Mfiorito87's blog

Day 2-3

Day #2 Went to osteria Dell anima for dinner, which was very good. Had the gnocchi with gorgonzola and spinach sauce. Managed to fall asleep before my dad making the snoring less of an issue. Slept quite well, think the wine at dinner helped.  Today we slept late and then walked to Castel Sant Angelo and did the full self guided tour. The best thing about the tour was the amazing 360' views of Rome. My dad took a ton of pictures. They have rooms set up with artifacts and paintings. My dad walked thru the first set of rooms the way I like to, quickly. And then I think it was the 3rd set of rooms I turned back and he was gone. Found him at the door just hanging out, and he said "I've seen enough old guns for the day". I agreed but pointed out that the terrace at the top of the castle was also thru the room of guns so he joined me but went straight up the stairs to the roof. From the roof the views were amazing. You could see Rome in every direction.  Next we headed to Alice pizza near the Vatican. Really good broccoli/sausage and potato/cheese pizzas. I have to say the crust beats even NY. Then on to the Vatican which my dad described as "boring" and refused to wear pants to go inside the Sistine chapel. It was really hot out. Walked back and stopped at Barnum cafe. I asked for a cafe with ice....forgetting cafe was really an espresso. Rested a little bit and then went to the Trevi fountain. This was the second "wow" from my dad. He initially refused to throw a coin(which assures you will return to Rome) but i made him, he'll thank me if he gets to come back to rome one day. Went to Tavierna pavione for dinner, had a rice ball which I haven't had in ages. It's a fried rice ball with a little sauce, mozzarella and spices. My great-grandmother used to put peas in them too. The rest of the food there was ok, nothing extraordinary.  Day #3 In the morning, went back to campo di fiori for a cappuccino, and stopped at palazzo espada to see the hallway that was built to look long but really is an optical illusion. Then the long ride to the cruise ship. Spent a couple hours exploring and then I finally got a run in (8 miles). Quick shower and then off to dinner. My dad asked me to watch what he ate especially with the buffet, so he doesn't gain back all the weight he lost for the trip (something like 40 lbs)....I'm sure he will regret that request. Tomorrow Sicily....craving a cannoli.

Italy day 1

So day #1, landed at 9am, a bit exhausted. Taxi drops us off and says go down that alley and take the second right. Darn pedestrian walkways. We walk and look and look for a sign for the b&b but there is nada. Go to a cafe and ask and they are like it's right there pointing across the street. Still see nothing and walk down the block dragging our suitcases down a cobblestone road. Ask someone else and he is like um, you have the street address have you looked for the number? Duh, no hadn't thought of that, gonna blame that one on being tired. So we finally find #19 and it's just a hotel name next to a buzzer, no sign and it is directly across from the cafe just like the girl said. Rang the bell and someone finally answers and let's us in and we climb to the 5th floor with our suitcases (according to the taxi driver I had the woman's suitcase because it was so heavy....packed running stuff too!)

Owner initially not there, another guest had let us in. Wait about 15 min (we were a bit early) and the owner shows up, doesn't really speak English but luckily speaks great Spanish. But the rooms not ready so out we go exhausted to see the sites. Feeling a bit like a tour guide but I try to give options of things to do so i feel a little less like a guide. It's funny how well I remember Rome, it's been a few years but I remember different restaurants we (me and jaime) ate at and know some vague directions to things.

So we started our tour with a leisurely walk thru piazza navonna and then to campo di fiori, stop for some cappuccinos (the first of many in Italy). Then to ponte sisto and across to the neighborhood of trastevere. Then looped back to the pantheon and instead of wow look at that, my dads response "wow we can just walk in here for free, that's why Italy is broke."

On a side note, I think once you hit over 50 the concept of how to convert euros to dollars is almost impossible. I almost made my dad a little cheat sheet...but that wouldnt have even helped. He asked me multiple times how many dollars would 7 lire be....I reminded him it was the euro and thought he got it until we went by the produce market and it was 5e per kg. He was like how many peaches do i get? After I explained he would also have to convert kg to pounds, I think he just decided he won't be buying anything in Italy.

My dad was getting pretty tired so we stopped for gelato and then back to the hotel for a nap. I have never seen anyone fall asleep so fast in my life.

When he wakes up think we are going to do a nice dinner and turn in early.

