All Washed Out

I'm still here. Not happy, but here. We evacuated Saturday evening to higher ground and stayed with friends overnight. When we got back the following day, we had lake front property. The entire street was flowing with water about 2.5 feet deep. 

The view down my street on Sunday at noon.

So we used hub's SUV to get up and down the block. Yesterday DEP came and made a huge difference. However things are cleary not back to normal- which I learned the hard way.

Warning: I am about to complain and whine now about things not going my way.

Well my new sneakers came yesterday, and that for me is like Christmas.  So I barely dragged myself out of bed this morning to run - since I have been unable to be so since Friday. I figured, best wAy to start back up is with new sneakers. Plus the other running sneakers are in the trunk of my car which is still parked a quarter mile away from my house. I knew there was still some water in the street but that I could get around it if I went through the grass.  Guess what! If the street is full of water, so is the grass. I hadn't even started running yet and my feet and my new sneakers were drenched. My run was over before it started. I was not making it up my street on foot.

Damn puddle wet my sneakers! (and later my flip flops)

For the record, I live on a dead end street.  Only one way to get off the block...

And that way is not runner friendly :(

Now as I sit here and write this, I understand this may all sound really dopey and full of bad decisions. Please keep in mind that it is 4:45 am. So now, I have brand new sneakers drenched with water- FAIL!  And no run to speak of. I'm assume today can only get better. Doubtful!  (as my Garmin goes on autosave)  this morning can only be labelled FML!

I need get out of this funk ASAP. Any tips besides don't go in huge puddles of water in new sneakers? I think I learned that one the wet hard way.

Damn you Irene!

So I just wanted to let you guys know that due to Hurricane Irene planned arrival on land, and my home's proximity to the ocean, I may be out of touch for a bit. My thoughts and prayers Re with everyone on the east coast. Hopefully this will be anti-climatic!

A Letter to my Legs

Dear Concrete Slabs I used to call Legs,

I just wanted to remind you that we made a deal several months ago to tackle NYC in 26.2 miles on a Sunday in November.  I have been keeping my half of the bargain.  Not so much on your end.  I will need you guys you to move, not resist and feel like 5 ton tree trunks on my morning runs.

I have even sweetened the deal by adding some ice and foam rolling. But I cannot do this race without you.  Let me know if there is anything else you need, but we will need to work together going forward.

Love,
Jen xoxox



(Just over 10 weeks of training to go... this needed to be addressed immediately)

White Food Diet

Yesterday after work I got my teeth whitened (Thanks, Groupon!)  I expected sensitivity in my teeth so I knew something like frozen yogurt would be out of the question right away, but I didn't expect what they told me.  I can only eat white and clear foods for 24 hours.  It was the first time that I ever stopped to think about the color of food.  Me either, so they gave me this...

Not loving today's diet!

So a plain bagel and reduced fat cream cheese later, I am trying to figure out how I can get caffeine in clear form.  Any ideas??

Anyway, here's a picture I tried to take while I was in one of three consecutive 20 minute sessions.

Apparently you can't take a good picture in the dark with a laser in front of your mouth.

And here's a sexy shot of my beautiful smile in progress. lol

 Also, just a side note, I was in NYC yesterday and I was in the basement of my building during the earthquake.  I did not feel anything.  Back at home in Staten Island, they "evacuated" the day care.  So, my daughter had some extra play time in the yard.

Any excuse to post pics of my little girl.

So, I'll be here at my desk, thinking about lunch... does vanilla frozen yogurt with white chocolate chips and marshmallows count as lunch??

Here's a question, what if you could only eat one color of food.  What color would it be?

Rock n' Foam Roll

Last night, I finally tried out the foam roller.  I watched few videos on YouTube and each said that it might hurt the first few times.  How could something so harmless hurt?

Evil Foam!

Well, I stand corrected.  I did some IT Band rolling and while I was trying for 5 minutes, I could only handle 2 minutes.  It really was painful, oh and my husband and son were staring at me like I was crazy.
Him - "Hun, what are you doing?" 
Me - "Stretching"
Him - "Son, Mommy is silly."
Me - "Ouch.  Be quiet!"

But, I will continue to "roll" as often as possible, in the privacy of my room.

