Charm City Living and Running

Yeah, Shuddup!

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 11:25:06 -0500

Yeah, Shuddup!

I just caught up on Glee last night and loved this song. I think...

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 13:52:00 -0500

I just caught up on Glee last night and loved this song. I think it’s time for Glee to spend more time on the kids in high school. The NYC story line is getting boring.

One Month In

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 14:55:00 -0500

Since it is the end of January, I thought I would look back at my resolutions to see how I am doing.

1. Yoga at least once a week. Check. I have been going to Bikram classes thanks to a Groupon. I really like Bikram, just not at full-price. I will need to go back to regular classes in March when my Groupon is up.

2. Weight training at least twice a week. Check. I am back into my Tuesday/Thursday morning routine and even throw in Saturday when I am in town.

3. Cook more often. Check. Seriously. Check. We have only been eating out once a week. And, now that I am cooking more often, it doesn’t stress me out as much. I found a lot of quick and easy recipes on Real Simple. Here are a few of my favorites so far.

4. Less TV and more reading. Half check. I am definitely watching less TV, but I am going to bed earlier without reading. I think I just need to find a good book to change that. Although, the extra sleep has been nice.

5. New job. Sort of. Maybe. This is in progress for now.

6. Saying No. Not yet, but I haven’t had any plans that I wanted to turn down.

So far, so good!

Racing 2013

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 15:25:00 -0500

I have figured out my tentative race schedule for this year. I am not going to be as ambitious as last year. I am keeping it simple. 13 races in 2013. No more. No less. I plan on running one race per month and then double up in December to end the year with one of my favorite races. Unlike last year, I will not be traveling a lot; most of the races will be run in Baltimore. And, I will not be spending a butt load of money either!

My first race was this past Sunday. It was a nice, low-key race out along Loch Raven reservoir, the BRRC GPS 8 miler. This is the first of the GPS races held throughout the year that you can compete against other club members in your age group.

The weather was in the mid 40’s and sunny. It was pretty perfect, but I was overdressed. The course is pretty, yet challenging with a good amount of rolling hills. There is one hill after the turn-around that is pretty steep. I just shortened my stride and kept looking ahead. Here I am coming up said hill. That may be a fake half smile.

I am pretty pleased with this race. I started out at the back because I wasn’t sure if I wanted to race it. However, by mile 3 I was feeling really good and decided to push it, without killing myself, for the last 5 miles. Results were pretty similar to last year so I consider it a race well run!

Official Time: 1:01:59

My favorite “celebrity” of the week is Governor...

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 14:15:53 -0500

My favorite “celebrity” of the week is Governor Chris Christie. The way he has represented my home state after Super Storm Sandy and called out his own party for delaying aid for those who needed it, I kind of like the guy more and more each day. If I met him, I would give him a hug…if I could get my arms around him. He is one big dude.

He posted the above video on his youtube page yesterday. Jersey. Represent!

2013 - A Few Things to Focus On

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 12:23:00 -0500

Or resolutions if you will.

1. Practice yoga at least once a week. I would like to take it twice a week, but I am being realistic here. Hopefully, if I take it more often I will get better and then actually want to go. Right now I am just doing it because I feel like I should.

2. Weight training at least twice a week. I was so good at this a few years ago, but have fallen out of the habit. With my aging body and bones, I really need to refocus on this.

3. Cutting back on eating out. The money and calories that we waste on eating out is ridiculous. This is going to require cooking, which I hate, but maybe if I cook more often, I won’t hate it as much. Maybe.

4. Less TV. This actually shouldn’t be that hard since I have sworn off Bravo (except for Top Chef - ironic since I hate to cook, I know). I intend to pick up a book earlier in the evening and read more instead.

5. Find a new job. Really no choice here as I am about to get laid off.

6. Say no. If I do not want to do something, I will not accept the invitation. Seriously. You can’t make me.

2012 - Running Rewind

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 13:24:10 -0500

2012 was the year of no more marathons, but I still managed to log many miles and run a bunch of races.

Miles run: 1461.3
Hours run: 207:25:25
Average pace: 8:31
Highest monthly mileage: December - 162
Highest weekly mileage: September 24th - 43
Longest running streak: 41 days for 217 miles
I ran in 13 states and the District of Columbia: Michigan, Virginia, Maryland, Illinois, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Ohio, Louisiana, Rhode Island, and Florida
I completed 23 races: twelve half marathons, two 15Ks, one 10 miler, one 8 miler, one 10K, one relay, one 5 miler, one 4 miler, and three 5Ks
I ran with the Back on My Feet Baltimore team: 94 days for 594.5 miles

I do not have any specific running goals for 2013. I think I will keep it that way and just see what happens. I am sure the number of races will decrease significantly since last year was a bit much, but I hope to keep the mileage about the same.

