I’m a decision maker. I know what I want and I go after it. My 2015 goals were set and published before Christmas. I had a serious plan to have it all (marathon, BQ and Triathlon Nationals) and dominate this year with ferocity, determination and fun. I was basking in the final weeks of living without a training plan and having dessert whenever I felt like it.
Life was good.
And then I got this email from the NYRR (New York Road Runners):
Indeed. Now what the hell do I do? Arghhhhh!!! I had my plans all laid out – run a conservative marathon in April to qualify for Boston in 2016 and then attack the triathlon and qualify for nationals this summer. But now I have the opportunity to run the freakin’ NYC Marathon, a marathon that is 100% on my very short list of marathons to do before I die.
After eight years without racing 26.2, could this be the year of the marathon?
All of a sudden I’m dreaming of running the NYC marathon and crossing the finish with an insane PR. The thought of it makes me giddy. If I’m this excited about it, doesn’t that mean it’s the right thing to do?
YES, of course it does.
As you know, I took almost a week off after the death of my close friend. During that time running was my savior and I realized that I want to make this year simple and just RUN IT OUT. Look out NYC, I’m coming for you in November!
On with The Rundown…
DECEMBER 22 – JANUARY 18TH, 2015 (yes, that’s a hell of a long time!)
RUNNING: Whenever and whatever I wanted was the theme of these past several weeks and I loved it. I ran a ton of miles, mostly pain-free and got a new pair of Brooks delivered overnight, to my doorstep from my local running shop, at no extra charge. So awesome. I’m going to be needing these often!
CYCLING: I gave up my Thursday spin class and so far I have made up those miles on my bike trainer. It came in very handy when the boys came down with colds, my sitter’s baby was sick, and I was left to sweat and pedal in my basement while watching a Super WHY marathon. #Itcouldbeworse
SWIMMING: The line in the email from my coach that gave me pause: “I guess I can understand the change of plans (but should I REALLY let you off the swimming hook, I wonder ?). :))” I have made so many advances in swimming but it will have to be a cross-training only event this year. I’m sure I’ll survive somehow.
CROSS-TRAINING: I’ve been slacking here but I’ve been doing all my physical therapy work so that has to count for something, right? I knew you would agree with me.
RACING: This is an excellent question. Someone asked me the other day when my next race is. Before I knew it, I was saying “I’m running a marathon in April.” It sounded weird and scary coming out of my mouth but that’s exactly what I’m doing for my next race.
FUEL: After running a seriously hilly 11 miles in 17 degree weather, I came home and made the most delicious pancakes. I searched Pinterest first but I either didn’t have the right ingredients or the recipe was gluten free. No thanks. So I ended up experimenting:
1 banana, a bunch of blueberries and 1 1/2 cups of Almond milk in the blender
1 1/2 cups of whole wheat pancake mix
1 tablespoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons oil
1 egg
And presto:
I felt like a million ducks afterward. Yes, ducks.
THINGS I LOVE: Taking the boys to NYC for the first time! It was everything I thought it would be, minus my husband because he had to go to Tulsa at the last minute for work. Papi and Memere completed our group and it was truly magical and went off without a hitch.
The way the boys screamed when they saw the Toys R Us display of Skylanders is something I will never forget…nor will the people who were unlucky enough to be in the store at that time.
Pictures from top left: Smiling with the statue at the Empire State Building, Mailing letters to Santa at Macy’s, building excitement at the Empire State Building before the long walk/ride up, lobby of Empire State building, sitting on Santa’s lap at Macy’s, Skylander heaven at Toys R Us in Times Square, build a bear (or reindeer) workshop, window gawking at Macy’s and seeing the tree at Rockefeller Plaza!
THINGS I DON’T LOVE AS MUCH: Getting back to reality. It has truly been a fantastic two weeks of celebrations, reunions, meals, running, relaxation and minimal trips to the grocery store. I wish we could live in this mode of just a little bit of everything, everyday without any worries or pressure. #RealityBites
READING: Snow reports! I rented skis for the boys for the winter season, we have a trip planned and now I need to get them out on the slopes!
MUSIC: Each New Year’s Eve the television is on mute as the backdrop to our celebration. Each year it reminds me how old and out of touch I’m getting because I cannot recognize one damn person besides Miley Cyrus and that’s horrifying. It’s a testament to MTV because although I know the songs, I wouldn’t recognize Iggy Azalea if I fell over her at Rockafeller plaza. #IWantMyMTV
We’ve got our party hats on! …and that’s Vaughn sans glasses…not sure what happened to them?
