[12] A Spring in My Step

While shopping with my high school gal pal today, I picked up another item from my wish list: Nike Fit XT Quick+.  From the time of their release earlier in the year, I have wanted these shoes in the original release model: Black-Anthracite-White-Varsity Purple. I am certain my local Nike retailers in New York will be disappointed that I dropped the cash in south Florida, and not in their shops where I would frequently visit my dream trainers. 

Getting ready to engage in a cross-training bonanza!

My friend who is an athletic trainer stressed the importance of matching shoes appropriately to the sports or training I engage myself in. I suffered from a mild case of shin splints last fall when I used my tennis sneakers to play volleyball. This resulted in an eye awaking (and slightly painful) learning experience. After that, I have no qualms about investing in proper shoes for each sport. Some may feel that this is carte blanche to go shopping, but as an athlete dabbling in new sports and learning to properly train, I find it to be a necessary and worthwhile investment in my physical (and financial) health. I would much rather drop some money on correct shoes than having to visit a doctor or specialist in the future.

Despite being a stability shoe for weight training, cardio, and drills, the shoe is surprisingly light. The diamond cut out sole, like it's running counterpart (the Nike+ Free Run) is taking some getting used to, but I do like additional cushioning, especially in the heel. The lightweight material will help them air out and keep them cleaner longer. I'll be testing their utility later this week. For now, I am breaking them in so as to be prepared for employment with the revamped Nike Training Club App. Might as well unveil my training mantra for the cross-training portion of Operation Foxiness Maximus.  

NikeWomen's Training Mantra: 

Make Yourself SUBLIME

Nike Training Club App Update
Despite being very cute, the former incarnation of the NikeWomen's Training Club application for iPhone kept glitching out on me. This resulted in minimal use of the application. I did like the option of training for particular sports: tennis, running, or soccer as well as the ability to take their yoga poses along. However, they have upped the ante and its a hard core training program, stripped of the cuteness and armed to the nines with fitness goals, workout levels, and much like the Nike+ Running system, a format for saving workouts, tracking progress, and unlocking goals and and rewards (like exclusive athlete workouts). Currently, to celebrate the new release of NTC, they are offering up the chance for three people to win a personal training session. The only stipulation: logging 1,000 hours between now and April 2011. I wonder what 1,000 hours of NTC would do for me! Better get to work on that...

Oh, the geek within rejoices. Like I need more reasons to become obsessed with working and geeking out!

[11] Last 5K of 2010

Up at 5AM, on the road by 5:30AM, and in the park by 6AM. Usually with traffic, the drive from our parents' house to the beach can take between 45 minutes to an hour. I was worried because I woke early to the sounds of rain and the weather forecast promised light morning showers. Luckily, the clouds parted as the sun rose, and we were only stuck with some sprinkling here and there during the race. It was fun to chat with Susie and laugh at all the crazy hats we saw. The thing about Fort Lauderdale that impressed me was the number of athletic seniors participating in the race, not just as event staff. If I am a fraction as active as these folks when I am a silver fox, I will be very content with my life. It was truly inspirational.

Two very, VERY orange shirts.

The Race: The Greater Fort Lauderdale Road Runners' Resolution 5K
The Distance: 5K (3.11 Miles)
The Course: 1.75 Laps of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
The Bib#: 797 (Me) & 1641 (Susie)


The Time: 39'44"
The Running Buddy: My beautiful sister, Susie
The Highlight: When we came around the bend and saw the Finish Line, the clock was at 39 minutes and change. Susie said, "Let's finish this before it gets to forty." So we sprinted the last bit, crossing the line together. I can't wait until the GFL Road Runners' post photos from the event because they definitely snapped one of us charging and crossing the finish line together. We ran it out and it felt great to share this with my sister. In the car on the way home, we talked about making it an annual thing. This makes me so happy.

I resolve to run more with those I love!

[1o] Heart on My Sleeves

Santa Claus stopped by and gave me more treats for being a good little runner. I lived in Japan for five years, and I am too chicken to get an permanent ink, so this is a nice way to show off my love for my second home without going under the needle. Training and running in the winter is still new, but I feel that I am starting to get the hang of it. At San Francisco, I saw many runners wearing removable sleeves in lieu of an additional under layer. Though I think they may look a little flashy, I really want to rock these at the Disney Princess Half-Marathon in February.

Awesome ink without the neddle?

