NYC Marathon, Seattle Style

As I'm sure everyone is aware by now, the New York City Marathon was cancelled on Friday evening. Let me preface this post by saying my thoughts are still with all of those still struggling from the effects of Sandy.

After not really agreeing with Mayor Bloomberg's decision to hold the marathon, I listened to his urges that the marathon would help the city's economy and mental state, and jumped on a plane to New York Friday morning.

I had a layover in Dallas before my final flight to NY, and when we landed I had several texts and emails asking me if I'd heard and alerting me to the news. I would not be running the New York City Marathon this year. After dealing with the initial shock, I decided to head back to Seattle instead of continuing on to New York. As much as I wanted to help out and to see my friends, I decided this just wasn't the time to be in the city. I was able to switch my flight back to Seattle without much hassle and ended up back in the city by  midnight. What a long day of pointless travel THAT was!

It wasn't until the next morning that it really sunk in. All these months of training and excitement, all the long runs, the painful taper I tried to give myself....it all felt like it was for nothing. On the other hand, I tried to remind myself that I genuinely enjoyed all the training and that I would have been training for another race if it weren't for New York.

That being said, there is no race like New York and I was well aware of that fact. I still haven't heard what they are planning to do for the runners. I'm hoping we can defer to next year, but I'm not holding my breath. That is a lot of runners that will take up a lot of spots next year! We shall see.

Little did I know that after all the cancellation drama, my friends were planning a "marathon" for me on Sunday.   They told me to meet at our Crossfit gym and we would carpool to the start line on Sunday morning. Truthfully, I was just grateful to have some people to run with. The icing on the cake was that I got to run a marathon anyways!

I got to the gym bright-eyed a bushy-tailed on Sunday morning (thank you daylight savings time!) to find Ultramarathoner Jess with a race goodie bag for me. Complete with a race bib!

"Level 4 Nooners" refers to our team that ran the Tough Mudder, which is the group of us that works out at our Crossfit gym at Noon. This *hit was official!

We headed out to Lake Youngs again and Jess had mapped out a perfect 26.2 mile course for us. Everyone was doing different distances, but they made sure there were always two other people running with me.

The loop around Lake Youngs is 9.6 miles. We started out with 4 ladies: Beth, Jess, myself and Von. We started at a nice, easy pace and I felt great for the entire first loop! Tons of energy and pretty much a fireball of excitement.

We dropped off Von after the first loop (she had run a 200 mile race the weekend before...whaaaatttt), and picked up Matt.

Matt, Beth, Jess, Me. Level IV Nooners! (some of us)

We took off on our second loop, and I definitely wasn't as peppy this time around! Although Lake Youngs is relatively easy trail-wise, it is still trail running and definitely more hills than I have ever run for 26 miles!

We settled into a good 9-9.20 pace, and I was just enjoying having so much company and so many people to talk to. I do most of my long runs solo, so not only was I happy to be running my "marathon", but also just to have company on a long run was amazing!

Beth is training for her first marathon, so about halfway through our second lap, she hit a new personal distance record. I love it when I get to be around for this stuff. I seem to get more excited than the people who are actually setting their record, but I think it's fun to celebrate those little milestones!

During the second loop, my neuroma started becoming a big pain in the arse. That darn thing hasn't hurt for awhile, so I guess it was due to make an appearance. It didn't help that I was on trails, either, so every rock I stepped on just hurt like murder. Well, maybe not that badly, but it certainly wasn't like running on marshmallows!

We finished up the second loop only 20 seconds slower than the first loop and dropped Beth off with a new distance record under her belt. Matt, Jess and I took off again, for a final 7 mile out and back. It was about 2 miles into this section of the run that I really started feeling the miles. I never hit the wall, which I was ecstatic about, but things were just getting creaky.

We turned around about 3.5 miles in, and from there I knew this was the final stretch. At this point, Matt started picking up the pace and my goal became to just keep up with him. He was literally flying those last few miles and I just tried to stay right behind him and put one foot in front of the other, neuroma be damned!

We finished up 26.2 miles in 4.16.58, which is technically a new personal record! It makes me wonder what I would've been capable had I run New York.

As we came around the final bend, Beth had set up a "finish line" of birthday streamers for me to run through. I started laughing but was so touched at the effort!

Running through my finish line!

Afterwards, Beth put a medal around my neck and gave me a "milar blanket" made out of a garbage bag. I have the BESTEST friends ever.

