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January 6, 2014

A Freezing Run + Exciting Running News!

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Hello and happy Monday! I got in my first run of the new year yesterday – a freezing cold and rainy ~13-ish miler with my friends Kathleen and Rachel.

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On Saturday night, the forecast for Sunday morning was looking bleak – high 30s and freezing rain. Yikes. I texted Kathleen to make sure we were still a go, and we were. Good thing I have running friends crazy enough to keep run dates, no matter the weather. 🙂

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The girls and I met up in the Roosevelt Island parking area on the GW Parkway trail at 9 a.m. I ran down from my place to meet them and add on a little extra mileage.

Brrrr! We were all bundled up.

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We decided to do 10 miles and set off up towards the Key Bridge to cross over to Georgetown. The ramp up to Rosslyn was a complete sheet of ice! Here’s Kathleen working on her ice surfing skills. 😉

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Once we passed the ramp, the sidewalks and trails actually weren’t bad – a few spots of slushy snow and ice but nothing crazy. We did have a lovely cold rain coming down on us for the first half of the run, though.

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The girls and I headed along the water towards the monuments, chatting away.

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We had the city more or less to ourselves – it was SO empty out!

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We ran down along the mall, past the Capitol, and into the neighborhoods behind it.

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We looped back out and ran over the 14th street bridge, hopping back down onto the Mt. Vernon Trail on the VA side.

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By this point it had stopped raining and was actually quite pretty out, in a mysterious, quiet, wintery sort of way. I love that running gets me outside on days I’d normally hole up indoors. Such a mood booster!

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The girls and I hit a little over 10 miles when we got back to the parking lot – perfect! Kathleen offered me a ride up the hill of death back to my place but I decided I should probably go ahead and tackle it, so up I went. I was proud of myself for running up the whole mile long hill by myself – and with no walking breaks!

My watch is a bit off because I didn’t have it on for my 1 mile+ run down to the trail, and then I accidentally turned it off for at least a half mile stretch down on the mall, so I’m estimating I did between 12.5 and 13 miles total. Great run – so glad we stuck with our plans, despite the weather! Running in the cold is actually quite refreshing once you get warmed up.

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So – you guys may be wondering why I’m doing such long runs and adding on extra mileage, huh? Well – I have some exciting news:

I’m officially training for my second full marathon this spring!!

As you guys know, I just did my first full marathon – the Richmond Marathon – in November… after saying for years that I’d “never” run a full marathon. 😉 I had a great experience and was thinking of doing another full marathon in the fall and focusing on half marathons and speed in the meantime this spring. But then… a few weeks ago I received an email inviting me to run the ASICS LA Marathon as part of a blogger team, with our expenses paid for. The only problem? The race was SOON. As in March 9. Wow. Was I really ready to do this all over again, and so soon?!

I debated for about week, trying to decide what to do. I had been really excited to focus on shorter distances and speed this spring. But at the same time, I really enjoyed the challenge of longer training runs, and it was an amazing opportunity.

In the end, I decided it was time to go big or go home. I can focus on shorter distances and speed anytime. I shouldn’t turn down such an incredible offer!

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One of the really cool things about the opportunity is that our virtual training coach for the adventure is Andrew Kastor, who is a very accomplished runner and also married to Olympic Marathon medalist Deena Kastor (who I had the pleasure of meeting at the Beach to Beacon 10k). He sent us some general plans to follow, and I’m going to do a combination of his recommendations and what I know works for me. Here’s the overall plan:

  • 3 days a week of running (2 shorter-ish runs with some speed/hills, 1 super long slower run)
  • 1 day of yoga
  • 1 day of swimming (day after my long run – feels so good)
  • 1 day of higher intensity strength – e.g. boot camps, kickboxing, or CrossFit
  • 1 rest day

So, here we go again: Los Angeles Marathon. March 9. Let’s do this!! I’m excited for this new challenge, and to share my training with all of you again. Your advice and encouragement are always so helpful – thank you for supporting me! 🙂

p.s. Speaking of advice, I could use some! The other big hesitation I had about doing the LA Marathon is that it’s the weekend before the Rock ‘n’ Roll USA Half Marathon here in DC, which I was planning to do and is one of my absolute favorites in the area because the half is such a cool route (through all sorts of fun neighborhoods, GREAT crowd support, etc. – here’s last year’s recap). Is it TOTALLY insane to still do the half marathon the weekend after LA, and just run it slowly/for fun instead of racing it? Thoughts?!

