Like many of my fellow runners, I am not at all a gym person and I don’t think I ever will be, but I’d heard enough people rave about Barry’s Bootcamp that I had to give it a go when a Gilt deal came up. Check out my recap below!
Location/atmosphere: Barry’s is located in the financial district near Downtown Crossing–easily accessible from the red or green lines. The locker rooms and foyer are spacious and well-appointed. The room itself seems like it would feel cramped (they have half the class start out on the floor and the other half on the treadmills, and then swap) but it actually works out really well.
The basics: Barry’s is an hour-long class that’s 50% treadmill work and 50% floor/weights/core. You swap back and forth every 10 minutes, and there’s loud, fun music playing throughout. Different days of the week have different focuses–core, arms, shoulders, etc. You can check out more here, just don’t be intimidated by the super jacked people in the video/on the website! The classes are very mixed and not intimidating.
The workout: Each class has the same basic structure, but both the floor and treadmill pieces are different each time. This helps keep things interesting but easy to follow. The classes truly do fly by, and you’ll get a decent sweat on each time. I am terrible about weights/upper body work and love how much these classes force me to do more of it. And of course, the hills and speedwork are awesome!
The takeaway: Barry’s is a great workout and I like that it’s pushing me to do the speedwork and upper body work I so desperately need. There are a few major downsides for me, beyond the insane pricing–they aren’t particularly interested in checking on injuries, there is minimal focus on proper form, and the corework just didn’t jive with me–I felt it more in my hip flexors than my core and I wasn’t super sore the next day. I really enjoy these classes and would go back if they have another sale/Gilt City offer, but I’m not sure it’s worth it for me for the $20+ per class.
Have you tried Barry’s Bootcamp? Any advice on other classes I should check out?
I definitely am making my way out of a little bit of a post-marathon running slump. The post-race blues are definitely a real deal thing! I think the darker/cooler weather conditions have really just been killing my inclination to get out there–so I’m strategically planning out my next few months of running and racing to get back on my game, and maybe to even start thinking about another fall marathon next year…
In the meantime, my biggest goal for the past few weeks has been to rediscover running just for the sake of running. I’ve made a conscious decision to run naked. And no, this doesn’t mean running without clothes! Come on you guys, Boston is chilly! It means trying to run without tracking technology–no GPS watches or tracking apps allowed. I’m even trying not to pre-plan my routes, which is totally out of my comfort zone. I have to say, it has been really nice just to go with the flow without worrying about splits, fueling, or pacing strategies.
That’s Megan in the middle. Hi Megan!
So, what’s next? A while back I signed up for my first Ragnar race with some of my friends and colleagues. While the race isn’t until May, I know the winter months can fly by. I’m guessing some of the longer legs are going to fall to me, so I want to be prepared to anchor my fantastic team! Also big ups to my girl Megan who is running the Boston Marathon and captaining our team–get it, girl 🙂
Since May is still a little far in the future, my pal Maura and I signed up for the Hyannis Half Marathon in late February (apparently running on the Cape is my new thing??) We actually were going to run this race as a marathon relay last year but it got snowed out, so fingers crossed for a slightly less crazy winter this year. Looking good so far, and I’m definitely looking forward to some longer days and less running in the dark. Can’t complain too much, though–on Saturday I went out for my first “long run” since the marathon and I saw some splits with 7’s in the front of them… who knew?? Does anyone else find they’re much speedier when they aren’t running are often, or is it just me?
Happy trails, happy belated Chanukah, and merry merry Xmas!
Alright y’all–it’s time for some Thursday thoughts (linking up with Running with Spoons). Almost everyone I’ve talked to about the marathon has asked me the same question: would I do it again? I’ve flip-flopped a little bit on my answer, but now that it’s a big fat YES. Sure, the training schedule was tough, the last 5-ish miles of the race were pretty painful, and my right knee is still recovering.
I’m smiling because I’m running downhill!
But I have a couple of things to prove to myself and I really loved the whole training process (and of course, the endorphin high!) And because I’m super goal-oriented–I want that sub 4:00 marathon. After running by far my fastest half (1:46) during training, I know I can do it. So here’s my after-action review and what I will do differently for my next marathon.
More hills and speed: I was pretty laser-focused during this training cycle on counting miles–it was all about checking the box and getting in the specified mileage each day/week. I purposely chose a training plan that was mileage-based (this one, if you’re curious) and didn’t spell out when run hills or do speedwork… and then I ran a really hilly (or bridge-y) race. I did run my fair share of Newton hills during training but I wasn’t strategic about it, and I felt the effects of that during the race. Also, I just didn’t do speedwork. If I felt good on a shorter run I would push my pace, but I didn’t do intervals or sprints on the reg. Adding both intentional hill training and speedwork would definitely get me to the next level.
