Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Trying to Find My Running Groove & Add It to My CrossFit

 
 
So people ask me all the time - Why do I run? I never knew how to answer to recently.  I run because I love it.  It's pretty simple. I run because I love it! I need the time to be by myself - if you know my schedule you get it. I like the way running makes me feel and I love the friends I have made from running.  Even social media friends - I love if I'm not up for a run I can tweet something and get a crap ton of motivation from people from all over. Running makes me love my life and really cherish the world more.
 
With that being said - I'm having a hard time to get back into it now.  I LOVE my CrossFit, but I still want my running time; however, with that being said, I am so overwhelmed with life right now.  I've lost my love. I need help finding it again.  Now, I know some of you are going to say it's only been a week since my Half marathon, but I haven't run but 2x since that and I'm going into my second week.  Granted last week I was sick and told to take the week off, but this week I am struggling to get going....I need to find less excuses and just get going...


So, trying to get back to there!

Paleo is going FABULOUSLY! Honestly, I am so thankful for this challenge from Aspire. I feel so good! Better then I have ever felt in my adult life. So far, I am down 10lbs since the challenge started.  Not even on purpose.  I feel as though I eat more food now then I have ever before. Plus I am cooking a whole lot more. I am thankful for the people in my box for showing me more things to make and play with :)

YUM!! Crusted Chicken - I need some more food for the rest of the week and into the weekend!! Plus, I have a been craving a cookie so I found a Grain Free Chocolate Cookie recipe.

I needed those! And they were fantastic! I am bringing some to people from the box tomorrow!

CrossFit is going great too!! I swear - Aspire + all my crew there are the best thing that has happened to me in a long time.  Justin & Alycia are great and have done the best with me and their gym! I'm sure ya'll get sick of my talk but I LOVE that place and all the people I have encountered! I have had a good week - my first go at Fran & Filthy50s. I also did my first 2-a-day and gymnastics class (with a KILLER benchmark workout that day haha).  I can't wait to see where I go.  The first 4 months have been exactly what I needed!

That's all for today! The new CSI is on - have to watch :)

~xoxo
M

Monday, September 24, 2012

Sunday Social (A Day Late but I'm new to this) =)

Sunday Social


Hey y'all! My FIRST Sunday Social - thanks to Carissa for sharing :)


1. What is something you have wanted to do but are afraid of?
Wow -- I'm affraid of sky diving, but I really REALLY want to do it! The thought of jumping out a plane seems insane to me but at the same time totally awesome!


2. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully finally found someone I can connect with and share my life with.  Starting a family with that person. In a house with a backyard for my girls.  Teaching still.  Running and CrossFitting more. Coaching people for running. Just happy and loving life!


3. What are you looking forward to before the end of 2012?
I'm SO excited for the end of the year b/c its the time of year I get to see my family the most! Between Princess's birthday, Thanksgiving and Christmas with the fam it's 3 back to back months that I can see them! I also can't wait to celebrate the first birthday of my princess in just a few weeks!


4. What are your hopes for your blog?
I would love to see it continue to grow, and I want to continue to meet wonderful friends through here and Twitter!


5. Do you always see yourself living in your current town/city?
Good question -- I really don't know.  I enjoy where I am right now so I can see me staying a while, but I don't know about forever :)


6. What is your morning routine?
Depends if it's a CrossFit am day or not..
Normal day --> hit snooze a couple times, get up, straighten hair, wash face, brush teeth, get dressed, walk the girls, grab lunch and put it in my lunch bag, do my make up, put the girls in their box and head to school.

CrossFit day --> Get up, get dressed for the gym, walk the girls, grab my lunch and put it in my lunch bag, put the girls in their box, head to the box, have fun WODing, shower/get ready and head to school :)



FUN! I'm looking forward to this! If you do the fun, make sure and LINK up :)

~xoxo

M

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Dollface is Running a 5K with ME!!

So, fantastic weekend in the books. Pretty good week last week too!! School is going fabulously! I'm thankful everyday to have a job I love so much - even on the stressful days! :) Finally ordered myself a Road Id - it's fabulous :) Beautiful pink and the size is perfect. Very comfortable on my wrist too!
Friday I was a bum and slept 12 hours.  It was glorious. This sinus/ear infection has been kicking my butt so felt good to be a bum after working both jobs and just sleep. Plus sleeping in Saturday am and waking up to the girls snuggled up was great too!

