Monday, December 19, 2011

An (almost) announcement

I have a lot of difficulty finding time to make a post these days, and I've considered a few times just shutting down this blog altogether.  I actually poked around for 90 seconds on Blogger.com trying to figure out how to do this, but because it wasn't immediately obvious, I opted to make another post instead.  Might as well keep the blog active in the time it would take me to figure out how to close it down.

It's not that I don't have any free time these days -- indeed, there are usually a few minutes each night between the time that dinner has been eaten and cleaned up (8:30 pm) and when I need to think about getting ready for bed (9:00 pm).  But I have a hard time summoning any creative juices in that window.  (I'm not, of course, suggesting that this blog is at all creative, but composing an entry takes slightly more brainpower than, say, eating a bowl of ice cream while watching a previously recorded episode of "Modern Family.")

Moreover, my life really isn't that interesting these days.  Work is work.  I'm running simply to get in the miles.  I don't go anywhere other than to the swings, the Manhattan Children's Museum, or Whole Foods.  I've had a "date night" with Zdenek but once in the last 11.5 months.  I'm not reading any books, unless you count Your Child's Brain or Toddler 411 (the former actually is pretty interesting, at least to a science nerd such as myself, but the latter reads more like a horror story of what is to come in 2012 and beyond).   I really haven't accomplished anything of significance, and my days are pretty much limited to just trying to get through them.  Besides, Ryder's transition to a straw cup this weekend doesn't really seem to be that important to anyone other than Zdenek, Ryder's nanny, and me.

I do, however, have one small item to report.  I have just entered my first application for a race since 2010: the New York City Half Marathon, March 18, 2012.  I've run this race before, but the first few years I took part it was held in August, so I think I might actually enjoy a March race day.  Indeed, I only remember feeling like part of a herd of sweaty cattle moving through a too-cramped Central Park before pounding the pavement in the blistering sun down the West Side Highway, and that's not an experience I'm anxious to repeat. 

To be sure, this is an insanely popular race, and there's no guarantee that my application will even be successful.  But if it is (and I think I'll find out soon whether or not that's the case), I will have a decision to make in short order: Do I run it just for fun, and not worry about my time?  After all, I'm comfortably running 40 miles per week and finding time/energy (with lots of support from my husband) for 15-16 miles each Saturday.  Or do I actually train for this, and try, despite my usually exhausted state, to run anything approaching a PR?  Am I really willing to get up at 5 am to run intervals and hill repeats in the dark of the morning?  Would that make me happy / proud / satisfied / pleasant to be around?  Or is one more hour of rest the saner choice?  (Note that I didn't say "sleep," because I've found that the crazy mental changes of motherhood have basically rendered me incapable of sleeping past 4:30 or 5:00 am.)

At least for now, this is one decision that I can defer -- until I know whether the New York Road Runners has actually accepted my application and charged my credit card a non-refundable fee of $128.

Watch this space.  (While it's still around.)

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

A tribute

A few days ago, after running 15.5 miles (my longest run since my 2010 marathon), I began writing a post that was intended as a tribute to my husband.  Without Zdenek, I would never be able to run (or cycle) as frequently and far as I do, and I just wanted to give him a public shout-out to let him know that his support does not go unnoticed.  I never finished the post, unfortunately, but today I found a different way of expressing my gratitude.  The picture below represents a word cloud of my blog, life to-date.  This may be a space ostensibly devoted to chronicling my running and cycling adventures, but I think it's pretty obvious where my true passion lies.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

A simple truth


Post-Ryder, I've managed to stay pretty consistent about logging at least 25 miles per week, though I usually try to hit 30 if at all possible.  Last week, I actually made it to over 40 and, feeling pretty optimistic about my chances for organizing an even tighter schedule (that would likely entail 5 am runs, but what else can I do?), I thought seriously about attempting marathon training.

And then this week happened.  I'm not sure what kind of stomach illness sidelined our household (though I suspect it's rotavirus), but I've logged four miles so far and will probably plateau there.  While I'm no longer so sick that I'm begging Zdenek to shoot me (no lie), and while the word "hot dog" overheard on television is no longer likely to send me into a hurling episode, I still have no appetite, little energy, and a cranky baby.

With our nanny also out sick, I'm trying to focus on the positives: it's a beautiful autumn so far; Central Park has never been more breathtaking; and at least my kid smiles when I'm pushing him on the swings.  But I would be lying if I didn't admit to being green with envy watching the cyclists spin by, enjoying the perfect weather.  And this past Sunday I practically teared up watching the start of the NYC marathon on tv.  

