been a tough season for me to run and honestly it probably always will be.  The darkness, tricky weather conditions like rain, sleet, snow and ice and the cold are enough to keep me buried under the covers.

I spent most of December, January and February making the most of it.  Morning runs are always best for me so throughout most of the winter I kept a good eye on the weather and planned to run on the best days possible.  Occasionally when the alarm went off at 5am and the bedroom was freezing I would rolled over for some extra rest and head out for a run on my lunch break.  In the end I had a good combination of morning runs and afternoon runs.  On average I probably ran 3 times a week but February, with its cold and snow, had me out running more like 2 times a week.  I usually ran only 3 or 4 miles…it was just long enough for me to get some cardio in but not long enough for me to freeze!

Source: fitsugar.com via Whitney on Pinterest

Now that the snow is melting, the mornings are lighter and the air warmer I’ve been loving my morning runs again.  I find myself getting right out of bed to head out and considered running last Friday even though it was a rest day!   I’ve been increasing my mileage slowly.  During the week I’ve been getting in a couple 4 mile runs and then every other week I’ve been doing a 6 mile long run.  It feels good to be running long.  As the weather continues to get better I’m planning to up my mileage a bit more.  Ideally I’d love to do a 3.5 mile run, a 5 mile run and a 7 miler each week.  I feel like that schedule would be completely manageable with yoga and everything else.  I’d also like to add a speed workout or tempo run in each week.  I love the feeling of working hard while I’m running.  My pace has also slowed this winter and I’d like to get back to my 8:15 min/mile.  I think my slower pace is a result of running in the darkness, snow and ice.  When I run in the daylight my pace is almost :45 seconds/mile faster.  Running faster is something I’ve been thinking about but I don’t plan to stress about it.

For a month or so I was feeling a little down about running because I wasn’t sure what races I wanted to do this year.  I still don’t know what races I want to do but I am loving my runs more.  I feel like I’ve struck a good balance between running, yoga and teaching.  The last thing I want is to be stressed about my runs or workouts.  My other thought is that adding in a long run and tempo run will help to get me in half marathon shape, so if I decided to do one I won’t need months to build up to it.

Like always, I’m just happy to be out running!  It’s kind of nice to not have a plan right now and just go with the flow.  I love the “me” time running gives me and when I’m ready I’ll pick a race to start training for!

What is your running status as we head into spring?