It's my fault I am still up at 10:15. At dinner, I wasn't eating much and I tried to explain that I was just tired. At the mall, I had my arms wrapped around myself and they asked if I was cold and I said no, just tired. And when I lost at Connect Four to Daniela, I said "estoy encansada. Uno mas manana." Maybe it's just culture, but our host mother brought us coffee at 7:30. So, I will make use of my wakefulness...
I will admit right away that I am writing this more for me than you because I recently reread some of my entries from my Italy trip and I loved recalling the little things. So I want to do that again. You are welcome to follow along with me, but I give no apologies for spelling and grammar mistakes or just general typos because I am typing this on my tablet. And I'll probably ramble a lot too. Okay, here we go.
Day one was just a lot of traveling. I started the day at 4:15 am Phoenix time to make a train to the airport. The train was late, but luckily Craig was there to keep me warm and to fend off the crazies who tend to loiter around the light rail that early in the morning. I headed to the airport and went through the usual hassle of airport security - I got held up because a SPORK caused concern in the X-ray, so I had to wait in line to get my bag checked behind a guy who had tools and a giant bottle of lotion. Anyway, a one hour flight to LA -where I got to enjoy an empty seat next to me!, a 4 hour layover, and a 5 hour flight later I arrived in Guatemala City. Chrissy greeted me at the airport and we had a shuttle to our B&B, which had American classic rock on the radio. We got a good night's sleep and woke up at 6:15 to get ready to head to Xela. Side note: I didn't have to change my alarm setting from 4:15 because my phone is still on LA time, which is two hours earlier than here.
Now day two! More traveling! After a breakfast of toast, fruit, and coffee, we got a ride to a bus station and a bus ride to Xela. I could see from the airplane that it was hilly, and I knew it was hilly, but on a bus I fully experienced the hillyness in that I had to hold on to the "oh shit" bar most of the trip so that Chrissy and I didn't topple into the aisle. I also tied up my bag after it slid halfway across the bus. We got to bungle our way through a conversation with a man who plays soccer in Guatemala City, has a teacher wife, and family who lives in Canada. Muy frio! I was proud for knowing that phrase, though I don't know if I spelled it correctly.
We arrived in Xela at 11:15 and had time to wander around the city. We ate at a cafe and I forgot that I needed to specify I wanted leche in my cafe. Oops. And enchiladas were flat taco shells with purple vegetables - cabbage? That was not my cup of tea, so I ordered nachos, which were tortilla chips with cheese. Perfecto. We spent some time relaxing in the parque central. Chrissy knitted and I drew as we enjoyed the ambient noise - drummers, guitars, children, and what appeared to be an American spouting religious stuff in broken Spanish on a microphone. A few dogs wandered by and then we got picked on by some 5-year olds. They were touching our stuff, which we allowed. But then one kid ran off with Chrissy's knitting needles. And then he took my glasses. Luckily with a little bit of my teacher look and his realization that we weren't going to chase him ended the dispute quickly.
Soon after it was time to head to school. We met one of the people in charge and then waited around for our host family to come pick us up. At 2:30 we were introduced to a young man, Danilo, and his son, Pablo. We walked to the car -a yellow sporty Mazda, the little boy climbed in the front seat, and we were off. At home we met the mother, Glendy, and their daughter, Daniela.
This is about where my confusion about the size and ages of people began. I am generally pretty good with the ages of children. But I was sure that Pablo was no more than five, but he is in fact six. And I thought Daniela was at least eleven, but she is nine. Later on, I observed lots of adults walking around with their children. Adults are on the shorter side - I am taller than most of the women. But kids were often as tall as their parents. So I developed a hypothesis that children grow rapidly between the ages of 7 and 12 and then just stop growing completely. Maybe? Es possible?
Moving on. The family also has a cute little dog and an adorable kitten. I met the kitten while he dangled from Pablo's arms. Pablo turned on the TV to watch Nick Jr and the rest of us sat at the table. As soon as they realized our Spanish was pretty poor, they got out their laptop and connected my tablet to the internet. And so began our conversation guided by Google translate. The family was quite friendly and welcoming, hugs from the beginning. Daniela complimented my colored hair. After chatting for awhile, we went out to dinner.
Chinese food! I had Japanese when I was in Paris, so why not. I remembered not to get water, but I forgot not to use ice. So I had three ice cubes, which so far haven't killed me. Earlier in the day, at the bed and breakfast, I used regular water to rinse my toothbrush. And, pretty much as I was there thinking about not throwing toilet paper in the toilet, I threw toilet paper in the toilet. I read the sign! But then my mind wandered and reflex took over.
We enjoyed large portions of Chinese food and a giant 2+ liter bottle of imitation Sprite. They got the whole bottle! Pablo got cranky, so I tried to distract him by stepping on floor tiles as we counted. We're both a little flaky on our numbers past doce though.
Daniela continued to admire my hair, so I joked, "no lo tienes cuando duermo!"
After, we went to the mall, spending a few minutes winding around the parking lot to find pretty much the very last spot. This is apparently where everyone in the city goes on Sunday evenings. We walked around, went into the attached Walmart, and then headed back to the car.
We stopped at a bread store before heading home. In Guatemala, it seems that seatbelts and Alto signs are both optional. At one point we used a stop sign as an opportunity to pass another car on the tight roads.
