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 :)

Friends are the Flowers in the Garden of LIFE

Hello loves! How y'all doing? Fabulous here! Still home in Tennessee and loving it. Seriously, I love coming home.  I know I don't want to live here right now, maybe one day; however, I LOVE coming to visit! That little Princess right there and  that handsome Tank make life so awesome! I am blessed to be able to come home and share moments like Tank's 9th birthday with him and the family.

Plus its always nice to catch up with old friends.  For instance - on the right is my KellieShea.  Her and I talk pretty frequently while I'm in Jersey, not every day but enough. I go to her for everything! On the left is my Travis - I don't talk to him at all when I'm gone, but when we catch up, it's like nothing even skips a beat.  I love it. It seems no matter where I have been in my life, I am also extremely blessed to have such amazing friends around me!

Tank's birthday was awesome.  He seemed to really enjoy himself. He's huge into WWE, so that was the theme.  It was just family. He's doing the movies with friends another weekend.  We played place the patch on Cena's wrist - Tank said it was his Uncle and my future hubby - YES, PLEASE ;) I wish I could date Cena or The Rock haha! Broski, Tank and I went to Splash Country Saturday just us three - it was awesome!

Last night I went out with some HS friends and DJ Nyce One. Christa is on the right in the green - her and I have been friends for about 15 years.  We have had some ups and downs and I wouldn't trade it! She is currently expecting a sweet little baby and I can't wait! In the yellow is my BiaBia - her and I have had MANY adventures and I love we still keep up. We are going on about 7 years.

Courtney is in the dress on the left - she is actually Christa's little sister - and my pseudo little sister haha. I love her! On the right is my Nyce One.  He's the best! I actually (FINALLY) saw Iron Man 3 today with him.  Holy AMAZING!!!

Today consisted of playing with my babies this morning - Princess is falling more in love with my girls! Today she actually sat with LD and pet her and Scarlet.  It was super cute! I also went by Fleet Feet Sports Knoxville and got fit for some new shoes.  My ankle is doing great and I am ready to get back to it. I got to see my Whooty and it was fabulous.  We both got new shoes and to catch up!

Workout wise I've been semi slacking with the week.  I did my first ever WOD with rope climbs this week at CrossFit Knoxville. It was awesome. I couldn't believe I did it. Have a huge bruise on my leg, but it makes me feel pretty bad ass!

Fitness Recap
Sunday  - WODed with Jenn in Philly
Monday - CrossFit - Got my 95# Snatch I told y'all about - plus some hang clean & jerk work
Tuesday - CrossFit - squatted and just focused on form. 

Wednesday -  Drove all day
Thursday - rest
Friday - CrossFit - dropped into CrossFit Knoxville and did the rope WOD

Saturday - active rest - played and walked all over Splash Country with the boys

Sunday -  RUN in my new shoes :)

 

Looking forward to tonight and my last day here tomorrow.  Back to semi normal training schedule and school this next week, then off to CALIFORNIA for the DumboDoubleDare next week!! I'm super stoked because Mama is coming too. She has NEVER been to any of my races or CrossFit things so this is a big to me.  Too bad I'm not really running - more just trying to survive. haha

 

How was your weekend?

~xoxo

M

 

 

Birthday Weekend



Allie, Me & Boo

Happy Monday Loves! Hope everyone had a good weekend. I have to say that mine started out fabulous and got miserable Saturday and is getting better now as I write this. Lets start with Friday - I did not WOD after school. I came home and laid around and got some rest before heading out to meet a bunch of friends for part one of birthday fun!!

Jim, Allie and Me





Tricia, Allie, Me & Ron

My best friend from home, Boo, who actually lives in Germantown, MD now came up to visit! We started with dinner at the Mexican Food Factory. Me, Boo, Allie, Nilda, Jim, Thomas, GF, Jamie, Steve, Cathy, Justin and TaraLyn. It was a good time -- good food and drinks with good friends.  After dinner - we headed to Miller's Ale House for more fun, friends and drinks. Let's see if I can remember everyone - Boo, Allie, Jim, Theresa, GF & Thomas, Nick, Stephanie, Brad, Alex, Shamus, Ron & Brooke, TaraLyn, Cathy, JJ, Tricia, Francine, Marvin, Chris and Damie. I think I got everyone! 



Allie, Me & Tricia - LOVE this pic!

It was a really really good time.  Everyone just sat around, talked and enjoyed themselves. I really am blessed to have such awesome people to workout with who have become good friends and such awesome friends!!



Steph & I and the Lemon Drop Shot haha



Some of the crew!

It was a great evening. Except DA didn't want to talk to me.  We don't have a good history of drunken conversation and it's the end of the month so he's super busy.  I get it -- just sucks sometimes, but soon enough I'll be there for a couple days and eventually probably forever. I made sure to stop drinking and have lots of water and some cheese fries - always good drunk ideas haha.

 Saturday morning I woke up - feeling great, which was NOT expected considering the amount of alcohol consumed Friday evening. However - Boo and I headed off to the box for the morning WOD. Strength - push press 1x4 and I got 100# -- I semi cheated the third one and jerked it. Don't worry - I got some sweet video thanks to my Allie for always opting to take it for me! 

 After - our metcon was AMRAP 10 mins - 10 push press, 10 back squat and 10 hollow rocks.  I did 55#. 5 more then I was suppose to, but easier for me to make the weights.

Now here is where the awesome weekended ended.  We went home and got ready to go to lunch.  Before we left for lunch I felt sick.  Really sick. I went to lunch with T and Boo.  I didn't eat much. I just didn't feel right. I went home and tried to sleep - next thing I knew I was getting sick.  I had to cancel my plans for Dave & Busters.  Allie came over and kept me company.  Made me try and eat some soup and drink some Gatorade.  Sunday I was feeling better, but still not well.  I went to PJs with her to enjoy the sun and watch the game.  Ate half a club and regretted that. Kept it down though.  Least to say ginger ale was my best friend. I'm feeling better thankfully. Not 100% yet, but better. Minus the stomach thing, it was probably one of the best birthdays I have had in a LONG time.  I really am thankful to have such awesome people in my life right now.

Now my quick whine - I have not talked about my races I gave up or my CrossFit competitions. This weekend was the Nike Women's Race - I am majorly upset for missing it. I was doing so good with training and was on pace to do well. I am SUPER pumped for all my friends who raced this weekend or competed.  You know - it was way easier to understand why I was missing things with my boot on.  With being in a shoe now, it throws you for a loop.  It looks like I'm normal because I can walk and such.  However, I limp, still don't have full movement (BIGGEST issue), my achilles and tibial tendon are still super painful and can't stand on one foot. I know I'll get better - heck I know I'm WAY better then this time last week. Still sucks.  I missing training.

How was your weekend?

Did you race or compete this weekend?

-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