I’m happy to report that I think I really did make a good use of my weekend. A good balance of yummy, high quality whole foods, exercise, necessary housework and quality time with my boyfriend (I’m working on a good blog name for him, as “boyfriend” seems so silly at this point).

As I’ve mentioned, I’m current training for the NYC marathon (my 2nd) with the help of Runner’s World’s  “Rookie” training plan. The basic structure of this training plan is shorter runs and cross training throughout the week and 1 longer run on the weekend. The longer run increases each week. Yesterday called for 9 miles. It was certainly a hot one in the city, but it’s so much more interesting to run long distances outside so I decided to just deal with the heat and head to one of my favorite places in the world: Prospect Park. I run here a couple times a week, so I thought it would be fun to take along my camera and give you a little tour.

The key to outdoors exercising in the summer is suitable gear and hydration. I donned my best synthetic fiber running gear to ensure breathability and less chaffing (though I did still experience some under-boob chaffing…hard to avoid) and my trusty hydration belt:

Ok, so “hydration belt” is a fancier term for dorky fanny pack with even dorkier attachable water bottles. I wear the pack in the back so at least people laugh at me after I’ve passed them.  It’s not much of a fashion statement, but it’s very helpful on longer runs – I don’t have to worry about having to locate water fountains as frequently and I can carry keys, band aids and snacks with me.

Once I was all suited up, I set out to the park!

In order to cover 9 miles, I did a lap of the perimeter of the park, which is on the sidewalks around the park and a lap of interior loop, plus running to and from the park. It was HOT, but luckily I was able to stake out some shady spots for relief:

Whenever I do a run that I think will take me over an hour or so, I bring some food along. I used to do sports gels and “beans,” but lately I’ve just been taking energy bars with me. After 45 minutes I’ll eat half of one and then maybe I’ll eat the 2nd half 30 mins later. A little boost of sugar helps with energy, and it actually gives me something to look forward to on boring runs. This weekend, I chose a Key Lime Pie flavored Larabar:

I find Larabars facinating. They are completely raw and usually only contain a few ingredients. This particular one includes dates, cashews, almonds, unsweetened coconut and lime juice concentrate- that’s it.  And it’s so tasty…? And,  how do they make that into that tidy little bar with no baking or processing? Is it like in Willy Wonka when the make the 3-course meal gum by smooshing and mashing until it’s all a little gummy cube?

Don’t do it, Violet!

Anyways, I continued along looking for interesting shots of the park to share with you. One of my favorite moments of the day was stumbling upon what I think was a company picnic. I heard cheers and shouting coming from one of the lawns and veered off the path a bit to check it out. I found a large group of adults participating in a relay race. It was great to see so many grown-ups at play, laughing and really throwing themselves into the spirit of a game:

Now for a brief moment of discussion on one of the many things I  love about New York (specifically Brooklyn).

Prospect Park is an amazing resource for EVERYone. And, because it’s free and accessible, you will always see an incredibly diverse group of people – adults, children, families – from every socioeconomic group. I love seeing groups from every background bbq-ing, bike riding, picnicing side by side. And, I love seeing kids playing outside. It’s discouraging to read about things like rising Vitamin D deficiencies in children and Nature Deficit Disorder. This saturday I saw tons of kids skateboarding, goofing off, riding bikes, chasing eachother, yelling obnoxiously – all OUTSIDE. Go, Brooklyn!

Ok, back to my jog in the park. Here’s one of my favorite little spots. For just a short little stretch, the dirt path along the paved interior loop runs through a shady little woodsy area.  I like to pretend I’m trail running.

At this point, I was nearly done. I had one more big hill and about another 1.5 miles. On the way home, I stopped and bought a gatorade.  Then I went home, had a veggie burger and took a shower.

I love that happy, tired feeling you get after a day in the sun. Today, I took the day off from planned exercising, but went for a walk with the BF and stopped for a leisurely lunch at a bistro in the hood.

Ah, summer…

Tags: Running
Filed under: Running, exercise