Category: food

The Runner Diaries — Stephanie Schappert

On By idratherbestrongthanskinnyIn food, Inspiration, running, The Runner Diaries1 Comment
Welcome to The Runner Diaries, where we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look into a week of training with runners of varying ages, paces and GPS coordinates. Get The Runner Diaries delivered to your inbox, here.
This week, we have 24-year-old Stephanie Schappert, a professional middle-distance runner (read: miler) for Hoka One One and the New Jersey New York Track Club who is chasing her own Olympic aspirations despite an injury earlier this year.

The Rundown

Name: Stephanie Schappert
Location: Tarrytown, New York (by way of FL, PA, and NJ)
Age: 24
Training For: Upcoming 2018 track season
Goal race: 2018 USATF Outdoor Track Championships
Training plan: Training with the Hoka New Jersey New York Track Club, which is headed by the legendary Coach Frank Gagliano
How long you’ve been ‘a runner’: About 10 years / Professionally 2 going on 3 years
Goal weekly mileage: 60 miles

Runner’s Statement:

Admittedly, running runs in my family… My dad competed in the 800 at the 1972 and 1976 Olympic Trials, my older brother was a successful collegiate runner at the University of Tennessee, and my sister’s running resume includes US 5k Champion and NCAA Champion. I thank my mom for my cross training skills… she was Villanova’s first female All-American swimmer.

Currently, I am a professional middle-distance runner (read: miler) for Hoka One One and the New Jersey New York Track Club chasing my own Olympic aspirations. I’m lucky to call running my “full-time job,” “my hobby,” “my social life,” and much more. Prior to this, I graduated from Villanova University with a degree in marketing, a few NCAA All-American titles, and a feeling that “I’m not done with this sport.” Luckily, amazing family, coaches, and friends encouraged me to continue pursuing my running career. In 2016, I competed in the US Olympic Trials, traveled to Europe to race in Italy and Ireland, and lowered my personal bests across multiple distances. 2017 proved to be a bit more challenging and unfortunately my season came to a sudden halt when I tore my Plantar at the US Outdoor Track and Field Championships. The good news is, I’m back running. I learned that I love this sport far more than I thought and again my family, coaches, teammates, and friends are amazing. So before I ramble on too long, here we go my running diary…

Friday | Day 1

4:30 AM: *Thump* that’s the sound on my Plantar Night Splint hitting the floor (my neighbors below must love me). I rarely make it through the whole night with this thing on.

8:00 AM: Wake up and before stepping out of bed I run through a few foot/ankle mobility drills (ex: ankle circles, crunching my toes then spreading them, and a few stretches). This is a new addition to my morning routine, but it helps make those first few steps better.

8:15 AM: Coffee and breakfast (toast with almond butter, sliced banana, whole milk plain yogurt, and cinnamon) while I warm my foot and calf up with a heat pack. The Today Show (insert plug for loving Al Roker) is on in the background and I go through my pre-run stretching routine and a few activation drills

9:15 AM: Park at the local trail and head out for a run. On a typical Friday, I’m usually on the track, but since I’m still building my base mileage post-injury, I head out for a 35-minute run.

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10:30 AM: Get to the gym to sneak in a few more “miles.” Do a short 30 minute spin workout, while watching The Real Housewives of New Jersey (because, umm priorities!). Core and some rehab exercises.

12:00 PM: Make a quick veggies omelet (broccoli, spinach, red onions, orange bell pepper). “Breakfast potatoes” on the side aka mashed sweet potatoes left over from last night.

12:15 PM: Checking boxes on my work to-do list. In addition to my running career, I work with SMACK! Media. My daily responsibilities vary from drafting press releases, to writing and scheduling social media content, to securing editorial placements, to organizing media events, and more. Working remotely (and check lists!) allows me the opportunity to balance running and work.

7:00 PM: Sushi Friday! Grab dinner at a local spot with my boyfriend, Sam, and then come home to binge watch Stranger Things on Netflix.

10:30 PM: Crash hard

Saturday | Day 2

8:15 AM: Wake up and have a quick bowl of oatmeal and coffee. Some foam rolling (I use the TriggerPoint GRID VIBE) and rope stretching before heading out to meet my teammates for a long run.

