Running and Coaching
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
*Please visit my brand new blog on the new trainwithmarc.com! We will no longer be updating this site because we have switched over all blogging functions to the newly updated trainwithmarc.com site. Thank you for your understanding and continued patronage.*
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Saturday, February 9, 2013
We Found Nemo
It's been another very productive week for me. Not only have I logged miles and taken yoga, but I've managed to work on the site to make some improvements!
Saturday's long run was the longest run I've done since Christmas Eve, so that's very promising. I'm targeting a "first race back" sometime in late April or early May, so I still have some time to get in shape.
Thanks for the support - and don't forget to sign up for a training plan at TrainWithMarc's site here and like me on Facebook here.
Saturday's long run was the longest run I've done since Christmas Eve, so that's very promising. I'm targeting a "first race back" sometime in late April or early May, so I still have some time to get in shape.
Thanks for the support - and don't forget to sign up for a training plan at TrainWithMarc's site here and like me on Facebook here.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Back to...Where?
It feels so darn good getting back into shape. Sure, I'm sore, tired and willing (and readily able) to eat anything and everything in sight...but who's really checking in on me?!?!
I've been able to log more miles and get out the door more frequently as 2013 has progressed. I've made some changes to how I think about running that has started paying off. I'm happy withenjoying running - and not for having to run.
I'm focusing this month on strength - and for me that means being mentally, physically and emotionally strong.
I'm gaining mental strength through patience and by being focused. I've been doing this through yoga and by consciously paying attention to the "now" and taking care of being present.
Physically, I'm working on my body strength. I've been in the gym a lot more lifting weights, doing core and taking yoga. In March, I start a living social deal for cross fit, so if I'm not moving and shaking now, I'll be shit outta luck once that starts up.
And not to be overlooked, I'm allowing myself to think positively - about myself, the relationships I've formed, and about my environment. When you change your thoughts from negative to positive, your actions tend to follow. And that's reason enough for me.
"Only one who devotes himself to a cause with his whole strength and soul can be a true master. For this reason mastery demands all of a person."
Albert Einstein
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Posing My Future
Ever since the New Year, I've been on a slight addiction to getting fit again. It started with changing my focus and even refining my lofty goals. My goals are more reasonable now that I have work, school, coaching, and a budding online business. It is a very healthy feeling to know that I don't get torn up over missing a run. It's been easy on my body to log 70 miles in a month - which will increase when winter track is over, instead of in a week - especially during the bleak winter track days.
I've experimented with hot yoga and I (almost) swear it will single handily transform how I run for the rest of my life. When I take yoga, it forces me to unwind, relax, and focus. I don't get to do that often and yoga really helps me get to those places. Yoga also helps me stretch and strengthen physically in ways that I can't in a gym or on a run. I've become more flexible and I'm able to work on my "problem areas". (Yes, even I have problem areas...) I'm becoming a stronger, well-balanced (literally) individual rather than a one-trick pony who always is injured.
If you're really struggling to stay healthy, looking for a change in your routine, or feeling like you'd just like to try something new, I'd suggest trying yoga. I'm a big fan of hot yoga - and I've been going to Anjali Power Yoga in Westmont, NJ. All studios are not made the same, but I've enjoyed my time at this studio. I'm stronger, healthier, and happier having gone and I'm pumped to get back and sweat.
Even the best tennis player in the world uses yoga as a catalyst for his success. http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/the-key-to-murrays-success-hot-yoga-8468368.html
Here are 10 poses for runners.
What's your favorite type of yoga? Do you swear by it?
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
What Does Not Kill You...
I was reading an article in Running Times about elite runners and their pain tolerance, and I got to a part that really struck me. It went something like this:
This clarity came from a yoga session I had the other day that taught me to be in the now. Focus on what is important to you and give it everything you have. I found that I had been doing a lot of different things, and for the most part, doing them well, but I wasn't focused on a single task. I was doing it just to get it done.
And today that thought came to light. Why should I be miserable doing something I supposedly love? I need to devote myself to it and make the best out of the situation - however bleak or miserable it may seem.
If you know anything about me, you'll know that I hate being cold. But hill repeats were on the schedule for the team and it's either stand outside and watch or run with them and watch... On a day when the high didn't get to 25* it will test anyone's fortitude, but not mine.
I felt healthy and strong, and I felt as if it was what I was meant to do. So I did them. And life went on.
Running will literally NOT kill you. Your body's mechanisms will prevent you from killing yourself. Therefore, you can go to the "well" and come out the other end unscathed.Sure, you'll be hurting and sore and most likely have lactic acid coursing through parts of your body you didn't know existed. But you'll live. You will be fine. And that's how I'm going to start approaching everything I do.
This clarity came from a yoga session I had the other day that taught me to be in the now. Focus on what is important to you and give it everything you have. I found that I had been doing a lot of different things, and for the most part, doing them well, but I wasn't focused on a single task. I was doing it just to get it done.
And today that thought came to light. Why should I be miserable doing something I supposedly love? I need to devote myself to it and make the best out of the situation - however bleak or miserable it may seem.