I managed to get out of bed today and ran 6 miles.  I even incorporated my 4 "striders."  Go Jen! Hopefully my training is back on track.  I am going score me some new kicks (that's "Brooklyn" for sneakers) this week (payday).  Still deciding if I should get refitted and try some new ones or just stick with what I know.  I run in Kayano 17s and they are good but after 7+ miles I definitely wind up with a blister or two.  It's just that when I go to the running store, I feel like I try on a million pairs and nothing fits perfect.  I usually wind up settling for something and then drop $100 on sneakers that I never wear.

How often do you go in for a sneaker "check up" to make sure you are wearing the right ones?  How many pairs do you usually try on?

Not exactly bragging, but...

So, it's not a big deal, but it is to me.  For the first time ever, I placed 11th in my age/sex group.  (There were probably only 12 people in the category, but actually there were 39 - I'm a nerd.  I counted.)  Go Brooklyn! :)

# 708

Correa, Jennifer

Staten Island, NY

Age Group F35 - 39

Individual

Start	05:02:50.0
Official Finish	01:37:34.0
Chip Finish	01:36:41.3
Overall	352
Women	129
F35 - 39	11

Jen -1; Brooklyn - 0

Definitely a full weekend without too much stress. Some highlights (ha! I use that word loosely) -

Saturday I took the chance of getting a pedicure with both kids in tow. Entertaining the boy is easy... Hello iPhone and Angry Birds. The girl is not so easy to amuse. She sat on my lap and just watched for a few minutes, then we looked at magazine together. By the time the lady was polishing my nails, baby girl was literally stepping all over me. The chick asked me if I wanted a manicure also. Ha! I wish! Do you have a day care here?!

At the beach Saturday

Sunday morning I was ready to battle Brooklyn... 10 mile worth at least (well actually about3.3 miles of Prospect Park three times.) dropped off the kids with Mom and headed to the park. That damn hill is never fun, its even less fun three times in a row. Aside from that, good run. Well organized- Kudos to Jack Rabbit!

Post race I met Ali, as she spotted my "I heart sweat" shirt.

Ali and I

The best thing about a race is of course, post-race-brunch. My girl and I had an amazing refueling session at Two Boots. There was omlette, French toast And even some mimosas!! Now that's I'd love to start every Sunday! Once you have kids, eating a hot meal in a restaurant is a dream come true!

Me and my partna before brunch... we look hungry, yes?

Then I scooped up the kids and we visited Grandma (mine - she's 96, yes, I'm bragging)

Christmas 2010

and my very pregnant sister. Now we wind down and prepare for another week... After I get the little ones to bed - for now she is fully entertained by Elmo singing his ABCs on YouTube. Thank god for the Internet!

Xox
Until tomorrow

DimSum: Virgin to Fan

I ran six miles this morning before the sun came up - literally 4:40 a.m. When I woke up (around mile 2), my knee was okay. At mile 4, I started to feel a bit of discomfort- but even by the end of the run it wasn't as bad as Wednesday's 4 miles. I'm hoping that is a good sign and not just a fluke. I did two things differently:

1. I iced consistently each night. - I know that sounds like a no brained but honestly, with two kids, I barely sit down outside of work. When I get in bed, I just want to pass out.

2. I wore my shin compression sleeve on the leg with the misbehaving knee.

Not sure if either one helped, but I will continue to do both for now. I also ordered a knee sleeve (Thanks Caitlin!)

So then, there was life. One of the last half day Fridays at work. I will miss them. Had a nice lunch with some co-workers. We went down to Chinatown for some DimSum. As a DimSum virgin, I was impressed. It was like Chinese tapas! While I prefer grilled chorizo to steamed dumplings, it was still very good.

Home with the family now so let me get back to that.

Enjoy your weekend and happy running! Anyone running the Battle of Brooklyn in Prospect Park Sunday?

One More Day

No workout this morning.  I was exhausted.  I literally left myself 15 minutes to shower and get dressed before I had to get the kids up.  Still I managed to get here looking like this... not great, but not bad.

I swear I did iron this morning.

Feeling the allergies but I started medicating today so hopefully I'll have some relief and a less puffy face in a few days. I figured pink would make me feel better. :)  Plus my son asked me this morning where I was going.  He asked if I had a party at work since I was "dressed up."  A compliment from your 5 year old son is like sunshine on a cloudy day.  I love you Boogie!