More strength training and core work: I think strength training is every runner’s secret weapon–and because of that, I did yoga at least once a week during training. The problem is that you never know what you’re gonna get in a yoga class, and it may not end up being what your body needs. Next time, I would love to have an at-home runner-focused strength circuit to commit to doing multiple times a week.
A personal training plan: Dovetailing off of the two points above, next time I’d hope to sit down (maybe even with a running coach) and make a plan that meets my particular needs and goals. I don’t think training is one size fits all, and a tailored plan would help me reach my goals and still stick to the things I know work for my body (lots of yoga, no more than 4-5 runs a week, during the week mileage that adds up to at least my total long-run mileage).
Post-marathon face
Not running a big city race: The NYC marathon was an incredible bucket list race, but traveling to a big city added a huge amount of time and expense. Next time I’d hope to try for a smaller, less logistically complicated race–I’ve heard across the board that small local races are the perfect places to PR. I guess that’s why so many people (like my speedy big bro) choose to BQ at teeny tiny races like the Sugarloaf marathon!
Not running for charity: I really loved running for the Celiac Disease Foundation (and thank you all SO much for your support) but fundraising on top of running is a huge added stressor–and this is coming from a professional fundraiser! I think next time around I’d like to focus more on running and less on money.
Boston Fit Post-Race Party!
The one thing I would definitely, 100% for sure do again? Train with a group! Having the built-in accountability and camaraderie of training with a group was absolutely essential. I’d recommend a group like Boston Fit to any first-time marathoner. I especially liked the flexibility of the program–it really worked for any fall marathon. Plus these peeps–what a rockin’ crew!
Fall marathon training season is officially over–and all of a sudden, my built-in workout plan is no more. While I’m still running, some niggling knee pain and a colder/darker season have made this a great time to revisit my favorite yoga spots (love to Coolidge Corner Yoga and Yogaworks Back Bay!) The void left in my fitness life also gave me with a hankering to try new things, so today I’m going to recap the aerial yoga class I took at Om Factory Yoga in New York City.
I’ve been wanting to give aerial yoga a shot for years–I LOVE anything that involves heights and getting off the ground (flying trapeze, anyone?) and I was bummed when South Boston Yoga stopped offering classes. So I scooted off during a family trip to NYC for Thanksgiving to take a beginner’s class at the Om Factory Flight School.
Location/atmosphere: Obviously this studio isn’t in Boston, but for anyone who lives in/spends time in NYC they’re located right outside of Union Square. The studio has big fabric loops rigged from the ceiling, and can accommodate about 15-20 students. The silks/hammocks (which you can see hanging out in the photo below) are adjusted for each individual student.
The basics: Aerial yoga is probably less traditional yoga than acrobatics type work, but it’s a fun fusion and the silk loops provide a really neat way to “float” your body weight up off the floor. Classes involve a ton of movement and playing around–sense of humor 100% required!
The workout: The class started with some standard breathing/stretching and then proceeded into a series of guided moves using the silks. The instructor was very specific and demoed all of the moves, which made it easy to follow along. We did corework, backbends, and upper body work using the silks to support our seats, backs, arms, and legs. I absolutely loved using the silks to invert and backbend–taking your feet off the ground makes it super easy to use gravity and get really deeply into the poses. There is an incredible amount you can do with silks, and for an inversion junkie/heights lover like me it was a total blast. If you were one of those kids who always wanted to get the swings to go up and over the top of the swingset, this class is for you!
The takeaway: I had a fantastic time and loved getting to play around and take some photos after class. While my arms were pretty sore the next day, this wasn’t the most intense workout (thank goodness, because I had just finished an 8 mile loop around Central Park). It was a super fun challenge, though, and well worth it if you’re ever in the ‘hood. Boston studios, get on it–I’d love to try again!!
Stay tuned for more upcoming recaps of my fitness adventures–up next, I try my first bootcamp class.
Confession time: I have a little bit of a yoga addiction. Lots of people ask me how I have the… shall we say, resources… to practice so much yoga. If you pay full price for a la carte for yoga classes around Boston, they’ll run you around $15-$20 a class. Not cheap. So with further ado, here are my money-saving tips for you frugal yogis.
1.Keep an eye out for deals: Yes, I hate a clogged inbox as much as anyone else, but it’s worth it to sign up for email newsletters and watch for online deals. Groupon and Gilt City are the best sites for yoga in my experience, but Livingsocial features some good local deals as well. Some studios also offer promotions via their own mailing lists and social media channels, so sign up for e-newsletters and be sure to “like” your favorites on Facebook.
2.Keep track of your deals: Yoga deals tend to have short expiration periods, and it’s easy to let them expire without using all of the classes. I have a very low-tech system for keeping track of my deals–I keep a post-it on my desk at work and cross off classes when I use them. I also use google calendar alerts for expiration reminders. Find a system that works for you and use it. You want to be sure you’re getting your money’s worth!
