I’ve received a lot of well-meaning advice as my inaugural marathon approaches (“Walk through the water stations!” “Don’t weave during the first half!” “Have a friend join you at mile 22!”) as well as some less-than-constructive suggestions (“Don’t run an f-ing marathon!”) but the tip that’s been most often recited to me by marathoners andContinue reading “Practice Makes Perfect”
Author Archives: rileduprunner
Taper Crazies
As the second week of October comes to a close, the sounds of autumn are acutely apparent, especially when your friends are as hipster-smug as mine. “I love it when the leaves change colors.” “This pumpkin-spiced latte is delicious.” “Let’s go apple picking in upstate New York, carve organic gourds from the Union Square farmersContinue reading “Taper Crazies”
You’re as Cold as Ice
Most everything that begins with the word ‘ice’ is A-OK in my book. Ice cream? Yes, please. An ice cold beer? Hook me up. 90s hip hop classic ‘Ice Ice Baby?’ Two times the fun. The newest addition to the list: post-run ice baths. Ice baths get mixed reviews from the distance running community, withContinue reading “You’re as Cold as Ice”
Partner in Crime
I may be a single woman, but with the population of my adopted city approaching 8.3 million, I am rarely – if ever – alone. Pop into Fairway for a gallon of milk and I’m confronted with thousands of my gourmand neighbors. Lay in bed at night and I’m serenaded by the homeless guy onContinue reading “Partner in Crime”
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”
Riled Up Runner 