Brazil days 10-14

My last week is coming to an end. It has been a great time all around. People often think Im strange for taking vacations by myself, especially family. I don’t mind going with other people but they are often very excited about planning a trip and then at the last minute when its time to book they drop out. So while I don’t mind travelling with others, it also doesn’t bother me going alone. I have gone on several trips by myself and met some great people along the way. My last trip in april I even met up with 2 people I met on a previous trip (Lauren and Jennifer). Just like previous trips, I met some great, friendly fun people to hang out with on this trip.

The other thing people find strange is the vacation that is physically exhausting. There is nothing better at clearing your mind from work/home then putting your mind towards something fun and active. So while I will return home sore/tired, I will definitely be in a better mindset getting back into the work routine. Work was getting a bit tedious the last few weeks – it’s the lull before all hell breaks loose for the winter and all the psych patients and drugseekers were out in force. The only time Ive really thought about work was when I was trying to plan my next vacation request for maybe feb. I have a few friends that’s might also travel during that time so I will wait a little bit before I book my own trip to see if dates can be matched up. Otherwise Im booking on my own again. One of the guys (Sherman) who is here now may also come back in Feb so it would be cool to meet up again. He quit is job and travelling for an undetermined amount of time…..so jealous!

I think I’ve found a new favorite place to come surfing. Brasil is so laid back….ok I hesitate everytime I type Brazil/brasil. Here they spell it with an S which looked weird to me when I got here….now the Z looks off to me when I spell it that way. Anyway, you can walk down the street and there is no one yelling to get you into their store or to get you in a taxi. You go into a restaurant and the pace is generally slow but you will never get rushed out the door….I think you  could sit there all day if you wanted. Not like at home where they are shoving the check at you and cleaning the table to say hey time to go. The beaches are beautiful and clean. Everyone is really friendly.

My arms are so sore from surfing but I cant believe how much my endurance has improved each surf trip. When I first took surf lessons, I needed a couple days between each lesson to recuperate. I was so frustrated at how out of shape I was. Then came the personal trainer, with the goal of surfing in mind. Each trip I have gone on has been better and better. Last year, day 4 was the day I needed a break. This time around (other then the built in Sunday off), I only took a half day off (did a half session). My paddling and balance is much better. Thanks Bobby for all your weird exercises you came up with to help with my surfing (without a pool).

Yesterday we went to Itacarezinho to surf. The beach there goes on for ever. As we arrived the waves did not want us to paddle out. We kept waiting for a lull but it seemed it never came. We immediately missed our nice channel to get out to the waves like at engenhoca. Finally after some persistence we go to the outside and took a rest sitting on our boards. You look back to the most beautiful scenery. Behind and to the side are mountains covered in trees that end abruptly in a cliff face that drop right into the water with the waves hitting them and making an almost eerie mist. The beach itself just seems to go on forever in the other direction. The waves were a bit steeper, faster and stronger at this beach so it took a little getting used to. You had to stand up and turn almost immediately or before you knew it you were at the bottom of the wave holding on for dear life fighting with the foam crashing behind you.

Today we are going back to Engenhoca to surf for my last day in Itacare’. Tomorrow Im off to Salvador. I would have had a 6 hour layover so I decided to just stay overnight and explore the town and to relax a bit. I made sure to book a hotel that had a pool. It also broke up the flights a little bit. It will be nice to get a little break. The last few days Ive had a cold, actually the first night it started I thought I had dengue. We were out at dinner and I started getting a headache, really sore all over and a little lightheaded. Thought I was just dehydrated so I went home early and then realized in the middle of the night I had a high fever. High fever, headache, muscle and joint pains = dengue right?…..the next day I felt better, fever went away and had some URI symptoms so its just a cold but that night I really thought I had dengue!

I’ll do one more quick update after Salvador with some new photos. I already prescheduled a massage online for Phila massage for when I get home. I know after the long flight it will be even more needed! The massage here are more the relaxation type massages, they do nothing to help with the post-surfing muscle soreness. I had prebooked my package with them included but wish I hadn’t because I hear there are much better places to go in town then the one thru the surf camp. Think next time I will stay at http://www.ilhaverde.com.br/ ,its closer to town and apparently a lot cheaper and a bit nicer. The place im at (girrasol) is nice but its across from a non-surfing beach (which I never have time to go to except on Sunday) and has a longer trek to town on a dirt road. I think Im paying more here because of the beach access but it was the place included in the package. So next time around it will be much cheaper booking things on my own separately and I have my visa already which is good for 10 years. Definitely will be coming back. Hopefully in Feb! Have to get ready for surfing....hopefully a good last day!

