Training – Page 4 – East Coast Appetite

Base Building 2021, Week 4

January 27, 2021January 27, 2021Posted in Running, TrainingTagged 10 Miles, 5K, distance running, RowHouse, RunningLeave a comment

Monday 1/18: RowHouse 45 minute workout.

Tuesday 1/19: Easy 30 minute treadmill run for 2.5 miles.

Wednesday 1/20: Workout Wednesday, as per Stryd plan. 16 minutes of intervals (1 minute on, 1 minute off) nested in a 1 mile warm up and 1 mile cool down. I set up a Stack of Peloton running videos but didn’t preload them onto the iPad and they wouldn’t stream on the iffy connection I had so I just listened to random Spotify playlists.

Thursday 1/21: Easy 30 minute treadmill run for 2.4 miles. I had some Peloton outdoor runs preloaded on my phone and listened to those. Then 45 minute RowHouse in the PM. I hit my 2 minute meter PR, which was very cool.

Friday 1/22: 45 minute spin which was great to loosen up the legs. I didn’t push as hard as last time and decided not to also do a run because I’m not ready for multiple double workout days in a row (aside from post-run yoga).

Saturday 1/23: 2.2 treadmill miles to a Peloton 30 minute ‘outdoor’ run with Adrian. Stryd has been dictating my power output for these (more to come in a future post) and it’s frustrating to go so slow sometimes, but I think it will be worth it as my run frequency and duration build up. Trying to up my patience here.

Sunday 1/24: This was supposed to be a long run. I signed up for the PPTC Cherry Tree 10 Mile Virtual Race and am planning to run it with a friend mid-February. After 6.3 miles last week, I wanted to take on 7-8 this week. Then I felt kind of under the weather and figured better safe than sorry.

Total: Barely cracked 10 miles. Skipped long run. Fighting off cold (I have my flu shot and the first shot of the Covid vaccine at least). Better luck next week? It’s definitely time to extend my daily easy runs to 40+ minutes so that my long runs aren’t 50% of my weekly mileage.

Base Building 2021, Week 3

January 18, 2021January 18, 2021Posted in Running, TrainingTagged 10 Miles, 5K, distance running, RunningLeave a comment

Monday 1/11: 4 easy miles on the treadmill, mostly listening to The Weeknd but also a 10 minute Peloton long run warmup.

Tuesday 1/12: 1.6 miles/20 minutes easy on the treadmill (Peloton Hip Hop run with Robin). Current easy pace as per heart rate and Stryd is like 12 minute miles. As I’ve said before, no use getting my ego involved.

Then I got my first Covid vaccine shot (yay!) and my arm was sore that evening and the next morning.

Wednesday 1/13: Rest day. I timed a one-mile walk/run/stop/sprint we did with Herbie and we got it under 19 minutes for once. Girl loves to stop a lot and try to play with other dogs and sniff things.

Thursday 1/14: RowHouse 45 minutes with lots of body weight and 5 pound dumbbells for the arm parts

Friday 1/15: 1.6 miles treadmill to a Peloton run with Becs, plus a 10 minute warmup exercise and 5 minute cool down stretch.

Saturday 1/16: Rest day (unplanned; was going to do strength workout or easy short run but my right hammy was complaining).

Sunday 1/17: 6.3 mile long run, which is my longest since November 1st. I’m now planning to do the PPTC Cherry Tree 10 Mile (virtually) in Central Park mid-February so am trying to build my long runs to that on top of the Stryd 5K plan for early April. I realize that kind of long run could set me up nicely for a spring half marathon, but I’m not sure I’m ready to tackle that mentally or with my weekday runs. I’m also not signing up for any NYRR races for a while and will try to support smaller orgs putting on races, virtual or otherwise. I’m also going to choose not to get any medals or swag for races for a while because I simply have too many. I love that PPTC is letting us do the race only for $15 and then have the $30 option for medal and swag. Honestly, having in-unit separate washer and dryer means I can just always wash my favorite stuff again (Lululemon Fast and Frees, Tracksmith Harrier longsleeves) and am only using 20% or less of my running wardrobe.