Saturday was just a me day. Cleaned the apt.  Trying to reorganize my life and apt. I have a lot of stuff that I really need just do away with. In this process I also set up my fall decorations. I miss having dinner and/or themed parties and game nights back in my TN apt and college days! I love that kind of stuff. Saturday night I stepped out a bit for Fanning's birthday - love that girl!! River deck was fun :)

Today was a brunch of sorts with my half marathon crew from Fleet Feet Marlton. I had a blast! I'm hoping to see/train with some of them now for other races - we for sure have the Run the Bridge in November. After that is was a nap that called me and therefore I missed my friend Gina's baby shower. However the good news is we already have a rain check for October. :) Wifey came over and grocery shopped with me then I made some banging wings and sauteed squash and red cabbage!
Now for the super awesome news!! Dollface has been doing the couch to 5K program - and this week she came in and I fit her for shoes. In the process I had been telling her about the Run the Vineyards Fall Trail 5K at our favorite local vineyard and she AGREED!!!! I am sooooo proud of her and all her hard work! Can't wait to run with her :)

I love sharing my passion for running with others! First Cuzzo, then Ush, now Dollface and GF & Dan are on board too :)

Great times! Good friends! I'm very blessed :)

~xoxo
M

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Update to Paleo Challenge - Day 10

This is what I am living by....all this work...all these changes...they WILL pay off!!! NEVER give up!!

Paleo - it's really not as bad as I thought it was going to be; however, I really really miss my diet coke! I could totally go for some ice cream too! haha! It sounds like it's harder then it is for me.  I think I had a good shot for it already because I already did not eat grains really, I mean if I was out I may have french fries or bread but it was not something I kept in my house.  What I am learning is the beauty of food prep and being prepared.  I can honestly tell you I feel 100% better and it's only day 10.  I feel very awake in the mornings - I don't struggle to get out of bed.  I feel steady through the day with my energy. Clearly last week with my 3 PRs I felt a heck of a lot stronger too!!

So - if you missed my post, this past Sunday I coached my group through (most of them their first) the Rock'n'Roll Philly Half Marathon.  They did a FABULOUS job! Saturday afternoon at work I kind of got slammed and all of a sudden did not feel well at all.  Struggled to sleep Saturday night and Sunday morning was a little tough to get going, but I did it.  Alycia, Justin and Jill all talked to me about having a sweet potato race morning.  I was totally all for it until Saturday when the thought of running 13.1 miles with something I hadn't done on a long run. So I cheated.  I went non-Paleo and had a bagel. I am really glad I did too! I told everyone on CrossFit Aspire's blog - and most understood.  As Alycia said to me this morning "you don't want to change stuff race morning" and as many runs and tris as I've done I knew that.  However, when I decided to have my beer post race - that was stupid.  I let myself do it because I didn't feel well.  I gave my excuse as "I just ran 13.1 miles". That was dumb.  I could have not had (though it really was AMAZINGLY refreshing). I've gone out a million times without drinking.  It doesn't bother me, but for some reason that day I really wanted my beer. So I did. And life went on and I learned and moving on.


Monday - I woke up feeling MISERABLE - went to the doc - turned out I had a sinus infection and a ear infection. YAY meds!! Feeling better today, but CrossFit killed me this morning. We did thrusters and Jackie.  I did Jackie Rx for weight, but damn if it didn't have pull-ups in it! I HATE pull-ups! I don't seem to get better at all!!! But doing CrossFit while sick was a challenge. Hopefully tomorrow is better!

This week I am having some awesome food.... Paleo Meatloaf


 
I sauteed up some squash, onions and zucchini to go with it...

 I also made Chicken fajitas and a veggie mix of red pepper, green pepper and some onion. I then add some homemade guac on top -- AMAZING!!

 
So - that's it for the Paleo update -- I eat the same thing for pretty much all week! Makes it easy and quick to prep!! I'm having Banana Bread for breakfast this week because I needed something I could take my meds with.  I tried with eggs and didn't feel so hot. Feel WAY better today!!