Keep running, my friends!

Twelve Months - Twelve Half Marathons

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 17:11:00 -0500

After retiring from full marathons in 2011, I needed a goal for 2012 that would motivate me to keep running, but not so much that I got injured. I can’t really remember when the idea of 12 in 12 came to me, but I know that I had signed up for most them before the end of 2011 and I made it public so I would stick with it.

I am happy to report that I completed all 12 injury free. I raced some, ran some with friends, and barely got through some others, but I did it. In the end, the Madison Mini was my favorite course of the year and the Rehoboth Beach Half was my favorite event because I was there with so many friends.

January: Cloud Snapple Half Marathon, Carderock, MD

Highs: Nice weather. Easy trail along the Potomac. Ran with the bestie.

Lows: Course was short by about a mile.

Swag: Medal was cute with a running cloud. They ran out of t-shirts before we got there.

After Party: Good soup and coffee. Real after party was a 20 minute drive to Bethesda so we skipped that.

February: Rock ‘n’ Roll St. Pete Half Marathon, St. Petersburg, FL

Highs: Super course along downtown and the water. Got to visit my family. Got to hang with a friend. Took the trip with my niece.

Lows: It was freezing at the start of the race. Mid 30’s in Florida!

Swag: Medal was huge. Great Brooks tech running shirt, but kind of a 1970’s look to it.

After Party: Celebrated with beers and music by Flo Rida. It was a fun atmosphere.

March: Rock ‘n’ Roll USA Half Marathon, Washington, DC

Highs: Met up with the bestie and my niece again. Close proximity to Baltimore. St. Patrick’s Day!

Lows: Unexpected heat wave in March. Felt like ass after 6 miles.

Swag: Medal was huge again. Great Brooks tech running shirt, but the logo on the back was to the side instead of centered. Looks weird.

After Party: Celebrated with beers and music by some band I never heard of.

April: Athletica Iron Girl Columbia Half Marathon, Columbia, MD

Highs: Met Joan Benoit Samuelson. Challenging hilly course was pretty enjoyable. Close to home. Set a new PR!

Lows: Can’t think of one.

Swag: Girlie medal. Nice tech running shirt. Some bracelet that I threw away.

After Party: Lots of food after. There may have been a band, but I can’t remember because I didn’t stick around too long since I ran solo.

May: Long Branch Half Marathon, Long Branch, NJ

Highs: Ran the entire race with my niece. Great course through small beach towns of NJ. Signed up to run this in 2013 again.

Lows: Lots of traffic to get to the start. Sunday race day far from home.

Swag: Spinning medal. Brooks tech tee with the course of the race on it.

After Party: Didn’t stick around since I had to get on the road to head back to Baltimore.

June: Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon, Purcellville, VA

Highs: Amazing course. Ran the race with a bunch of good friends from Baltimore and the bestie.

Lows: This is the worst managed race I have ever run. I gave them a second chance this year, but never again.

Swag: Huge medal that is also a wine stopper. Tech running shirt, but it’s kind of ugly. Wine Glass.

After Party: Terrific wine tasting party afterwards, but not much food (except for sale of course) and no water after you leave the finish line area.

July: Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago Half Marathon, Chicago, IL

Highs: Ran the race with good friends from Baltimore. Pretty scenic course with lots to see. Wet sponges on the course.

Lows: Sweltering hot. Very flat - could have used a couple of hills. Sunday race when I had to travel home that day.

Swag: Huge medal as usual. I liked the design of this one. Another good Brooks tech running shirt.

After Party: Didn’t stick around too long since it was so hot and we needed real food!

August: Madison Mini, Madison, WI

Highs: Fabulous course through Madison. Perfect running temps. Lots of friendly people. Visited with one of my best friends.

Lows: I got nothing. I will run this race again.

Swag: Great medal in the shape of a beer mug. My new favorite running shirt. I think I have run most of the rest of my races of 2012 in this shirt. Fits perfectly.

After Party: Great music and beer on campus along the lake.

