18 Miles and Suburbia

Posted on August 14, 2011 by Kelly

It’s a rainy, rainy Sunday in NYC.

Even though I really love sun, sometimes a rainy day is just what I need to force me to relax.

But rewinding to Saturday, a.k.a. long run day. I was up even earlier than usual to bang out 18 miles before heading to New Jersey to see a few of my favorite people.

Confession: I’ve been wearing all black on my long runs because it makes me feel a kind of bad ass. And speedier.

My goal for this run was to not be as wiped as I was after last weekend’s 17 miler. I read a while back that Magdalena Lewy-Boulet started taking gels on every long run because she found they helped speed up her recovery and she could actually do things like play with her kids, run errands and feel like a functional human being during the day.

I’ve only taken Gatorade with me on all of my previous runs so far and usually save the gels for my 20 milers, but decided that Magda (an Olympic marathoner) probably knows a thing or two. So I grabbed a mint chocolate Gu (a new flavor for me – I’m partial to vanilla Power Gels) along with some watered down Gatorade to take on the road.

(source)

I took the Gu around mile 10 and a). it was delicious, b). it definitely gave me more energy during the last half of the run.

After getting the first couple of slower, junky miles out of my system, the run felt pretty good. I did notice a few niggles here and there, so I’m glad this coming week is a cut-back one!

Even though the Gu helped keep my energy up during the run, I was pretty pooped afterwards. But I had places to be – New Jersey, to be exact.

My friend Meghan (who got married last September), was having a baby shower for her sister Erin. I hadn’t seen either of them since the wedding and it was SO great to finally hang again.

And eat all of their food (kind of. But that tub of hummus was no match for me).

One of my favorite things about baby showers:

Cake. And pink things (Erin’s having a girl!).

It was refreshing to get out of the city and hang out at an actual house with a yard, a pool, a washer/dryer…

Meghan and I

Sometimes I forget how different Manhattan is from other areas. We have cabs, delivery of anything and everything, the best restaurants, culture and nightlife.

But forget owning your home, peace and quiet, having a backyard, driving a car or having an apartment that could even remotely be called “spacious.”

I guess there are always tradeoffs. Besides, I’m a disaster behind the wheel, get freaked out by total quiet and actually consider Central Park a pretty great backyard.

When I think of New York compared to other places, I’m always reminded of a quote from Sex and the City.

Miranda: Why do I think living in Manhattan is so fantastic?

Carrie: Because it is.

Hope everyone had a good weekend!

Question: City or suburbs? Why? And, any tips on how not to be totally wiped after long runs?

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  • http://aliontherun.wordpress.com Ali on the Run

    OK to answer the question: city, obviously. Though it is, of course, nice to escape to suburbia every now and then. Particularly my parents house in New Hampshire. Home cooked food, peace, quiet and llamas. Simple perfection.

    Onto more important things: Way to rock those 18 miles! Your splits are perfection. And you DO look like a badass in your all-black outfit. I dig it.

    • http://mealsformiles.wordpress.com mealsformiles

      Llamas?? I think I would like to visit New Hampshire just to see that.

  • http://twodrinkmax.wordpress.com twodrink

    First, congrats on 18 miles…woo-hoo! I did 18 yesterday and for fuel, I took one GU around mile 8, then had several GU chomps throughout the rest of the run. My friends and I stop at 2 gas stations to stock up on water/gatorade since we tend to leave the city in order to incorporate hills into our workout. I also get super hungry during long runs and have to have a granola bar or banana to keep me going.

    Okay, and city trumps suburbs! I like to get out to the burbs from time to time, especially in the fall for apple picking, but otherwise, I love having the convenience of the city at my fingertips!

    • http://mealsformiles.wordpress.com mealsformiles

      thanks! Nice work on your 18 as well! Totally agreed – the burbs are good for some things, but I’m a city gal all the way

  • http://runthelongroaddotcom.wordpress.com Kristy

    City, definitely!

    I eat 3 Shot Bloks every 4 miles during LRs. And within minutes of finishing, I down some chocolate milk. The combo of both leave me feeling pretty good after LRs.

    Those are some nice split times! I love to wear all black too – makes me feel like a ninja!

  • http://thenchangeit.com Kace

    Great job!!! And I’m going to say suburbs, but that’s just cause I’ve never lived in the city.

  • http://lisasfoods.com Lisa Fine

    If I’m going to be running for more than an hour, I like to bring some candy or gels on the run. I’ve noticed that Gu, in particular, really gives me that extra boost to get me through. (And I tried the mint chocolate one on my last long run and LOVED it.)

    As for avoiding exhaustion, I’m a big fan of walk breaks. They help me recover much faster.

    I don’t know whether I’d pick city or suburbs. I live in the country now, but crave the life of a city. So…city it is. (Or the middle of nowhere.) :)

  • http://sweettoothrunner.com Emma (Sweet Tooth Runner)

    You look so AWESOME in all black! I just look silly! :P And amazing run!! I’ve found that chocolate milk or a protein shake straight after a hard run or workout helps with my recovery SO much, and I’ve just read in Kara’s book that she does it too, so I feel validated :)

    I live in the suburbs, which I love, but I <3 the city too…aaah so tough!! I guess I'd say city for the shops! :D

  • http://www.runforyourlifeblog.com Emilia @ Run for Your Life

    City! And while I actually don’t mind the suburbs so much, one thing’s for sure: I’ll never be a small town girl.