I'm not sure what the silver lining is in all of this; frankly, I don't think there is one (I've tried to convince myself that it's been healthy to take a "break" from training, etc., but that psychology has worn thin).  The truth is that I do miss much of what I used to be able to do (as I am sure Zdenek does, too). Though I'm sure that, someday, I'll be able to find time and energy again for those pursuits, in the meantime, I just can't have it all.  Sometimes that's all there is to it.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Is that Desitin you're wearing?

It’s been a long time since I’ve had the time or energy to make a simple blog post. Between loads of travel, long hours at work, longer hours with Ryder, and fewer hours running, we are simply out of time most days (and nights). Last Saturday, though, Zdenek and I celebrated six years of wedded bliss. And when I say “bliss,” I truly mean it. The biggest downs we’ve experienced together involved descending a hill in Central Park during a bike ride or morning run.

On Saturday, Ryder gave us both the best anniversary present ever: a run. We haven’t strapped the little dude into his Chariot for some time, because the last few outings were so completely unenjoyable. He’d usually last 30 minutes -- max -- before screaming that it was time to get out, at which point I’d pick up the pace to get home as quickly as possible and Zdenek would start screaming that I was running too fast. But on Saturday morning, Zdenek and I tried our luck again, and I’m glad we did. The little dude is now a slightly bigger dude who seems quite happy to sit in his Chariot for a full sixty minutes, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of Central Park on a weekend morning. In fact, he was so good that we took him for another spin on Sunday, and it went just as smoothly. This weekend, we ran over 11 miles together as a family!

On Saturday evening, Zdenek and I went out for what constituted our first dinner out together -- alone -- since Ryder’s birth. After one too many cocktails, I cozied up to my husband in our booth, leaned over, and kissed his hand. And you know the best part? It didn’t even smell like Desitin.


Best anniversary present ever



Many cocktails later

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Lame

It’s been an eventful few days around here. To start, I threw out my back last week. Aside from being extraordinarily uncomfortable and extremely inconvenient, this injury (likely caused by improper bending at the waist to pick up my chunky monkey of a son) brought into sharp relief the fact that I am, sadly, getting old. Back injuries?! Really? Aren’t those reserved for weight lifters and geriatrics?

After cabbing it to my doctor on Thursday to confirm that I did not, thankfully, slip a disk, I heeded the doctor’s advice to remain as active as possible, and shuffled home. Bent at an approximately 70 degree angle, it took me about 90 minutes to traverse 12 short New York City blocks, and I found myself impatient, tired, and incredulous at the fact that not a single person had stopped to ask me whether I was okay or needed help (though I was later reminded by Ryder’s nanny that, in NYC, such inquiries to total strangers are typically ill-advised). With about two blocks to go, I slipped inside a nail salon for an impromptu pedicure -- the only highlight in an otherwise painful and frustrating day.

I seem to be on the mend now, and was able to eek out a very slow three miles yesterday morning, and an equally slow four miles this morning. The humidity in New York seems to be abating, and this is the perfect running (shuffle?) weather. Unfortunately, on the same day that I injured my back, my poor Zdenek confirmed that he has suffered his second broken bone in both 2011 and his life. It seems that his quick dirt-biking jaunt with my seven year-old niece on our recent trip home did some serious damage when he was thrown to the pavement, and Zdenek must now contend with a fractured elbow for the next six weeks. On Thursday morning we sat together, relatively lame and unable to throw Ryder around in the style to which he’s now accustomed (in fact, I could barely pick the kid up until yesterday), and feeling like useless old horses waiting to be put out of their misery. And much to Zdenek’s chagrin, he can’t even fit his torn-up toes into his cycling shoes without experiencing severe pain. But at least he can run.

And so just as Zdenek and I are once again ready to feel the ground move beneath our feet, the ground actually did move beneath my feet today. Around 2 pm, high up in my 31st floor office, I experienced a “boom” and then a few, relatively big shakes of my office building. I was forced to evacuate via the stairs, every muscle in my lower back resonating on each step of the 31 flights that I had to descend.