The Swag: Sugoi Tatu Midzero Arm Warmers ($40.00 retail)
The Size: Men's Medium (a snug, but study fit)
The Materials: 84% Polyester & 12% Spandex ("Designed and Made in Canada!")
The Technology: S2 Insulation, "Warm Wick",  and "Breathable"
The Patterns: four swallows, one golden carp, dice, large pink flowers, stars, and a "Sugoi Forever" scrolling banner

In Japanese, 'Sugoi' means to be "incredible" or "outstanding", so their "Be Incredible" mantra is quite fitting and heartwarming. I will be curious to see what my coworkers and students think about my 'mafia sleeves'. I think they'll actually get a kick out of it.The next challenge is coordinating it with my workout gear, so I can show them off without being a blindingly bright rainbow of color. The sleeves were listed under biking gear, so its one more reason to get a bike. 

I will have to keep my eyes out for the Sakura and Moo-It! Cow sleeves!

[o9] Burning Rubber & Exalted Warrior

After months of having the app stashed on my iPhone, I finally got my hand on my old bicycle and hit the road. I forgot how invigorating the warm, Florida winter could be. Aside from my wheels needing a tune up, it felt great to hit the sidewalks of my neighborhood on my mountain bike. Growing up in the Pines, the area I lived in used to be swamp land, but now its a thriving suburb (courtesy of several large hurricanes making Miami-Dade Country miserable). The neighborhood I grew up in, Chapel Trail, initially started out in one phase, and leveled out with phase four.

I miss my Japanese granny bike and the cherry blossoms...

I grew up riding around this neighborhood, so there is a familiarity whenever I hit the sidewalks. When I was a kid, I would ride my bike around, visiting my friends, but at the time there wasn't a local high school or post office anywhere near our neighborhood. The growth which this area went though after I went to college, and even after I went to Japan has been exponential. Thankfully, being located in the cluster of developments on the tail end of Pines Boulevard, means that there is still a degree of peace and quiet.


The iPhone App: iMapMyRide
The Route: Chapel Trailblazing
The Distance: 12.99KM*
The Playlist: "Take It or Leave Me"
The Notes: I have the check the accuracy of the route I traversed today. For some reason, I don't remember the area I've ridden being greater than eight miles (or 12.99 KM). I will have to use the application more before I can give a full review of it, but I do like how I can record other workouts, such as Nike+ and fitness DVDs.

To be perfectly honest, my yoga mat does not get much use, more so now that it's up in New York, and I am here at home in south Florida. I finally decorated my apartment, but the addition of furniture drastically cut back on the amount of space I can use for working out. Either I need to rearrange my apartment, or figure out an acceptable and easy way to set up my mat. I could use the floor lounge, but its cold and drafty in the winter time and I have to worry about passersby seeing my lack of coordination.

Realistically, I would prefer to take a class, but in Westchester County yoga and pilates instruction seems over priced. I am leaning heavily toward signing up for the Rye YMCA, but if I can get in the habit of training at home that would be extra money I can set aside for something else, such as registering for another race, more gear, or drop it into savings for my trip abroad next year.

Working on my cat stretches and my cat arches!

Today's FitTV Tidbit
The Program: Namaste Yoga with Kate Potter
The Episode: The Exalted Warrior (variation of Warrior II): "The  Exalted Warrior sequence is a standing series focused on moving through various Warrior and Triangle poses. This is a basic standing series with a beginner/intermediate level of difficulty."
The Duration: 30 minutes*
The Notes: I dislike how the workout is interrupted by commercial breaks. I would much prefer the adverts not interrupt the workout. Kate does have a DVD available, so I better add it to the list. 

[o8] Getting Down to Business

1/2 Marathon Training Day #02: I'm getting reacquainted with the treadmill at Mom & Dad's. Unlike the one up in NY, my Polar WearLink+ Heart Rate Monitor does not communicate with it. I am stuck either checking my BPM on my SportBand+ or attempting to get check my pulse using the metal grip plates on the hand rail. I will definitely need to use the treadmill during the day time because the soft lighting in the den doesn't lend to easy reading of the treadmill screens or my SportBand as neither are back lit. I like the belt on the home machine versus the one at work, but I love the HRM compatibility the work machine provides. 

