Athena Running in Heels

Dedicated to ladies that run, not runners who happen to be ladies

[athenainheels]

Compression boots for recovery. Recharges and speeds heeling and recovery on tired worked out legs. ❤️❤️ @ntrecovery @classpass . . . @normatecbrasil @normatecphilippines #running #runner #halfmarathontraining #fitnessjourney #workout #exercise #nyc #recovery #physicaltherapy (at As One)

[athenainheels]

Fitness at the #intrepidmuseum with @drjordanmetzl and crew. I think I was somehow stronger this time!! .. .. .. #ironstrength #workout #fitnessjourney #fitness #exercise #nyc #hiit #strength #training #planes #military (at Intrepid Museum)

[athenainheels]

I got back out after only doing 5m/8km on Saturday(see previous post). For amateurs, newbies, and non-professional enthusiasts choose form over fatigue. The former helps you get stronger, is more efficient, and can put you in a meditative state. The latter is sure to make you miserable and possibly get you injured. @nathansportsinc #hydration vest .. .. #easyrun #longrun #running #halfmarathon #halfmarathontraining #löpning #exercise #workout #workoutmotivation #fitness #fitnessmotivation #cardio #endurance #fitgirl #runner #runnerscommunity #runnersofinstagram #fitnesslifestyle #nyc #fitnesjourney (at West Side Highway)

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Distance running is such a mental sport it, it's easy to forget stopping is an option. If you always run long with dread, adding mileage is tough. Wouldn't do it often or if you're new to running. Still, during training, the road doesn't care when you give her the miles, just that you do it regularly. . . . #run #runhappy #halfmarathontraining #endurance #running #exercise #cardio #workout #philosophy #fitness #fitnessgirl #fitnessjourney #löpning #halfmarathon #train #training (at West Side Highway)

[athenainheels]

Water-resistant 50 SPF primer holds make-up while protecting skin. Most train 12 weeks+ for their #halfmarathon. It's your moment & finish line pic. Do what you want. Pat instead of wipe face. Use eye primer on lids as the SPF stings. Test on a short run first to make sure it works for your skin. @larocheposay .. .. .. #halfmarathontraining #womenempowerment #womenrunning #femalefitness #makeuptutorial #runlikeagirl #makeup #primer #larocheposay #beauty #fitnessgirl #fitnessgear #makeuptalk #spf #beautyproducts #beautysecret (at New York, New York)

[athenainheels]

Water-resistant 50 SPF primer holds make-up while protecting skin. Most train 12 weeks+ for their #halfmarathon. It's your moment & finish line pic. Do what you want. Pat instead of wipe face. Use eye primer on lids as the SPF stings. Test on a short run first to make sure it works for your skin. @larocheposay .. .. .. #halfmarathontraining #womenempowerment #womenrunning #femalefitness #makeuptutorial #runlikeagirl #makeup #primer #larocheposay #beauty #fitnessgirl #fitnessgear #makeuptalk #spf #beautyproducts #beautysecret (at New York, New York)

[athenainheels]

Saw the Income EcoRun half marathon in Singapore during my morning jog. I get it universe. You want me to get back in shape and start doing the running around the works thing again. (at Garden By The Bay-Flower Dome)

[athenainheels]

Bucharest Half Marathon - Running Romanian-Style

2 thumbs up on this 6000 person Marathon and Half Marathon! Great site-seeing route and a fantastic budget conscious choice.  Go before people discover this gem!

The Vibe:   This race showcases the joyful side of Romanian sans all the “Stuff” of communism. You do not need headphones as barely 10m exist where some form of music is not playing.  The variety runs from Romanian fiddle to techno-trance. Great and distinctive crowd support lines the run and it’s somehow loudly exuberant and quietly refined all at once.   

The Route: The race starts at the historic Parliament Building in Constitution Square.  The building is a classic example of communist architecture, which takes any Roman (stately, institutional, conquering) building, super sizes it (i.e. communist) then slaps a very large area in front for speeches.  Even though the Square is actually about 1/2km away from the building, you’re still hard pressed to fit it all in one picture.  If you’re too jet lagged or tired at the start to notice how big this thing is, by the time you do the third 4k loop required to finish the race, you’ve got that sorted out permanently in your head.  Depending on how your race is going you will either love or hate this building by the end.  Also, the terrain around it is hilly. Mile 12 of the half is straight up, but it goes straight back down. Have enough quads, core, and mental endurance for this last push.

If you super size the route map, you’ll see you’re doing a great tour of the City’s most historic Monuments.  Run-Tourism is still growing in this city.  So while I saw many people stop to take pictures, my running-photography raised some eyebrows.... either that, or this guy is checking me out....

The sharp turns on the map are an issue for slower runners who slow down into this tight space.  Also, relative to NYers who tend to run a lot of races regardless of pace, I found tired runners around mile 7 started to weave a bit more than normal.  

