The Thrill of Victory!

I know that the chips runners wear for NY Road Runner races allow instant time tracking, but it was still a surprise to hear my name and my time announced over the loud speaker as I crossed the finish line in today's Gay Pride race. What a thrill! (And I loved the rainbow ice pops that were handed out at the finish - what a wonderful treat on a hot day!)

Saturday's Race

I'll be running in the Front Runners New York Lesbian and Gay Pride Run - I picked up my materials after a pretty good run in Central Park today.

I'm going to try to work at least weekly sessions of yoga or Pilate's into my workout routine. Today was my first attempt. I couldn't manage all of the positions yet, but I'll continue at it. Many of the women who have the lean look I'd love, swear by these slow, stretching moves... so I'll see if it works for me.

Three Miles at Last!

Whenever I've been ready to run lately, it has been raining (and as mentioned below, I hate to run in the rain), so it felt good to get my three miles in this morning before the showers came. Apparently, we are on track to have the rainiest June ever, so this not just my imagination!

Rain, rain, go away!

I had planned my weekly long run for today so was bummed to see all the rain this morning. Am waiting it out to see if things get better - I hate to run in the rain!

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

I've had knee problems ever since I picked up my mileage for a 10-mile race 5 years ago. Recently I learned from a magazine article that I am prone to this pain and stiffness around the kneecap because I'm a women and I run slowly -- who knew? Apparently, women's knees are more likely to fall out of alignment and the pain intensifies at slower speeds (there's less range of motion, and thus more demand on a smaller area of the joint). So what to do? Apparently, if I strengthen more quads, hamstrings and glutes (with squats and lunges) it will help stabilize my kneecap. Or I could just run faster...

With the marathon more than a year away, with the heat of the summer, and with a sense of general ennui, I haven't been running as much as I should. I know I'll pick things up in the fall, when I will be training for most of the nine races that I need to complete my nine NYRR events for guaranteed marathon entry. But until then, laziness seems to reign supreme...

Recovery

I ran hard yesterday and was a bit sore afterward, so it's a good thing that today is a scheduled recovery day. I'll just be going for a vigorous walk and perhaps will do some stretching and floor work.

Female Pride

Today's race, the New York Mini 10K, was an exhilarating and exuberant celebration of how far women's running has come since the race started in 1972. As I walked south on Central Park West toward the starting point, it was exciting to see all the family and friends lined up with signs and balloons to cheer on the runners. There were thousands of us in the field -- as opposed to less than a hundred on that first race day 38 years ago. A major street was closed down for us and the police were out in force in motorcycles to get us started. A flatbed truck crowded with photographers led the runners.

While I enjoyed the diversity of last week's race (with runners of all shapes, sizes, ages, etc. from middle school track teams to golden agers), the field this week made up in flair what it lacked in variety. I especially loved the two-toned sequined baseball hat atop the color-coordinated outfit worn by a "woman of a certain age." And pink was everywhere (including on the carnations we received at the end of the race).

I didn't do as well time-wise as I might have liked. But even though the course took me twice as long as the winner (who gave birth 5 months ago!), I was proud to be out and running with the ladies!

Running in the Rain

I really need to get out today, but rain is forecasted for most of the morning and afternoon. So it looks like there is no escaping running in the rain -- bummer!

Race Day Preparation

Now that I'll be running weekend races on a regular basis, it's a good idea to think about using each race as a test of what works and what doesn't for marathon morning. Here are some things to consider:

• when, where and what to eat;
• the clothing I'll wear before, during and after the race (including an extra layer for early morning miles that is easily taken off and either tossed or kept on hand);
• my fuel and hydration plan (check the race map to know what is offered at fueling and water stations where, and if/how I will supplement) remembering that a sign of appropriate hydration is pale yellow urine: too dark indicates dehydration while clear means I should cut back on the fluids;
• check the weather forecast and think about special items (rain gear? sunglasses?);
• my goal time and pace;
• what I've eaten the night before (best is simple, easily to digest carbs and proteins) and how it affected my performance;
• plan recovery, starting right when I cross the finish line (foods, fuel, how to combat soreness);
• the question of when to consume my caffeine: before might give me a boost, but may lead to faster digestion and hence mid-race discomfort; after is a treat to look forward to and may help recovery.

Next Race

Sunday's race went great. It felt wonderful to be out and running with thousands of others. Next Sunday will bring another, albeit longer, race. The season has really begun!