I was definitely tired and feeling the 26.2 miles, but as usual after any great marathon, I was a super happy camper and so thankful that my friends lifted the disappointment and put on a great "race" for me.

Seattle running besties Jess, me and Beth! 

Despite not getting to run NYC this year, I still had an incredible day and am so thankful for my friends who "understand" this crazy running obsession.

Now I'm itching to do another sanctioned marathon this month...stay tuned for details!

A Seattle Tourist Weekend

As I mentioned yesterday, my friend Kali came in to visit me from Texas this weekend! Kali and I met as dancers in New York. We did several musical theater shows together in Brooklyn and were audition buddies as well. Kali is currently dancing on cruises and had a break in her busy schedule between contracts to come for a visit! She'd never been to Seattle, so I had to show her everything I could!

Making faces.

I got my long run done on Friday so we could spend as much time together as possible.

After I finished my long run, we headed out to my parents' house on the peninsula. We took the ferry out there and I was pretty disappointed because it was a very foggy and overcast day. Not the best way to represent yourself, Seattle!

Tree was too slimy to climb. Stupid moss!

Once we got to my parents' house, we enjoyed a lovely lunch (I was starving from my long run) and then went on a hike in Fort Warden. This is one of my favorite places for a walk and since I know it pretty well, I don't have to worry about getting lost.

Kali and I made sure to take lots of silly pictures in the forest and on the beach. Because it's important. Obviously.

Handstands for the win!

Hugs.

We had dinner with my parents and high-tailed it back to Seattle since I had to work in the morning. Boo!

After I got off work the next day, the weather cleared up (thank goodness!), so I took Kali to the Seattle waterfront and the "Great Wheel".

 I don't know why they call it a "Great Wheel" and not just the Seattle Ferris Wheel, but whatever. They should've asked me to name it. Obviously I would have named it "Rodolfo The Wheel" or something equally as awesome.

I wasn't terribly impressed with the wheel. It was nice and I think it's a beautiful addition to the Seattle waterfront at night, but I think you get a better view from the ferry of Seattle, and the waterfront gives you the same view of the sound. Next time, I think I will just take visitors up the Space Needle, since it is similar in price and so iconic.

Afterwards, I took Kali to Alki Beach in West Seattle. We started at one end and walked a mile or two to the other end. We had a lovely little walk, although it was a bit chilly. I love Alki. It is one of my favorite places in Seattle, especially when it isn't super crowded. You really can't beat the view of Seattle!

Cartwheeling! Love!

Nor of Seattle's very own Lady Liberty. Don't tell me were not classy in the Pacific Northwest!

Lady Liberty, Seattle style.

We had dinner at Cactus on Alki. I love this place. It is so unique and fresh and everything I have tried here is simply amazing! They classify their dishes as Southwest and Mexican. I ended up with the Sonoran Spa Chicken, which had great cilantro flavors and just enough veggies and chicken! Kali ended up with the Butternut Squash Enchiladas, which were fantastic! Neither of us had ever thought of putting butternut squash in a Mexican dish before, but it totally worked! They were very sweet with hints of cinnamon and chocolate in the mole sauce.

After dinner, our waiter brought us their Three Milk Cuban Flan on the house! Holy cow it was so good! We dominated it.

Trying to take a pic of ourselves.  Someone sign us up for
photography school immediately.

After dinner, we walked back to the car along Alki at sunset. It was magical, if not a tid bit chilly!

The next morning, we met my trail running friends for a run around Discovery Park again. The weather was brisk, but it was perfect for running!

Waiting for everyone else to arrive. Perfect time for car photos!

We had another nice trail run! I was still pretty tuckered out from Friday's long run, I think, so I was dragging a bit. It's times like those I love running with friends who can pick you up and assure you that its just one of those days. I always feel so much better commiserating with my runner buddies!

Garmin says 7 trail miles in 1:11. Garmin probably lost signal,
so it was closer to 8 miles.

The rest of the day Kali and I spent downtown. We started at Pike Place Market. Back in New York, Kali and I had spent many an afternoon wandering around and finding great farmers markets and stores. It felt like we were back in New York again and I was just so happy to be wandering around with my friend!

Kali loved watching the flying fish and we made sure to see the pig, the first Starbucks and all the lovely vendors.

No, Sir, I really don't want to kiss your fish!

