Writing on Running and Other Things

                    It’s Monday morning and I’m lazily gazing out my office windows towards Lake Michigan while enjoying my second cup of coffee.  With the promotion to Director of Pro Bono came an office upgrade, a bigger desk, and a full lake view.  I feel uncharacteristically calm.  This is largely on account of it being one of Patrick’s work-from-home weeks.  After learning of Declan’s confessions to Ms. Feelings at daycare, mainly that Dec felt we both worked too much, Patrick demanded concessions from Ernst & Young.  The primary one being that he only be required to be present at client sites every other week.  On his home week, Patrick manages daycare drop-offs and pick ups.  Leaving me time to fit in early morning jogs or pilates classes before work.  Yet another reason I haven’t pushed him to find his own place.  This morning I ran past the shops and restaurants on South...

  I tackled the Big Sur Marathon yesterday. It was windy, hilly, challenging, and beyond beautiful. It was the only marathon that I've run so far where I've used the "hike the uphill, sprint the downhill" strategy.  I found it really saved my quads and didn't negatively impact my time.  In fact, I finished Big Sur faster than New York City, which was far less hilly.  In case anyone is thinking of entering the lottery (which I highly encourage) here's my recap: Saturday, April 29 8:00 a.m. - I joined the official shakeout run sponsored by Hoka and Fleet Feet Monterey.  Previously, I've shunned shakeout runs and scheduled my last short run three days prior to the race.  Sticking solely to Pilates and yoga for the next two days to keep my legs fresh.  But since February, I've been working with a new coach and she advised taking a short run the day before to "keep some pep in the legs."  I actually enjoyed the shakeout run.  I took the three mile...