Key Pieces of Equipment:  Forgetting my hydration belt, I talked myself out of buying one.  That was the wrong call.  WRONG!!  There is not enough water on this route (just 3 stops).  It severely slowed me down last 3 miles with severe cramps requiring walking for 1km at mile 12 up the hill.  They do - however - have a sports drink similar to gatorade that sponsors, so no need to bring electrolyte powder.  Also note, if running the marathon, morning to afternoon temps can really vary. In the world I am allowed do-overs, I would have worn sleeves instead.  

Other Notes to Organizers: They are missing opportunities for sponsorship.  They have great sports sponsors, but there is so much that is possible and I spent very little at the conference in comparison to other spots. 

Where to stay:  There are several hotels nearby.  In the Luxury Category, JW Marriott is the race hotel where you’ll find the pro’s staying.  The gorgeous Epoque Hotel is another great spot with large rooms and a gym that includes a much post-race-appreciated, steam, sauna, and pool.  Sometimes you can find far lower rates.   Additionally, spa services are a very reasonable price and great quality versus the other Luxury Hotels in other parts of the city.  The Ibis Hotel is mid-range and can run sub-$100. It’s in a great spot for spectators of the race.  Interestingly, there is more than one hostel nearby that are super affordable and - from what I understand - quite nice. I also heard several tourists staying at Airbnb options had fantastic experiences and can be well below $100.

Food:  Oddly, the more I paid for food in Romania, the less I enjoyed it.  Street food is absolutely the way to go.  However, no trip to Bucharest is complete without eating at Caru Cu’Bere which is set in an old church. Make a reservation and bring your camera. 

[athenainheels]

Running Sarajevo

A business trip took me to Sarajevo in the middle of training.  Making the best of things, tried out a running tour which was a wonderful way to see the city.  

THE GUIDE:  Erol, the tour guide happens to organizes the major runs for the city.  He’s a 3:45 marathoner and a long time runner who’s love for the sport comes from his time in Paris.  He’s been running for nearly 20 years and believes running brings people together and gives people the ability to see the world.  It is with that spirit that he started the Sarajevo Half Marathon that has grown to 1000 participates.  

COORDINATION:  I contacted him directly, but you can also use the GoRunningTours website.  It may be more affordable to go direct.  Once you’re sorted, Erol will meet your hotel.  

THE TOUR:  I chose both the Nine Bridges City Tour with an extension to make it 10 Miles and the Trebevic Tour, a 10k up the smallest of three nearby mountains.  Both were fantastic ways to see the city.  The Bridges tour goes through the major sites within the city.  Erol, a Sarajevo native, is a knowledgable guide, able to speak fluently about the history of each landmark that dots the ancient area.  This is a great start to the city and will take you on many a photo op if that’s your wish. I skipped the photo ops for the most part.

As for Mt. Trebevic, this is a 10k hike straight up and run/walk down, depending on your comfort with hiking.  The views are spectacular and if you go in the early to midsummer, you can eat wild raspberries on the way up.

Other: I had not expected how outdoors Sarajevo is.  To me, it’s a bit like the US West.  There are 3 mountains within 10k of the city for hiking, running, mountain biking, or even climbing.  If it were not for the political circumstances in previous years and the need to subsequently rebuild, this city would truly attract outdoors enthusiasts from all over the globe.  

[athenainheels]

Running Life Lesson 1: Patience

I came to running late in life and don’t have all that natural talent. I have a great trainer who - despite repeating over and over again - continues to instill habits by patient suggestion.  

During our interval run (he bikes along side):

Trainer:  “How you feeling?”

Me:  I want to die.

Trainer:  “Stay with it. Let’s breath, breath through your mouth.”

<Me: *Trying to breath through mouth.  Looks and seems quite awkward*>

Trainer: It’s ok, Just try to remember. That breathing is important. People always forget, but it will really make this easier as you get in the habit.  

Afterwards, I realized, I need to carry this approach of helping others in my care (friends, junior staff, etc). Everything simple is hard in a given situation.  Helping people reach the goal is the focus. 

[athenainheels]

Boston Race to Remember

If you’re looking for a Memorial Weekend Race vacation, this is not a bad choice.  The expo is adequately large and the hotel options are quite nice.  

The Route:  The route is really beautiful and flat.  I enjoyed the 5 miler, which had beautiful harbor views and took you through the downtown.  The 1/2 which I was sad not to run takes you over the Cambridge.  It’s just gorgeous!!  I can see why so many people come to see this race.  

The Organization:  Well done, but not quite NYC.  The race start was chaotic.  Two starts and it’s a free for all for your corrals.  Luckily we were staying at a nearby hotel, so no bag check.  As a NYer, I had no problem navigating this, but I could easily see how someone might get stuck, which did occur to more than 1 friend who joined.  It’s also a bit less straight forward with far less volunteers than a race of similar size in NYC.  Water stops were available every 2 miles (we are a bit spoiled in NYC).  There were adequate medic stops throughout.  

High Fiving: This is not the race for high-fiving. Boston is less rowdy.  It is less my style from a cheering perspective. It is notably different from the NYC races. 

Places to stay:  The race hotel really is at the finish.  Close by the Westin has a marvelous pool and hot tub.  Rooms are modern and comfy.  I would recommend the Westin from our stay and can’t speak to the race hotel.

