100 Mile December Challenge

It's been a while since I posted and decided to share my new running challenge for December. I decided to run 100 miles in a month. It may sound easy for some people that constantly run but I like to do other things besides run. I enjoy weight lifting, spinning and love boxing.

These last couple of months I haven't been training for any races so I've been lacking motivation going out and running in this cold weather. I felt like I needed to train for something or towards a goal to get me going.

It is half way through the month and I have 43 miles completed so far. I've gotten used to running in the cold and I am actually loving it now and I'm running 3 times a week.

My next goal after this month is to start training for my next marathon in April in North Carolina.

Until next time, happy running!

My Quest to 50- 11 Down 39 to go, Virginia!

MY QUEST TO 50

11 Down and 39 to Go!

Virginia Beach Half Marathon 13.1 Miles

August 31, 2014

This Labor Day weekend I completed my 11^th state race toward my goal of 50 states. This was my 17^th half marathon overall since I started running in 2009.  I still have a ways to go to get to my 50 states but slowly but surely. This may be my last state for the year because it can get costly overtime, well maybe. I have my eye on another destination but we shall see.

The race weekend started off with a mile on the sand race on Saturday which at first seemed like a fun idea but was tough, I guess takes getting used to running on the sand. I reconnected with a HS friend because of our love of running and racing, we planned this race together. 

 

     

 

On race day Sunday we had to get shuttled to the race start, as soon as I left the hotel I knew it was going to be a tough run, it was already very humid about 90% and the sun wasn’t even out yet. Throughout the race it got warmer and was very humid, in my mind I thought I can set a personal record but with the weather my body wasn’t having it. I jumped into every sprinkler and misting station that was available throughout the 13.1 miles  course and I was soaked from sweat and water by the time I finished. As I turned the corner for the last few feet on the boardwalk I couldn’t see the finish line, it was so far and I couldn’t wait till it was over. Overall I finished with a decent time 1:52:57, that’s with some walking in between because the heat was just brutal. After the race I picked up my cool bottle opener medal iced my knees and hit the beach, the cool water felt so refreshing on my feet and legs post race, I wish I can jump into the ocean after every race.

So now I have 39 more states to go, I have a few in mind I would like to do but not sure when it will happen. The few I have in mind are Georgia, Arizona, San Diego, and Seattle. I guess I can look over my budget and do some future planning.  In the meantime I will be doing my next local race in the Bronx on September 28; I will be representing my borough and the Latinas in Motion that day.

Until next time, Happy Running!

My Quest to 50- Virginia Beach, VA

                                               MY QUEST TO 50

 

10 DOWN 40 TO GO

 

AUGUST 31, 2014

 

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA

Today makes one month till my next half marathon and my next state in Virginia. This will be my 17th half marathon, wow who would have thought 17, I guess I should celebrate and perhaps make my 20th at another state, definitely something to plan.

My last half marathon was in Colorado which was good not great, the trail running wasn't so much prepared for and the altitude of course had to adapt to but I'm happy I did it.

I have a month to go in my training and I need to get in the last of my long runs, so far only have gotten to 8 miles and need to add some more mileage.  I have 2 small races before my Virginia Beach race in the next couple of weeks so that will be incorporated into my training.

I also have to break in my new sneakers, I had to switch brands recently, I've been an avid Mizuno user but their last model they made differently and I didn't get the support that I needed and my feet took a toll with those sneakers. I made the switch to Saucony so hopefully they will be nicer to me and carry me through my races.

Until next time, Happy Running!!

My Quest to 50- Colorado 10 Down 40 to Go!

MY QUEST TO 50

 10 DOWN 40 TO GO

DENVER, COLORADO

JULY 12, 2014

                             HALF MARATHON (13.1 MILES)

 

This past weekend I completed my 10^th State (Colorado) on my Quest to Running 50 States.  This was my 16^th Half Marathon since I started running in 2009.

            

The race was mostly flat and started out in Central Park Denver, when I started I thought maybe I started out too fast but had trouble with the altitude and the breathing part. I spoke to some runners on the course and the out of towners or the locals still have trouble getting adjusted to the altitude. The course also started out on pavement then went onto trails which I was not used to at all. I’ve ran on the reservoir in Central Park before in NY but this was rocky, muddy and lots of uneven ground so I had to slow my pace significantly. My timing wasn’t the greatest but I am happy I completed the race and had my love high five me at the finish line which was awesome.

Was great visiting Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs where I was born and was absolutely beautiful being up in the mountains and seeing all the red rocks and snowcapped mountains was great.

            

 

My next state and Half Marathon will be in Virginia Beach!

