Petition to Sell Out

This past Wednesday, June 6th, was National Running Day. To celebrate, Team for Kids had an extra special Wednesday evening practice with raffle giveaways [I didn't win...I never win. Sad face.], special running bibs to wear, and a happy hour afterwards.

They instructed us to fill out a bib inscribed with "I run because _______." So I did.

I find the use of underlining to be very effective.

Looking around, however, I noticed that others had taken the message a bit more -- shall we say -- seriously.

"I run because I feel amazing afterwards."
"I run in honor of my Mom."
"I run to reach my personal best."
"I run for the children."

Dammit....

So fine. Yes. I run for the food. You caught me. I ran 6 miles that night all for the love of fattiness. And I'm not going to apologize for it. Even to the children!

I do enjoy the eating. And I try to eat healthy, but at the same time...I run a lot and therefore I deserve treats. Today, for example. I enjoyed myself a nice pulled pork sandwich from the Big Apple Barbecue Festival (Big Bob Gibson pork shoulder out of Decataur, AL to be specific. Legit.)  But then I topped it off with a corn dog from Papaya. Amazing.

Yeah baby.

I'd like to say a day like that isn't normal. And it isn't. Just semi-regular. But whatever! I am running a freaking marathon! Chill out!

One of our coaches said that he is sponsored by Marathon Bars (it's like, a candy bar that they say has protein and stuff in it...pretty sure it's just a candy bar. But I'll allow it.). So, I have compiled a handy dandy list of foods I always have on hand so that these companies might consider sponsoring me. I will take payment in the form of money and/or food and/or someone cleaning my apartment.

• Luna Bars: I am all about these bad boys. Always have a bajillion at home and in the office. I have a total of two filing cabinets at work. One is full of shoes and the other is full mostly of Luna Bars. They have a new flavor which is baller:

         Seriously, Luna Bar. Sponsor me. You can't go wrong.

• Thomas' 100 Calorie English Muffins: I house these bad boys every morning for Breakfast #1. Nooks and crannies, son!

• Almond Butter: I'm not brand loyal, but I will sell out quicker than you can say "You ate a corndog and a pulled pork sandwich today????"

• Skinny Cow Products: It's ice cream, but it has the word skinny in it. So it must be true!

• Morningstar Veggie Burgers: Fabulous post-run meal in a whole wheat wrap with a side of somethin' or other. I never thought I'd be a veggie burger person....but there it is.

I'm envisioning a Nascar situation where I am just plastered with brands. Other brands I would like to reach out to me are: Samuel Adams beer, World's Best cat litter, The Boston Red Sox,  Big Sexy Hair products, Panasonic, Kayak.com, Costco, Lean Cuisine, India tourism board, and Colgate Total. I might have an in for the last one.

If all else fails maybe Big Bob Gibson will want to sponsor me. Pulled Pork sandwiches and marathon running are one in the same. They both take dedication (Kelly and I waited in line for almost an hour for that bad boy). They both are rewarding. And they both require conviction of heart and soul. What d'ya say, Bob!?

Me drinking a Sam Summer with some team members after the run. Brand loyalty, Sam Adams! Check it out!!

I Love New York?

Two significant things happened yesterday. The first is that I officially kicked off Marathon training (take 2) with the first Team For Kids practice of the season! The second is that I had the pleasure of having the company of the biggest bug I have ever seen in my life. More on that later.

At 8:30 am sharp, practice kicked off at the designated meeting spot (81st and Central Park West). 150 people showed up to this first meet (of the 1500 that will run with TFK this year!) Practices are Mondays (easy run), Wednesdays (different training runs, including speed and hill workouts), and Saturday long-runs. This first practice -- like all of them -- consisted of a brief warm-up jog, some "dynamic stretching" (i.e. moving joints in different ways rather than just holding stretching), a run, some stride sprints and then some "static stretching" (this is when you just hold the poses) to complete.

Picture TFK took on Saturday of us and our "dynamic" stretching.

Evidently these two different types of stretching are good for you. One of the many ways in which I am attempting injury prevention this year is to listen to the advice that is given to me from my TFK coaches and from running experts. As opposed to just not. Which is basically what I did last year.

According to this article (and many others) the dynamic stretching before and static after is good. Why? Well a dude in the article says, "Basically, by engaging in these activities, we can neurologically activate specific muscle groups prior to running, which helps us minimize injuries and perform better in the subsequent workout." Whereas by static stretching "... you are asking the body on a subconscious level to relax." 



