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Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Shifting Focus

So this blog was originally created to track my resolution goal and to talk about what it is like to train for the NYC marathon. 

I reached my resolution miles and I did talk about training for the NYC marathon and trained!  So, done and done (even though race never happened). 

Since the storm, I have pretty much stopped working out, gone to Ireland, had four Thanksgivings.  Needless to say my body is, um, wider ha!  I gained 9lbs since all of this and lost two so far this week, so net about 7lbs up.  Seven pounds isn't much, but I feel more tired and I wasn't at a great weight before I gained.  Yes I was running like a mad woman, but I was still overweight.

So, this blog/diary will shift focuses to me trying to lose the pounds, a new resolution and training for the 2013 NYC Marathon!

Right now I'm going to focus on losing major poundage.  I am heavy, way too heavy!  I am weighing in with one of my besties every Monday so I will put it out there for all of you as well.  It's about accountability right, right?  So below are my stats as of this Monday, I know I lost two already, but I won't make it official until Monday, weekends are usually horrible for me!

As of 11.26.2012

Current Weight  179
Goal Weight      150

I will add loss/gains starting Monday.

Now, lets talk exercise.  I want to join a gym or kickboxing but I am hesitant because of $$$.  I'm saving for a wedding and I know that starting March I'll start running again, so I'm not sure if I want to spend the loot for a couple of months.  I talked to B and we discussed doing something together, but I doubt I can count on him for exercise.  I love my fiancee, but he gets into exercise then gets out just as fast.  I can't think of doing something together, because then I will shift my mind that we HAVE to do it together and then give myself an excuse not to go when he decides he doesn't want to go.  I can get him to walk though.  Walk and talk.  So for now, until I figure out another plan, my exercise will be walking at night, lifting at home and doing yoga booty dvds :)


Thursday, November 15, 2012

What goes down, must go up?

Alright, I had a very bad week, maybe two but hey it could have been worse.  That is what I told myself all that week.  It could have been worse, I am lucky, all that jazz and you know what, it worked.

Wether we are happy or not life goes on, and go on it did!  The week of Sandy was a toughie.  B left for Hong Kong that Saturday.  He had a week of training for his new job and wouldn't be back until the following weekend.  He did set me up with batteries, candles, water and all the essentials to survive a hurricane :)  That same day he left I went wedding dress shopping and got one!  It is amazing and I can't wait to show the world...in August! 

The hurricane was supposed to hit on Monday.  Even though our apartment was fully stocked I didn't want to be alone.  All of the media was making me scared, so Clyde and I packed up and went to my best friend’s apartment in Hoboken to ride out the storm.  When hurricane Irene hit the power went out for about 8 hours and there was flooding.  There was a lot of flooding, but it receded in about a day.  This was not the case for Sandy.
 It was about 8pm on Monday night when my friends power went out.  In about 10 minutes the street flooded from a puddle to a river.  We woke up the next morning to water levels about waist high.  Here are some pictures from the morning after the hurricane hit (Tuesday am).


These where from my friends balcony and as you can see we were trapped.  That was escaping Sandy easy believe me.  All of the basement and most first floor apartments where ruined.  You can't tell by the pictures but there is gasoline and debris mixed in with the water.  My dog was freaking out!  He would not go to the bathroom the poor thing even though I tried to encourage him.  I felt horrible and he wouldn't stop crying.  I wasn't sure what to do, so ladies and gentlemen, Clyde and I swam for my home.  At least at our home I know he would be able to go on our deck.  I know now I shouldn't have left and gone to stay with my friends, but hindsight is 20/20 and I thought the water would subside. 

I put Clyde in a harness leash and we headed out.  It is a short three blocks normally but it was so gross and scary.  Once we got to my complex I ran upstairs and put both of us in the shower.  We got one last shower with the hot water that was still in our pipes and that was it for a couple days.  I was able to get him to go to the bathroom in a small area that did not flood that bad in our elevated courtyard.  Then the blackout lifestyle began.  First the lights/power went out on Monday night, when still at my friends, then your internet connection, then your phone powers.  It was weird and scary.  I was sure to be in my apartment with the doors locked before dark and read mostly.  It was just me and Clyde at that point and we were in a surreal routine.  By Thursday the water subsided enough that when I was walking the dog I saw a bus running on the main strip.  There still was no power but I ran Clyde home and made it into NYC.  Slightly smelly I got to my office and was able to charge up and contact my family and B. 

Friday early am my girlfriend got power! Finally a place to shower!  I ran over there and showered up and went into NYC again.  The flooding was completely gone, however the rubble began piling up.  It was a sad picture.  Items that you can tell are so personal where put onto the sidewalks, the town was covered with trash and we still didn't have power, only one small grid (my friends thank god) was going.  Clyde and I had romantic dinners together while reading ahahaha see below!

You could barely see Clyde next to our couch and brown blanket!

Friday night the Marathon was cancelled.  I had a breakdown.  I know that it was the right thing to do, but it was kind of the last thing I could handle.  I trained forever and pretty much started this blog for the NYC marathon, so there ya go.  However, since then I'm ok with it.  Hell, now I know I can run over 20miles!  I will use my guarantee next year and train harder!

Saturday B came home!  I never was happier!!!!  We still didn't have power, but everything was already better.  I had a friend to play cards with, I had someone to protect us!  I had someone to start the fire place ha!  He felt bad he missed the bulk of the destruction and I was alone so I got many gifts from Hong Kong :)  I am spoiled!  Check out the candy I got and that was the smallest present!

Sunday and Monday came and went and then it happened.  Tuesday night at 8pm we got power back!  It was a crazy week, but when I tell you we made out lucky I am not exaggerating.  You never can prepare for the heartache that mother nature can bring.  My home town is destroyed.  A lot has happened since that week and I will catch the blog up to it, but that is all I can reflect on today! 

I will tell you this though, I haven't been running ha!  I do plan on trying to get some mileage in this weekend, but not for any races, just because I miss it!

Monday, November 5, 2012

Marathon Cancelled

Well, the NYC Marathon was cancelled and living through the devastation and still living through it, I really truly understand that it had to be, but let me tell you I was heartbroken.  It took me one year to qualify, months to train, then my whole city gets completely flooded, my home town and parents town is completely wrecked, I am still freezing with no power and I had one thing that I worked so hard for that I could feel good about taken away.  Just like that.  Friday was a very bad day for me.

I tried to bounce back fast, I had to.  Life had to go on and there still was a lot of cleaning and preparing to do for Hoboken.  I have a quarter of a tank of gas but I definitely plan on making it down to help the shore that I love so dearly and spent so much time growing up in as soon as the gas crisis calms down a bit. 

I am supposed to go to Ireland on Wed to see my cousin get married.  We are getting a snow storm that day, so who knows if any flights will be going out. 

I am beaten down, sad for so many people and exhausted.  I know life goes on, but for a while I might be a down and out blogger!  Praying for a speedy recovery for Jersey.

Friday, November 2, 2012

Sandy

Oh Sandy!  How I despise you!!!

I was hit hard this week ya'll, but I'm still running the marathon and I will write up all about my incredibly crazy week tomorrow!

Hugs and Kisses, hope everyone is safe and sounds.  New Jersey got rocked and my city of Hoboken was not sparred!

Until tomorrow!

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Trucking along!