It’s group photo time…we have about 80 of these.
Show me your muscles! I think I win this one, right? I’m sure my husband would beg to differ, but we can all agree that his mouth is bigger then anything in this picture.
TV: I was able to catch-up on all my movie watching and it was fantastic…for the most part…actually it kind of sucked. It was book turned movie week and I watched them all. Bottom line: The book is always better.
First up was This Is Where I Leave You and was so excited to see it On Demand because I loved the book. The movie was just *meh* and I actually didn’t bother to pause it when I got up to refill my wine in the middle of it.
Next up was Gone Girl. I absolutely loathed the ending and was hoping against hope that they changed it for the film version. No such luck, the ending was just as bad on film. Although the actors were spot on, and I especially loved Neil Patrick Harris’ performance, I just cannot get over the ending. My husband loved it, which made it that much more annoying.
Lastly, and against my better judgement, I watched The Fault In Our Stars. I knew what I was getting into and I still watched it. I made it about 30 minutes in and then cried for the rest of the movie. #selftorture
RANDOM QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Now there are more overweight people in America than average-weight people. So overweight people are now average. Which means you’ve met your New Year’s resolution.”— Jay Leno
How are you? How were the holidays?
When is your first race or event in 2015?
How exciting! Crossing the finish line with an insane PR is exactly how I feel about my goal race in the spring. Just thinking about it gives me butterflies!
I’m looking forward to following your running adventures this year.
Oh, and I’m awesome this morning. Thanks for asking 🙂
Yay Allie!! I can’t wait for you to run it all! That’s so freakin’ awesome. And Fault in our Stars – I started watching That on the plane to Hawaii. I was a slobbery, bawling mess in 5 minutes. Hubs was like – Why would you pick THAT to watch on a plane! Haven’t watched tried again since then.
I have to agree with your husband on that one…but I know the “Oh I want to watch that but oh I really don’t” feeling!
I’m looking to you for some 26.2 advice woman!!
So much to comment about. I’m excited to see you blogging again.
Second, I would go for New York. It’s the only marathon I’ve run but it’s incredible and a once in a lifetime event. I ran the NJ half last year and it’s very well put together, I think you’ll enjoy it. I have a lot of friends doing it too.
I’m definitely going to run NYC. I just have to. Glad to hear the NJ race is a good one as well. A friend of mine picked it so I’m just along for the (26.2) ride. Thanks Hollie!
Ok, that is truly so awesome and so excited for you now about the NYC marathon. Seriously, I know you are going to kick some butt on this. Also loved that you got to take the boys to NYC recently for the first time and my girls are dying to go back, so hoping maybe in the spring to take them again. And lastly now you made me want to do a movie marathon as you watched all on my short list 😉
Thanks Janine! I seriously cannot wait to run NY…and that will probably be the first time I take the boys back to the city as well.
As for the movie marathon, I would start with Gone Girl 🙂
YAYYYYY! Allie, I am a HUGE believer that good things happen to good people, and those opportunities just follow, and you are proof of that! How exciting, and I love your reaction, that would be pretty similar to mine actually….haha how dare they mess up your plans 😛 SO worth it though! Congrats! Lots of exciting stuff for you in 2015!
Thanks Tina!!! I know you can totally understand where I’m coming from on this one. I have to say that I’m feeling so good about focusing on running!!
Omg such amazing news!! I am so excited that we will be running a race together!! I do believe in timing and that letter was right on time. And even though you might be showered and back home by the time I cross the finish line, we will still be racing together in spirit and I can’t wait!! Expo fun! Here we come!! See how I just make plans for you?? Lol you WILL PR and I will be so happy to celebrate with you from a few blocks (boroughs) behind! Question is…are you coming for the Brooklyn Half? It’s gonna be awesome and you won’t have to wait as long for me. Lol!
I decided to cry myself through the fault in our stars book before crying through the movie because I like torture like that and Neil Patrick Harris was phenomenal in Gone Girl. Just the perfect amount of creepy!
Happy that the boys had a great time in the city. Toys R us is most certainly an experience!!
I wanted to call you and tell you this myself because I’m BEYOND excited that we can run the same race!!!! There is no one I would rather expo with and toast to afterward! Seriously can.not.wait…and the weather had better cooperate 🙂
With Fault, I actually cried less when I read the book so, you’re doing yourself a favor. I feel like you need the emotional warm-up before the flood gates open.
