Category Archives: RRCA Coach

Running updates and Los Angeles Marathon

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Just popping in for a quick hello…

I haven’t been running too much since the Bronx 10 Mile. I was sore for a couple of days and then with schedules, I wasn’t able to fit a run in again until we were in Pittsburgh last weekend visiting family. I did a run/walk with Josh’s parents, his dad is training for his first triathlon and I’m helping coach. We ran/walked some pretty steep hills in the neighborhood and it felt really nice to get out there.

This past weekend, I was able to fit in a Wet Barre (Cardio!) class on Saturday morning. I’ve taken this class a couple of times postpartum and it really kicks my butt. Yesterday, I even managed a 2 mile run on the treadmill before heading to a baby shower. Let’s see how long I can keep up this routine for.

img_4525However, the most important running news as of late is that I signed for the Los Angeles Marathon in March. We have been toying with the idea of me running the Tokyo Marathon (it’s a World Major and a big bucket list race for me) in February but after much back and forth decided that such a big trip was likely too much with a 7 month old. I really wanted a goal race to train for post-baby and a vacation, and decided on Los Angeles. We loved our trip there earlier this year and are excited to go back. The course, from what I read, is somewhat hilly in the beginning but I am excited to run from Dodger Stadium to Santa Monica. Now I just need to find a way to start running consistently and the time to train for a marathon – wish me luck!

In other exciting news, I have been coaching my cousin for his first marathon and he ran his first half this weekend. Despite the crazy weather in Staten Island and being sick, he rocked it out there with a great time! I’m so excited for him to tackle NYC in a couple of weeks. And a BIG congratulations to everyone who raced this weekend – Staten Island Half, RnR Brooklyn Half, Twin Cities Marathon, Long Beach Marathon, Chicago Marathon and I’m sure a ton more that I am missing.

2015: Year in Review

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Wow, what a year 2015 was! I know I say this about every year but each year keeps getting better and better.

On the running front, 2015 was the year of many milestones.

IMG_0320—I ran my first international marathon (and race)! I ran the Virgin Money London Marathon in April 2015 and while the race was not what I had hoped it to be, it was an incredible experience. My sentiments post-race helped me find my love for running all over again. I also fundraised over $1,800 for AgeUK for the race.

—I completed 15 races ranging from 1-mile to marathon. Last year I was excited for all the PRs and while it proved hard to beat, I managed to pull out a couple of course PRs this year.

DSC00521—I’m most excited for my running milestones this year. I just started distance running three years ago and in that time I have completed 8 marathons, 10 half marathons, and over 4,300 miles! To say I am addicted is an understatement.

—I will end this year with over 1,300 miles under my belt which tops last year’s record! 1,300+ miles for me is over 212 hours of running, almost 300+ miles further than the distance from NYC to Orlando and almost 4 times the distance from NYC to Montreal.

—In July, I officially became a Road Runners Club of America coach. I am excited for my certification and to help others achieve their running goals.

IMG_3418.JPG—This year, I also helped coach the Athletes to End Alzheimer’s NYC Marathon team. It was definitely a different and rewarding experience from the other side and I am fortunate for this experience. By assisting the team, I ran the NYC Marathon this year with a very different perspective and enjoyed every minute of it.

For as much as I love running, I love traveling just as much. I wish I could travel as much as I run but I appreciate every chance I get to run while on vacation. 2014 was certainly the year of travel and in 2015, we were still jet setting every opportunity we had.

—This year, I logged miles in every city/country we visited: St. Maarten, Pittsburgh, London, Athens, Santorini, Hartford, Block Island, Orlando (twice), Bermuda, and Montreal.

We’re fortunate to have so many opportunities to travel for ourselves, for marathons, and to travel to spend time with family and friends.

IMG_3106This year we also sold our apartment and moved from Hoboken to Stamford for my new job. This is by far one of the hardest decisions and changes we made in recent years. I still look back on the last couple of months wondering how we made all of this happen so quickly and my heart still swells thinking about our time in Hoboken. However, we’re looking forward to what 2016 brings in our new adventure in Connecticut!

Without a doubt, I am fortunate for the best friends, family, and husband a girl could have. I know all of this running, traveling, and changing jobs/moving would not be possible without everyone’s support and love and I am forever grateful.

Thank you for a wonderful 2015 and an even better 2016!