Until next time Happy Running!

MY QUEST TO 50- DENVER, COLORADO

MY QUEST TO 50

 

9 DOWN 41 TO GO

JULY 12, 2014

                                       HALF MARATHON (13.1 Miles)

In one month I will be on my way to Denver to fulfill another race towards my quest to running 50 states.  Denver, Colorado will be my 10^th state and my 16^th Half Marathon. I still amaze myself on how I’ve done 16 half marathons and only started running in 2009. Not sure how my body will react to the high altitude and running in thinner air but I’m just excited to be running there.

Colorado has been on my bucket list to visit, you ask why there, why not Europe or someplace exotic where people usually plan their bucket list. I was born in Colorado Springs and left at the age of 2. My dad was stationed there in the Army that’s how I ended up being born there. At the age of 2 you don’t leave with many memories so it’s a place I’ve wanted to go back to.

So along with my race I will be going to Colorado Springs where I was born and go visit Pikes Peak and visit the Rocky Mountains and take it the beauty of Colorado.

Here are a list of states I’ve ran already

·         Las Vegas, Nevada

·         New York, New York

·         Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

·         New Orleans, Louisiana

·         Hartford, Connecticut

·         Providence, Rhode Island

·         Long Branch, New Jersey

·         Wilmington, Delaware

·         Washington, DC –I know not a state but I’m counting it ha

My Quest to 50- Brooklyn Half Marathon (13.1)

My Quest to 50

 

9 Down 41 to Go!

 

 

Brooklyn Half Marathon (13.1 Miles)

May 17, 2014

 

This weekend I ran the Brooklyn Half Marathon, this was my 15^th Half Marathon and I ran a personal best which I am still in shock. With my knee hurting the last few months and not as much training didn’t think I would shave off 3 minutes and 14 seconds off of last year’s time.  My time was 1 hour and 49 minutes and 10 seconds, although for some may not seem that fast it was for me and I’m so happy and feel amazed. At times I still shock myself on what my body and my mind can do. A lot of times it’s how bad you want it and when I started the race didn’t think I would beat my own personal best but I did.

The race was an early start at 7am; it was a bit chilly and was shivering the first mile or so. I did start out fast which they say not to when racing, you need to pace yourself but I kept going and felt good. I thought of pacing myself once I got into Prospect Park around mile 4 but again I still felt good so kept going. By the time I hit Ocean Parkway around mile 7 I was at 58minutes which that’s the time I need to be at to beat my time. The course on ocean parkway can get a bit boring it’s just a straight road that leads to Coney Island. By mile 11 I was hitting my wall; the bottom of my foot was bothering felt a blister coming on and I was just wanted it to be over with. Mile 12 you can see Coney Island at a distance which is where the race finishes so kept pushing for it. Running onto the boardwalk was not that great, it was a small ramp and we had to squeeze in and run up to get on the boardwalk. By time I got on the boardwalk I see the finish line but couldn’t really pick up the pace because there was sand on the boardwalk and it felt slippery to me so I just ran to finish line put my hands up that I was done. I looked at my watch and it said 1:49 but I wasn’t sure how accurate it was being that I started my watch early so waited for the results and I saw that I beat my time and I was so happy and proud. I don’t know how I did it because I didn’t follow any training plan, when my knee hurt I didn’t run and at times I ran once or twice a week.

My next new challenge for June is the Spartan race, I’ve done a mud run but nothing as challenging as Spartan. I am doing the sprint which is a 5K in Tuxedo, NY and then Rugged Maniac also in June.  I will then be working towards my 10^th state with a half marathon in Denver in July which I’m super excited about.

 

P.S. KT Tape is the awesome, I used it to wrap my knee and my knee felt great throughout the race.

Until next time Happy Running!

MY QUEST FOR 50-Brooklyn 5/17/14

MY QUEST TO 50

9 Down and 41 to Go!

Brooklyn Half Marathon (13.1 Miles)

May 17, 2014

 

Today makes exactly one month till my next half marathon in Brooklyn. This race will be my 15^th half marathon. Although this is not a state race I will use it as a training run for my next state which is Denver, Colorado in July my 10^th State.

 

Do I feel ready for this Brooklyn half, so far yes and knee is feeling better than it did for Delaware back in March when I only had 4 days of training. I just have to listen to my body and take care of my knee and continue to wear my brace. I’ve already done my 10 miles and will be aiming to get up to 11-12 miles then taper down until the race.

The course itself isn’t too bad starts in Prospect Park and the first 6 miles or so are done in the park and then Ocean Parkway all the way to Coney Island which is pretty flat and not very scenic. No matter what I still like the thrill of the race and competing against myself and how much I can push myself.