Got to work to find my computer did not want to cooperate.  This is 2011, you might as well cut off my arms if I cannot use my computer.  One full hour wasted - although it left time for my friend to snap the above pic of me. Thanks Nurys!

I also made an appointment to see a doctor on Monday morning and possible schedule some tests for the knee.  That doesn't help with this weekend, but hopefully I'll get through my 10 miller on Sunday in Brooklyn.

Also, I just started reading a book on reducing stress - it was free for my iPad Kindle app. :)  I'll let you know how that goes.  Until then, back to life...

Oh Knee

So after week of coach-suggested rest, I ran this morning. I started to feel the discomfort at just over 1/2 mile.  It was annoying at most. By the time I completed 2 miles, it had gotten worse. The last mile was the worst. Afterwards I soaked that leg for a bit in my cold (thank you monsoon rains) pool. I think I need to see a doctor. I never had problems with my knees before and I don't want them now. 

I was happy about my shirt though & that the run was over.

Anyone have a similar problem or can suggest a good doctor in NYC?
What do I do now?  

Technical Difficulties

I am very particular when it comes to my running. Everything has to be just right. I get very distracted easily with little things. I cannot wear pants that make swooshing noises when I run.  I cannot have my fuel belt bouncing up and down.  I cannot even have a single hair in my face.  I have to run on a particular side if I run with a buddy and we have to stay on those sides for the whole run.  Yes, I know, I'm a high maintainence runner.

That said, last night I prepared all my stuff for this morning's run. It was my first run in a full week, which sucks-but anything to avoid injury. I went outside and turned on my Garmin... "low battery" WHAT?!  No bueno!  So, I adapt- Plan B - Nike Plus app. Then I realize I grabbed the wrong headphones. I hate ear buds especially when only one works. But hey - its better to keep one ear out for safety aka raccoons at 5 a.m. (Yes, raccoons in Staten Island!)

So run, and I'm excited that I have on my way cool tee shirt from Ali's fundraiser. Hey, if you look good, you feel good right? True, but only if you cut off the tag from the inside of the shirt first. :( cue annoying tag against my skin. ( I cut it out as soon as I got home - now my shirt is perfect!)
So I ran my 4 miles with one crappy ear bud only getting my pace at mile markers from Nike Plus while trying to ignore the tag.

All in all,a completed run equals success so I'll take it.  Lesson learned- sometimes things don't go your way- suck it up and drive on (and whine about it later via blog) :)

So am I the only one who is that particular about this stuff or is there a support group for us somewhere? If not, can I start it?

Braidy Day

It's a dreary day in New York today.  The rain from this weekend continues.  And I was lucky enough to leave the house with the kids just in time for a downpour.  Winning!  Plus the drains are backed up so I was lucky enough to take as 1.4 minute shower.  Since I did Jillian Michael's Shred this morning, a shower was not an option, it was a necessity!  I got all the good parts but couldn't wash the hair.  Hence... messy side braid.  Thanks to Fitnessita for the idea. ;)

Sorry about the big red face.  I have an annoying cold. 

That said, it's better than it rains today.  I have a meeting after work until 7:30 so no running for me today.  I hope to cross train at lunch though.  Tomorrow, I am going to finally try out this knee and see if it is cooperating.  Cross your fingers for me please.

Off The Wagon

So I followed Coach's orders and gave my knee a break.  I was going to jump back in for my long run this morning.  13 miles was on the calendar, but nasty, stormy rain was on the forecast.  I love to run in the rain as much as the next crazy runner... but not today.  There was some thunder and lots of big puddles.  On top of that, hubby is sick as a dog.  Poor thing worked a double shift yesterday and had to go in this afternoon.  The last thing I was going to do was ask him to watch the kids for 2 hours. 

So, maybe the rest would not have been so bad, but it seems that when I am not working out, my appetite goes out of control.  Full closure: I ate more than a couple of Chips Ahoy last night right out of the package in bed.  Is that not what everyone does on Saturday night? ;)  Apparently doing nothing requires more fuel for me than working my butt off.  Anyone else have this condition??

