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 :)

I'm Back - LONG Week Off

Hello loves...I've been MIA since I went to California. I am trying to process life as well as I can.  Right now I'm stressed beyond belief.  Trying to find what makes me happy as well as trying to find a job and figure out what to do with the whole DA thing.  Funny how life works....when it rains it pours. I'm trying to focus on what I want for my life and I know it might make some people mad, but I have to do what I have to do.  Mama Dukes did a good job with me - I'm a smart girl with a good head on my shoulders.  I have faith it will all work out - in HIS plan! :) So I won't blog a TON but I'll share pictures with you....

Pinkberry at the Philly Airport en route to DA - I made a 90 year old friend - she forgot her money so I treated her to some Pinkberry -- she was super cute and I hope if my Oma is ever in an airport and needs something that there is someone to hook her up too :)



DA & I at Sunset Terrace - one of his favorite places in Thousand Oak

Wine, comfy clothes, couch, basketball playoffs & DA - perfect Saturday night

Sunday play date at Santa Monica Pier

Then we just sat and talked and got to stare at this :)

Tabata handstand holds during after school program with a student

Justin & Alycia talking to over 100 people from my box....

25 day challenge - Paleo eating, lots of sleep, WODs + rest days, mobility work - just getting healthier

Last Friday morning of PT - hopefully two more weeks -- still need a lot of ankle mobility

Track meet with my students in BLISTERING heat last Friday

Happy Hour with the work crew Friday afternoon

Xfinity Live with the original Jersey crew

Trying to bike or row 30 mins a day this month - so got on the trainer Saturday night and watched "Trouble with the Curve"



Sunday morning was started outside with sunshine & 2500m fun -- 500m sprints with a min recovery

Sunday afternoon I took the girls to the beach to play with Bobby -- then had a BBQ at the box to kick off our challenge!!

Now I am waiting to talk to DA today -- hopefully figure some stuff out.  Put out a bunch of applications so far, so fingers crossed for that! I'll be back to normal blogging this week AND I am officially changing the name to Lifting Love -- working on finding someone to help design it -- if you know anyone, let me know :)



~xoxo

M

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

LOVE My Job & DA ;)

Hello Loves! First things first - I have lots of AWESOME information sent to me today. I needed it. I know that sometimes people do thankless jobs, and I know that being a teacher is one of those jobs.  However, I have to say a couple things -- first, I LOVE my job, like majorly love my job. Second, I love my administration, they are great. Third, I have fabulous coworkers who support each other and the main goal of making our children smarter and better prepared for life. Even on the days I may complain about something with my job - remember that happens to everyone and I'm allowed those days. But never forget how much I really do love my job -- getting to teach is a blessing and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Now with all this awesome stuff going on in my professional life, you'd think that I'd have everything else together. But I don't. I'm semi-single.  My heart is attached to DA who is 3,000 miles away. I love him, and have for, geez, 7 years. We've been up and down and all around. He's my other half - he gets me. He may frustrate the absolutle hell out of me some days, but mostly he makes me smile and puts up with me. We are working to figure out if it is time to finally walk away or figure out what is next for us.
I'm not ready to move to LA and he is doing to well out there to move here.
I know some people don't lik"us", but until I can figure out what I want and he figures out what he wants, it will continue to be like this.  I have to figure it out for myself and I need him to figure out how to take treat me better, even while we are apart.  He's learning - we're learning together. We shall see what happens. But I just wanted it out there -- ya'll can make your own decision.  I'll keep you posted.
However -- if this man was only available ;) And yes, I stole this from his twitter :)

How was your Monday?
Did you get good news too?
Do you love The Rock as much as me? :)

~xoxo
M

PS did you see my awesome Sunday?

Fitness & Weekend Recap

Hello loves! How's ya'lls weekend been? It's been a little rough here -- still haven't really talked to DA about things, so that's hard.  Long distance blows when it comes to communication -- especially if they already aren't the biggest communicators haha :) Anyways - Mama Dukes is here -- we did some damage at Macys yesterday -- some new tops, a blazer, a purse, some skirts and stuff for school. Do you know how much fun shopping is for me now compared to before? I honestly really enjoy shopping lately!! Make me want to bust ASS in the gym too! Anyways, we had a good day! Before shopping we went to lunch with Jill & Tommy at the Pop Shop -- it was a good but completely crap meal to end on before my 30 day challenge starts TOMORROW! Yes, TOMORROW! I can't wait!! I am very excited to re-focus myself and help remember why I do what I do.   PS do you see the flower on that skirt?!?! Mama & I thought the placement was a little bit in the wrong spot for school haha :) Anyways - it was cool that Mama Dukes & Jill&Tommy got to meet each other.  I really, really like my Jilly and love having her and Tommy in my life now!

