I have a special giveaway for NYC-area runners! The rest of you…I’m sorry 🙁 I’ll understand if you X out right now and come back tomorrow. 

I love NYC races, but I also love getting off my island and seeing things from a different perspective. I’ve run the Newport Half twice (2010 and 2012) and even recommended it as a great, flat course to a friend for her first half while gearing up for the Marine Corps Marathon.

A few weeks ago, the PR people for the Newport 10K reached out to see if I wanted to run the 10K on May 2 there. YES! But wait, no. I’m taking a class that weekend. (Which means all the fun things happen then, obviously.) So I asked if I could do a giveaway for my entry instead, and they were kind enough to agree to that. 

The organizers say it’s known as the fastest course in the tri-state area, and there are four water stops. (That’s pretty awesome for a 10K; mine this weekend only had 2, and I wouldn’t have minded the option for more, especially on such a warm day.) The course runs along the Hudson and through downtown Jersey City and should have AWESOME views. If you live in NYC, it’s a short PATH ride away, especially if you live downtown and can get on at World Trade Center.

On their Facebook and Twitter, they’re asking people to share #whyirun. Tell me below in the comments why you run for a chance to win a bib to this race. 

Since this is next weekend, I’m going to keep this short and sweet — entry is open until Thursday, April 23 at noon EST.

OOF, you guys.

I just got back from trying T2, an indoor cycling class you take on a real bike on a CompuTrainer, and I am BEAT.

I had another fairly solid week of running and workouts last week.

But first, a MASSIVE congrats to everyone who ran Boston, but especially my blogging buddies Tina, Michele, Sarah (who got AWESOME PRs!), Janae and Dani! Conditions did NOT look easy out there, but you all beasted it out!

I contemplated taking today off to go up and ultimately decided not to. NEXT YEAR, THOUGH. NEXT YEAR.

Monday: I’d had a few days of tough workouts in a row, so I was prepared to take Monday off.

But when you leave work and the night looks like this, how can you NOT go play outside? My calves were a little sore, so I decided to be nice to them and go out for some easy cycling. (It was also the first time I took my bike out this year.)

Tuesday: I ended up taking this as a rest day. 

Wednesday: Went out for a tempo, and my legs felt fine, but my lungs felt en fuego. My legs are plenty strong, but I don’t think my lungs like the extra pounds I’m carrying lately. Hey lungs, I don’t either. Working on it. Workout from Jess: 2 miles warm-up, 3 tempo (8:00 (!), 8:06, 8:07) and one mile cool-down. I was so, so happy with these paces. If I can hold paces like this for 10 more miles…

Thursday: Easy 4

Friday: Uplift Strength. I woke up feeling so gross and mushy and needed to lift things up and put them down, so I signed up for Kat’s class for several reasons: 1. It would keep me from going out 2. I would feel better about myself 3. She’s awesome and I hadn’t seen her in too long. I dare you to take this girl’s class and NOT walk out grinning. 4. Oh duh, also wine. I knew I had a race the next day, so I didn’t push myself super-hard on the weight but tried to go for more reps instead where I could.

Saturday: Pinned down bladder cancer + 3 more miles for a total of 9 miles.

Sunday: Was freaking exhausted, so just took a long walk home from volunteering cleaning up a park in the morning for Junior League.

I’ve been getting in at least 3 runs a week, but I really need to get in my extra speed session. 

Tentative plan for workouts the rest of this week: Tuesday Tempo, Wednesday not sure yet, Thursday, yoga event in morning…maybe something else?, Friday intervals, Saturday easy run, Sunday long run.

What workouts do you have planned this week?