    And let me know when you find the secret to post-long run energy. :)

  • Meghan

    So happy your 18 didn’t stop you from having fun in the burbs!!! To answer your question, I think I have to side with the suburbs, but with close access to cityish stuff. I am liking the all black idea!!!

  • http://www.runnersrambles.com/ Aron

    I think I would die on a long run without multiple Gu’s :) NICE job on your long run!! Cake is definitely one of my favs of baby showers too ;)

  • http://www.thesehappymiles.com Christine

    Nice job on the 18miler! Confession: I read your tweet about being done with your run at like 10AM. When I was just heading out for my 15. Whoops.

    You ROCK for getting up and out that early. I’m jealous!

    xoxo

    • http://mealsformiles.wordpress.com mealsformiles

      haha! Confession: I’m almost embarrassed to say I was done with the run by like 8:45. Maybe that’s too early… :)

  • http://www.insightfulappetite.com sofia

    ahh, the one and only question that eternally will plague me. for now, city is my jam. but some day? who knows where i’ll end up. things might be crazy and i may find myself driving a car to get places. i fear that day.

  • http://www.earlymorningrun.blogspot.com lisa @ early morning run

    Sounds like you had a pretty great Saturday! I definitely see benefits of both the city and suburb. But, I could never live out in the country far away from activity. That would be way too quiet for me!

  • http://www.runnerskitchen.com Megan (The Runner’s Kitchen)

    I was in NJ this weekend also! I think the area was considered a suburb, but it felt like I was in the middle of nowhere. I found the running to be quite challenging – the road shoulders were narrow (ahh fast moving SUV’s!) and there wasn’t a starbucks every 2 blocks in case i had a bathroom emergency.

    I think this means I prefer the city – for running and living! Although it *is* nice to get outside Manhattan every once in awhile – I always appreciate the extra breathing room and space :)

    Nice job on the long run, friend!

  • http://thethinksicanthink.wordpress.com thethinksicanthink

    How was the mint chocolate Gu? Just curious. I typically stick to Jet Blackberry.

    I love living in the city now, but definitely see myself moving back to the ‘burbs. Oh yea, I want a surburban filled with groceries, etc – all that jazz. However, the city has made me a food and coffee snob. And I’m so used to having anything “specialized” thing I want, it may be a shock going back to the ‘burbs.

    FABULOUS LONG RUN. I need to hang around you people that can run consistent splits vs my “run very slow” and “run fast” running abilities. You are going to rock NYC!

    • http://mealsformiles.wordpress.com mealsformiles

      Going to the burbs is always a little shock to me now, it’s weird. The mint chocolate was DELICIOUS. Let’s run together this week?

  • http://www.susanruns.com Susan – Nurse on the Run

    Congrats on the long run!! I still don’t have my fueling strategy down, and I usually show up on marathon day not really having an idea of what I actually want to do fuel-wise…which is why it’s so important to practice on many longer runs. :)

    I really do like the city…although I would give anything to have a washer/dryer in my apartment. Or at least in my building. That would be fine and my room might not smell like sweaty running clothes all the time. But otherwise there’s so much to do around here and I’ve met so many awesome people…I love it! I grew up in suburbia and I always thought I liked it, but it seems SO quiet now. Such a different lifestyle which I may end up later, but for now I’m quite happy.

  • http://www.runningseal.com runningseal

    Great job on the run! I can’t believe you never have eaten GU on runs less than 20 miles…wow! I typically have one every five miles if I am doing a long run. If I am doing anything up to 11 or so I typically don’t have anything. I find that it seems to help me..or it might be mental. I also really like the Jet Blackberry flavor. The fruity ones seem to go down more easily that the chocolate/vanilla ones which as a bit sweet.

    City for me although it is great to get away. It is the contrast that makes each type of place so much more enjoyable.

  • http://twitter.com/ggadventures geekgirl (@ggadventures)

    I have to definitely go with city. In my opinion though beach trumps all of that. Hooray for living on the beach. :-)

    Great job on that 18 miler, and I also wear all black to look faster sometimes. I even wear black socks that I think makes my legs look thinner.

  • marathon winer

    I am constantly tormented by the city/suburbia debate! When I’m in the city, its theonlyplacetobe. But when I escape to the burbs I realize how much I miss the quiet, the space and the simpleness of things.
    Congrats on a great run!

  • The (wannabe) Jogger

    So glad it hear it’s not just me that feels like a total bad-ass ninja when I wear all black! Haha. I’ve had enough city living in LA to last me a lifetime, but I’m not ready to have a farm. I like suburbs close to the city, the best of both worlds!