I wish I looked this cute when I’ve just woke up from a nap

Base Building 2021, Week 2

January 12, 2021January 12, 2021Posted in Running, TrainingTagged 5K, Races, Running, Stryd, TrainingLeave a comment

Week 2 and trying to keep myself accountable. This past week was rough and I was popping CBD every night just to relax from the terrible events of Wednesday. The workouts helped for sure to release some of my anxiety and anger. And my ongoing immense jealousy over how other countries have handled the pandemic.

I found a 5K in April (in person) that I might want to train for. Not signing up yet, though. Cart, horse and all.

Monday 1/4: 2.5 treadmill miles (Peloton 30 min race prep with Becs).

Tuesday 1/5: 30 minute Peloton strength for runners with Rebecca. I used two 10 pound dumbbells but might try to up to the 12 or 15 ones next time. I’m also leveling up my kettlebells I use from 15 lbs to 20.

Wednesday 1/6: 2 mile treadmill run at easy pace (Peloton 20 min pop run with Robin). After taking most of December off due to my tight hamstring, my paces have slowed but I’m trying to keep them honest and not push too hard. Difficult for the ego but good for the body.

Thursday 1/7: 45 minute spin class and I got my caloric burn to come close to matching ones from 2019.

Friday 1/8: 45 minute RowHouse class and I hit a calorie burn PR here (but not a distance or pace PR). Lots of pushups during the time off the rower.

Saturday 1/9: 2 treadmill miles, easy pace as per Stryd 5K training plan.

Sunday 1/10: 3.4 miles outside, doing a Stryd ‘time trial’. It was 10 minute warm up, a few little pick-up intervals, then 10 minutes hard at critical power, then 10 minutes cool down. I took the easy parts too hard and struggled to keep up the full 10 minutes at a push pace. But it felt good to run outside since it was 40 degrees and sunny. I overdressed and was dripping sweat at the end, especially from my elbows. I did my weekly Yoga for Runners class at 11am so my run was much later. Ideally I would have done the run prior to yoga but puppy care duties took precedence.

Total: 9.5 miles running, 1 yoga class, 1 spin class, 1 RowHouse class, and 1 strength session.

I have no good food photos lately, just puppy photos so they will have to do.

Base Building 2021, Week 1

January 6, 2021January 12, 2021Posted in Running, TrainingTagged Peloton, RowHouse, Running, Training, Yoga2 Comments

New year, new me! No, I’m just kidding. But there is something about the calendar changing and getting a new planner that inspires me to revisit the past calendar year, reflect on my goals and accomplishments (such an Enneagram 3), and set new goals. I also like to kick off every New Year’s Day with a workout to help set the tone. Last year was hot yoga, this year (like most) was a run. I also like to spend at least an hour doing the whole intentional reflecting thing.

After taking off most of December with an abnormally tight and painful right hamstring, I’ve been working to do a lot more strength training and more routine yoga, plus regular stretching and using my Theragun daily. I’d love to actually post in here more, both for accountability and because it should scratch the itch for some kind of running/fitness log since my workout history is split among Strava, Stryd, Apple workouts, and Peloton. I give myself little stickers in my planner calendar as well, but enjoy the idea of streamlining and actually posting here weekly. So let’s give it a try. I have no race to train for but am still toying with the idea of a virtual 5K or 10K in the spring.

Week of December 28, 2020 – January 3, 2021:

12/28: Peloton Glutes and Legs Strength class.

12/29: Peloton bodyweight strength.

12/30: RowHouse Signature for 45 minutes. I ‘leveled up’ to using the 5 pound weights for arm exercises instead of the 3 pounds.

12/31: Peloton Bodyweight strength.

1/1: 2.8 mile treadmill run using a Peloton ‘marathon training’ class. Then 2 mile hike with the pup in the afternoon.

1/2: Peloton Strength for Runners workout. I added heavier weights since I’ve been doing dedicated strength work the last few weeks.

1/3: Zoom yoga for runners for 50 minutes. Herbie (our Corgi puppy) loves to chew on my yoga towel and peed on it the previous week, so we tried to keep her entertained.