It was later confirmed that an earthquake struck the East Coast today, and, to be honest, it was a pretty cool sensation. It was, however, something I’m in no hurry to experience again. Zdenek and I are getting old and lame. We need to be careful with every bend we make and every step we take. I don’t need any ground tremors complicating matters further.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

One less thing to worry about

I am always happy to read stuff like this. Makes my lack of strength training seem not only harmless, but potentially even helpful. Thank goodness for new science.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Life in the fast lane

Last weekend, Zdenek and I packed Ryder, a travel crib, and two suitcases worth of bibs, diapers, onesies, rompers, and bottles, and we headed off with good friends to the Poconos in Pennsylvania. Departing NYC in our rental car at 4 pm on a Friday in the summer was a brave (stupid?) move, especially considering that it was in the middle of a record-breaking heat wave. Never mind: we strapped Ryder into his car seat, scattered a few teething toys around him, and hoped for the best.

Despite the heat, the boy handled things pretty well for the first 90 minutes or so. He played with his toys, stared out the window, and eventually dozed off for half an hour. But upon waking, he realized that (a) he was still restrained, (b) it was pretty close to his dinnertime, and (c) it was almost bed time. And that's when the screaming started. Mom and Dad, unaccustomed to traveling with Ryder in a car, didn't know what to do. We were stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic across five lanes, and, according to the map feature on my iPhone, were pretty much going to stay that way for the next 40 minutes. So I headed into the backseat to distract my boy with silly sounds and peek-a-boo, which worked -- for a while. But when Ryder finally decided that he had really had enough (or rather, when we decided that we couldn't handle the screaming anymore), we had to make a quick turn-off to feed him and take a break. He was delighted. Then we strapped him in again, and he screamed the rest of the way to our destination.

I realize that most parents travel everywhere by car with their little ones, and screaming is probably par for the course. But for Zdenek, Ryder, and me, this was a pretty novel experience. I think I've figured out why: Ryder is rarely restrained for more than 15 minutes at a time, and when he is, he's got an impressive number of cars, people, dogs, trees, etc. to entertain him. We go everywhere by foot. He's out our door and at the store within 10 minutes. He's at the Park within 15, and then promptly put on the swing. He never, ever has to wait or sit patiently. For anything. I am sure that New Yorkers' impatience and short fuses are nurtured from birth.

I can only hope that Ryder's detest for sitting idle will some day translate into a super-energetic, over-achieving athleticism. Until then, my little Manhattanite will continue to live life in the fast lane from the comfort of his stroller.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Much to remember

Back in early January, when I wrote a group-wide email message to my colleagues announcing Ryder’s birth, one of my coworkers responded with a line that has stuck with me and that I remember almost every day: You will find that, once you have kids, time passes much more quickly.

During those early weeks of sleepless nights and pure exhaustion, time couldn’t pass quickly enough, and I wanted to roll my eyes at every well-meaning stranger who would tell me to “enjoy it because they grow up so fast.” Truth be told, Ryder really could have skipped those first 10-12 weeks altogether and I don’t think I would have minded much. But now that he’s a bit older and becoming exponentially more fun on an almost daily basis, I am starting to notice that time does indeed seem to be passing much too quickly. Over the last week, this realization was compounded by several anniversaries of various events in my life and those of whom I love most:

* Sixty-some-odd years ago this past week, my mother came into the world. Although Zdenek likes to tell me that I am the world’s greatest mom, I know that that title rightfully belongs to the extraordinary woman who raised me, and I miss her immensely across the miles.

* Thirty years ago this past week, Zdenek’s mother and father defected from their home in then-communist Czechoslovakia. It goes without saying that that bold move altered the course of history (or at least my own and that of Ryder, who would otherwise still be dark matter floating in the universe).

* Eight years ago this past week, Zdenek and I were introduced by a mutual friend at a bar on Toronto's Queen Street. Believe me when I say that I went home that night thinking that he might be “the one.”

* One year ago this past week, Zdenek and I flew to Canada to visit both of our parents and announce that there would soon be a new member in our family.

* Also one year ago this past week, I was still enjoying long bike rides and 10+ mile runs in Central Park on a weekly basis. (This past weekend, with Zdenek’s parents in town, I actually managed to cycle on both Saturday and Sunday -- the first time I’ve been on my little red Giant since March!) I remember racing around the Park feeling fantastic and finding it difficult to believe that there was actually another little person inside of me. Who would have thought that it would be easier to run 10 miles with him in than out?

