[60] Hanging Up My Tiara



[Temporarily, I swear!]

The 2012 Disney Princess Half-Marathon will be my last run of the race for the time being. In 2013, I would like to achieve runDisney's Coast-to-Coast Challenge by running the Tinkerbell Half at Disneyland, California (January) and the Wine & Dine Half at WDW, Orlando (October).

With the NYRR 3x33 Challenge open, I cannot afford to pass up on my chance to knock out all six of the Five Boro races (+ one length of Manhattan).

No sooner did I complete this year's Princess 1/2, my close gal pal from college, Meredith, asked me to run it again in 2012 in celebration of her 30th birthday. Pass up on a chance to see a near and dear long-time friends (and most likely most of my running pals) including Meghan, Susie, Lenna, Rusty & Allyson, and possibly Raquel and  Keri) at the Mouse House? Even my Mom's going to roll in and run the Royal Family 5K (and, yes, I will be jogging it with her)! Not going to happen. For a while I was kicking around the idea of dropping the P1/2 for the inaugural T1/2, but my winter half marathon schedule is too tight.

[2012 Style: Cajun Princess]

Now before people get all huffy about why I picked Tiana-- the only princess whose movie I haven't seen-- allow me to explain. I am an Orange and Blue Bleeding, fiercely loyal, Florida Gator. six years of my life belonged to The Swamp, and it's one of several places I call home.

Princess T hails from the swamps of New Orleans, Louisiana (unfortunately, home to rival school LSU, but we'll look past that for now). Plus, one of her friends is an alligator which I would imagine would be one who tried eating Captain Hook in Peter Pan if they were in Never Neverland.

During the Princess Half, I enjoyed some music from the film's soundtrack, very cajun spicy, totally N'awlins. I'm spicy and sassy, so why not? I also love waterlilies and lotus flowers, and one of the Chinese characters I use to write my name is "hasu" (lotus).  I am in love with this limited edition giclee print, so I made it my desktop on my Mac. At work, I'm keeping the motivation going with this adorable photo of Princess Tiana at her debut (love the smile of her and the little girl and the Jungle Queen chugging by in the background. God, I miss home).

[Belle of the Ball]

Next is the question of costuming. If this is to be my last Princess Half for some time, I am tempted to go out with a bang. Based on this year's experience, I know that I may be chilly for a grand total of ten minutes during the race (and perhaps the 40 minutes in the corrals), but that's it. Plenty of fit mamas were tricked out in full costume or running aliases. Depending on my fitness level come winter vacation (and availability of my master seamstress, better known as Mom), I could roll in with something incredible.

Looking at the layered gown, if I can master something akin to the cute ruffled skirts (bottom of page) by lululemon athletica, then I'd be happy. I just don't think I'll be able to find appropriate fabric, unless I buy some large technical shirts and go scissor happy on them. Hmm... actually, that sounds rather plausable. Conversely, I could try to try to match some technical pieces like this ARD Tank by ASICS or this Swift Zip Skirt by Athleta with crafted accessories. I'll have to keep my eyes peeled the next time I hit up a race expo (most like the ING NYC Marathon at the Javits Center in November) and raid the sale racks. The race takes place in late February, but any Floridian will tell you it's already summertime by then!

I am curious to see which Princess my pals pick and if any of them plan on dressing the part, too!

I'm tired of kissin' frogs and ready to catch my Prince!

[59] Compatibility Issues

I knew putting all my run tracking eggs into a single technological basket would eventually come to bite me in the back. Since the purchase of my Nike+ SportWatch GPS, it has not only been my primary run tracking device, but time piece as well. Between the time I ran the Queens Half Marathon and the top of September, Nike decided to perform some upgrades to the Nike Running site and their software applications. Normally, upgrading is always a good thing, unless there is a sudden loss of communication between related devices.

Naturally, my technological black thumb returns! After two removals and reinstalls of Nike+ Connect (one for PC and the other for Mac), plus the soft reset of my watch, there is nothing I can do aside from:

1. Take it back to the authorized retailer where I purchased it and request an exchange.
2. Request a replacement which will take 4-6 weeks.
3. Request an advance exchange (new device within 7-10 days, and 30 to mail back current item).

Giving the situation thought, I elected for option three as I don't want to belabor the wonderful people over at Westchester Road Runner with something that has absolutely nothing to do with them. The only hitch is that I am moving to Georgia within 7-10 days, so I have to wait until closer to my departure date to ensure delivery.