Killed the assigned 6.44K (4 Miles) in just over an hour and change. I forgot my running headphones, and unfortunately my stupidly expensive HeartBeats by Lady GaGa headphones refused to stay in. I have tried all the different ear bud sizes, but none of them seem to fit. It breaks my heart that I shelled out so much money, and they just don't want to stay in when I workout. Wound up unplugging my iPhone and listening to the music through the phone speaker.

I need to find a room with a view when I can't run outside

I've seen some adverts for ear buds specifically designed for running, like the IE2 by Bose (with iPhone model available), but with the hefty price tag, I honestly need to do my homework before I invest in another high grade accessory. I cannot afford another disappointment, especially when it isn't something that could be easily resold in this economy. More and more races (at least the ones that have sparked my interest) prohibit the use of earphones for safety purposes, so the investment would purely be for my recreational enjoyment. 

YEEHAW!
Today they announced the race weekend for the 2011 Nike Women's Marathon: October 16, 2011. I am going to go for Little Blue Box #02, and I am hoping that (at least) one of my girl friends will run it with me! I had such a great time in San Francisco, so I cannot wait to do it all over again. I will be glued to their FB page and Nike+ until they announce the registration dates.

I have only started to focus on training for Disney, but I now I am thinking ahead to next October?! Is this normal? I certainly hope so. I have been  perusing other half-marathons and road races for the upcoming spring, but everything seems to be outside of the Empire State until May. I missed the entry deadline for the NYC 1/2, primarily because I was concerned about running a second half-marathon a month after the Princess 1/2. Technically, the NYC 1/2 would fall within my recovery period and since I am still a fledgling runner, I do not want to do anything that would jeopardize my health (and the ability to wear high heels at my gal pal's wedding in April).

Currently, my goal is two halves in a year (NWM & Princess), until I am a more confident runner. To boost my courage, I have signed up for a couple of 5Ks in between the bigger races. The ones I elect to run with friends and family are going to be for fun and those I chose to run alone shall be about split times, pacing, and limit pushing, and goal breaking.

12.21.10 Power Songs:
"Kissed It" by Macy Gray (feat. Velvet Revolver)
"We R Who We R" by Ke$ha
"Marry You" by Bruno Mars
"Big Yellow Taxi" (Cover) by Pinhead Gunpowder
"Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor

[o7] Winter Traincation

Come Monday, I'll be getting outta Dodge, and flying down south for the holidays. Looking at my suitcase, my running gear appears to have taken over my every day clothes. Having no big plans scheduled, I haven't given much thought to my casual wardrobe.

Preliminary packing has resulted in the following:

• Two Pairs of Nike Sneakers (Free Run+ & Zoom Vomero+ 5)
• One Pair of Nike Benassi JDI Sandals
• 2010 NWM Storm-FIT Jacket
• Two Pairs of Nike Tempo Shorts
• Two Technical Running Shirts: NW1/2M Finisher & Asics ING NYC Marathon
• Women's Impulse 1/4 Zip Shirt (Orchid Purple) by The North Face
• UnderArmour Long-Sleeved HeatGear Base Layer & HeatGear Capri Tights
• Two sports bras, socks, 
• Oakley Polarized Sunglasses
• Speedo Bathing suit, goggles, swim cap, and HydroTowel
• iPod, Nike SportBand+, Headphones, and Polar WearLink+ Heart Rate Monitor

Although, I am running a 5K on the 26th, I am not too concerned with packing all the additional necessities like fuel, snack and such. Those can be picked up when I arrive at home. I am hesitant to avoid packing my muscle balms in case I over train, and need to treat myself to a little extra TLC (and rest). Towel, water bottles, yoga mat, and fitness DVDs are also getting left behind as they are readily available at home. My goal is to travel as lightly, yet prepared for weather shifts, as possible. I want to avoid any unnecessary shopping or borrowing of clothes.

With the start of my training for the Disney Princess Half-Marathon on Sunday, I am quickly realizing that it was much easier to pluck items out of my closet for running than for socializing. I think perhaps the lack of access to a vehicle while I am home is putting a damper on my creativity. Additionally, I am more focused on relaxing and exercising than anything else. Thinking ahead toward summer, I also want to travel to Japan again, so saving money from here on out is priority number one.

