I’m training to run the TCS NYC Marathon this year! This newsletter is a weekly recap of the highs and lows of training, and my best efforts to stay mentally and physically healthy through it. This is week 22/36.
If you recall, I had a breakdown over how different exercise feels in my body now versus 10 years ago. Reading this newsletter by
gave me so much comfort. Her “late” journey into athleticism feels similar to mine and in a culture that makes us feel decrepit after 25, it’s reassuring to read the ways exercise can get better as we age.
“How is it, at age 41, that I feel like my body can do more — and that I can take more joy in it — than ever before? I’m not faster, but I’m more resilient. I’m not doing as many overall miles, but I feel stronger. I love it more, and more feels possible. Sure, my knees are slightly more creaky, and I have to be keenly attentive to stretching and Theragunning and hydrating in a way I never was before. But exercise just generally no longer feels punitive or disciplinary. Instead, I feel something far more akin to curiosity. If part of me feels weak or tweaky, what’s struggling in other parts of my body and needs strengthening? And if I’m attentive to my body, if I’m legitimately kind to it, can it do more than I thought it could?”
How I’ve Been Training:
Sunday: 2.83 miles run/walk (hot)
Monday: PT (fine)
Tuesday: 4.95 miles run/walk (got lost)
Wednesday: Yin Yoga (stretchy)
Thursday: 1.23 miles run (i h8 running)
Friday: 5.69 miles run/walk (i luv running)
Saturday: Hot Vinyasa Yoga (sweaty)
Miles run: 15 miles
Getting back into the groove, I haven’t been having fun on my runs. In addition to hitting 170 spm cadence (thank you for the song recommendations) it’s been a lot of overthinking, every running cue I’ve ever heard on-repeat in my brain: “Pretend you’re holding a potato chip in each hand.” “Drive with your knees.” “No, drive with your hips.” “Land on the balls of your feet.” “Engage your core.” Each run felt so effortful, I was questioning whether I misremembered enjoying running at all—until Friday’s run.
It was a breezy, sunny, 70 degrees, I was well-rested, well-fueled, Blinding Lights faded into the background, and I realized I wasn’t thinking about time left, cadence, or form for almost 10 minutes—that “flow” state I’ve been missing in my workouts for so long. A great feeling and a huge confidence boost.
(Also, I discovered after removing some nail polish that I have not one but three bruised toenails. Open-toed shoes are off the table for the rest of summer. Woo marathon training szn!!)
What I’ve Been Eating:
I have a wide palate as someone who works in food: I’ve eaten guinea pig, chilies that singed the inside of my jaw, and goat testicles. I pride myself on discerning between “delicious,” and “not for me.”
That being said, there is nothing—nothing—more disgusting to me than a pre-run banana. Any other time, it’s perfectly fine. Pre-run, early morning, I cannot for the life of me, choke that sh*t down. Last year before a race, I remember actively retching over a subway platform after eating just half. The smell. The texture. 🤮
Recently, guided by TikTok gym bros, I’ve instead tried Rice Krispie Treats pre-workout and it’s been great. Making a mental note on what fuel to carry with me as I get into longer runs. My meals have overall morphed into what my younger brother calls gym bro core: steamed sweet potato, eggs and canned beans, smoothies loaded with oats and yogurt.
I also ate an overpriced veggie burger and milkshake for a Twister movie night and an Icee and popcorn for Twisters in theaters. A Popeye’s tenders meal snuck into A Quiet Place: Day One. A great meal at Bad Roman with a visiting friend, a lot of vegan butter at work, pink punch, and one (1) shot of whiskey at a friend’s birthday party.
What I’ve Been Reading:
In a reading rut! Nothing new. Smooth brain vibes. Need to pick up something I’m excited about.
gr8 week for film