DumboDoubleDare Racecation Part 3

Finally...last but not least...my last part of my DumboDoubleDare Racecation!! You can see Part 1 and Part 2 if you missed out. So obviously, my Saturday ended fabulous. Dinner with one of my favorite people in the world - My Tony! Always makes me wonder what would have been had we never moved apart from each other. I got home at a decent time and got to bed - half marathon mornings - especially runDisney ones - always have a early start! I was texting my girlfriend Ro all morning to see where she was so we could meet up.  We finally linked up at the corals.  She has not been training fully, and clearly with my broken ankle and not being able to run haha neither had I.  I only had a goal to finish the race and enjoy it.  That was her goal too!! In all my Disney races, I've never stopped at all the stops.  I'm always scared I'll be to slow and get held back.  This time, I did it anyways. I am a HUGE Disney fan so I can honestly say that all the stops made the day so much more fun!

Our first stop was Monsters Inc. I absolutely LOVE Monsters Inc.  Heck I went and saw Monsters U with no child - some people probably thought I was weird....eh' whatever haha :) While we were waiting for Monsters Inc. - because there is always a line for pics, but totally worth it - I was texting Shireen.  Her and Jamie were running the half too... she ended up meeting up with us right after our Aladin picture...which isn't up haha! I just picked a few to put up!

My FAVORITE stop was with the toy soliders from Toy Story.  There was three of them and three of us so....how stinkin cute are we? And totally side note - look how much more I'm leaning out? I've been stuck on the scale but people keep saying I look smaller.  I can't tell, but this picture def helped me see. Always a bonus!

We also stopped and had our picture taken with Darth Vadar. As we were leaving, a storm trooper was walking out.  We were kind of complaining out loud when he charged towards Ro and she got a cool pic.  Then he turned and bolted towards Shireen and I.  I LOVE this pic too!

Of course, we stopped and took pictures in front of the castle and it's super cute! And as a HUGE sports nerd, I thought it was totally cool we got to run (or by that point my ankle was sore so we were walking more so then running haha) Angel Stadium.

 

There was a car club on the back stretch - I love cars so that was really cool.  Some awesome classics and the people were very supporting.  By about mile 11 I was definitely getting tired from lack of running.  My ankle was sore (no more so then I knew it would be) but didn't hurt to bad.  By 12-12.5 my ankle was DONE.  I knew I would finish, but couldn't wait to be off of it. Mama was right at the 13 mile mark and complete changed how I felt.  Just knowing she was there for a race made ALL the difference. I never thought it could make that big of an impact, but it was awesome.  I hope she knows (or she will when she reads this haha) how much it meant. 

I know I've said it before, but CrossFit has changed my life.  There is NO way I would have completed those 19.3 miles Labor Day weekend without it.  For not really running and 6 months prior having broken my ankle, I am STOKED. 


My time stunk, but I had a BLAST, made new friends and finished!!  After the race, we headed back down to San Diego. We grilled out and relaxed for dinner.  I crashed HARD that night! Monday morning I woke up feeling good.  Ankle was sore, but not to bad.  We spent the day with my God Family. Cookout and kids and family - BEST time. I caught a redeye back to Jersey Monday night and went back to work Tuesday morning!  It was a great trip and just what I needed before school started back.  :)

~xx
M

PS there was a L1 seminar at my San Diego hotel that started the day I left...BOO!

DumboDoubleDare Racecation...Part 2

Hello loves! Finally getting around to updating all of y'all on my awesome Disney racecation.  You can find Part 1 here. After an awesome night out with my God-sisters, Friday morning was an early start.  We definetly had a head start since I was still on East Coast time.  Mama and I headed down to Chula Vista to pick up God-Mom then got on our way to Disneyland! They dropped me off at the expo...which if you haven't heard by now, it was a not so hot experience.  I'm not going to complain or whine on here...stuff needs to be changed by next year's event, and I know RunDisney is doing their best to get it done.

God-Mom & Mama

After the expo GodMom, Mama and I went over to the parks. We went to Disneyland. It was SUPER hot. We did some of the smaller rides. The ladies also got themselves those fans...you know that spray you too! Haha they were funny! We rode the train around and did a couple rides.  I made sure to go see the Iron Man exhibit.  Incase you don't know - IRON MAN GEEK! Seriously - total geek out moment there. I left early and headed back to rest. Mama and God-Mom stayed and did some other stuff.