I was very happy to finally make it home. Pablo showed me his games and we played Connect Four while Nosi the dog and Cheetos the kitten used my leg as a shield to play with each other. Pablo did not know the rules, but I was able to teach him. I gave him hints by saying "tengo tres!" After, his dad challenged me and kicked my butt. Finally, I played Daniela, who won two games. So I gave up on that for the night and watched Chrissy and Pablo play some games as Cheetos fell asleep in my arms.
In short, I love my family even though I am older than my host mother, and I love my host kitten and I may just have to stay.
Sunday, January 10, 2016
Sunday, January 3, 2016
Week 5 - Back to Work
July 28- August 2
Tuesday: 3 miles with Running for Brews
Start Time: 7:15 pm
Starting temperature: 103
Post-run fuel: Strawberry beer and roasted veggies
Notes: Thank you, strawberry beer, for making it easier for me to strive for 5.
Wednesday: 7 miles up and down the cross-cut
Start Time: 7:00 pm
Starting Temperature: 98
Post-run fuel: tortilla with peppers, beans, and cheese
Notes: Upping miles in marathon training combined with back-to-school teacher training is wearing on me. One of the joys of being a woman also decided to cramp my style 5 miles in. Thank goodness for my beloved running music. Taylor Swift's "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" still hasn't gotten old. In fact, my finger dancing choreography continues to evolve.
Thursday: 3 miles around the lake
Start Time: 7:00 pm
Starting temperature: 103
Post-run fuel: tortilla with peppers, beans, and cheese AND ice cream
Notes: Today is no better. I am exhausted. I got home from Meet the Teacher night at 6:45 and was back out the door within 15 minutes because I knew if I sat down, I wouldn't get back up. These next few weeks are going to be rough.
Saturday: 14 miles
Start Time: 6:30 am
Starting temperature: 82
Post-run fuel: so much cold water followed by cold coffee with coconut milk and chocolate syrup
Notes: With the training plan I use, I've done all the runs thus far, but I switch around a lot of the days. The plan calls for a pace run on Saturday and a long run on Sunday. I planned to make this the first week that I followed my training plan 100%. But, I woke up at 4:55, so I figured it would be good to take advantage of that and get my long run over and done with. So I did.
While running, I started thinking about how I'll get to see friends and family while I'm back in NY for the race. Then the song "Gone Til November" started playing in my head. I seriously don't think I've heard that song since it came out a decade or so ago, and I don't know any words to the song other than "I'll be gone till November". It amazes me that things like that are still hanging out in my brain.
Sunday: 7 mile pace run along the greenbelt
Start Time: 7:30 am
Starting temperature: 90
Post-run fuel: more cold water and a banana
Notes: Pace runs are tough. Running in the heat is tough. Running the day after a long run is tough. Let's do all three of those things at once! Who cares if I'm too sore to walk tomorrow, which happens to be the first day of school?
Tuesday: 3 miles with Running for Brews
Start Time: 7:15 pm
Starting temperature: 103
Post-run fuel: Strawberry beer and roasted veggies
Notes: Thank you, strawberry beer, for making it easier for me to strive for 5.
Wednesday: 7 miles up and down the cross-cut
Start Time: 7:00 pm
Starting Temperature: 98
Post-run fuel: tortilla with peppers, beans, and cheese
Notes: Upping miles in marathon training combined with back-to-school teacher training is wearing on me. One of the joys of being a woman also decided to cramp my style 5 miles in. Thank goodness for my beloved running music. Taylor Swift's "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" still hasn't gotten old. In fact, my finger dancing choreography continues to evolve.
 |
| Yum! |
Thursday: 3 miles around the lake
Start Time: 7:00 pm
Starting temperature: 103
Post-run fuel: tortilla with peppers, beans, and cheese AND ice cream
Notes: Today is no better. I am exhausted. I got home from Meet the Teacher night at 6:45 and was back out the door within 15 minutes because I knew if I sat down, I wouldn't get back up. These next few weeks are going to be rough.
 |
| Here is one of my favorite routes for short runs... in case you want to stalk me. |
Saturday: 14 miles
Start Time: 6:30 am
Starting temperature: 82
Post-run fuel: so much cold water followed by cold coffee with coconut milk and chocolate syrup
Notes: With the training plan I use, I've done all the runs thus far, but I switch around a lot of the days. The plan calls for a pace run on Saturday and a long run on Sunday. I planned to make this the first week that I followed my training plan 100%. But, I woke up at 4:55, so I figured it would be good to take advantage of that and get my long run over and done with. So I did.
While running, I started thinking about how I'll get to see friends and family while I'm back in NY for the race. Then the song "Gone Til November" started playing in my head. I seriously don't think I've heard that song since it came out a decade or so ago, and I don't know any words to the song other than "I'll be gone till November". It amazes me that things like that are still hanging out in my brain.
Sunday: 7 mile pace run along the greenbelt
Start Time: 7:30 am
Starting temperature: 90
Post-run fuel: more cold water and a banana
Notes: Pace runs are tough. Running in the heat is tough. Running the day after a long run is tough. Let's do all three of those things at once! Who cares if I'm too sore to walk tomorrow, which happens to be the first day of school?
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Week 4 continued: Back home!
July 22 - July 26
Wednesday: 6 mile road and trail run to Papago Park, around Papago, and back.
Start Time: 6:00 pm
Starting temperature: 103
Post-run fuel: Orange Blosson beer
Notes: Nothing says "marathon training" like running to a running group, running with the group, and then running home.