9:15 AM: A big group of us head out to run. A solid 45 minutes for me, but my typical long run is somewhere between 10-12 miles. I’m over the moon to be back running, but it’s hard to feel like I’m “turning back early”. Insert thoughts like, “I promise I’ll never complain about running again if I can have a new plantar. I’ll run in the rain, snow, heat, anything!” After I foam roll and stretch, I resort to tanning on the turf field until my teammates get back.

12:00 PM: Shower and make some food. Breakfast salad with spinach, sautéed peppers and onions, avocado, 2 fried eggs, and Trader Joes Everything Bagel Seasoning (if you haven’t tried it – I highly recommend). Watch the last episode Stranger Things (bingo – I know what I’m going to be for Halloween). Plug into my stim / recovery device, the Marc Pro.  

2:00 PM: Sam and I check out a new town and grab a maple donut and Americano before strolling around. I suppose you could say I have a “balanced” diet. The majority of the time pretty healthy, but yes I eat desserts. I enjoy cooking / baking and feel that food shouldn’t be a stressor for athletes. My eating changes a little depending on my training (ex: during higher mileage / intense training blocks I eat more red meat).  

5:30 PM: Head over to friends / teammates house for a BBQ.

10:30 PM: Get into bed and immediately pass out.

Sunday | Day 3

10:30 AM: 12 hours later… Luckily, I’m a pretty good sleeper (earplugs, an eye mask, and a fan helps).

11:00 AM: Attempt a new pancake recipe – mashed sweet potato, oats, and Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Almond “beverage” (impulse buy). It DOESN’T turn out looking like a pancake, but I top it with whole milk plain Greek yogurt, cinnamon, and maple syrup. It tastes way better than it looks.

12:30 PM: Add up all my cross training and running for the week. The math checks out and I only need a 20 minute run to hit “60 miles.”

*Note: Cross training is always part of my training, but currently playing a larger role than usual. I estimate that 7 ½ minutes of cross training = 1 mile. It’s no exact science, but seems close enough. 60 miles total this week.

2:00 PM: Make a smoothie and head out to the grocery store. I get distracted by the amount of pumpkin and fall flavored options.

4:00 PM: My roommate, Cecilia*, and I catch up on How to Get Away With Murder.

*Note: Cecilia is an 800m specialist for Hoka One One and NJNYTC, wicked fast, and an awesome baker.

7:00 PM: Sam loves football and has watched at least a few plays from every game today. While I’m not the one waiting all day for Sunday night football, I can get on board with some chili and wings for dinner.

8:00 PM: Foam roll and ice.

10:00 PM: I have that “pre-cold” feeling so I drink tea and then pass out reading Ana Kendrick’s book, Scrappy Little Nobody.

Monday | Day 4

8:00 AM: Wake up feeling still feeling a little sick-ish.  I make coffee and oatmeal topped with maple yogurt, banana, chia seeds, and granola.

9:00 AM: Get to the gym to swim, but I read the schedule wrong and the pool is closed for cleaning. The good thing is I’m in workout clothes; the bad thing is I have no headphones. 60 minutes on the elliptical and 15 minute core routine. The “unexpected” happens a lot in racing, so being able to adjust on the fly is important. For example, when you’re in Italy racing and they serve you veal and pasta 3 hours before your race (RIP pre-race food routine, hello Tums). This girl knows the truth about the gym.

Screen Shot 2017-11-03 at 8.11.21 AM 

11:00 AM: Protein shake (Garden of Life Chocolate Protein, Milk, Water, Ice, this morning’s leftover Coffee). Shower and dig into some work on my computer.

12:30 PM: Breakfast #2. Toast with mashed avocado, spinach, 2 slices of deli ham, and 2 poached eggs. Then it’s back to work!

2:00 PM: Realize that I can’t convince myself that I’m not sick. I crawl into bed for the rest of the day and resort to sick protocol – Hocus Pocus, Twilight, soup, toast, ginger ale, and more rest.

Tuesday | Day 5

8:30 AM: Wake up feeling better than yesterday. Drink some hot water with lemon, then onto coffee and oatmeal.

9:30 AM: Get fancy with some KT tape for extra plantar support (see here) before meeting my teammates to run. It’s a rainy and windy day. Run an easy 35 minutes with Cecilia.