[o6] Writing Up Resolutions

With the Greater Fort Lauderdale Road Runners' Resolution 5K in ten days, I figured while I am getting into training mode, it would be smart to start thinking about what I can hope to accomplish in 2011. In "This Year's Goals" (January 2011) by Ed Keystone, he presented interesting tips on how to combine a runner's three most sought after goals-- time, place, and fitness-- so as more effectively commit and achieve one's goals. This evening, I had some time to mull over and scribble out a laundry list. What started out initially as running specific goals, quickly branched to incorporate nutrition, living habits, and mental health. For now, I selected three goals for each category.

Piecing it together is only the beginning!

[Time] 

1. Beat 2010 Nike Women's Half-Marathon time (3:05:44) at the Disney Princess Half-Marathon on February 27th. If possible under 3 hours.
2. Try to beat my best 5K record (35'43") at the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 5K in Washington, D.C. on April 3rd.
3. Shave off 36 seconds and run a nine minute mile... more than once!

[Place]

1.  Advance from Green Level to Blue Level in Nike+ by year's end (11:59PM EST on December 31st; 389KM; Blue = 1,000KM).
2.  Utilize the Nike+ Half-Marathon coaching program (12 weeks) to prepare for Princess 1/2 (Beginner Level; 12 weeks starting on 12.19.10) Note: The race will fall on the first day of Week 11.
3. Claim at least one Nike+ Road Boss crown in my local area each month (and maintain at least three by year's end)

[Fitness]

1. Drop remaining 30 pounds by June 1st (five pounds a month)
2. Begin (yoga, swimming, biking) on non-run days (three times weekly)
3. Keep a fitness journal to remind myself of success, progress, and review for patters.

Committing my ideas to paper was simple, but sifting through all my ideas to solidify which paths to pursue took some time. I think I will print out and post this on my door to remind me every morning when I step the door. Also, I need to add structure and utilize my free time more effectively, and this will definitely set me upon the right track.  Doing the math and seeing how these pieces fit together is exciting. Would it be bad to start counting down to 2011 now?

[o5] Committing to Myself

Getting back into the swing of things, both running and writing related, has been harder than I anticipated. I got sidetracked for a little while, but I think everyone goes through a funk now and then. With the year winding down, work finishing up for the year, and as I prepare to go home for the holidays, I figure I need to get my ducks in a row.

I will try to chase up this old film over vacay in so Flo!

I started running just over a year ago, and though I shaved off twenty-five pounds, it's high time tackle the remaining thirty. When I signed up for NW1/2M, it gave me the kick in the pants to regularly hit the road and pound some pavement. It also encouraged me to eat healthier and maintain more control of what I ate. Between now and April, I have committed myself to the following races:

• Greater Fort Lauderdale Road Runners' Resolution 5K (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
• Gasparilla Distance Classic 5K (Tampa, FL)
• Disney Princess Half-Marathon (Orlando, FL)
• Credit Union Cherry Blossom 5K (Washington, DC)

I have joined the New York Road Runners, but I haven't made much use of my membership since the UN Friendship Race on the New York Marathon Weekend last month. Once their race schedules get updated, especially for May and June, I am sure I will sign up for something. I can't keep traveling out of town for all of my running fun. Connecticut is close, but I need to see if I can find races in Greenwich and Stamford as both are within 30 minutes.

Once I am in better running shape, I will start making a more concerted effort to get out of bed on Saturday mornings, and join the Nike Store Westchester Run Club. I think one of my main issues with this has been I am simply too cheap to pay for mall parking and not actually go to the mall. Being a regular at my local Nike Store has also resulted in an exponential growth in my running wardrobe. I even ran into one of the employees at the Nike Booth during IGN NYC Marathon weekend and she remembered me. Good thing about my running clothes is they are light and easy to pack, but if I am going to seriously train while at home, I'll be hitting the outlet mall for some extras.

I loved this running image, but click to check out her home!

Sadly, even the Sunshine State has been hit with a cold snap, so I'll be bringing cold weather gear along for the ride. Though I doubt I will need heavy layers in south Florida. There's a great article in this month's issue of Runner's World about dressing appropriately for cold weather running based upon the region one intends on running. In "Comfort Zones" by Lisa Jhung (pages 99 to 102), gear and accessories are presented in six regional models. Being that I live and train primarily in the Northest, but I will be doing several winter-time races in Florida (December and February respectively), I found the article rather informative and helpful. I even passed it onto a colleague of mine who is also into racing.

