[34] Trail Blazin

Once all the Spring Break mail was sorted, I found the spring 2011 Runner's World Special: The Trail sitting in my post box. With spring setting up shop and summer coming quickly behind it, the flora of Westchester is finally returning to its state of lush beauty. A Florida girl at heart, I am used to flat land, high heat, and stifling humdity, but New York does provide ample shade, fewer brutally hot days, and nature galore. I was a Girl Scout for nine years, so somewhere deep down inside there is a nature girl screaming to be set free amongst the mud, hills, and woody areas.

I treated myself to a sumptuous yet healthy brunch at the Ritz-Carlton Lounge. The Spa Brunch was lovely with a bowl of fruit, Swiss oatmeal, a strawberry-banana smoothie, bran muffin, and choice of juice, tea, or coffee. I opted for tea (all I can drink) and a cranberry juice (to help with health), and by the end I felt full, refreshed, and ready to take on my day. While nibbling on my breakfast, I powered down. I stuffed my laptop back in my bag, chucked my iPhone in there for good measure, and flicked through The Trail by the fire place. With the lobby lounge almost entirely to myself, I became completely absorbed in the magazine. Alas, this serenity was short-lived as a trio of young, corporate hot shots came in, took the table next to mine (despite the room being empty), and started talking shop rather loudly. Though it caused me to cut my brunch short, I made considerable progress.

"Get Lost" (pages 2-5): If there was anything that would motivate me to take up trail running, it would be hoofing it through these exotic and scenic locals. Each month, RW puts a gorgeous two-page photo of a single runner booking it through some remote location. Simply looking at the vast landscape, it makes me realize how limited my running experience has been. Although, I've participated in destination races-- albeit they were all domestic-- they were all road races in urban areas. San Francisco. Washington, D.C. Walt Disney World. It wasn't like the sweeping plains of Owens Valley, California or the emerald green hills of Trail du Mont Blanc in Val Ferret, Italy.

What's Hot Now: "Cabin Fever" (page 17): In a world where we are fighting to find greener solutions to travel, I found this short article interesting. Instead of driving to the different huts and bungalows along a mountain trail, more and more trail runners are electing to run it! How much fun would that be?! I would love to do something like that, but I certainly would prefer having company, especially for safety. Also highlights the top four most popular cabin systems for runners.

Green Zones: "National Treasures" (page 19): I think the last national park I visited was the Grand Canyon on a family trip when I was in my early teens. At the time, naturally all I did was bitch and moan about the sweltering summer heat and staring at a (as I so eloquently put it as a mouthy kid) "a giant crack in the ground". Now, I am aching to go back, run in it, and catch a sunset (or sunrise) at it. I want to appreciate it as an adult. The thought of running through these scenic places is daunting, but it looks so rewarding at the same time. There are 56 national parks, so I should be able to find one I can run in somewhere, right?

Run Strong (pages 21, 23, 25, 27-29): Being a nerdy, trail running benchwarmer, I am in the research phase which comes prior to exploration. I do not have any regular local running partners (yet), so I need to be self-sufficient while out for a run. This section covers important topics for new runners such as hydration, fueling, handling crossing paths with wild animals, and essential packing list. It also continues to cover light injuries with "Body Repair", and a training plan for running that first Trail 10K in "One Month to Race Day".

Advertorial (pages 37-52; 16 pages): Highlights some of the prime trail running locations in top cities across the US, and includes suggested race to run and top local running retailers in the area. I think I want to try and tackle the New York area suggestions first before hitting up places like Seattle, Atlanta, Boston, or Salt Lake.

There is still half of the magazine left to enjoy, but I am certain I can knock that out after my afternoon jog tomorrow.

Inspiration gripped me, so I toyed with trail running. I hopped off the sidewalks into the grass when possible. The rain was falling, so I left my music at home and soaked in the natural sounds of my usual running path. I splashed through puddles, sloshed through wet gravel and sand, and tried intervals on a small hill outside the Manhattanville Castle (eight reps!). Though the weather was cool and I was heating up from jogging, I wore my long-sleeved  Nike Miler shirt (I need more of these) and my Tempo shorts (both of which were soaked through by the end of the run). Without music to distract me, I took in the sounds around me: the falling rain, my feet on the ground, and the occasional chatter of co-eds as I ambled by them. It was a nice change.

Growing up in south Florida, playing in the rain was a treat, much to my mom's chagrin. It was fine so long as there was no lightning, and at the first sound of thunder, I knew playtime was over. While the rain fell, I remmebered playing outside in the rain with my sister, cursing the rain as I dashed between college classes, driving slowly on the highways to avoid hydroplaning, and curling up on the couch in a blanket for movie marathons. I realized that these are all things I love about rainy days-- well, with the exception of driving through a torrential downpour on the highway with minimal (or zero) visibility. It made me wonder, when did I start caring about getting caught in the rain? Maybe it was in middle school when I first had to start changing classes. Being drenched to the bone, sitting through 50 minutes in the air conditioning, and then going outside to the heat and doing it all over again, was nothing short of miserable.

After the run, I decided that I no longer have an excuse not to run on days when the sun take a fiver and the rain clouds roll in. Granted, I will not be running or training hard, but so long as I am moving and burning some calories, I can justify (and relish) my couch surfing afterward. All it takes a little preparation and planning.

[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!

[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?