I have been busy, let me tell you!  Work has been crazy in a great way.  You know, the way you are constantly busy throughout the day and then you look the clock and it's 5:30pm, but do not have to stay too late to finish up?  Yeah, that way.  Also, I have been trying to semi cleanse my mind and keep focused.  Nine days left, NINE DAYS! 

This weekend, I ran 18, I was supposed to taper down a bit more than that but I wanted to push myself and I did and after a sleepless night none the less.  I felt ok, but no time left so can't focus on that.  Monday, jumped right back in ran a quick five and this am busted out a really great 6miler.  I felt it, the zone.  I missed it the last couple of weeks but I hit it again today.  I had a crappy first mile and half and thought it was going to be another stinker I have to "get through" then something happened.  I can't really explain it, but my breathe worked, my stride opened up, my legs felt strong.  I incorporated two big hills and finished fast.  This Saturday I'm going to do 10miles maybe 12.  Either way it's small potatoes.  Nine days and I will be running the NYC Marathon!  Holy crap!

Now that you know my running schedule let me share with you my crazy life schedule!  Saturday, run, wedding dress shopping (sooooo flipping excited), B leaves for Hong Kong.  Sunday, take C to Montclair hiking grounds, meet up with friends to watch Jets Game.  Monday quick three miler, work, avoid hurricane flood.  Tuesday, work.  Wednesday, quick three miler, work.  Thursday, walk, work, clean.  Friday, work, clean, clean, clean. Saturday, pick B up from airport go grocery shopping for Sunday party, clean more and sleep. Sunday RUN LIKE HELL, while my fam & friends gather at my apt for an awesome brunch that B is putting together.  Oh btw, we leave for Ireland  that Wednesday after the marathon!  Crazy balls right?  Even writing this is getting me excited and anxious.

There is more good news.  I got an iPhone yesterday.  Yes, I was the last person who had a flippish phone.  I will be taking way more pictures now and definitely throughout my marathon! 

I will check in tomorrow I know I have been avoiding you, don't worry I didn't quit!

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Defeated.

I feel it ya'll!  Complete defeat!  I let a switch in the routine ruin me again.  I skipped my long run this weekend.  Probably the most mentally important run for me and poof, this weekend came and went no run.  I hardly had anytime this weekend and when I did (which I carved out to run) running was the last thing I wanted to do.  I am not sure how to feel about this.  I beat myself up pretty hard Sunday night, then Monday morning came, the alarm went off and I went for a run.  A typical six miler with hills.  Regain focus maybe?  This weekend is clear as clear can be.  I know I have my Saturday free for me to wake up and do my long run.  I am supposed to taper down but I'm going to do my 22 miles this weekend and then taper down just one weekend prior.  I know this isn't ideal, but hell, it is what it is.  I'm exhausted, training is boring, work is so busy that the last thing I want to do is something physically challenging.  Although, after I do run in the am or whenever, I feel energized and ready to take on the world.  Why does your mind F with you so much.  When you break a routine for just a short period you forget how amazing you felt during.  I will never understand that. 

The good thing is that my routine was all messed up because I had to be at a 1st bday party for one of my bestie's son which was early and there was no way I could get a run in that morning.  The party was perfect.  It was at a farm and the weather was gorgeous.  I ate and ate and ate.  Really it was gross.  Not only did I not burn off the calories but I ate like I was going to run for four hours.  Nice!  I definitely am paying for that this week.  I gained 4lbs in two days!  4lbs!  I digress.  Her son is such a sweet boy, very observant.  He is a hard kid to make laugh, but he is a mellow little dude for the most part. Check out B with Chase.  Looks like a natural right? Right???



Tonight B and I are going to a sip and scan!  So excited!  This is where you go to a store (Macy's for us) and register as they pass out finger foods and champagne.  They make it a really fun experience and I can't wait.  They are even having a DJ ha!  Then tomorrow, up and Adam for an 8 mile run then a hike with B and C!  I took the day off, just to take it off and refocus!  We all need those folks!  Mental health, it's a thing!

I have some pictures that sum up my lazy weekend but this is my favorite.  Even Clyde was feeling lazy!  Here's to a good week!



Friday, October 12, 2012

Life in the fast lane

I have been busy, busy busy!

Work is crazy right now, kicking my ass in a good way.  I literally turn around and it's 5pm but I also am not there until 10pm doing stuff, just a nice busy blend.  So that is why I have not been blogging, so let's play some catch up!

Last Friday was a very laid back night, stayed in made pasta.  Saturday, woke up and killed 20 miles!  It was a nice slow sweet pace.  Felt great although when I took a shower it was so horrible! Chaf ya'll!  I use the new skin friction free stuff, but dang it just doesn't help after a certain time I guess.  After the run I ran to a store tried on one dress bought it and was ready for my engagement party!  What do you think????

Look at my cheesy grin....ps wine was a'flowin!

The party was so fun and everyone was so awesome.  It really is weird in a good way how amazing friends are for you during this time!   Here are some more shots!!!



That's me with my bridal party (minus one) Yes they are all gorgeous and skinny!  The one in all black is my sister!


B and his groomsmen (minus 2)! 


Even my gram and her bf made it out!  Such a great night!!!!!

After that night we needed to recover!  A day of football it was!  I was sore from running and huge heels all night so I just sat on the couch and vegged.

This week flew by. Tonight is another low key night for me!  Tomorrow a 1st bday and a special project, then Sunday my last long run!  Well super long run!  22miles!  Also, guess what?????  Ok I will tell you, I hit my resolution!  I ran over 365miles so far this year!  Wild, right? 

Friday, October 5, 2012

Back into the groove...

Running this week was great.  Got back into the swing of things and my legs felt good, my breathing was good.  I guess I didn't cause complete damage to my training by slacking off last week, the true test will be tomorrow.  This week did get hot though and humid.  I woke up yesterday and ran 7 miles.  It was still dark out when I started but it was hard to catch my breathe.  The water fountains do not turn on until 7am in Hoboken and I didn't bring my water belt so it was exhausting.  I was praying for rain.  I finished but I reprimanded myself for not bringing my water belt.  I can't do that to myself anymore.  Dehydration is a risk that I shouldn't take.  I did work in two large hills though and the only thing that was bothering me was lack of water.  B took a picture of me and Clyde on my way to work after the run.  Check out how foggy it is!  You can't even see NYC!!!!



Well I kept up with my runs this week and now I just have my long run tomorrow.  I'm pumped for it, ready for it (mentally).  Today is a super busy day at work so I will probably get home, lay out my clothes and then get right into bed.  I want to get an early start since the weather might be a little warm tomorrow so I'm going to get my arse up at 5am, take C for a walk then begin my run at 5:30.  Hopefully I will be finished by 9am.  I have the busiest day tomorrow! 

After my run my day is as follows:

Run 20miles
Shower
Blow dry hair (I know it should be a simple step but I have really long hair and it's boring)
Go look for/purchase a dress and maybe shoes
Come home take C for a decent walk
Freshen up and do my make up
Drive 45min to our engagement party
Party, Party, Party!
Sleep!!!!!

It is going to be such an awesome day but I am going to be TKO'd after the engagement party.  I really don't even know how I will be standing in potential heels at night....probably lots of alcohol will be assisting me with the pain!  Have an amazing weekend and focus on what is happening as it happens!  Don't sweat the small stuff!