Brazil days #5-9

Have found myself falling into a bit of a routine. But its a great routine!

Breakfast at the pousada. I usually get an omelet and then try some the various breads and fruit. Fried plantains are awesome. There are these round little breads which appeared the one day - they are basically homemade cheese balls! They are so good, I actually cleared out the basket this morning. I also tried Acai juice which is nothing like what we get at home. But thats to be expected when they make the juices fresh from the actual fruit each morning. If there arent too many people at breakfast they will let you pick what juice you want. So among the choices was cacao (apparently Im staying on the cacao coast). So I ordered it maybe expecting a hint of chocolate but nope not at all. The cacao fruit is just a fruit. Made a very mild flavored juice, nothing real exciting. 

Next is surfing for 4 hours with a couple breaks to rest. Saturday I was feeling really tired and sore but I still had an awesome day (best so far). Was catching waves pretty consistently. The instructors are awesome. You could catch a great wave but they will still point out ways to improve- they will say great wave but dont forget to bring your knees in, etc. At the beach there is a little shack that sells food and drinks. They use tapioca flakes and line the bottom of the pan with it. Then they add whatever you want (ham/cheese/tomato/oregano is my favorite), but they also have sun meat, chicken and even sweat ones with fruit, caramel, etc. The tapioca forms a little tortilla. Its quite odd looking but tastes great after surfing. We also had a bbq on the beach on friday with steak, sausage, rice, farofa, beans, and a tomato salad. Really great food. 

After surfing is a shower and a trip to the coffee shop. I get my cafe gelado (which is basically an iced mocha milkshake) and a piece of pie. Or sometimes we will walk further down pituba (the main street) to the bakery and get a torte or piece of cake.

In the evening, at 7:30 we meet up and watch the video of the day. Get to see what we did well and what we need to fix. They are so good at repeating the things we need to work on. The feedback is awesome and has definitely improved my surfing. I think the thing I like best is they are always trying to push you to the next level. 

Afterwards we all go out to dinner. Last night we went to Casarao amarelo which is restaurant in a refurbished historic building. Sat and ate on the veranda looking out at the water. Had filet mignon and gorganzola risotto. It was so delicious I actually finished every last bit despite the large portion. Then we went to the bar downstairs to watch a band play. They were apparently doing covers but I cant say I recognized many of them but the guitarist was pretty good. After we tired of trying to figure out what song was playing we went on to the next bar called Favela. So some of the bars here are hilarious to look at. They put a big table in the street filled with alcohol and tons of fruit. These muscular guys dressed only in shorts and an apron stand out the street with all their fruit ...and alcohol making drinks with a hand mixer. The first time I saw it I thought maybe we had walked too far and were in south beach or something. Then you enter the bar and grab a table or bar stool. So strange! We stayed out pretty late since we had today off from surfing.

Today (the one day of rest) started with a late breakfast and then wandered around the town a bit and took some photos. Walked down pituba to the other beaches on the other side of town. They are beautiful beaches but I decided to walk back to the beach across from my pousada that has lounge chairs with beach service :) I know its lazy but its my day off! Ran into one of the other surfers (a girl from Switzerland, who also just ran her first marathon just before coming here) and we hung out on the beach most of the day. There was a brazilian drum band playing at the beach which was really cool (so much better than the cover band from last night). Then headed back to town to meet up with others to watch a local soccer game on tv at a bar. Also went to watch a local basketball tournament that one of the surf instructors was in. It was basically just local kids (and some adults) that were playing for fun. Overall a relaxing day and hopefully Ive given my arms enough of a break to do this all over again for another week! 

Brazil Days #1-4

So the flight here was ridiculously long. You really have to want to go somewhere to put up with a 24hr trip to where you are going. There is just no good way to get to this town. It was 3 flights and an hour and a half drive. Luckily I fell asleep on the flight from Miami to Brazil (salvador) but I woke up with the worst leg cramps ever (marathon related Im sure). Then just a quick 45 min flight to Ilheus after a 5 hour layover! Then a taxi ride to Itacare. I finally arrived at the Pousada in early afternoon, unpacked and then walked around town a bit.

