No Reason To Stay Is A Good Reason To Go :)

Holy smokes -- last week = total meltdown.  I felt like I just couldn't get on top of things and that I was constantly falling behind in places I was already behind.  I only worked out 3x last  week - the plus side was all 3 days I PR'ed.  Monday's WOD killed me - I literally had tears in my eye from my shoulders being ON FIRE!! haha! Thrusters - 100# (2x105#), Back Squat sets of 6 - 135#, and push press sets of 5 - 95# (1x100#).  I need to start setting goals for the movements and working on a schedule for skill work. My arms are getting tighter and I have little bump.  I'm looking forward to starting Olympic Lifting Class this week + back to my 5-6 days a week and gymnastics!!

For this weekends #Elf4Health fun -- I cleaned out my closet, my shoes collection and my Christmas decorations as well!! I also found an ornament I had forgotten about -- look how cute he is!!! I cleaned out 2 trash bags worth of clothes, scarfs, hoodies and shoes.  Felt good to de-clutter my closet! Working on doing that in my whole life! Started to set up some of my Christmas decorations as well....trying to decide if I want a tree or not....still haven't made up my mind!

Sunday - some of the girls from the upper grades and I went to Hammonton to celebrate K's wife's baby shower! I had such a good time, and I really am blessed to work with some awesome people at my school!!  Speaking of work...the BIG news for the day is after 6 years, I no longer work for Fleet Feet Sports.  I have such love for the company and I look forward to the day I can work for another store. At this time - I had no reason to stay working for a place I wasn't happy with and need more time to focus on my career and life!

How was your weekend?

How'd you choose to Sweat Pink?

~xoxo
M

Day 6 - Community Love

Today has shown me how much I love my running and CrossFit communities. As we all know now - Hurricane Sandy has slammed the coast of New Jersey and New York.  There are a lot of ways for both the running and CrossFit community to help -- here are two I am doing...

First --> One of my favorite bloggers over at www.justkeepsweating.com is putting together a virtual race.  Her name is Carlyn and she is one of those who Sandy rocked her normal world.  Here is the information -- if you live by me, I am putting together a night for all of us to do the run together - next Thursday, Novemeber 15th - a 5K run or 1 mile walk from my Fleet Feet here in NJ.  You can get more information here but here is the main part --

1 .SIGN UP: Racing for Relief

2. Donate (Please note there is a $10 minimum) this counts as your entry fee

3. Download and print your Racing for Relief bib to wear while you run - if you come next Thursday the 15th I'll have one for you!

4. Spread the word and get everyone you know involved.The more runners we have, the more money we raise.
5.RUN RUN RUN!
Anytime before December 1st.
6. Post your times here
[Please do this before December 1st]
You can run on a treadmill or outside.
With a group or by yourself.
Not a runner?
Walk!

It wouldn't be a race without a shirt right?
Long and short sleeved shirts for men and women that will be available until November 30th.
You can purchase them here
All monatary proceeds will go to the American Red Cross.

 

Second --> my box, CrossFit Aspire, is hosting CrossFit Athletes Vs. Gymnastics: A Showdown to Save the Shore.

 

Here is the info --  Its a friendly fundraiser competition hosted by CrossFit Aspire and Cherry Hill Gymnastics to help raise money for Sandy relief efforts.  The event will begin with multiple heats of a fun, all-levels workout. All area CrossFit athletes and gymnasts are invited to participate. The event will continue onto a 'Best of the Best' workout in which the top CrossFit athletes and gymnasts will go head to head for title of Best Local Athlete.

 

Registration -

IF YOU REGISTER BEFORE November 16th: Click on the free ticket and go HERE to donate $20 and get a FREE cool T shirt. Be sure to write "Pick up at CF Aspire" in the comment section when you order.
 

IF YOU REGISTER AFTER November 16th, or if you don't want the T shirt, you can make your donation above.

Spectators (family, friends, athletes) are welcome. No ticket purchase is necessary to spectate, but donations at the door are highly suggested. All donations will go to the Red Cross to aid in their relief efforts.



 

Let me know if you have any questions or know of any other awesome events!!

