Running Recently

Surprise…I have a RACEDAY coming up! I feel like I’m always getting entries into half marathons at the last minute. One of these days I’ll actually sign up in advance, but once again, I now have a half on Saturday! I won an entry into the Griffith Park Half Marathon from Fit and Awesome. I’m SO PUMPED. I don’t have too much information on it, but I do know it’s all on trails. I thought there would be a million hills because it’s basically in the mountains, but in the interview on that blog, the race organizer says it’s a perfect intro to trail running and relatively flat. Still, I’m pretty sure I’m not prepared for what’s in store. But I know it’ll be really fun. Brendan and I, along with some friends (YES WE FINALLY HAVE FRIENDS) actually went on a hike at Griffith Park once that I thought was going to be 3-4 miles but ended up being about 10. There’s so many miles of trails there. Still, the views of LA are gorgeous and I can’t WAIT to be back there running my 11th half.

Some recent runs:

Redondo Beach St. Patrick’s Day 5K: I had been on an unintentional racing hiatus but while doing some wine-fueled research a couple weeks ago I found a bunch of local races. So, I ran a 5K last Sunday! It was one of the most beautiful races in which I’ve ever participated.

I realllllly wanted to sleep in that day but somehow made it to the starting line. Everyone was decked out in green except me. I was in all black. So festive, per usual.

The race was put on by a local running store and it seemed like such a happy, fun community. It reminded me of the races in Morristown (where I used to live in NJ). I definitely want to join some group runs one of these days. As for the race…it was an out-and-back course along the ocean with a quick portion in a nearby neighborhood added on. I was super dehydrated and had a brutal side stitch in the last mile, but otherwise it was fine. I just breathed through the sharp pain and it subsided after a few minutes.

My splits were 9:02, 8:57, 8:47.

Later that day we went to watch the LA Marathon. I was so overcome with emotion. Everytime I spectate a marathon I feel like crying. Happy tears, of course! But they always sneak up on me and I’m all WHY DO I WANT TO CRY RIGHT NOW?! I’m just so inspired every single time. Anyone else?

Track Workout: I also did some speedwork that totally sucked. It was really short, thank God, because I felt like crap. I did a half-mile warmup, 3×400, and a half-mile cooldown. I always think 400s are going to feel better than 800s because they’re just quicker by nature, but NOPE. Just as bad. I was struggling and squeaked out a 1:36, 1:48, and 1:42. Lora only had 3 on my training plan and when I started I was all “I can totally do more, blah blah blah maybe I’ll go for 5 or 6”. But after 3 I was DONE. My stomach was cramping so much so I did a half-mile cool down and bolted.

Orange County Long Run: Jen invited me to run with her on a trail in Laguna Niguel, so I met her early Sunday morning. It was so fantastic to see her again! She moved here from NYC only a few months after I did, and it’s always really nice to see a familiar face. We ran 9 easy, absolutely gorgeous miles, part of which were on trails and the rest on a paved path. It was overcast when we started so it was cool and quiet. I can’t wait to go back. Plus it was so amazing to have some company! The miles ticked away SO quickly; I almost couldn’t believe it when we finished.

We went to The Deck on Laguna Beach afterwards. I ordered a fancy grilled cheese and it was pretty much the best I’ve ever had because A) it was delicious, duh and B) everything tastes amazing when you’re on the beach. Come visit me in SoCal and I’ll take you. I’m fun like that.

ALSO…the most important news of all…BRENDAN HAS BEEN RUNNING WITH ME. For the past few weeks we’ve been doing run/walk intervals for about 5 miles once a week. I’m so proud of him.

What’s up with you? How’s the running going in your ‘hood?