Itacare is definitely a town set up for tourists but it seems most of the tourist are actually Brazilian. There are a couple americans and a few europeans but for the most part the tourists are brazilian. The town has a main drag with tons of stores, restaurants, etc. And then along the beach there are lots of restaurants and bars. They all have tables/chairs and then also beach chairs out front. I thought for sure they would charge you to use them, but buying a $2 beer (the cheapest thing on the menu) is all thats needed to get free use. I dont enjoy not knowing the language. Despite the similarities, it is difficult to understand portugese. I recognize some words here and there but its hard. They understand my spanish for the most part tho which does help. Lots of words are very similar and then others arent even close.

So Saturday was spent doing a little exploring and then dinner/drinks at one of the beach places. The dinner was on the expensive side $10 but was huge. Chicken, rice, salad, beans. Then off to bed early to get some much needed rest. Sunday woke up early and had breakfast at the pousda (the hotel) and decided NO exploration today. It would be a day of rest. So I went to the beach and parked myself on a lounge chair and read a book and had some drinks. Went to dinner at one of the beach restaurants and ordered a beef dish with tomato sauce/cheese. The waitress asked "mitad" and I said yes hoping that meant a half portion. A HUGE plate of meat topped with a red sauce and dripping with cheese arrived along with a salad. I thought that was it but then a big bowl of rice and mashed potatoes also arrived. The beef was delicious, the best I could describe it - it was like chicken parm but it was beef. It was amazing. The waitress comes back and I say this is a lot of food for one person, and she confirmed that that was a half portion! Next time I'll have to order a quarter portion! After dinner I came back, showered and relaxed, getting ready to go to bed. But then a knock at the door- which was one of the surf instructors letting me know the plans for the next day. He also introduced me to the other people in the surf class. They were headed out for dinner so I tagged along and just had a drink....no way was I eating again any time soon.

Monday, early breakfast at 7:30 (eggs, and various baked goods including a strange quiche with chicken and corn - odd breakfast choice, along with fruit, hams, cheese, and fruit juices that I still havent figure out yet. Not a bad breakfast at all. Then we walk to the surf shop about 5 min away to meet the van. The waves are better at another beach so we drive about 30-40 min. We hike down to the beach (which was a bit of a trek, path was a little muddy). Beach was a litle cove with a little river next to it. Waves were great, not too big, not too small. First hour I didnt catch anything, was being a bit tentative. And then finally I caught a wave and things got better from there. Caught a few waves - not bad for the first day. Instructor yelled out some pointers (its always the same stuff I forget each time I start up again!). Keep your chest up, etc. Got back from surfing and went to a coffee shop. I asked for an iced coffee and ended up with an iced mocha (How did they know?? ....thats what I always drink at home). Got some hammock time in and then went for our evening videotape session. They videotape the entire session and we get critiqued yet again! It will be good to learn that way. Can actually see what you are doing right and wrong but at the same time its a little painful to see the wipeouts, etc! Went to dinner with the other people from the surf camp - falafel this time - Wow had NO idea how good falafel was!

Tuesday - was basically a repeat of Monday. Heading off for todays video session and to dinner. Scheduled a massage for tomorrow (the prepaid package includes some massages).

So far everythings been great. Surfing for 4 hours a day forces you to relax on the time off so it really does feel like a vacation! Getting some quality time in the hammock, enjoying the beach, getting in some reading (which I never do at home). On book #2 already! Havent even turned the TV on in the room.

Finished my first Marathon!

I really want to thank everyone for their support during my training for the marathon and for helping me raise money for Lungevity in memory of my mom. It means a great deal to have that support behind you when you are trying to do something like this. Also thanks to Team Philly for the training advice and runs. Nothing beats having people to run with on a particularly hard run. You turn to the person next to you and say thanks for pushing me and they turn back and say I thought you were pushing me. The one exception was running with Paul who always kicked my butt, trying my best to keep up.  For those interested in doing something similar, join a training group. You can start from nothing and meet your goal of 10 or 13.1 miles at the end. Just ask Mahnia! Broad street training sign up is already open at meetup.com/teamphilly 

So before I get to the run down of the marathon, please dont take my thoughts on my finish time as something I am depressed about. While I am a little disappointed in my time I am very proud that I finished my first marathon and raised over $1600 for Lungevity. 

