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 :)

CrossFit Crew + 2 Ladies Night + Summer Legends

Hello LOVES! How y'all doing today? I am in TENNESSEE....don't be jealous...actually be very jealous.  I have to tell you, I have been in a funk lately.  Not my normal outgoing self.  I've been very judgmental towards people I wouldn't normal be judgmental too. I've been a bit of a bitch too. Clearly need to work on that. I'm homesick.  The spring/summer is the hardest for me. Throughout the fall/winter I get to see my family a TON- Tank and Princess's birthdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas! Spring/summer I don't really get to get down.  I sat down with a really good friend lately and talked about life....and I think he had a point...I'm starting to get nervous about Jerz.  Jersey is now becoming the 2nd longest place I've ever lived besides Tennessee.  I never thought that I'd be in Jersey more then a year or two.  Here I am going into my fourth year. It will tie Ohio this year.  I never thought anywhere would tie Ohio or Tennessee.  My love for those two places is monumental; however, Jersey is very much so close to my heart.

I think the biggest change to how I feel towards Jersey is my box, CrossFit Aspire. I know, people get sick of hearing CrossFitters talk about how much they love the box, our WODs (workout of the day) and apparently we have all drank Kool-Aid, but seriously, screw that. I LOVE my box. These people have started as complete strangers, and yes, I only know them from the box; however, these people have become some of my best friends. These girls love me regardless of my shenanigans. They know who they are! I'm not sure I can ever thank them for everything they have done for me! There are lots of people at my gym I am friends with, but obviously with how life works, I seem to get closer with certain people.  I had an impromptu ladies night this past Monday and I needed it. I don't think those girls knew how much I needed it - HUGE thanks to AC, Rachel, Nilda, Allie, and Teralyn. Love you ladies! AC - I'm glad we started that plan during out workout! ;)

Had some AWESOME WODs Monday and Tuesday -
Monday - I PRed my snatch - FINALLY hit 95# and think I could have gone up, but I didn't.

Tuesday night I went to the Legends of the Summer Tour.  HOLY SHIT - please excuse the language - but HOLY SHIT. Let's discuss that if you know me, you know my obsession with Jay Z is HIGH! I love him.  He was PHENOMINAL!!! Of course I knew everything he did - and totally made friends with the guy next to me over it haha!

JT - yea, I get all the hype over him by the girls now.  He's HOT.  I went with my cousin Ashley, T and GF. We had an awesome time.  Seriously - it was the perfect end to my Jerz summer break. I need more nights like that!

I definitely paid for it yesterday when attempting to drive the 12.5-13 hours home.  I was exhausted, but I would do it again tomorrow. 

On my way home I stopped in Maryland to see the Boo thing and her girls! Her hubs was at work, so didn't get to see my Danni, but It was a much need little pick me up on the drive. Gummy & Ellie are getting SO big, and I honestly feel like it's been forever since I had seen them.  Boo needs to get to Jersey for another girls weekend.  She came to see me for my birthday and we need another weekend! The drive - seemed to take forever- was a really nice mental break. 

 I forgot how much I love that drive.  It's long, but I get a lot done mentally on that trip.  Windows down the WHOLE way.  I miss that. I miss the mountains and the green. Had the girls too! Scarlet loves the car - and she loves rest right next to me. haha

The Princess and Tank were still up when I got here so that was awesome.  I was scared I wouldn't get to see them. I don't get enough time with them so I try and suck in whatever time I get. 

Everyone is at work and school today - I'm spending my day with KellieShea - going to Fleet Feet Knoxville to get fit for new shoes.  Want to make sure I'm coming back in the right shoes from the broken ankle.  Plus the Dumbo Double Dare is getting UBER close and I am so not ready.  At least I'll have the right shoes for the race.  Then we will putz around - I miss my Knoxville friends - excited for this week!

Happy Thursday Loves!

Are you running DDD? Do you have a costume?

~xx
M

Awesome Weekend + Fitness Recap

Hello my loves!! How are y'all? Doing fabulous here. Had my first four days in a row since my break at CrossFit last week, had two nights out this weekend with loves and my first run club back!! I started the weekend with Physical Therapy. Got some schedule planning done while there. Seems like I can't get on top of my summer schedule yet. Between camp, CrossFit, extra training and trying to get running back up and going.

Life is good. I'm lucky. I'm loving this summer job at Barclay Farms Swim Club. The kids are cute. Big change from middle school and Camden haha.
 

Fitness Recap
Monday - CrossFit - Lynn was brutal
Tuesday - CrossFit - power snatch work plus metcon of wallballs burpees and power snatch - my arms were dying from Monday and between that and today I was dead after haha
Wednesday - CrossFit + OLY class - hexbar deadlift - PR at 200#s!!! I was SO excited!! Now for a reg deadlift! Then skipped the metcon and went to OLY and did power snatch and power clean + push press.

