Runcationing

It's true, the best and fastest way to explore a new place is by running. Unfortunately, I can't stand running with my phone so usually the cool places I visit go undocumented. Earlier this summer I was in Newport, RI for the first time and enjoyed a run/hop/skip along the cliff walk. Unfortunately, no T Swift sightings. Ran to something called Purgatory Chasm, wicked cool spot on the ocean, wish I'd brought a camera for that one. I was there for a scientific conference, so I also went for a walk on the cliff walk (what a crazy notion) with some colleagues and took pictures then. The views were incredible...

Newport Cliff Walk

This past weekend I was in beautiful Bar Harbor for a quick vacation with Ben's extended family. We ran around Eagle Lake on Saturday which brought back all sorts of memories for me;  huffing up the hills in my one-speed Huffy back in the day with my family, the final "long run" (it's 6 miles) we took the campers on for Colby XC camp, doing LTP with friends after said long run, dangerously hurdling the gates with terrible form, and chatting with the sub-4 miler crew of guys filming a documentary up there. I've been battling a hamstring/IT band issue for about 6wks now (although pretended it was fine the first 4 of 6), so I and Ben's brother opted for rental bikes Sunday and accompanied Ben on his long run. After biking to the trailhead, we set off. All was rainbows and butterflies and fun downhills until we started going up. And up. And up. Turns out we picked a loop that included going up Sargent mountain and we ended up on continuous incline for 2 miles. Woof. Jumping on a bike for the first time in a year should not have involved climbing a mountain. We didn't manage to get sunshine for either of the days we were there but it was serene and wonderful as always. Glad to get this healthy dose of trails and nature.

Bubble Pond

View from our room at the Bar Harbor Inn

Eagle Lake

Until next time,
Robyn "running wild" Runner

What I Ate Wednesday: June Edition

Because I work at a boarding school, I usually eat most of my meals in the dining hall. We're lucky in that manner; they do a really good job feeding us. There are always many options in the salad bar, and they offer good vegetarian options as well. But just as teachers need summer vacation, so do our hardworking dining hall staff. Once school ended in early June, I was left to feed myself. I really enjoy cooking but don't get to do it often. Summers for me become a time to experiment in the kitchen and take advantage of lots of fresh produce. I have been running a lot--for fun--since my marathon but here hasn't been anything that noteworthy for the blog's sake. So I set about documenting what I made and what I ate.

As both Robyn and I have written on here, eating when you're a runner is more than just enjoying good food. Depending on the type of workout and the time of day, there is a lot to consider: a balance of proteins, carbohydrates and fats, vitamins and minerals, hydration, and caloric intake. Food, and proper fueling, can positively or negatively affect a run and a day in general, and it takes practice to balance enjoyment of food with proper and beneficial nutrition.

First: the healthy and helpful. I enjoyed experimenting with rice bowls this month, mixing different flavors and textures. It was a great way to use up the different things in my kitchen, and I ended up with some surprisingly good combinations. 

Brown rice with sautéed spinach and mushrooms and smoked salmon. 

Brown Rice with sautéed spinach, cumin seasoned black beans, goat cheese and lime.

Brown rice with saag paneer, a fried egg and goat cheese.

The perfect bite.

I was so excited to get my first batch of fresh strawberries. They were perfectly ripe and such a treat! I was also inspired by the mango and avocado that I found in my parents' kitchen to make a super summery guacamole. I followed this recipe from my favorite food blog, Joy the Baker, omitting the jalapeños but including the tequila. It turned out really well, and even went well with eggs the next morning.

Finally: the indulgences. When I decided to write this post and started keeping track of my food for this month, I knew that I had to include ice cream. Unfortunately (jk!) I had to try as many kinds as I could. You know, for the blog. I'll eat any ice cream you put in front of me, but I love a good cup or cone from local shops. While ice cream might not always be the healthiest choice I make in a day, it never fails to make my life a little bit better.

Rich Road (chocolate with toffee, butterscotch and marshmallow), We-Lik-It in Pomfret

Espresso with hot fudge, Emack & Bolio's in Boston

"Dad, take a picture of me eating ice cream!" (Key Lime Pie),
Reasons to Be Cheerful in Concord

"Only if we take a selfie"

Fresh mint with dark chocolate//Almond with cardamom and pistachio,
all under hot fudge,  Three Sisters in Providence

Awful Awfuls! (Chocolate Mint and Strawberry), Newport Creamery in Cranston

Okay so this is clearly a post mostly about ice cream, but it's summertime. What did you expect? 

This post was inspired by my coach and speedster, Lauren, over at The Foodie Runner. Regularly scheduled running posts will resume soon.

Rachel "more ice cream, please!" Runner

Run to be Fast.

So I should start off by saying that I can't believe I have not posted in 2 months, it felt like two weeks. The reason (and I think it's a good one) is that I was suffering through a grueling 2 months of graduate coursework compressed down into half a semester. I got some really good training in this spring and passed my big comprehensive exam, but not much else! Call me Hermit. 

Anyway, I'm glad to be back and what follows is some introspection about training... 