Sometimes my friends without children ask whether I miss my “old life” or whether I think about having more kids. Of course I’d be a liar if I didn’t admit that it would be nice to stay up until midnight knowing that I could sleep in until 10 am if I so desired, that I’d love to be able to leave the house after 7 pm to enjoy a stroll with Zdenek on a beautiful summer evening, or that I don’t stare wistfully at my bike and wonder when I’ll ever have the opportunity to go for a three hour ride again.

But I have to remember how quickly time has already passed, and that it certainly is not slowing down. It won’t be too much longer before I’ll look back and reminisce about the summer of 2011, when Ryder was just a little package of delicious baby and Zdenek and I were able to take him for stroller rides in Central Park and push him on the swings at Riverside Park. The next time I’m at mile 25 in a marathon and wondering, once again, what possessed me to subject myself to that kind of torture, I’m sure I’ll wish that time would pass more quickly. For now, I’ll try to remember to savor every moment.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

New obsessions

We’re now a few days into July, which marks the beginning of both summer and le Tour. Alas, my days of being able to stay up until late, intensely focused on that day’s Stage, are behind me: while I’ve always been a pretty early-to-bed kind of girl, my attention span these days is markedly shorter than it ever was. It seems that if I am not actually doing something with Ryder (i.e. holding, hugging, kissing, changing, feeding, cleaning, etc.), then I am always thinking about him or how to care for him. After a few minutes of cycling action on tv (and yes, we’re in high def this year), I find myself inexplicably drawn to the plethora of baby-related books and manuals on my coffee table. Recently we started Ryder on solids (avocados, bananas, oatmeal, and watermelon are all huge hits so far -- clearly he’s my boy!), and so while I’ve just finished learning everything I need to know about baby sleep patterns and developmental milestones, I’m suddenly having to learn all about making and freezing homemade baby food and just how much iron my little guy actually needs in a day.

Ryder clearly rules our roost. I’m sure (or at least I hope!) that it’s a first-time parent thing, but too often I catch Zdenek and me having a conversation at the dinner table that might go something like this:

Parent 1: Do you think his second nap was long enough today?
Parent 2: Maybe, but then he also had that short catnap in the morning, don’t forget.
Parent 1: Right. Maybe we shouldn’t have taken him out in the stroller at
that time...
Parent 2: Perhaps. But how many hours of sleep did he get
yesterday?
Parent 1: Let me check the log.


And so on.



In fact, this past weekend, I managed to detach for a minute and listen to Zdenek and me, and it was obvious that we are both (a) obsessed, and (b) completely boring.

It’s therefore nice to know that we have at least a few other things in our lives that are completely unrelated to Ryder. For one, I’m still running 4-6 times each week (Ryder could be related to this if he so desired, but he’s made his dislike for the running stroller pretty apparent), and though the miles are short, they are always sweet. Zdenek has recently been getting back into the habit of crawling out of bed at 5:30 am to take his bike for a spin in Central Park; I’m happy he’s doing this, because running is a bit tough for him in the sticky summertime. And when we were watching le Tour a couple of nights ago, we did manage to have a conversation that had nothing at all to do with Ryder -- namely, we discussed whether Garmin-Cervelo had anyone worthy in the GC and debated whether Team Radioshack is full of dopers (I say “yes”). (Let’s forget, for the moment, that Ryder is actually named after a member of Team Garmin…)

I’m really, really looking forward to the day that Ryder is a bit older and he can run and cycle with us. To be sure, there are many times that I want to stop time altogether and savor every morsel of his adorable six-month self, and when it makes me want to cry to think how quickly he’s already growing up. But once he’s able to share the fun of running and cycling with us, maybe Zdenek and I will be able to spend a little less time talking about Ryder and more time engaged with him in the activities we love.



There will come a day when the only Ryder-related log will be the one tracking his daily miles. I’m sure of it.

Monday, June 27, 2011

Done for another day

The lack of updates on this blog in my post-baby world is indicative of the fact that I don't seem to have much time for anything these days between Ryder, Zdenek, work, and home. My runs are getting shorter and shorter as I find myself busier and increasingly stretched (and I don't mean the ability to touch my toes). A "long" run these days is typically six miles, though on occasion I've been thrilled to fit in about eight. Mid-week runs average about four miles. I went from 40-mile-weeks during pregnancy (and even the odd 40-mile-week when I had my mom available for round-the-clock babysitting), to 20-30 mile-weeks today (though it's on the low end).

