September 2012 – Riled Up Runner

The Third Stage of Marathon Training: Bargaining

When my alarm went off at an unforgiving hour this morning after a particularly late work event last night, I started doing something with which I imagine every runner is intimately familiar: I started negotiating. I had eight miles on the schedule, but the litigator in me arrived at court/dawn prepared to plea-bargain it downContinue reading “The Third Stage of Marathon Training: Bargaining”

Three’s a Crowd

It’s been said that bad news comes in threes, and when it comes to loops of Central Park, I can personally corroborate that that is, in fact, the case. One 6-mile loop is positively sublime, navigating the park-goer past such noteworthy landmarks as the Loeb Boathouse, the Sheep’s Meadow and the Tavern on the Green.Continue reading “Three’s a Crowd”

Never Forget

It may have transpired more than 18 months ago, but I remember my first 7-mile run like it was yesterday. I remember plotting the route in advance – two loops of the reservoir followed by a straight shot down 1st Ave to my then-boyfriend’s apartment. I remember the monsoon-like conditions that forced me out ofContinue reading “Never Forget”

Is Marathon Training Bad for You?

“You’re training for a marathon? Isn’t that bad for you?” It’s a question I’ve heard dozens of times, and it usually comes from the same lips that just smoked a pack of cigarettes or threw back three tequila shots or ate an entire KFC family meal, alone. Go on, pinnacle of health – I thinkContinue reading “Is Marathon Training Bad for You?”

Recall Bias

Hindsight is not just 20/20: it’s also extremely forgiving. Remember that painfully awkward first week of college when you didn’t know a soul beyond their first and/or screen name? No? Neither do I. That’s because despite how it actually went down at the time, most everything—from our college “glory days” to past relationships to GeorgeContinue reading “Recall Bias”

Swagger in My Step

Modesty may be a virtue, but much like cleanliness and temperance, it tends to be a bit overrated. As children, we were allowed – nay, encouraged – to share news of our accomplishments with the world. From swim meets to spelling bees to performing the full eight-minute rendition of ‘My Heart Will Go On’ atContinue reading “Swagger in My Step”