Whatever. As long as I don't get hurt I'll do whatever damn method of stretching you'd like.

For the run, the coaches separated the group into Beginner, Intermediate and Experienced based on current running ability. And seriously, I don't mean to brag, but I was totally Experienced!! It was kind of awesome to be the Best Ever. And despite being the slowest member of the group ... and the fact that we're truly all in it together as a big happy team family.. I really do feel like it's vital for me to say what I was feeling at that moment. Which was: "HAHA SUCKERS! YOU ARE NOT AS GOOD AS ME!"

You may say a lot of things about me in this moment, but you can never accuse me of dishonesty. 

Because I am Experienced at honesty too.

So anyways. The run was almost 6 miles long on the Central Park Bridle Path, which coming out of training for two Half Marathons back-to-back is an oddly comfortable distance to run.

After practice, I had the full day ahead of me. As tough as it can be to wake up early on a Saturday, it's actually kind of nice to be done early and then be able to go about my business like a champ. Even if that "business" is not always the most stimulating of efforts. On this particular afternoon I did some quality-grade hanging out, had a few Sam Summers (delish) with friends, played some Guitar Hero (on Expert level! more winning!), did some eating (also Expert level), and then it was time to call it a night. [One hazard of the regular early morning runs is that I now have the sleep schedule of an 86 year old lady]. 

So this brings me to The Bug. Two capital letters for emphasis. I was changing for bed and noticed Archie being a little weird behind me, staring at the ceiling with big wide eyes. I look up and saw -- no joke -- the biggest insect I have ever seen not in a museum display case. It was a roach (or a roach-esque creature) and it was no joke five inches long. And, as I discovered in a harrowing manner... the beast could fly.

I'll sum up the rest of the story by saying that I didn't handle the situation as one might qualify as "optimally." I have a *slight* bug fear (and by that I mean a paralyzing phobia), so needless to say I wasn't at my most calm or happy place. As a couple of particularly patient friends can attest (Kelly and Rachel, my deepest apologies for knowing me). 

With my money, bra, shoes and keys all locked in the room with this prehistoric creature, I was stranded in a one-bedroom apartment of hell. I felt like this:

Luckily, Rachel and her boyfriend Josh came to a valiant rescue, which was great because A) I needed them to take care of the situation and B) seriously, I needed back-up to vouch for the back that this was a no joke, non-hyperbole, flying roach on steroids situation. 

I slept with the light on. With Archie on the look-out. 

Guard cat

All-in-all an eventful day. An emotional roller coaster, if you will.

Looking forward to attending TFK practice again on Wednesday and Saturday as I get to know my teammates and attempt to convince them that I am as normal as can be. Expert-level normal.

Delinquency Creates Champions, I Guess.

If you are reading this, there is a strong likelihood you are also my facebook friend and already know the end of the story. It's a good ending. A champion's ending.

Check. This. Out.

BOOYA. I ran a Sub-2 hour! That's a 9:05 average minute per mile in the Brooklyn Half Marathon, and honestly, it's astounding. Not for Olympians, necessarily. But for MeriG and for MeriG followers around the world (remember Malta?) it was a gold medal showing for sure.

"How did she do that!?" you ask yourself? Well, read on and all shall be revealed.

I broke my previous best time by over 4 minutes by doing a few key things:

1) I went to Costa Rica. By going to Costa Rica, I missed several key weeks of training, relaxed, recovered, and was in a really good mental state in the weeks before the race. Honestly, by actually under-training rather than over-training, I may have really helped myself out. The moral I'd like you to take away from this is that laziness always creates success. Always.

2) My first two Half Marathons were in Brooklyn. Yes sir. This was -- believe it or not -- actually my 6th Half Marathon. Each one I have done better than the one before (I may be a wee bit competitive with myself...) But my first two, in 2006 and 2007, were the Brooklyn Half Marathons. I felt like I was returning to my roots. It was when I lived in Brooklyn near Prospect Park that I was inspired to start running, and it was cool to run that park as part of this Half now. So much has happened in my life since I started running in 2006, so it was kind of amazing -- and emotional -- to do it again this year.

3) Brooklyn. Is. Flat. 'Nuff said.

4) The weather was glorious. And so am I.

5) Running buddies can not be underestimated. I traveled to and fro the race with my amazing ex-Roomie Jen who has run two Marathons this year already before running this race. We did not run together as she is ... what's the word... ah, yes. FAST. But it was great experiencing it with her. I did run the entirety of the race, however, with my friend Sam S. (not to be confused with Sam R. who I have also run Brooklyn with back in 2006!) Sam S. was running her 2nd Half ever and she seriously rocked it. She kept me going more than she might know.