11:00 AM: Shower, make a smoothie (recipe below), and eat a Primal Kitchen bar. Catch up on some work from yesterday.

Recipe: Frozen strawberries and blueberries, banana, coconut milk, whole milk greek yogurt, chia seeds.

Screen Shot 2017-11-03 at 8.18.32 AM

1:30 PM: Heat up some leftover chili with a piece of toast. More ginger ale please! Check off a few work priorities.

5:00 PM: I planned on swimming 40-45 minutes today, but I would rather knock this cold out today. 50% of me feels guilty for missing a workout and the other 50% of me knows it’s the right decision vs. digging myself into a hole and having to take more days off.

7:00 PM: I make dinner: Run Fast Eat Soba Noodle Salad And Peanut Sauce is the inspiration, but I go rogue on the recipe and it turns out more like a stir-fry.

9:30 PM: Another early night. I swear most nights I make it till 10pm. I sleep what most people would probably consider a lot (at least 9 hours). I don’t use a sleep tracker, because well I would probably get to competitive and stressed that my “sleep score” or whatever it’s called would be deemed a failure.

Wednesday | Day 6

7:45 AM: Wake up feeling much better!

8:35 AM: Breakfast on the road. Coffee with a dash of French Vanilla creamer and whole-wheat toast with almond butter, banana, and cinnamon

9:00 AM: Get to Van Cortland Park to run. First 20 minutes with friends and last 20 minutes solo. My GPS watch doesn’t sync properly and sporadically beeps for reasons I don’t understand. I watch a few marathoners crush a workout and say hi to some strangers as I run loops around VCP.

10:15 AM: Talk to my sister, another professional runner for Hoka One One / New Jersey New York Track Club, as I drive home. We see each other 2-3 days a week at practice, but still talk on the phone almost every other day. I’m lucky to train and race with my sister, but I’ll refrain from adding our jokes/stories here, because people are right, those are way funnier to us.

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11:00 AM: Shower and head to my office (aka my kitchen table)

2:00 PM: Finish a work meeting and make “lunch.” I have sautéed kale, red cabbage, and broccoli – topped with two fried eggs, avocado, and tomatoes. Eat a few pretzels on the side (my favorite snack).

5:00 PM: Spin workout with a side of The Real Housewives of Dallas (don’t judge me based on my TV choices). Workout: 10 minute warm up, 10 minutes of “strides” 1 min hard, 30 secs easy, 30 minutes alternating 5 minutes steady on higher gear, 5 minutes of 30 seconds standing then 30 second sitting (repeat 3 times), 5 minute cool down. Finish up with my plantar/foot PT exercises. My calves are going to feel like rocks tomorrow.

7:30 PM: Time for dinner! I have grilled steak, grilled bell peppers and red onion, and roasted broccoli.

8:30 PM: My roommate made apple pie and it would be rude of me not to try it!

9:00 PM: Sip on hot water with lemon before getting ready for bed.

Thursday | Day 7

8:00 AM: Wake up, eat breakfast, drink coffee and check emails

Screen Shot 2017-11-03 at 8.21.55 AM

9:30 AM: Simulate a tempo on the spin bike: 15 minute warm up with some 1 minute pick ups, 12 minutes at tempo effort, 3 minutes easy, 12 minutes at tempo effort, 3 minutes easy, 10 minute cool down

12:30 PM: Make lunch (tomato basil soup and half a turkey pesto sandwich) before getting back to work.

2:00 PM: Coffee #2

5:30 PM: Get to the gym for a 30-minute swim.

6:45 PM: Catch the last 15 minutes of happy hour with a few friends who are visiting. Again, balance with anything, including diet, is key. I hope someone eats a cookie or drinks a beer after reading this – happy runners are fast runners!

8:00 PM: Get to a different restaurant for dinner and inhale a burger with sweet potato fries.

10:30 PM: Pass out!

A Look back — Thoughts From The Week

Coming back from an injury often feels like you’re playing the two steps forward one step back game. I’ll call this week a win. I took two (well many more than two) running steps forward by increasing my running mileage and I can deal with one step back if it only involves missing a workout or two because I was sick. Reflecting back on this week, I can see that I’m moving forward, making progress, and sure as heck not ready to give up on my running goals (you know the big ones that no one really likes to yell out because they scare you a little!).

