Guess Who Ran?

Happy Wednesday loves!! Hope ya'll are having a good day.  Guess what I did yesterday?!?! I RAN!! Wootwoot! Not far, not fast (but I'm never fast) but I ran 2.5 miles with no hip or knee pain. I joined Laura over at Mommy Run Fast for her #5bythe5th challenge (click here to learn more). The gist is you're suppose to run either a 5K or 5 miles by the 5th of every month.  In January, it was no problem.  The hip issue started in December and I was still trying to figure out what to do for it. It has gotten better - let me say that first, but it is not 100%.  It still bothers me a lot, and I'm really not sure what all to do for it. I am seeing the chiropractor 2x/week and she is working on it.  Plus I received a deep tissue massage on just the leg/lower back/hip area (remember?) and I'm going again Saturday.

So let's back up -- Monday I didn't get to CrossFit or run.  I had school then the boys team played (basketball).  I keep time for them plus some of my students play so I make sure to stay.  I went straight from there to the chiropractor to get adjusted and some hip work done. Yesterday, I had basketball practice after school with my girls. I played with them the whole time because we were down players. Went from there to CrossFit -- half way through the WOD, I was done.  My hip hurt. A LOT. I went home and iced it with some frozen peas, did my stretches and then decided -- I need to run.  I owe it to myself to at least try a mile and see what happens. Plus I had to attempt to get my #5bythe5th run in ( I didn't think I'd get more then my mile though). I only ran 2.5, but I walked a mile and Laura said it could still count!!  SWEET!! Now to get signed up for some 5Ks (and maybe 10Ks soon) for my #13in2013! But this counts for now -- BONUS!

I'm thankful for my girl Maria who helps keep me motivated and always checking in.  Nice to have her, and those of you who read this and follow up on twitter to keep me accountable.  I miss having a running group like in Knoxville.  Scarlet ran with me though -- she loves to run! That made my second run since Disney Marathon and first of my training plans for Nike Women's Half Marathon in Dec for my birthday! Yay to getting back to it! I realized out there that I really need new running gear! haha story of my life! Also knocked out a quick plank after it for #AbsbyApril! I've found music really helps me hold it longer.

(Insert random topic change) So, a lot of friends have been asking how my Paleo is going.  It's great! NO, I am not 100% paleo and that is perfectly fine by me.  I may have ice cream some days or a rice cake w/PB others.  There are some things I just don't eat anymore and some stuff I still love. Ice cream will never be fully taken out of my diet. My girlfriend KS from back home has just started the CrossFit world (at my friends Johnny & Steve's box).  She gave me a hard time when I told her about paleo and how she would NEVER do it...guess who text me yesterday and is trying Paleo :) haha I love it! Don't knock it till you try it.  I have honestly never felt as good as I do currently. I love what this community of CrossFit has done for me.  I really wish I could do CrossFit all day.  Maybe one day I can get my CFL1 and help share this passion I have for CrossFit with others.

Anywho -- ha I'm done...for today at least :) Last thing I'm sharing with ya'll today is this -- people wanted to know what it is.

Chicken, Spinach and Diced Tomatoes

(I've used left over rotisserie chicken as well as plain chicken breast-- both taste great to me)

- brown/crisp up the chicken in some bacon fat

-while it is cooking I added some garlic powder, onion powder and Trader Joes 21 Seasoning

-once crispy - I added the diced tomatoes and spinach and cooked it down

That's it -- I got bored and this is what I had.  Now I've made it like a million times. I love the way the chicken gets crunch on the outside. It's scrumptious!

Hope your week is off to a great start!!

Who else is doing #5bythe5th or #AbsbyApril?

~xx

M

No WODs & DumboDoubleDare :)

Hello loves! Hope you're having a fabulous week so far! I've had a better week then this before. I'm having a hard time with this whole "recovery" concept.  I understand I ran a marathon and my body, especially my legs, are worn out. I get they need time to recover, especially since I really didn't train.  But all I want to do is WOD!!!! haha Being forced to take some time off is hard, but I know that it will be worth it in the end. Between this awesome hip thing - which I must say is getting a TON better - and my now my left knee.  Why is it always my left leg?!? Anyways - I have a nice little swollen knee, its beautiful!

