Turkey Day

Happy Thanksgiving! You know what's awesome about today? All over this great country, people rolled out of bed, got themselves together, and turkey trotted. I think it's pretty cool. You don't have to be hardcore or an experienced runner, it's about fun and fitness.

Today I am thankful that despite the holiday, the subways and MTA still got me to Prospect Park on time for the PPTC Turkey Trot well ahead of my race time. It was far less eventful than my trip out to the wilds for the Rugged Maniac. What a well-organized race! I set a new 5M PR of 43:34, which is exciting for me! The fact that my time is also a palindrome makes me geek out. Kudos to PPTC for starting on time AND having a well-informed and well-organized group of volunteers. There were volunteers at every mile marker calling out times and despite the fact that the Santa volunteer shirked my high five, I had an amazing time. As I like to think, I earned the gluttony of this afternoon's meal.

I'm going to high five everyone who passes me. Except you, lady

I was also lucky to get in a nice long run on Tuesday of 12 miles. I've been trying to listen to audiobooks while I run, and I have to say that it's working for me because it takes my mind off the pace. I love music, but I do tend to focus a little more on my pace when I listen to it. I don't know why or if that even makes sense, it just is. But I want to recommend Mindy Kaling's book Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns). It is hilarious and made me feel like, hey, I've turned out okay. I'm off to cook the obligatory green bean casserole! 

Not-so-lazy Sunday

Stop the presses! I actually had a weekend off--both Saturday & Sunday. This, as of late, has been a wonderful luxury and it gives me a chance to see my not medically-employed friends and pretend that I have a semi-normal life schedule.

Saturday afternoon, after catching an after-work nap, I headed out to the wilderness of Brooklyn for the Rugged Maniac. I'm aware that non-New Yorkers might have a hard time believing that parts of the city are still relatively grassy and undeveloped, but I'm serious.

I even had to Zipcar my way out there. No subways. 

I'll post an official review later, when I have some pictures, but let's just say that the most adrenaline-inducing part of the day was my attempt to drive there through car accidents, construction, and a fickle GPS. I literally dropped off my bag and made it to the start line with 4 minutes to go, despite leaving over an hour and a half before the race (it was a 7.2 mile drive). The race itself was simply okay, but in terms of mud runs, I didn't find it to be worth the money. Some of the obstacles seemed haphazard and there was not enough course support, although the volunteers/staff I did run into were very enthusiastic. At one point I missed a turn on the course because it wasn't well-labelled (big thank you to the spectator and his 4ish year old son who pointed me back on course). I still actually don't even know my time because there was no clock at the start line. I think this was the first year doing a Brooklyn course though, so maybe next year will be better. meh. 

Today, after thoroughly inspecting my body for bruises from the mud run and sleeping through my alarm, I headed out for a 5 mile run. I couldn't have asked for a better day. 50s, sunny, slight breeze. I have been so spoiled this fall with perfect running weather. I even had enough time to enjoy a slow breakfast of homemade oatmeal. 

One-on-one time with my hubs, Mike Wazowski. 

I'm off in a little bit to meet my girlfriends for brunch at The Polish Palace. Then it's time to start doing something with this unruly mess I call my hair by getting a haircut. This week has a lot of good things in store: Turkey Trots, lots of food, friends, and the Macy's Parade. 

xx Mandie

First Public Post

Hello, blog-o-sphere! I've used this blog privately up until now, but I guess you could say I'm ready to put my crazy self out there for the world to see! An exciting birthday present to myself came in the mail today:

When doing speedwork, I pretend Voldemort is chasing me. 

Okay, I got the nerd out of my system (for now). My running story is pretty simple. There is no agonizing weight gain or complete plummet of self-esteem. In fact, I've been running for as long as I can remember. My father is a distance-runner turned ultra-cyclist, so I guess you could say that the aptitude towards insanity endurance sports has always been there. I enjoyed an active childhood and teenage years. A massive knee injury in '06 landed me in the hands of an orthopedic surgeon for a tibial tubercle transfer procedure, among other procedures (I was not kidding about the massive part). 13 weeks on crutches later, I was becoming active again, but running terrified me. I cannot sugarcoat it--surgery & rehab sucks. I did not want to deal with it again! Plus, the joint felt kind of odd and it took a long time to heal. Slamming my body weight into it with each stride didn't seem wise. Fast forward to 2010...I got the  running bug again. I think I needed to work out some anger or something at the time and BOOM! I was back at it 3-4 times a week. I set a resolution to run a half-marathon and work towards a full. My friends and I set goals to run a race in every state! 

It's a start, y'all! 

My prospective marathon schedule for 2012: 

January 15: Rock n Roll AZ 

April: Oz Marathon (Kansas)

June 9: Hatfield & McCoy Marathon

October: Leavenworth Octoberfest Marathon

I still have one race left this year, RnR LV. I'm hoping PR again at this race, but we shall see. I've been working hard. If anyone out there knows of any amazing, interesting, or unique races coming up, let me know!