Hot To Trot :)

After years, I was finally able to run the Hot To Trot 5K/10K in Knoxville put on by my old store - Fleet Feet Sports Knoxville. I talked SIL into running it with me. Mind you she really hasn't been running since Princess was born, but I told her she could do it even if we walked. Well, she ran pretty much the whole thing. She walked the water stop and one other time!! I'm super proud of her. She also said she try the 10K next year and that it was a great way to start the holiday. Nice to have another family member run with me!! I rocked my awesome super bright ViZiPRO pink Saucony long sleeved top. It is one of my favorite tops for this time of year!! The picture on the left are our awesome shirts! Long sleeved New Balance technical shirts. I love the color (obviously) and the design this year. 


It was also amazing to see so many of my old FFK crew. One side it's hard because I'm not a part of but awesome to see them all doing so well. BFFAW & Leah are thinking of doing a half ironman next fall.....Augusta.  That's on my bucket list, but two things come to mind - could I move back to Knoxville for the summer to train and can I afford it?!? If I could swing coming home that way I could train with Shahin and of course BFFAW & Leah if they'd have me.  Lots to think about....still working on my race schedule for next year - I wish I was super amazing and had sponsors to help pay for them all haha :)


I will leave you with this - Wednesday when we got in I meet Carlos (old FFK training buddy) at the local box here - built up to a new one rep max PR -- 110#!!!! And pretty sure I ran some of my fastest 200m sprints during the partner portion haha. And lastly - doesn't Princess make the cutest baby elephant :)

~xoxo
M

Wicked New York City

This weekend was busy busy - I had Chels' wedding Friday with Tapp - it was a good time. She looked AMAZING!! I was told I cleaned up well :)  They were running out of time so she didn't toss her bouquet but gave it to me! It's beautiful and I LOVE having flowers in the apt so its a bonus!

Saturday was the day for NYC!! SIL couldn't make it do to her new job, so Dollface came along! We had an amazing time!! We drove right into the city - I thought it was going to be bad, but it was SUPER easy!! We had lunch right away at Ellen's Stardust diner.  It was a interesting place - the servers are all aspiring actors and sing and dance while you eat! After lunch we walked to Top of the Rock - it was expensive, but the views were amazing! We lucked out - the weather wasn't too cold, cloudy, but not cold. It amazes me that people use to hang out up there on the beams.  SCARY.

After that we headed over to the theater to see WICKED!! HOLY SMOKES -- it was FANTASTIC!!!! I really didn't know what to expect, but I instantly LOVED it! After the show - we walked to Times Square just to see it, then went to Rosie O'Grady's for dinner. We started with margaritas while we waited on our reservations.  They were the best margarita I've had in a LONG time!! We started with shrimp cocktail - absolutely fabulous! Then I had a mouth watering 8oz. fillet - holy cow - it melted in my mouth. I had a non-paleo full loaded baked potato. Ended this fabulous meal with New York cheesecake.  I was full to the point I hurt, but it was SO worth it!!

All in all it was a great time.  HUGE THANKS to my mother for allowing me this trip as it was all thanks to her!!

Next NYC trip I want to workout at the Reebok CrossFit 5th Ave - who wants to go?!? :)

~xx

M

I was Hungry for 29 Years - Another Friend's Paleo View

Ok - this post comes from my CrossFit BFF Jilly! I love her and am beyond thankful for having her in my life! We work really well together and are great at pushing each other...funny how people think we are sisters or have known each other for ever. That's pretty fantastic - I asked her to write about her view on Paleo...so here you go :)


First off, Melissa is a total badass. She makes me do pull-ups AFTER CrossFit workouts and is the most positive person I’ve met in a long time. She asked me to write a “guest post” about my Paleo experience. Please don’t stop reading her blog if I use too many dirty words.

Special K, fat free yogurt, skim milk, brown rice. Until late last year, my pantry was a landmine of insulin-spiking foods. Today my fridge is brimming with spaghetti squash, egg foo young, Kerry Gold butter, breakfast casserole, roasted beets, and 43 35 pounds grassfed beef. Moo y’all.

 

So how’d that happen? While visiting friends I heard about this really cool gym that offered lung-busting workouts in a fun atmosphere. Enter CrossFit Aspire. I snapped up a Living Social deal for a few workouts and was hooked. One day I accidentally showed up for a nutrition seminar and learned Paleo 101.

But wait, I’m supposed to eat steak? And butter? I thought, “What the hell, I’ve tried all sorts of wacky things. At least I can eat bacon.” After a week, I wondered aloud if eating Paleo raises your body temperature because while I used to be constantly freezing cold – with my fingernails turning blue – I was now comfortable. Apparently that means my blood sugar had leveled off to a normal amount. Who knew?