NYC with the boys was so fantastic. I can only hope they do Halloween right since that is the night before the marathon!
Whew! This is full of so much–where to begin? Ok, NYC. Yes! So excited you’re going to go for it. You will crush it and I can’t wait to see it happen. Triathlons can wait, right? And I’m going to be interested to see what you think of the Jersey shore marathon…might consider that one in the future.
Taking my kids to NYC for the first time was such a fun trip! I remember my son saying “I don’t think we have enough time here to see everything.” Um, yes.
I watched “This is Where I Leave You” when I was sick….I agree, it was “meh.” I think a little editing could have helped!
Triathlons can totally wait. I really decided I just want to run this year after everything that has already happened. As for NJ, I thought you said no more spring marathons? Hahahaha!! The only “bad” thing I heard was that it’s run in 2 loops. I’m not a fan of that so we shall see…
Definitely not enough time in the city but plenty for them at age 5. Let’s just say I’m glad I brought the strollers!
Glad you agree with me on “This is Where I Leave You.” More editing for sure.
How exciting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Look out NYC here you come!!!!!!
I am doing the break from training but still running thing right now…and while I have loved it, I think it is about time to get a race on the calendar! I know for sure I am doing the Annapolis Zooma 1/2 in May and the Richmond full in November, but those are both pretty far out so the search is on! This spring I may focus on breaking 1:30 in the 1/2 :). Last year I ran a fun 5k for St Patty’s Day that is in my town so I will probably do that again too.
I haven’t been watching much at all, but I did watch Parenthood and cried my eyes out.
Thank you so much Jen! I’m just THAT excited about it too!!
I think you can totally crush 1:30 – you need the right race and the right weather and it’s YOURS!!!
I haven’t watched Parenthood yet for exactly that reason. I think my eyes will fall out if I cry anymore.
PS…..you have some seriously awesome arm muscles there!!!!! And your boys in NYC is SO cute!
You have been busy girl! And OMG, NYC?!! That is amazing, congratulations!! I’ve been debating on entering the lottery but haven’t decided yet. I am sitting here trying to figure out how I’m going to make up 6 weeks of marathon training that I missed while I was sick….not good. I’ve resolved myself to the fact that I will NOT be hitting my goal but I will be in Paris, so I think I’m just going to enjoy the experience this time. Great to see you back 🙂
Thank you Sue! You have the right mindset about Paris. There’s no way to make up sick time so just go, do your best and absolutely enjoy it! I mean – PARIS!!!!
Go you! This is your year, I can feel it.
I hope you’re right 🙂
OMG NYC…so cool!!! I would say that would definitely be worth the change in training plans. I am hoping to get to a pool soon for laps at least once a week to get me ready for my half in May. I can’t wait to read about your training!
That is great Kris! I just swam today (to give my legs a little breather) and it felt oh-so-good.
Yes! I am planning on doing NYC as well. If I don’t get in through the lottery (again), which I won’t, I am planning to run for charity. I’m so excited!! Congratulations on qualifying – that is seriously amazing!
OMG that is awesome!!! We’ll have to compare training notes 🙂
OMG – that is so exciting!!! Congratulations! What an awesome way to start the year. 🙂
I thought so too!! Thanks Laura 🙂
I watched the Fault in Our Stars when I was pregnant…not a good decision. I was also on a plane. I think everyone thought I was a little bit nuts!
Congrats on the NYC marathon!! That is super exciting. You are totally going to rock it this year!
OH no!!! That must have been so, so bad! At least you were pregnant so people would just blame it on that. I mean, you could have been watching a comedy and crying 🙂
Thanks Britt! I can’t wait to run your city!!
Allie! So much to talk about here. NYC!! I’m so excited that you’ll be running in November. You know that it’s my absolutely favorite day in the city and we love going out and cheering so we’ll be there to cheer you on! And NJ in April is awesome. I’m actually thinking about running the half but haven’t made up my mind yet. So great that the boys loved the trip to the city and so excited for you all to go skiing!
Good to know about This is Where I Leave You because I loved the book. I have Fault in Our Stars at home but haven’t watched it yet because I’m afraid I’ll be a blubbering mess!
I know!!! I’m already excited to see you out there. I hope your son remembers he’s GB gear 🙂
If you decide to run the NJ half that will be so great and we will have to meet up!!