This also happened -- I'm a spoiled brat and Mama hooked me up with a New Ohio State shirt :) Isn't she just the best?!? And isn't this shirt awesome! I didn't have a basketball shirt, so I am SUPER stoked to have one now :)

I sucked on WOD'ing or running this week really -- it was a stressful and not so awesome week.  Between stress at school and the whole DA mess, I've just been super BLAH. I'm ready to crush this week -- taking a week off just makes me miss blasting stuff a million times more. Plus Erik and I are matching tomorrow -- yea, be jealous! Pics to come for sure :)

This morning I missed everything -- I think my body just completely shut down and slept.  5 different alarms set, and I honestly don't remember 4 of them going off. And the one I do remember I hit snooze and don't remember it going off again....but I did wake up to this super cute pup! I swear - she must know the days I'm KNOCKED out because she doesn't normally get up on the bed...I thought this ecard pretty much sums up my normal life, however today that alarm clock didn't separate me from my bed haha :)


Lets see -- Fitness Recap   Monday: Off - Parent-teacher conferences Tuesday: CrossFit BRUTAL WOD Wednesday: CrossFit -- Split Jerk PR @ 115# Thursday: OLY class Friday: Rest Saturday: CrossFit - struggled on PushPress Sunday: rest   Lots of rest this week -- and NO runs :( Maria won't be proud of me this week, but I am determined to get them in next week!! No room to be a bum here!! It's GO time!!   How was your week? Anything new?
~xoxo
M



PS -- this did happen today at my box -- I didn't dress up (overslept and am a bum, however I did the start and stop the music for takes haha)

FroYo Anyone :)

Hey y'all!! How was everyone's weekend?!? Mine was FANTASTIC! Was great to have Mama Dukes up for the weekend.  We had a really good dinner and conversation Friday.  I love when we get to catch up and just have "mom & daughter" time. After the week I had it was just what I needed! Saturday - was a fabulous CrossFit WOD to start the day! I LOVE when my days start with CrossFit - it's bad...if I could just CrossFit all day I think I would.  2-3 of my own WODs + work with others.  Maybe one day - I just love teaching to much right now :) After my WOD, I went home and showered and got ready. Mama and I went to get food at the new diner then the craft fair on main street.  It wasn't amazing, but it was fun.  I thought it would be more crafts.  Mom wanted some frozen yogurt so we went to Froyo....YUMMMMM


After our awesome Froyo we went to Atlantic City for just a little over an hour or so.  It was fun.  Mom was teaching me craps - it was a good time.  I like craps and I'm definitely getting better.  After we got back from AC I made some bacon wrapped dates for GF's birthday shindig at her house.  Mom and I went to dinner at Outback and I paid for it dearly Sunday morning.  Between my french fries and then two of Dollface's cupcakes my stomach was DONE! haha It was good to head to GF's.  I have not seen anyone in a while and I know I need to make more time to be social and see my friends. I actually had that talk with my mom.

 

 

My social life has been slacking lately.  I know I have a lot on my plate fitness wise and running wise, but I read a great blog that said it won't kill you to head out on a Friday night if you have a long run Saturday.  It's not ideal, but it won't be every week and I need to make it a point to see my friends more and get out more :)

 

Sunday was another WOD with Jill.  We made up Thursday's WOD - and I could totally feel it be the end of the day.  We worked on split jerks - 2x EMOTM for 10 - got 85 for the first 6 and 90 for the last 4.  I love seeing the progress. When I got home, I showered and mom showed up with baskets to help organize and.....THIS

It's an early Christmas present and I can not WAIT to use it!! I'm hoping to help get my greens in via a smoothie.  I also treated myself my box's awesome hoodies!! Isn't it amazing?!?

 

I also saw Pitch Perfect with Ush this week -- LOVED it! This was my favorite part...one of my all time FAVORITE songs!!!

 

 

Disney training starts this week - I'll post tonight about my awesome new ideas for my running and CrossFit schedule :)

For now...

~xoxo
M

I've Got Friends In Low Places

So much for August goals - haha! I wanted to blog every day, but missed Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  My bad ya'll! Short little recap --

Thursday - started my day with some CrossFit action.  I really like being able to go in the morning and get it out of the way! The group was small, but the WOD was KILLER!! Run & Row combo; however, I did better then I thought I would have done so that is a plus :) Then I worked at Fleet Feet all day.  It was a great day at the store so that's a plus!! Plus we got new store shoes from the Nike Rep - LOVE my Vomeros! Never will get to run in them as they kill my achilles but for the store - YES!