On Monday I went and had my hip worked on...HOLY SMOKES! I had a 30 minute massage - sounds relaxing right?!? NOT! She worked mostly on this left side - hip, hamstring, IT band and quad. She told me I was super messed up on the left side and would be sore the next day -- that was an understatement. I had tears in my eyes as she worked but if it means healing faster, I am with it!! I just want to be better -- hip is on the mend...now to get the knee back :)

I NEED THIS!

No WODs this week or runs.  Take the week off to baby the knee. Got told to go home from the WOD tonight -- my knee was swollen and sore. It's been swollen since trying to run Saturday with Jill.  We only did 2 and I think it's just still tweaked from the marathon. So, just going to play it safe since the Garage Games are on Saturday!!! I'm really freaking out about them too! I'm worried about my body, but hoping that a few days off are just what I need.  I found this awesome plan -- Megan from Run Like A Grl Abs By April -- join here. We all know I need help on my core, so what better way then this!! Join me!

What else...I've been drinking more of these awesome smoothies->

They are super yummy and a good way for me to get more of my vegetables in.  Spinach and Kale aren't super strong in flavor so I can add them and not get overwhelmed.

This one has:
banana
spinach
kale
blueberries
water
ice

I don't measure (I don't think Jill really does either) or do set amounts. I just add stuff and drink.  I'd like to add some protein to it too, but I only have chocolate and not sure that would mix.

Now for my last bit of AWESOME news...I got in to DUMBO DOUBLE DARE!!!!! It sold out in under two hours, so I was STOKED to get in.  It's my new RunDisney race.  It will be at Disneyland over Labor Day weekend.  10K on Saturday and the Half on Sunday...kind of funny I'm thinking about this as I'm being forced to recover and not WOD or run, but I can't WAIT!!!  I love the Disney races! And hopefully Mama Dukes will be able to join me!

Running my marathon under trained did a couple things for me --
A: showed me what I already knew..training is KEY!
B: showed me how much I really do miss running!
C: Helped me find my love again, and I really can't wait to start training more!!

Did you get in to the DumboDoubleDare?
What's your favorite Green Smoothie recipe?

~xx
M

Marathon Recap - #2 in the Books!



Shahin & me Pre-Race
Wouldn't be a runner without him!

 This past weekend was a weekend I have been waiting for a while to come up. This past weekend was the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. And so with that, marathon #2 is in the books! Now, comes the fun part - race recap and what I learned! The biggest thing I learned - CrossFit is definitely an amazing way to cross train and get your body in shape! On top of that - the second biggest thing I learned...I will NEVER race without training properly again.  I did not train.  At ALL! I am very lucky and blessed to be sitting here and typing this. My legs actually feel pretty good - they are sore, but hello 26.2 miles will make anyone's legs sore. My achilles feels good.  The trips to the see Dr. Jarvis (and Dr. B who did see me the Thursday before I left) at Healthy Goals are fabulous and helped my hip get through it.  I can only imagine how I would have felt had I actually trained.

The Castle <3>

Training was almost obsolete minus CrossFit and the occasional 5K.  I did good all summer getting ready for Rock'N'Roll Philly and helping train that group. It was building a great base for this weekend. I was still going strong until the awesome hospital week...and a forced week off of everything and then a "don't run more then 6" rest of the month.  Well that just shut all my running down. I ran the Hot To Trot in Knoxville over Thanksgiving, but ask if I have run since then?!? NOPE - not except for my 5K for #5bythe5th. And yes ya'll, I know how stupid it was of me to still run...but it was DISNEY!! And really I think the face it was Disney totally helped! I mean look at the castle - I want to get married there :)

Me, Lilo & Melissa right after mile 7!

So let's talk race -- Obviously - it's an early start! Sarah stayed the night with me which was nice because I had someone to get ready with.  We headed to the bus with the crew from FFK. We got to the start and settled in to wait! Miles 1-10 were fabulous! I ran with Melissa from my old training group at Fleet Feet Knoxville. Now, we all know about my hip and issues I've been having and she has been having some issues with her knee so we just did 3:1s the first 10 miles.  We stopped to take pictures with characters (as soon as she gets home and post them I will share), totally took our time and really just enjoyed ourselves. Rilo meet us right outside of the Magic Kingdom. It was really nice to seem him! Magic Kingdom is awesome! You get to go down main street and around the park.  You get to go through the castle - I LOVE that place - I seriously want to get married at Disney or the beach haha! We also had Cheryl, Dana & Kylie right after mile 7.  That was a lifesaver - Cheryl gave me an clementine, and I totally needed that!!