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Blurry Weekend

My weekend went by in a haze that did not include a long run.  I really jumped off the cliff after Tuesday.  I will tell you how it all went down and how I feel today.

Friday, B got an offer letter!  Yay! He is 100% employed and the job is an amazing opportunity for him.  We both could not be happier with the outcome of our situation.  We are truly blessed.  That meant, we need to celebrate!  Off to Dino & Harry's, we celebrated with good friends of ours with wine, steak and laughs.  It was really nice.  I woke up with a tiny hangover.  I knew I had to be at my girlfriends for lunch around 12:30 and it was around 7:30am.  I could have gotten my long run in, but decided I would hydrate all day then feel better after lunch and get a run in.  Lunch was awesome, I got to catch up with her and saw her cutie pie baby boy. Around 4pm we were on our way home and my mind went into back out mode.  I decided then and there I was not running when I got home.  I also had plans to go out with my girlfriend that night, so I knew I was committing to not running all weekend.

I really can't tell you why I decided to pack it in for a weekend all I can tell you is I did.  I was getting my "time of the month" if that had anything to do with my crazy ass decisions, but it was me, falling off a cliff without a thought in the world.  Needless to say I woke up Sunday am a bit hungover again and slowly got into the day.  I went down the shore to visit my gram and mom and that was that.  The weekend was over, my runs where non existent.  There you have it, full disclosure.

The good news is that Sunday night I was ready to reset.  I ran Monday, 6 miles, felt great and back to basics.  I do not think one weekend of ditching out on my long run is going to have an awful effect on my overall training but I know it will have an effect.  Tonight, going to see Looper (free Optimum Tuesdays ya'll) and tomorrow waking up and doing 8miles happily.  I'm going to make a positive spin on my hiatus, I'm refreshed and ready to work!

Friday, September 28, 2012

Slacking

I have been slacking and I can't deny it.



I ran Tuesday, a measly 5 miles and that was it.  I just couldn't get motivated.  Can you believe it after rocking the 18miler I just went kaput?  It is shameful, but hell, it is a fact.  Tomorrow I'm going to run 20miles and I know I will pay for my lack of effort this week.  It is almost like the 18miler was the marathon and I just gave myself a "bye" week.  I missed 13 miles this week and that is no joke.  Even writing this is making me annoyed at myself.

Also, I have been eating bad, a direct correlation no doubt.  I think I know what it was.  Like I said in previous posts, B has been unemployed for about 2 1/2 months.  Well, he was going for a position that is amazing for him and there has been a lot of stress on the wait game.  I am proud to say that he got an offer this am and it is going to be amazing for us.  We are both very lucky that during this economic time we are getting by just fine.  I really do feel blessed, but all week we were up together talking and getting stress out.  All week!!! I didn't sleep that much, ate really bad and skipped runs.  It is crazy how a little curve ball in life can take such a monumental switch in your routine!

Monday, September 24, 2012

I ran the NYC 18 Mile Tune Up Race!

I did it! I ran the 18 Mile Tune Up race and I rocked it!  More on that in a bit...
Let’s start out with Friday!  I left work, did a quick 5 mile run.  It wasn’t the best, my legs where a little rickety from the 7 miles on Thursday but as I said before I fell into my stride around mile 2 and finished at a decent pace, including a round of hills.  As soon as I got home I hopped in the shower and by the time I was finished my sister was there to pick me up.  We headed uptown to pick up my other two besties and off to the caves for dinner!  We had wine, talked and talked and talked and then woops we missed the movie!  No biggie though, it was worth it to catch up and have such a great time with amazing people.  Here we are a bunch of chooches sitting in our cave.  Can you tell which one just came from a run and quick shower?  Ah, yes, I got dressed in a flash and didn’t do my hair or make up, at least we were all wearing our best smiles!!!!

Saturday morning started off with a long walk with B and good ole Clyde.  It was a gorgeous morning and we got an early start because, we just do now a days!  One of my besties Kristin spent the night at our place so when we got back from the walk some quality chill time was in order.  About one hour of TV and full on laziness.  Let me tell you, we know how to do lazy right!  I had to get my bib for the race the next morning so we took a “quick” trip into NYC to get the goods.  Going uptown, a breeze, coming back, a nightmare!  It took us about 20min to get there and over an hour to get back.  I get why they close the streets for pedestrians to chill, etc, I really enjoy it actually, but dang when you are driving in NYC, it is a traffic smorgasburg!  Once we got back into Hobo I said goodbye again to my girl K and headed down to see my dad and step mom for dinner.  It was really nice.  My dad is about 10 on the tense scale but he means well and he has a good heart, just full on set adult ADD for sure.  When our bellies where nice and full and the Yankee game was over, we headed home.  I went to bed around 9pm...on a  Sat night.  I am that lame!  Not even B made it up to bed that early! 
At the butt crack of dawn I took C for a walk and B and I headed into NYC.  Yes, I got up at 5:45 to walk the dog, but we didn’t actually make it into the car (B had to load up his bike) until 6:45.  Um, the race was at 7am!  I got to 102nd street at around 7:05 but my stomach was rumbling.  I noticed some people still waiting for the toilets, so I jumped on it.  I did the deed (so gross but such a necessary part of training) then sprinted to the start.  They were literally rolling up the mats when I crossed the start.  It was about 19 minutes past 7am.  Ok so I knew I started 19 minutes late.  
After about ½ a mile there is a climb immediately.  It’s a long one about ½ a mile and its tough.  I will say training on with some hills defiantly gave me an advantage.  I remember doing the ½ Marathon in April and the hills really gave me a hard time right from the get go.  This time, not as much.  The first climb I made sure to remember to sike myself up each loop.  I noticed each climb we took and remembered the mile marker.  The first loop was easy.  I hit my stride as I was climbing in mile one.  I felt great.  I was passing a ton of people toward the end of the loop (this is because I started like dead last so I was catching up to people who are naturally a slower pace).  The weather was perfection, chilly, shady with a slight breeze.  Everything was going great and I noticed I was shaving time each mile. 
The second loop started, the first mile I didn’t shave off any time but I knew with the climb if I don’t add any then I will keep up for a great 2nd loop.  Then something happened, I started shaving 20 seconds at a clip each mile marker.  It was amazing I don’t remember the last time I felt so great running.  I started wondering was it running in the sun, the heat, what was causing this run to feel so much better despite the much harder elevation?  After I thought about it for a mile, I decided who cares, just go with it.  I saw B on his bike around mile 12 and he was so cute!  Taking my picture and cheering me on.  I cannot tell you how amazing it felt to know that you weren’t alone, at least it did for me, I’m a sucker for cheerleaders!

The third loop began and I caught up a lot, there were loads of people everywhere.  It was actually annoying.  All I can say is I was on cruise control.  My legs where tired but not down and out, my head was in a euphoric zone, my breathe was steady and constant.  I started breaking down my mileage.  One more mile then I only have a 5k, etc.  Around mile 16 I was getting out of the zone.  My legs and breathe etc was all good, I was just getting super bored.  Like I couldn’t focus on anything except finishing and finish I did.  I shaved some more seconds off those last two miles!  As I turned the corner toward the finish line I saw B there with a big smile on his face.  I was so excited!  I did it!  I did it under 3 hours to boot!  I even thought I could have gone more.  My official time was 2hrs and 56min running at a 9:48 minute mile pace.  I needed this badly.  My mental state wasn’t optimistic to say the least and this gave me faith back into myself.  I can do this.  I know I can and I will prove it on November 4th!!!!  Below is a pic of me as I'm about to finish!