Thursday: 3.5 mile run to Four Peaks Brewery (2.2 to get there, followed by running to the bus stop)
Start Time: 7:00 pm
Starting Temperature: 100
Post-run fuel: ice cold water
Notes: I went to get a teacher voucher that I could later turn in for some teacher supplies. When I arrived, they informed me they "JUST ran out." The "JUST" kind of burned. Why do they have to tell me that if I were 10 minutes earlier, I might have received a voucher? They went on to tell me where else I could go to get this coveted voucher, but I explained that I RAN there and wasn't really in the mood to add another 10 miles to the trip. Maybe if I were deeper into the training plan. On the bright side, I found an easy run that ends at a brewery and I caught a free bus ride home.
On the ride, I started thinking about how everyone has stigmas about riding the bus, yet I don't. As I sat in a seat that was slowly collecting a pool of my sweat, I realized that maybe I am part of the reason there IS a stigma in the first place.
Friday: 2.5 mile run to Four Peaks Tasting Room (2 miles to get there, followed by a half mile run around the area and to a bus stop)
Start Time: 6:00 pm
Starting temperature: 104
Post-run fuel: Orange Blosson beer and tortilla with beans, cheese, and peppers
Notes: I made a second attempt to get a teacher voucher. Yesterday's people said there would be vouchers at this tasting room location, but I didn't really believe them since this tasting room is only open for special events. I was right. I arrived at a parking lot with ONE car. I thought about sitting on the car until the employee came out so that I could DEMAND a teacher voucher, but I decided against it. This might be because Craig showed up before I had time to fully think out my mischievous plan. He bused and walked home with me, which means we got to soak TWO bus seats with our sweat this time.
Sunday: 13 hilly miles on San Juan Road
Start Time: 5:00 am
Starting Temperature: 95
Post-run fuel: Omelet with mushrooms and peppers, rosemary potatoes, coffee
Notes: Another month, another San Juan. This is the first time I did the out-and-back and then tacked on another mile in the parking lot. I felt good. I was slow, but never felt the need to stop, not even at the top. There's a great view at the top though, so I ran loops around the parking lot for a few minutes before heading back.
Wednesday: 6 mile road and trail run to Papago Park, around Papago, and back.
Start Time: 6:00 pm
Starting temperature: 103
Post-run fuel: Orange Blosson beer
Notes: Nothing says "marathon training" like running to a running group, running with the group, and then running home.
 |
| I'm in here somewhere. |
Thursday: 3.5 mile run to Four Peaks Brewery (2.2 to get there, followed by running to the bus stop)
Start Time: 7:00 pm
Starting Temperature: 100
Post-run fuel: ice cold water
Notes: I went to get a teacher voucher that I could later turn in for some teacher supplies. When I arrived, they informed me they "JUST ran out." The "JUST" kind of burned. Why do they have to tell me that if I were 10 minutes earlier, I might have received a voucher? They went on to tell me where else I could go to get this coveted voucher, but I explained that I RAN there and wasn't really in the mood to add another 10 miles to the trip. Maybe if I were deeper into the training plan. On the bright side, I found an easy run that ends at a brewery and I caught a free bus ride home.
On the ride, I started thinking about how everyone has stigmas about riding the bus, yet I don't. As I sat in a seat that was slowly collecting a pool of my sweat, I realized that maybe I am part of the reason there IS a stigma in the first place.
Friday: 2.5 mile run to Four Peaks Tasting Room (2 miles to get there, followed by a half mile run around the area and to a bus stop)
Start Time: 6:00 pm
Starting temperature: 104
Post-run fuel: Orange Blosson beer and tortilla with beans, cheese, and peppers
Notes: I made a second attempt to get a teacher voucher. Yesterday's people said there would be vouchers at this tasting room location, but I didn't really believe them since this tasting room is only open for special events. I was right. I arrived at a parking lot with ONE car. I thought about sitting on the car until the employee came out so that I could DEMAND a teacher voucher, but I decided against it. This might be because Craig showed up before I had time to fully think out my mischievous plan. He bused and walked home with me, which means we got to soak TWO bus seats with our sweat this time.
Sunday: 13 hilly miles on San Juan Road
Start Time: 5:00 am
Starting Temperature: 95
Post-run fuel: Omelet with mushrooms and peppers, rosemary potatoes, coffee
Notes: Another month, another San Juan. This is the first time I did the out-and-back and then tacked on another mile in the parking lot. I felt good. I was slow, but never felt the need to stop, not even at the top. There's a great view at the top though, so I ran loops around the parking lot for a few minutes before heading back.
 |
| The view from the top includes the downtown skyline, but I don't have a picture of that, so you'll have to enjoy this pretty view instead. |
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Week 3 continued and a little of Week 4: Boston!
July 17-July 20
Friday: 7 miles on the Charles River Walk
Start Time: 8:00 am
Starting Temperature: 64 degrees
Post-run fuel: Hostel breakfast of toast, peanut butter, bagel, cream cheese, yogurt, oatmeal, and coffee.
Notes: I like cities because they frequently follow a grid system. This means I can be dropped randomly in any part of the city and still have some idea where I'm going. When I moved from Suburbs, Long Island to Phoenix, my sense of direction improved greatly (don't verify this with my husband...). Boston, it seems, is not one of these cities. So, when I planned out a route on g-map-pedometer, I was setting myself up forfailure an adventure.
