Classes and lessons

Took the Core Training class again today at the Y. Used a 2lb medicine ball for workouts this time. Felt strong for the most part, though some of the exercises are still too hard to sustain full value. Afterward, I went over to the weight room and did my set for the day. By the end of the workout I felt tired. Showered, changed into other running clothes and went to the Multisport World Expo.

The expo was good. I always feel so awkward wandering around in those places. Whenever I walk up to a booth I feel like an impostor... I know they want to talk to me (theoretically, that's why they're there) but I still feel embarrassed and out of place. And I feel like I'm snooping somehow. And I feel guilty for the free stuff. It's weird.

But I went anyway. And tried to talk to people and ask questions and get information. Ended up buying some compression socks (at the professional advice of several people, not just those at the expo) and a great running jacket. Struck up a conversation with the Nation's Triathlon guy; commiserated about the rain last year. Talked to the segplan people; interesting tests for body composition and maximizing training quality. Found out about open water swims in the city. Hoping to be able to jump in for the Brooklyn Bridge swim. Got a swag bag. Some free swim stuff, free Gu and whatnot. The seminars were great, really informative. I liked that there were so many people watching. It's good to have a good crowd.

Anyway, I left earlier than I would have liked, but I was having some negative issues and needed to extricate myself from the situation. Was angry. Decided to take my heat and go to the park. I was so upset that I left without my phone, which means no data for the run. I ran strides though, for about a half hour. The CNN clock was very helpful on the lower loop. I ran at a reasonable pace for about two feet and then I just took off. Figure I sprinted for 30-90 seconds each time, though during recovery I counted. Thirty seconds. With the pace I was running, I tried to keep my recovery pace as a "jog" instead of walk, but I had to walk twice toward the end. Did about 12 sets of strides and then cooled down for a few minutes while I looked for the clock again. All told, the run was probably 32-34 minutes.

I can't say it was the best way to go out for a run, but doing the run was better than the alternative. I was really feeling crappy. Called E when I got back home and we had brunch and shopped our way down Broadway for a few hours. Helpful distraction.