After the run, B and I cleaned up, chilled and watched football all day.  Redzone rules and I recommend it to football fans.  Today I am going to go home and do a massive stretch session, some arm weights and crunches.  Then back to the running grind!  I did switch my days now.  All of my runs will evolve around a Sunday long run day, since the actual race is on a Sunday and this past week has been.

Friday, September 21, 2012

Training is moving along.  Another seven miles where run last night.  First two felt a little achy.  It is weird how I can run so much but I do not get into a nice easy stride until a mile or two in, no matter what.  I came home to curry chicken kabobs and homemade pumpkin donuts for dinner.  I ate about 1/2 a donut overall and that was hard.  They were amazing and calling my name.  We have a bunch left over so I'll take some pictures of B's work when I get home.  The kebabs where awesome!  I made some quick brown rice with curry powder and salt dissolved in the water before I put the rice in.  Perfection!  I took them for lunch today.  This is a picture of my leftovers reheated and waiting for me to eat!

Did you notice how amazing the setting is?  I ate my lunch in Central Park this afternoon. It was so beautiful out and I read.  So calming.  I literally get to checkout for an hour enjoy the weather and chill.  Only thing missing is a nice glass of wine!  I am reading the book Gone Girl, I pretty much have not put it down.  I definitely recommend it.  Check out my awesome kindle cover, jealous???

Tonight is a very special night.  I am going out with three of my best friends for a night out (one is my sister bonus!).  We grew up together.  Literally I knew them longer than I can remember.  One is my sisters age, one is  year younger than me and one is my sister.  I do not know too many people who have had friends that long and are still so close.  Tonight we are heading to an awesome cafe, I think I blogged about it before maybe, but it is made of caves, you sit in a cave ha and then going to see “The House on the Left”!  Spooky ya’ll!  First though I will be getting in a quick five miler, ah yes, always my life revolves around running...A.L.W.A.Y

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Put down the chips

Last night was a doozy as far as food. 

Let me set a little stage for you.  My fiancee has been unemployed for a couple of weeks.  Trust me, we are thrilled about it, well not the unemployment part in general but the change of pace, he was working himself into an early grave.  Any who, he started baking and cooking with his available time and let me tell you, he is an amazing cook.   Amazing!  I have come home to ribs falling off the bone, a swiss chard casserole (who knew you could even do that), blueberry cobbler, homemade donuts, amazing cornbread, the list can go on and on.  Needless to say that if I wasn't running like a mad woman I would probably be 500lbs! 

Well, last night we had left over chili (that I made) and he whipped up some cornbread.  His cornbread is insane, moist, perfectly airy and so tasty.  It is really hard to have one big piece.  Well I kind of zoned out, I think my stomach is getting used to eating so much amazing food that the left over chili and only one fresh baked good didn't do it enough for me.  WTF!  I mean I had a bowl of turkey chili over brown rice and cornbread.  I was full.  I definitely was full.  What did I do?  I went for those freaking chips!  Dude, Lays Honey BBQ chips are the most amazing flavored chips ever created.


I just did you a disservice if you never had them and are intrigued to get them now.  I actually do not like having them in the house because I am that weak to them.  So there I was, full and eating these freakin chips.  Brendan took all of his strength (I am dead serious on this one because I have physically hurt him before when he tried to put an end to my eating) and mustered up a "honey, I think you will be disappointed in yourself if you continue to eat the chips".  Aahahahha.  I mean he was completely right, I really was already disappointed with myself for going for them after being completely full (ps I had popcorn too), but it made me laugh because I knew he was afraid of my reaction.  I think to his surprise, I said you are right and gave him the chips to put back, because I wasn't that strong to put them back myself (or I was just totally lazy, either way).  There you have, crisis semi averted. I weighed myself today.  From last Wed no gain, no lose either.  Until I learn to walk away from the flipping food when I'm full I am pretty much going to continue this crap.  Well, here goes another week of trying...

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Weekend Recap and a rainy run

This weekend was everything I imagined it was going to be minus taking bunch of pictures!  Man I am so bad with pictures!  My girlfriend did take a lot of photos of our apple picking but I haven't gotten them yet.  Booo!

Saturday the alarm went off at 5am and I went right back to bed ha!  Now that it is getting cooler I thought I would just let it ride weather wise.  At 6am the alarm went off again and I got up this time!  Took C for a small walk (20min) then put my belt on and off I went.  It was long as hell!  I ran from the very beginning of Hoboken to Trader Joe's in Edgewater.  If anyone reads this that lives nearby they will know how flipping far it is...when you drive!  The weather stayed nice, the run was actually so beautiful.  I am only on a main road without any views for about a mile or two cumulatively.  Not too shabby.  The rest is on the beautiful waterfront paths.  I felt OK but this is the first run that towards the end I started feeling leg pangs.  My ankle was sore, my knees were achy.  Around mile 17 I got inside my head and started getting worked up thinking about having to do another 8miles after finishing 18.  Well, thankfully that is for another day and right now I'm focusing on one run at a time!  Overall my pains where ok after a couple of hours and my soreness was minimum after the first day.

I showered, chilled for a bit then we were off apple picking.  We got a ton of nice apples but I think we were between seasons because there were loads of trees sectioned off as "not ripe yet" and the trees that were ok were pretty skimpy.  You had to really look.  They also had pick your own cherry tomatoes.  Holy mother of god these tomatoes were so yummy and so cheap!  I literally was picking, wiping on my shirt and popping them in my mouth!  To die for.  It was really nice trip but my legs where exhausted and I ready for bed.

Saturday night B and I went to check out the BBQ festival in Jersey City, we got there around 6pm (they close at 8pm) and pretty much everything was out.  What are ya going to do.  Instead we headed over to the Taquaria in JC and chowed down on some authentic Mexican.  This place is killer and super affordable.  I definitely recommend trying it.  Afterward, we got some ice cream and headed home.  I fell asleep around 8:30pm.  Insanely lame but necessary.  I was so dead tired I slept through the fire alarm that went off in the middle of the night.  Yeah, I was that tired!

Sunday was another fun day.  B and I took Clyde on a massive walk around Hoboken, my legs where nice and rested and feeling great so it was a beautiful walk and Clyde was pooped after it.  We made Chili, cornbread and apple crisp with the apples we picked and had some friends over to watch football.  The day was so fun, except for the minor fact that the Jets stunk it up, I did booze it up and that probably didn't help my weight loss cause but hey what are you going to do.  We did have a furry visitor for a couple of hours though.  This pup and Clyde are old time buddies!  Look how little he is (sorry for blurry)!



Monday came and went.  I didn't run, I didn't really do much but work.



This a.m. I was up at 6:10am and hit the pavement.  Five miles in the ran looks like above photo.  What cotton definitely was not my best choice!  Oh well.  I am going to do my weekly mileage on different days this week because I signed up for the 18miler tune up race in NYC and it is on a Sunday.  I know I did 18miles last week, but this is a whole other ball game.  Running Central Park 3 times should be considered torture.  The hills make me cringe.  I did a 1/2 Marathon which was two loops around and I hated it so I am sure I will despise doing it 3 times around.  Even though I will curse each hill, I know that this tune up is essential for training.  If I can do 18 hilly miles I think I will be able to push myself through the 26.  That is a big IF huh?