Don't believe me? Please look below at my route in BLUE. I meticulously plotted out a route that would go near the Charles River Walk, Fenway Park, and the Emerald Necklace (a popular trail in Boston that is part of Boston's Half Marathon course). I planned to end my route at a T station that would get me back to the hostel.
If you look at my route in RED, you will see where I actually went. I stayed on course for a magical half mile. Look at all these photos I took while I was on course!
Then I did nothing else that I planned. I made it to the Charles River and got lost and more lost. I stopped and looked at my map several times but couldn't really figure out where I was because Boston's roads go in every freaking direction. So, I got a photo of Fenway from the wrong side of a big freeway and turned around. Then I went round and round incircles a trapezoidal-type pattern until I got in my 7 miles before the end of the run.
Monday: 6 mile run to Fenway and 2nd (failed) attempt on the Emerald Necklace
Start Time: 7:30 am
Starting Temperature: 82 degrees
Post-run fuel: More hostel breakfast, yum!
Notes: Craig and I ran together for a mini-tour. Once again, we didn't follow the pre-planned route AT ALL, but this was okay because there is a neat little park that follows Commonwealth Avenue. We made it to our points of interest: the Boston Marathon finish line and Fenway Park.
One of my cousins had explained that Boston summers are filled with construction. I verified this on Monday's run. My intention was to run a total of 6 miles and finish at a nearby T station to take back to the hostel. Good news: I made it to a T and am not forever lost in Boston. Bad news: I lasted about a quarter mile on the Emerald Necklace before getting confused by construction and passing by the path.
Once again, I ran some loops to get my distance in and finished at the Fenway T station, which (SURPRISE) was also under construction.
It took me about 10 minutes just to figure out how to get to the station. Upon leaving Boston, I feel disappointed that I didn't get to run all the routes that I found. To hell with touristy sight-seeing. I want running tours!
Epilogue:
I showered and changed after my run and left the hostel room, which I was sharing with FIVE men. I returned to the room later and was immediately overwhelmed with the smell of a locker room. Ugh! I wish I could blame any one of the men in that room But, alas, it was stinky old me. Or rather it was two sets of my sweaty running clothes stuffed into a bag in a poorly ventilated room during a humid Boston July. My apologies to the kind Japanese men and Scottish men and men named Craig. I promise not all American hostels are this foul.
Total Marathon Miles: 88
Friday: 7 miles on the Charles River Walk
Start Time: 8:00 am
Starting Temperature: 64 degrees
Post-run fuel: Hostel breakfast of toast, peanut butter, bagel, cream cheese, yogurt, oatmeal, and coffee.
Notes: I like cities because they frequently follow a grid system. This means I can be dropped randomly in any part of the city and still have some idea where I'm going. When I moved from Suburbs, Long Island to Phoenix, my sense of direction improved greatly (don't verify this with my husband...). Boston, it seems, is not one of these cities. So, when I planned out a route on g-map-pedometer, I was setting myself up for
Don't believe me? Please look below at my route in BLUE. I meticulously plotted out a route that would go near the Charles River Walk, Fenway Park, and the Emerald Necklace (a popular trail in Boston that is part of Boston's Half Marathon course). I planned to end my route at a T station that would get me back to the hostel.
Then I did nothing else that I planned. I made it to the Charles River and got lost and more lost. I stopped and looked at my map several times but couldn't really figure out where I was because Boston's roads go in every freaking direction. So, I got a photo of Fenway from the wrong side of a big freeway and turned around. Then I went round and round in
All this was okay because I got in my weekend run on Friday, which meant I could relax for my cousin's wedding weekend. I would give this another try on Monday.
And now for something completely different...
 |
| Crazy Jenga-ing at a Boston park for grown-ups |
Cousins!
Monday: 6 mile run to Fenway and 2nd (failed) attempt on the Emerald Necklace
Start Time: 7:30 am
Post-run fuel: More hostel breakfast, yum!
Notes: Craig and I ran together for a mini-tour. Once again, we didn't follow the pre-planned route AT ALL, but this was okay because there is a neat little park that follows Commonwealth Avenue. We made it to our points of interest: the Boston Marathon finish line and Fenway Park.
After that Craig headed back and I continued on my own with my second attempt of the Emerald Necklace.
 |
| There was a sign RIGHT there! |
 |
| I found the trail on my way back. Too late. |
Once again, I ran some loops to get my distance in and finished at the Fenway T station, which (SURPRISE) was also under construction.
 |
| Okay. But I didn't bring my rappelling gear. |
It took me about 10 minutes just to figure out how to get to the station. Upon leaving Boston, I feel disappointed that I didn't get to run all the routes that I found. To hell with touristy sight-seeing. I want running tours!
 |
| Blue = planned route Red = real-life route |
I showered and changed after my run and left the hostel room, which I was sharing with FIVE men. I returned to the room later and was immediately overwhelmed with the smell of a locker room. Ugh! I wish I could blame any one of the men in that room But, alas, it was stinky old me. Or rather it was two sets of my sweaty running clothes stuffed into a bag in a poorly ventilated room during a humid Boston July. My apologies to the kind Japanese men and Scottish men and men named Craig. I promise not all American hostels are this foul.
