Category Archives: TV shows

March 13, 2013

Long Runs, Lifting, and Random Thoughts

I’ve decided I love long runs. In the past I used to dread them and, although I still get nervous sometimes before a big one, the feeling afterwards is so amazing! Plus it feels so much more worth it to put on all my winter running gear and get all dressed when I know I’m going to be running for a longer while. That’s the lazy in me talking, but you have to admit its annoying to put on 76578 layers for a short run!

My most recent long run scheduled on my Nike Women’s Half training plan was 9 miles. I debated on a route to run for these miles, since it seems that as big at NYC is you run out of new routes pretty quickly. In the end, I made it a challenging for myself and included two bridges: Brooklyn and Williamsburg. This was a bit crazy for me, especially since I generally am not a fan of large inclines. We don’t get along, its a long story.

Williamsburg Bridge, Manhattan side entrance.

This was my very first time running the Williamsburg Bridge. You may ask, “Megan, but don’t you live in Brooklyn? Why haven’t you run this before?” My answer would be “Yes, I live in Brooklyn. And I have no idea why.” I guess I have become more creative and generally less boring with my routes this time around (during the NYC Half training I ran almost exclusively in Central Park).

As seen on my long run.

Overall I really enjoyed my route and the bridges and felt great physically. Its funny how each one is so different in terms of style and grade of incline, but they all make for a nice challenge and chance of pace from a flat pavement. Now, its not as fun I guess as running over a mountain or something but its the urban version and its the best we got!

I did notice though that as my long run mileage increases my thoughts get more random and weird. I suppose at some point you run out of things to think of, which leads you to thoughts like…

GPS connect. Ugh. Connect!
Woohoo, off to a great start!
C’mon lungs, stop being such jerks.
This is a new pain. My foot kind of hurts, is it too late to turn back?
Pothole!
Why is that barefooted man doing Tai Chi on the running path?
I wonder if the sun is going to last my entire run, especially since I’m wearing this hat.
Yum, I smell delicious halal and soft pretzels. I’m so hungry.
Pothole!
Oh I love this bridge, why haven’t I done this before? The graffiti is entertaining to read and looks like I’m running on a rainbow.
If I could just beat this guy with his dog.
Why do I have so many Niki Minaj songs on this playlist?
Second wind!! I could run forever!!
Pothole!
And I’m home…. I need a shower.

And you just got a glimpse into my mind, lucky you! I really do need a new running playlist though with more variety than just Niki Minaj. Suggestions are welcome!

What I wore on my run: Lulu Capris, Nike long sleeve and Brooks Adrenalines.

In other news, I really really want toned muscles this summer and have been doing some lifting to get them. But its so hard. Unfortunately Karl and I don’t belong to the same gym because he’s great to lift with. I have noticed some small changes in my definition which is encouraging but I definitely want to see more.

And after seeing Danni on the Biggest Loser gain 19 pounds of muscle in 11 weeks, I was even more inspired. She looks AMAZING and super fit! Plus I want to be her friend in real life because she just seems so nice. And I love the pink she gets to wear.

Speaking of Biggest Loser, I just watched it today and am so excited for the finale!! I won’t give anything away for all the DVR-ers out there like me, but its going to be interesting to see who America picks.

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Does anyone have any tips or workouts they suggest to build muscle?
Where is your favorite place to run?
What are your thoughts on the Biggest Loser finale?

25 Comments

Filed under City life, crosstraining, health, TV shows

Tagged as Biggest Loser, Brooklyn Bridge, Danni, Nike Women's Half Marathon, Running Thoughts, Williamsburg Bridge Running

September 27, 2012

Three Things Thursday

Its that day of the week again so you know what this means (even though I’ve been slacking with it)…

Get ready for some lists! Here’s three random things going on.

1. Its time to re-visit the funny/crazy search terms that lead people to my blog. I’ve gotten some good ones lately that I just have to share. I LOVE that people are making their way to my blog (and hope you come back) but am so confused how Google is connecting some of these searches to Run Like a Grl. Others I know exactly how they made it to mu blog. At least it provides me with a smile and sometimes a really good laugh. Here’s a few of the top ones. Enjoy

Sexy IT Band

does it band snapping over knee pose a problem

i can’t wait to finish grad school

potatoes characters walkin and aware its goin to be eatin

had a great time from concert

attaching bib to clothing nyrr race

carrying groceries in the city

like treadmill but not

i can’t study

i’m loving my new bike

Which search term was your favorite?

2. Recently, Saucony launched a running app called Run For Good. Now not only do I LOVE Saucony (shoes, clothes, etc.) but I think this is a fantastic program. And actually its not just an app, but a way to help Saucony raise money for a really good and important cause!

“R4G is a powerful personal running app and an easy way to fight childhood obesity. By tracking your miles with the app, you are helping Saucony and its partners donate to organizations that keep kids active and healthy. All for doing what you love to do anyway, running.”

