6-mile morning run; podcasts

[fitfool]

For the 3rd morning in a row I got up and went for my run. Took the 6-mile out-n-back route. Ran at an easy pace on the way out (the way that has 2 big uphills) and then sped up for the return leg since I could cruise down the hills. I keep hearing differing descriptions of the NYC Marathon route. The overall impression I get is that it's mostly flat but the 5 bridges act as big hills. Since I've always crossed those bridges in a car, I never paid much attention to the elevation changes. Others said the bridges aren't that big a deal if you've trained on hills. Most of my uphills in training have been gradual uphills. I hope they were challenging enough to get me ready.

Finally got a chance to listen to the podcast I had downloaded over the weekend. Listened to the Phedippidations (SteveRunner) podcast on the Long Slow Run. I know...I'm slow to come around to the podcast phenomenon. I still like the radio. But I get a weak or non-existent signal on my favorite stations up here. Anyhow, I enjoyed listening to someone tell me about what beneficial changes were happening while I chugged through another training run.

So...it's time to start adding things beside music to my mp3 player. Audible.com has lots to choose from. I'm especially excited to listen to This American Life since I rarely remember to tune in at the right time to listen to it on the radio. But now I can listen to it online.

Comments

[petersheil.livejournal.com]

The first bridge has quite a height change, getting up from the toll plaza to the top isn't too bad though 'cos you hardly get to run 'till the middle (at least from where I started last time). Being a marathon you do notice the ups :) and with the number of people around ypu cannot always take advantage of the downs to speed up.

Peace
peter

[fitfool.livejournal.com]

What did you think of the elevations on the other bridges? I had heard the first mile is practically walked too.

[petersheil.livejournal.com]

Well they are not too bad, although there weer a few points where I walked on the up side to conserve my energy (I'm not proud and don't have to run each step ... well it's more a self preservation thing actually as I don't want to kill myself doing it :) )

One of the hardest points is the start of 1st Avnue 'cos you can see straight ahead for several miles, full of runners. Quite a sight but daunting! there is a good bit coming off the Roxborough (i think) bridge where there is a good spectators point in a slight overhang and the sound reverbarates around as they cheer you.

Has anyone told you the tip of having your name on your T-shirt? I've never been told to "Keep it up Peter!" so often in one day! ;)

Peace
peter

[fitfool.livejournal.com]

Oh I like the idea of personalized cheering...I'll have to try that.

[lispsugrl.livejournal.com]

The NYCM is an amazing race! The bridges are the toughest elevations but beware of the ending. Central Park is not flat! There are a ton of people to cheer you on though:)

As for the other bridges: The Queensborough is a doozy because of the crosswinds and it's just so quiet...only the sound of runners. However, mentally you just think about getting into Manhattan because the roar is something you have never experienced...:) Best of luck in a few weeks!

[fitfool.livejournal.com]

What do you mean it's not flat? How not flat are we talking about? (and how much of this hilliness?)

I hadn't thought about the hill aspect of the bridges when I first signed up for the race. I was rather excited by the idea of getting to cross the bridges on foot and enjoying the view. Thanks for the tips!

Thanks for the mention!

[(Anonymous)]

Just a quick note to thank you for listening to my "Goofy Little PodCast", and best of luck to you at NYC this year!!

Run long, and taper..

Steve Runner