Total Marathon Miles: 88
Friday, October 23, 2015
Week 3: Long Island and memories
July 12- July 15
Sunday: 3 miles out-and-back in Southold with Cait
Start Time: 7:00 am
Starting Temperature: 68 degrees
Post-run Fuel: coffee and a bagel with egg and cheese
Notes: Forever and ever ago, back in the year 2001, I became a runner. I had dabbled in running before. I was on the cross-country team for one season about 4 years earlier. I joined the team to hang out with my friends and because the coach was a teacher who was borderline crazy and liked to teach history in character and also die his hair purple. This was where I experienced my first runner's high, causing me to sprint the end of a race, passing a whole bunch of people on my team (but no opponents, of course). I still remember the look of surprise of friends Jess and Kris as I flew past them. Why didn't I continue with running? Not a clue.
But in 2001, I was 17 going on 18 (cue Sound of Music in the background) and my metabolism stopped being so friendly. I started noticing, um, consequences, for the 6 oreos I ate as an after-school snack, the super-sized milkshakes I drank at my dad's house, the ice cream binges at home (in my defense, if I didn't eat the ice cream quickly, my sister and mom would get to it first). Eating healthier didn't sound like much fun, so I started running. I went to the local sports store, Bob's, and found myself a pair of Adidas pants*, Puma shorts, and running sneakers. My very first running route was from my house to Cait's house, about one and a quarter miles away. Exhausted from the feat of running all that way, I'd hang out with Cait and her mom while I drank a glass of water. And then I ran home.
Since then, Cait got into running and even ran a marathon a few years ago. I would like to include a picture of the two of us from 2001, but I don't have any digital photos from then. So just imagine a short nerdy brunette with short hair that NEVER curled under like I wanted it to next to a tall nerdy blonde with long hair and big thick glasses. Instead, I'll include an image of our Southold running route, because Southold rocks.
Monday: 6 miles to Argyle Lake
Start Time: 6:00 pm
Starting Temperature: 80 degrees
Post-run Fuel: pumpkin ravioli
Notes:
This is another run that jogged (pardon the pun) my memory. See the lake? Well, that was home for my first half-marathon training. I didn't follow any sort of plan. I just ran once or twice during the week. Then on the weekend, I would run to Argyle Lake and run around it a bunch of times. I didn't have a GPS running watch or gmap-pedometer back then, so I had to go old school and CALL THE TOWN to find out the distance around the lake, which is three-quarters of a mile. Every week I'd add another lap or two. It was 4 miles round trip to the lake, so by the end of training I ran about 10 laps around the lake. The mommies with their strollers were quite impressed.
Tuesday: 3 miles with Bailey and Winnie
Start Time: 10 am
Starting temperature: 77 degrees
Post-run fuel: water
Notes: I don't think anyone is more excited for my returns to Long Island than Bailey. I'm his favorite running buddy and he is eager to run with me every day that I am home. He practically tackles me as I walk in the door and his body shakes with excitement. If I go without him, he will whine and whine. He doesn't need to bring a water bottle because he loves drinking from puddles. Often, he is so excited that he has to stop to poo mid-stride during our runs. I guess I should mention that Bailey is a dog, though I also have human friends who share many of these qualities. Bailey is a Cocker Spaniel who would run 8 miles with me in his prime. Now he's getting older and out of shape, so 3 miles is about his limit. Winnie is a Chihuahua, with a 1-mile limit.
I rarely run with both of them. They like to criss-cross and they run at different paces and one time their leashes crossed, leaving Winnie right in my path. I kicked her and since she is a 10 pound Chihuahua, she flew as if I had just punted a football. Luckily, I can't punt a football very well.
But for today, I made a special exception. I took both of them for the first mile, dropped off Winnie, and then continued for 2 miles, allowing Bailey to stop to drink out of puddles.
Wednesday: 7 miles to Gardiner Manor Park
Start Time: 8:00 am
Starting temperature: 77 degrees
Post-run Fuel: An egg and an english muffin
Notes: This route is another favorite on Long Island. The route from my mom's house to the start of the park is along unpleasantly busy roads, but the park itself is a two-thirds of a mile path that leads from the hectic roads to the Great South Bay. The path is lined with trees and cattails. Off the path there are woods for about a half mile in both directions. At the end of the path is an unmaintained stretch of beach, covered in seaweed and other plant life. Between the path and the bay, there is a lot of swampy marsh. In short, it's the kind of place that someone would hide a body if it weren't so well-traveled by walkers and runners and dogs. It's also the kind of place that someone might hide to take care of a bodily issue mid-run, not that I would know anything about that sort of thing.
Total Marathon Miles: 75
Sunday: 3 miles out-and-back in Southold with Cait
Start Time: 7:00 am
Starting Temperature: 68 degrees
Post-run Fuel: coffee and a bagel with egg and cheese
Notes: Forever and ever ago, back in the year 2001, I became a runner. I had dabbled in running before. I was on the cross-country team for one season about 4 years earlier. I joined the team to hang out with my friends and because the coach was a teacher who was borderline crazy and liked to teach history in character and also die his hair purple. This was where I experienced my first runner's high, causing me to sprint the end of a race, passing a whole bunch of people on my team (but no opponents, of course). I still remember the look of surprise of friends Jess and Kris as I flew past them. Why didn't I continue with running? Not a clue.