Virtual Relay Week Rundown

September 29, 2020September 28, 2020Posted in NYC, Running, TrainingTagged virtual relayLeave a comment

So back in August I signed up for the Womxn Run the Vote virtual relay from Oiselle to benefit Black Voters Matter. I joined a team with my PPTC teammates, many of whom are scattered around the US. We’re virtually covering the ground from the MLK Jr National Historic Site in Atlanta (which I ran by 3/1/20 during the Atlanta Half) to Washington DC, split up among a team of 20. This should be about 34 miles per person, which I haven’t hit since late March. I did a build up into the low-medium mileage territory in August and early September (with a few days focused on hiking in Acadia early September). We’re allowed to log other activities into the relay, including walks, bike rides, and time spent playing sports. Let’s see how it went down (I think I stole this line verbatim from Chelsea).

Monday: I wanted to kick things off right, so I got in 5.1 miles at a mostly easy pace. Plus walking to a coffee shop that was closed for the day (sigh).

Tuesday: Recovery run pace of 4.4 miles since my legs were already pretty zonked. Lots of TheraGun time and stretching.

Wednesday: 1 of the elevators in our building is down and the wait for the other ones is just too much during busy times so I took the stairs up twice. I also did a 45 minute RowHouse Signature class, which was about 35 minutes on the erg and 10 minutes doing circuits of bodyweight and small hand weight exercises. I’m hoping to upgrade from the 3 pound weights to the 5 pound weights for more of these soon.

Thursday: I had planned to run but my legs were still tired so took the day off. More Theragun and stretching.

Friday: 3 miles easy in the AM, then extra humid walking around later.

Saturday: Surprise lazy day (had planned for a quick morning run). Went to a winery for some live music and outdoor drinking.

Sunday: 4 mile Citibike ride, then 6 mile running loop of Central Park with Gabby. So humid! Lots of walking around prior and after. We got Zucker’s Bagels on the UWS and listened to live jazz outside.

For the relay, we did pretty darn well as a team! I made exactly the recommended contribution but some people went above and beyond.

What’s next? I finally signed up for a virtual race; my club’s usual 5 mile Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving. I have my route planned out and am hoping to get it done nice and early. I would like to try to take down my 5K or 10K PRs this year since they are from August 2017 and April 2018, respectively. I might wear both watches and stop one at the 5 mile mark for the Turkey Trot then continue for another 1.2 miles to get a 10K attempt if things are going well. NYCRuns is having actual races on Randall’s Island and I’m kind of tempted by the Halloween Haunted Island 5K, but logistically it might make more sense to cobble together something virtual.

August 2020 Eats & Workouts

September 1, 2020September 1, 2020Posted in ClassPass, Food, Running, Tennis, TrainingTagged ClassPass, NYC, Running, Tennis, Trail Race, Virtual RaceLeave a comment

This has been a month of increased fitness activity overall and a slow return to running after a couple months mostly off. After a late July move, I’ve had access to a few forms of fitness I was lacking: tennis courts, an erg, and a spin bike. I joined Peloton (but do not have one of their bikes) and have loved having it for rides and am starting to explore their strength and HIIT content.

Up to now, I’ve only raced 1 virtual race this year, back in late May, and ran it with a mask on and 2 minutes slower than my 5K PR. I’m hoping to tackle some old PRs this fall either on the track or on a flattish course. I’m thinking 5K and 10K as my softest and some of my oldest PRs (August 2017 for 5K on a hilly course and April 2018 for 10K on a good course but a warm day). I’m also tempted to finally try a trail race; it’s virtual but the course is technically available to run at your own time. I bought some Nike Wildhorse 6’s on a friend’s recommendation and am excited to try them out. Hopefully some virtual race reports to come!

I really miss ClassPass and all of the boutique fitness studios I used to frequent in NYC that have been closed since March. I sort of bopped around to a bunch of them and never took the same classes (or even instructors) enough to fully get into the community vibe that a lot of regulars seem to get, but I still liked the energy. For a couple of years now, I had drafted a post with a list of all my favorite spin, barre, strength, etc studios that I had visited. I really hope they’re all eventually open to reopen safely.

After taking off the hottest months from intense baking and cooking, I’m also back at that as well! A few recent experiments below.

