2012 Running Recap

Megan from Run Like A Grl wrote a post called “Running My Way Through 2012: Recap.” This was the first year I was coming back to running in a year off so I thought it would be a fun idea to do....

Best Race Experience – This is tough because in my eyes all of my races were awesome because I was back to running and racing.  I think the Shamrock Half was my favorite race - after this, I knew I was back!! Plus I ran in the place I was born -- that was kind of cool!

During Shamrock Half

Best Run – My best run was probably when I ran with Tara from CrossFit.  We just talked and chatted the whole time.  It was only three miles, but was nice to get to know her better and run and chat! Plus all my runs getting ready for the Philly Half with Lauren & Jen -- miss running with them!

 

Best New Piece of Gear – can I say something I just got haha, because I can't WAIT to use my Garmin -- probably my favorite thing this year was my super cute outfit from Saucony - I'll have to add a picture later...
Best Piece of Running Advice – It's not the speed or the time -- it's getting up and getting out there!! Since the Philly Half, I have had a hard time getting back into my running.  I have two weeks till the Disney Marathon, and I'm not prepared at all.  The most I can do at this point is just get some time in on my legs and push through it.  I am hoping that 2013 and new fun stuff will help kick my back into gear!

Most Inspirational Runner – There is no one person who has been the most inspirational for me, but a collection of my friends, other runners, twitter loves and people whose blogs I've fallen in love of reading!! I am so looking forward to 2013 and getting back out there more!!

If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, what would they be? – Challenging, fun, life-changing.

Answer any of the questions above!

What words would you use to describe your year?
 How is 2013 going to be different for you and how you #SweatPink?

~xx
M

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

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

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

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