But in 2001, I was 17 going on 18 (cue Sound of Music in the background) and my metabolism stopped being so friendly. I started noticing, um, consequences, for the 6 oreos I ate as an after-school snack, the super-sized milkshakes I drank at my dad's house, the ice cream binges at home (in my defense, if I didn't eat the ice cream quickly, my sister and mom would get to it first). Eating healthier didn't sound like much fun, so I started running. I went to the local sports store, Bob's, and found myself a pair of Adidas pants*, Puma shorts, and running sneakers. My very first running route was from my house to Cait's house, about one and a quarter miles away. Exhausted from the feat of running all that way, I'd hang out with Cait and her mom while I drank a glass of water. And then I ran home.
Since then, Cait got into running and even ran a marathon a few years ago. I would like to include a picture of the two of us from 2001, but I don't have any digital photos from then. So just imagine a short nerdy brunette with short hair that NEVER curled under like I wanted it to next to a tall nerdy blonde with long hair and big thick glasses. Instead, I'll include an image of our Southold running route, because Southold rocks.
*Edit: I wore these pants yesterday and Craig said, "The 1990's called and they want their Adidas wind pants back."
Monday: 6 miles to Argyle Lake
Start Time: 6:00 pm
Starting Temperature: 80 degrees
Post-run Fuel: pumpkin ravioli
Notes:
This is another run that jogged (pardon the pun) my memory. See the lake? Well, that was home for my first half-marathon training. I didn't follow any sort of plan. I just ran once or twice during the week. Then on the weekend, I would run to Argyle Lake and run around it a bunch of times. I didn't have a GPS running watch or gmap-pedometer back then, so I had to go old school and CALL THE TOWN to find out the distance around the lake, which is three-quarters of a mile. Every week I'd add another lap or two. It was 4 miles round trip to the lake, so by the end of training I ran about 10 laps around the lake. The mommies with their strollers were quite impressed.
Tuesday: 3 miles with Bailey and Winnie
Start Time: 10 am
Starting temperature: 77 degrees
Post-run fuel: water
Notes: I don't think anyone is more excited for my returns to Long Island than Bailey. I'm his favorite running buddy and he is eager to run with me every day that I am home. He practically tackles me as I walk in the door and his body shakes with excitement. If I go without him, he will whine and whine. He doesn't need to bring a water bottle because he loves drinking from puddles. Often, he is so excited that he has to stop to poo mid-stride during our runs. I guess I should mention that Bailey is a dog, though I also have human friends who share many of these qualities. Bailey is a Cocker Spaniel who would run 8 miles with me in his prime. Now he's getting older and out of shape, so 3 miles is about his limit. Winnie is a Chihuahua, with a 1-mile limit.
I rarely run with both of them. They like to criss-cross and they run at different paces and one time their leashes crossed, leaving Winnie right in my path. I kicked her and since she is a 10 pound Chihuahua, she flew as if I had just punted a football. Luckily, I can't punt a football very well.
But for today, I made a special exception. I took both of them for the first mile, dropped off Winnie, and then continued for 2 miles, allowing Bailey to stop to drink out of puddles.
Wednesday: 7 miles to Gardiner Manor Park
Start Time: 8:00 am
Starting temperature: 77 degrees
Post-run Fuel: An egg and an english muffin
Notes: This route is another favorite on Long Island. The route from my mom's house to the start of the park is along unpleasantly busy roads, but the park itself is a two-thirds of a mile path that leads from the hectic roads to the Great South Bay. The path is lined with trees and cattails. Off the path there are woods for about a half mile in both directions. At the end of the path is an unmaintained stretch of beach, covered in seaweed and other plant life. Between the path and the bay, there is a lot of swampy marsh. In short, it's the kind of place that someone would hide a body if it weren't so well-traveled by walkers and runners and dogs. It's also the kind of place that someone might hide to take care of a bodily issue mid-run, not that I would know anything about that sort of thing.
Total Marathon Miles: 75
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Week 2: Tour de Tempe
July 5 - July 10
Sunday: Tempe Town Lake 3-mile loop
Start Time: 8:30 am
Starting Temperature: 95 degrees
Post-run Fuel: English muffin and an egg
Notes: Craig joined me on this run. I write these notes one month later, so I remember not much at all. However, I recall that the main reason I wanted to run around the lake was to see the after effects of Independence Day activities. We ran over the Mill Ave bridge, where they set off the fireworks and we saw some remnants of that. Other than that, Tempe cleaned up quite well overnight.
Tuesday: Running for Brews 5-miler around Tempe Town Lake
Start Time: 7:00 pm
Starting Temperature: 105 degrees
Post-run Fuel: Fresh Squeezed IPA and potato chips
Notes: Blasted Barley has delicious potato chips.
This week's theme was "Shark Week". Some people get really creative with these themes. Evidence:
Wednesday: 3-mile run to Tempe Marketplace (with an Orbit bus ride home)
Start Time: 8:15 am
Starting Temperature: 95 degrees
Post-run Fuel: Fried tortilla with beans, cheese, and peppers
Notes: I love the Orbit. It's a free bus system that goes all around north Tempe. On this particular day, I ran to the shopping center, enjoyed some shopping, and then bused home.
Thursday: 5-mile out-and-back on the Crosscut canal
Start Time: 8:30 am
Starting Temperature: 88 degrees - Cool and cloudy, but the humidity more than made up for it
Post-run Fuel: Too gross to eat; jumped in the pool
Notes: The crosscut is my new favorite out-and-back. The path parallels a stream with some little waterfalls. It's a noticeable uphill on the way out, which makes the way back amazing. I was on such a high that I went into full lip-syncing-and-finger-dancing-while-running mode, even while passing several cars on the Mill Ave bridge. So if you find a picture floating around the internet of a woman who looks like she's simultaneously running and seizing, that might be me.