So now the reason I didn't blog Thursday...I got home and crashed.  I was asleep by 8 and slept the whole night. I woke up at about 12:30 and got off the couch.  I knocked out my #PlankADay and went back to bed! haha lame I know - I just kept saying

Friday - started the same (ps three cheers for three days in a row for CrossFit!!), with my awesome crew at CrossFit.  Justin was coaching and we worked on overhead squats -- I put up 65# so I was very proud of myself.  The WOD included pull ups and I can't even remotely get close to one.  Was suppose to be 21-15-9 but he told me to do 15-10-5, AND I had to use the black band :( Have to figure out how to get better at those!  After that - I went with Chels for mani/pedis and to relax. Worked the afternoon at Fleet Feet w/Issac.  After work I went home and napped for about 30 minutes.  Stepped out for a bit to see some of the Jersey crew then went and crashed.

Saturday was FABULOUS day!! Knocked out a beautiful 8 miles! Temp wise was perfect for a run, but the humidity made it looked like I just got out of the pool --

After that - I had to work all day with Issac, Steve & Rob.  Good day! I LOVE my Fleet Feet boys!! Again, came home and crashed again.  13 hours.  I'm getting some blood work done this week so I'm ready for that and to figure out what is wrong with me. Mom was up and I was hoping to go to AC with her, but apparently my body would rather be asleep 13 hours...maybe why I'm still single haha!

Today is Sunday. Mom didn't get back to me in time, so Jill talked me into going to our box's (CrossFit Aspire) run club.  Felt great to stretch out my legs, especially after yesterday. 3x800m as fast as could.  Goal was to hold it within 5 seconds of each other. Yea, I'm not there yet, but working on it! We also did a wallball shuttle run - it was fun and the guys on our team would good about me being a little slower lol. Slow is better then nothing though right :)

After that I went to the Phillies game with Ro & her family! It was BRUTALLY hot, but thankfully our seats were in the shade and we had a pretty sweet breeze so once we were in for the game I was good to go!

I cheated and had some ice cream at the game, and it was SO worth it! After the game I meet my friend Gina for a later lunch/early dinner at Panera.  She lives about 40 minutes the other way from the city so we meet about half way.  It was great to see her and catch up.  We worked together at my first job at OMS. She is preggos and due end of October/early November and I couldn't be more excited for her.  Her and her hubs are just amazing people.  I am anxious for her to see where she goes from here :)

TrueBlood just ended (yes I am OBSESSED) and I am SHOCKED at how this season is going! Each week leaves me ITCHING to see the next...not sure what I'm going to do next Sunday in TN with no HBO...have to figure that out haha! Maybe mom's hotel will have it:)

xoxo~Melissa

Single Isn't Just a Status

Single isn't just a status.

It's a word that describes a person

 who is strong enough to enjoy life

without having to depend on anybody else:)

 

 

So, I can't seem to get this out of my head so I am putting it down. Yes, I am 28 and single. No, I do not believe that "something is wrong" or I'm doomed to be single forever.  Some single people like to use the quote I put at the top.  I do enjoy my life.  Trust me.  Now more then ever.  At 28, I am in a lot better shape then I was within the last 5-6 years, I LOVE my job (both of them actually) and am genuinely happy.

I know that some people don't get it.  How I am ok with it.  I don't want to be single forever, don't get me wrong.  However, I want it to happen on its own.  I would like whomever he is to be enjoying his time right now too, that way when we come together, he's all in too!  A lot of people I know are having a hard time with this.  They have seen a lot of people in their life get married recently and wonder when their time is due.  It's coming. Don't wait for it, but don't rush it.  Don't settle to get it quicker either.

I remember being 18 and thinking Eric was EVERYTHING I ever wanted and needed.  Now I think about it and think how closed off we would have been.  Mom & I had a talk last night about how she meet my father at 15, was married at 18 and now divorced at 62 and living on her own for the first time.  She went on to tell me she thought I would have been married by now.  When I was in HS she thought I would settle for whoever and as I got older she felt the same. Now, she knows I won't settle but is scared I could be to picky.

Yes, I am picky but only because I want someone to be going as hard as I do.  I want someone who has the same interest as mine (not all but a runner or CrossFitter would be FANTASTIC) so we have some stuff to do together and some stuff to do separate. And clearly he has to be into sports with the Buckeyes and Bengals just being a major bonus ;)

Yes, I am 28 and single. And I really am ok with it :)

Love will find me when it's time:)