About Stephanie Schappert

Steph is a professional middle-distance runner (read: miler) for Hoka One One and the New Jersey New York Track Club chasing her own Olympic aspirations. She is lucky to call running her “full-time job,” her “hobby,” her “social life,” and much more, and is also a badass account manager for a public relations firm specializing in endurance sports.

A few of my favorite things: 

The Runner Diaries — Cara Enright

On By idratherbestrongthanskinnyIn food, Inspiration, marathon training, running, The Runner Diaries1 Comment

Welcome to The Runner Diaries, where we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look into a week of training with runners of varying ages, paces and GPS coordinates. Get The Runner Diaries delivered to your inbox, here.

THE RUNDOWN

Name: Cara Enright
Location: New York, New York
Age: 26
Training for: Chicago Marathon 2017
Training plan: Following Nikes Project Moonshot a 16-week training program with Nike. I incorporate 1-2 strength sessions a week (either boxing or HIIT).
Part of any running communities/clubs? Nike’s Project Moonshot, Electric Flight Crew.
How long you’ve been a “runner”? I started running in high school. I moved onto longer distance running when I moved to New York City in 2013, after I graduated from college.
Weekly mileage: It ranges from 25-35 miles per week

RUNNER’S STATEMENT

I grew up running around tracks in North Carolina, and now I’m loving running through the streets of New York City. I was involved in many sports as a kid: cheerleading, dance, competitive jump rope, soccer, and basketball. I ran the 400m and 800m in high school, then the 400m hurdles in college. I didn’t fall in love with distance running until I relocated in NYC after graduation.

The fitness/running community has become everything to me. It made NYC feel smaller, more like home, and less lonely. I completed my first marathon in 2015, the New York City Marathon. I loved every second of it. The next day I told myself I’d never run another marathon ever again. And here I am! My ultimate goal is to break 3:35 for the marathon. I’m hoping to break 3:45 in Chicago, and I’m already lining up which other marathons I want to run after this!

Tuesday | Day 1

7:30am – Pick up my laundry next door. I moved to a new apartment building and can’t figure out how to work our machine in the building, so I did a wash-and-fold for $15. SO worth it.

7:50am – Coffee, two eggs with broccoli, spinach and peppers, avocado, and orange juice for breakfast.

8:30am – Just walked into the office. I fill up my water bottle to make sure I stay hydrated throughout the day — I have my workout tonight with Brooklyn Track Club x Nike Run Club!

10am – Trader Joe’s trail mix packet chocolate cashews, almonds, dried cherries and an apple.

12pm – I can’t wait any longer for lunch. I made chicken, and some veggies and sweet potatoes and add Sriracha. I drink another water.

1:50pm – I’m swamped at work today.  I work for a Staffing Agency called Green Key Resources located in Midtown. We partner with Pharmaceutical companies and Clinical Research organizations all over the United States — I basically try to help these companies fill their open positions. It’s a fun job because I get to talk to smart and exciting people all day on the phone, and every day is something a little different. The only downside is that I sit all day. Luckily, I have the most incredible boss who is very supportive of my fitness goals. So if I need to come in a little later or leave a little earlier for a workout, it’s OK.

I decide to have a snack to keep my pushing through.  I have Chia Almond protein cold brew shake from Whole Foods and a GO MACRO bar. It’s gluten-free (GF) and delicious. Chocolate chip Peanut butter protein pleasure!

4pm –  Realize I ate my snack too early. And I’m out of food at my desk. I buy a Cliff Blueberry bar from the vending machine and a can of seltzer water.

6:30pm – Meet at Spreadhouse for Nike x Brooklyn Running Co track workout. The workout is part of Nike’s Project Moonshot schedule for the Chicago Marathon.