The most disappointing part is that they cannot-- or will not (I'm not sure)-- retrieve the data from the watch and manually upload it to my Nike+ profile. As a result, I lose three runs and a heartbeat workout due to their inability to remedy the software conflits. Honestly, I find this admission by Nike Running extremely disappointing, and I feel simply exchanging the device isn't sufficient. I have been a loyal Nike+ runner for nearly two years, and I have invested and supported the brand by not jumping ship to RunKeeper like many other runners I know. My fierce brand loyalty has resulted in friends and family following suit, so I feel that Nike should be doing more, or risk losing their corner on the running market.

[Running in Limbo]

1. 09/09/11: [ 2.0 Mi | 27:39.69 | 13'43" | 220 Cal ]
2. 09/10/11: [ Heartbeat Workout: Elliptical | 22:56 | 209 Cal | 154BPM ]
3. 09/12/11: [ 3.65Mi | 56:53.73 | 15'35" | 420 Cal | 130 BPM ]
4. 09/14/11: [ 2.0 Mi | 26:48.13 | 13'16" | 204 Cal | 131 BPM ]

The e-mail exchange with Customer Service went well, but it does not diminish my disappointment with the entire situation. In order to proceed with the exchange, I am required to contact customer service and provide them with additional information. As I am not the one with the issue here, I should not be the one bending over backwards to set the situation straight. I am certain that they are innandated with dissatisfied runners currently, but that is part of their responsibility as a customer care representative. Hopefully, I can negotiate an exchange quickly. However, for the time being, my critical runs will be logged with either the Nike+GPS app on my iPhone or my tried and true Nike+ SportBand (which I am glad I didn't part with).

 

No, no we are not. :(



[58] Road Work Ahead

Must find this in Japan!

Sometimes, life hands you detours. Mine has unfortunately lasted longer than I originally intended, spanning nearly two months. Please forgive my transgressions. My creative muse went on vacation mid-July, and after the broiling heat of the Queens' Half-Marathon (complete with visit of Lady Gaga), my winged shoes took flight as well. I went to Japan and back, and only last week did I lace up for the first time in nearly six weeks. Hitting wall after wall and continuing across a weight-loss plateau, my frustration has me a little bristly around the edges.

One wall was knocked down today: the professional one. The last few months, I've been contemplating a career move, but the constant uncertainty came to a head this morning after my final Japanese test. En route back to Westchester, I cried as I sang along with Adele and the radio while heading north of the Hutchinson River Parkway. During the final testing stage, I was informed that it would take 24-28 hours before a final decision would come my way, but around 5:30PM... the call came: passed languaged test and a job offer.

I could have easily logged a couple of miles there and then, had I not been in flipflops and surrounded by students. I would have preferred frolicking around the soccer pitch, but the boys' varsity team was in the midst of a game. I felt a wall melt away today, so here I am. Looking at the ruins of my hard work.

Half-Marathon Hiatus
On July 30th, I ran the Queens Half in sweltering heat and humidity. On August 28th, the Bronx Half was cancelled due to Hurricane Irene (but NYRR thankfully is awarded credit).  On October 9th, I am registered for the Staten Island Half, but I will be in Atlanta for training. SI was to be my last half for 2011, so I am finished running halves for this year. I partially find this to be a relief. I think a portion of the running wall I hit has to do with my training schedule, and being overambitious with my scheduling and running goals. I learned the hard way with Queens, that despite my Floridian upbringing, I am not meant to run 13.1 miles consecutively in a short window of time in the height of summer. Ever.

Reviewing my initial training calendar, I had planned on taking a break from half-marathon training between the SI 1/2 and my Japanese proficiency examination in early December. I feel I am not quite ready to start focusing on speed work necessary for a 5K PR,  nor am I willing to sacrifice endurance and mileage by focusing on short runs. Looking over my Nike Coaching options, I selected the Intermediate I 10K Program

Training Dates: 09/14/11-12/06/11
Total Mileage: 260.3 Miles

[ get started ] 35 Miles
* week 1: 2+4+4 = 10Mi
* week 2: 6+2+4+5 = 17Mi
* week 3: 7+2+5+6 = 18Mi