Friday, September 14, 2012

Just not feelin it

I didn't run last night.  It was a measly 4 miles, but I couldn't do it.  It wasn't the weather, or any soreness, just some good old fashion laziness.  Instead, I put on my comfy clothes and did some arm lifts with my 5 pound weights, some crunches and stretching.  I will say the stretching felt great. 

Food wise was ok.  I had an english muffin with reduced fat natural peanut butter for breakfast, a low cal salad for lunch (I get it chop't and opt out for dressing since it gets all juicy from chopping), sorbet for snack, black bean veggie burger, baked sweet potato fries & some salad for dinner.  After dinner, well I had a bag of light popcorn and some fruit snacks.  I was super full but continued to eat.  I am thinking that because there was no run and I did it purposely, I mentally wanted to go nuts on eating.  I can't say 100%, but I am thinking that was what happened.

Well tonight I am making fresh pesto sauce with our own home grown basil!  So excited!  I'm going to have it over whole wheat pasta with some chopped cherry tomatoes.  Tomorrow is my long run.  I will be up at the nice and early time of 5am again.  It is supposed to be cool, so I'm hoping for a nice easy run.  Apple picking with good friends and then a BBQ festival in JC is to follow!  All booze free and will be doing a ton of activity.  I am really hoping to get to the 160s by next Wed.  That would be amazing!  I have a great Sunday planned too!  Going to take Clyde to an awesome easy hiking area in Montclair, NJ where they let the dogs hike off leash.  It is definitely his favorite thing to do, then going home for some football.  GO JETS!!!  I'm making Turkey Chili with some fix'ns I got when I had a layover in Phoenix.  I plan to take many photos this weekend.  I definitely need to up my photo blogging :)

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Closer to goal

I ran 7miles this am.  It felt really great, weather was great, etc.  My feet look like a Hobbit's who just had the journey of his, but hey, I can always get a pedi on Nov. 5th.

I weighed in today on Roni's.  I am not at the loss that I was so excited about last weekend, but I am at a loss.  I am down 1.5lbs but not in the 160s just yet.  Hopefully this weekend I won't binge on greasy foods and booze after my long runs.  I mean who does that?  Argh!!!  I'm close though, real close I tell you!

Nothing else to report, except I heard a coworker fart yesterday!  Awesome!  Farts are still funny at 30 people!

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

What a little Fall can do for you!


It's here, it's here!!!!  Last night's run was definitly needed!  I was supposed to do 5miles, but felt so flipping great I did 6.3 and killed it. I added a bridge onto my run along with my usual hill course.  This run bumped me back into feeling I can run the marathon.  Hopefully the cooler weather is here to stay!

I got my time, bib number etc today this a.m.  It is all so very official!  I am bib number 55167 and my start time is 10:55am!  I estimated that I would run the marathon in 4hrs and 30min so I am assuming that is what everyone starting at that time will pace themselves at.  It is super late though.  I mean think about it, I will be running at pretty much the hottest times of the day.  Dang it!  It best be chilly!  I am super excited though.  After last night and seeing all the updated info on the ING Marathon profile page, I am feeling all sorts of nervous energy!

Last but not least, I cannot blog today without touching on the fact that it is 9/11.  I know exactly what I was doing that day.  I was in college at Montclair State University.  My friends and I could see the fire from a hill at our college.  We sat together in our dorms and watched the towers fall.  No one said a word.  It was surreal.  Something that was part of the NYC skyline we saw everyday was gone.  Thousands lost their lives.  Everyone knew someone who lost someone.  Being from New Jersey and living in a heavy NYC commuter area the days that followed where surreal.  It was like everyone was drifting.  I volunteered to be part of an effort to cook for individuals volunteering at Ground Zero.  I worked for Outback Steakhouse and they contributed food and we volunteered our time to cook for them.  I went with a college friend of mine and we worked over night near Ground Zero.  If you have ever been to NYC, you can see that the Financial District is busy, always busy.  On these nights, we were driven in by policemen and the town was shut down.  There was our tents where we cooked and then there was people working at Ground Zero.  There is nothing that can describe the overwhelming feelings you have.  You are sad for America's loss, you are angry that individuals could do this, you are proud that so many people rise up to help when needed.  I will never forget that day 11 years ago. 

Monday, September 10, 2012

Gross Training Issues

I did my 17miles.  Got up at 5am on Saturday to beat the heat, but it didn't work, it was quite humid at 5:30am when I actually started running.  Today feels like Fall so I'm going to be hopeful that the bad heat is over.  I ran it in 3 hours and one minute.  Running at that pace will not get me to a finish of 4 1/2 hours, but hell at this point I don't really care, as long as I finish and run it all.  I do think I will run faster game day, one because it should be cooler and two because I am hopeful that I will not have to go to the bathroom as much. 

This post is going to focus on the nitty griddy of nasty training problems.

I had to stop three times this run to go to the bathroom.  *****This is gross***** I am not talking about drinking too much water and heading to the restroom, I am talking about knowing exactly where the accessible bathrooms are on my runs because I get horrible urges of diarrhea.  I did read about this and I know it is common, but I think this week was just horrible.  I read a little more this weekend and I think I did this to myself a bit.  One, I ate a black bean veggie burger and other high fiber items two nights in a row the nights before, two, I wear my water belt really tight against my stomach to avoid chaffing but I think it causes pressure on my tummy, and three, it was really hot and I think my body was just over worked to the point of losing control.  I will be awake at 4:30am on D-day and will probably not start running until 9:30am, so I am thinking the anxiety and nerves will make me flush out whatever I have in my system.  Also, since there will be available water/Gatorade throughout the course I am not going to wear my belt, so there will be no added pressure to my tummy.  Hopefully this works because honestly stopping is adding major time to my run also it disturbs my flow.

The second gross injury I have gotten is losing toenails!  WTF!!!!  I bought shoes a 1/2 size bigger than my normal size as you are supposed to do, but I guess one of my toes are still rubbing against the top of the sneaker.  It is the same toe on each of my feet and they aren't off yet, but I feel them coming off, loose, etc.  I have to run tonight and I wouldn't be surprised if I came home and they were just completely off.  They are the toes next to the little pinky, at least not the big toe right!  Seriously, that is some gross shit and it is irritating and painful.

The third gross injury I am feeling is chaffing.  I had chaffing and blisters on my feet, under my boobs and back and an adjustment in clothing and proper wrapping had helped on all of those injuries, but what I still have issues with are my butt cheeks!  I did buy new Nike dry fit booty shorts that I shove up my bum so they are rubbing against each other, but it doesn't work 100%.  The chaffing of my bum doesn't last too long, but the first shower after my run makes me want to cry!  I am going to try rubbing the anti-friction stuff I got inside my cheeks next week to see if that works, but I'm not holding my breathe.

Other than that I have been lucky overall.  No leg injuries or bad knees, no breathing problems or anything I can't get past.  That being said, I definitely do not feel my sexiest! 

This weekend was super bad with food/booze.  Sat night was my good friends bday and B and I went buck nutty with the booze and food bad for us!  Dang!  I am thinking I blew whatever amazing weight I saw last week.  I am going to hold off until Wed to really pay the piper! 

Friday, September 7, 2012

What's the weather like?