So since Monday I have had some soreness and stiffness in my legs at the end of the taper period. I did some light runs which I thought had helped loosen them up a little bit. I thought they would be fine by the time the marathon rolled around. I really just thought it was normal taper aches and pains.

I got to the marathon a little on the late side so I didnt get to meet up with people as originally planned. It was FREEZING as I was getting in my car and I immediately started rethinking what I was wearing. I had a short sleeve shirt with 2 long sleeve running  shirts and a throw away sweater on top and shorts/gloves/hat. But once the sun started coming up it wasnt too bad. Made my way to the corrals and they had teenagers holding the corral signs and they had no idea where they were supposed to be. I never saw the pacing group I was supposed to run with or Hong Mei who I was supposed to meet up with. I think I might have been in one corral too far back but I will never know for sure.  Tossed the sweater in the donation pile, did some last minute stretching, and turned on my music. Finally 15 minutes after the official start time we moved towards the start line. I thought to myself: Wow I am actually running a marathon. Dont start too fast, and relax! As we started heading down the parkway it was a bit crowded which definitely kept me from going too fast. The plan was to run around 8:40-8:45 pace, speed up on the downhills and take my time on the big hills. I felt a little stiff right from the start but figured that would work its way out as I went. We crossed across the city to my neighborhood and recognized a few of my neighbors standing and watching.

Around mile 4 I noticed my knees started bothering me. I usually get some soreness prior to mile 5 and then my legs give in and I feel fine. But mile 5 and 6 the pain lingered and I started wondering if I was going to finish at all.  Its only mile 6 and Im already in pain! I pushed on and kept my pace up and finally at mile 8 the pain subsided. Just in time for the big hills around mile 9, going up 34th street up to the zoo. Then a nice downhill before the next big hill up  to the Please Touch Museum. Still felt good and I knew the big downhill was coming up. Took the downhill with some speed and it felt easy and comfortable. My pace was down to 8:37 because of the downhills, despite the hills earlier.

Came around West river drive to the museum where the half marathoner were finishing up. I looked at them with a bit of jealousy that they were done and I was only at the halfway point. As I passed the 13.1 mark my legs started getting sore again. Was able to keep my pace at the slower end of my goal pace for a while. At mile 16 the pain became a real problem instead of just a nuisance. I HAD to stop. Istretched my legs out and watched as my legs were spasming and realized that was the true issue and not some internal knee injury. Felt a little better and moved on, hoping the relief would last. Made it to mile 19 and the pain was worsening and more constant, stopped to stretch again but immediately upon starting again it still hurt - small goals in mind - just make it to Manyunk (jaime will be pissed if she drove down and I dont run past her!). As I run to manyunk I see Jaime and Michelle standing on their own, they start making noise and cheering. I smile and briefly forget about the pain in my legs. But quickly they are out of sight and my focus is back on the excruciating pain in my legs. I made a deal just go 1 mile and then I could stretch again. 

I approach mile 21 and realize that this is the longest run I have ever done at this point. Thats an accomplishment right there! The max in training is 20 miles. I continue to stretch about every 1 mile.

As I hit mile 23, my leg pain becomes unbearable and I feel as if I cant physically take another step. I stop and stretch, trying walking a bit but it almost felt worse after stopping. I can barely walk and I just want to give up. Each time this thought crosses my mind I think of all the tougher things other people have had to go through. I think of the story of Matt Long (NYC fire fighter who ran the marathon after almost dying in an accident, left with a severe limp). I think of Mahnia running the half marathon who started the training process with 0 miles under her belt. I think of my mom struggling thru chemo/radiation - and then have to refocus before I start getting too emotional. Its a 5k left, I can NOT stop here, I made it this far. Small goals- make it to mile 24. I walk and then jog to mile 24 and stop one more time to stretch. I regret the decision to stop almost immediately. Stopping made the pain MUCH worse, I can barely walk now. Stretched and stretched, gotta finish. No more stopping. 2.2 miles left. I keep looking at my GPS watch, watching small increment pass by.