Speaking of which, I came to the realization that several of my colleagues run. Whether its to get in shape like me or to do triathalons, its nice to know there is a "Run Club" under my roof. It's like Fight Club, but more of a Fit Club. There are also other athletes which makes for fun talk about sports and the best way to train and cross train for them.

[o4] International Friendship Run 2010

Continental Airlines International Friendship Run 
Race Date: Saturday, November 7, 2010
Location: New York City, New York
Bib Number: 9,494

This run was a light, friendly event on the weekend of the 2010 ING New York City Marathon. With so many international marathon runners and participants from around the globe, this event really showcased that New York is "where the world comes to run". Although people ran in yukata, lederhosen, or even patriotic bras, it atmosphere was all about having fun. 

The event started at the United Nations Plaza (First Avenue & 44th Street). Turning onto 42nd Street, all I could see where a sea of runners and not a single car in sight. Running past Grand Central Terminal at 9:15 on a Saturday morning, was an incredible feeling. Hanging a right at Sixth Aveue and running side by side with people from various countries gave a whole new meaning to "Avenue of the Americas". It was so cool to run past Bryant Park, Rockefellar Center, and and Radio City Music Hall! I never noticed that I could see Central Park from 42nd Street, as I don't make it a habit to stand in the middle of any road in NYC longer than necessary. At the foot of Central Park, I hung a left and made it for Columbus Circle.

Columbus Circle is the last stretch of the NY Marathon, so the spectator section was full of bleachers. My colleague showed up and made my a cheering sign! I was so stoked that she braved the cold to be there. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to catch up with her afterward. The finish line is just short of the NY Marathon Official Finish Line. I may never run the NY Marathon, but I will definitely love to do this again! [Course Map]

Race Stats

• Pace: 10:'27" (per mile; 6'30" KM)
• 4K: 24:27

Next year, I am going to have to play up the American Pride. It was neat to see so many costumes and flags!
Though I didn't participate in the NYC Marathon, I did buy two treats for myself in honor of the race weekend. I was dazzles by the massive size of the Asics Marathon Shop at the Expo. I picked up a racing shirt that said "I Run These Streets" in Lemon Drop (the name alone perks me up) and some awesome Marathon 5 Boroughs Gloves (each digit has one of the five borough names). Also, I stopped by the Nike+ Concierge and the staff members gave me a RUN NYC 2010 replacement SportBand for being a loyal Nike+ User. I was so happy to be able to change out my worn band.

[o3] Bloody Murder Index

I'll be the first to admit that I have a big hate-hate relationship with the Body Mass Index. I learned of it after I gained a lot of weight, and felt it was just one more way to feel absolutely terrible about myself. For the larger portion of 2009, I hovered around a BMI of 30.

Obese.

Obese was never a place I wanted to return to, especially after losing weight when I live in Japan. The stress of returning home and the inability to find a decent job for over six month, drove my weight back up, three pounds over my starting weight before departing for Japan in 2003. Every piece of clothing I had no longer fit, and I was forced to revert back to boxes of clothes that I intended on donating to charity upon returning from Japan.

After starting my job in New York, I was reminded of the extreme health consciousness and body image struggle I had when I first moved to Japan. Finally, I just told myself I to do something about it. I helped out with the school volleyball team a couple of days after school. Unfortunately, I didn't realize how out of shape I was and how frustrating it made playing sports. Playing with the girls helped me get back into being active, but it wasn't enough for me. I wanted more. It wasn't enough to simply play sports anymore. I wanted to enjoy playing again, but my weight stood in the way of it.

Finding a way to workout without joining a gym or searching for others to play team sports was key. Running was an individual sport I always envied people over. I would see people running at the campus next door or along the streets, and I wistfully dreamed I could do the same. Then I realized... why not?

In the last year, I have lost 25 pounds, and lowered my BMI to 27.3. Yes, I am aware that it means I am still in the "Overweight" classification, but it's in the middle of range (25-29.9). Perhaps my take on this progress is overly optimistic, but maintaining a positive attitude is the key to keeping my momentum rolling. I promised myself that I would maintain a healthy path while focusing on fitness and nutrition, so I am satisfied with the progress I am making.

I don't have to worry about screaming Bloody Murder when I step on the scale anymore. That comfort alone puts my heart and soul at ease. I just have to keep putting my feet to the asphalt.