If you know anything about me, you'll know that I hate being cold. But hill repeats were on the schedule for the team and it's either stand outside and watch or run with them and watch... On a day when the high didn't get to 25* it will test anyone's fortitude, but not mine.
I felt healthy and strong, and I felt as if it was what I was meant to do. So I did them. And life went on.Friday, January 18, 2013
Putting Life in Perspective
I've been thinking a lot lately about putting things in perspective. About knowing and believing that even when crap hits the fan - like it did on Wednesday - that life will still go on and for me, and it will be absolutely amazing. Sure, there will be low times, but for most of us out there, we have it pretty darn good.
I've been doing my best to get in runs without stressing myself out. I've downgraded runs from 9-10 miles (like last winter) to 3-4 miles this winter. It's less stressful on me - trying to fit in long runs at 5 am wasn't really appealing to me this time around. And the few miles a few times a week is preventing me from getting heavy and completely out of shape. Win win. Once winter track is over, I'll have the time to do more of the training I'd possibly like to do. So while I'm not pounding the pavement, I'm enjoying myself.
Below are more reasons why running has become a part of my life instead of my whole life.
I've been doing my best to get in runs without stressing myself out. I've downgraded runs from 9-10 miles (like last winter) to 3-4 miles this winter. It's less stressful on me - trying to fit in long runs at 5 am wasn't really appealing to me this time around. And the few miles a few times a week is preventing me from getting heavy and completely out of shape. Win win. Once winter track is over, I'll have the time to do more of the training I'd possibly like to do. So while I'm not pounding the pavement, I'm enjoying myself.
Below are more reasons why running has become a part of my life instead of my whole life.
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| Train rides with my love |
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| Winter skies at track practices |
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| Hurricane Sandy Clean Up in Lavalette, NJ |
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Monday, December 31, 2012
The 2012 Year In Review
January:
I ran my second highest monthly total of the year. I was working, coaching and trying to run. I was up at 5 am to run and then running again at night after practice. I was quite miserable with that aspect of my life, but really happy to have started my second year of online coaching and also joined forces with Run Team Kina.
February:
At this point, I was running 7 mile tempo runs and 14 mile long runs to get ready for my 3 half marathons of the year. Things were going well. I was figuring out how to manage running, having a girlfriend, coaching and work. It was going well! Some time around the end of the month, the Cherokee 4x8 set the school record. Sorry Dave, Josh and Mike - I tried to get them fast, but not 7:43 fast.
March:
I opened the month in New Orleans with Carly and Tim. We went down for the Rock N Roll Half and we came out of the weekend with some good times (race times and fun times). I was excited that 1:12 for the half felt comfortably hard and I'd be able to build a lot from that race. Straight from there, I ran in the Haddonfield Adrenaline 5k. I beat Wilson, so I'm still the fastest person in Cherokee for the time being.
April:
Birth month. Turned 28 and saw 2 more half marathons come and go. I was happy with the AC half because I came in 3rd - and also because I won prize money for the first time this year. That helped a bit!
We had the team prepped for Penn Relays, but that was a disaster. And speaking of disasters, so was the Boston Marathon for Carly and my 3rd half marathon of the year - the Rutgers Half. All of these races had planned on being great events for me, and yet somehow, I was let down by all 3 of them.
May:
May was a tough month. I pretty much kicked myself around and didn't do a lot of running. 3 half marathons in 8 weeks was WAY too much. I got sick, couldn't recover and felt pretty worthless for most of the month.
I did head to LA for Carly's brother's wedding and then to Boston for Dana's graduation. Both trips gave me plenty of time with Carly, her family and then my family. I was very thankful for these changes of scenery.
June:
June was a really good month for me. I spent part of it in Eugene for the Olympic Trials with Shak, Cricket, Cuneo and Tim. While I no longer (nor really ever) have aspirations of competing for Olympic Games berths, it was an amazing experience watching these athletes give it their all for 3 spots on our Olympic team.
I also became a run ambassador for Lululemon. This has great promise for TrainWithMarc in the future. I was pumped for the opportunity to work with this company and I'm hoping that they are equally as happy to work with me.
July:
A tame month in my standards. The end of the Trials, lots of beach time. From a running point of view, I was back in action. I ran my fourth highest monthly total and felt like I was gaining some momentum coming out of Eugene.
I ran a 5k on the 4th of July - where I surprised myself with a 16:28 (5:06 first mile didn't help).
August:
Started the month on the wrong foot - literally. A few days into the month, my foot started bothering me. By the end of the 2nd week of no running - and running basically straight into camp - I was forced to down grade to a lower group at camp. Camp is one of those places where everything feels right. I have my best friends, running, training and that's really it. I look forward to this week every single year. And while I wasn't running fast or a lot, I was still thrilled to be there.
Carly ran a 5k on about 6 days of running (Rehoboth Marathon training) and set a PR. This was a good start for her and I was happy to be coaching her more this training cycle.
September:
Not much happened (good or bad) in September. I started work again and actually started taking classes as well. It was a whirlwind summer and I was actually happy to have consistency again.