Mile 25 I see Kimiko and Sarah cheering and waving. Perfect timing for a little emotional boost to make it the last 1.2 miles. The crowds become much thicker. Everyone is yelling your name as you pass by (our names are on our race bib). They yell "looking good michael" ...and I think yeah right! Im doing it but I am NOT looking good! ;) Finally I can see the finish line and I just dont know how my legs are still running. I pass the finish line and get handed my metallic blanket and run into 2 other Team philly people immediately. I feel myself getting choked up, I can barely talk, barely walk, but I finished! I get in line for food and run into Mahnia who is smiling ear to ear after finishing her half marathon. And she finished under 4hr. Awesome job! 

Post-race, we went to meet up with Team Philly and had a burger/fries. I could not get myself to drink the free beer tho. Went home and took an ice bath - how I hate these! And then limped down my spiral staircase and almost cried when I realized I had to walk my dog! Relaxed the rest of the day, continued icing. And after rest last night I actually feel much better. A little sore but I can walk without limping and going up/down the stairs is no longer an ordeal. 

So I cant help but think what I could have done different. The frustrating part of my marathon experience is usually the rate limiting factor for me is breathing/pace/tired and that was not my problem. I never felt tired throughout the whole marathon, it was just pain.  I apparently did the carbo-loading right (cannolis and tiramisu!) because I never bonked from being tired. I anticipated the "wall" to be a tired/lack of energy feeling, but my personal wall was pain this time around.

Advice to myself for next year : maybe a leg massage the week before if the legs are sore/tight. More stretching the week before. And stick with the cannolis and tiramisu! Will also have my max run longer then 20. But dont think that was really the problem since the pain started way earlier then my max run. 

Want to hear something really funny? I cant wait to go running again! I have to wait a couple weeks before I can, but surfing in Brazil will definitely distract me! 

If you want to run Broad street with me - let me know. Will probably plan another marathon for sometime in the spring! Thanks again everyone! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Less than 24 hours to the Philadelphia Marathon!

Its finally here. Seemed so far away when I started training and then all of a sudden its here. This week has been tough. Why? The lack of running really made my body feel off. Im more sore right now then I had been after running 20 miles. People say its your body healing, but it really gets in your head. I only ran 4 miles why are my legs sore? No injury just sore all over!!  Why am I tired and so hungry?? I remember feeling this way to some degree prior to other races but it seems more extreme this time.  It does give you a hit to your confidence. 

Went to the expo yesterday and bought too much stuff but hey I figure I am running 26.2 miles for the first time in my life. I am not going to be shy about wearing all my new philadelphia marathon merchandise! Got home from the expo and was tired, really?? Im tired from walking 10 blocks and around an expo?? Had some cannolis to perk me up. I tried eating extra the last 2 days but Im not sure I actually ate much more then usual but there was definitely a higher percentage of carbs. Basic junk food had no appeal to me so I went to Terminis bakery and bought some GOOD sweets. 

So I must admit Im freaking out just a little. Questioning my pace plan. Questioning what I am going to wear. Its going to be 40-50 degrees which is what it has been on our runs lately. Gonna stick with Ross's (the coach) clothing chart based on temp. Its been right on. And when I tried to stay warm for the lung cancer 5k, I overdressed and realized that it was a mistake even for a 5k so I will not do the same for the marathon. Im gonna be cold for the start of the race, but it will be fine and feel good at the end. I've been trying to buy running pants for weeks but they apparently think all runners are tall giants with huge legs, so shorts it is. 

As for pacing my goal is between 3:45 and 4:00. My 20 mile run I did an 8:45 pace which puts me just below the 3:50. I signed up with the 3:50 pace group. Ive heard sometimes the pace groups can be off (too fast/too slow). So we will see how it goes following some random guy holding balloons. And also see how I feel!

So I havent even run my first marathon but I already want to find the next one. But I do have my surf trip to Brazil to distract me for a few weeks while I rest the legs (but not the arms). Will definitely do the Broad street run in May 2011 but want to find something for spring (either a half/full). 

If you are interested there is a tracking feature and cheering info online at: http://www.philadelphiamarathon.com/cheer

And Im still accepting last minute donations at: 

http://events.lungevity.org/goto/mfiorito

Raised $1615 for lung cancer research, in memory of my mom. Thanks everyone for the support!