Champions, All.

Now, I'm not gonna lie to you right now. Running a 9:05 average minute mile was definitely not easy for me. I want to say it was just a nice little jog, good pace, felt great, but then I would be a massive dirty liar. I seriously thought I was going to die for a good 5 of the 13 miles. But at that point I was like "Ugh. Guess I'll like, keep going..." There was a moment when I turned to Sam, I think around Mile 11, and said "Why the f**k are we doing this?!" She did not have a good answer.

Inspired?

You should be. Because although I thought I was quite literally going to expire on Ocean Parkway, it actually made the finishing all the better. Because I didn't die. And with a result like that, it's always a heartwarming tale.

I was going to post a picture of me that was taken on the course, but I really won't do it. I want you to think about my face and think about what I might look like when I'm in massive pain and think I'm dying. Then picture that with my mouth wide open. It's totes sexy. I'll leave it to your imagination and not to the internet, k?

It was also a great day because my sister was in town doing some stuff with a few of her friends, so Allison, her friend Katie and I got to enjoy a nice little brunch after I took the hour+ train back from where the race finished on Coney Island to the Upper East Side. Despite me being initially hangry (hungry + angry), I was reminded that there might be no ailment that copious amounts of eggs, potatos and stolen french toast from another's plate can't solved. And then all was right in the world.

So that's where we are! And now we set our sights on November 4th when I will (WILL) conquer the NYC Marathon. This is happening.

As you might remember, Team for Kids is being amazing and letting me use the money you all so generously donated from last year to run again this year. It's really wonderful of them, and I can't stress enough how much they really didn't have to let me do it. Official practices start a week from Saturday, but I am already at a great "base" thanks to the running I did training for my two Half Marathons I've already run this year.

My approach to hopefully not get injured again this year (PLEASE KNOCK ON WHATEVER WOOD IS NEAR YOU!) is to change a few things up:

1) More Conditioning
2) Adding Yoga to the Routine
3) Less running

Whaaaa? Less running? Weird, but true. Last year I was running 4-5 days a week. This year...no more than 3. Last year I was following a training schedule very strictly. This year...I'm going to do what my body tells me. Which appears as of now to be more eating and less running.

The blogging is also going to be more regular (I think I always say that, but this time it's for the reals). I already have some ideas of future topics. They include: Trials and Tribulations of Treadmill Running, Running In Lieu of Therapy, and Why Luna Bar Should Sponsor Me. Look for those and more over the next few months.

In the meantime, please enjoy your long weekend. Archie and I are straight chillin' tonight like bosses as we both enjoy the resting and eating part of training.


I Iz blogging.

Cobra Warrior!!!

For the last several weeks leading up to my Half and then since, I have been in a pretty nice little groove when it comes to running. I think one of the keys to a healthy, successful training regimen is have a routine. And to be a little crazy and obsessive. I do well with both.

My routine is kind of like this:

Monday - "Easy" run (slower than ideal race pace)
Tuesday - Conditioning Class (i.e. Boot Camp from hell)
Wednesday - Deep Water Running class (i.e. old lady running)
Thursday - Speed or Hill run
Friday - Rest (just like God did)
Saturday - Looooong run
Sunday - ???????

It was the "??????" that I wanted to fill in. I am generally tired from my long run and -- let's be realistic -- somewhat hungover. Elliptical machines weren't cutting it. Spinning is not my thing. So what to do?

My friend Rachel mentioned a Lifebooker groupon thing for Yoga classes at Exhale Spa. I was skeptical. I've done yoga before, and -- honestly -- wasn't really into it. I find some of the instructors to border on hokey, I dislike cute women in matching outfits/mats, and I was also bad at it. And I don't like being bad at things. That said, I've also heard incredible things about yoga for runners...particularly for disastrous injury-prone runners like myself. And Exhale is supposed to be good, and there's a branch only a few blocks away from me. So fine. I bought a package of three classes a few weeks ago and decided to cash in on my first one this lovely Sunday morning.

When my alarm went off (at 9:30 am, mind you -- this wasn't a crack of dawn situation), it wasn't pretty. I had a few beverages last night and was feeling not very "om"-like. But I had bought the class and I don't like wasting money. My cheapness won out, and I dragged my sorry butt out of bed, into yoga pants, and down the street to class.

I liked the studio immediately. I seriously might join just to use their bathroom. It was delightful.