September: BRRC NCR Half Marathon, Sparks, MD

Highs: Running along familiar territory close to home. Small field with a lot of people I know from the Road Runners club. Cheap!

Lows: Very flat course.

Swag: None. It’s only a $2.00 race.

After Party: Bagels and coffee.

October: Staten Island Half Marathon, Staten Island, NY

Highs: Very well organized race by the NYRR. Easy and free to get to start from NYC. Good amount of hills.

Lows: Low crowd support. Ran along some industrial areas that were boring.

Swag: Medal. I don’t recall getting a shirt.

After Party: Lots of food and a band playing, but I didn’t stick around since I was there solo and it was getting chilly and rainy.

November: NCR Trail Half Marathon Relay, Sparks, MD

Highs: Got to be part of a relay with one of my favorite people to run with. Familiar trail, close to home.

Lows: Felt awful after 3 miles. Just had to gut it out on a day that wasn’t going my way. Windy at times.

Swag: Medal and a great hat that has the course on it. We also received a running vest, but I could fit someone else in it with me. Gave it away to a man.

After Party: Awesome soup and hot drinks available inside. Bonus on such a chilly day.

December: Rehoboth Beach Half Marathon, Rehoboth Beach, DE

Highs: Surrounded by so many Baltimore friends! And the bestie! Nice weather too.

Lows: Some parts of the course could be boring if you don’t know a lot of people running.

Swag: Cool medal. Awesome long sleeve tech running shirt in neon pink.

After Party: Tons of food. All you can drink micro-brews. And a band playing. One of the better parties of the year. Great note to end on. I just signed up for 2013.

Half Marathon Challenge 2012 - Fini!

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 13:53:00 -0500

Finally, my last half marathon of 2012 is complete!

I drove to Rehoboth Beach last Friday afternoon to meet the bestie. This was my final half marathon of the year, so of course she would be there. This was actually the 4th half that she was going to join me for during my year-long challenge. What a pal!

Of course we had to have a few beverages and catch up. We went to The Summer House and enjoyed great happy hour prices on wine and appetizers. The “let’s not drink wine” agreement went right out on window as soon as we sat down. No big deal. Neither of us were going to win the race. The goal became, “let’s not drink too much wine” instead.

After happy hour, we went to packet pickup where we ran into Sadie and Abbie, two teammates from Christopher’s Place (Team CP). Earlier in the year, a bunch of the CP gang decided to join me in Rehoboth for the half. I made them a training plan and 14 of them set their sights on this December race. We also had an old teammate fly in from Alabama and my friend Cakes joined too. Add in friends and family that came along to cheer and we had a great showing!

After a lovely dinner and a final night cap, we headed back to the hotel and called it a night. And, it wasn’t too long before it was time to get up for the race. We lucked out with the temperature that morning. It was in the low 50’s and overcast. It was on the humid side, but for a December race, I will take it. We all gathered on the boardwalk before the race. Diane had made everyone a pin to wear that had my coach picture on it. Pretty funny! We wished each other luck and headed to the start.

This race was great. I had no expectations except to finish my 12th half marathon of the year and have some fun doing it. And I did. The course is two out-and-backs. You run from downtown Rehoboth to Henlopen and back and then out and back on a trail. Knowing so many people running the race made the experience a good one. I think I may have been a little bored if I wasn’t looking for my friends as we passed each other and if I didn’t have Abbie by my side the entire race. Giving shout outs to friends and having someone to chat with and help keep me on a pretty even pace made for a really enjoyable time.

After Abbie and I finished we cheered the rest of the gang in. Well, except for Caroline since she finished 3rd female overall and Claire because she is stinking fast too. It was great to watch everyone come in and knowing that many of them were beating their goal times. We had a total count of 8 PRs that day. Not too shabby, ladies!

This race throws a great after party. Free beer and food and a live band. A few of us stuck around for a while and watched the awards since we knew Caroline was going to be called. Abbie ended up 3rd in her age group too. The rest of the day was spent in pubs and shopping and then back to pubs. I am looking forward to next year!

Time: 1:46:42

Overall: 130/857

Female: 40 / 536

AG: 9/99

NEXT UP: Recap of my 2012 Half Marathon Challenge

Practice What You Preach

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 13:38:50 -0500

My first experience working with the homeless population came in the late 80’s in Philadelphia. I volunteered through the Campus Ministry to hit the streets on Sunday nights to hand out food and shelter information. It was a little scary on the dark streets in center city, but we worked in teams and the grateful men and women I served week after week made it well worth it.