When we hit 13, I made her keep saying "we are awesome...I'm feeling awesome" haha! It helped. At 13, we dropped to a 2:30:1:30 interval.  We were in the Animal Kingdom and it was really starting to heat up. Even with the heat, it was actually still decent on the first part.  There was a lot of shade still as the sun wasn't really up in full force yet.  The Animal Kingdom was fun to go through - right as we entered they had animals you could get your picture with - I passed, but Melissa got one with a snake. Miles 14-18 were hard. We came out of Animal Kingdom and headed into ESPN Wide World of Sports - lots of concrete and just open field.  We did get to run around the main field at the park - that was cool! Once we hit 17 we were in single digits and that helped me keep going. 18-20 I was hot - I stopped and sprayed more sun screen on (got to love my irish skin haha).



Ro & me at mile 26!

 Once we hit 20 - it was only a 10K left - I just kept telling myself, I do 10Ks all the time. Now this whole time - I was trying to find my friend Ro. She was suppose to run, but ended up having some foot issues and couldn't; however, she was going to meet me and run some with me.  Originally she was to meet us in the Animal Kingdom.  That didn't workout.  She made it to MGM studios and was going to meet me right after mile 23. Miles 20-23 were hard.  I was really hot, my legs were cramping some - they gave out bananas and I think that helped me not cramp as much - and my foot hurt. We fell into pace with the 7hour pacer.  We found him about mile 21 and I stayed with him till mile 24.  He was doing 20:40 and it was about as much as I could handle at that point.  Ro hopped in at mile 23.  She was kind of a breath of fresh air.  Melissa and I both needed her. At 24 I was done. There was nothing more in my body.  And I was ok with it.  I knew I was lucky to even make it to that point and I was VERY thankful to have made it to that point.



Me, Mickey & Ro before finish!

 Ro ran with Melissa for a bit and I found Ed & Kaye (pic with them to come) at mile 25 in Epcot. Ed & Kaye are fabulous and just came along when I needed help. Ed's knee was giving him a hard time and it was Kaye's first marathon.  We all agreed the heat wasn't helping either haha. Now Epcot is tricky see - it's the finish, but you have to go in and go ALL THE WAY AROUND and back to the parking lot to be done.



Proud moment!



Ro dropped back and told me her family was at the fountain and she was going to run ahead and meet me there.  I said perfect! When we got to them, it was SO good to see her and her family.  To think I meet her and her family on my 100 mile bike ride...crazy! And then we were done.  Before I crossed, I had my picture taken with Ro & Mickey.



Beautiful isn't it?!?



Yes, I've learned my lesson.  And I know that I am VERY lucky to be feeling as good as I am, and not have any injuries.  I am thankful, I am.  I am also a WAY bigger fan of CrossFit now then  ever before.  There is NO way I would have done this without having CrossFit in my life.  Justin & Alycia - and ALL my Aspire folks - thanks! Without ya'll kicking my butt 5-6x a week - I wouldn't have done this! Also, HUGE thanks to Andrew - he kept me feed super well last week and I also think that helped - I had a non-paleo breakfast morning of the race, but I am ok with that.  I need it on days like that!



Love him!




Ice bath & elevated legs :)





While we waited for our bus, Shahin had a beer and found himself a comfortable chair :) I got back to the room and did my least favorite part of this - an ice bath. I know my legs needed it. I then spent 20 minutes upside down letting my legs just drain and relax. I also happened to finish Sarah's bag of Flipz she left in the room - salty & sweet is also fabulous post race haha!





Me, Dana & Kylie

I spent the rest of the day/night with my Fleet Feet Knoxville group - I never forget, but I love being reminded how amazing they all are and how lucky I am to have them in my life!! I was also lucky enough to meet new FFK people and had a blast with them too!! Hot tub to relax our legs - have a beer then bed! Had to catch an early flight back to Jersey.