Oh - and Football is back - and my BUCKEYES are looking decent.  Not as good as I hoped, but good none the less! My BENGALS on the other hand...not so hot!



That's all for today! Enjoy your day!
~xoxo
M




Sunday, September 16, 2012

Rock'n'Roll Philly Half Marathon

So today was the day!! We have been training for what seems like forever, but the BIG day was finally here. My Fleet Feet Marlton half marathon group ROCKED the half!!!
Here are all us coaches - Joel, me & Mike. And guess who else showed up...
Shahin ran the half too!!! It was SO great to catch up with him and get to see him.
Here are all our ladies before the race -- Sweaty Bands was awesome and helped me hook my girls up!! They are the BEST bands out there, so definitely check them out!!
Here is Jen, Lauren and I before the race. It was Lauren's first half and she FINISHED!!! I am SUPER proud of her and there were a lot of first timers in our group. They did so well!!
Here I am after with me sweet medal :)
Mike & I after the race.
Jen & I after too :)
 
 
Bed time :)

Update on Paleo challenge tomorrow :)

~xoxo
M

Friday, September 14, 2012

10 Personal Running Questions :)

So...I've been seeing a bunch of my favorite people doing this like my twitter buddies over at Blisters and Black Toenails and Pavement Runner.
Best Run Ever? --> I'm going to say my half marathon at the Mercedes Half Marathon.  I felt great the whole run and just seem to keep going.  I also ran the first 5K of the race at my fastest pace EVER!!



3 words that describe your running? Slow. Steady. Fun.  --> I am a slow runner.  I can go for miles and miles, but I am slow.  I am semi ok with it. I need to get faster and figure out how to.  Now I used FUN because I honestly LOVE running.  I love sharing my passion for running with other people too.



Go to running outfit? Compression shorts under my Ohio State Nike Tempos with my Nike white split tank.  I am a HOT runner so I stay in shorts and tanks for majority of the year.  Though I am looking forward to fall/winter running.  Running on snow is awesome!!



Quirky habit while running? I dance while I run -- music or not haha! I'm trying to learn to run with music.  Any earbud suggestions or arm pocket suggestions?
Morning, Midday or Evening? I'm an evening runner.  I wish I could be a morning runner.  I would LOVE to start my day with a nice run...not sure how to switch myself over to that. I'm working on it.
I won’t run outside when…it is too hot. I don’t do well in the heat. Makes summer hard for me because I also can't do treadmills.  I do NOT have the attention span to last haha



Worst injury and how you got over it? My partial tear in my left achilles. WORST. THING. EVER. How did I get over it you ask? Oh wait - I'm not over it! haha some days I still wake up and can't walk so I pull out my crutches...take a couple days off...and move on.  I need to get to a good doctor and see maybe if there is something better I can do. Or I'll just keep doing what I'm doing. 
I felt like the most badass mother runner when? I can actually get moving and have NO pain in my achilles...I feel unstoppable at that point!
My next race is…SUNDAY! Running the Rock'n'Roll Half Marathon with my group from Fleet Feet Marlton. I am really excited as I have some awesome people who it is their first half. Pumped to see how they all do!!
Running goals for 2013? I really want to get faster.  2013 will start off with a FULL Marathon at Disney. Some halfs in the spring and hopefully getting back into my triathlons!! I would like to get under 35minutes for a 5K and a half under 2:40.  (Yes, I told you I am slow haha).
There you have it. That was fun :) Share with me if you post yours!
~xoxo
M

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Water Bottle Anyone?