Every night before I am supposed to run B asks me what time do you need the alarm on for.  My response 90% of the time is "What is the weather like tomorrow?"  That pretty much determines the time I get up.  If it will be cooler, I'll sleep in and run right after work.  If it's going to be hot as balls, I wake my arse up early and get it done in the a.m. before work.  Well as you probably guessed from all my anti hot weather I have been getting up early a lot the last couple of weeks!

Yesterday was cool enough to hold out though.  It was fun, I did a quick 4 miler with my best friend and caught up on whatever we missed during the last two weeks!  I also got some hills up in there, it is becoming quite the usual I am proud to say. 

I have total anxiety about tomorrows run.  It's 17 miles and I mapped it out yesterday.  I think seeing it on the map just gave me the hibby jibbies.  The worst part was I have anxiety about 17.  I'm going to have to do an additional 9 more miles after this weekends long run on D-Day.  I'm scared.  There is pretty much nothing more I can say about it right now.  Hopefully I will have a magical run that will make me feel better about the whole thing.  I will let you know on Monday.  I am waking up 5am to beat the heat and to just get it over with!

On a super happy note the scale is starting to turn.  I weigh in on Roni's Weigh every Wed. and I have been pretty stable the last two weeks.  Well this am I saw a big drop!  I did have my woman issue this week so I am hoping that I just had some extra poundage that kept me the same in water and now that I'm finished the actual drop shows.  I am super stoked to weigh in next Wed and hopefully it will be even lower than what I got to this a.m.!  I am not going to say what it is because I don't ant to jinx it until I know it is a real loss, but I'm optimistic.  I have been busting my but running and just waiting to see the tide turn! 

Have a great weekend!

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Not from around here

Friday in LA was another amazing day!  Me and my girls hiked up to Griffith Observatory.  It was no joke my friends!  It took us about an hour of up hill, looked around once we got to the top, beautiful, then made our way down.  I hate going downhill when it is steep, I'm always so scared of slipping and falling, but it was definitely worth it.  Here are some pictures of the hike:


Me, mid hike, gots to have that water!



The Observatory!



There was a statue of James Dean up there which was pretty weird to me, but it was because he filmed there.  Idk, I still thought it was random, but I love me some James Dean! 

Afterwards, we had a quick breakfast and headed to a meditation ground where some of the Dalai Lama's ashes where spread.  It was gorgeous and very peaceful!  The guru who started the Meditation Grounds had a long and interesting history with  politicians, celebrities, athletes, etc.  Here are some photo's of that excursion! 





Me and my bestie getting our meditation on!


Section where some of the Dalai Lama's ashes are buried.

We washed up and hit up Hollywood!!!  I only saw one quasi celebrity and he was going to the movies ha!  Jesse Metcalfe was going to see a movie when we came out of watching ParaNorman (such a cute movie).  I will say, he was very hot!  We did the whole Chinese Theatre, star search.  I took some photo's but kept with the classics :) 



Front of Chinese Theater





Shirley!  Love her!



Of course I had to get one of Marilyn!  Look at those tiny feet!!!  I got some others, but I don't want to sound repetitive.

We also hit up this amazing little secret garden called Oz in Hollywood Land.  You can click on the link to read some history about it, but even my pictures will not do it justice.  This place was amazing, quiet, secluded, amazing little detail every turn and the time and energy that went into each project is just overwhelming with admiration.  Here are some pictures of the items you will see in this little secret gem.



A lot of Hollywood history is in all the little detail, whether it is tiles from a set, a home or glass from a project, etc.











September 11th dedication





I am sooooo lucky!  I got a piece of the garden.  Truly magical!

Saturday was my run.  It was hot.  Very hot.  I shouldn't have listened to my friend and I should have just mapped my run and did it at 5am that morning, but hey what are you going to do.  I didn't start on Santa Monica Pier until 7:30am.  It started really nice.  The summed up version is:  everyone was super good looking, I went faster than normal, shade for the first 12 miles was minimal and needed, I ended hot and exhausted.  I finished though.  I would not call it pretty but I would call it done!

After my run I met up with my other girlfriend out in LA who lives in Santa Monica and we rode our bikes and ate and chilled all day.  It was awesome and laid back.  I was tired, but some liquor helped me muscle through biking around town.  I didn't bring my camera so I have no shots of Santa Monica, but I will say it is probably the only town that I would live in if I lived in LA.  Super fun, young and healthy energy.  I was really glad we biked though because I ended my run going through Venice Beach and I was so flipping tired I missed all the sights, it was nice to see them on a less stressful event.

I am not sure if I'm mixing my days up but we obviously hit up the Hollywood sign!  Check it out! 



We got as close as we could.



Three Amigos!

I did get to the beach and we hiked a really beautiful beach hike on the Zuma Trail (Pt Dume) but my camera died and I didn't get any shots :( 

Overall, my trip was perfect and I am so happy with all the little adventures I got in.

Today I ran, it sucked and it felt like running in a room that someone just took a hot shower in.  I am SO over all this heat and crappy weather!  The good news is that today's 6 miles pushed me over into the 70% complete to my New Years Resolution!  Sweetness!!!

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Mini Vacation

I took one!

Last Thursday I boarded a plane to Hollywood!  One of my best friends moved out there two years ago and another very close friend moved out there almost a decade ago.  I visited LA about 6 or 7 years ago when my first friend moved out there and was not impressed.  I will have to say that I am very happy I went out again.  It was beautiful and so much fun.  Now, this trip was possibly lame in some peoples minds since we did not go out for a night at a bar/club/what-have-you once, but it was really an amazing experience!

Ok, so day one, I arrive around 9:30am LA time, and another one of my besties (besties sister) arrived right before me.  We left the airport and headed to the Malibu Mountains.  I really do not know where my friend took us.  Well I do not know the name of the trail, however, it was a tough hike.  In total it was around 2-3 hours of ups and downs with amazing views and even a waterfall!  After the hike, we hit up the Reel Inn.  It was amazing!  So fresh and a really laid back vibe.  I had fish tacos and they were to die for!

I am on my way out the door, so I'm going to show you some amazing pictures (only a teaser) but I will talk about Friday-Monday tomorrow.  My run, well lets just say I did it but it was not a very pleasant experience.  Way too sunny!  Until tomorrow!


This is after a hike in Zuma Beach



Another Zuma Beach post hike picture, it actually reminded me of Hawaii



Me and one of my besties at one of the most amazing gardens I will tell you all about tomorrow!  So excited!


I'm back!

Morning All!!!!

I know I took a mini hiatus when I went to LA, but I did not take a break from running!  I will be back on later to update some pictures of my trip and talk about what fitness excursions I did.  Overall I would have to say that LA was amazing, beautiful and packed with things to do to make you forget that there is a black smog over the city ha!

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

What goes up...

This week has been good so far running wise.  I did a four mile run Monday night after work, it was pretty hot and then I did a little over six miles this morning, it was beautiful out!  I also did hills on both of those runs.  I must say running in the AM is a totally different feeling than running after work.  I wake up in the morning ready to go, running calms my head and I needed calming this AM!  My run this am pretty much went like this:

Start:  a little rocky, trying to find my stride (usually takes about a quarter of a mile to set my pace)  I listened to that song Titanium on repeat three times until I past mile one ha!  I am a classic repeat offender.  If I like a song I play the crap out of it!