Now to TRAIN and get ready for the next race :)

~xoxo
M

Lessons Learned & Old School Friends

Hello loves!! Hope everyone is having a fabulous weekend so far :) I didn't post a lot last week - Andrew was here (and somehow got away with no pics the whole week) so I really just enjoyed having someone around and spending time with him. Things he taught me: I definitely have to be in a relationship with someone else who's into CrossFit/running/etc. as it really is my main focus and want to have someone who shares that(and no, it is NOT like that with him, he's just a good friend), I forget how much big guys eat and I can cook food a lot more relaxed and not stress things mixing or touching, that it is OK to get help sometimes (even from a boy) and really he just showed me how much it's ok to just be me. I felt bad as I had to leave Friday (he didn't leave till Sunday) but I had to get down to.....
Disney!!!!!!!! Ahhh I forget how much I love this place! The minute I got off my plane and to the airport, there is something about Orlando. Maybe it has something to do with how I use to spend summers here with such fabulous people . One of which I meet up with Friday night after getting settled. My Panda - Amanda! She is now married with an adorable little boy and a bundle on the way! I absolutely adore her hubs and am so happy to have meet her baby boy Aidan!! We went to dinner in Downtown Disney and ate at T-Rex Cafe - it was awesome! Then we walked around and just caught up. Aidan and I danced some and just had fun. It was amazing and a GREAT way to start my trip!! Today was just relaxing, hydrating and the expo. This evening, Amanda picked me up again after her and Sarah went to the expo. The three of us went to dinner and just caught up. Sarah lives in NYC now so I need to get up. Now we are watching the game (Go Pack) and heading to bed. Wake up is 3am!! Marathon time!!! Sarah's first and my second. I just want to finish and hip to feel good!! Sweet Dreams y'all :)












~xoxo
M

Grace and Disney Marathon

Hello loves! Hope you've had a FABULOUS weekend! I've been a little MIA this week - my friend Andrew is in town so it's been a crazy week! Lots of fun WODs - including some new ones for me. First let's discuss that my girls basketball team that I help coach with Ms. Waheed from school - we WON our first game!! WootWoot! Super stoked for the girls.  This is the first year having a team at our school (our first year we have a full middle school) and most of our girls are new to the game, but they deserved that game and I couldn't be more proud!

Workouts - let's chat :) Monday - we did Shoulder Press - 1x5 - I got up to 70#.  At first, I thought I only got 60# but then realized we had a men's bar and so 10 more #s :) Then we did Fight Gone Bad-ish - instead of sumos - we do KB swings! Wasn't so stoked with this - I really need to work on my endurance and speed.

Tuesday - 2-Power Cleans + 1 Push Press - I got 115# but had to jerk it up.  The ONLY reason I got 115# was because of Nilda.  Then we did Grace.  It was my first time. It was BRUTAL. I did 80# and got them in 5:32.  One of our guys Alex was going right in front of me and facing me.  He was FLYING! You can see him in the video - I can't imagine going that fast...yet.  Hopefully one day! He was done and I still had 15 to go haha :)

Wednesday - we did some snatch work before strength as our active warm up.  The we did back squat - 6 reps at a good weight - just building up till you can get there.  I got 145 for the 6 and then tried 150# and only got 2.  Funny - before Christmas and my hip was super bad and took the week off, I had 150# for 6,6,4 -- hopefully I'll be back up there soon!  We then did our boxes own benchmark - "The Garage" -- I went up 20# and down a band and only at 37 seconds.  It is 3 rounds of 10 pull-ups, 10 Front Squats, 10 Burpees.  I did it in 7 minutes.  I'll take it!!

There is a bunch of sickness going around school, so I am hoping to stay away from that. Not been feeling 100% so just crossing my fingers. Megs isn't going be able to run or play with me in Disney now.  She is really sick and trying to fight it. Ro isn't doing the full anymore due to her foot so, she's going to try and meet me 13 miles in or 13 miles out, depending how you look at it haha and run the last 13 with me.  I'm hoping my hip holds up and I can finish...that is my only fear right now.  The weather is going to be VERY warm - I'm working on my hydration right now.  Trying to think of the best way to get ready, but not sure there is one at this point.  Packing lots of type of clothes...it will be an adventure to say the least..  But isn't it always? Last time I ran Disney, my first half in 2010, it was the coldest it had been there in years! So, this just makes another adventure! No matter what - I'm staying positive and happy - always better right? :)

How are you Sweating Pink this week? Are you running Disney?
~xx
M

PS I got the after school position!! Can't wait to help my kids more :)

NYE, Pancakes and #13in2013

HAPPY NEW YEAR :) Hope everyone had a fabulous New Year's Eve - safe and happy! First post of two today - last night I spent the night at my cuzzo and Dollface's house with the Carney crew and friends!! My Peanut was there too!! My midnight kiss came from her! Awesome start to 2013!  This morning I started my day with fabulous Paleo pancakes...yes...it happened!