Friday: 11 miles to and from Belmont Lake on Long Island
Start Time: 3:00 pm - this is not my ideal running time, but at least on Long Island, 3 pm in July will not give me heat stroke.
Starting Temperature: 83 degrees
Post-run Fuel: Chocolate milk and dinner with childhood friend Danielle and her family and her adorable 3-month old (sausage and peppers)
Notes: I arrived on Long Island at around 6 am Long Island time, 3 am Tempe time. I planned to do my long run on Saturday, but ended up getting the energy to run on Friday. I also knew that getting it done on Friday meant I wouldn't need to be in a rush on the morning that I'd be starting a weekend trip with some of my very favorite ladies.
Energy or not, I still wasn't completely excited about starting a run so late. As I started my run, my mp3 started mid-song: "Miserable, and you're just getting started." (gold star if you can name the band who sings this WITHOUT internet assistance) I definitely yelled back at it, "I know!" But by the time I made it to the path to Belmont Lake, I had made up my own song:
Summer runnin' happened so fast.
Summer runnin' had me a blast.
Found a trail perfect for me.
The whole thing shaded by trees.
Summer run, I've just begun.
But, oh, those runner's highs.
Well oh well oh well oh...
On a separate note, I had some extra miles to kill so I let myself get lost around the park. I have run around this park many times, but never before saw this building (photograph courtesy of the internet):
What is it? It looks like a lighthouse, doesn't it? Except that this park is very much inland. There's a lake, but I'm pretty sure that a lake with the circumference of a mile doesn't need a lighthouse. Is it a water tower? I tried to find out on the web, but those people are just as confused as I. Finally, I went to the park's actual website (genius, I know) and found a map. On the map, it is marked as a water tower. Success! Though I really was hoping it was a displaced lighthouse with an interesting background story.
Total marathon miles: 56
Sunday: Tempe Town Lake 3-mile loop
Start Time: 8:30 am
Starting Temperature: 95 degrees
Post-run Fuel: English muffin and an egg
Notes: Craig joined me on this run. I write these notes one month later, so I remember not much at all. However, I recall that the main reason I wanted to run around the lake was to see the after effects of Independence Day activities. We ran over the Mill Ave bridge, where they set off the fireworks and we saw some remnants of that. Other than that, Tempe cleaned up quite well overnight.
Tuesday: Running for Brews 5-miler around Tempe Town Lake
Start Time: 7:00 pm
Starting Temperature: 105 degrees
Post-run Fuel: Fresh Squeezed IPA and potato chips
Notes: Blasted Barley has delicious potato chips.
This week's theme was "Shark Week". Some people get really creative with these themes. Evidence:
Wednesday: 3-mile run to Tempe Marketplace (with an Orbit bus ride home)
Start Time: 8:15 am
Starting Temperature: 95 degrees
Post-run Fuel: Fried tortilla with beans, cheese, and peppers
Notes: I love the Orbit. It's a free bus system that goes all around north Tempe. On this particular day, I ran to the shopping center, enjoyed some shopping, and then bused home.
Thursday: 5-mile out-and-back on the Crosscut canal
Start Time: 8:30 am
Starting Temperature: 88 degrees - Cool and cloudy, but the humidity more than made up for it
Post-run Fuel: Too gross to eat; jumped in the pool
Notes: The crosscut is my new favorite out-and-back. The path parallels a stream with some little waterfalls. It's a noticeable uphill on the way out, which makes the way back amazing. I was on such a high that I went into full lip-syncing-and-finger-dancing-while-running mode, even while passing several cars on the Mill Ave bridge. So if you find a picture floating around the internet of a woman who looks like she's simultaneously running and seizing, that might be me.
Friday: 11 miles to and from Belmont Lake on Long Island
Start Time: 3:00 pm - this is not my ideal running time, but at least on Long Island, 3 pm in July will not give me heat stroke.
Starting Temperature: 83 degrees
Post-run Fuel: Chocolate milk and dinner with childhood friend Danielle and her family and her adorable 3-month old (sausage and peppers)
Notes: I arrived on Long Island at around 6 am Long Island time, 3 am Tempe time. I planned to do my long run on Saturday, but ended up getting the energy to run on Friday. I also knew that getting it done on Friday meant I wouldn't need to be in a rush on the morning that I'd be starting a weekend trip with some of my very favorite ladies.
Energy or not, I still wasn't completely excited about starting a run so late. As I started my run, my mp3 started mid-song: "Miserable, and you're just getting started." (gold star if you can name the band who sings this WITHOUT internet assistance) I definitely yelled back at it, "I know!" But by the time I made it to the path to Belmont Lake, I had made up my own song:
Summer runnin' happened so fast.
Summer runnin' had me a blast.
Found a trail perfect for me.
The whole thing shaded by trees.
Summer run, I've just begun.
But, oh, those runner's highs.
Well oh well oh well oh...
On a separate note, I had some extra miles to kill so I let myself get lost around the park. I have run around this park many times, but never before saw this building (photograph courtesy of the internet):
Total marathon miles: 56
Saturday, July 25, 2015
Week 1: Let's get this thing started
June 28 - July 4
Sunday: San Juan 8 miles
Start Time: 5:30 am
Starting Temperature: 93 degrees
Post-run Fuel: Pancakes, bacon, and rosemary potatoes at Matt's Big Breakfast
Notes: I decided to count this toward marathon training, even though I'm a day early. I only needed to do 5 miles, so I'm already kind of an over-achiever.