Middle:  Easy, breezy.  Had a nice pace going, faster than my long distance paces, stoped at a water fountain for a quick drink, the weather was breezy and the pier was beautiful.

End:  Easier than expected.  Hills are starting to just feel like part of the run.  I expect them, I don't fear them, I coast through them.  In fact I look forward to them now.  They are always at the end of my run because I try to challenge myself at the point when I will be most tired.  I know as soon as I get to the top then it's an easy run down.  I really look forward to it now, who would have thunk it!

That is it in a nutshell.  Well that is it TODAY.  I am not sure how anyone else is when running but sometimes I feel like it's any given day how I will feel.  I might feel like total poop tomorrow. 

My run schedule is going to be a little weird the next couple of days.  I'm going to LA to visit two of my besties and I will be running on different terrain and at different times.  I have scheduled it out so I definitely will not miss them, but it will be a challenge to my will to get them done.  I am sure that I would much rather drink wine and chat all night every night, but that is out of the question as far as the nights before my runs :(  Damn the man!  I will try check in while I'm there.  I definitely will take a lot of pictures to log what it looks like to run in Hollywood ha!  Maybe I'll see a celebrity!  Here's hoping!

Monday, August 27, 2012

What weekend?

This weekend was crazy busy!

Friday after work I took the bus down to my mom's house (Toms River).  The bus ride down was pretty calm and I was able to finish my book.  No complaints!  My mom picked me up and we had pizza for dinner.  I grew up down the shore and I love it to death, but pizza stinks down there once you get used to Hoboken/NYC area pizza.  I'm sorry it just does! I went to sleep semi early (10am) knowing I had to be up at 5:15 latest to run.  My mom was making noise around 2:30am and it woke me up.  Well the anxiety about having to do 15 miles and all the traveling I would have to do during that weekend got the best of me and I couldn't go back to sleep.  Around 4:55am, I decided to just get changed and head over to Seaside to start my run.

It was pitch black ha!  Check it out, this is the beginning:


Yeah I was tired but ready to go!  I parked at my girlfriends family shore house in Seaside Park and started to run towards the boardwalk.  It is only about a 1/2 quarter of the mile away from the very start of the boardwalk so that wasn't that bad.  I was a little scared though, prob didn't help that the beginning of my shuffle was KORN ha!  Once on the board walk it was so peaceful.  Everything was closed, the boards where for the most part completely empty (either older people on bikes or left off drunken bastards).  The sky started to turn a beautiful purple, the air was cool and my legs felt great.  The sun started to come up just as I was hitting the end of Seaside boardwalk.  It was surreal.  Like I said in the last post I really tried to soak in the feeling of being alive and able to see moments like that morning.  Then onto Lavellette!  I got on that boardwalk, ran until the end, still feeling good.  Once that boardwalk ended I was ready to find my turning point.  Well my turning point was at least another mile if not more down the road :(  Probably should have taken a look at that!  I felt like my turn would never come.  By that point I had been running for an hour and 15 minutes and was getting nervous that I was running at a super slow pace or I missed my turn.  Well about an hour and 20 minutes I reached my turn around. That calmed my nerves and I settled in for the run back.

I had a great run back for the most part except for the fact that I thought the Lavellette boardwalk was a closer turn than it was so I ran down a street about (1/4 mile) then realized it was a dead end so I had to run back onto the main road!  Frustrating!  After my run was done I ran 15.5 miles (with one stop to go to the bathroom) in 2hrs and 38 minutes, about a 10.2 minute mile pace not taking into account time lost on going to bathroom.  I am definitely happy with that, however my run did not come at no cost.  I was torn up.  My feet where ok, but I got the worst under boob (sports bra) chafe ever!  It really looks like I got breast implant incisions under my boobs they are all cut up!  Gross I know, but hey if you are thinking about doing something like training for a marathon, I guess you should know the good, bad and ugly!  Below is a pic of me finished!  Thank god!



After my run was done, I got showered and me and my perfect nephew went on our journey back to Texas.  We had a blast!  Just the two of us, hanging out, goofing off flying!  I am lucky that he is a good boy, so there was only one potty trip on the plan and he was for the most part very quiet.  We ate pretty bad though.  I got a chicken cheese steak in the Philly airport, then in Houston (we had a layover on way to San Antonio) I had a chicken finger salad, no dressing though.  Either way wasn't the best choices but hell when you travel it's part of the fun right?  Right?

Our goodbyes made me very sad, so they were quick and I stayed at a hotel for one night, then again I was up at 5am making my way back to NJ.  Last night was a super early night needless to say and I did not run this am.  It is really nice out today so I'm going to try and get 4 miles in when I get home.

Overall, my weekend was a total success, run came and went, travel was easier than expected and got to spend some one on one quality time with the most fun boy ever.  It was just very fast!  This weekend will be no different.  I'm going to visit my best friend in LA on Thurs for the weekend, but we are pretty low key people so I think I will be able to relax for a large portion of the trip.  I have my 16 miles mapped and planned for Saturday, even though I will be on "vacation".  I am actually looking forward to it!

Friday, August 24, 2012

Stop and Listen

I listened to my body this week.  After my Tuesday run my calf muscle was tight and sore.  I decided to skip both of my short runs on Wed & Thurs and massage and stretch it out.  I will be doing the 15 miles on Saturday and I definitely think I did the right thing.  My calf is still a little tight and it is now Friday!

Overall this weekend is going to stink!  I will be taking a bus to my mom's house in TR after work.  Then waking up around 5am to get my 15 miles in, showering then off to Philly Airport with my nephew.  I am flying back to Texas with him :)  This is going to be a stressful exhausting day, but really I'm glad I get to spend alone time with him.  It is a day flight so I know he will be chatting up a storm :)  We arrive in San Antonio at 9:05pm then I'm off to a hotel for the night and then up and at the SAT Airport at 5am on Sunday!  Craziness, but at least I will be home in Newark at 1:45pm and still feel like I have some time to relax on Sunday. 

I am hoping that the busy schedule will keep my eating to a minimum.  I did really good this week and lost weight, it is amazing how just keeping it a little lower will make a difference when you are banking so much exercise.

Another reason for the Stop and Listen title is because I work in NYC about 10min walk from Empire State Building.  There was a shooting around 9:07am today.  I was in my office at 9:06am.  We live in a world that I am really started to be scared in.  Does anyone else feel this way?  Whatever side of the fence you are on re: gun laws, a gun never shoots itself.  These are humans making these decisions.  What is going on in humanity?  Life is scary and unfairly short for many people, please stop and be thankful, joyful, happy you are alive.  Maybe if we cared about life more then there would be less of these horrible tragedies.  I know my run this weekend will be focused on just that, my life.  My gratefulness that I am alive.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

When 6 Miles is a "short run"

This week started with me f'ing up my training schedule.  I was supposed to do Monday 4, Wed 5, Thurs 4.  Well Monday came and went and I woke up Tues and did 6 with hills and intended to do 4 today and 3 tomorrow.  Well this A.M. was a total fail!  I heard my dog crying in the middle of the night.  Sort of like a breathing wimper.  I waited a few minutes and it didn't go away so I went downstairs to check on him.  I pet him and he just kind of moaned like he was happy to get pet.  He didn't start breathing wierd again so I decided I would rest with him for a few minutes to make sure that it was nothing (it was prob a dream).  Anyway, I woke up around 7:15am and his paw was over my face and his head was on my pillow on the couch ha!  We were total sleepover buddies!  Also, he was fine and ready to start the morning, so I guess it was just a bad dream he was having.  He really cracks me up.  Look at this picture B took of us this Sunday (disregard the deer in headlights look on my face).  Clyde looks like a total pimp daddy dude getting pet!  What a weirdo!