I joined Project Moonshot back in July. It’s a pretty cool program for people training for a fall marathon that I applied for earlier this summer. And I got in! They accepted around 100 people. The idea is that Nike wanted to bring the “Breaking Two” moonshot (of breaking two hours in the marathon) to your everyday street athletes. Those accepted into the program were set up with coaches, pacers, training plans, Nike gear and some discounts to resources for healthy prepared food (Kettlebell Kitchen), strength training (The Fhitting Room) and Massage/Recovery (Finish Line Physical Therapy). We meet twice a week formally (Thursdays for speed, and Sunday morning for a group-led long run) and are broken up by our goal marathon pace. People in the group range from Elite Athletes, to first time marathoners. We have people running 5-minute miles and people running 12-minute miles. We were set up with two phenomenal coaches, Coach Finley and Coach Holder, and have had some guest coaches along the way  — including Coach Stowe, Coach Tim, Coach Jess and Kevin Hart even stopped by!  It’s been a tremendous help to have a team to train with.

ProjectMoonshotOrientation
Project Moonshot Orientation

7pm – The workout begins! I’m co-leading the 8-min/mile pace group.  We have three sets of intervals in a 1-2-3-2-1 format (the number represent minutes!), with 60-seconds of jogging/active recovery between each interval, and a two-minute recovery jog between each set. It’s dark out and there are a ton of puddles. But we still managed to cruise at a 7:45 min/mile pace. My watch shows 7 miles total of running!

9pm – I hang out with the crew afterwards at Spreadhouse, and grab a chocolate milk before I hop on the subway.

11:30pm – I’m finally home. I’m exhausted, but not hungry.  I eat a banana with peanut butter, shower and pass out.

Daily mileage: 7 miles Continue reading “The Runner Diaries — Cara Enright” →

The Runner Diaries — Sabrina Wieser

On By idratherbestrongthanskinnyIn food, Inspiration, running, The Runner DiariesLeave a comment

Inspired by Refinery29’s Money Diaries and The Cut’s Sex Diaries, welcome to The Runner Diaries, where we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look into a week of training with runners of varying ages, paces and GPS coordinates. Get The Runner Diaries delivered to your inbox, here.

This week, we have Sabrina Wieser of New York City. The 31-year-old run coach and competitive runner balances a rigorous schedule of healthy eating, a digital marketing job, managing her own coaching clients, and training for the New York City Marathon — her first attempt at the 26.2-mile footrace!

Name: Runningbrina (Sabrina Wieser)
Location: New York City
Age: 31
Goal race? The New York City Marathon (it’s my first)
Following a training plan? As I running coach I have created my own based on tips and advices from local running coaches who ran the race before.
How long you’ve been ‘a runner: I started running 4 years ago
Goal weekly mileage: Increasing the mileage right now. I’m at 40 miles per week

CentralPark_Sabrina-19

Runner’s Statement:

I started running right before I got married to lose weight. I wasn’t athletic growing up, so physical activity was totally new to me. I fell in love with running and today I can’t picture myself without it anymore. I love running in New York City, breathing in the good vibes in Central Park surrounded by so many inspiring athletes. I do both bodybuilding and running which makes it even harder for me sometimes. Waking up at 4:30am to run and going to the gym at night is what makes me feel alive. We all need things in our lives that we enjoy and make us feel good — working out is exactly that for me. Continue reading “The Runner Diaries — Sabrina Wieser” →

The Runner Diaries — Des Clarke

On By idratherbestrongthanskinnyIn food, Inspiration, marathon training, running, The Runner DiariesLeave a comment

Inspired by Refinery29’s Money Diaries and The Cut’s Sex Diaries, welcome to The Runner Diaries, where we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look into a week of training with runners of varying ages, paces and GPS coordinates. Get The Runner Diaries delivered to your inbox, here.

This week, we have 36-year-old Des Clarke — a full-time worker, mom and ultra runner who is training for her first 100-mile race.

The Run Down

Name: Deserae (Des) Clarke 
Location: Danville, PA
Age: 36
Training For: Eastern States 100 Miler, the final race in the PA mountain running triple crown
Occupation: Research and development manager for Geisinger Health System’s Institute for Advanced Application
Goal race? Eastern States will be my first 100 mile race.
Following a training plan? Yes. I’m an RRCA certified coach, so I reviewed some plans online and then tailored them to fit my goals
Part of any running communities, clubs or training programs? Trail Sisters ambassador, RRCA Susquehanna Ridge runners
How long you’ve been ‘a runner:’ Since 8th grade cross country way back in 1994.
Goal weekly mileage: Varies, but during training 60-80 miles a week. I’d love to do more, but with family and work obligations it’s tough.


