On Running:
- This is the first time in almost 3 years that I've had a9-5 8:30-5:30 job. In that time, I've started running. I started training for my first Half during my last full-time day job but I wasn't racking up serious miles.
- I have NO idea how all you 9-5ers train for marathons. I've been coming home from work every night and running on the treadmill because it's too dark when I leave in the morning and too dark when I get home at night to run outside...and I will not run when it's dark out.
-I know it's just a matter of time before I get into a routine. The sun is coming out 1 minute earlier every day, so that's helpful. In the mean time, I wrote this reminder in my planner for next week so that I can really start to nail my workouts.
On Racing:
- I decided on a Spring Marathon. After my post last week, wherein I decided that I would not be running a spring marathon because I didn't like any of them, Jessica left me a comment with a list of DC running/racing resources that lead me to sign up for this:
It's flat. It's fast. It's the self-proclaimed 'easiest marathon in America' and the start line is 20 minutes from my apartment. Done. (Side note: I haven't actually signed up yet, but I will.)
On the New York City Marathon:
-Are you sick of me talking about this race yet? It's only been 2 years. I had originally planned to opt for the guaranteed entry into the 2014 race (I have no interest in running it this year) but after thinking long and hard about it, I decided to take the refund. Here's why:
- This is the first time in almost 3 years that I've had a
- I have NO idea how all you 9-5ers train for marathons. I've been coming home from work every night and running on the treadmill because it's too dark when I leave in the morning and too dark when I get home at night to run outside...and I will not run when it's dark out.
-I know it's just a matter of time before I get into a routine. The sun is coming out 1 minute earlier every day, so that's helpful. In the mean time, I wrote this reminder in my planner for next week so that I can really start to nail my workouts.
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| Even if it means hitting the treadmill until the sun starts coming out earlier. |
On Racing:
- I decided on a Spring Marathon. After my post last week, wherein I decided that I would not be running a spring marathon because I didn't like any of them, Jessica left me a comment with a list of DC running/racing resources that lead me to sign up for this:
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| The Potomac River Run Marathon |
On the New York City Marathon:
-Are you sick of me talking about this race yet? It's only been 2 years. I had originally planned to opt for the guaranteed entry into the 2014 race (I have no interest in running it this year) but after thinking long and hard about it, I decided to take the refund. Here's why:
- I've already spent nearly $1000 on getting into this race. Sure, it would be nice to have the guaranteed entry and not go through the lottery process again, but that just ups the total amount of money I've already spent to not run this race.
- The price of the 2012 marathon would be guaranteed through 2015 if I had gone with that option, and while I'm sure the marathon will cost well over $300 by the time 2015 rolls around, I can't justify paying over $200 TWICE to only run the marathon ONCE.
- I never fully had my heart into New York and am not in a rush to run it again soon. While 9+1 is no longer available to me (which, I wouldn't do even if it was), I'll take my chances with the lottery if/when I decide to run it.
-The only reason I still want to run New York is because I have this crazy goal of running all of the majors. If I hadn't set that goal for myself 2 years ago, I would just bail on New York all together.
-If the price of New York ever goes above $300 (which I'm sure it will), I'll bail completely. That's my cap.
On Living in DC:
- I love it. Every single minute of it. I am so unbelievably happy here...happier than I ever, ever was in New York. I love the people. They actually hold doors for you and say 'good morning' when they pass you on the street. I love the Metro. It may not be perfect but at least I *always* know when the next train is coming.
-I love that I'm here with The Pilot. I love that so many of my friends are here. I love it. I love it. I love it.
Happy Thursday!
If you want to run outside while you have a full-time job some of it will be in the dark during the winter months. What about running with other people? Also i have been doing a lot of my easy runs as run commutes. It just seems more enjoyable that way in the darkness.
ReplyDeleteI hate running in the dark, too, which is why I have even less motivation to run after work in the winter. In the mornings, though, I start running at 6:45 and it's usually light out within 10 or 15 minutes.
ReplyDeleteAnd that's how us 9-5ers train. If I didn't get up to run almost every morning, training wouldn't happen.
RE: NYCM and the majors...honestly, I think the whole "majors" thing is overrated, especially after reading that it was only created a few years ago by a few race officials, including Mary Wittenberg, and that just makes it seem like less of a big deal to me. The races seem very arbitrarily chosen, too...even as a "major," I have no interest in ever running Chicago.
As for NYCM itself, I see your logic. Carla and I are always saying we should have done 9+1 in college, when races were less than $10 each(!). I did my first round of 9+1 in 2009 (all but one after graduation) and it was significantly cheaper back then, too.
I hear ya on NYC. I've been conflicted myself. After injury benched me in 2011 and then 2012 with the hurricane...I'm now spending $250 AGAIN for 2013. $750 (plus the fees I payed to run with Team for Kids!) gets me to near $1000 PLUS the money my friends raised for TFK....to run one race. Oy. At the end of the day I've decided to run it because I REALLY want to do THIS particular race in THIS particular year...but I'm not entirely happy about it.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I hear great things about the Potomac run!
So glad your enjoying your time in DC! That's wonderful!!
ReplyDeleteI have to run in the dark. I choose a route with at least street lights but it does hamper my mileage and I am only training for a half.
ReplyDeleteDo you have far to work? My challenge is: I work 7:30-5:30 and then have a 1.5 hour one way commute. Needless to say me weekday mileage sucks. But there is hope, it feels much easier in summer when there is still daylight out :)
ReplyDeleteI run in the dark most of the year. I understand your worry as a woman though. How about run in the morning before work with a running buddy. I see a girl that runs in the dark and her friend rides a bike with her. Safer in numbers.
ReplyDeleteDC = <3! Glad you are loving it!
ReplyDeleteYou will figure it out. I work 7-3 (so no WAY am I working out before work) and most nights I work again from 4-10. I figured it out because it was worth it to me. You will definitely find a way to fit it in :)
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the working world, where you're always exhausted and running outside on the weekend during daylight is like a little gift from the gods. DC welcomes you with open arms. Can't wait to see you Saturday!
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