Hello hello!
Hope everyone is having a fabulous week! I know I am! I have hit TWO PR's this week -- push press and power snatch. Yesterday - I got 95# on push press.  I was literally bopping around the gym I couldn't believe I was almost to 100#.  Who would have ever thought? NOT me. haha.  I was quickly brought back down by our awesome WOD - AMRAP in 20mins - 10 push press (60#), 10 KB swings (1.5 pood) and 10 box jumps (20").  I only got 6 rounds in.  I SUCK when it comes to quick cardio stuff.  I have to figure out how to keep pushing myself even when my heart rate is going a mile a minute.  Today we did power snatch - and I got 70#!! We also did snatch and I could only get 55#.  Then we did a 1000m row for time (4:30). Bonus for both days was getting to workout with Jill too :)
Update on Paleo Challenge - day 1 was a bust thanks to corn (but now I know better).  My biggest weakness is getting all my veggies in. Any suggestions on that? I see some people drink green shakes, but what do you put in it? Breakfast was my egg cups still (I can't wait to make other ones with different veggies and I'm only making like 4-5 next time). Lunch was chicken salad and applesauce.  Dinner was a sweet potato.  I had a banana after school. I am still feeling full even though I am wondering if I am eating enough.  But we were told eat when hungry and stop when full.
Today is day 3 - I had this for breakfast....



...egg cup :) haha surprise! Oh, what is that awesome bottle in the back? Why that is my spectacular new water bottle.  We ordered them through my box.  I have to say - I will do what ever I can to support CrossFit Aspire.  This has been the best thing I have done for my health, and my life.  I am making friends with people who I adore and look forward to becoming better friends with! I will share my love for CrossFit and Aspire with whomever wants to listen or know :)




Here is a better look at my bottle...






Tonight I need to get some miles on my legs...we have Rock'n'Roll Philly Half Marathon this weekend! I can't wait to see my girls finish!! They have been an awesome group!!




Fleet Feet is going good - LOADS of new people -- don't really know any of them yet.  But last night I got to work with Mary.  It was great to catch up with her. I miss working with her.  She ran her first half marathon (and kicked butt) last weekend.  The whole course was rolling hills so kudos to that haha! She is a really strong runner.  We've talked about doing speed work together once a week to get me going a little quicker. I hope we really get to do it!! I need someone to kick my tail not that Steve is gone! I really want to set some new time goals and get them! All suggestions here are welcome too!!




That's all for now! Off to pick up the kids and start the day :)

~xoxo
M

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Day 1 DONE :)

Day 1 was success!!!  I started my day with...



..egg cups -- per my buddy Leah..here is what I did. First, I sautéed the vegetables I put in the bottom. As they were cooking, I put coconut oil on the sides and bottoms of my cupcake pan. Next, I wrapped a piece of bacon around each cup. When my veggies were done, I scooped a spoonfull into the bottoms of each cup. After that, I cracked one egg into each cup. Then I backed them at 400 till they looked done.
Lunch - my chicken salad (with Paleo Mayo from my Well Fed cookbook) and applesauce.
Snack - apple after school then banana about 2 hours later
Dinner - I had shredded beef with a sauce I made using the paleo mayo and some herbs, sweet potato and corn (ok *edit* this is day 2 and I just realized corn is NOT paleo, so I messed up on day 1...sad day...good thing its day 2 and I'm back!)!!

The bonus was my super sweet dinner date...

...I LOVE the days I get to keep her :)

I still remember where I was 11years ago today - I will always remember those lives cut short and the heroes that arose. My thoughts and prayers to all those whose lives were forever changed that day! We will NEVER forget!



~xoxo
M

Sunday, September 9, 2012

30 Day Paleo Challenge -- Getting ready for week 1

So - This weekend has been FABULOUS!! Got through the first week of school and it was awesome.  I am seriously so STOKED for this year! Between the awesome job I am blessed to have, to CrossFit Aspire and the amazing people I have gotten to know AND my running world!
Well...Drafted my first ever Fantasy Football team (I've played but never drafted). I'll keep you posted on that haha...

....I had an amazing WOD and thanks to my CF Aspire crew got through it -- it was Venom 2 which means it was 30-20-10 Thrusters, Burpees and wallballs (10lbs.).  DEAD! My quads hurt before that evening haha. Found this cool pic --

After the WOD - I went home and showered/ate then headed back to Aspire for the nutrition talk and to get information for the 30 day Paleo Challenge.  I was nervous, but it seems that I can totally do it! Before the chat started, there was this.... 
...Saturday after the talk, Jill came over and helped "clean" out my fridge then took me shopping for good foods.  After that, my Buckeyes played and WON that afternoon.  Saturday night = getting to see one of my favorite ladies, LC.  We went out to dinner (my last meal...ahahaha) and then watched a movie and relaxed. The girls snuggled themselves up in between and next to us. Scarlet was between me and LC and LD was next to her....
Today was a beautiful 5.2 mile run with Lauren from the Half Marathon Group from Fleet Feet Marlton (yesterday was cancelled thanks to a threat of thunder). We are a WEEK out from Rock'n'Roll Philly!! I can't wait!!  After that - it was the first Sunday of  NFL! I LOVE football! While I watched...Heather came over for some Paleo help. After she left, I prepared my food for the week....
...yes, it looks amazing!! I can't WAIT to eat this week!!!  I will keep you posted on the challenge.

