One month, 100 miles

 

Maybe it's because I'm feeling inspired by the New York City marathon, maybe it's the fact that the holiday season is near: I'm trying to re-commit to a regular running routine. My sister's friend recently went on a running spree to get in shape and set a goal of running 100 miles in one month. She did it! What's cool about this plan is that it comes with flexibility. Maybe one morning, you only have the energy/time for 2 miles, but another day, you can fit in five. It's a fitness plan that's challenging, but accommodates busy work schedules, lives, etc.

So, I've decided that I'm going to give it a try—and I'm tracking the miles I log using a big and colorful oversized post-it as a visual reminder of my goal. I will say, I'm going to go a bit easier on myself and try to do 50 miles. But it's a good starting point (that means I need to run about 12 miles a week). We'll see how it goes!

Do you have any tricks/games/apps/motivational tools for getting in shape when you're short on time? I welcome any and all tips!

(Image via iVillage)

As cool as water ballet

For those of you who spin and swim to workout, AQUA—a new studio in Tribeca—is combining the benefits of both: Spinning in water. What a fun and creative idea! I heard about this class thanks to PureWow, and I have to admit, I really want to give it a try. Right now, the class is available to women only, and according to the website, all you need is a bathing suit. AQUA will take care of the rest.

What do you think of this concept? Is this something you'd try?

(Image 1, 2)

Say 'Om'

Do you practice yoga? I have been trying to fit in more classes when I can. For my birthday, I received a wonderful gift: a pass to Malo Yoga in Brooklyn. I took my first 90-minute class there right before Thanksgiving, and loved it. I'm amazed how even in a city like New York, it's possible to shut the windows of a small studio, and with that shut out the noise (and stress!) of a busy day.

What do you do to center yourself when you feel overwhelmed?

More fitness in the city here.

(Image via Wit & Delight)

A taste of fall

For my birthday this year, I went canoeing with my family and Matt on the Nashua River in Massachusetts. It was such a lovely day, and a reminder of what fall weather should be like — cool and crisp with lots of sun. Now that it's October, I hope the weather starts to turn around. Enough with the rain! I want to get in some much-needed time outdoors before the cold weather arrives and the snow begins to fall. But until then, I'll look back at these end-of-summer pics — such a fun and peaceful way to celebrate another year!

New York Road Runner

I did it! This weekend, I ran a four-mile race in Central Park to benefit the City Parks Foundation. What an adrenaline rush! As I mentioned Friday, I am a total non-runner so four miles was a huge accomplishment for me. It was such a gorgeous route through the Park — up the East side, beginning at 72nd Street, and down the West side. Even better, after all the rain Saturday night, the sun came out to shine just in time for the 8 a.m. race. Thanks so much to Shalah and Christian for meeting me at the finish line (and for the pretty flowers!). Despite my nerves, the whole experience turned out to be a lot of fun!

The weekend is here!

Happy weekend my dear readers! What do you have planned? I'm pretty excited for a couple of days off. That said, this Sunday I'm running my first ever race in Central Park! It's only four miles, but for a non-runner like me, this is a big personal test. Any words of inspiration? Please send them my way! As you kick off the weekend, enjoy a few happy posts from around the web:

A peek inside Alexis Bittar's home (and a latex moon!).

For Beginners only.

Always remember to think pink.

The sweetest book!

Everything's better with polka dots.

Fly from San Francisco to Paris, in just two minutes.

Bathing beauties. 

Brain freeze.

A view from the balcony.

Wear color (and the pants!).

DIY polaroid magnets.

A trip to Pattaya? Yes please!

Boys, bring back the bow tie.

Vive le stripes!

Take a cat nap. 

(Photo of Dustin Hoffman and Anne Byrne with their daughter via Everyday I Show)

Running shoes

Since my new personal goal is to get my run on, I have been looking for a stylish pair of shoes to help support my efforts (and feet!). How cute are the shoes above? Designed by Asics, they are meant for the runner, and are quite fashionable too. I love the hot pink and turquoise color choices. What do you think — would you wear these shoes?

Dance Party

The training floor at CLAY.

As far as fitness goes, it's always much easier when you're doing something you love. That's why the Cardio Dance class at CLAY in Union Square is the perfect way to mix up your weekly routine. The one-hour class is a work-out, but perfecting your dance moves after doing 30 minutes of in-class cardio to the beat is the best antidote to a long day at the office. Dancing isn't your thing? Maybe try TRED, a treadmill interval training class that puts spinning to shame. Or Abs Blast, described on the Website as an "intense and direct hit to the abdominal region." Whatever your pleasure (or weakness), CLAY's zen-like space has options for all.