how to run 20 miles while on vacation: city edition

Did you know that running a marathon in January means you have to train through the Christmas holidays?

Did you know that training for a marathon during the holidays leads to limited opportunities for the long runs that one needs in order to get ready for a marathon? 

I should have known. I think I was in denial.

For two Saturdays, I missed my long runs and spent the rest of the week trying to cobble miles together in parking lots, town circles, and neighborhoods while still spending as much time as I could with the people I love.

Eventually though, I had to do something about the 20 miler that was following me around from state to state. 

It's not easy to find somewhere to run 20 miles. Especially when you're not in your usual, familiar running environment. 

I kept pushing it back, hoping that inspiration would strike while I was home in Staten Island, and a 20 mile route would miraculously present itself, like in a dream or a vision. 

It didn't happen. 

I got desperate and posted a whiny status on Facebook, hoping one of the crazy running people I know would be like "I have a route! I'll join you!" 

Nope.

Then it hit me. Inspiration.

I could run to the ferry from my Grandma's house (I estimated it would be about 5 miles), take the ferry to Manhattan, and run along the waterfront on the West Side. I thought this was a brilliant idea. I have always wanted to run that particular route, having walked a large portion of it with my Mom during our city jaunts. 

I had to make a series of promises to my husband, including running with my phone, texts at various points, and using the Road ID app so he could keep tabs on me.  

Nothing could damper my enthusiasm. He could have asked me to hire 2 giant thugs to follow me, secret service style, and I would have agreed.  

I was very excited.

it was very foggy

Even the heavy fog that made every street look like a creepy scene from a horror movie didn't bother me. I bounded my way down to the ferry and took my 5.5 mile smelly body right onto that boat and tried to stand as far away from the other passengers as I could. 

As soon as the boat docked, I was off and running towards Battery Park where I took a very rare selfie of myself. 

 

The miles positively flew by. I was looking around at buildings, people watching, making sure I knew where I was and how to get home. It was lovely.

The Intrepid. It is very big.

At about 12 miles, I turned around and headed back to the ferry terminal. At 34th street, I jumped onto The High Line and ran its length - which was FABULOUS, The High Line is simply one of my most favorite places on Earth and it was a wonderful experience to run it, in the rain at Christmas time. 

I made it back to the ferry, stopped at Starbucks (which I paid for using my Starbucks app - greatest thing ever), and called my husband to come pick me up.

It was one of the best running days I have ever had. 20 mile training run DONE. 

Top 10 reasons why you should run in cold weather

I ran 8 miles in 16 degree weather on Sunday. It was pretty clear that I wasn't in Georgia anymore. A few days before we left I ran in a tank top. On Sunday I wore two pairs of pants, a long sleeve shirt underneath a sweatshirt, a fleece hat, and a glove. Seth ran the next day in 12 degree weather and this is what happened....

     

I'm pretty grateful that I don't have facial hair.

Cold weather running rocks! Here are the Top 10 Reasons why you should run (or even walk) in the winter...

1. If you're embarrassed about being out there, don't be. No one else is out there, it's too cold (even in GA), and even if they are they're too busy trying to stay warm to pay attention to you. 

2. It's the perfect time to hide that body under layers of clothing. Every runner looks fat in the winter. If you start now you'll be skinny and svelte to wear spandex in the summer. 

3. When else is it socially acceptable to blow your nose in to your shirt and wear your snots proudly?

4. You can be like me and brag to anyone that will listen that you ran in ____ degree weather. I promise they'll be impressed.

5. Cold weather running gear is fun! Fun hats, gloves, jackets... the options are endless. I personally like to rock a multicolored neon headband that my mother-in-law crocheted for me. (Seth is wearing it in the first picture)

6. It's a good way to beat those winter blues. No one likes a cranky pants. Even if you only go out for 20 minutes it will clear your head, make you feel better about life, and save someone from having to give you an attitude adjustment.  

7. You don't sweat as much. Or at least its harder to tell that you're sweating - it could be frost.

8. The skin that's exposed to the air turns this awesome red color. It makes you look healthy.

9. Running in the winter will make you faster. The faster you move, the faster you'll be done and back in your nice, warm house.   

10. Hot chocolate! It stands to reason that if you burned enough calories running in the freezing cold you should be able to reward yourself with some hot chocolate goodness. 

C'mon people join the revolution! Running the winter is fun, unless you get hypothermia.That would be bad. So use some common sense, dress appropriately, and have a good time. Note: if you're squeamish about boogers, bring tissues.

Happy Winter Running!