You will definitely be a blubbering mess so do it on a day you need to purge.
You are just a rockstar! Congratulations about NYC! What a fabulous thing. I know that this will be your racing year to get all that you want.
I can imagine that your boys really enjoyed the city!
I also thought that TIWILY was meh. I haven’t ventured down the TFIOS yet because I’m just not ready to cry all.day.long.
I do have a new TV show that you should check out though that I’ll be writing about soon so stay tuned.
xoxo
Thanks Melissa! The boys loved NYC and everything being larger then life.
It was funny about TFIOS because, if you recall, we talked about how we didn’t cry that much reading the book. I thought I was safe. Not so.
Can’t wait to hear about the new show!!..and no, sadly I have yet to watch Parenthood…hopefully by the end of the week.
ALLIE!!!!! That is SO exciting!! I can’t wait to be out there cheering you on – you are going to KILL it! It’s such an amazing race. Can’t wait to follow along with your training as well. OMG I’m just so excited for you!!
I can’t wait either!!! I love your excitement for me Carly! Thank you so much and I truly cannot wait to run the city! squeeeeeee
This post made me very, very happy … as in, I love that you are running a spring/summer and fall marathon. Woo hoo! Can’t wait to follow your journey and read all about the year of the marathon. xo
Thanks so much Jesica! I need all your best marathoning tips along the way!! I haven’t done this in quite some time. And you know, Chicago is next on the list 🙂
WooHoo!!! Congratulations on your huge exciting email and your plan to run NYC this year!!! I’m super excited to follow along with your training and then watch you run it!!!
I’m planning to get Gone Girl and a few other movies to entertain me on Saturday – I’m having my face fried off on Friday so will spend Saturday in a nice dark room:) Movies for all day!!!
Thanks so much Kim. It feels so good to celebrate something and feel excited!
Your Saturday sounds wonderful…except for the face fry the day before. Good luck my friend and enjoy your movies!
There is so much awesomeness in this post! Mainly want to congratulate you on the NYC thing, but could not help latching on to the “This is Where I Leave You” thing because I LOVED the book and not that many people have read it. Have not seen the movie and now I’m thinking maybe I’ll skip it.
Somehow I’m not surprised you have excellent taste in literature!
Hi there! Thank you so much. I absolutely loved the book too and the movie is only worth watching if you’re curious to see how it kind of plays out on screen. I feel like they missed so many opportunities with it, and completely left out the entire story line with Jude’s older brother and dog attack. Weird.
Thank you for visiting! Always nice to see you’re crabbiness here 🙂
Um, of course you are doing NYC! And woohoo on the triathlon goals! My fitness goals are very different this year – I want to add more fitness to my everyday life, get away from the concept of “working out”, and build the functional strength I need everyday. Also need to fix my shit – i.e. all my tendonitis! Whelp, off to the gym as we speak so chow friend. Oh, and I love the movie reality bites – one of my faves!
Thanks so much Tara and I’m loving the mindset of not working out but building functional strength! Get it done woman!!
Umm.. WOW! Of course you’ll do it and you’ll rock it. January is really coming in with a bang, it seems.
You did the same trip with the boys that Cassidy did with Scarlet! It was so special!
And I watched This Is Where I Leave You during Christmas and it was fine. I loved the book a lot more, though!
I saw that with Cassidy and Scarlet! It looked like she had just as much fun as the boys did 🙂
Thanks Tamara and thank goodness for book versions, right?
How exciting!! I am so excited for you! I just want to get through this half…I’m struggling with my training now that there is so much ice out there and I can’t run outside. We’re going to NYC this weekend…looking forward to it. My husband and I are taking our daughter and Fresh Air kid. It’s going to be fun!
That’s awesome Michelle (about the trip!) plus the weather is supposed to warm-up a bit. Have a great time!!
Amazing! Congrats on qualifying, I hope I can run NYC someday. You will be fine to qualify for Triathlon Nationals with swim as cross training. As such a strong runner I believe in you (:
Thanks for the encouragement but I don’t want to bite off more then my aging body can handle!! We shall see…
Yay for NYC! The marathon and the trip with your boys. My kids adore New York City as much as I do, and I consider that a parenting win. So excited for the Year of the Marathon! For you, of course. The only marathon I’m completing is a Friends binge one.
That IS a parenting win for sure! I can’t wait to take the boys to their first musical. I think we’ll start with Lion King and work our way up.
With this freezing weather lately, I want a TV marathon too!!