Anyway, tomorrow is a new day and candy and chocolate are off the menu completely for at least a week.  And running is back on the menu.  We can only hope the knee will cooperate.  I am dying to wear my new "I <3 Sweat" tee shirt from Ali's fundraising last Thursday.  Good times!!! Shout out to Steph and the other girls that I met... It was a pleasure meeting you all. 

Question: While I was at the fundraiser, I picked up a foam roller.  But I am not sure exactly how to use it... Anyone???

The Dirty Word of Marathon Training

INJURY!  No one wants to hear that word during marathon or any endurance training.  Back in 2005, I was training with Team in Training for the San Diego marathon.  And then one evening at practice I was running in Central Park and it started to hurt really bad.  I tried to keep running and literally started crying.  (Side note: I have since given birth to two kids so my tolerance for pain is likely a bit higher.)  My coach said to just sit down and relax.  The next week was filled with doctors, x-rays and bad news.  It could be a made-for-TV movie, "The Stress Fracture that Ended My Marathon Training."  The good news was that just before some additional tests, I found out I was pregnant with my son.  So, the truth is San Diego wasn't in the cards for me that year.

This was my 2005 finish line picture. :)

NYC is in the cards for me THIS year!  I have been waiting to do my hometown marathon for a long time.  This is my year.  So a little knee pain is a big deal. I spoke to my coach yesterday and he said to rest for a couple of day and just stick with ice and anti-inflammatory meds.   I am hoping that I am feeling better by Sunday because a week without a long run makes for a Sad Jen.  I am researching some stretches or anything I can do to feel better faster.  I am also headed to Jack Rabbit this evening for a fundraiser for Ali On the Run so maybe I can talk to someone there about some inserts for my sneakers.  Until then, let me go take an Aleve and see if I can find an ice pack at work.

Identity Crisis

Well, I was on midway through my 6 mile run this morning and I was thinking about my blog.  I started this blog to talk about the life of a working mom.  But while I was always running, I am now in training mode.  (Read: running more)  So I thought the title should focus on that.  And since no one is currently reading my blog, it shouldn't really affect anyone but me anyway. :)  And I'm okay with it.  So, there it is.

Something's Got to Give

Being a full-time mom, wife, employee and runner is not an easy feat.  I don't expect an award for it, that's just how it is.  And sometimes usually the balance of attention is, well less than balanced.  Still, I just go on about my day, doing what needs to be done.  I get up early to work out in the mornings or at lunch.  I work a full day and then I spend as much time as possible with the kids before sending them and myself off to bed. I usually unwind with some mindless reality TV as I head off to dreamland.  Sounds good, right?
No! I am forgetting something very important.  Spending time with the man who co-founded this family with me.  It dropped on me like a ton of bricks.  The whole foundation of my family needs to be tended to as well.  It's not enough to say I love you, you need to show it.  And if you live a life as hectic as mine, you know that there is just not enough hours in the day for all of it.  But, somehow you have to find the time and the energy.  Now, let me just figure out how and I'll get back to you.... Suggestions welcome needed!

Mail Call

My mood has improved significantly over the last 5 minutes.  My co-worker brought over a package that came for me on Friday afternoon.  When I saw the box, I knew.  MY IPAD!!!! I am so excited!  I am lucky enough to work for a company that rewards it's employees with points that can be saved and used on electronics, concert tickets, hotel rooms and IPADS!!!!!  I would have had to wait at least until Christmas and now Christmas has arrived early.

I cannot wait to get home and set it up! :)

(Sorry for being so giddy.  It really is the little things in life that excite me.)

August Goals

So, the summer is half over.  Where did it go?  I swear we should all have a teacher's schedule!  (I knew I should have majored in Education.)  Anyway, enough whining.  Time to write out some fitness goals so I can be accountable to them.

1. I will complete all of my long runs this month. (I missed 2 in July due to bad planning.)
2. I will stretch.  I hate stretching.  I always have and I used to get away with it when this body of mine was younger and more forgiving.  Not an option now.  I am going to look into a roller or stick as well.  Injury is NOT an option!  
3. In relation to #2, I will buy and learn to use a foam roller.  I hear it's great for you.
4. I will get to kickboxing class.  I miss it so much.  Just have to make it a priority!

Now try to keep me track...please!  What are your goals for the month?