- anne
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60 comments
  • Lauren Bailey
    January 6, 2014 · 1:29PM:
    If you are trained properly and don't gun it at the half the weekend before the full you'll be fine. Last year I ran a half, a 10 miler, a 10K and a half marathon each weekend leading up to my first marathon bid and it worked out great :) Can't wait to follow along!
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 7, 2014 · 2:28PM:
      Wow - that's hardcore!! :) The half is actually the weekend after the full... so I'll be taking it niiiice and slow. :)
      Reply
  • Amanda H @EatHardWorkHard
    January 6, 2014 · 1:31PM:
    Ahh seriously impressed that you ran outside for so long on Sunday! I definitely took it to the treadmill! Congrats on your LA marathon entrance and good luck with your training!
    Reply
  • Presley @ Run Pretty
    January 6, 2014 · 1:32PM:
    You almost have me convinced to run one. ;) good luck!
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 6, 2014 · 1:38PM:
      Do ittttt!! :)
      Reply
  • Julianna @ Julianna Bananna
    January 6, 2014 · 1:37PM:
    I'm running the LA Marathon as my first marathon this spring! So excited!
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 6, 2014 · 1:38PM:
      Awesome!! See you out there! :)
      Reply
  • sonia the mexigarian
    January 6, 2014 · 1:40PM:
    I can't imagine running out there in the cold. And ice. And snow. Way to go :) March 9 is coming up fast! Wow. Pretty cool you're doing your second marathon and that you've got the training for it. Good luck with it. I would wait to see how you feel the week after the marathon. If you feel up to running, just do the half slow, easy and fun. If you haven't recovered by a day or two before, I would reconsider.
    Reply
  • Kelsey M. January 6, 2014 · 1:40PM:
    OMG!!! That is so awesome! Good luck with your second Marathon!! You are so inspiring! You might be surprised at how the half goes after the full. Can't wait to hear what you decide to do! Keep it up!
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 6, 2014 · 1:45PM:
      Surprised in a good way or a bad way? I'm guessing bad? :)
      Reply
  • Jackie
    January 6, 2014 · 1:41PM:
    You go girl!!!!!!
    Reply
  • Ash Bear
    January 6, 2014 · 1:44PM:
    I'm so excited for you! You'll rock it!!
    Reply
  • Bobbie McKinney January 6, 2014 · 1:50PM:
    I did the 2013 Goofy at Disney World (half on saturday, full on sunday) challenge last Junauary an did the Tinker Bell half at Disneyland the following weekend. I had no issues at Tinker Bell. I think what helped me is that I walked all over Disney World the three days after the marathon and worked all of the kinks out.
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 6, 2014 · 1:57PM:
      Walking definitely helps - it's amazing how much active recovery helps vs. sedentary recovery - gotta keep that blood flowing!
      Reply
  • Hayley in Training
    January 6, 2014 · 1:55PM:
    The way you phrased the question and asked it kind of sounds like you want to do it! I feel like after a full marathon, halfs (halves?) are really a piece of cake, especially if you're just running it for fun. I think you could definitely do it, especially if it's one of your favorite races!
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 6, 2014 · 1:56PM:
      I do really want to do it... :) I think I'm going to plan on it, and then see how I feel that week leading up to it. Obviously if I'm injured or something feels "bad" sore, then I'll bail!
      Reply
  • Elizabeth @ Positive Change
    January 6, 2014 · 1:55PM:
    Good luck!!! That sounds like such an awesome experience that it would be hard to turn down! Good luck with training again!
    Reply
  • Sokphal
    January 6, 2014 · 1:57PM:
    Do both. You can PR in the half. It's all mental right? But then you are also talking to a girl who did 22 miles and then PRed at Cherry Blossom 10 Miler the next day. You won't take that long to recover and 13.1 miles will seem like cake after 26.2. :) So cool that you're doing LA! Heard great things about it! Let's go running soon - I've been converted to a morning runner now! :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 6, 2014 · 2:13PM:
      Haha girl you are crazy! But I like it. :) And yes please to a run! I'm going to email you now! xo
      Reply
  • Sana Waheed
    January 6, 2014 · 1:57PM:
    I am THINKING of finally moving into the world of 1/2 marathons. But it's to hard to decide which one to do. All of my running group buddies are doing one so I might have to just join in on the madness :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 6, 2014 · 2:13PM:
      Do it!! You'll love it - especially if you already have running buddies!
      Reply
  • Caylin January 6, 2014 · 2:01PM:
    Do thiem both! The marathon is such a great opportunity - I would have a hard time passing it up too. Enjoy that long run and then take a couple days off to rest and stretch and knock out the Rockin Half for total fun. Sounds like a great start to the spring!
    Reply
  • Chris Anne January 6, 2014 · 2:20PM:
    Congrats! You should do both! But you should have had something on your head/ears during your run, your compadres do!! ;)
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 6, 2014 · 2:22PM:
      For some reason I seem to run much warmer than my running buddies - I'm always totally overheated when they are still cold! My ears were a little chilly at the start, but they were fine once we started moving. The visor was key, though - kept the rain out of my eyes! :)
      Reply
  • Angie January 6, 2014 · 2:44PM:
    I've done the LA marathon twice and I love it. It's got great crowd support and it's fun going by all the sites. You may want to do it for fun so you an take pics but overall it's a flat course so you could set a PR. We just moved from SoCal 2 weeks ago and I hope to go back again to run that race.
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 6, 2014 · 2:59PM:
      This is great to hear! So excited!
      Reply
  • Brittney @ Sweets 'N' Greens
    January 6, 2014 · 2:53PM:
    Brrr! That run looks coldd. I do love how running makes you get outside though :) Good luck on the LA Marathon! It sounds like a great challenge!
    Reply
  • Regan @ Cabot
    January 6, 2014 · 2:56PM:
    Congrats!! And Happy New Year :)
    Reply
  • Abi@AbsofSteel
    January 6, 2014 · 3:00PM:
    even on a gloomy day like that those pictures you take are beautiful. congrats on deciding to run your second marathon, I'm sure you'll kill it!
    Reply
  • Jess
    January 6, 2014 · 3:09PM:
    Great goal!!!! Good luck and enjoy the ride!
    Reply
  • Dori
    January 6, 2014 · 3:16PM:
    Very cool opportunity. I'm excited for you! As for the half marathon the weekend after, I would probably hold off making any definitive decisions and just see how you feel that week.
    Reply
  • Shel@PeachyPalate
    January 6, 2014 · 3:23PM:
    Wow! There's no stopping you!!! Only around the corner sure, you'll do amazing now that you've been through the training regime before!
    Reply
  • Marcia Kadens
    January 6, 2014 · 3:23PM:
    Aaahh DC looks so bleak this time of year. I haven't been there since MCM 2012 with Hurricane Sandy breathing down my neck to finish! Haha! Congrats on the Asics gig--sounds like a lot of fun!
    Reply
  • Laura @ Mommy Run Fast
    January 6, 2014 · 3:27PM:
    Congrats on tackling another full!! And nice work on that chilly long run... the empty city is definitely one benefit of those cold mornings!
    Reply
  • Alison
    January 6, 2014 · 3:27PM:
    Whoa! What a run- I would be a little nervous about the black ice. But, great job and congrats!
    Reply
  • Sara
    January 6, 2014 · 3:41PM:
    Wow that is so soon!! You will be awesome though! Id say go for the half marathon! I think it seems like a lot but some training plans will have you doing 8-10 miles the weekend before.... I guess what is another 3 if you are running that long anyway! :)
    Reply
  • Alison W. January 6, 2014 · 3:59PM:
    Yay! That is exciting news... I loved reading all your marathon training posts. They got me motivated to run my first half! Now you will give me even more motivation during my actual training (though I don't know how motivated I'd be to run out in the freezing rain :) #southerngirlproblem) ! Good luck!!!
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 6, 2014 · 3:59PM:
      Yay! Good luck with your first half training - how exciting!
      Reply
  • Running Rosa
    January 6, 2014 · 4:06PM:
    In December, I ran a marathon and then one week later, ran a half marathon. It was tough, but I got through it. I thought I could race it, and tried for the first four miles, but my body didn't want to cooperate. I finished the race, but should have gone into it with the idea of it being fun and just finishing. In short, I'd recommend you take it really easy and not push too hard. Your body will definitely tell you how hard it can go!
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 6, 2014 · 5:32PM:
      This is great advice - good to hear it can be done! Thank you!
      Reply
  • Emily
    January 6, 2014 · 4:10PM:
    Wow! That looks very cold! Crazy that you guys were the only ones out too! I bet DC is never that quiet!! Good luck on your marathon training!!