    Congrats on the 18 miles!!! Thats awesome Kelly. I’m a big fan of Gu, but I avoid the 2x caffeine flavors. I thought my heart was going to jump out of my chest one day. Aaron and his friend love the coffee lovers espresso or whatever flavor that is.

  • http://keepingitrealfood.com Jess

    I grew up in the ‘burbs and like going back more now than I used to, but I’m not sure I’ll ever feel ready to leave city life behind. I love not needing a car and being surrounded by activity. Seeing other bloggers make it work in all kinds of settings makes me a little less fearful of trying something else, though. Still, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that my boyfriend gets into med school here in NYC when he applies.

  • http://sweatpassionandtears.wordpress.com sweatpassionandtears

    I’m totally a city girl, but a few days to unwind in the suburbs is nice. After 2-3days though I usually gets antsy and are itching for some city life!

    I haven’t run any farther than 13miles, so I don’t really have advice for LONG runs, but staying fueled/hydrated a few days before a 13miler always helps me.

    BTW – cake looks yuummmy!!! What I miss about the suburbs is local bakeries!

  • http://www.healthontherun.net Lauren

    Great job on the long run!! I always bring fuel with me when I’m going longer than 15/16 – mostly because I only run with water otherwise. I love GUs for fuel – it’s so much easier than chewing something and they definitely give me a boost (speaking of which, I’m going to have to track down that mint chocolate flavor – it sounds delicious!). I used to only take 1 gel at 10 miles but have since realized that if I take a couple, it helps me feel a lot better during the run and afterward (but again, I don’t drink any calories, so not sure what the trade-off would be…)

    Anyway, sounds like a fun weekend all around! Even though I live in the city, I’m actually not a huge “city” person. I like having space! So I’m going to go with country…which I know wasn’t an option. ;)

  • http://www.naturastrideblog.com Kate @ NaturaStride

    Nice run! Great pace. I totally agree about taking some gels/chews (I’m partial to honey stinger chews) on longer runs. Definitely makes a difference.
    I am definitely a city person. We just moved from the (philly) ‘burbs into Philly 4 months ago and I feel so much more “normal” in the city.
    However, I do love visiting the ‘burbs now and them (ahem… Target trips, anyone?!) :)

  • http://www.eatreadrun.com Lindsey

    Congrats on your 18-miler!! I’ve gotta go with suburbs on this one. And I know that’s sacrilege since I live in NYC. But we have wanted to go more suburban for a while. I miss backyards, driving, huge rooms, laundry in my house, etc. I think I’m growing out of the city, which I know is not possible for some people, but it is for me. :-(

  • http://runlindsrun.wordpress.com runlindsrun

    Haha, I love the all-black Ninja look. Way to rock the 18 miles, that’s a long effort this early in training! I definitely find that I have more energy, especially towards the end, when I take gels during long runs. For long runs 14-17 miles, I’ll take 1 gel around the 1 hour mark. For long runs 18-20, I take 1 gel around 1 hour and another gel around 1:45/2 hours. Sometimes I feel like I should take in more fuel *during* activity, but I make up for it refueling for sure :)

    I also battle between the city/suburbs split. I grew up in the suburbs, in a town without streetlights or commercial stores, and loved it. It was a bit less than an hour from NYC, but felt very small town and I loved having a big backyard, neighborhood, trails, etc. Right now, I love NYC because of the access and convenience (to work, to shops, to restaurants, everything!) but I can not imagine raising a family here. But since I am nowhere close to having kids, NYC is where I want to be. There are pros and cons to both :)

  • http://runnerscookie.com Corey @ the runner’s cookie

    Love my city (Boston) but can also appreciate the calmness of suburbs! I think someday my ideal house would be in a suburbia-ish place that’s close to a city.
    Great job on the 18 miler!! The only way I don’t get totally wiped after a long run is if I make plans and have to go somewhere right after…otherwise I’m pretty much a slave to the couch :)

  • http://findingblissforme.wordpress.com Emily

    I ran 18 miles too and I went into the run with the goal of not being totally exhausted all week this week! I did a gu around mile 10 and slowed my pace. I had enough energy to go blueberry picking after my run so I think that is a good sign!!
    Nice mile times!

  • http://www.yourdailygrace.com Grace

    I’m not sure if I am city of suburbs..I’ve always lived in the suburbs but love the city! Can I live in a suburb near a city? I don’t know..I also love tiny adorable towns! I’m indecisive!

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  • http://www.seejessrun.com Jess

    Great run!

    I’ve lived in both the country and the city and I am totally a city girl now! When I visit my parents’ tiny town, I get so bored.

  • http://www.beinghealthier.com Laural @ Being Healthier

    wow, so I used to train without gels/glucose either. BUT I have to say I’ve had a huge difference in doing every 6-7 miles or so. I would have done 2 gu packs because your stores of glucose won’t get so depleted that you bonk 2 hours post run.. just my personal experience. I didn’t want to listen to anyone and didn’t take anything on 10 miles or shorter but I think you will notice a difference if you try just a little more mid run fuel on the 18 milers +.

    kick ass job though. I wear a hat because it makes me feel like a badass… I totally get the black. ;-)