October:
This was another interesting month for me because I didn't really get a chance to do a whole lot of running. My foot was still bothering me and I was swamped with online coaching, HS coaching, work, taking class and doing Run Club with Lululemon. Busy was an understatement, but I feel more me when I am constantly doing stuff.
Carly and I popped down to Delaware for her half marathon. She set a PR and won the race on a hilly course. So far, she's 2 for 2 in races this cycle. Couldn't be more proud of her (recap here)!
November:
Instead of sulking and feeling bad about not running, I started doing strength work and it actually helped my foot a ton. Short runs from here on out!
This month also saw my Holmdel school record broken. Wilson is a beast and he deserves it because he's worked his tail off since he came out for cross country. He also qualified for Footlocker Nationals, but because of Carly's marathon, I'm staying on the east coast!
December:
Got back to the basics: short, enjoyable runs, lifting, and having fun running. I also updated my website and added a blog to it. If you haven't been to the new site, I suggest you do. (Website and bloglinks).
We also saw Carly set a big PR in her marathon and even with the course being supposedly long, she still qualified for Boston 2014.
***
A simply amazing year. Thanks for your support and I look forward to 2013!
I ran my second highest monthly total of the year. I was working, coaching and trying to run. I was up at 5 am to run and then running again at night after practice. I was quite miserable with that aspect of my life, but really happy to have started my second year of online coaching and also joined forces with Run Team Kina.
February:
March:
I opened the month in New Orleans with Carly and Tim. We went down for the Rock N Roll Half and we came out of the weekend with some good times (race times and fun times). I was excited that 1:12 for the half felt comfortably hard and I'd be able to build a lot from that race. Straight from there, I ran in the Haddonfield Adrenaline 5k. I beat Wilson, so I'm still the fastest person in Cherokee for the time being.April:
Birth month. Turned 28 and saw 2 more half marathons come and go. I was happy with the AC half because I came in 3rd - and also because I won prize money for the first time this year. That helped a bit!
We had the team prepped for Penn Relays, but that was a disaster. And speaking of disasters, so was the Boston Marathon for Carly and my 3rd half marathon of the year - the Rutgers Half. All of these races had planned on being great events for me, and yet somehow, I was let down by all 3 of them.
May:
May was a tough month. I pretty much kicked myself around and didn't do a lot of running. 3 half marathons in 8 weeks was WAY too much. I got sick, couldn't recover and felt pretty worthless for most of the month.I did head to LA for Carly's brother's wedding and then to Boston for Dana's graduation. Both trips gave me plenty of time with Carly, her family and then my family. I was very thankful for these changes of scenery.
June:
June was a really good month for me. I spent part of it in Eugene for the Olympic Trials with Shak, Cricket, Cuneo and Tim. While I no longer (nor really ever) have aspirations of competing for Olympic Games berths, it was an amazing experience watching these athletes give it their all for 3 spots on our Olympic team.
I also became a run ambassador for Lululemon. This has great promise for TrainWithMarc in the future. I was pumped for the opportunity to work with this company and I'm hoping that they are equally as happy to work with me.
July:
A tame month in my standards. The end of the Trials, lots of beach time. From a running point of view, I was back in action. I ran my fourth highest monthly total and felt like I was gaining some momentum coming out of Eugene.
I ran a 5k on the 4th of July - where I surprised myself with a 16:28 (5:06 first mile didn't help).
August:
Started the month on the wrong foot - literally. A few days into the month, my foot started bothering me. By the end of the 2nd week of no running - and running basically straight into camp - I was forced to down grade to a lower group at camp. Camp is one of those places where everything feels right. I have my best friends, running, training and that's really it. I look forward to this week every single year. And while I wasn't running fast or a lot, I was still thrilled to be there.Carly ran a 5k on about 6 days of running (Rehoboth Marathon training) and set a PR. This was a good start for her and I was happy to be coaching her more this training cycle.
September:
Not much happened (good or bad) in September. I started work again and actually started taking classes as well. It was a whirlwind summer and I was actually happy to have consistency again.
October:
This was another interesting month for me because I didn't really get a chance to do a whole lot of running. My foot was still bothering me and I was swamped with online coaching, HS coaching, work, taking class and doing Run Club with Lululemon. Busy was an understatement, but I feel more me when I am constantly doing stuff.
Carly and I popped down to Delaware for her half marathon. She set a PR and won the race on a hilly course. So far, she's 2 for 2 in races this cycle. Couldn't be more proud of her (recap here)!
November:
Instead of sulking and feeling bad about not running, I started doing strength work and it actually helped my foot a ton. Short runs from here on out!
This month also saw my Holmdel school record broken. Wilson is a beast and he deserves it because he's worked his tail off since he came out for cross country. He also qualified for Footlocker Nationals, but because of Carly's marathon, I'm staying on the east coast!
December:
We also saw Carly set a big PR in her marathon and even with the course being supposedly long, she still qualified for Boston 2014.
***
A simply amazing year. Thanks for your support and I look forward to 2013!
Monday, December 10, 2012
"Marathon Spectator/Cheerleader Almost Arrested"
With a title like that, you'd think I was some sort of...
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