Anyway the point is I skipped today too, ARGH!!! I am meeting up with my Outback girls (I used to work at Outback Steakhouse through college and a bunch of us girls meet up every couple of months and keep in touch, how cute right!) tonight so no fitting mileage in when I get home.  So my goal is tomorrow 6 miles.  That leaves me one mile short for my "short" runs during the week.  What are you going to do, life happens sometimes!  I'm not too upset although I would rather have had 3 to do tomorrow instead of six, but hey no one to blame but myself on that one!

Monday, August 20, 2012

What a Band Aid could do for you

Happy Monday!

This weekend was really awesome!  Friday was a low key night.  I got out of work a couple hours early and B made grilled chicken, asparagus and rice and beans.  Bed was pretty early, around 10:30pm.  I checked the weather for Saturday and saw it was going to be rainy and cool so I decided to let myself wake up natural time since the weather was not going to be that hot. 

I got up to drizzle, bleh.  I walked Clyde with B and decided to walk without an umbrella to get myself used to the drizzle :)  It wasn't a pour like it was a couple days ago but just a light drizzle.  After a 30min walk, I got home, changed into my quick dry gear and bandaged up my foot.  Now I have been having blister problems for almost a month now.  It has been a big issue on my long runs.  My friend took me to Duane Reade and we picked up what he uses for his bad blisters.  Two awesome products: Friction Bock and Band Aid Blister Bandages.  Now my blog is a small little thang that I am not sure if anyone even reads so this review is purely based off of my experience and complete LOVE of how my feet felt.  When I tell you that for 14 miles I did not feel one ounce of pain or irritation from my blisters I am telling the 100% truth.  My only complaint would be the Bandages are hard to get off, but I read I'm supposed to leave them on, so next time I will.  Guys, this run was the longest I ever ran and so far this training the best run.  I was faster, stronger and having fun!  The drizzle was welcomed!  I really kept me cool.  I didn't feel like I was sweating until around mile 7 or 8.  The sun stayed away until I was on my way back, maybe the last 30minutes of my run.  My feet felt like a million bucks and I got my motivation back!  I needed it, all this training was getting to my head and this run put it all back to the motivating force I had in the beginning.  I can do it! Ha!

After my run, B and I had an awesome brunch at our friends, then had pizza and beer at our other friends for dinner and watching a dismal Jets game :(  Seriously, being a Jets fan is soooooooooo hard! 

Sunday was a super exciting day for me.  We went to have brunch with my Dad, Step Mom and B's parents at The Stone House, where we are getting married in one year!!!!  I was a little nervous because I have not been back since we booked it in April.  B and I go there early and just walked around the organic gardens they have on premises.  I really fell in love with this place again.  It is perfect and I cannot wait to get married there, like now!!!  The food and drinks where awesome and our families LOVED it! 

I skipped my run this am because I didn't want to get up and I knew the weather would be cool enough to go tonight.  So tonight I'm going home, running then watching a movie!  Movies rule!!!

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Tired

I feel exhausted, worn, tired, etc.  I completed all my shorter weekly runs and I am starting to understand why you need to do them.  After the 13 miles this weekend I didn't take a long break.  All week I have been running on tired legs from the 13 miles (and dancing all night) I did on Saturday.  It is weird but today I felt the strength I was getting from running on tired legs.  It is a fact, I'm going to pushed to physical exhaustion on November 4th, my legs will want to stop moving, I know this.  What I also know is I can run when I'm tired.  I can keep moving one step in front of the other until the pain goes away. 

Ok, so it doesn't really go away, it just becomes euphoric.  I read a really funny analogy this morning in the Metro.  They compared S&M to runners high and at first I laughed then reading further down I understood.  The pain at a certain point becomes euphoric.  Now I am not saying that after a certain point I am having the most mind blowing orgasim I have every had, although that would be freaking amazing, all I am saying is that the pain seems to subside and then you have a burst of energy and calm.  That is what I am feeling now on my long runs, pain then steady calm.  On my shorter runs this week I felt worse in the beginning, like the first mile than I did at the end. 

Overall my run today was consistent with a tough long hill included.  It is at the end of the three miles and I like it now because I know once I get to the top the downhill is nice, long and easy.  Dare I say I am enjoying hills?  That statement will bite me in the arse when I do the 18 mile tune up in Central Park.  UGH, I hate those hills.  I actually think I might try next week's 15 miles in CP just so I can do a tune up to the tune up ha!

Tomorrow I have an off day from running, but I'm going to try do some light weights and squats to build up some muscle.  I'm going to dinner at a fancy spot in NYC tonight because I do not have to run, you know since my life revolves around my runs now! 

On a non-running note, I saw The Dark Knight Rises last night.  It was good, I loved it, but there was someone who came and sat behind us and he was alone.  Immediately I got nervous.  I really hate that this psychopath has made me think this way.  I go to the movies by myself.  I love going to the movies and now I have to get anxiety about it?  Not only did he destroy so many peoples lives and their loved ones he affected a simple pleasure in peoples lives.  I know in time those feelings will subside and that is why the human race is so resilient, but last night it just got the best of me.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Noodles vs Squash

I love sspaghetti squash!  There I said it!  If you are ever hesitant on trying a to substitute pasta with spaghetti squash just go for it.  You are not going to have the same texture or taste of pasta, but you will have a crunchier, veggie concoction that works perfectly with pasta sauce and it is so easy.  I had a small squash that I had B cut in half (cutting it in half is probably the hardest part) and then you scoop out the seeds and place in the oven at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes.  Some people put olive oil on top, but I add the oil and salt and pepper when I am finished.  Once it is done, you take a fork and start scooping out the squash.  They call it spaghetti because it looks like angel hair spaghetti when you pull it out.  Here is a picture of the finished product, without sauce.


Add some sauce, cheese & red peppers and there you have it!  A yummy low cal dinner!  Totally filling!

While the squash was cooking I went for my 3 mile run.  The first mile was rough.  I said it before but I will say it again, running at night is a completely different experience.  It is never easy for me!  My shins where sore, my legs felt tired, my energy was low.  After the first mile, I started to get into the swing of it and finished the run fast and added two large hills.  I felt great knowing I knocked it off my training list and had my squash ready to eat!  ALSO, I put my 3 miles into my count today and I made it to 50% of my 365 mile resolution goal!!!  Hell yeah!  Marathon training is pushing me to my goal fast and furious!  I did get a blister again. 

The item I didn't touch on yesterday is the mental exhaustion I'm starting to feel.  Every run day, I'm tired.  Even the small mileage.  The night before my runs, I am thinking ok I need to go to bed to get sleep for my run, I need to eat cleaner foods for my run, I need to give myself enough time to get ready for work after my run, blah blah blah all revolving around my runs!  It's exhausting.  All this thinking, all this preparing and it is still 81 days away!  I really commend people who run many marathons but I am perfectly fine doing just this one for now and maybe ever.  You have to commit a massive amount to the process.  I am sure the race will near kill me with the physical strain I am going to put on my body, but the training is breaking me down little by little mentally.