Racing For Fun

I’ve been thinking a lot this week about running and racing for fun. As I’ve mentioned many times on this blog, when I first started running, I made a promise to myself that I would not ever let it become just another competitive activity. I took every activity I tried very seriously when I was a kid, and running was going to be something I did just for me, to have fun, get outside in the fresh air, and get away from the craziness of life in law school. And then, about six months after I started running, I entered my first 10K race.

 

 

 

 

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What a PR Means to Me

I’ve been thinking about what a PR means to me for the last few days, since I set a personal record for the half marathon at the New York City Half Marathon last Sunday. It isn’t about being faster than other runners. It’s not even about being faster than I’ve been before, as the term suggests. It’s about achieving more than I thought was possible, not just in this race but with running in general, and beginning to believe I really have it in me to run a marathon.

 

 

 

 

WIAW #50: Half Marathon Weekend Eats

I cannot believe this is the 50th time I’ve written a WIAW post. They’ve become a staple on the blog. I found, after years of wondering why in the world someone would bother taking a picture of their food, that they’re actually some of the easiest and most enjoyable posts to write, because I like eating, cooking and baking, and it’s nice to think others might admire the result of my endeavors, or just be interested in the combinations of eats I create. And I find inspiration for my own meals by reading similar posts on other blogs. So here we go again, this time with a rundown of my eats the weekend of a half marathon in New York City.

 

 

 

Third Time’s the Charm at the NYC Half Marathon

Yesterday I ran the New York City Half Marathon for the third year in a row. This race was my first half marathon ever in March 2014. I was so happy and proud (and freezing in the 15 degree weather!) afterwards, and the moment I crossed the finish line, just a year after I first ran three miles without stopping, was the same moment I began to dream of running the marathon one day. My second time around last March was a little warmer and a little less momentous – still fun, of course! This year felt like the third time’s the charm. Not only did I set a personal record, it marked my first longer distance race of 2016, putting me on the path to the Marathon come November.

 

 

 

Weekly Workouts and Updates: Spring Has Sprung, 3/7-3/13

I don’t want to jinx it, but after this week, it seems like spring has sprung in New York City and I couldn’t be happier with the sunshine. It wasn’t a particularly cold winter. In fact, most of it was rather mild, save the arctic freeze over Valentine’s Day weekend. But there’s something about the arrival of spring, a season when the world is in bloom and everything is reborn, that’s particularly conducive to lazy weekend mornings, long runs in the not-yet-hot sun, fresh foods, and a general feeling that now is the time when new hopes and dreams can come alive.

 

 

 

Running Goals for 2016

As you read this, I’m en route to sunny Orlando, Florida to run the 10K and half marathon at Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend for the second year in a row! Kicking off the new year with these races got me thinking about setting some running goals for 2016, so I’m sharing those today.

 

 

National Running Day

This Wednesday, June 3rd, is National Running Day. So I am kicking off this week with a linkup with some other fun runner bloggers to share our running stories through a Q&A! 

1. Why do you run? I run for health and happiness. I started running because I wanted to get back in shape and have a physically active outlet for my energy after my childhood ballet and gymnastics days were over, but fell in love with it because of the way it contributed to my mental well-being and overall outlook on life.

2. How do you plan to celebrate National Running Day? I plan to celebrate by going for a long run in the sun (I hope!) and maybe stopping by some of the New York Road Runners events.

3. How many miles have you run so far this year? Just over 500 as of today! Averaging 100 miles/month, which works out to 20-25/week. March was a little less and May a little more but it all evens out in the end.

New and Improved Renaissance Runner Girl

Happy Saturday, everybody! Hope you’re all getting out there to enjoy the glorious sunshine (well, if you’re in New York too, at least). This is shaping up to be a wonderful weekend. Not only is spring here, it feels like summer – 70 degrees in Central Park and I’m a happy camper!

There’s also some other exciting news, which you may know already if you’re reading this. I’ve officially made the move from WordPress.com to a self-hosted website. I’m ready to tackle the challenge of really making Renaissance Runner Girl my own space where I can share my recipes and running tips and general ramblings on life with all of you.

For new readers, I’d like to take this opportunity to say hello, and share a few of my favorite posts of the past several months for you to enjoy. I hope you’ll return and follow along with me on my new journey!

Banana-Maple-Oat Muffins (with peanut butter here!)

 

 

 

 

 

Birthday fun(fetti) for everyone!

 

NEDA Week

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All about my oatmeal cakes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Walt Disney World Half Marathon 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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