Thursday - Fourth of July - CrossFit - Hero WOD - we did Lumberjack 20 in honor of the Fort Hood guys 



Me & Caden after Hope WOD

That WOD kicked my butt. It was my first four in a row since the break and it was brutal. After this WOD I laid on my living room floor and slept for 3 hours haha.


Friday - Rest Day

Saturday - CrossFit - went to 856 with AC and did CrossFit for Hope WOD! It was a good time.

Sunday - My first Run Club back! Was brutal and hard but ankle/hip felt good! First official training run for #DumboDoubleDare - Can't wait! Goal is just to finish!

It was a great week of WODing. Couple PRs and lots of really pushing through. Plus back to OLY class and run club!!

Went out Thursday (after I woke up from y Lumberjack 20 nap haha) to Ry & AC's to grill and hang. I love them. Plus Rachel and Chris were there. After us girls went to Dan & Andrew's and hung out for a little bit!! 

Friday I went out with JJ and her friends to North Shore Beach Club in Phily

Saturday - went to Sandy's house for some relax time then some of the box crew went to Philly for a birthday surprise for my box buddy Erik - his GF put everything together. UFC + Dave&Busters = awesome evening!

What a rare weekend for me -- all that going out! Much needed. Had a blast! I also think I found a place to live! Hopefully will find out more today!! I feel like a lot is going on and at the same time nothing haha.

How was your weekend? Anything fun?
~xoxo
Melissa 

Progenex, Pushups and Progress :)

Hello loves! Hope you're having a fabulous Monday (or Tuesday when some of you read this)! I'm off to a little bit of a rough day/night since something is wrong with Scarlet, but hopefully she is on the mend.  It was a FAST day for me -- and a really good monday. Anyways -- how was everyone's weekend? Anything good happen today/this weekend?


Audrey & the girls :)

My weekend was FABULOUS! After school on Friday, I went and got my adjustment and then made a post office run before scooping up my girls and heading down to MD to visit my Boo and her family.  Audrey is my absolutely best friend.  We have been through thick and thin and no matter what, we always come out on top.  We are VERY different people, in very different stages of our lives, but somehow whenever we are together -- it's just perfect! Her hubs - Danni - totally lets us do our girly convos and watch shows/movies -- most the time he joins in on the shows/movies but if we get to talking, he takes off haha. I didn't get in till 8ish Friday night -- honestly I don't really remember what all we did -- watched tv I think -- pretty sure that was the night we watched Danni's shows - Person of Interest and Ghost Adventures (side note -- I like this show...not that I really watch much tv but when I am there we always watch one). 

Ellie & me - Post WOD

Saturday morning I decided to head over to CrossFit Montgomery County -- I had a good time.  Very quite class until I started talking to people and making them talk back haha! We started with a strength lift complex - EMOTM for 15 -- 1 clean deadlift, 1 clean shrug, 1 squat clean, 1 jerk -- 5@85 , 5@90  and 5 @95# .  Then we had 4 rounds - 100m spring, 14 11ft Wallballs (10#) 7 over the WB burpees and a suicde sprint. I don't remember my time.  It was tough - and I felt it in my achilles after, but it was fun!

The rest of the day we really didn't do anything -- lounged around -- Danni and I ate lunch and he taught me about Walking Dead as we watched.  I really could like that show. Boo also hooked me on Scandal. Yep,  I watched it till 1 am haha. LD couldn't even stay up - feel asleep sitting up -- silly dog :)

Last Week Fitness Recap --

Monday - WOD & gymnastics
Tuesday - Run
Wednesday - WOD
Thursday WOD & OLY
Friday - rest
Saturday - WOD
Sunday - Run Club

Good solid week of stuff.  This week I started (this morning) taking Progenex. I already missed taking the pills at a meal so waiting to do those tomorrow.  Doing the More Muscle (which I really am going to have to adjust to the taste), Recovery and OMEGA+.  I'm going to take the Recovery + More Muscle post WOD (duh) and Omega's during the day.  I'm going to try and do a MM shake in the mornings, but today was rough for taste so we shall see. I need more Blender bottles.

This also happened today!! Woot Woot! Passed the Online Judge Course for CrossFit :) I really want to volunteer at regionals. Booked our room already! I can't WAIT!!

My #NoGirlyPushUps challenge is going good -- started week 3! I am loving following all these girls and watching them beat the numbers -- I can't imagine doing 60, 70+ in a day. haha We did 75 in the metcon tonight - by sets of 15 and by the 3rd round I was dead.  Then I remembered, that's why we work on our weakness right? To get better! #AbsbyApril is going well too! Have to stay on it!

AND today -- I got a 175# 3x3 deadlift!! Thanks to Alycia & Alli -- I can finally lift and not have to walk around the bar or physc myself out.  It is such an AMAZING feeling!! Not to get my core stronger so I can lift more :)

Are you doing #NoGirlyPushUps or #AbsbyApril? How's it going?
How was your weekend/Monday?

~xoxo
M

PS seeing all these RunDisney posts & pictures -- I wish I could run ALL Disney races! Can't wait for DumboDoubleDare :) Do you know of any fun races coming up?

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