 

Until next time, Happy Running!

 

 

 

9 Down 41 to Go on My Quest for 50

MY QUEST TO 50

9 Down and 41 to Go!

Delaware Half Marathon 13.1 Miles

March 23, 2014

 

So I completed my 9^th State Delaware a couple of weeks ago. This was my 15^th Half Marathon since I first started to run in 2009. I was hesitant at first to run this race because I was sidelined due to a knee injury so with my lack of training I didn’t feel l can finish it. A few days before the race I decided what the heck and let me just get it over with. This was my mentality just to get it over with, with maybe 4 or 5 days of training, yes said days not weeks of training. I was not confident at all.

The day of the race I got ready like I normally do and prepped as any normal race day with the exception of putting on a knee brace just to keep it secure. As I started I felt ok still thinking about the knee and being cautious. I was feeling good, ran with some friends so it was a good distraction for me.

I didn’t wear my fuel belt which wasn’t a good idea the water stations were so far apart and I usually take a sip every 10 to 15minutes.  Around mile 6 I had to adjust the brace felt it slipping, felt a minor ache but nothing to make me stop. Then mile 7, 8, 9 and up to mile 13 all hills, ughhhhh. I’m usually ok with hills but due to lack of training these hills kicked my butt. Right before mile 12 I looked at my watch and saw that I can make the under 2 hour mark which I wasn’t planning at all. I told my friend next to me after the grunting from him and a few other people around me which was pretty funny we can make it. We decided to book it to the finish line until I saw yet another hill and it slowed me down. I saw the finish line and sped up again and made it at 1:59:44. Not my best time but not my worst. So happy I did it and now just 41 more states to go.

My next state planned is Colorado in July and then I will be 10 on my Quest for 50.

Until next time, Happy Running!

 

 

 

MY QUEST FOR 50- DELAWARE 4 WEEKS AWAY

MY QUEST TO 50

8 Down and 42 to Go!

4 Weeks till Delaware Half Marathon 13.1 Miles

3/23/14

 

 

 

With 4 weeks away till my first half marathon of the year my knee has been cranky. I ran 5 miles this past Saturday but there was a bit of pain before my legs warmed up. I felt like the tin man needing some oil. Since then I have yet to run and getting a bit nervous with 2 races coming up, a 5k (3miles) next weekend and my half marathon in 4 weeks. I decided to cross train and rest my knee from running. I tried spinning which felt ok and will do elliptical and rowing machine just to keep the cardio going.

I’m hoping knee will be better this weekend and I can run again. What I have learned the last few years since I started running is listen to your body. If you need to take a week off from running even if you have a race coming up so be it. Better to rest then injure yourself more.

My race next week will be the Washington Heights Shamrock, Salsa and Blues formerly called Coogan’s. This is one of my favorite races although hilly it’s a different course instead of the usual Central Park. This race takes place in Washington Heights and runs up to Fort Tyron Park and back down which till this day I have ran through that park 3 times and have yet to visit on a regular day.

On March 23^rd I will be running in Delaware my 9^th State and my 14^th Half Marathon. 14^th Half Marathon sounds crazy for someone that just started running back in 2009. I remember the first day I ran outdoors it was a hot August day and just running one mile was tough for me and I just set a goal every time I went out there until one day 6 mile loop around Central Park become a norm and that’s when I became a runner.

I can tell you I do have a love/hate relationship with running. The aches I get here and there or the early morning race starts, so not a morning person but then when I line up in my corral and get ready to start I start to love it all over again.

Oh and be safe out there with all the snow we have been getting not safe to run in the snow or ice. I was lucky that the roads were clear on my run Saturday.

Until next time, Happy Running!



My Quest for 50- Delaware

MY QUEST FOR 50

8 Down and 42 to Go!

9 Weeks till Delaware Half Marathon 13.1 Miles

 

This is my first blog for the New Year, so far I’ve had one race a 10k (6.2 miles) last week and just started running consistently after a little break over the holidays.  I am still on my quest to run 50 states which is taking some time but I know I will get there eventually. These races do cost money and travel even more money so no matter how long it takes I will finish my 50 states.

So far I’ve completed 8 states (Nevada, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Florida and Philadelphia).

My next state will be Delaware in 9 weeks and I will be running a Half Marathon 13.1 miles. I just started consistently training and working my way back to 3 times a week running with one long run. It’s always good to give your body a break and do some cross training. This winter so far has been very cold so have to get out there and run I can even if it’s just to get a few miles in.

 

Until next time, Happy Running!