 

 

7 days until marathon

Wow, cant believe its almost time to run 26.2 miles. Excited, nervous all at the same time. Been tapering so Im not running as much. We did a light 8 mile run yesterday. Weather was perfect, hope we get similar weather for next weekend. Think there are 3 easy runs this week. And chocolate cake....there will be some chocolate cake! Or maybe coconut cake, or brownies....or maybe a little of everything. Legs are a little sore but nothing too bad. Ive been told this is them "healing".  Really?? Nothing like leg pain to boost your confidence when you are running less for your legs to be more sore! The temptation to run more is there but sticking with the running coaches recommendations has worked so far. So I do exactly what is on the schedule - no more, no less. 

Post marathon plan: countdown to brazil! And then plan to keep running when I get back. Dont want to lose the gains Ive made! Might do some light runs in brazil (the second week). Its really a great way to explore a new town. Going to find a race for late winter/early spring. And will definitely do the broad street run. All those people who claim they are running broad street - I will start bugging you! 

DONATION UPDATE:

Have raised $1370 so far. Thanks to everyone for their help. Lsst minute donations can be made at: http://events.lungevity.org/goto/mfiorito

 

29 days until marathon!

Fundraising is going well. Have raised $820 so far on the website, plus almost another $100 in raffle tickets so far. The Happy Hour is this Friday at Lucys (3rd and Market) at 7:30PM

RSVP or donate at: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=166584226691915

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Wow the time has gone fast. Last week we ran 18 miles from the Art museum past the Valley Green Inn and back. As soon as Ross (team philly coach) said valley green inn, everyones jaw dropped. That seemed so far. Its funny we forget how far we are actually running until there is a landmark that seems unreachable. The run itself was amazing, running thru the woods along the river on Forbidden Drive. That particular run however was fraught with aches/pains for the second half of the run. Headache, leg pain, nipple pain, and throw in some nausea. Think I ate way to early that day, woke up real early and decided to just eat (almost 4 hours before the run). Wont do that again. And will keep the aquaphor on me in the future. I can handle leg pain but I will not run the marathon bleeding from my nipples! This week was a lighter run, only 14 miles thru the city but it included all the hills that are part of the marathon course. Took a new approach to hills today, usually I slow down but I just decided to shorten the pain of hills and plow thru. Didnt feel so bad this time. Ran with some slower people today, so started in a 9:30-9:45 pace which is real slow for me. Our normal pace group runs 8-8:30. Interesting thing was I had so much energy the second half of the run, I quickened my pace drastically without bonking.  Need to try to strategize how I want to run the marathon, start slow and gradually speed up? Constant pace the whole way? 

Next week is the 20 mile run and then we start the taper. Got ready by buying some new shoes (thanks philadelphia runner). They were very comfortable on todays run. Very light too.  

Its really amazing how much progress people make with only a few months of training. Mahnia (one of the nurses at work) is running the half marathon (same day as the full). She ran 10 miles today and I remember her complaining about the 2 miles when we first started! When you first start training the goal distance seems impossible! And then one day you hear yourself say oh we are only doing 4 miles (then 6, then now for me 14) as if its nothing. It truly is amazing how quickly running gets easier. I remember training for broad street and the thought of doing 10 miles seemed impossible and now to say "Oh, I ONLY did 14 today". It feels good!

50 days until the marathon

Took it easy the week after the half marathon to heal a bit. This past week was back on my regular training schedule. Did 19 miles today! Ran from the Art museum across the city, over the ben franklin bridge to camden and all the way back, and then did the Kelly Loop. The loop was mostly cleaned up from the flooding but there were a few muddy spots. It actually felt great up to mile 16-17 and then was a bit uncomfortable. Legs are definitely sore, icing them as much as I can. Total for the week was 32 miles. Think Im going to give in and buy a new pair of running shoes. Had bought a new pair a few months ago and I hate them. They felt great for the first month and then they felt like they suddenly shrunk or something. Just not comfortable. I've actually been wearing an old pair for the last several weeks. Its probably time to cut my losses on the new pair and buy another.

Thanks to all who have helped me raise money for Lungevity. At 76% of my goal. Currently working out a happy hour or dinner fundraiser. More details to come hopefully by the end of the week. Please consider making a donation, even $5 helps! 

http://events.lungevity.org/goto/mfiorito