One important lesson that we were taught during orientation was to never give money to these men and women. We were there to give them food and information regarding where to go to get more help and shelter. Some thought the money would be spent on alcohol and drugs. Others thought that our money wasn’t going to help, real assistance was needed. Whatever the reason, the message was clear. And, it is one that I still abide by. Give your time, not your money.

After college I continued to volunteer when I moved to DC. I would sort donations and serve meals at shelters. I wasn’t out on the street, but I was still giving my time to those who sought it. When I moved to Baltimore, I was saddened by how many homeless I encountered on a daily basis. It is a huge crisis in the city that I now call home.

I was lucky to find Back on My Feet (BoMF) where I could serve the homeless community in a capacity which I love, through running. This has been the most satisfying of my volunteering experiences. I get to see the same people, develop relationships with them and watch them grow and achieve success. One thing that BoMF emphasizes is that through running we are all the same. That you cannot tell who is a volunteer and who is homeless.

Through running with BoMF stereotypes have been torn down and my eyes have been opened to who the homeless population really is. Or so I thought.

I am asked for money multiple times on my walk to work every day. I say no most of the time, as I was taught back in Philadelphia. Sometimes, I cave, but I usually just keep walking. Today, someone said, “Excuse me, miss.” I turned to see someone who I assumed was homeless and was about to ask me for money. I barely broke stride and was about to say “no” before hearing his request. Then he asked, “Where is the 400 block of East Pratt?” He wanted directions. That was all. I am so glad that the word “no” didn’t impatiently come out of my mouth. I gave him directions and he told me to “have a blessed day.”

I felt like crap as I continued on to work. I realized that I am still quick to judge based on environment and appearances even after all of these years. And I am ashamed of that. It’s something for me to continue to work on.

December in Baltimore

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 16:19:02 -0500

I love Christmas time. I love the lights. I love the trees. I love the decorations. I love the parties. I love that people seem to have good cheer. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

I also love how many events Baltimore has to ring in the season. Since moving here seven years ago, I have enjoyed so many of the festivities that the city has and I look forward to these events starting this weekend!

Lighted Boat Parade
The Mayor’s Parade
Monument Lighting
Little Italy Christmas Tree Lighting (which I will sadly miss this year)
The Miracle on 34th Street Lights
Power Plant Light Show (New last year)
Celtic Solstice Race - including the hilarious emails about packet pick up and parking

And, there is always the possibility of snow…..

Half Marathon Challenge 2012 - Are We There Yet?

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 14:22:00 -0500

From starting thirsty to finishing nauseous, half marathon #11 was indeed a challenge. Usually I am so busy in my head during races, but this time the physical torment outweighed the mental.

OK - it wasn’t THAT bad. It was a chilly day out on the NCR trail, but the conditions weren’t horrible except for a few times that we had to run into some gusty wind. I was thirsty at the beginning and knew that I was going to have some hydration issues. To make it worse, I missed the first chance at water because I was too impatient and then didn’t get my first drink until after mile 5. My bad.

The NCR trail is tough for me to race on. It’s super flat. It’s very quiet. And, I get bored. However, being the first leg of the marathon race helped me get through on Saturday because Erin, the other half of Team We Hate Space, was waiting on me. I couldn’t leave her hanging around in the cold while I slogged along.

Matching Shoes!

I got a boost a few times out there as I saw some friends. Some running the opposite direction on the trail and some volunteering at water stations. It’s amazing how seeing a friendly face can make you forget that you feel like your legs can’t move and that you want to throw up. So, thanks friends!

When I got to the exchange point, all I remember saying to Erin was “I’m sorry I didn’t run faster.” Thankfully she was able to run the second half 5 minutes faster than I ran the first and we finished as the 6th relay team overall with a combined time of 3:27:12.

I ran the best that I could that day and, in the end, that’s all I can ever ask of myself.

Happy smiles hours after it ended!

Official Time: 1:46:12

Next Up: Rehoboth Beach Half Marathon

P.S. The race coincides with the beginning of hunting season. Hearing gun shots while running the race was a bit alarming. I was happy that I was wearing orange.

Photo

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 11:27:53 -0400

Battle of the Italian Cookies

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 14:01:36 -0400

Last night my friend wanted to go to Vaccaro’s in Little Italy for their all you can eat dessert and coffee special. While the idea of “all you can eat” anything disgusts me, she gets a pass because she is pregnant. I opted not to enjoy the special, but to have an order of five assorted Italian cookies. I am a sucker for Italian cookies!