Rachel and I had signed up for "Slow Flow Vinyassa" which is exactly what it sounds like. Chill Yoga. Relax Yoga. Beginner's Yoga. We were a few minutes late -- because I like to make an entrance -- and after we completely disrupted the peaceful relaxation mood of the room setting up our mats, we joined in. The class started with basically 20 minutes of pure stretching. Good, deep stretching in which you'd hold stretches for minutes (rather than the nano-seconds I usually do on my own). Then we started with the poses. And I didn't hate it. Actually, I kind of was okay at it.

I can cat.

 I can downward dog (except my butt looks better than hers):

I can cobra, but mostly because it sounds badass to cobra as a verb:

And I enjoyed myself a good Warrior 2 (the best of the Warriors):

I can even Tree Pose. Like a freaking champ. While I was doing it, I was thinking to myself how awesome and yoga-y I looked. Until I fell into a wall. But until that point, I looked very good.

What I liked about this class is that the stuff I showed you as demonstrated by skinny models above was basically as hard as it got. We flowed from position to position and the instructor was very calm and kept saying "without judgement" and "only if you feel like it" and "whatever you are comfortable with." I want her to be my best friend and have her hang out with me all day and basically just provide positive reinforcement to my every move. I feel like she would be good for self esteem. When I'm incredibly wealthy I am going to hire her -- or someone just like her -- to literally just be by my side saying nice things to me in a calm yoga voice.

She also did NOT have us do show-offy stuff like this:
Ow #1:

Ow #2:

It disturbs me that her ribs jut out more than her ass.

The last 15 minutes of class was meditation. Meredith P.T.S. (pre-this morning) would have scoffed in the face of a meditation. I would have giggled and eye-rolled my way through the nonsense. Or I would have attacked the situation much like Jack Donaghy:

Watch this, it's funny

"I don't have time for an echo!"

But new Meredith A.T.S. was into it. I closed my eyes and relaxed each body part in turn (even the eye sockets she mentioned...which I felt was a bit graphic and -- no -- I'm not kidding). I listened to my new Best Friend talk about thanks and peace and was overall in a pleasant mood.

I definitely plan on buying more classes. Partly I feel like this would be phenomenal for post-run recovery and stretching. Partly I know it will make me strongly. Mostly I just want to use the bathroom of the spa more. Because, as we all know, change can be good. Especially if it involves fluffy spa towels, free razors, and lovely scented lotions.

So I will know start my life of peaceful calm and spiritual grace. Unless of course I feel like partying like a rockstar the night before, and then all bets are off. I'm training for another Half (I know! I know! Another one!) in May and we'll see how this routine lasts until then.

But wait! The routing gets broken almost immediately because I leave for Costa Rica this Friday! A few girlfriends and I are off for an adventure slash relaxation vacation for 9 days and I couldn't be more excited. Not sure if much "exercise" will happen once I'm there, but I'm bringing running clothes and sneakers. That's really about 90% of the battle, I'd say. Catch you on the flip side :)

Namaste! Cobra warrior OUT!

The "Woo" You Can Do

Well then. We haven't properly regrouped, now have we? I ran my 5th Half Marathon last week. It was my first race since last year's little setback, so although I had certainly completed these races before, I was a bit nervous about it. Luckily, I had my ever-supportive parents in for the weekend to feed me, keep me calm, and lead the cheering squad.

My parents arrived at my flat [I have Notting Hill on in the background, so I've decided to use British terminology whenever possible] Saturday afternoon. I had a full day of stretching, relaxing and furniture reassembly, which was required after a feminist "I don't need no man to assemble my furniture" situation from several weeks prior had turned awry. Only a father can fix the fall-out from something like this. Lesson learned.

That evening, my aunt and uncle, and I went out for a lovely little Italian dinner to carbo-load before the big day. I had spaghetti. It was very nice.

The next morning, I was up bright and early at 5 am to eat, stretch, and prepare so that I could arrive in Central Park by 6:45 am. Although the race was scheduled for 7:30, it was important to arrive early because it was such a large race so it is crucial to find your designated "corral" and then get in line for the port-o-potty. Not being funny here. Very critical.

This picture is a glimpse of that early morning scene. You can see the numbers which correspond with your bib number which -- in turn -- corresponds with your pace expectancy. I was in the 16,000s (of about 20,000 bib numbers). The start of the race was at the southwest corner of the park near Columbus Circle. For those of you versed in Central Park geography, the corral I was in was on the 72nd Street traverse, probably mid-way. That means I had to walk -- with the crowd -- over a half mile just to get to the start. This took about 25 minutes. Like I said...big race.