There were two recent instances that caused me to really reflect on the little voice that tells you to quit. The first was at the MIT track when I was solidly hitting my - albeit slower than desired - paces. These past few years it's been rare for me to make it through a whole workout, much less be able to maintain even pacing through reps. Most of this was out of my control from injury, asthma, or sickness. But on this warm tuesday night I could have called it quits at two sets. After all, I wasn't going as fast as I thought I was capable of at this point in my training schedule. But instead I took my full recovery jog and started into the third set, legs aching, face hot, and came out on the other side feeling accomplished. 

The second instance that called my attention to the anti-motivation devil on my shoulder was, surprisingly, a shout from a homeless man. During what was a pleasant run around Boston with Ben ended in annoyance after this man shouted at me "you don't need to keep running, you already look good". It peeved me because 1) getting catcalled is one of those frustrating and sometimes frightening realities of being a female runner and 2) I don't run to look good, my motivations are so much deeper and to assume that I'm only out there for superficial reasons is an icy insult to any runner. There is such a deeply entrenched social stereotype about women logging miles to chase impossible beauty standards. Some days I wish I could wear a t-shirt that screams "I'm running to be fast, not skinny!". But, sigh, I'll have to settle for giving the dirtiest looks (and the occasional snot rocket) in the direction of those irritating catcallers.

Recently I've come to realize that I had become too close of friends with the little voice in my head telling me to "take it easy". I get it. Not so long ago I ignored the voice telling me "you're too sick to work", but I succumbed to the pressure to work despite being sick, and got pneumonia. Before that it was "your shins are so sensitive, stop running!", but I convinced that voice that I just needed some soft trails. That I needed some cross-training and stretching. That I was standing up too much. And then, that I needed to only run on workout days and races, it was only a tibial stress reaction (read: pre-fracture) after all. And then, 1.5 track seasons later, the little voice screamed "if you won't listen to me, I'm gonna blow your calf up to the size of a grapefruit!". It did. And I listened. Crutches, a boot, some doctor appointments and lots of rehab later, I was back.

It wasn't all a loss; I gained the superb ability to listen to the warning signs. Nagging pains are not to be ignored and this led to some good things. Stretching! Icing! Hip strengthening! Proper form! But beyond that, the little voice told me when I needed a rest day, a shorter lift, to skip that last set, that last mile, that last push which turns you from a mediocre runner to a fast runner. 

Hold up! That last one is exactly what I'm trying to do. Run fast! Guess what little voice, your reign is over. Sure, I'll take your advice, but it's gonna have to swim through the boiling fury that is my racing blood. If your message is strong enough, I'll listen. If not, well, hold on for the ride because I'm not slowing down.

4x400m NE DIII's 2010

Sincerely,
Robyn "can't stop won't stop" Runner

By the numbers: Providence Marathon Race Recap

I can barely put into words the experience of my first marathon the other week. It was incredible, hard, fun, rewarding, painful, and everything in between. Instead of writing a blog post as long as the race itself, I am going to recap by the numbers.

18: the number of weeks I trained for the race.

563: the number of miles I ran, from January 1 to May 3rd.

55: the number of miles I ran during my highest mileage week.

20: Longest run pre-marathon.

3:03: How long it took me to run those aforementioned 20 miles. In the marathon, I hit 23 miles in exactly the same time.

3: the number of pairs of shoes worn for training. Mizuno Wave Inspire, Mizuno Wave Rider, Brooks Launch 2 Boston edition.

5:15: the time I woke up on the morning of the marathon. Rarely am I ever awake that early.

Is that you, sunrise?

15: the number of people I knew at the race. Jillian and Colleen ran the half marathon. Sharon, Amelia, Amanda, Than, and a Oiselle teammate Beth all ran the marathon. Robyn, Chris, Sarah, Sarah's parents, my parents and my brother were all there watching, cheering and taking pictures.

Chris, Robyn, Jillian, me and Colleen

Amelia (her first marathon as well!), Sarah and me

Dad and Mom

Me and Sharon

3 1/2: the number of GUs I consumed. In order: mandarin orange (my favorite!), triple berry, salted caramel, and half of a chocolate. By the time I tried my last one, it was so hot and the sugar was starting to make me feel sick. I held onto it for many miles and finally threw it away.

18: the mile at which I hit the wall. Mentally I was fine, but my legs tightened up like crazy. I felt like I slowed down considerably, even though in reality I was able to maintain a decent pace and even push through at the end.

22 and 24: the miles at which Robyn found me, first in pain and agony "deep cleansing breaths, like Deb taught us" and later in excitement and elation. Hearing her say "see you at the finish line!" helped me realize how close I was to finishing and qualifying.

"I can do this?"

"I can do this!"

7:59: my last mile. I was able to stay under 8:00 per mile for 18 miles before I hit the wall. As I approached the finish line, despite my legs being completely dead, I tried for one last rally. Sub-8 after 25 miles felt like a huge accomplishment!

164: My overall place. In a field of 1,107 runners, I was in the top 15%.

3:31:07: My official finishing time. Average pace of 8:01, and fast enough for a Boston Qualifier!

