In three weeks, this crazy Gal is flying to Disney World. I will compete in the Dopey Challenge, which consists of a 5k, 10k, Half-marathon, and full marathon, all in the same weekend. “(It adds up to) 48.6 magical miles.
This weekend was a big running weekend. It was my last Dopey Simulation weekend! Today, I am officially in taper town.
December 14: 3 miles December 15: 6 miles December 16: 13 miles December 17: 16 miles
The training runs were hard. I was under the weather because I recently had a common cold. The running rule is if cold symptoms are above your neck, it’s probably safe to run. I decided to do all my runs indoors. During my long run, I kept my heart rate mostly in zones 1 and 2 ( easy) and focused on distance, not time. Many running coaches told me to cover the running distance and not be worried about time. Now I am going to rest!!
In three weeks, I will be at Walt Disney World. My husband is going also to keep me company.
I also had a very nice Chanukkah. I had lots of yummy potato pancakes and chocolate.
I enjoyed running the Turkey Trot 5k race in North Reading, Massachusetts. I love turkey trots because they are low-key and fun. Now its time to enjoy yummy turkey, mashed potatoes, apple pie, corn, green bean stuffing, etc. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
The marathon was a great experience. I wanted to do this race for years, and it did not disappoint.
Thank You, Ed, for keeping me company this weekend. I appreciate it. Carrie, John, Izzy, and Bobby, I am glad I can count on you all to take care of the dogs and the family business while we are away.
Thanks to all who donated to Familial Dysautonomia (FD).
Saturday morning, my husband and I flew to New York. The flight was quick and easy. After our flight, we took Carey Ride Limo Service to our hotel, checked in, and then went to the running expo to pick up my running bib and browse the exhibits.
Later that night, we had a delicious Italian meal at Il Mulino. As always, the food was delicious. It has been my go-to restaurant before a big race.
Then it was time for bed.
Race Day! The race itself had the best crowd support I have ever experienced. There are so many people out on the course encouraging you. The weather this year was perfect. It was a warm 64 degrees, and that is what I prefer. I am not a cold-weather runner, and I like to inhale warm air, which is better for my allergies and asthma.
For the first 16 miles, I felt great.
I used the Jeff Galloway run/walk method. I walked through every water station and took walking breaks throughout the miles. The run-walk intervals kept me comfortable without being miserable. Nothing new on race day. Being surrounded by other runners who were my ability, I never felt alone on the course. The runners near me were my cheerleaders.
I hit the half-marathon mark around 3:20:18 and I was thrilled.
Around mile 17, I started to slow down. I had nine more miles to go. I just kept moving along, staying focused and enjoying myself. As I followed The Galloway plan, I was leapfrogging with runners… I’d pass them, and they’d pass me. The last 5 miles are always the toughest mentally because I am close to being done. I decided to enjoy the race; I high-fived volunteers, thanked the folks at the water stations, talked to fellow runners, and waved to the fans, EMTS, Police departments, and fire departments along the course. Soon, I reached the finished line and crossed it. It was the best feeling in the world. I completed my first New York Marathon. 6:59:12
Last weekend, I was in Chicago for my friend’s son’s wedding. We had a great time.
. My husband and I arrived in Chicago on Saturday. Besides the wedding, while we were there, we exercised nonstop. We both hate shopping, touring museums, and other touristy stuff, so exercise is what we did. I am glad I have a spouse willing to do nutty stuff with me and deal with my antics.
Saturday 10-mile walk. My husband was a great sport doing the miles with me. We walked the Lake Front trail.
Sunday 45-minute swim in the hotel pool I had the pool to myself. strength training hotel gym 45 minutes 20-minute gentle bike ride indoors Wedding time 4-10 pm (PARTY)
Our biggest whoops was my spouse’s legs were sore after the ten-mile walk because he wasn’t trained for it. The ten-mile walk was nothing for me but something for him.
LOL…I forgot that not everyone can walk 10 miles easily.
He prefers strength training and high-intensity 45-minute classes, not steady cardio for 2+ hours. He is in good shape, but he hates marathon running/ training. Once again, the wedding was terrific. Thanks for inviting us. My husband and I had a fun time in Chicago.
When times are sad in Israel, I run. 🇮🇱 These are my people. I am Jewish. Long run 22 miles. The New York Marathon is three weeks away. ✡️💙🤍🇮🇱
The run felt amazing, and it was a big confidence booster.
I think God gave me the extra strength I needed. I also had extra energy to play ball outside with my four crazy Labrador Retrievers.
So, this weekend, I laced up my sneakers and ran. With all the sadness and tragedy in Israel, running was a form of healing. As I ran, I reflected, processed, and shared with other runners what was happening in Israel. Running also releases endorphins, a happy hormone that helps with grief.
This weekend especially, I would say the sport of running was my therapy.
In times of tragedy, part of Judaism is to repair the world and add more mitzvot., in other words, good deeds.
On November 5th, I will proudly run the New York Marathon. I am running on behalf of the Familial Dysautonomia (FD) community.
Hopefully, continued research and the funds I raise will help find a cure for this disease.
I will continue running marathons as long as I can.
Also, my body is like a temple of God.
The almighty gave me a body designed in his image.
By taking good care of it, I am honoring God.
I need to be strong, focused, and determined to succeed. Hopefully, in 3 short weeks, he will carry me across the finish line.