Runner’s Statement:

I’m a full-time worker, mom and ultra runner who constantly tries to find the balance in things. The week that I’m presenting here is a fairly typical weekday routine, with an additional running adventure on the weekend. Having a family makes those running adventures limited, but I wanted to be able to go and explore the course that I’ll be running in August for the Eastern States 100. It’s supposed to be a beast of a course, so I’m not sure if the preview will make me more or less nervous, but it will definitely make me more prepared.  (Plus, going with a group helps to calm some of my husband’s fears about me getting lost in the woods alone.)

Day One

5:30am – Wake up and do some yoga. Usually I do strength training in the mornings, Monday through Thursday, but I’ve been having some plantar fasciitis issues in my left foot. After back-to-back long runs this weekend it’s feeling a little sore, so I decided to take today easy and focus on rehab. Continue reading “The Runner Diaries — Des Clarke” →

The Runner Diaries — Joe O’Leary

On By idratherbestrongthanskinnyIn Fitness Classes, food, marathon training, race recap, running, The Runner DiariesLeave a comment

Inspired by Refinery29’s Money Diaries and The Cut’s Sex Diaries, welcome to The Runner Diaries, where we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look into a week of training with runners of varying ages, paces and GPS coordinates.

This week, we have 42-year-old Joe O’Leary — a writer, musician, stage performer, and runner chasing PRs in every distance, from the marathon, to the 10k, in New York City.

The Run Down

Name: Joe O’Leary
Location: New York City
Age: 42
Training For: Summer speed stuff (Queens 10K, July 6th 5K) and fall distance (Bronx 10mi, Staten Island Half, NYC marathon)
Occupation: Sales Ops Office Guy
Goal race? relevant to this essay, Queens 10K
Following a training plan? Coach prescribed
Part of any running communities, clubs or training programs? CPTC
How long you’ve been ‘a runner:’ 3.5 years
Goal weekly mileage: 50 miles/week

Runner’s Statement

Things are going pretty good for me, running-wise, this last year. I had some big PRs in the mile (5:21), 5k (18:48) and 10 mile (1:05:05) leading up to my marathon debut at the New York Marathon. In February I hit another sub-1:30 half  marathon on my way to a 10-minute PR at the New Jersey Marathon. Just last Monday, I went sub-40 in the 10K for the first time (39:30), something that’s been on my list for a year.

I talk to a coach here, read an article or internet forum there, talk shop with other runners, listen to advice, try new things, be consistent with form — to me it’s all part of keeping on top of it. In lieu of having the discipline or schedule flexibility to adhere to a strict plan, I’ve substituted the willingness to assume that something I’m doing isn’t working, and to implement self-corrective behavior. And it’s been working, for the most part.

Next week I’ll be running the Queens 10K and then only a handful of smaller races until the fall season starts. I’ll be doing the Bronx 10 mile, Staten Island Half, and the NYC full. This summer, though, the plan is to cut back the miles and work on speed and tempos mainly until the long runs begin again in earnest. We’ll see how that plan goes. For now, eyes are on the 10k on the 17th. Looking to get a hard week of work in before a mini taper next week. I did 50 miles last week, looking to do something similar this week. Continue reading “The Runner Diaries — Joe O’Leary” →

The Runner Diaries — Paulina Pascual

On By idratherbestrongthanskinnyIn food, marathon training, running, The Runner DiariesLeave a comment

Inspired by Refinery29’s Money Diaries and The Cut’s Sex Diaries, welcome to The Runner Diaries, where we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look into a week of training with runners of varying ages, paces and GPS coordinates.

This week, we have 23-year-old Paulina Pascual — a Janji Corps ambassador, dedicated member of November Project Boston, and Somerville resident. Below, she shares how she balances early workouts, a 9-to-5 office job, and a family vacation to Canada with training for two 10ks — one being a trail run with a fair amount of elevation.