[o2] Busted

Despite losing 25 pounds in the last year, I am still a large busted runner. Today, I read an article by Women's Running Magazine, and found it rather informative. I have difficulty shopping for sports bras, as the local sports shops primarily carry sizes A through D. If I am lucky, I can find a nice and unflattering in one of three color choices: black, white, or nude. I get rather uspet that athletic clothing designers, especially the larger name companies, do not make athletic bras for larger athletes.

You know, more larger ladies would be inclined to work out, if they have effective and strong support. One of the things that has hindered my playing sports and staying consistently active has been my chest. Thankfully, as a result of running, I have gone down a cup size (from 3D/F to DD), but it still isn't enough for high impact sports like running or volleyball. I love these sports as well as tennis and swimming, but the added heft and pulling makes it difficult to enjoy the sports. Many say "pain is temporary, but pride is forever," but I feel there are certain limitations to this addage.

Unfortunately, the best advice I have received about bras for larger breasted women has only been at specialty shops. Though I enjoy shopping at mall boutiques like Victoria's Secret, I have been misfitted for bras on several occasions by their 'specially trained staff'. I do not even bother talking the sales staff at large sporting good stores like Sports Authority and the like as I rarely find an individual who is knowledgable about sports bras. They can sell me shoes, camping gear, string a tennis racket, and show me how to improve my putt, but you ask about sports bras, and they will pass the buck to the one female staff member who is at most a B cup and basically tells me "just find your regular size".

One qualm I have with sports bras for larger chests is the bigger price tag that comes with them. Granted, it isn't Nike, adidas, UnderArmour, Champion or the other large name companies churning out these items, so I guess a higher price is to be paid. In the article, Moving Comfort VP Julie Baxter gives rather informative advice about sizing, fit and maintenance for sports bras. I actually learned a couple of things that I had not known before. I have kept sports bras for years and worn them into threads, but it turns out that's pretty much the worst thing one can do. The best piece of advice for full figured, sports bra wearers:

"Sports bras shouldn't have birthdays."

Looks like one of mine shall be getting the ole heave ho ASAP! I hope I can find a specialty shop in my area for a consultation. If not, I shall wait until Christmas when I am home to go to my beloved friends at The Bra Boutique in Coral Springs, Florida. They sold me a fantastic sports bra by Freya when I was home over the summer time. It was worth every penny I paid for it. I need to find a stocker of MC's line of sports bras. I love how they have color!

[o1] NWM 26.2 Results

Nike Women's Half Marathon [Race Report]
Race Date: Sunday, October 17, 2010
Location: San Francisco, California
Bib Number: 5,930 (Photos & Videos by BrightRoom)
Corral Placement: I <3 Nike+ (Red)

Race Stats

• Race Class: Female 30-34 Years
• Half-Marathon Rank: 9,002 (10,719 Overall)
• Gun: 03:06:01 > Official Time: 03:05:44 (Soft Start)
• Pace: 00:14:10 (per mile)
• Split Times
• 5K: 00:35:05
• 15K: 02:03:26 

Race Swag: Tiffany & Co. Limited Edition Finishers Necklace, Nike Dri-FIT Finishers Shirt (Magenta), Food for refueling from SAFEWAY (Gatorade, Luna Bars, Clif Shot Bloks, fruit, juice, bagels)

[oo] - Start Line

Friends of mine fall into one of three groups: 1) naturally slim, 2) long-time athletes, and 3) happy couch potatoes. I fall unceremoniously into group three. I love desserts, movies, writing, reading, and being a foodie. All of which greatly contributed to my maxing out at 183 pounds last year. I stepped on the scale, had a good cry, dried my eyes and decided to do something about it. On December 5, 2009, I found a pair of Nike+ Bowerman Edition Pegasus 25s at Nordstrom Rack for $48. I had been toying with the idea of taking a stab at running, and when I saw the price tag, I simply couldn't pass it up. In the same building, I picked up a Nike+ for iPod kit, went home, laced up, and gave it a go.

I lasted about two days. Then the snowy winter rolled into Westchester and I threw in the towel. A couple of choice words from relative at Christmas, knocked the wind out of me, but also kicked me back off the sofa. I think part of my motivation to run on snowy January mornings was purely a way to channel my anger. I was angry at myself for not taking better care of myself, but angrier because what they said to me had some vein of truth.

Since then, I've logged over 555 kilometers  (345 miles), dropped 22 pounds, invested in some neat tech gear and participated in my first half-marathon. From here on out, I want to keep running, losing, and learning. Come run with me.