On Saturday, my long run consisted of pushing Ryder in the Chariot alongside Zdenek, and having to cut things short at 5.5 miles because Ryder, frankly, had had enough. No worries -- it was hot and sticky out, and I figured I'd get a longer run in on Sunday morning. But after one too many glasses of wine on Saturday night, I found myself exhausted, mildly hungover, and very sleep-deprived on Sunday morning. Running was the last thing I wanted to do that day, so I opted instead for a delicious breakfast, a more delicious lunch, and a heavy, carb-filled pasta dinner.

And all of this got me thinking, Maybe my running days are slowly winding down. I'm in a perpetual state of fatigue and always feeling crunched for time. Spending a few more hours relaxing with my family or just lazing around with the Sunday Times is far more enjoyable, no? Do I have the energy, excitement, and time for anything more than the occasional three miles these days? As I crawled into bed last night, I had almost resigned myself to the label of "former runner," at least until life slows down a bit (and goodness knows it will probably be years before that happens).

But perhaps it was the fully carbo-loaded feeling in my belly that encouraged me, or perhaps it was just the anxiousness of facing another busy week ahead on this Monday morning. Whatever the source of my motivation, today I forced myself to hand Ryder over to his nanny, tie up my laces, and try for a few miles. A few turned into three, then four -- and when I realized I was about to run 5.5, I decided to just complete the whole Central Park loop. I returned home to find the boy still napping, and so quickly ran an ice-cold shower before he had time to wake up. And as I was heading to rinse off, my nanny said, "Don't you feel good now, knowing you're all done for the day?"

Hmph. It was only a few hours into my morning, and I was "done for the day." No matter what the rest of the day may bring at work or at home, I can put a big check-box in my calendar. She was right. I did feel good. Maybe I'll try to keep up this running thing a while longer.

Monday, May 30, 2011

More fun than a run

Summer is back with a vengeance in New York City, and, as if almost overnight, my head has become foggier and my runs have become slower. Cycling would definitely be le sport du jour these days, but, despite careful observation, I never really did learn how to fix a flat. I'm therefore a bit hesitant to head out in the Park on my own, lest I end up on East 90th with nothing but cycling clips on my feet to get me home in time to feed a crying baby (unfortunately, my day is still divided into 2.5-3 hour increments).

And so my little red Giant sits upon her wall mount, longing to be ridden again some time soon. Perhaps when Ryder hits the six month mark we'll hook him up in the Chariot (are babies supposed to wear helmets in those things?) to see whether he lives up to his namesake's affinity for fast moving bikes. Until then, I'm afraid that I'll have to play it safe and stick to 40-60 minute runs, close to home and with proper shoes on my feet.

But this Memorial Day weekend, the weather has been awfully hot and sticky, and our boy wants to seize the day -- every day -- beginning around 6 am. I'm struggling with fatigue, a pounding headache, and, truthfully, a desire to just drink a lot of beer. A run through soupy, 30-degree weather with only a few hours of sleep under my belt is not nearly as appetizing as the mild buzz earned after sitting peacefully in the shade with a brewsky in hand. And so that's basically what I've done this weekend: wheats, ales, lagers, and, today, some very strong Belgian brews. I know that more runs and less beer probably would have served me better over the long haul, but last summer, I sat salivating while Zdenek drank 10% Belgian ales or casually enjoyed a second bottle of Pilsner. Besides, I think they say that hops is good for your breast milk. Ryder certainly doesn't seem to mind.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Warm fuzzies

Apparently, what goes around, comes around, and that extends to more than just my loops in Central Park.

Last week, I ran past two girls on the west side of the Park. Approaching them from behind, I immediately noticed both the Lulu Lemon logos on their gear (I'm always complaining to Zdenek that we should have bought more of that stock!) and their very, very sculpted legs. While the runner on the right was slightly superior in terms of rippling muscles and obvious athleticism, they both looked pretty darn good to me. As I caught up to them, I asked, "Are you girls runners or cyclists?" "Runners," they replied. I told them that they both had pretty fine legs, with calf definition that would make a cyclist jealous. They were pleasantly surprised by the early morning compliment, and giggled a bit as I passed them and headed on my way.

On Monday morning, after a very lazy Sunday spent battling an oncoming cold and forgoing any run at all, I decided to fit in a quick five miles. The extra day of rest certainly didn't hurt me, but I still felt sub-optimal on little sleep and with lumps in the back of my throat. Nevertheless, I tried to maintain both pace and form as I rounded the bottom of the Park and climbed Cat Hill, because every run I have time for these days has to count for something. Just as I had finished cresting the top, a cyclist rode past me and steered herself a bit closer to my running path. And as she cruised by, the very fit, 50-something year old lady on the bike yelled to me, "Beautiful Runner!"