Afterwards, we meandered over to Pioneer Square for the Underground Seattle tour. The original city of Seattle was actually wiped out by a fire, so when the city rebuilt, they built everything on top of the old city. It was fascinating to hear stories and see the "bottom" of so many buildings in the area. Our tour guide had lots of fun stories to tell us about the crazy people who built the city!

Ready to head underground.

We finished the day off by taking the monorail over to Seattle Center. Of course, we found some random statues along the way and had to stop and take pictures!

Kali and I decided to save our money since we'd already done the tour and the Great Wheel. We didn't go up in the Space Needle, but I made Kali go to the base because I feel like its a must for a first time Seattle visitor!

At the fountain at Seattle Center.
No idea why it was boring and not turned on!

It was such a fun weekend and it was so sad to say goodbye to Kali! Hopefully I'll see her soon!

Labor Day Weekend

What a great weekend! I started it off Friday with a great CrossFit workout. Our skill for the day was deadlifts and I got up past my bodyweight, which was exciting for me.

Our WOD was an AMRAP. We were supposed to be doing knee tucks up to the bar for 8, but I had my coach help me do some skin the cat's. It was fun to work on some skills other than focusing on time. I also worked on my double unders, which my coach says I'm close to, but I don't believe it!

I picked up Annie from the airport late Friday night and since I had 16 miles on tap bright and early the next morning, we pretty much crashed right when we got home.

My long run Saturday morning was another great one! Two awesome long runs in a row? I'll take it! I ran along Burke Gilman, around Lake Union and up to Green Lake, then back to Ballard. Because I am the worst person ever with directions, I estimated a little over and ended up with 17 miles. Who does that?! What a crazy running freak =)

The view at Green Lake. Love.

It was another beautiful day and the first 12 miles or so flew by. Around mile 12 I started getting some neuroma pain, but it wasn't too bad. I stopped around mile 14 to shake out my foot and have a shot blok, which got me through the final miles. I finished the 17 miles in 2 hours and 25 minutes, which is about an 8:30 pace. If I can hold that for the NYC Marathon, I will be golden!

17 miles. 2.25.35. Boom!

After a quick shower (no ice bath this weekend), Annie and I refueled. Mimosas were obviously on the menu!

I ended up having to run into work for some aerobic class help. I'm working on getting a set warm-up and cool-down together and there are so many things to remember! Cueing, counting, instructing, safety, the list goes on forever! Luckily, with my dance background, I think it comes a little easier to me, but its still darn hard!

After that, Annie and I took the Edmonds Ferry, and then drove out to the Peninsula. We got to spend the night at my parents' house on the beach, which is always a nice treat. I will tell you we did NOT watch the Sound of Music on my father's big screen TV. (ok, I lied. Maybe we did.) The next morning, I even got to go out to my Stepmom's garden and pick fresh berries and spinach to take home! I was way too excited to handle my life in that moment!

All the berries!

We even got up early enough to catch the sunrise over the beach. The northwest really is the most beautiful place. It only took me 27 years to figure that one out!

After the morning excitement, we drove to Hurricane Ridge to experience even more beauty. Never-ending. Seriously.

Oh my goodness, if you want to feel like a miniscule speck, go to Hurricane Ridge. In the midst of the mountains, trees and meadows, I felt so small and was just in awe of the beauty of nature!

Annie and I had a great time just exploring a bit. I took the day off from workouts, a despite my 17 miles the day before, I still felt fresh hiking around the mountains for a few hours.

Hugging a tree. It seemed appropriate at the time.

We headed back to Seatle on the Bainbridge Island ferry, which I think has the best views of Seattle.

Mount Rainier was also out and I was so glad Annie got the chance to see it in all its glory before she left. This picture doesn't even do it justice. This mountain is so freakin' beautiful!

Hello, gorgeous.

We bummed around Pike's Place Market for awhile before heading over to Alki beach and then back home for the evening. We were both pretty pooped from sitting in a car all day (how does that even happen?), and we enjoyed a quiet evening on the couch with some frozen yogurt and cupcakes.

 I was able to get out Monday morning for a quick 5 miles before I headed into work for the morning. Annie and I picked up some lunch after I was done and headed to Mercer Island so I could show her where I grew up. We ate lunch down on a beach there before I had to take her to the airport.

Such a great weekend, but I am ready for some fun things going on this week!