And just for fun (sorry for the language) but this made me giggle for a good 10-15 minutes because I know someone who this sums up his life :)

haha ok - NIGHT loves

~xoxo
M

Friday, September 7, 2012

Workout Clothes & Food...Yes, Please

Just a quick bit to show off my awesome new outfit from our Saucony rep at Fleet Feet Marlton.


Pretty sweet if you ask me and he picked it out for me :) LOVE my top - it's uber pink!!

Plus made shredded beef tonight...first time using my crockpot. Kind of exciting :)


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Goals Anyone?


It's that time of year - SCHOOL IS BACK!! Honestly, I couldn't be more excited.  I am truly BLESSED to love my job as much as I do, and to get to work with some fantastic people on a regular basis. Today was the first day - which meant lots of meeting and MAJOR fidgets for this girl! haha. I am looking forward to what this year brings.

The plus side is I started it out right but doing CrossFit in the AM! Woot woot! That is me tooting my own horn. Two reasons for it too -- 1. I got up and started the day in a fantastic way. AND 2. I did my FIRST ever Rx WOD!!! I did Fight Gone Bad-ish like it was said.  Not a major WOD, but I am still stoked! I also PR'ed my push press today!! :)

This weekend...
Labor Day Weekend was awesome! Spent time with the family at the beach - Cape May to be exact! Couple fun things --

1 --> Made my first ever OWN cup of joe :)
2 --> Got to see my Dollface <3 p="p">
3 --> Got to hang with Mama Dukes :)

4 --> Had mimosas on the beach = HEAVEN

5 --> Mama Dukes found me some Ohio State gear in NJ

6 --> And last - Cuzzo got himself a Buckeye towel so NOW we MATCH! wootwoot!
 
 
It was a fantastic way to end my summer.  I haven't been able to do a lot this summer in terms of beach trips or relaxing time, so I totally enjoyed and soaked it up.  The weather wasn't the best, but it was very relaxing and we all had a really good time! 
 
Ok...an August goals recap (bc I pretty much sucked haha) ....
Recap --
Fitness
 1.Run at least 21 mi. ending 8/5. 25 ending 8/12. 28 ending 8/19. 30 by 8/26. 28 by 9/2. The first two weeks of this were shot because of my achilles but my last two were on point!
 2.Go to yoga twice a week I (sadly enough) did not make a SINGLE class this month and until Aspire brings it back...I won't be able to as I quit LA.
 3.Try simply Nicole's HIIT running workout. Not yet....
4.Do an abs workout everyday and include a plank! Try to get up to 2:30 by end of August. I got up to 1:45....didn't do it every day...have to work on my core....

Personal
 1.Go to church at least 3 of the 4 Sundays. Nope :(
 2.Stop letting myself eat poorly. Getting better....
 3.Work on my Paleo diet and eating habits.  Getting better....
 4.Lose weight (not setting a goal weight - just weight) Down 1.2.....

Blogging
 1.Write a post every day. MAJOR fail...didn't think about vacay and not having Internet....
 
So...with that being said....September please be kind :)

Fitness
 1.Run at least 4 days a week.
 2.Go to CrossFit 3 days on 1 day off (may flux first two weeks of month due to HM program)
 3.Rock the Philly Rock'n'Roll half marathon.
4.Squat September -- started with 5...adding 5 every day! Goal is 150 by end!

Personal
 1.Go to church at least 2 of the 4 Sundays.
 2.Be working on the 30 day Paleo challenge through the gym.
 3.Be more social

Blogging
 1.Write a post at least every other day.

Ok -

Fantasy Football draft is over....Night!
~xoxo
M