Beautiful Runner?! Was she talking about me? I looked around, and realized that, in fact, I was the only runner within earshot. I was so surprised that I didn't even have a chance to yell back my thanks for this very unexpected compliment.

I've come a long way since my first days of long-distance running, when I used to bounce so high and pound the pavement so hard that my knees ached, or when I slouched forward, shoulders sloping toward the ground, and looked like I might collapse at any moment. Today, I am a bit stronger, smoother, and upright. I try to pay close attention to my form whenever I can, and Zdenek has lately told me, "You look perfect right now!"

But to be told that I am a "beautiful runner" by a complete stranger is the sweetest compliment I've received in a long time. Despite the bags under my eyes, the disheveled morning hair-do, and the sweat dripping down my forehead, someone thought I looked beautiful. While running. It doesn't get any better than that.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

The family that runs together...

Yesterday after dinner, Zdenek and I settled in to watch (and fast forward) through the previously broadcast Boston Marathon. Boston is always one of the year's highlights, and yesterday's race proved to be an especially exciting one. (I was, however, a bit perturbed to see that the conditions were conducive to a blistering fast, record-setting pace, and thus couldn't have been more different from the day I ran Beantown. Maybe someday I'll have a return showing to try my luck again; given the new qualifying standards and procedures, though, I doubt it.)

Watching Ryan Hall give his post-race interview, I was, as always, awestruck by his positive attitude and accomplishments in the sport. And then I began daydreaming about how happy it would make me if Ryder becomes a serious runner (let alone a world-class one). When compared with other sports (e.g. swimming, hockey, baseball, cycling), running is convenient, cheap, and will likely keep you in good shape for the rest of your life. Indeed, I can point to a lot of fat ex-swimmers and ex-hockey players, but very few fat ex-competitive runners. This is due, I think, to the simple fact that running can be maintained without teams, coaches, and fancy facilities: once a runner, always a runner. And while I never want to be that parent, and Ryder will certainly have to find his own passions in life, I hope that I can nudge him in the running direction just a little. He might, after all, stand a chance at being semi-competitive: great endurance runners tend to be short (check), and have strong hearts (hopefully, check).

Happily, we're on our way to setting him on that course. Zdenek was cleared for running last week, and we enjoyed two "family runs" in Central Park over the weekend. It's great to have my husband back at my side, and also nice to have someone share the load when pushing Ryder in the Chariot. I look forward to the day when Ryder can cycle his little bike beside me on my morning run, and then, someday, run beside me (until he leaves me in the dust altogether). And even if he's never world-class, I hope that he, like his mom and dad, is able to find joy and good health in the simple ritual of putting one foot in front of the other.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

A head start

I was delighted to read this in the NY Times this morning, again confirming that running and pregnancy go hand-in-hand, and hopefully Ryder will reap the benefits for many years to come.

Timing

The update: Zdenek is still dealing with broken metatarsal bones and has been unable to run, but today he heads to the doctor to (hopefully) get the go-ahead to resume normal physical activity. In the meantime, he's managed to fit in a couple of bike rides, but that's clearly insufficient to keep him both happy and as fit as he'd like. Our cumulative sleep deprivation is starting to wear on both of us, and, though Ryder is obviously the love of our lives, I can admit that it was kind of nice last night when he went to bed at 7 pm, and we enjoyed an "adults only" evening (consisting of leftovers for dinner and the BBC news) before heading to bed. (Of course, even though Ryder slept well, neither of us managed to do the same, as I think we've actually forgotten how to sleep more than a couple of hours at a stretch. I can't believe it, but it's true.)

In other "I can't believe it" news, a funny thing happened a couple of weekends ago when I headed out for an eight mile run in the Park. Zdenek took Ryder out in the stroller to enjoy the sunny weather, and we agreed to meet back at home for lunch in about an hour. I managed to beat them home by about 5 minutes, and when Zdenek came home, he told me that he thought had seen me running in the Park, but wasn't convinced it was me. Why? Because I was too fast. That's right. You read that correctly: Too fast. Apparently, he saw a girl who looked like me, was dressed like me, and ran mostly like me, except that she was much faster than he was accustomed to seeing.