[ keep it going ] 65 Miles
* week 4: 7+2+5+6 = 18Mi
* week 5: 8+2+6+6 = 22Mi
* week 6: 8+2+2+7+6 = 25Mi

[ halfway done ] 81.1 Miles
* week 7: 2+7.1+3+4+8 =  24.1Mi
* week 8: 9+3+7+3+6 = 28Mi
* week 9:  10+3+7+3+6 = 29Mi

[ bring it home ] 52 Miles
* week 10: 9+3+7+7 = 26Mi
* week 11: 10+3+6+7 = 26Mi

[ finish strong ] 27.2 Miles
* week 12: 6+3+5+5 = 19Mi
* week 13: 2+6.2 = 8.2Mi

Writing all the mileage onto my Princess Calendar made me a little antsy. Half of my anticipated mileage, weeks three through eight, overlap with my scheduled training in Atlanta. With sitting through nine hours of classes daily, Monday through Friday, I am going to want to stretch my legs and burn off some stress between test preparation and late night study sessions. Plus, I am going to need to fit into a uniform by the top of November, and I'd like to order something in a *gasp* size six.

Doing the Math
Bottom line is that I will need to manage logging miles while balancing classes and meals. While residing in the HQ dormitory, I will be without a kitchen and many of the tools I currently use, so I will need to stay creative about meals and scheduling. Without access to a TV/DVD player, all my fitness videos are useless. I'll have my laptop, so the yoga mat is coming with me. Working on my posture is a necessity, and not just when I am running either.

The training pay will be adequate, but to avoid over-spending (and overeating), I am heavily considering taking up a home delivery food service like The Biggest Loser Meal Plan or Nutrisystem. My primary concern at this juncture is access to cooking and cold storage. Tea, coffee, and water are covered, so depending on what appliances are available, one of these could be a reasonable (and time-saving) option. I don't want to rely on snack bars, and transportation (and time for any activities) off-campus will be rather limited.

The key factor overall is the scheduling of the class blocks. With eight or nine hours of classes daily, running is going to either be a up-at-dawn pre-coffee jump start or slam it in before dinner and evening study sessions escape. Hopefully the information I will be provided shortly will outline any regulations with regard to free time and use of headquarters campus outside of class time. Considering a massive reward if I am able to adhere to my plan and make time for running... besides the pay off of going shopping for new clothes!

Pinterest: Motivation Station

After chatting with my dear pals, Rusty & Allyson, about new ways to showcase photograph collections or things I am interested in. That's when Allyson invited me to Pinterest, a nifty little site where one can build collections of image they like in a virtual bulletin board format. I'm working on keeping my "pinterests" related to running.

To follow up Motivation Station, I've started making its digital incarnation. Take a desk vacation and enjoy a little motivation station!

[56] Boom Boom Powerful

Race: Boomer’s Cystic Fibrosis Run to Breathe [ 01 | 02 ]
Distance: 10K (6.2 Mi) [ Course ]
Date/Time: Saturday, July 9, 2011 at 08:00 AM
Weather: 68 degrees, Fog/Mist, 93% Humidity, 5 mph

Bib#: 7562
Corral: Purple
     
[Times]
Clock Time: 1:24:35
Chip Time: 1:15:11 (12’08” Pace)
Nike+ Time/Splits: 1:15:02 (Pace: 11'48"; 726 Cal)
    •    Mile 1: 11:01 (11'01")
    •    Mile 2: 23:30 (12'29")
    •    Mile 3: 36:25 (12'55")
    •    Mile 4: 48:28 (12'03")
    •    Mile 5: 59:55 (11'27")
    •    Mile 6: 1:11:21 (11'26") + 0.21Mi 3:40 (10’16”)

[Places]
Overall: 4661/5004
Gender: 2155 / 2406
Age: F 30-34
AG (Age Graded) Stats
    •    Time: 1:15:06
    •    Place:  852 / 940
    •    Percentage:  40.3%

[Event Atmosphere/Race Packet Pickup]
This time around, my race buddy, Jen, picked up my packet,  as she was in the City and I was trapped behind my desk. It was the first time someone else picked up my packet for me, but it according to her, it was a very painless process.

[Fashion Choice]  Baltimore 5K Tech Shirt (dark gray), Nike Tempo Shorts (purple/neon yellow), and lululemon athletica visor.