Tuesday: Running for Brews 5-miler
Start Time: 7:00 pm
Starting Temperature: 103 degrees
Post-run Fuel: Strawberry Bottle Rocket beer
Notes: Upon moving to Tempe, I urgently shopped around for running clubs. I enjoy running alone, but I knew I would need some social motivation, especially when the truly long runs kicked in. Running for Brews is the first club I tried out a few weeks ago. They have weekly themes, this one being "Red, White, and Brew" in honor of the upcoming 4th of July holiday. Most runners in this group run 3 miles, but there's a 5-miler group that I joined this week. And afterwards everyone has beer.
Craig: "I get the feeling you'll be drinking a lot of beer during marathon training."
Wednesday: Aravaipa 3-miler
Start Time: 6:30 pm
Starting Temperature: 99 degrees
Post-run Fuel: Orange Bomb beer and potato chips
Notes: My first run with this trail-running group. I went with the super-duper fun group, which was a little too "fun" (slow) for me, but that's okay. My goal was to stay on track without getting lost and twisting an ankle. Mission: accomplished. I also met someone from the TLC hiking group, who of course knows friend Jill, thus continuing to support my "7 degrees of separation from Jill Diamond" theory. Finally, I've learned quickly that running groups in this area seem to really really like group pictures.
Friday: Tempe Town Lake 3-mile loop
Start Time: 8:00 am
Starting Temperature: 90 degrees
Post-run Fuel: Cereal
Notes: I love that I can run around a lake on a regular basis.
Saturday: 7 1/2 miles to Liz's, with some detours to make it a 10-miler
Start Time: 5:30 am
Starting temperature: 89 degrees
Post-run Fuel: Liz's homemade french toast, bacon, and raspberry lemonade
Notes: Getting to Liz's was easy, but getting out of Tempe was no small feat. Tempe Town Lake hosts a fireworks show, and the park was already starting to close off. I entered the park without any issue, but then got stuck trying to get out a mile down the path. I finally found an exit, blocked by long folding tables. There was a man standing guard. As I arrived at the tables, the man scolded a couple of teenagers trying to enter. "I'm just trying to leave!" I politely proclaimed, as I ducked under a table and ran off.
Now that we moved to Tempe, I live a mere 7 and a half miles from Lizbeth, my mom's cousin who also happens to be my only family here in Arizona. Liz is an amazing host, and she didn't disappoint on this 4th of July.
Total marathon miles: 29 miles
Sunday: San Juan 8 miles
Start Time: 5:30 am
Starting Temperature: 93 degrees
Post-run Fuel: Pancakes, bacon, and rosemary potatoes at Matt's Big Breakfast
Notes: I decided to count this toward marathon training, even though I'm a day early. I only needed to do 5 miles, so I'm already kind of an over-achiever.
Tuesday: Running for Brews 5-miler
Start Time: 7:00 pm
Starting Temperature: 103 degrees
Post-run Fuel: Strawberry Bottle Rocket beer
Notes: Upon moving to Tempe, I urgently shopped around for running clubs. I enjoy running alone, but I knew I would need some social motivation, especially when the truly long runs kicked in. Running for Brews is the first club I tried out a few weeks ago. They have weekly themes, this one being "Red, White, and Brew" in honor of the upcoming 4th of July holiday. Most runners in this group run 3 miles, but there's a 5-miler group that I joined this week. And afterwards everyone has beer.
Craig: "I get the feeling you'll be drinking a lot of beer during marathon training."
Wednesday: Aravaipa 3-miler
Start Time: 6:30 pm
Starting Temperature: 99 degrees
Post-run Fuel: Orange Bomb beer and potato chips
Notes: My first run with this trail-running group. I went with the super-duper fun group, which was a little too "fun" (slow) for me, but that's okay. My goal was to stay on track without getting lost and twisting an ankle. Mission: accomplished. I also met someone from the TLC hiking group, who of course knows friend Jill, thus continuing to support my "7 degrees of separation from Jill Diamond" theory. Finally, I've learned quickly that running groups in this area seem to really really like group pictures.
Friday: Tempe Town Lake 3-mile loop
Start Time: 8:00 am
Starting Temperature: 90 degrees
Post-run Fuel: Cereal
Notes: I love that I can run around a lake on a regular basis.
Saturday: 7 1/2 miles to Liz's, with some detours to make it a 10-miler
Start Time: 5:30 am
Starting temperature: 89 degrees
Post-run Fuel: Liz's homemade french toast, bacon, and raspberry lemonade
Notes: Getting to Liz's was easy, but getting out of Tempe was no small feat. Tempe Town Lake hosts a fireworks show, and the park was already starting to close off. I entered the park without any issue, but then got stuck trying to get out a mile down the path. I finally found an exit, blocked by long folding tables. There was a man standing guard. As I arrived at the tables, the man scolded a couple of teenagers trying to enter. "I'm just trying to leave!" I politely proclaimed, as I ducked under a table and ran off.
Now that we moved to Tempe, I live a mere 7 and a half miles from Lizbeth, my mom's cousin who also happens to be my only family here in Arizona. Liz is an amazing host, and she didn't disappoint on this 4th of July.
Total marathon miles: 29 miles
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