Time to Taper It is time to slow down, rest, and get ready to run New York!
Overall, My training is going well. The body has responded well to all the demands I force upon my body. It has adapted well to the multiple miles I have been doing. After the 15 miles, the only sore part of my body was the bottom of my feet. I will take that.
Saturday 5.5 miles
Sunday 15 miles.
My biggest concern now is not the race but navigating the Train system to get to The Staten Island Ferry that will take me to the start of the race.
I had my first Zoom meeting with the charity Familial Dysautonomia Foundation. It was nice to meet my teammates and all the staff who work at the foundation. They all seem very nice. If you like to donate the link is https://tinyurl.com/4cwk2wtx
My New York Marathon 2023 Women’s Jacket came in the mail yesterday.
I will wear it AFTER I complete the marathon because of superstition. I need to earn the ability to wear it.
I must run 26.2 miles before the jacket is worn by
me. I don’t want bad luck.
My favorite recovery drink Chocolate Milk .
My spouse likes this Bumper sticker. He is not a runner.
For all my Jewish friends I am pleased to offer you a Tzedakah opportunity before Yom Kippur…Get in the points. Non-Jewish friends do it anyway… Giving to charity feels good.
I am running the New York Marathon on behalf of the Familial Dysautonomia Foundation. It is a great charity to support.
Long run 20 miles! I did it! I felt good throughout the run. During my long run, I listen to some 1980-decade tunes that helped keep me on pace.
I had plenty of snacks to nibble on. My favorite go-to snacks are strawberry licorice and peanut butter cookies. It was a great run and a confidence booster. The New York Marathon is six weeks away. Wow!
My body seems to be very aware that I am in peak training. A week before my long run, I backed off on cross-training to listen to my body.
I did not do much swimming, strength training, or running. I wanted my body to be well-rested before the big long run.
Also, my strategy for surviving 20 miles was to take this long run easy and slow. I followed the Jeff Galloway training plan.
After my long run, I swim for half an hour. It felt good to get the blood flowing around the muscles.
Sunday is Yom Kippur. Gmar Chatima Tovah
Good final sealing in the Book of Life.
It is a solemn fast day, during which Jews pray, seek forgiveness, and have a fresh start with God and their fellows.
I am feeling a lot of gratitude. I am so grateful to be here, in this moment. This year, I want to become the best version of myself and find new ways to do so. I am very hopeful and blessed. We also remember our deceased loved ones this holiday. Let’s light a candle in memory of all of them.
As I was running, I decided to think about all the blessings in my life. Some are running-related, and some are not.
I decided to make a list. Here are 50.
1 The beauty of the evening stars and moon
2 The beauty of a sunset and sunrise.
3 Beauty in trees, flowers plants
4 The beauty of the four seasons. Autumn, Winter, Spring Summer
5 My 4 dogs
6 Loving Spouse
7 Family, Friends, relatives, children, extended family
8 Health
9 Good medical doctors
10 Medicine
11 New people that I met this past year.
12 New congregation; been there for two
years.
13 Continuing education at my shul
14 My backyard, pool, house, bed
15 My spouse’s parents and my parents are still living. All 4 are alive and well
16 Less fighting with spouse… laughing…. he only gets on my nerves 10 percent
17 Barbell Class
17 Swimming
18 Our grandchildren being born
19 My hair salon
20 My dark hair and eyes
21 Good self-image
22 Plenty of food
23 Miltary/ freedom
24 All jobs, for example, doctor, nurse, teacher, trades plumber, etc….
25 Running sugar snacks/ Gatorade
26 Being able to see each mile on a Garmin go by slowly as I run
27 Being able to do nutty things like run 20 miles
28 As I run, I am extra aware of my heart rate, aching muscles, and fatigue.
29 Music
30 Running T-shirts and Medals
31 Running Portapotties
32 Running Community Kindness
33 Road races
34 Being able to sing as I run, so I know my heart rate is not too high
35 Emts, Fire Department, Police Department that keeps the roads safe
36 Water station Volunteers at races and spectators
37 The body can repair muscles after a hard workout
38 Gratitude that Yom Kippur is coming, and I can wipe the slate clean and start fresh.
39 opportunities to change myself this year
40 I can make mistakes and start again
41 forgiveness
42 Gift of remembrance
43 spouse having a steady paycheck
44 rainbows
45 vacations
46 football
47 clean house
48 Gift of life
49 quiet moments
50 Hopefully, my fate will be sealed for goodness in the coming year.”
The New York Marathon is less than eight weeks. Today I ran 13 miles. Rosh Hashana starts tomorrow evening! Shanah Tovah to all that celebrate.
Tzedakah, or giving charity is also part of the holiday. So, why not donate? As you all know I am running the NewYork Marathon on behalf of the Familial Dysautonomia. This is a tough disease to live with. If you don’t celebrate, donate anyway. You are supporting a great cause.
I will be running the NYC marathon this November. Today, I ran 17 miles. It went very well. I love the cooler temperatures. No, more running in the nasty summer humidity and heat.
I am running the New York Marathon on behalf of Familial Dysautonomia.
Familial Dysautonomia, abbreviated FD, is a rare, life-threatening, genetic, neurologic disease present at birth. For more info click here
Middle Age Slow Runner Robin's Running Stories 