ashleyd /

Fall Is for Runners

fall runningHappy Saturday!

I feel like a new woman after eight hours of sleep and a relaxing evening at home. I don’t think I realized how exhausted I was from the week until I sat down last night. Needless to say, by 10 pm I could barely keep my eyes open to finish this week’s Scandal.

Instead of waking up super early to finish our run, Bo and I worked around the house this morning while prepping the food for tonight’s party and sipping coffee. Since we are in between half marathons, we decided to keep things a bit relaxed with the distance but push the pace and ensure we included hills in the route.  Little did I know when we decided to run through Prospect Park, that I’d spend the entire run smiling.

This morning’s run made me realize that Fall truly is for runners. 

-Cooler temperatures allow mean you can sleep in as late as you want since you aren’t beating the heat! We didn’t start our run until 9:55 and it was still only 50 degrees!

-The fall leaves provide a colorful background to any path. Just two weeks after the Rock’n’Roll Brooklyn Half Marathon, Prospect Park took on a whole new look today, as all the leaves have quickly turned gold and red.
IMG_5599

-The cooler temperatures also allow me to swap out the tank tops and shorts for crops and long sleeve shirts. After five months of wearing them, I’m tired fo the same few running outfits so opening a drawer of cooler weather running gear is almost as good as going shopping for new workout gear.  My crops are so much easier to run in with their hidden pockets, handy zippers and flattering lines.

-Farewell to pit stains, sweat and red faces. Even after running a hilly 6-mile route, Bo nor I were drenched in sweat. In fact, we easily ran errands in our clothing before coming home for showers. In the Summer nothing can happen after a run until we’ve showered as we are basically walking puddles of stinky sweat.

-Faster paces require far less effort. Our pace during this morning’s run was far faster than any of our previous training runs. I feel like 50 degrees is my running “sweet spot” where my body isn’t having to exert effort to keep me warm and the temperature allows me to push harder without feeling the effort in my legs or heart.

This weather makes me wish I’d signed up for even more Fall races, if that’s even possible. It looks like my friends running NYC Marathon next Sunday will have perfect weather!

How about you? What is your favorite running season? 

 

Share Button
Follow:
ashleyd /

A Great NYC Summer Run

You know those runs that go exactly as planned? Everything clicks and you feel as if you could run forever? Luckily, that is what Bo and I enjoyed yesterday morning.

I don’t think it was a coincidence that we enjoyed a strong, fast run yesterday. Unlike week’s past, we set ourselves up for success.

Friday night we cooked together, whipping up a delicious Frutti di Mare and spent a few hours watching Orange is the New Black and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. We both foam rolled and stretched before going to bed at 10pm. Yes, we went to bed on a Friday night at 10pm and it was glorious.

IMG_2696

Even though our alarm clock went off at 6am, far earlier than either of us would like on a Saturday, we felt rested and refreshed. We sipped on some NUUN, coffee and had a few bites of bread and peanut butter before heading out the door 30 minutes later.

IMG_2706

We chose to run early on Saturday for three reasons: avoid crowds, avoid heat and get it done before we headed out of town for the day.

image

We created a great path which allowed us to enjoy both the water views and breeze off the Hudson River as well as NYC’s Summer Streets. On three consecutive Saturdays, August 1st, 8th and 15th, NYC shuts down seven miles of streets so the public and tourists alike may bike, run, walk and play in the streets from 7am until 1pm.

IMG_2717IMG_2714

It is AWESOME and includes five rest stops, outdoor yoga, bike tune-ups, a Vita Coco sponsored slip and slide, as well as music and lots of other great activities.

IMG_2712

Yesterday morning’s run was such a blast. Since we were rested, the miles came far easier than last week’s long run. Our goal was to keep a 9:45-9:50 for the first seven miles and then drop the pace for the final mile. Due to rested legs, proper fueling and perfect weather we were able to finish the 8 miles at an 9:26 pace including the final mile at an 8:02 pace!

IMG_2720

Hope you guys had a great weekend and remember, if your run doesn’t go well take a few minutes to think about how you can make it better next time! Our goal for the next few weeks is to make sure we are well rested for long runs!

Share Button
Follow:
ashleyd /

So, What’s Next

Hey gang! I’m currently in the midst of packing and saying goodbye to Geneva.

Last night was all about the fun, while today is all about packing.

I’ll let you guess which of the two I prefer more. Luckily the movers are also packing the majority of our things but I ended up spending most of the day packing the air shipment goods, the things we’ll check on the plane Saturday and then helping the movers. It went better than expected but is still stressful.

Instead of focusing on the move, let’s talk about something that is more fun: RUNNING! After Sunday’s race, I’m anxious and excited to run ALL THE RACES! Luckily, we’re moving back to New York City this weekend which means that I will have easier access to races of all lengths. Since I have a tendency to over commit, I’ve only signed up for the below races so far. We have a lot going on this Summer with the move, finding an apartment, moving into the apartment and getting reacclimated. But, I’m excited to have a mix of races on the schedule that I can race and others like the Nike Women’s Half Marathon, that I can run for fun and enjoy with friends.

NYRR Boomer’s Cystic Fibrosis Run to Breath 4 Miler – July 18th

  • I’m hoping to run this with my sister-in-law Meg and her fiancée, as they have recently started running.

NYRR R-U-N 5k – August 6th

  • A NYRR race in Central Park on a Thursday night? Heck yes! I’d love to race this one and then celebrate with my runner friends over beers and burgers post race. You should join us!

NYRR Bronx 10 Miler – September 27th

  • Jess suggested that this could be a great half marathon warm-up race to check in with my fitness levels and practice everything for race day.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Brooklyn Half Marathon – October 10th

  • Excited for an awesome race weekend with LOTS of friends! Amy, my original running buddy is flying in from Cincinnati for the race and lots of fun.

Nike Women San Francisco Half Marathon – October 18th

  • Running for fun with Kristine and my Geneva friend, Lauren, who just moved to San Francisco. Here’s hoping we get in via the lottery.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Half Marathon – November 7th

  • Running it and then walking with my Mom, Aunt and my brother’s girlfriend Madeline. SO excited for another great Savannah race experience!

rockawaybeachsurfclub

In addition to running, I’m looking forward to taking advantage of Summer in New York City with free outdoor workouts,  trying standup paddleboard yoga with a local yoga studio at Rockaway Beach,  and supporting friends for a few of their miles as they train for fall marathons!

I hope to see a few of you out running! Are you signed up for any of these races? If so, which ones?

Share Button
Follow: