vermont city marathon relay

Earlier this year, I decided to sign up for the Vermont City Marathon Relay. Fortunately, I got selected in the lottery. Unfortunately, my partner bailed on me. At the last minute I got a new running partner to run the Memorial Day weekend race with me. On Sunday, I got up bright and early with my friends to run the first leg of the marathon. Of course, the first leg of the race was the hilliest. We went down an awesome hill at mile 4 and of course had to come back up it. That was fun.

After the first mile or so, I was able to catch up to my average pace. It was a bit crowded at the beginning, but it eventually evened out. However, right before mile 11, my right hamstring started acting up. I actually had to stop after it had clenched up and caused some unpleasant pain. I tried stretching it a bit, but it didn’t help much. A lot of people that I had steadily passed the first 11 miles, made their way past me at this point. I had to slow down dramatically. My target time of 1:45 ended with a 1:51 finish for the my 13.1. Not terrible, but still not what I was on pace for.

Good thing my partner made up for my time, and we had a 3:35 finish. Now if only I can complete the Chicago Marathon in that time later this year. Actually, I would have to break 3:35 in order to qualify for Boston. Here’s hoping.

I’m sure it didn’t help, but I wanted to run with my friend who was doing the full marathon and support her in for for a couple of miles (after I completed my leg) and run the last mile with her. It was a bit iffy, but I’m glad I was able to support and cross the finish line with her.

I guess I’ve been lucky that this was the first race that I actually had an issue outside of being tired. I’m going to try to rest this week and take it easy. I’m now going to google the whole internet on ways to get my hamstring better. Especially, now that I’m officially kicking of my marathon training.

bomf

You may remember that I volunteered last year for my 30 before 30. I had wanted to do something a bit more long-term, but the timing just wasn’t working out for me. II had wanted to do something with kids—either with running or reading and I ended up doing a one-day volunteer race with kids. Ever since September, I’ve been thinking of doing something more, but just didn’t commit to anything. Life got in the way.

However, a few months ago I heard that Back on My Feet was launching in NYC. I first heard of this organization a few years ago when I read a Runner’s World article. At the time, I was impressed with Anne Mahlum and wondered if I’d ever have the guts to start something like this. Over the years, every once in a while, I’d remember the article—about this tiny blond helping the homeless in Philly through running—but had mostly forgotten about it.

Earlier this year, BoMF came front of mind again. Over the last several years, the organization had expanded from Philly to all over the nation. The difficulties of launching in NYC caused a bit of delay, but on April 10^th, BoMF officially made its debut in NYC.

I decided to join my sisters and some friends in volunteering on a regular basis. It sounded like a great way to get involved, and why not do it through running? Since mid-April, I’ve joined other runners to help a great group of people from the Common Ground shelter get back on their feet. Waking up and running to Times Square bright and early at 5:30am is sometimes startling. Especially given that this is about the only time Times Square is deserted. I thought it was going to be harder getting up that early, but knowing that I made a commitment, I’ve managed to do it. Sometimes that particular day and the few days after are slightly rough. But it gets me up early and feeling like I’ve accomplished something way before my work day begins.

It’s been great seeing the non-res members get faster and increase their mileage. I’m looking forward to seeing them begin to love—or at least like a lot— running. Next month we’ll get to see them do their first race. I’m looking forward to it!

And if you want to support, get involved or donate to my sisters' Ambreleah and Alysia.

april book update

I only completed one book last month. I guess that’s what happens when you start a 1000-page book. It’s taking a bit longer than expected.

The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach

This was a recommendation for book club. And since Opening Day was a few weeks ago, it seemed fitting. The book isn’t necessarily all about baseball, but more about the lives that are affected when a standard throw to first base goes off course.

You get to know various people at this small college on Lake Michigan, when Henry—who’s been errorless so far in his career—throws a ball that doesn’t hit the first baseman’s glove like it should have. You see how the lives of students, administration and outsiders are affected. I thought it was a pretty good book and would highly recommend it.

I started to read The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet and have gotten to the middle—actually 49%. Next month (assuming I finish it), I’ll go a bit deeper into it. So far so good.

13/30 books in 2012.