Got the recipe from Elena's Pantry -- her Silver Dollar Pancakes

 

3 large eggs

1 tablespoon water

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons honey

1 ½ cups blanched almond flour

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon baking soda

coconut oil, for cooking

1. In a large bowl whisk together eggs, water, vanilla and agave
2. Add almond flour, salt and baking soda and mix until thoroughly combined
3. Heat coconut oil on skillet over medium low to medium heat
4. Scoop 1 heaping tablespoon of batter at a time onto the skillet
5. Pancakes will form little bubbles, when bubbles open, flip pancakes over and cook other side
6. Remove from heat to a plate
7. Repeat process with remaining batter, add more oil to skillet as needed

Yields 18 pancakes

 

Don't worry - you can thank me later! You will, promise :) Ok so...
 

 #13in2013

I know you've all been waiting to know what I keep talking about.  I have signed up and committed to run 13 races in 2013.  I did not pick a set distance, just mixing it up. Jill and Jen have set up this #13in2013 challenge - and I am SUPER STOKED for the challenge.  You have 12 months to get all 13 races in!! My first race will be a virtual 5K today hosted by Laura.  She is hosting a #5bythe5th that will help make sure I have goals to help meet my races! #5bythe5th goes till June so it will give you 6 races in 6 months. I am looking forward to heading out this afternoon and using my sweet new Garmin on my first of my 13 races!!

How are you choosing to #SweatPink today?
I'll post about my run & just got an email from Alycia - the WODs for the Garage Games have been announced - we'll talk about that too :)
 

~xoxo
M

Happy New Years Eve Loves!

Can't believe I am sitting here - the healthiest I have been since probably high school. Had you told me this time last year that I would be CrossFitting (and becoming more obsessed with it every day) or down to my goal weight (with a new goal now that I know it's possible) or the size that I am or getting faster and back to my running.  2012 was a CRAZY year! I love it. People have been telling me lately that I inspire them... I INSPIRE THEM...that is a crazy concept to me. I have found lots of awesome people who inspire me in my life (Mama Dukes, Broski, SIL, Shahin, Leah, BFFAW, Ali, Megs, Joe, etc.), and a lot this year at Aspire -- Justin & Alycia, Jill, Francine, Ali, Leah, etc. It's amazing what CrossFit can do for your life - not just your fitness!

So of course - what better way to start the last day of the year then with a kick butt WOD!!

Between my awesome outfit and the 15# PR for my jerk (110# baby -- WOOTWOOT). Don't lie - you love my super bright colors. Check the video - this was my second round at 110#.  Super stoked - thanks to Leah for pushing me to it! And thanks to Ali for fixing my shirt haha! My legs look super thick - eek - good thing that really doesn't bother me :) 

My form needs some work.  According to Andrew I need to be more "violent...hips/elbows/jerk has to be fast and violent." Oh ps - he's coming to WOD with me next week! WOOT WOOT! PUMPED!

After the WOD, I did sushi with Dollface - fabulous as always!! Then changed out my Christmas nails for some fun - kick 2013 butt - nails!


Anyways - I really just wanted to write this - to thank those that read, those who I stalk and read your tweets/blogs, and those who helped me this year - I've had a BIG year with a lot of changes and I would not have done it without ya'll! I am looking forward to 2013 - no resolutions, but more just focusing on my bucket list and some goals! Including #13in2013 (post tomorrow) :)

Have a safe and happy New Year! Big plans? Heading to Dollface & cuzzo's for a local party :)

How are you going to set your goals or do you have resolutions?
Any new plans for Sweating Pink? :)

~xx
M

PS I miss this face and my Tank! Can't wait to see them again! Not sure when but hopefully sooner then later!