I made pork and kale dumplings and am trying to really nail down my folding technique

acdd4b71-e512-47f4-9056-df109af053f6 — I made a nectarine and blueberry galette (my rustic dough and folding technique sprung some leaks)

New York Botanical Garden is open with timed tickets and so peaceful

April Running – The Month That Wasn’t

May 12, 2020May 11, 2020Posted in Cooking, Desserts, Food, NYC, Running, Training5 Comments

So after running my highest mileage ever in March (such consistency), my running totally fell off the rails in April. (Remote) work ramped up, the weather sucked, and my desire to get out of the apartment with a facial covering on and avoid people was not there. It gave me some time to think about why I just like the act of running and not necessarily the ‘training’ for a race or trying to hit a PR. In all likelihood, I might try to train for a virtual race PR in June for the 5K (or the mile), but it also felt good to have less pressure on myself to follow a strict training plan when I was also working longer hours than usual (though without a commute) and dogsitting over the weekends. Things have let up a bit in May, that’s for sure, so I’m getting back outside and running a tick more mileage. Some weeks are only 2-3 runs and others are 5, but none are very long anymore.

I have spent so much of my mental energy and brief time outside on the acquisition of food, then cooking and baking said food at home. I’ve kept up with my Meal Planning spreadsheet and added a tab to better capture what we actually have in the pantry, freezer, and fridge (also using the Out of Milk app for grocery list and knowing how much we have of certain ingredients).

I also did a thorough listing and categorization of all my cookbooks since most are hardcover but some are on my Kindle and were sort of out of sight, out of mind. This is absolutely my idea of fun.

Like everyone else, I’ve been feeding my sourdough starter and re-growing my scallions. We’ve been taking on somewhat more complicated cooking projects because we now have time on weekdays and weeknights for things like double-frying Korean Fried Chicken, brining pork chops, marinating skirt steaks, and letting cookie dough chill in the fridge. Do I miss paying $14 for a grain bowl at Naya and eating at my desk in midtown? Sometimes. Mainly I miss the coworker camaraderie that came with it. We’ve been getting takeout of local places to help support them and avoid Seamless and their fees (and always tipping a lot).

Food photo overdrive below. Starting to wish I had a better camera, lighting, and dishes for this kind of thing.

9″x9″ tray of Banana pudding that I ate almost entirely myself over 3 days

Korean fried chicken in soy ginger garlic sauce

Bon Appetit’s shrimp scampi over linguine and broccolini

Sourdough discard pizza crust with sausage and fresh mozzerella from Faicco’s Pork Store

Weeks 1-4 of Brooklyn Half 2020(?) Training

March 31, 2020March 31, 2020Posted in NYC, Running, TrainingLeave a comment

All of this training now comes with the caveat that we don’t know yet if the 2020 Brooklyn half is still happening on 5/16 and are in fact assuming it’s not. I chose a 12-week plan and the first week happened to be race week for the Atlanta Half on 3/1. Some of this was written in the first three weeks, then I added some context later on in March once we knew more about cancellations and such.

2/24-3/1: 26.6 miles, including the Atlanta Half. I did a shakeout run with friends the day before (Olympic Marathon Trials spectating day) and we met Kara Goucher! Then after the trials, we met Meb at an Ali on the Run podcast recording.

After the half on Sunday, Gabby and I went to the Atlanta Aquarium and really enjoyed it. They have whale sharks and a bunch of other animals.

Pastrami, pulled pork, sides, and pimiento cheese dip at DBA Barbeque in Atlanta

3/2-3/8: 26.5 miles. Recovery needs were high and I was sore. I should have squeezed in a recovery run Monday while still in Atlanta, that’s for sure. When walking back from breakfast (at Atlanta Breakfast Club), we saw Molly Seidel on her own recovery run. I did mile pushes as part of speed training that Tuesday (too soon!), then took the rest of my miles easy. I did a Lululemon store group run and an International Women’s Day run. (Writing this now on 3/28; remember group runs?)

3/9-3/15: 31.1 miles, mostly solo, and mostly close to home in Central Park. I had my last day in the office 3/9, last group training workout Tuesday 3/10, then social distancing began in earnest.