Beyond not being cold (which is so amazing I could talk about it for hours), Paleo means I’m not hungry all the time. I’m eating foods that fill me up and are good for me. Before Paleo I posted a status on Facebook that said, “I am hungry every moment of everyday ever.” I remember it because I had about 50 likes and comments in 10 minutes. I was not alone. Now I want to find all those people and feed them shredded pork carnitas and avocado slaw.

My energy level, gut and strength has never been better. I can do things – like back squat 165 3x5, boo ya – that I never dreamed about before. And my stomach doesn’t rumble with hunger or distress.

I should also mention Paleo + CrossFit has helped me lose a decent amount of body fat and drop a couple clothing sizes. If I were braver I’d show you the photos – don’t try to convince me, it’s not happening. Haven’t lost any weight though (sorry people). In fact, I think I’ve gained 10 pounds over the last year. But I honestly don’t care. I’m focused on getting an unassisted pull-ups. And I’m going to do a wicked stupid happy dance when I do.

 

(FYI - She got that unassisted pull-up this past Saturday - insert her stupid happy dance - and my extreme happiness for her - hard work totally pays off!! KUDOS to my Jilly!! )

Hanging with the BIG Kids - Thankful for CrossFit Aspire

Ok...so I have not been nervous about going to CrossFit since my first week.  The first week I was super nervous - I didn't know if I could do it, if I'd embaress myself, etc. Obviously as we all know by now - CrossFit is the BEST thing I have ever done for myself!! Not just physcially, but emotionally and socially.  And my whole outlook on life & diet has changed! I am SOOOOOO beyond THANKFUL for Aspire, Justin & Alycia, Jill, Francine, Nilda, Sharon, Ali, and everyone else I've become friends with. I honestly can't imagine my life without Aspire & CrossFit.

Alycia gave me permission to try a Olympic Lifting Class - now I was suppose to try it the week of the awesome hospital trip which couldn't happen, then I was on bed rest the next two weeks. Which now brings us to last night.  I went to have sushi with Dollface first.  On my way to the box - my stomach was doing flips.  I honestly haven't been that nervous in a very long time. When I got there, Alycia was the by the door talking to the new coach - blanking on his name right now - sorry.  I explained to her how nervous I was and she said I'd be fine.  The class was awesome.  It was nice to really work on the form - not really the strength.  We worked on jerks, cleans then clean & jerks. haha! I got up to 85# so I was happy with that.  It wasn't super heavy, but heavy enough to push myself. I caught myself in the chin at 65# so I added some weight so it didn't fly up so quick.

So for my Month of Thanks - I've missed the 7, 8 & today - so for these last three days - I am thankful for CrossFit Aspire.  All three days! Because my life has changed for the better and I honestly can't thank them enough for believing in me.

~xoxo

M

Day 6 - Community Love

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

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

1 .SIGN UP: Racing for Relief

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

Registration -

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

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

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



 

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

 

Hope to see you at one or both :)

 

~xoxo

M

Month of Thanks - Day 5 - My girls :)

Day 5 - I am beyond thankful for my girls! Yes, I am one of those - I LOVE my girls.  Scarlet (the all black one) is my baby! Named after Ohio State - Scarlet Tressel. (I want a Pitbull boy named Brutus Meyer too haha). L.D., Little Dog (she's little haha), (my Boston) is my newer one.  They are both rescues.  Scarlet was thrown into a pitbull pit and left for dead, thankfully my friend's Pit is one of the best ever.  L.D. was found wondering down a road back home in TN.  After signs and looking around - nobody claimed her.  My mom's coworker gave her to us.  She has definitely had a hard life.  After lots of surgery and time, she is good.  A very happy dog - super quirky but good! They play very well together and I am thankful for the companionship and love.  Plus, Scarlet is the best running partner ever!! :)

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

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

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

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

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


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



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



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





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

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


~xoxo
M

Month of Thanks - Day 3 - My Family!

I am thankful for my family - my mother, father, brother, sister-in-law (aka SIL) and my babies - my Tank & Princess O!! The last year has been a lot for us, but I think we are all better for it!! They are my everything - my biggest fans, my biggest critics and my best friends! I am so thankful for the unwavering support (even if they don't always support my decision) and love!

 

Month of Thanks - Day 2 :)

We are on to day 2 of my month of thanks!! I have a big post coming this afternoon....I am really thankful for this opportunity and chance!!  Today though, I am thankful mostly for my FRIENDS!  I am a lucky girl - a military brat and have been lucky to live in a lot of cool places!! I am thankful for this because I am super social and talk to a lot of people and have been lucky enough to encounter people in my life from ALL different aspects of life! Here are a few of my FAVS :)