Summer is unofficially over. I do not feel good about this. Each day that passes that is not 90 degrees pushes me deeper into unhappiness. Luckily, I have a lot to look forward to this fall, like, I don’t know, running a MARATHON. Or spending lots of time inside a warm apartment watching football (I care about football. I even understand some rules).  So there’s some good here.
Here’s what I am excited about this month:
{} Labor Day Weekend
I mean, pretty much if there is a long weekend or any sort of time off work, I will include it in my monthly excitement. I really value all time off. In fact, I never understand when people say they wish they could be back in college. Not me. I love working because for the most part, when I go home at the end of the day, I am done. I don’t constantly have work hanging over me. Except this blog.
Over this long weekend, I saw my mom, got my fro tamed by Maria (discount to DSB readers on Keratin, haircuts, color and more — (917) 331-3450, ran 15 miles (more on that below), sat outside at three restaurants, watched lots of 90210 (Andy’s favorite show) and read. I loved the entire weekend.
{} My New Job
Speaking of my new job, things are getting good. I am really loving our Hydroxatone products; I got to “live tweet” from the Charlotte Ronson Fashion Week show where we were the Official Skincare Sponsor; and I would be forever grateful if you could help me out and do the following:
- Like Hydroxatone on Facebook (and you’ll get 25% off)
- Follow Hydroxatone on Twitter
Seriously, I would appreciate this to no end. For the most part, the updates are from me. And if you are a blogger and want to do a review or giveaway, or work with me in any other way, let me know!
{} Getting Deep Into Marathon Training
Two weekends ago, I ran 15 miles for the first time in my life.
I ran it all by myself. The idea of doing long runs alone has terrified me, and I’ve managed to find a friend to run with each week until this run.
My strategy for the 15 miler was to break up the run in my head as three 5-mile runs. Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3. So instead of being like, “I still have 13 miles left, that is an entire half marathon, how overwhelming,” I instead thought “I have 3 miles left in Part 1.” The entire run felt much more approachable this way and it really worked!
During my 15 miler around the city, I stopped to take a photo of my office across the river. I tried to imagine tiny Dori, like a little ant, working hard in that building as I ran past. Strange.
[I work in one of the buildings pictured here]
Last weekend was another first: 17 miles. My plan was to run 8-9 miles myself, then meet up with my Girls on the Run Solemates team for the rest. I ran about 8.5 myself and then met up with the team, but shortly after we started running I realized thy were way too fast for me. I tried keeping up but after a mile I just didn’t have it in me, and I watched as they disappeared ahead of me.
While I don’t mind that I wasn’t able to run with them — in fact, I was a little relieved because I actually wanted to be alone — I do wish I knew ahead of time that they run so fast. The bright side is I won’t feel guilty anymore for not attending their runs.
Which is especially OK with me because I only have three new long run distances to conquer before the marathon! How did this happen already? And if I did 17 with so little issue, of course I can do these. 18, 19 and 20. I also have a few races lined up, so I won’t be alone. There are a few step-back weeks in between these distances, and a taper period after, which all fits into my two-month timeline before 26.2.
So after the team escaped me, I ran back up to the Reservoir for a couple more loops myself before running home, and I made it to 17 miles. My legs were screaming after and walking the rest of the way home was hard at first, but I recovered pretty quickly.
I was even able to run 5 miles just two days after that, where I saw this sunrise:
I remember when after a half marathon I couldn’t walk for a week. Now I can run 17 miles and run again a couple days later. AND my 13 miler this coming weekend, as part of my step-back week, actually seems like a “shorter” run. Perspective is funny.
{} Dave Matthews Band
Hurricane Irene canceled the DMB Caravan Governor’s Island show I was excited for last month and it’s been rescheduled for Randall’s Island. I saw Dave there back in 2006. I am excited to walk there this year.
{} Baseball Game
Yeah our tickets for this were also during Hurricane Irene. Instead, we are going to a Mets game against the Phillies (Missy is from Philly and we will be with her, so it will be extra fun) instead. Although I am slightly less excited that we are going in late September when I won’t be able to wear a tank top or a little dress (the only things I want to spend an outdoor event in) I will suck it up and be happy anyway.
{} Reading
Now that I commute every day, I have the time and motivation to read books. I have been a book fiend and it feels good to be back — although I have been getting significantly less sleep. P.S. Read The Hunger Games Trilogy. By far, the best bandwagon I have ever jumped on. And I generally don’t do bandwagons. These are the type of books that get into your head and under your skin and you can’t stop thinking about them long after you finished reading.
{} Being the Subject of an Interview
My good friend Ben interviewed me for his own NBC New York GO Healthy New York column in a post called Extraordinary Motivation: Dori’s Passion for Fitness. Apparently, I might be motivating or something?
{}Â My Final NBC New York Post
The opportunity to write for NBC New York’s GO Healthy NY blog was one of the most incredible things to happen to me this year. It fell into my lap at exactly the right time in my life — when I was desperately looking for a job in the fitness world and needed some solid writing samples, connections and visibility. Now that I am balancing my fantastic job with marathon training, it’s been harder to keep up with my NBC writing and class-taking that goes with that. I decided to stop writing for them and it feels like a weight lifted from my shoulders.
My last post is my review of my month-long FITiST trial:
NBC New York – Dori’s Quest: My Month of FITiST
{} Weekly Blogging for Work
I will be writing for a couple of blogs at work. One of these blogs will be a weekly column that I will link to from here each week the way I did with NBC. I am very excited about the content because it is not fitness related but still very much me. I’ll just say that any job that lets me write about my overall laziness when it comes to everything and doesn’t fire me is a job worth keeping.