Me, Shireen and Jamie

Saturday morning I woke up and got ready for race time! Ro wasn't going to make the 10K because she did not get her packet in time. I got ready in my sweet new Sparkle Athletic skirt and Raw Threads shirt. Obviously I was nervous about my ankle.  I did not have a goal time or some PR I wanted.  Goal was to finish out the weekend with a healthy ankle and races done.  Thank GOD for Shireen and Jamie.  I meet up with them around mile 2 and they saved me.  I totally held them up, but they were sweet enough to stay with me. By the end of the race, I had two new race friends (both from California, so totally have to get out there for a race haha). We had lots of fun talking and getting to know each other. I really enjoyed their company and help.  For not running more then two miles since before I broke my ankle and it having been six months, I was pumped. Now for the coolest part of my whole trip. I have been running for about five years now - everything from 5Ks to Full Marathons - and I've never had family at a race to cheer me on. I had actually just finished telling my new friends about how my Mama was there to support me.  As we came into the last half mile or so, we came around the corner and Mama was THERE! It honestly MADE MY WHOLE RACE!! I've had friends at races before, which is always awesome, but to actually have Mama there was awesome. We finished the race and I headed back to the hotel.  I grabbed a shower and then had some brunch with Mama & God-Mom at the hotel.  They went to the park and I watched the Buckeyes play and then a nap.

Once I woke up - I headed over to the park and hung out with the ladies. It was super hot again. We just did some shows and a ride or two.  Nothing major. (My recaps aren't uber fun huh? haha) It was a fun day, but I was scared to be on my ankle too much.  I really want to go back and have more time at the parks. After hanging out for a while, we headed back to the hotel.  One of my ex-boyfriends and favorite people in the WHOLE world lives out there so we decided to go to dinner. It was honestly amazing to see him, and that could be an understatment.  It was like time hadn't passed at all. 

Me & Tony

 Didn't skip a beat. Always interesting to be reminded of such an amazing time in your life! Him and I had such an amazing relationship. We ended up spliting due to distance, but I'm happy we can still catch up and be such good friends.  You never know what will happen ;)

It was a good dinner and relaxed night to have before the half marathon. I made plans to meet up with Ro and Shireen for the half marathon. Next up...the amazing half marathon :)

Finally...Dumbo Double Dare Racecation...Part 1

Hello Loves! Long time, no post.  Sorry for the delay.  Summer went SO fast and I felt like I never posted (too much actually living life and going non-stop) and now school is back in session.  I am LOVING being back at school.  I know I love what I do, but it's great when the very first day you are reminded of it :)

Let's talk California and my favorite stuff - running, WODing and DISNEY!!!

I started my trip on Thursday the 29th.  I flew from Philly to San Diego and Mama Dukes flew in from Nashville. When we got in we headed down to Chula Vista and picked up my God Mom. We grabbed lunch and caught up.  I then headed to CrossFit Invictus. Holy amazing WOD. We started with a fun game of musical medballs - like musical chairs - it was really fun.  I got to hop into their OLY section of the class - some drop snatches which I had not done before.  Got some great tips  and loved every minute.  Then we had a partner WOD - my partner was fabulous - 7 rounds - 7 push press and 7 T2B.  Remember I just really got my T2B so was scared I wouldn't be able to get them.  I got most of them and were close on the others. Then we had to go around the block holding a 25# plate above our head. BRUTAL. Totally needed it! Got Nick, Nilda and I a shirt.

Mama and I stayed at the Marriott Marquis in downtown San Diego. It was an amazing hotel with fabulous view. I definitely grab a quick shot from our room.  I LOVE San Diego - I forget how beautiful it is there.  I definitely want to go back for a vacay to San Diego and crash here again.  The pool look fabulous - and there was a CrossFit L1 seminar that started the day I left....fail for missing that! Anyways, I grabbed a quick shower....and my God Sisters Jennifer and Anna came to get me....
We started at The Blind Burro.  We got a craft of Sangria and I filled them in on life.  I haven't seen them since Anna and Nick got married. It was great to catch up and just be around people who aren't necessarily family, but might as well be family. Jenn use to babysit me when we lived out there and I was little.  Mom always says I reminded her of Jenn. After hanging with her, we totally are so much alike...I love it! We had some good food - seriously, it was really good!!

After Blind Burro Anna took us to Altitude. It had amazing views of the city and of Petco Park. We just chatted and hung out.  I had an amazing time and it was JUST what I needed. Part two is coming up tomorrow...lots of running and adventures with Mama and God-mom :)

Can I Tell You A Secret?