I finally crossed the starting line, and we were off! The music was pumping, the crowd was cheering, and I was ready to roll! The first leg of the race was a loop of the park. I was feeling okay, but started a bit fast from adrenaline, and had to remind myself to slooowwww dowwwwwn. Myra and Ken had been given instructions to see me at various points in the race: Mile 1, 5, and 10. They were equipped with strict directions as well as a packet of maps that was -- if I may brag -- glorious.

And because of it, find me they did. All three times!

Here's Mile 1 from their vantage point:

With a close-up:

The model of athleticism

Lookin' good! And so eager! You'll notice I am holding my shirt, which I promptly threw at my Mom's head. Immediately upon release I regretted it. My god, it is only 40 degrees. I am pumping with adrenaline. I am not actually warm. Damnnnnnn. Oh well.

Miles 2-6 in the park remained rather uneventful except for a bit of nagging pain in the foot and ankle that had been injured. Yikes. Thinking a lot of that was in my head....but let's file it away and ensure I keep stretching and icing, shall we?

And then we left the park and ran down 7th Avenue. And it was...so...freaking...cool.

So amazing. I was grinning like a freaking idiot and running fast as the WIND!! It was really, really, really cool. Can't stress that enough. Miles and 7 and 8 flew by in a blur of music, noise, and Times Square looking -- for once -- not like the hell hole I usually despise. We should always just have an open road with people running it would be so much better.


Ironically, since my bib was on my aforementioned long sleeve shirt, the race photographers were unable to catelog pics of me away for future purchase. BUT I did find one! And I illegally downloaded it. It's a bit stretched, so bear with me:

Yep. The one photo of me from the race is me sauntering with a cell phone. Classic. The sheer power and grace of MeriG as an athlete can not be underestimated.

We banged a right down 42nd Street and powered through to the river. I was gettin' a little tired, but I had myself some Gu and Gatorade and manned up. Like a champ. I knew my time was pretty consistent, so I was just trying to keep it around 9:30. We then ran South down the Westside highway. I got a little boost during that stretch, because I knew I was seein' Mom and Dad at Mile 10. And see them I did. Try to see if you can guess if I was happy or sad to see them:

The hand you see is my Mom's. She is holding up a Red Sox sweatshirt because she's a god damn gem. Ken was capturing the moment like a serious sports photog. It was fantastic.



Want to see a close-up? You might feel indifferent, but here. I will show you:

Clearly depressed.

That powered me through for a couple of miles. We then entered the tunnel under Battery Park and spent almost the last mile in a tunnel. It was a little bizarre, to be honest. I did learn, however, that there may be no cooler "wooooo!" than the woo you can do in a tunnel during a Half Marathon. "Woooooo!!!"

The last tenth of a mile we had a little excitement. As you remember, I had taken off my long sleeved shirt. I had the foresight to unpin my race number and had stuck it in my SpiBelt (i.e. fanny pack) before throwing the sweaty shirt rag at Myra. With 200 yards to go, I was border-line accosted by a race volunteer who demanded to see my Bib. I guess a lot of people tried to jump in, so they were being super strict. While running at top speed, I managed to unzip my fanny pack and show the bib to her. All very dramatic. In the retelling I will say we had a fight a la Katniss and that other girl by the Cornucopia. You know what I'm sayin'.

I finished the race at 2:03:07. A PR by exactly 5 minutes. Five full minutes! My average pace was 9:24, which I think was plenty respectable! I was really, really pleased with my time and really pleased by the race itself! It was varied, there was a great crowd, the NYRR always put on a well-organized show, there were musical performances on the side, and I honestly really had fun running it.

After a -- relatively annoying -- series of corrals at the finish where we procured medals, food, and drink, I found my parents:

My Mom is holding my eaten apple core because I could tell her to hold anything and she would do it for me. "Hold this live grenade, Mom." "Ok!"

And here is one of my favorite photos of the three of us ever:

I am proud of myself for this race, and -- like I said -- I had a great time. But more than anything I was so happy to have had my parents there to support me. Although I would have done it if they weren't there...it definitely wouldn't have been as comfortable, successful and -- frankly -- meaningful. My personal cheering squad served as my photographers, my garbage disposals, and my personal valets. I made them run all over creation. And they did it with a smile. They are the champs in this situation.

I mean, I ran 13.1 miles. Let's not forget that. But they too are pretty amazing. Love you, Mom and Dad!!