 

Hope to see you at one or both :)

 

~xoxo

M

Month of Thanks - Day 4 - Running& Finding My Groove :)

So, this weekend seemed CRAZY busy to me. I didn't head into it thinking it would be busy at all!  Friday was pretty simple - School & Fleet Feet Sports.  After FF, I headed over to one of the girls from the boxes house for a Girls Night. It was really awesome to hang out with the girls - I got to know them better and we really had a good time.  Lots of wine consumed and tried by all.  Also tried Ali's pomegranate raspberry beer - pretty good stuff! And someone else brought this chocolate shot called "Chocolate Therapy" - that could be dangerous!

Saturday started with our last "In the Dark" Wod as power is officially back at Aspire!! YAY!!! After coming home and getting ready, I headed into Fleet Feet till 2. I can honestly say I LOVE the chance to talk to runners - doesn't matter if they are new, old, 5min milers or run/walkers - I LOVE our community and how much we all just do it for the LOVE of running!

After FF, my mother had driven up and we headed out to the Philadelphia Expo Center (which wasn't in Philly ha) for a craft fair. It was a pretty cool fair - in the picture to the right are my collections (minus some chocolate/mint covered pretzels that I already ate them all haha). The pictures on the left side are taken by a photographer named John Chumack - check out his stuff here! I feel in love with the heart - hello Love is my last name - it is the Heart Nebula Complex! He does all his own work.  He gave me the second piece for my classroom FOR FREE! How awesome is he?!?! It is slightly bent and he said he couldn't sell it, so he let me have it. One the right are some hand scrubs from Pretty Baby Naturals. CrossFit does some beautiful work to my hands - hopefully this helps :)

Once I got home, I let the girls be out for a few and then I headed over to Wifey's family Beef & Beer in honor of her brother who passed away.  They have it every year and the proceeds go to local children for educational scholarships and other awesome charitable events!  In the pic is Wifey, Kels, Dollface & me - we had a good time and it was good to see the girls.  My three blonds and me- after we took it Dollface says "it looks like we photo shopped you in Melis" haha! I didn't stay super long, but I definitely wanted to support my Parisi family!


This morning I woke up and FROZE myself by running the Bridge Run.  I'm not going to lie, I was very excited to do this.  I thought it would be cool to be able to run over and back on the Ben Franklin Bridge, and it was! The view at the top was BEAUTIFUL!!! I wanted to set a PR and I did.  I got 1:15.  My fastest ever (and actually training) was a 1:19 - I was in good running shape then so can't wait to see what happens not that I am cleared to train at 100% again!! To the left is the crew - they have become my NJ running crew, and I love them!! We have a good time!



To the right is my girlfriend Heather.  Her and her fiance were suppose to run - Mike did, but Heather is sick so just came to support.  THANKFULLY she did, because I forgot my shoes - who goes to a 10K and forgets their runners you may ask?!?! THIS GIRL!! I tried not to freak out - but thankfully Heather had on her adrenalines from Brooks so even though they were a size big, they were better then my Kinvara (my speed shoe NOT my distance shoe). Under is a view on the top - way better in person :)



After the run, I stopped by Aspire - I was originally planning on working on some cleans, but my legs were more tired then I thought (I also didn't think I'd make my time) so I worked on some pull ups! Jill was there so we planned to grocery shop after I changed and such - which actually turned into a trip to Whole Foods, Trader Joes, Bath & Body Works (check out my awesome new candle below - smells AMAZABALLS) and Vicki's! Jill's hubby is going to love me :) I also had some coffee - still learning - tried heavy cream (Paleo friendly as it gets), stevia and cinnamon via a twitter friend's suggestion -- it was delicious and helped me warm up!!





All of that to bring me to this - day 4 - I am thankful for running and the community I have found in it! Between my Fleet Feet Knoxville and Fleet Feet Marlton crews to the twitter #runchat convos to random twitter friends who also run! I LOVE my running community and how awesome and supportive we are!! I am thankful I have found running, and am slowly getting my running grove back :)

How was your weekend?
How did you #SweatPink this weekend?


~xoxo
M

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

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

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

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

Superhero Sunday

Whoever thought that I would be so happy changing my life to this extreme? I know I have said it once, twice or maybe three times; however, I LOVE CrossFit Aspire. It is the best decision I ever made. I think it is hard when you head into something like CrossFit.  I get it a lot from people -- I can't believe you do that, I could never do it, how hard is it, it's not for people like me, I don't want to get bulky, etc.  I'm not bulky - I'm not amazingly strong - I'm not a Superhero...YET!  They key is yet! I may not be able to do a pull-up or a full push-up; however, I know it WILL happen.  A lot of hard work and hopefully changing my diet/nutrition will pay off.  I know some people get overwhelmed at the thought of it, but anyone could do it.  That's the beauty of CrossFit. You can scale any movement to your ability, and once you get the movements down you'll kick tail!! Today (THANKS to Sharon for being a HUGE help and a kick ass judge) I got down the clean - got up to 100#!!!!!!! I am BEYOND stoked and very ready to push myself to new levels.