While the Italian Wedding Cookie was delicious, the rest of the cookies were average at best.

I much prefer Piedigrotta Bakery for their cookies. The selection is better and they taste much fresher. I also love the couple that owns and operates Piedigrotta. They are so friendly. They are from Italy. And, he invented tiramisu!

Thanks O’s! I had a great time this season at The Yard!

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 14:23:25 -0400

Thanks O’s! I had a great time this season at The Yard!

"Malala is the same age as another writer, a diarist, who inspired many around the world. From her..."

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 12:41:28 -0400

“Malala is the same age as another writer, a diarist, who inspired many around the world. From her hiding place in Amsterdam, Anne Frank wrote, ‘How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.’ Today, for Malala and the many girls like her, we need not and cannot wait.”

- Former first lady Laura Bush in The Washington Post. Read more. (via washingtonpoststyle)

BE OUTRAGED, PEOPLE!

People are very whiny today on Facebook. They may get hidden in...

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 11:55:00 -0400

I really feel like posting this to Facebook today.

But I am afraid it would result in this.

People are very whiny today on Facebook. They may get hidden in my feed. I would like to post the first image, but I am afraid that there would be fall out like in the second one.

Half Marathon Challenge 2012 - Ten down and two to go!

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 14:41:00 -0400

With only one free weekend in October, due to Michigan games and a wedding, finding a half to run this month was a little challenging. I had almost settled on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Half, but then found out that Staten Island had a half the same day. Since Chris wanted to go to a few concerts in New York City the same weekend, Staten Island won.

There isn’t much to say about this race as the course was a bit boring, but here are some highlights:

Easy commute from NYC via the Staten Island Ferry (free!)
Very well organized corrals with a course big enough for 5,000 runners
Great volunteers; mostly high school sports teams at water stations
Awesome people. NYRR has great, non-braggy, fast, friendly runners
Lots of rolling hills for a challenging course
Cool temps and overcast skies

Time: 1:44:50

Overall: 1399/5798

Female: 230/2559

AG: 20/263

Next Up: NCR Marathon Relay

Half Marathon Challenge 2012 - #9 Was Fine.

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0400

After traveling and paying large entry fees for most of my previous half marathons this year, I was happy to have the option of running a low-key, low-cost, local race for my September half. The Baltimore Road Runners Club held the NCR Half Marathon yesterday and for $2.00, yes $2.00, I was able to complete my ninth half marathon of the year just North of the city.

I would guess that approximately 100 people lined up to run the race. Usually small in size, I enjoy the races that the BRRC put on. After two years of belonging to the club, I recognize a lot of people who come out. They are very friendly and just looking to run and have some fun.

The weather was perfect. It was 50 degrees at the start so I was chilly, but once we got going, the chill wore off. The only down side of running these smaller races on the trail is that sometimes you are running alone. When the trail bent a few times on the course, I lost sight of the girls ahead of me. I sort of forgot I was racing when I couldn’t see them and my pace would slow a bit. Oops.

I felt pretty good until a turnaround at mile 10. Then I just felt tired. I knew that I wasn’t going to be able to pick it up at the end, but I don’t think I dropped more than 5 seconds per mile for the final 3 miles. Not too shabby for me.

With about 2 miles to go, my friends, Steph and Jenna, jumped in and ran with me. They were subjected to some heavy breathing and a few choice words. I mentioned I was tired, right? When I am tired, I get a little cranky!

At the end of the race, I was content with another half under 1:45. I think that is four now for the year. So yay! My Garmin read 1:44:14. I think that I was six female overall. My friend, Caroline, was first female. She totally kicked ass.

The official results should be up later this week.

Next up: Staten Island. Next week.

Hello Weekend!!!

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 17:55:45 -0400

I am super excited to do all things Baltimore this weekend!

Friday

O’s Baseball Game at Camden Yards

Saturday

Breakfast with some running friends in Fells Point
Fells Point Farmers Market
Baltimore Book Festival
Dinner in Little Italy

Sunday

BRRC Half Marathon on the NCR Trail
Going to a local bar that supports the J-E-T-S! (OK, not everything Baltimore, but it’s in Baltimore!)

That is a big weekend for me. I am sure to be super tired on Monday, but I will worry about that then.