Turns out, it was me, and indeed, I am faster these days. I haven't run over 8.5 miles in four or five months, but I am managing to post my fastest paces ever, even with only bits and pieces of sleep to fuel me. I think it's due to having (a) limited time to fit in the miles, and so every mile must be run quickly, and (b) 10 fewer pounds on my frame. I really feel that, if I began serious training, I might be able to crack 3:20 in a marathon right now. The sad irony is that just as I'm posting good times, I have no time to put them to good use.

Perhaps once our schedules even out a bit more, I'll try for a 10K race sometime soon. I've never raced that distance before and so I wouldn't even know what to expect, but it can't hurt to try something new. And besides, 2011 will need to be the year of running quickly, because parenting is the only endurance event on my calendar this year.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Sunny Saturday

This morning, I was forced to choose between taking Ryder out in the jogging stroller or foregoing a run altogether. Zdenek is working (on a Saturday!) so I am alone all day with no one to watch the boy if I want to go out.

Although Ryder seems to like the jogging stroller just fine (he can't really move an inch when he's in his bunting), I've been trying to get him used to taking naps in his crib rather than being rocked to sleep by the motion of a stroller. Over the past week or so, though, napping seems to have suddenly "clicked" in his little brain -- I simply put him down when he's sleepy and he drifts off to dreamland unassisted (the occasional nuk replacement is required, but that's okay). So now that I feel more confident that he can nap in his crib, I figured I might as well take him for a spin in the Park this morning under the beautiful weekend sunshine. And since I haven't been running in over a week, I was definitely itching to get out there.

I am delighted to report that I ran the full, hilly loop of Central Park in an 8:33 minute/mile pace, pushing an extra ~40 pounds! Two guys who passed me early on shouted, "Awesome job! Do you have room for two more in there?" And later, as I passed a different pair of male runners while climbing Harlem Hill, I heard one say to the other, "Now I don't feel so tough -- being passed by a woman pushing a stroller uphill." I remember saying the same thing to myself when I'd get passed by moms with jogging strollers (sometimes with TWO kids inside).

I am the first to admit that I miss my solo, carefree days of running, and it makes me a little sad and nervous to think that it might be a long time before I have the chance to properly train for another marathon. But these days, I'll take what I can get. And though I'm still not the speediest mom out there, it's nice to know that I can still get in a decent run with my new little buddy.

Monday, March 14, 2011

One great hour

As I've been strolling Ryder through the Park in recent weeks, I've been rather jealous of the many cyclists whizzing by me during the daylight hours. Although I have no idea who these people are that don't seem to work but instead spend their afternoons cruising around on $5,000 bikes, I'd still like to be one of them. Lately I've been thinking, Are my cycling days over (at least for the next few years)? Sure, Zdenek and I can hook Ryder up the back of our bikes in his Chariot stroller in a few months' time, but we won't be able to cruise fast down the hills or draft quite so closely with a baby in tow. Are we destined for leisurely family rides and nothing more? When will I ever get the chance to ride fast on my little red Giant again?

And then, yesterday, it happened. Since breaking his foot a few weeks ago, Zdenek has been unable to do anything more than walk 15 city blocks daily. He's been starting to get a wee bit annoyed at the lack of physical activity in his life, and figured that he's now feeling good enough to fit his foot into a cycling shoe and snap it into his pedals. Although I was a bit dubious and didn't want him to unnecessarily stress his broken bones or set back his recovery in any way, the man could not be persuaded otherwise (and I don't blame him).

So with the weather just above freezing yesterday and with Babi here to babysit, Zdenek and I pulled down our bikes, pumped up the tires, and set off. The wind was absolutely howling and I was concerned that I might have forgotten how to ride my bike altogether. After all, the last time I rode was in August when I was five months pregnant!

But the second we got going, we were flying. We rode for one hour together (Zdenek never getting out of his saddle but me still struggling to keep up with him on the uphills), and it was awesome. I have really, really missed cycling. Maybe on Saturday we'll get one more ride in before Babi departs.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Mobile

"Mobile" seems to be the word of the day around here. We can use it in many different ways:

* Last week was a great week to be MOBILE. I actually hit 40 miles, thanks to some awesome babysitting help from Baba.

* Sadly, Baba is no longer around. Earlier this week, we were MOBILE by flying back to NYC. To say that I was overwhelmed / nervous / petrified about finally being left entirely on my own with the babe would be an understatement.