PS - I also want to just tell you how AMAZING of a group they are at CrossFit Aspire. I love it - making friends, and getting to know other people.  And to get to push everyone who in turn pushes you back! Today was a FABULOUS day!

Weekend workout recap --

Saturday started out with a awesome run with my Fleet Feet Marlton half marathon group -- we are now three weeks out from Rock 'n' Roll Philly -- and I can NOT wait to see this group run!! I love my interval ladies -- they really are amazing.  I've talked one of them, Jen, into running with me more and doing the Disney full marathon with me in January. Now, both Jen and Lauren are doing the Cooper Norcross Run the Bridge with me in November. 

Today's competition was OUTSTANDING!!

WOD 1 --> 750m row and push press till fail at 65#.

WOD 2 --> you had 10 minutes to do 4 rounds: 20 Wallballs (25#), 15 wallballs (14lbs -- for the record, they kicked my tail but as Justin said "you have to start pushing somewhere") and 10 burpees.  Ok - first, without Sharon, I would have NEVER finished the part I did.  Did I finish? No, I did not. I am not mad nor upset about it. I gave my all and that's all I want to do.  Funny how this WOD alone kicked my butt harder then my 8 mile run Saturday! haha

WOD 3 --> 6 minutes to get up to your max clean. It took me a while, but I did it.  Again, I had Sharon for my judge and she was my God send.  She helped pushed me and figure out.  Her help on my form made it 10x easier.  I got up to 100# and feel like I might have gotten more, but the time I figured it out time was up.

I didn't come in last so that was helpful :)

Paleo starts soon -- still trying to finish my book. TrueBlood & The Newsroom are over so bed time!

~xoxo

M

Friday Night Party...Or Not :)

I am for sure that I am no longer willing to stay where I am.  The more I read and try to learn about the world of food, the more I am sure that I am ready to make the next step.  I am ready to get better, stronger, faster at CrossFit and change my diet for good.  I am really excited for the nutrition information session at CrossFit Aspire and the 30 day challenge.  I am also currently reading It Starts With Food  -- it is very informational and I want to know more.  I am only up to the part on dairy, but I can't wait to read more!

Tomorrow is a nice run with my Fleet Feet Marlton half marathon program group.  We are 23 days our from the Philly Rock-n-Roll -- below is what our medals will look like.  I can not wait to see my group rock it! For some of them, it will be their first half marathon; however, for others it will be another race.

So, random for you - Brian called me Tuesday night and asked me to go the the Phillies game with him.  Of course I went (easy decision since they were playing my Reds).  It was a good time.  Brian is a good friend and I enjoy his company.  We seem to always have a good time when we hang out.

Ok -- that's all -- just thought I'd post a lil something :)  Ps look what we got for the store

 

How awesome are those? If you know me, you know how obsessed I am with cozies.  Also, Nicolella from school has got me HOOKED on Game of Thrones -- 5 episodes into season 1 and I love it!

Enjoy your Friday!

~xoxo
M

Only a 5K Left for My FFM Ladies

So, obviously Friday's drive did't go as plan.  My normally 10.5 hour drive took almost 13 HOURS!!! Minus me wanting to let Scarlet go run and play in the Baltimore traffic since she barked for most of the 1.5 hours we sat....side note -- I would never let that happen...I was MISERABLE. My back hurt, my wrist & arms were done.  I was OVER being in the car.  By the time I got home, I pretty much ate a salad and called it a night (after catching up on TrueBlood & Grimm...I'm slightly obsessed). All I could think of was our 10 miler in the am --

Wish I would have known that before I started haha -- Saturday morning came WAY quicker then I thought.  It was crappy our - that greyish cloudy semi-raining but not enough to really be a reason to not go. I almost texted Mike to be like - hey, I'm not coming.  But I thought that would be pretty silly.