    Reply
  • Kris S January 6, 2014 · 4:23PM:
    Yay for cold runs and yay for LA! :)
    Reply
  • Jordan Lynn // Life Between Lattes
    January 6, 2014 · 5:02PM:
    I love cold runs. I ran on the Mall later in the day yesterday it was great - I even saw a fox! I would love to do a full marathon one day, but I'd like to get a few more half-marathons under my belt first. I'm thinking about doing the Rock 'n' Roll in DC - great to know it is a good route! Stay warm tonight!
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 6, 2014 · 5:31PM:
      You saw a fox on the Mall?! That's so cool!
      Reply
  • Elizabeth January 6, 2014 · 5:12PM:
    Congrats! What an amazing opportunity - I think you definitely made the right decision in opting in. You're going to rock it!
    Reply
  • laura @losingrace
    January 6, 2014 · 7:07PM:
    Nice work getting the cold miles in, it's always hard to get out the door when it's like that but once you do it is totally worth it! Congrats on being on the blogger team for the LA marathon! It may be soon but you can totally do it, keep on running girl!
    Reply
  • Madeline @ Food Fitness and Family
    January 6, 2014 · 7:49PM:
    BRRRR I am SO COLD looking at your pics! Congrats on your awesome news :)
    Reply
  • sally @ sweat out the small stuff
    January 6, 2014 · 8:41PM:
    YAY! Good luck with #2! I can speak from experience about running a half the weekend after a full. I literally just did this in November. I ran the NYC Marathon on 11/3 and finished in 4:57 which for me is a hard effort. Not a PR but I was definitely running faster than I had anticipated. Then 6 days later I ran the Trenton NJ Half Marathon. I made a point to tell everyone including myself I was going to take a leisurely stroll since my body was still pretty sore from the marathon. But the day presented itself quite differently. I was so happy and relaxed that I PR'ed with a 2:07 which is REALLY fast for me. My hamstring was pretty angry afterward and I took 2 solid weeks off from running and since then I've only run casually a few times a week with no goals. Tomorrow I'll start up my next marathon training for the NJ Marathon on 4/27. You can definitely do both but just be really in tune with your body. And since the marathon is going to be out west your body might perform differently so be prepared to evaluate as you go. That's my 2 cents. =)
    Reply
    • Anne
      January 6, 2014 · 9:26PM:
      Awesome 2 cents - thank you! :)
      Reply
  • Katie @ Balanced RD
    January 6, 2014 · 10:09PM:
    That sounds like a great goal! Also I can totally relate to cold weather running! I live in Montana, and we have some very cold days. It's invigorating once you get out there!
    Reply
  • Meranda@fairytalesandfitness
    January 7, 2014 · 12:26AM:
    Congrats on being invited to the marathon in LA! I can relate to running in the cold, but looks like you have a great group of gals to run with and that makes it more fun! Stay safe out there!
    Reply
  • Laura@SneakersandSpatulas
    January 7, 2014 · 9:04AM:
    Congrats on signing up for the 2nd marathon! I had been wondering why you were upping your mileage already!
    Reply
  • Amanda January 7, 2014 · 9:23AM:
    What a fun goal to start the new year off with! :-)
    Reply
  • Kimi January 7, 2014 · 9:39AM:
    Awesome Anne! I'm running the RnR full- my mileage is starting to climb, so if you ever need a buddy for the 15+ runs let me know! I run them on Saturday or Sunday mornings!
    Reply
  • Megan (The Lyons' Share)
    January 7, 2014 · 10:14AM:
    Congratulations, Anne! What an awesome opportunity - I've read so much about Andrew Kastor and think he's an amazing coach, so I look forward to any tips that you plan to share from him! I secretly love cold runs like yours, when NO ONE else is out ... the perfect mix of peaceful and feeling hardcore :).
    Reply
  • Betsy January 7, 2014 · 2:14PM:
    What a great opportunity, congrats! I can't wait to hear about your training.
    Reply
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anne mauney fannetastic food
Hi, I’m Anne! I'm a Washington D.C. based Registered Dietitian, mother, runner, and lover of travel, adventure, and the great outdoors. I've been blogging since 2009, sharing a mix of lifestyle content, recipes, and fitness tips. Come for the recipes – stay for the fun!
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anne mauney

I’m Anne, a Registered Dietitian and mother. I've been blogging since 2009 and love showing others that eating nutritious foods and staying active can actually be fun rather than overwhelming!

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