3.Read the fine print: Yoga studios mainly use online coupons to entice people to try and hopefully fall in love with their classes. For this reason, some studios only offer their deals to brand new students (aka if you’ve been there before, no dice). I happen to think this is a terrible practice–where’s the consumer loyalty in that?? Super big ups to Back Bay Yoga for offering ALL of their fabulous deals to ALL yogis–like this one! $35 for 5 classes, which you have until December to use. Talk about making me a happy repeat customer. Be sure to double check whether you are eligible for deals before you purchase.
4.New student deals: Most studios offer fantastic deals for first-time students, usually along the lines of $30 for your first 30 days unlimited. This is a wonderful way to give lots of different teachers a try without feeling cheated if you take a class you don’t like.
Eyes on the prize!
5.Try a new studio: Hit up some of the more affordable studios in the city, like Sweat and Soul Yoga (all classes are $10 cash) and Karma Revolution (pay by donation).
6.Use your discounts: If you’re a student, lots of studios have significantly discounted student rates. More to come on this when I start grad school in the fall!
All in all, on average I probably pay around $7 a class–and sometimes even less. Much more reasonable, if I do say so myself. What are your tips to save dough on yoga in Boston?
Greetings from the couch, where I’m resting up from my sixth half marathon. I ran the Runner’s World Heartbreak Hill Half this morning–congrats to any other runners for completing a tough and sweaty race!
Running is a funny thing. Most (all?) runners have a love/hate relationship with the sport–myself very much included. I forced my way through plenty of treadmill slogs in college with the vague goal of “getting in shape” and hated every second of it. Something flipped for me a few years ago, though, and I actually started enjoying running. The fresh air and sunshine, the endorphin high, the increased endurance and overall fitness–I was hooked. Pretty soon, I had a couple of short races under my belt and I was ready to take the plunge and sign up for my first half marathon.
My first Boston Athletic Association half marathon–still smiling at mile 7!
For all you running newbies (and veterans), here is my very unscientific list top six list of things that might happen to you while you’re training for your first half.
1. Spit, sweat, and snot: Let’s get the gross stuff out of the way right at the beginning. Running is a gnarly sport. Moving your body pretty quickly, especially in the extreme heat and cold, will lead to spitting, sweating, and nose blowing galore. Just be prepared for this and make sure you look behind you before you hawk a loogie. Welcome to the glamorous world of running!
2. Second (and last, I promise) gross one: chafing, blisters, and missing toenails. This stuff just happens when you engage in repetitive, pounding motion for a couple of hours at a stretch. The bright side here is that once you get the right gear and especially the right sneakers, you’ll be able to mostly avoid these problems. Be sure to buy your sneakers at least a half a size larger than you normally would to avoid ugly black and blue toenails and even uglier toes sans toenails. Also, invest in proper running clothing (no cotton) and bodyglide.
3. Money, honey: Running is awesome because it’s free, right? Strap on your sneaks and hit the open road! Or… not. Start factoring in race registration fees, running shoes, insoles, techwick shirts/shorts, high viz/awesome neon layers, compression gear, fancy bras (well-endowed ladies, you feel me), foam rollers, fuel belts, GPS watches, running apps, etc. and you’re going to be out a pretty penny. Keep an eye out for an upcoming post on my must-have gear for new runners!
4. Unflattering photos: Heads up–there are generally several photographers stationed along racecourses who will be snapping pictures of you as you run. If you happen to get a flattering photo like this guy, it’s an awesome souvenir. But most of these photos are horribly unflattering and may make you look like you are about to pass out on the pavement even though you were actually feeling awesome. My advice is to be prepared! Keep an eye out for photographers, and when you see them, stand up straight, smile (if you can), and even flash em a quick thumbs up or fist pump.
Left side: typical race photo. Right side: lookin’ like a runner!
5. Eating all of the things: Running is serious business cardio, and with cardio comes a monster appetite. I’m pretty much always hungry all of the time anyway, but even more so when I’m training for a half. Keep this in mind and plan accordingly. I tend to get ravenous about 45 minutes after I finish a run, so I have a meal ready to roll by then. Also, I won’t eat less than an hour before I run (cramps are the pits) but if you can, try to eat something with carbs and protein (like toast and peanut butter) at least an hour before a long run to fuel up. Click here for much more in-depth advice from the pros.
Gluten free post-race crepe at Paris Creperie in Brookline
6. You’re going to want to do it again: My biggest and most important tip is this–you might actually learn to love running. It’s possible you’ll want to keep on doing it, and maybe even doing more of it. You may find that running clears your mind and makes you feel powerful and strong and free. You might lose a few pounds and gain a few friends. You might be counting down the days until your next race 🙂
All smiles at the Disney Princess Half Marathon
I want to hear from you: do you have a love/hate relationship with running? What surprised you most when you first started running? Any other tips for first time half marathoners?
Shorter and Faster 