I headed out for my 10 miles.  Lauren & Jen were my only girls who showed -- I warned them from the start that I would not be the best coach that morning.  My legs and hips were tight.  After the first few miles, I could instantly tell I had not had enough water (imagine that, not enough drinking on a car ride with limited bathroom breaks haha). My girls got me through those 10 miles.  We had a good conversation - always do.  And a bonus is I think Jen may join me at Disney in January for the full!!!!

So...heres the deal...training and life.  I have had some AWESOME compliments over the past week or two.  That I seem WAY happier with life, that I'm glowing, looking better, etc.  I am VERY appreciative of all the kind words -- I'm working my butt off and really trying to make it a lifestyle change.  Now for the other side -- if you do not like what I am doing, don't understand why I am changing, think I'm NUTS or "doing too much" -- please keep the thoughts to yourself.  I am doing this for ME! This is not about you and never was.  I was sick of living day by day and not being truly happy. If you want to join me or ask me questions - I'm all for it.  But do NOT come at me with all your negativity -- please, miss me with that.

That picture is stolen from a friend of a friend on twitter -- > I LOVE it. Pretty much sums life up.  I've done well with getting into the fitness plan.  Now, I need a LOT of nutrition help. Any thoughts or ideas, please share :)

Till next time

~ xoxo M

PS I am SO stoked to hit CrossFit Aspire tomorrow

Time is Wrapping Up

This just made me smile :)

My trip home is coming to an end.  This has been one of the hardest trips home for me. For those who don't know, my parents separated about a year and a half ago and the divorce was official about a month ago.  Funny how people tell you as an adult it is easier, but I'm not sure that is the case.  You have a lot more knowledge of what is going on and what can happen.

With that being said - pitty party over :) I really would love to move home one day.  There is something about Knoxville (or maybe that my Bro, SIL, babies and lots of my good friends are here) that makes me want to move home. I miss having the crews to train with.  However, I miss my Fleet Feet Marlton group we are training for the Rock-n-Roll, plus my CrossFit Aspire crew and Jersey favs!

Can I even admit I may miss burpees -- just a touch?!!? haha Other then that, just been enjoying time with family and friends. Last night I got to catch up with one of my best guys and his wife.  I honestly love getting time to spend time with them and catch up.  He is also a teacher which makes sharing stories fun. Plus, his training schedule is hit or miss like mine depending on school.

I need to finish getting stuff ready for my Foodie PenPals :)  I am nervous about sending my lady her package!

Enjoy the rest of your day!

~xo

M

Oh & PS -- I was spoiled today and received an iPad as a present! Thanks to my amazing mother! I can't wait to get this in my classroom!! Any apps you suggest?

Double Unders

So, you know what sucks? Waking up and not being able to walk. Kind of feels like 2 years ago when everything went down and walking didn't exist without crutches or a gimp for about 3-4 months...blah! In some shape or form I have tweaked my achilles over the weekend.  I have honestly not been in this much pain or this uncomfortable in a LONG time.  I started the day with about 30 minutes of torture with my Trigger Point gear (check their stuff out -- it is FANTASTIC).

At work today I was trying to think of what it could be.
          First thought --> upped mileage this weekend with the 8 on Saturday and then the springs with CrossFit Aspire on Sunday, but I have had NOTHING compared to this since training for the Rock-n-Roll.
          Second thought --> we got seeded shoes from Nike for the store last Thursday.  I wore them all shift Friday and all day Saturday without my Superfeet insert. BING.  I still really think this is the main cause. plus Sunday I wore flip flops (my montrails which are pretty good but not as good as the Superfeet sandals) and I think it was just OVERLOAD.

So with a whole day of Fleet Feet and an attempt at CrossFit, this is how I spent my evening...

yay! You know you love ice baths...wait you don't? They hurt like WOAH you say.  I will do whatever I can if it means I can walk normal tomorrow.  Plus, we are suppose to have a speed workout tomorrow with the group and the other coaches are out. It's just me, but I may just coach from the side. Hopefully I can squeak in a WOD in the am though :)

The BIG news for today is the little bit of class I did get tonight -- I learned about Double Unders and I got 4 :) and then I really couldn't walk, but I got them haha!!

That's really all for exciting news -- two sleeps till Knoxville.  Still trying to come up with stuff for my Foodie Penpals (click if you missed the post). Found out she is pretty fabulous, married to a triathlete and owns a healthy food business. Talk about NO PRESSURE. haha Check her out at Cotter Crunch!


The plus side is tomorrow Ohio State Football tickets go on sale -->

xoxo -- Melissa