In summary, all you have to do is run and track your miles using the iPhone app and Saucony will donate money to charities. What could be better than that?! As soon as I heard about this, I downloaded it to my phone on the spot, set it up, and can’t wait to try it out this weekend on my runs. I feel very strongly about getting kids active from a young age like my parents did so programs to fight childhood obesity are right up my alley. Its a fantastic way to encourage a healthy lifestyle they will hopefully maintain their whole lives!

Unfortunately its only available right now for the iPhone, but if you have one you should check it out!

3. In light of all the search terms involving the word “IT Band” and people asking me about it, I’m going to briefly update you all on how things are going for me. If you’ve had enough of my IT Band talk, you can just skip ahead to the 3 things questions below

As you may have noticed, I’ve been running A LOT lately (in comparison especially to where I was a few months ago). I stopped PT about a month and a half ago (maybe 2 months?) and have been lucky to have no knee or hip pain during my runs since then. My longest run has been 11 miles (yay!) and I’ll be going for 12 miles this weekend. Its very exciting after battling this injury since March.

PT focused mainly on glute, hip, and leg strengthening, with stretching my hip flexors, as well as ART Therapy and ASTYM which were effective for me. I also changed my running shoes based on the gait analysis at my PT office (now running in Brooks Adrenaline 12s for long runs and Saucony Kinvaras for short runs). Since my discharge I’ve kept doing the exercises once or twice a week although I could probably stand to incorporate them a little more. I also foam roll pretty often as well with a technique I learned in therapy.

I think a big change for me was learning that I don’t think I can run more than 3-4 times a week… my body just can’t handle it. But I’m still getting in my long runs, and a training plan with less running just works for me. I know others can run everyday and never get injured but that’s just not me unfortunately!

3 things questions:

3 brands/types of running shoes I wear:
1. Saucony Kinvara 2
2. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 12
3. Asics Gel Nimbus 12 (although less lately)

Love my Saucony Kinvara’s!

3 shows I’m really excited for this fall:
1. New Girl – one word: hysterical
2. Dexter
3. Homeland

3 best things about fall:
1. Starbucks Salted Caramel Mocha
2. Cider Donuts
3. Sweater weather

Tell me three random things about your week/day!
Answer any of the three things questions above.

15 Comments

Filed under blogging, food, IT Band Syndrome, running motivation, Three things thursdays, TV shows

Tagged as Brooks Adrenaline GTS 12, iPhone app, IT band syndrome, physical therapy, recovery, Run for Good, Saucony, Saucony Kinvara

May 26, 2012

One Lovely Blog Pink Tree award!

I am so happy to report that I was nominated by Livingforthenextmeal for the Pink Tree award One Lovely Blog award for Run Like a Grl! She left me a very sweet message telling me I was nominated and I cannot tell you how thankful and grateful I am to her, this is such a great award.

When I first started this blog I didn’t really know much about the blogging world. I soon figured out that it is full of wonderful, caring people who are willing to share, help, and support you. My experiences so far have been amazing and I am honestly grateful for each and every one of you! You all are constantly supporting me and giving great advice and keep me going. I am so lucky!

So there are a few rules you need to follow to accept this award:

Link back to the blogger who nominated you.
Paste the award image on your blog, anywhere.
Share 7 facts about yourself.
Nominate some other blogs you like for this award.
Post a comment on each of your nominees’ blogs telling them about the nomination.

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First I will share 7 random facts about myself. Some you may know, others I know you don’t. Now let me divulge about myself…

1.My favorite flowers are lilies and orchids. I also hate roses, especially the red ones.

2. I love reality shows, especially horrible trashy ones like Millionare Matchmaker. I am also addifted to TLC shows like Say Yes to the Dress and Toddlers and Tiaras. Don’t ask me why, but I love them.
3. My favorite color is pink. I am obsessed. My room was pink, softball glove and bag were pink, and when I had braces my rubber bands were always pink. You could say I sweat pink
4. My favorite Disney movie is and always will be Beauty and the Beast.

5. I played softball for almost my entire life. I started pitching around age 7 and played fastpitch travel softball as well as in high school. I was a really good pitcher, too:) I had to stop playing though after high school because of a partially torn ligament in my elbow. I never got the surgery for it either, so to this day any tricep exercise aggravates my elbow.

The look of determination

6. My number on all my sports teams was always #22. I was born on the 22nd of the October and I got attached. I swear its lucky!
7. In keeping with the #22 theme, my brother and I were both born on October 22, but he is 5 years older than me. And we were both born 5 minutes apart too (he is 2:35am and I was 2:40am).

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So now is the part where I nominate a few other blogs for this award. I would honestly love to give this to about 50 blogs because there are so many great ones, but there’s a limit! These are some great ladies and I am so happy to pass this along to them…

Striding Mom

Uncooked and Unwalked

Happy Life Healthy Wife

And a special thank you and shout out to all the other awesome blogs out there. There are so many more that I love!