[athenainheels]

Wear Heels?

Great anatomy lesson on the foot.  For ladies, wearing heels is going to tighten the muscles she is describing.  If you’re strong enough to wear heels and be a run, watch this video for prevention of shin splints.

[athenainheels]

Educational Running Video of the Week

Pretty good overarching video on why humans were meant to run...

[athenainheels]

Mary Wittenberg Leaving New York City Marathon

Mary Wittenberg, the president of New York Road Runners, is leaving the organization to head Virgin Sport, a new endeavor by the billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson.

Congrats on a great career!  Having been displaced by the 2012, I was one of your critics at the time, but have since learned about all the amazing work you did prior to and after.

[athenainheels]

Do women run for a different reason?

I asked my running mate for the week, “Do you think women are inspired to run for a different reason then men?”

Her response (approximately):  Totally!  I think men primarily have 1 mode of running, competitive. Even with easy runs, they still have some competitive or goal to be accomplished.  Once that goal is finished, why run?  It can then be hard after a race to run again.   

Some women are like that.  But a lot more women, the majority, naturally separate social and competitive running.  They also value and like the social aspect of running. Catching up with friends plus staying in shape and doing something healthy for oneself is a great combination. Women can be completely not competitive with running in a way that is hard for the guys.

I tend to agree with her on this gender opinion. Whether true or false, at the very least, I was very thankful for our 10min pace.  FAR SLOWER than this 7min 5k runner could max out at, I feel fortunate that this was her philosophy.  Thanks for getting me through my long run on Saturday, Catie!

[athenainheels]

Running & Travel: July in Latin America

Coming from a small town, I realize “how would I do that” is one of the scariest parts of travel.  This entry is dedicated to anyone pondering this question for the summer. 

These three trips require at least 1 week for acclimatization to the altitude, aka sight seeing. Teaming up with a school or volunteer organization always makes international travel less scary because you’ll immediately know others that are in your shoes. I’ve listed affordable options that are also safe, in case budget also intimates you from a dream of travel.  

Media Maraton of Bogota: I have done this trip and it is safe for those who have parents they must convince.  Here is my full review. I highly recommend Nueva Lengua for studying Spanish, meeting other foreign travelers who can help you, and also taking care of sightseeing arrangements. For those on a very tight budget, a lot of the foreign students stayed at this hostel with very good commentary.  It’s $10-20/night.  Check with the school to see if they offer a different rate as they can sometimes “help.” If traveling with a group,AirBNB may still be a better option.

Correcaminos Costa Rica:  I am considering this trip in the coming month. It is an all downhill race.  For acclimatization, I’m going to use a fairly well reviewed program International Volunteer Headquarters.  This program offers both home stays and dormitory living options and takes care of meals.  

Maraton of Quito:  Slightly less organized, but sure to be a destination race of the future, this race offers both Full and Half distances. The reason I’m convinced this will become a desirable “destination race” is because Quito is the highest capital city in the world.  Since we distances runners are a little loco, bragging rights will surely attract the group of us as the race matures.  

The race is slated for July 27th, but they haven’t yet got their website up and running. (It’s a far more chilled atmosphere then NYC for Lat Am racing). There are multiple language schools and volunteer programs that should offer a very meaningful mix of travel, language, and culture in front of a great race. I will post a full review if this race finalizes, but current looking at IVHQ (see above), Colon Language School , Simon Bolivar Language School, Andean Global Studies, and more.

These three countries - despite historic events - are safe for international travels.  I’ve been to all of them. Still, it’s always good to take the basic precautions of international travel (copy of passport with someone who can fax domestically, back-up plan in case you lose your wallet, etc).  

Happy traveling!

[athenainheels]

Tan Lines:  Sports Bra

If you've found the low loose tank of your dreams, pair it with this sports bra from Jockey.  Low sports bras are key for tan lines in the summer.  You can this on Amazon here.  If you’re close to a TJ Maxx you can also sometimes find it there.

I tried out the blue version today. For the summer, it's key if you're running to have a low bra that doesn't leave ugly tan lines.  I’m a 30C/D. The small is very snug. some of the other websites show models wearing a small with a 34B, but given these models also have a 25″ waist, my suspicion is that they are wearing the wrong size bra.  If you’re never larger than a 2 get the XS.  If sometimes you fit a size 4, try the medium.

The cups make it better than similar low rise options from smaller chested women (remember, a 30C/D is actually similar to a 34A, 32B).  If you are able to find it on discount at TJ Maxx, then it is slightly more expensive than the Danskin’s bras which are also great option for low rise bras.  The foam cups offer better support than a few of the Danskins and an ability to properly set your breast tissue in the cup.  If you’ve ever experienced weird arm/breast chaffing while running that is because the "girls" aren’t where they are suppose to be in the cup.

If you’re larger gal, I think it’s comparable to the Danskin’s medium and high impact bras, with a lower rise/better tan line. Possibly size up as the S is more like a 30 vs. 32 around.  One annoying thing, this is a slip over the head bra.  They really should add a clasp in the back or on the sides.  I struggled a little getting it on and off.