THE RUNDOWN:

Name: Paulina Pascual
Location: Somerville, Massachusetts
Age: 23
Training For: The North Face Endurance Challenge Series Marathon Relay at Wachusett Mountain (June 10) and the BAA’s 10k (June 25)
Occupation: Administrative assistant
Goal race? Maintain a consistent and earnest pace for my first 10k road race
Following a training plan? Yes; I combined the BAA’s Level Two 12-week 10k training plan and Hal Higdon’s Intermediate 8-week training plan to fit in my fitness and running clubs.
Part of any running communities, clubs or training programs? I run with November Project’s Boston tribe, Janji’s run clubs and Boston Brunch Runners
How long you’ve been ‘a runner:’ Two years
Goal weekly mileage: 25 miles

RUNNER’S STATEMENT:

By day I work a desk job at a bank, but by morning I run around Boston, turning the city into my playground. I started running almost by accident when I began working out with November Project, and it’s been the best accident to happen to me. At the time, I just finished an undergraduate program at one of Boston’s many colleges, and the regular challenge November Project brought to my weekly routine was a welcome. It held me accountable and allowed me to set goals in my new post-grad world.

Since I’m still new to running, I’ve never had any formal training. I’ve relied mostly on the Internet and my running clubs to source and review training plans. While I still have a lot to learn—send your recovery and nutrition tips to me!—I’m tickled to have four 5ks, two marathon relays, and one half marathon in the books. And a full marathon on the horizon!

This week is a bit atypical from my usual routine, as I went on a to Montréal with my family who live in upstate New York. But I’ve noted what’s different as those changes occur. Continue reading “The Runner Diaries — Paulina Pascual” →

The Runner Diaries — Chris Mocko

On By idratherbestrongthanskinnyIn food, Inspiration, marathon training, race recap, running, The Runner DiariesLeave a comment

Inspired by Refinery29’s Money Diaries and The Cut’s Sex Diaries, welcome to The Runner Diaries, where we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look into a week of training with runners of varying ages, paces and GPS coordinates.

This week, we have 31-year-old Chris Mocko, an accomplished marathoner and ultra runner who quit his tech job at Square earlier this year to pursue running full time. Below, he documents his personal Hell Week, the most grueling week of training (including 150 miles and more than 20k feet of vertical elevation gain!!) in his build-up to Western States, a 100-mile ultra marathon.

The Run Down

Name: Chris Mocko
Location: Mill Valley, California
Age: 31
Training For: Western States Endurance Run (100 miles), Ultra-Trail Mont Blanc
Occupation: Professional Runner
Following a training plan? Self-coached
Part of any running communities, clubs or training programs? Running Commissioner at The Olympic Club
How long you’ve been ‘a runner:’ Ultrarunner for just over a year, running since a toddler
Goal weekly mileage: 150 miles (this was not a typical week–generally 120-130mi/wk)

Runner’s Statement

In mid-February, I quit my tech job in Silicon Valley to pursue a career as a professional ultrarunner (you can read more about the decision here). I’ve been an avid runner for as long as I can remember, but began taking it more seriously in high school, was lucky enough to compete for the Stanford Cross Country and Track & Field teams, and then transitioned to road racing and marathons after graduation. Looking for a change of pace, last year I decided to focus on qualifying for Western States, the original 100 mile trail race. After competing last June, I was hooked and have spent the last 10 months preparing myself for massive improvements in my second running on June 24.

I’ve nicknamed this week of training as “Hell Week” as I expect it to be one of the most grueling weeks of training in my build-up to Western States. I plan to run 150 miles and climb more than 20k ft of vertical elevation gain, including 2 hard workouts and a 30+ mile long run followed by a 20+ mile secondary long run (you can read more about Hell Week here). Wish me luck! Continue reading “The Runner Diaries — Chris Mocko” →

The Runner Diaries — Marnie Kunz

On By idratherbestrongthanskinnyIn food, Inspiration, race recap, running, The Runner Diaries1 Comment

Inspired by Refinery29’s Money Diaries and The Cut’s Sex Diaries, welcome to The Runner Diaries, where we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look into a week of training with runners of varying ages, paces and GPS coordinates.

This week, we have 36-year-old Marnie Kunz — a run coach, social media marketer/consultant, and founder of Runstreet, a running and event company based in New York City. Below, Kunz documents her days that pack in all of the responsibilities of running a business, training clients and leading group runs throughout the city.

