Noshing in the city

It's a well-known fact that I like to eat. A lot. My constant hunger coupled with proclivity to organize foodie adventures often leaves me in the fun position of being the resident restaurant recommender in my circle. However, navigating the city's ever changing food scene can be exhausting, and is quite frankly way out of my league. Luckily there are a TON of fantastic food blogs and websites out there to keep you informed on authentic Thai cuisine, how to recreate Shake Shack's eponymous burger, or what's worth braving the lines for at Le Fooding. So as you're planning the weekend's gustatory adventures, take a look at some of these sites for a little inspiration.

Oh HAI HAI NYC MARATHON

Guess who has a hot date on November 6th? The ING NYC Marathon et moi. 

Cashing in all those HATEFUL snowpocalypsey/humid/hung-over races...

I <3 NYC

Is it too soon to start training? Uh. Yes. But that doesn't mean I can't be STUPID EXCITED.

MCM Recap: A Love Story

Marine Corps Marathon, you rocked my moisture wicking socks.   Like any love story, we had our ups and down, not every moment was a joyous celebration of running. There were points that I regretted you, hated you with every fiber of my being; on the other hand, you probably thought I was a whiny little bitch. Okay, fair enough. And while I'm sure we could have down a few things better (ahem..having non-caffeinated gels), I wouldn't change the experience for the world.

However, all good things eventually come to an end, and it's time to move on. MCM, we had it good, and maybe one day we'll meet again.  But for now, I'm focusing my attentions on your shorter friend - the half-marathon. Don't worry, there will always be a special place in my heart for you, Marine Corps Marathon.  After all, you were my first.

Welcome to the 35th Marine Corps Marathon. Y'all ready for this?

My little pony

In lieu of a real post/ long run update/belated cupcake recipe, all of which I promise will be coming shortly, I offer you this little motivational morsel. Who doesn't like unicorns??

We all need goals.

25 days and a wake up

After three months of training, it's officially less than four weeks till 30,000 runners line up in Arlington for the start of the Marine Corps Marathon. I'm both petrified and unbelievably excited. This week I'll hit my peak mileage (around 50 miles) and then begin the much dreaded taper. All marathon training plans include a two to three week "taper" period leading up to race day that focuses of healing muscles and resting for the big day. Many runners look forward to the pre-race taper as a chance to rest up and enjoy the free time that comes with diminished mileage. Not me. I will most likely spend the next three weeks fretting about my fitness, overanalyzing my race strategy, testing out an obscene amount of spandex to perfect my marathon outfit, and questioning my ability to complete all 26.2 miles. However, after a solid long run, mindblowing trapeze class, and delicious refueling, I'm feeling much more confident that I'll make to the finish line and maybe, just maybe, hit my goal time.

In it for the long haul

Clad in spandex and armed only with $20, a Metro card, iPod, and an energy gel, I ventured out into the quiet pre-dawn New York streets to take on the 20 mile run, the heart of marathon training. It's been a long time since I've felt this nervous about a race or run, but the 20 miler is an entirely different physical and, more importantly, mental beast than your typical long run. This is the farthest distance that most recreational marathoners will run before the actual race, and in some ways is even more difficult than a marathon as you lack the crowd support and adrenaline to spur you onwards. However, I'm very happy to report that my run went fantastic and has left me feeling much more confident in my ability to cross the finish line on October 31.

Yes, we're just that hardcore

Overheard in Prospect Park
Random runner guy: So are you running the 3 mile relay or the 10 mile?
Spandex clad runner girl: Oh, just the 3 miler. I ran the Run for Haiti in Central Park yesterday so didn't want to overdo it.
Random runner guy: Good call. I saw the NYRR email about the Run for Haiti but didn't sign up since I had the Cherry Tree today. You'd have to be an idiot to do two races in a weekend.
Spandex clad runner girl: Absolutely - who would be that stupid?

Answer: Greg and I. That wasn't necessarily the most inspiring conversation to eavesdrop on as we waited in the cold to start the Prospect Park Cherry Tree 10 mile race this morning. 14 miles and a few minor/major injuries later, I'd say they weren't TOTALLY correct. Yes, I'll be quite sore tomorrow and probably should take the next two days off from running, but these were two of the most fun races I've ever done, not to mention both PBs.

Started off the weekend with NYRR's 4 mile Run for Haiti in Central Park on Saturdayy morning. Ah-mazing experience: 10,000 plus runners and walkers pitched up and raised over $400,000 for the Haitian Relief Fund. Smithies and I met up with Kristy to complete the GTS runner's trio. With lovely unseasonably warm weather and great energy from the crowd, it was hard not to get pumped up for the race. We all clocked in at a comfortable 36 minutes for the 4 miles. Despite being sick with NAIMUN plague, legs and lungs felt really solid and I'm sure I could have gone faster if the route hadn't been so packed with runners and I wasn't running another race the next day. Minor details.