[Race]
This was my first 10K race, and as I expected, I was unprepared for it. Prior to the race, training was minimal in the days after returning from my European vacation. My current PB for this distance was 1:10:20, but most likely it comes from one of my two half-marathon attempts.  I pushed hard, but with the heat and humidity (and a lack of training), I wasn't able to shake it up enough.

Jen and I started out in the corral together, but shortly after we cleared the first 1/2 mile, I waved her off. Though I was thrilled to run a race with a friend, Jen's been running for a much longer time (including marathons), so I was under no illusions that I'd be able to pace her. From the get go we had the standing agreement to start together, split up when necessary and meet up in the Finishers' Area.

The Run to Breathe is very aptly named. The race benefits the Boomer Esiason Foundation, but with the heat and humidity of July, everyone's struggling to breathe in the sauna that Central Park becomes. It was my first time to run the entire length ("the big loop") of CP, and all things considered, it wasn't as bad as I thought. It wasn't great, but it was much easier than I originally thought. I just need to take it easy.

Though our time in the race together was relatively short, I really enjoyed our train ride, our stroll through the park, and going to victory breakfast and window shopping after the race. 

I made it into the NYRR event gallery!!

[Playlist]
I did this on my race in Ireland, and I really liked the outcome. Using my iPhone, I just picked a track I like and used the Genius function to generate a playlist. I did learn that I need to update my iTunes library as with incomplete data, it limits selection greatly.

Genius-ed Track: “Feedback (Remix)” by Janet Jackson feat. Ciara

• “Magic” by the Pussycat Dolls
• “One In a Million” by Ne-Yo
• “Run the Show” by Kat de Luna
• “Livin’ a Lie” by The Dream feat. Rihanna
• “Pretty Girl Rock” by Keri Hilson
• “One Night Only” by Jennifer Hudson
• “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” by Jennifer Lopez
• “Big Girl Now” by New Kids On The Block feat. Lady GaGa
• “Real Love” by Mary J. Blige
• “Pray (Acoustic)” by Justin Bieber
• “Breakin’ Dishes” by Rihanna
• “This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordan
• “The Time (Dirty Bit)” by the Black Eyed Peas
• “Ex-Factor” by Lauryn Hill
• “Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child
• “Lights, Camera, Action” by The Pussycat Dolls & NKOTB
• “Afraid” by Nelly Furtado

[Video Pick]

“Say My Name” by Destiny's Child

[2012 NYC Marathon 9+1 Progress]
A third of the way there! Next up is the Central Park Conservancy’s Run for Central Park next Saturday. The city’s heating up, so I have to remember not to push so hard and realize that times will just be slower in the summer time.

[55] SportWatch Where You Are Going

Nike teased me with images of their next generation SportWatch+ GPS by TomTom in January with an anticipated launch date of April. April came and went and there wasn't a place I could get my sweaty mits on one. May zipped by and still remained empty handed, but some how in early June as I was preparing for my trip to the UK, I lucked out when I visited Westchester Road Runners for the first time in what felt like eternity. After walking into half of the Nike Stores in NYC only to find floor models and no available stock, I did a double take as I pressed my nose against the glass.

If I remember correctly, I had quite the Homer Simpson donut moment (possibly complete with drooling). It felt too good to be true, but I couldn't be responsible for my actions had the small stack of boxes been empty. Not only were the items in stock, but I got my 10% discount for being a member of NYRR!*

No sooner did I get home did I plug it in and start messing around with everything. I wore it to the staff BBQ and my friend and colleague who is a triathlete took one look at it and told his wife that he wanted one, too! Knowing that I wouldn't be able to use the Nike+GPS App while on my vacation in the UK and Ireland, I was relieved to have something that could track my trip races. Unfortunately, ran into a snag in Scotland and the GPS didn't register. Weeks later, and I am still fighting with Nike Maps to record the distance accurately. Luckily, everything cooperated for the longer race in Enniscorthy.

I've discovered that when I am on the treadmill, I don't mind using the iPhone apps as the majority of the critical information I desire is listed on the screen or narrated to me. While running a race, I can't be fussed to fidget with my phone too much as running the apps kills my battery quickly (and I like having my phone available in the event of an emergency). So as to avoid getting the arm band tan, I like keeping my iPod/iPhone in my pocket while running. Checking stats this way can be quite the challenge (and not in a good way).