Full marathon results here.

Marathon "Precap"

The other night I had a dream that I qualified for Boston. That I ran a race that I was proud of, and that I could walk without pain after finishing my first marathon. This, I think, it the best sign of what I am about to do this weekend. On the one hand, I am anxious and unsure of what running 26.2 miles will feel like for me. But on the other hand, I am excited and know that I have worked very hard over the past five months. Hopefully I've done enough to ensure a good race on Sunday!

Like with any big race, I have a gradient of goals. A: Finish my first marathon. B: Run sub-4:00 C: Qualify for the 2016 Boston Marathon. I believe that I can hit all of these goals, but even if I just finish, I'll be happy.

Instead of detailing my training as a way of "precapping" this race, I want to share 26 photos from my runs, one for each miles of the race. Not sorry for all the selfies you're about to see.

Finally, big thanks are in order to a few people who have supported me in various ways throughout my training. First to my parents and brother, who have changed their schedules to allow my runs to happen, and for feeding me and picking me up after runs end in darkness. To my coach, Lauren, for guiding and supporting me with workouts that really challenged me and helped me grow. I wouldn't feel nearly as ready for the race if I hadn't had her plans to push and motivate me. To my training partner and bestie, Jillian, for enduring the long runs, complaining together and for picking me up when I was down or depleted after a workout. To my speedy co-blogger Robyn, who has been supportive of and excited for me and who will be there on Sunday as I cross the finish line. And finally, to all of our readers. I'm so lucky to have people who don't tire of listening to me talk about my running!

Westfield Half Marathon: Honoring My Brother and Race Recap

It does not escape me that, except for a small incident last year, I have been very lucky with my running health. My sophomore year of college I finally got smart about my training and since then I have been healthy and basically injury free. I have been able to run when I wanted to and trained hard through multiple training cycles. Since college, I've tackled the half marathon, run some respectable post-collegiate 5ks, and even hit 50+ mpw in my marathon training.

Not everyone close to me has been so fortunate. Robyn has gone through many ups and downs in her training; she is relentless and patient. My younger brother, too, has had a hard few years. Without going into too many details, David missed most of his junior soccer season this fall due to some serious health problems. He's healthy now and back to playing soccer, but his hiatus from the sport he loves offered a lot of perspective for me about my running.

With my cross country girls every fall, we encourage each of them to dedicate their races to someone--to find a person whose memory or story motivates the runner when the race gets hard. It could be a parent or best friend, a relative, the student at our school that passed away this fall, or anyone else. We don't ask for explanations. Each runner has her own reason for choosing someone to motivate them. They write the names on their hands and arms and then toe the line.

A few weeks ago, I ran the Westfield Half Marathon as a tuneup race, 5 weeks prior to my first marathon. The race was hilly (actually a lot hillier than I expected), so I went into the race with a relaxed mindset. This doesn't mean, however, that I wasn't motivated. I'm a competitive person and I accept nothing but the best from myself, and this race was no different. I knew as soon as I woke up that Sunday morning, that my brother's strength and resilience would push me to run hard that day. The course of the race alternated between fast, flat miles and long, hilly climbs. I ignored my watch and focused on effort and reeling people in. Around mile 8, I got pissed that I was approaching another hill and thought about stopping but having David in the back of my mind kept me going.

The last 5k in the race was flat to downhill, and I wanted to make up as much time as possible from the ascents in the bulk of the race. I changed gears and started really moving. Another runner pulled up behind me and breathed into my ear, "hey girl, you're cruising." I didn't realize that I was going any faster than I had been, but his words encouraged me to really cruise. I dropped down to 7:00 for my 12th mile and tried to keep it up in the last stretch. This was one of the hardest moments of my racing career. I felt strong and good, but I also felt like I was working so hard and I didn't know how long I could last. I thought of my brother and what he went through this fall with his medical treatments and how hard that truly was. How strong he was throughout everything and how gracefully he handled it all. The pain and discomfort I experienced from doing something I love was trivial. I hit mile 13 in 6:55 and crossed the finish line 5 seconds past my half marathon PR.

For me, this race was not about a PR or the time; it wasn't even a goal race. I'm happiest with how I finished, because it proved my speed endurance and validated the training I've been doing. And because I'm proud of my effort, I feel like I honored my brother in the best way I could.

Life Update (& Race Recap): WCRC 4 Miler

4 years 11 months 4 days.
That's how long I've waited to say these words: I ran a PR. It's true, I could have earned a college degree faster than I was able to improve on a single one of my personal bests in any event.

Which is why I can now officially retire from competitive running with a clear mind.

The last time I ran a personal best was in the 1500m at NESCAC outdoor championships on April 24th, 2010. I came so close senior year to setting a PR in the 1000m during indoor track. So close in fact, that you might have to put an asterisk next to that 4yr mark. I actually ran my exact PR to the hundredth of a second (3:09.77), but a tie is not a better time, so the drought went on until now.
Don't worry readers, I'll still post on the blog about my new run for fun life!











Oh and if you actually believed that I'm retiring, HA. APRIL FOOL'S to you, you big fool!