THE RUNDOWN:

Name: Marnie Kunz
Location: New York, NY
Age: 36
Training For: North Face Endurance Challenge at Bear Mountain — easing back into speed work, always working on strength!
Occupation: Founder of Runstreet street art runs, running coach
Goal race? To lower my mile time to below 6 minutes.
Following a training plan? No
Part of any running communities, clubs or training programs? Team Runstreet, Run4AllWomen, ConBody, Milk $$ Run Club
How long you’ve been ‘a runner:’ Over 20 years — since I first joined my school’s cross country team looking for a sport with no tryouts. I began running in the days of clunky, not cool running shoes, baggy t-shirts and pants with elastic on the bottom! hahaha
Goal weekly mileage: To enjoy 😉

RUNNER’S STATEMENT:

Much of my week consists of event planning and social media for my company Runstreet, which offers street art running tours and events in NYC and other U.S. cities. I usually lead one big art run a week as well as private ones. The art runs move at a 10-minute mile pace on average — very relaxed — with stops for photos. I also train clients and manage social media for other fitness brands. My schedule is often so packed that I work from the moment I wake up, to the time I go to sleep, with my stress relief/me time and social time centering on my runs and strength training. So at this stage in my life, I run for work and also run for fun and personal fulfillment.

I enjoy mixing up my routine to keep things interesting, and continue to work on strength training. Since I work so much and lead art runs most weekends, I don’t race as often as I used to, but I do enjoy doing speed workouts for the thrill and challenge. When it comes down to it, I enjoy working out and running for the adventures and adrenaline rush. When I set goals, I like to set functional training goals like being able to do 10 pull-ups or being able to run a mile in under 6 minutes. I try to enjoy the chase in the pursuit of these goals as well as spread the joy of running to others through my art runs. Continue reading “The Runner Diaries — Marnie Kunz” →

The Runner Diaries — Lorna Chaulet

On By idratherbestrongthanskinnyIn food, Inspiration, marathon training, race recap, running, The Boston Marathon, The Runner Diaries, travelLeave a comment

Inspired by Refinery29’s Money Diaries and The Cut’s Sex Diaries, welcome to The Runner Diaries, where we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look into a week of training with runners of varying ages, paces and GPS coordinates.

This week, we have Lorna Chaulet, a 25-year-old from Boston, Massachusetts. Despite Chaulet’s claim that she is anything BUT a runner, below, she documents her week running back-to-back marathons in Paris and Boston.

The RUN DOWN:

Name: Lorna Chaulet
Location: Boston, Mass
Age: 25
Training For: Paris & Boston Marathons
Occupation: Marketing at Reebok
Goal race? Paris Marathon
Following a training plan? No
Part of any running communities, clubs or training programs? I’m a member of Janji Corps
How long you’ve been ‘a runner:’ 2016
Goal weekly mileage: One long run per week Continue reading “The Runner Diaries — Lorna Chaulet” →

The Runner Diaries — Mark Kennedy

On By idratherbestrongthanskinnyIn food, Inspiration, running, The Runner DiariesLeave a comment

Inspired by Refinery29’s Money Diaries and The Cut’s Sex Diaries, welcome to The Runner Diaries, where we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look into a week of training with runners of varying ages, paces and GPS coordinates.

This week, we have Mark Kennedy of Toronto, Ontario — a 43-year-old businessman, father and leader of Strava’s None to Run Challenge, who knows the best way to celebrate a run well done is with a pint of beer.

The Rundown

Name: Mark Kennedy
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Age: 43
Training For: N/A
Occupation: Chief Compliance Officer, I also blog/podcast for fun.
Goal race? N/A (but and signed up for a 13km trail race in September and am contemplating a half marathon in October)
Following a training plan? No
Part of any running communities, clubs or training programs? I lead and participate in the None to Run Challenge on Strava
How long you’ve been ‘a runner:’ 24 years. Played many sports growing up, but got into running my first year of university.
Goal weekly mileage: N/A

Runner’s Statement

At the moment, I am not training for a specific race, nor distance. I grew up playing many different sports, with a focus on basketball, baseball and track. I never considered myself a great long distance runner and, actually, as a youngster, was a better sprinter and jumper. Continue reading “The Runner Diaries — Mark Kennedy” →