Uh Oh.

The sad thing is I am actually excited to start training again. And, for my triathlon. Let the games begin!

Also, anyone have a good recommendation on a heart rate monitor that doesn't cost a bagillion dollars?

It's winter out there.

I have to say, I'm feeling pretty darn good today. Last night I took a spin class that made me really sweat and did a nice leg workout. This morning I followed it up with a nice little run. While 49 out of 50 states are currently covered in snow, I however decided to brave the 20 degree temperature (which I think was about 9 degrees with the windchill). The streets were still covered in snow, and I could barely feel my fingers, but it felt great to get out there this morning. And, you really can't beat that skyline view at dawn. Breathtaking.

On another note, I have two photo shoots in the works! I'm really excited. Let's hope this whole photographer thing works out for me :)

I'm FREE!!

After successfully completing my first marathon (go me!) I chucked my running shoes and needed a new pair. I was determined to find a pair that was obnoxiously bright and fun. I really wanted to replicate this pair of Sauconys I had back in the day. They were this bright purple/blue color, super light and amazing.

This time around my quest was not really successful. I did however, find a cute grey and teal pair that really make my legs look great. Ok, not really, but they are super cute. Look was not the only reason I chose these shoes though. I've been really interested in this whole barefoot running trend, but the idea of possibly stepping on broken glass was just too much to bare. After some research I decided I would try one of the more minimalist shoes. Not those weird Five Fingers, but a shoe made to imitate and allow your foot to move in a similar way to how it would move when it was not in a shoe at all. I decided to try one of the Nike Free pairs. I'm excited to test them out for a short run, but i'm a little nervous at how my feet will hold up! I'll report back.

Running Machine!

So last weekend I did something kind of crazy. I ran in the Marine Corps Marathon down in DC. It was an incredible experience. I ran the race with Laura (because we do every stupid athletic challenge together) and we've been training since July. So, it was a very bittersweet moment to realize I no longer had to dedicate my weekends to training, and could now resume a normal life. It's kind of sad to realize it's all over though.

This is me at mile 0.25. That's why I look so happy and optimistic.

This is me at mile 22. That is why I look like I am miserable. I half was.

Jason, Jessie and Laura's crew all came to cheer us on. They were such an amazing support team, cheering, encouraging, and trying to catch the perfect pictures of us. They nearly ran a marathon on their own just finding us along the course. Jason mapped it out and they walked something like 12 miles on their own!

Crossing that finish line was such an amazing feeling. I nearly broke down into tears multiple times. I've done some pretty cool things in my time, but reaching the point where I was able to cross that finish point was such hard work. I dedicated so much of my time to training that it was so amazing to actually finish. It was one of the few times in my life where I actually felt like I accomplished something great. It was a feeling I do not want to forget anytime soon.

Up next, NY Marathon 2011. Unless I get selected for the NY triathlon that I entered the lottery for. YIKES!

1 down, 8 to go.

This morning I dragged my tired butt out of bed at the crack of dawn in order to run a fun 4 mile race in Central Park. The good news is I am now one race closer to running the NY Marathon (you have to run 9 qualifying races for guaranteed entry), the bad news it was freaking cold out there! I'm talking really, really cold. My finger nails still hurt. Finger. Nails. I think they said it "felt like" 5 degrees or something really absurd. I looked ridiculous running it, too. Running tights, thermal shirt under a fleece under a windbreaker, scarf and topped off with a pink hat. I couldn't keep the boys off of me.

Spent the rest of my day curled up in bed reading the NY Times, drinking Yoo-Hoo. Ah, Sundays.

Another Day, Another Race

Saturday morning I headed down to Prospect Park with my friend Laura to run in the Nike+ Human Race 10K. Nearly 800,000 people around the world all ran in the race! After my half, I hurt my ankle and had taken some time off from running and literally only started running again 2 days before the race. Probably not the best idea. The whole day was kind of a mess. I forgot my running chip, I forgot my transmitter for my Nike+, and I felt bad when I was running.

After the race, Laura and I decided to treat ourselves to one of the best egg and cheese sandwiches in NY at Prime Meats. As we were walking and talking, and minding our own business, a giant pitbull leaps from the bushes and attacks me, knocking me down to the ground! Well, it didn't happen exactly that way, but still we were walking and this pit jumped at me and bit my hand! The owner was a jerk and didn't even apologize that his dog not only jumped on me, but bit me. All in all, a fail of a morning for me.

Haunting my dreams

This seriously haunts my dreams. The thought of an eight foot spider should give anyone an anxiety attack. The hardware store across from me put this up. It's almost as bad as this. Nothing creeps me out more than spiders or snakes.

This is a much more appropriate holiday decoration. This decorates the transit garden in Carroll Gardens.

PS. Running the Nike+ Human Race 10K tomorrow in Prospect Park. Anyone else running it in their area? If you're up at 8am in Brooklyn, come cheer me on! I appreciate signs.

I did it!

Last Sunday was the day - my much anticipated, slightly dreaded half marathon. I woke up at 6 am not the least bit excited that I was about to run for 2 hours straight. I was excited for it to be over. Training has been a bit harsh on my body, and I have been walking with a constant limp for the last few weeks - not cute.

However, the race kicked butt! I finished in 1:58:50! A whole minute and 9 seconds under my goal of "under 2 hours." The first half I did I finished in 2:14, so shaving off a whole 15 minutes was really great for me.

It was the first half for the girls I ran with and I am so proud of them! Here's to our next adventure ladies.

just after we finished, we're a hot sweaty mess

I've got a handle on this

Last night after a beautiful run in Central Park, my friend and I headed down to 16 Handles. We've both been wanting to try it out for quite some time, and with fall (then winter UGH) right around the corner our time to enjoy icy treats is quickly diminishing. The idea behind 16 Handles is it is a self serve frozen yogurt joint. They have 16 flavors (or handles) and you can put all the toppings you want on it. I chose the Cookies & Cream yogurt and loaded mine with cookie dough, brownie bits, mini chocolate chips, rainbow sprinkles, and just a touch of hot fudge. Don't judge, I had just run 6 miles. It was so good - I am still thinking about it!

Run, Kelley, Run

It's official. I signed up for the Philadelphia half marathon in September. Wish me luck. The last time I ran a half was about 5 years ago (holy crap!) and I wasn't a seasoned runner at all. I completed it in 2 hours and 15 minutes (Would of been about 2:10 but I picked up one too many Gatorades along the way). Not bad, but this time my goal is under 2 hours. Think I can do it? I really hope so.

PS. This isn't me, but it could be.