Despite the full figure, I have rather skinny wrists, and initially the weight and heft of the SportWatch felt awkward and didn't fasten as snugly as my beloved SportBand. Also, when adjusting the band, I keep pinching my arm with the hinge and clasp. I do like how it snaps securely in place with two catches, but removal isn't nearly as switch and easy as the SportBand. I like the illuminated screen and the access to additional fun information like run history and personal records.

The only issue I had since obtaining the SportWatch was linking the WearLink+ Heart Rate Monitor to it. I will fess up and admit this time around that it was user error as the battery in my HRM sensor was flat out dead. All it took was a quick trip to the store and a new battery. Too bad I wasn't able to figure that out back in June when I was packing for my trip and getting increasingly angry at the growing pile of run tech on my desk. I have to rotate my SportBand and my Baby-G Shock watch into my fashion rotation.

Compared with other GPS watches, its rather compact and slim, but sometimes I may elect for my SportBand out of nostalgia. I will miss having the option for the interchangeable Bands. I haven't changed my SportBand since I received the RunNYC2010 one at the Nike Concierge at the NYC Marathon Expo. Whenever I look at it, I remember standing in the Expo and saying to myself, one day I'll run NYC like the rest of them.

Now look at me...

[54] Perspiration Board

I'm finally moved into my new place! I'm living out of boxes, but I couldn't stand staring at all the naked walls. In my last place, I had scraps of motivation strewn all over my apartment. Looking back at my soapbox on motivation from last month, I decided I needed to organize my personal motivation station and not subject my apartment to being overrun by running. Previously, I had things tacked to the walls and taped to mirrors, as well as things pinned on any magnetic surface and Post-it notes everywhere. Bottom line, I had no organization to my motivation station at all.

[Building a Victory]

Initially, the PB started out as single picture from the back of my first Nike+ iPod Kit (close up at the bottom). I taped it to the back of my front door at eye level, and every morning before I set out, my weight loss goal stared right back at me. It got me out the door, even in the winter, but as I started logging miles and setting personal best records (PBs), I started putting Post-Its all over the place. To avoid plummeting into a similar fate, I wanted to corral my running items into a special corner of my new place. This wall is near the back of my apartment, just past the washer & dryer, facing the bathroom, and next to my bedroom door. Instead of overwhelming every single person who visits my place and subjecting them to my "running mania" (as it's been dubbed), I've decided to rein it in a little bit.

• Race Bibs (top left): I have a growing collection of race numbers, but the ones I displayed are the races I have run for my guaranteed entry requirements for the 2012 New York City Marathon. I can't wait to see what it will look like come September 24th!
• Weight Goal (top center): That number hasn't budged for some time. I have plenty of yellow Post-Its leftover, so I need to get cracking on the remaining poundage.
• Run Card (top right): My college gal pal, Kimi, made this fantastic good luck card in honor of my running the RunDisney Princess Half-Marathon back in February. It reminds me that I am officially endurance sport royalty!
• One Tiny Word (center): Meghan inspired me to select a single word to focus my energy toward achieving in the next year. With regard to running, I intend to cultivate my running skills as well as a happier and healthier lifestyle.
• Princess Calendar (far right): A present from Meghan on Princess Half weekend! Currently lists my registered races, weigh-ins, mileage and important things like registration openings (when I remember to write them down)! I do need to start affixing photos to it.

To avoid making the whole board too heavy for the nails, I am planning to invest in a wall display rack for my medals. Not that I have that many, but some of them are heavier than I thought! I am thinking about clipping some quotes, not just by famous female runners, but other writers, actresses, activities, and other public figures. I don't want to simply focus on running with my motivational quotes, but also self-esteem, body image, and anything else that tickles my fancy.

Yes, I think I will do that! ;)

I'm keeping a journal for my detailed workouts, eating habits, measurements, and such, and I would rather not clutter the board with that. Along with my running folio, those items are being kept near my desk, so I can also access them when I am working on this. I'm debating putting up a wish list of things I could "run toward" as rewards for either logging mileage or losing weight. With respect to clothing, I am trying to hold off on investing in new duds until I can hit at least 140lbs (only 6.6 pounds to go), but sometimes its so hard.

One thing I definitely need to do is go through all my photos, hit up a photo lab, and post some pictures of the people I run with! One of my greatest inspirations and motivators are my friends, not only those who run with me, but those who also cheer me on.

What else should I tack up there...?