* On Monday evening -- his birthday, no less -- Zdenek decided to run a Ryder-related errand at the hospital administration office. On the way there, he managed to step wrong and break two bones in his foot, landing himself a trip to the ER (good thing it was only down the hallway). My husband is now completely imMOBILE for the next six weeks. (Once again, though, Zdenek has proven himself to be a champ. Not one utterance of a complaint or whine has crossed his lips, despite the fact that he's been instructed to not walk more than 15 city blocks per day for the next month and a half. I don't know how he does it, but my husband has the most outstanding attitude of anyone I know.)

* Yesterday, leaving my imMOBILE husband at home with Ryder (which made me feel very badly), I ran 8 minute miles in the Park. Perhaps the higher altitude training + a few days off from running gave me an extra boost (because it definitely wasn't due to being well-rested!).

* I just managed to put Ryder down for a nap all by himself (i.e. no holding, rocking, shushing, etc.), and I think the magic touch was the bassinet MOBILE. As soon as I put it over his little head, he was mesmerized. And soon, asleep. Ah, small victories...

Monday, February 7, 2011

New measures of endurance

It's funny what constitutes a "marathon effort" these days. Yesterday, I completed my longest run in three months -- 8.7 miles. It was -17 degrees Celsius with the wind chill, but I kept a good clip and felt well. I could have run further, but, alas, I operate in increments of two hours these days. If someone would have told me a year ago that anything over eight miles would constitute a "long" run, I would have laughed (or cried). But so it goes.

And last night, Ryder slept for the longest stretch ever between feedings. Maybe it had something to do with my run? I need to aim for ten miles this week...

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Hello from the Great White North

Ryder and I have been in Calgary since Wednesday and, though we miss Zdenek a (metric) tonne, it's nice to be back in my original hometown: I had a great haircut and highlights on Friday at a high-end salon that still cost me much less than in New York City. And yesterday at the mall, I was suprised to find that my frozen yogurt was free, because the customer ahead of me (whom I never even saw) decided to "pay it forward" and buy the next customer's snack. For a moment I thought there might be a hidden camera -- these things just don't happen in Manhattan!

Blog posts these days obviously are few and far between. In the few moments I have between feedings and diaper changes, I'm usually trying to sneak in a shower or a run, or grab something to eat myself. Running is going well, and I feel fantastic when I'm doing it, but I wish I had time to fit in more than 20 miles each week (and thank goodness for Baba, or I wouldn't even have the opportunity for that!).

Fortunately, I've found a baby jogger / bike trailer / cross-country ski carrier that Ryder can use ASAP, and it has the added bonus of being made by a company headquartered in Calgary! Zdenek and I have already settled on our colour (red -- to match both of our bikes), and he's going to place the order this week. By the time Ryder and I are back in the Big Apple, Central Park will be our oyster (or at least that's what I'm hoping). It's going to be tough pushing around an extra 35+ pounds on my runs, but I'm willing to do it for the sake of getting outdoors with my little guy and fitting in the upper body strength training that I've been neglecting of late.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Running around


The verb "run" has taken on a new meaning in the last few weeks: most of the "running" I'm doing these days is within the confines of my apartment or around the Upper West Side, and involves a lot of back-and-forth between changing pads, bassinets, and nursing pillows. While this post must be kept short and sweet (like my +1), I thought it best to update it now while I at least have a few moments to spare (which are also short and sweet these days).

I went for the last 4.5 mile run of my pregnancy on December 31 and, on January 1, it became clear that it was "show time." One day later, on January 2, Zdenek and I welcomed Ryder into the world. He performed well during the event, and weighed in at a perfect seven pounds. (And I guess it turns out that all that extra mileage didn't mean a girl, after all.)

Mommy recovered very quickly and headed back out for power walks within the first week. Twelve days after giving birth, I headed out for my first post-baby run. All things considered, it felt pretty good (though I was somewhat disappointed to discover that any weight lost around my belly seems to have migrated to my chest), and I was pleasantly surpised to find myself running just over 8 minutes/mile on the first go. Since then, I've run several more times (when Baba is around to watch the little guy) and can comfortably run 6 or 7 miles in 8:30-8:40 minutes/mile. To run further, I'll either have to wait until Ryder can go longer between feedings or until I can run a whole lot faster! For now, I'm satisfied with my quick rebound to running health, and I'm already looking forward to my next seven miler on Saturday.

After Baba leaves, Daddy and Mommy will have to run individually again so that someone can stay home with Ryder. It goes without saying that I will definitely miss both of the training partners who have accompanied me on almost every run and ride over the past nine months.