3/16-3/22: The inevitable dip in morale once all March and April and early May races were cancelled. NYRR Spring Group Training was canceled before it even begun. I managed to try some form of half-hearted speed workout on Monday 3/16, but might tend toward more easy miles and an occasional tempo, assuming I am still let out of the house. I managed to get in 32.6 miles, including a 10 mile long run up the west side. I’m wary of crowds and Central Park was overflowing with people on the warm Friday, so will try some less frequented routes (again, as long as still allowed. Runners currently have Governor Cuomo’s blessing).

afb1eb55-2766-47cd-89ef-0a73251db82f — Platelet and plasma donation with Gigi

The Little Red Lighthouse under the George Washington Bridge, an NYC long run destination

3/23-3/29: 20 miles over 4 runs. Skipped the long run but did some fartlek speed work on a shorter run. Did my first online yoga class and in-apartment bodyweight workout. The weekend was rainy and we were dogsitting and honestly it was nice to not force a run. If I can still run the weekend of 4/4-4/5, then I’ll do Cherry Blossom as a virtual race. If not, then I can be pleased that my March mileage was my highest since marathon training in September 2018. (Ed. note – it will actually be a little higher than 130 miles once I run today, 3/31, and will be my highest mileage month ever. EVER.)

I made the chocolate cake and chocolate buttercream from Sally’s Baking Addiction and it was amazing. Freezes well, too!

How’s everyone doing out there? Stay well.

February Training

February 28, 2020February 28, 2020Posted in Running, TrainingTagged Half Marathon, Running, TrainingLeave a comment

I’m looking at February as a big month of base building. Just over 100 miles for the month and a push toward medium volume (for me).

2/3-2/9: 30 miles of training, finally. By only half a mile, this is my highest mileage since when I ran the NYC Marathon in November 2018. I did a trail run at South Mountain Reservation in New Jersey with a group, which was fun. It’s pretty easy to get to and just challenging enough for someone like me who loves running on trails but doesn’t yet have trail shoes with a rock plate.

Muddy from South Mountain

2/10-2/16: 12.5 miles since I moved my long run to the following Monday, President’s Day while also missing my Thursday tempo and Saturday 5-mile Open Run.

2/17-2/23: 34 miles, including the final long run. Amazing eats at Golden Unicorn, Smith & Wollensky, and The Dough Club.

2/24-2/28: x miles plus a short shakeout 2/29 before spectating the Olympic marathon trials

Next up in March: Atlanta Half 3/1, cheering the NYC Half and the UAE 10K, eating my way around Montreal, and some more trail running.

Winter Training Miscellany

February 2, 2020February 28, 2020Posted in Running, TrainingTagged distance running, NYRR Open Run, Running, Training1 Comment

I’ve been more consistent getting out there a few times a week and my long runs were going well enough in the low double digits. The lack of Polar Vortex weather has helped me get outside, plus I have treadmill access at New York Sports Club which has a ton of locations. I’m doing speed training Tuesdays and Thursdays, which is also helping.

Weekly Mileage:

January 13-19: 29 miles. This is my highest weekly mileage since April, right before my plantar fibroma ended my spring/summer season.

January 20 – 26: 21.5 miles out of a proposed 31 because I moved my long run then didn’t get it done.

January 27 – February 2: 28.6 miles, including a 4 mile race. I wanted to extend my warm up and cool down to hit 30 for the week, but was pretty beat after.

Winter/Spring race calendar so far:

February 2: NYRR Gridiron 4 Miler

February 16: 10 miles as a tuneup race

March 1: Atlanta Half

April 5: Cherry Blossom 10 Miler in DC. I’m in but need to secure accommodations and travel.

Early May: Ragnar Cape Cod May 8-9. I’m also in for Broad Street Run in Philly May 3rd since I had to defer in 2019 (and 2018, sigh). I don’t think I should race and relay three weeks in a row.

May 16: Brooklyn Half, after much agita getting in.

I’m trying to pick an actual 5K or 10K to hopefully PR, but might put those off until summer.

Eats: I’ve still been eating and cooking tasty things, but not taking a lot of pictures of them.