What are you excited for this month?
Ali
September 13, 2011 at 9:56 am (13 years ago)Yay! So many great things happening, Dori! I keep loving your “I Am Really Excited About…” posts. It seems like you’re in a really great place and I’m so happy for you.
Also, I like how you mentally broke up your 15 mile run. That’s so smart. 15 miles can seem daunting, but 5 miles doesn’t. Nice job, with that run and the 17 miler. Can’t wait to cheer you on in November!
Ben
September 13, 2011 at 9:57 am (13 years ago)Most motivational girl named Dori I know!
Ashley @ Hop Skip Jump
September 13, 2011 at 10:00 am (13 years ago)Lots going on for you and it’s so exciting!! Congrats!
I really like your 15 miler route. It must have been so calming to run along the water. Were you slowed down at all with tourists? What time of day did you do it?
Dori
September 13, 2011 at 10:10 am (13 years ago)Mid-day, which is very unusual for me but I had something in the morning. It was very touristy by the Seaport, and with construction it got congested. It was also crowded at Battery Park, but once I got past that it was smooth sailing!
Jess
September 13, 2011 at 10:02 am (13 years ago)What an awesome idea for tackling longer runs – totally made it feel less daunting, huh? I love that trick! I may have to borrow it if I (someday) run a full marathon myself 😉
can’t believe it’s almost time for your race, you’re going to do great!
Amber
September 13, 2011 at 10:19 am (13 years ago)I love your long run strategy! I’m sad that the Dori’s Quest series is over but looking forward to your new weekly column.
Also – I’ve avoided the Hunger Games bandwagon here for awhile. So it’s really that good?
Dori
September 13, 2011 at 10:21 am (13 years ago)YES
Heather K
September 13, 2011 at 10:47 am (13 years ago)I would love to review a product or even give away. Whatever helps!! I am going to start reading the Hunger Games. Thanks for the recommendation.
melissa
September 13, 2011 at 10:37 am (13 years ago)I’ll miss you as my Go Healthy Buddy. Love your enthusiasm for September. So glad you are rocking Marathon training!
xo
Missy Maintains
September 13, 2011 at 11:30 am (13 years ago)So many exciting things going on! Can’t wait for our baseball game! I hope it is hot out. Your job sounds amazing and love that you could see your building during your run. Pretty pictures!
Harry Andrews
September 13, 2011 at 4:02 pm (13 years ago)You are so lucky to have a guy who will watch 90210 with you. And I can only assume he’s very handsome. And tall. And cool. You should make him pancakes Sunday morning so he’s well fed for an afternoon of football.
Dori
September 13, 2011 at 10:32 pm (13 years ago)He’s all right.
Allie
September 13, 2011 at 5:55 pm (13 years ago)Double yay – for long commute plus reading (makes the time go soooo much faster with a great book, I prefer it to sleeping or constantly checking my email… though sadly I probably do those two more often) and for The Hunger Games trilogy, which I love love love! They are filming the movie in NC right now. Happy September and training!!!
ellen
September 13, 2011 at 7:26 pm (13 years ago)Exciting stuff! I’m glad you’re loving the new job – and are totally psyched for the marathon! September is a pretty awesome month for me too. I’m back to work, which is an adjustment but a good one, and the weather is perfect for pretty much everything.
ronni manela
September 13, 2011 at 7:34 pm (13 years ago)as always…so very proud of you
Katherine
September 13, 2011 at 10:24 pm (13 years ago)Yey for September!!! Summer ending is always sad, but on a bright note, Fall is the perfect running season (and let’s not forget, pie season, pumpkin everything, beautiful CP with leaves changing colors and so much more!)
I was supposed to go to a Philly’s game in Philly during Hurricane week too! Unfortunately that obviously didn’t happen.
It’s amazing how fast your running mileage has climbed! It’s truly impressive and inspirational that you’ve been able to do this after overcoming an injury — thank you for giving me hope 🙂
What marathon training plan are you following? Would you mind sending it to me?
Cameo
September 14, 2011 at 10:42 am (13 years ago)YAY! You are so cute, loving everything every month. I love everything about DORI!
That’s my bridge in one of those pics – “Hellsgate” – holla!
Lastly, let’s talk giveaways. I will pimp your product with pride.
Grace @ Balancing Me
September 14, 2011 at 10:49 am (13 years ago)Oh my, I lost A LOT of sleep over the Hunger Games trilogy. But so worth it!
I’m digging your 15-mile break-up idea. Definitely using this on my next long run!
And YES. September is the greatest month of all. 😉
Christine
September 14, 2011 at 10:13 pm (13 years ago)Wow – you do have lots to look forward to!
Congrats on the 15 miler! And also – I’m going to DMB this weekend too! Saturday and Sunday 🙂
alanna
September 15, 2011 at 12:29 am (13 years ago)For years I ran by myself and now it’s so hard for me to run alone. I always think about joining a run group, but I’m afraid I can’t keep up. I ran once with the NYC Nike Run Group and once with one of the Lululemon store runs. At Lululemon, the ladies were too fast. I had a hard time keeping up, but felt compelled to stay with the group. Thankfully it was only a short run, so I just pushed it. On the Nike group, there were so many people (split up my distance and not speed), that everyone spaced out and it was as if I was out the running alone. I’ve embraced my slower speeds and I’m interested in increasing my distance, so it doesn’t bother me. But I need a slow running buddy or group. do most people just run alone?
diana@mymarblerye
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