Two Crummy Runs and a Redemption

If you've been following along lately, you'll know that training has been going well for the Naples Half Marathon on Martin Luther King Day weekend, and I was starting to feel really optimistic about the race.  [My awesome Uncle John even shot me an e-mail suggesting I might be able to race it in under 2 hours, although unfortunately I think that might still be out of reach for this race].  But if you've been following along more than just lately, you might also know that I vote for cold in terms of favorite temperature to run in.  So I guess it shouldn't have come as a shock that running in Florida wouldn't be as swell as my last two long runs were in NYC's cool December weather, but somehow it still was.

How could you complain about spending Christmas here, right?

Unconventional Advice that Actually Worked!

At the start of this weekend I planned to try to build some strength and endurance by running my long run through the hills of Central Park.  I was hoping to get to 10 miles, but as long as I surpassed my 8 from last week that was going to be enough.  But then a funny thing happened that changed my plans.  I texted my friend Cam, to see if I could have a phone date with her later in the week to go over some ideas I had for continuing my race training.  Cam went from about a 2:15 half to sub 2 hrs in just 3 halfs, so I was interested in her opinion.  Our text convo altered my plan for the weekend.  

Free goody?

No workout for me tonight - most Thursdays just making it through airport security, the taxi line, and traffic back home feels like enough of a workout in itself!

But...I am entering for a free sparkly running headband over at Crazy Running Girl's blog tonight.  Click on the hypertext to enter for a chance to win one yourself!  Good luck :)

Rock On

Head's up Happy Feet: Register for a Rock 'n' Roll Marathon event today & save $20!

Click Here to link to the site for you $20 off!

Posting this news at 11:30PM doesn't really give you that so much time to sign up - alas, the joys of working bummer hours  - hopefully it at least helps someone out!!

Keep Calm and Run Along

With the weeks ticking by and my work hours still keeping me at the office until the wee hours of the morning  far too often, I was beginning to panic about the upcoming Naples Half Marathon.  Was this going to be another Brooklyn?

But then I got to Naples for Thanksgiving and thought, you know what?  You are where you are and you have a little over 8 weeks left to make the best of it.  I got out the calendar and realized that if I started at 4 miles that very next day - whether or not I was over my head cold - I could add on one mile per week and end at exactly 13 on race week and suddenly my hope was restored.

Wouldn't hanging out here relax your nerves, too?

Great Holiday Gifts for the Runner in Your Life

Any running-related goodies under that tree?

Sure, anyone can head to a local sports or running specialty shop or website and pick up some great spandex sweat gear for the runner in their life - and [especially given the price of all of those fabulous little spandex numbers] your runner will probably love it.  But in case you're worried about purchasing shorts that will ride up on their runs or another top that they already have, check out my running themed holiday gift selections below for some unique suggestions.