Hello loves! Happy Friday -- and it's Good Friday! It has been a good couple days! Lots of good workouts at the box & time with friends. So, Tuesday and Wednesday I did not eat much.  This is my blog so I want to be 100% honest.  I am very worried about gaining weight while I'm injured. Like freaking out worried.  Lets back up....I have a very unhealthy relationship with food.  If you don't know, I use to weigh over 200 pounds.  I went through a period of time where I ate, not necessarily a lot, but shit.  All shit.  Plus I drank a lot. I was injured and packed on weight.  A lot of weight.  Now, don't get me wrong. I'm a thicker girl.  Always have been and probably always will be. I'd love to weight 155-165 pounds. That is my goal range. I'm about 175 I think right now. I've lost over 50#s.  It's been a LONG road and I wouldn't change a thing, except for my ability to say NO to bad choices. Milkshakes and peanut butter by the spoonfuls and so on. I really need to force myself to be better.  I really would like to do a GOOD Whole30 again.  Kristen at Change of Pace is doing one starting April 1st.  I'm not sure I could since I'll be living at my brother and SIL's the next week. I'm thinking when I get back it's on. I have to see if Jilly, of Paleo Pantz, is game to help me though because she is my cook for the next couple weeks. I dunno.  I eat pretty good Paleo now, but not good enough.  I may try and start on Monday if my SIL will take me to the market :) Need to focus on the pyramid -- CLEAN EATING IS THE BIGGEST KEY!!!
 So - back to Tuesday and Wednesday - Tuesday all I had was two small pieces of chicken and half cup sweet potatoes and Wednesday I had a green apple and cheese.  Now this was NOT because of my issues - but more the lack of wanting to do anything. I was exhausted.  Jilly came over Wednesday night to check on me.  She cooked eggs and bacon for us to eat -- I ended up eating 6 eggs so I'm pretty sure I made up for not eating the other two days.  Yesterday was my last day of school before Spring Break.  We had a half day and Jilly took me to school, therefore I ate breakfast - eggs and bacon -- and then I went to AC's after school.  She dyed my hair (I'll get a pic up ASAP) - we are trying to get it lighter and back to my normal color. Then Tara from Fit Beginnings and Split Ends took me to the box. I worked on bench & thanks to her - she pushed me to a 95# PR for a set of 6! I think did some strict press at 75# for 3 sets of 5. Metcon of hammer curls/dips/triceps extensions (behind the head...can't think of real name). Plus came home and did some tabata sit-ups & knee push-ups. I love that there is still so much I can do, but I'd be lying if I didn't say I can WAIT to full on CrossFit, lift and run again!! haha I've had a lot of people tell me they can't believe I'm back to school and/or working out already and/or how positive I am -- here's my thing -- I only had 2.5 days to get through of school then 10days off because of Spring Break so IMO there was NO reason to miss. I love my job and my kiddos - I needed to be there. In regards to working out - yes, I went the day after I broke my ankle and I've been 5 times in the week since. No, I don't think that's dumb.  Working out makes me feel better and helps keep me in check.  If you don't want to do it, DON'T - or if you don't want to hear about me doing it, don't read/follow/etc. I LOVE my box, my coaches and my friends from there -- I don't plan on slowing down because I broke my ankle. And lastly - about being positive -- what am I going to do? Sulk/cry/be miserable.  Yes, I am beyond upset about having to drop out of the Nike Women's Half in DC, the Festivus CrossFit comp in Philly, Tough Mudder in June, and some local 5K/10Ks I've signed up for.  It sucks.  I cried - ask Alycia -- I balled at the hospital. I cried to DA this week - it sucks; however, I can choose to sulk and be upset or look at the things I can do and move on. It is what it is and I can't change it.  So, now we look forward -- change up my goals a little bit - and do what needs to be done to keep moving forward. Rachel told me today I'm like Jillian Michael -- do what you can and push as hard as you can -- that's what I do. When I judge my crew, coach others or push myself.  Do what you CAN DO and push hard.  I have to much going on to be stressed about a broken foot :)
So DA and I have been talking about our visit -- I am going to Cali for 2 days Memorial Weekend -- and I can not WAIT to see him.  It's been about a couple years and I can not WAIT to see him. We are really in different places now and I just want to be onto the next stage with him. One more year hopefully. The state has announced they are taking over our school -- hopefully, I have a job next year but if I don't I'm moving. It will all work out -- it always does! Plus I really really just love that man. He makes me happy :)
Anyways, today is FRIDAY -- 13.4 day - I don't get to go tonight to see most of my crew, but I got to go today to the noon class with Rachel.  I judged her and cheered her, AC, Nilda, Blair, Jenn, Steph and others on. Also, I got pull-ups today with my boot.  We took a Rouge Box and a band -- I needed a little more height so we added a 45 plate too -- and I could get my good foot into the band and and reach the bar. I honestly was SO stoked -- I only did 15 as my arms were killing me from yesterday and crutching all around. I am a happy happy girl though.
I'm heading down to Tennessee tomorrow - I can't wait to be with my family for a week and more importantly spend time with my Princess & Tank -- I love those two!

Hope ya'll had a fabulous Friday!
~xoxo
M

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