Boston Strong and Running On

I am not sure how today will not be an emotional one for years to come, but it is also a day that will remind us all that something broken only grows stronger.  There are so many inspirational stories of victims striving through so much physical and emotional pain, and they are standing strong today. They truly give me motivation to strive harder for that next mile or 10 and make me so thankful for what I have and to live so close to the Best City, Boston.

Although, I had already signed up for my first half marathon 2 days before Marathon Monday 2013, it definitely gave me a push to train and accomplish a goal I had set for myself 3 years prior.

Very excited to be able to attend the Red Sox Game on Patriots Day again this year and as the game empties out onto the Marathon route and watch the runners once again.

Photos from last year...

From our race 4/21/2013

Castle Island Running

Gavin has been very excited about running as much as possible lately. He has discovered how nice it is to run around Castle Island in Southie. So we drive down and run around the loop as many times as possible.

This was my contribution. He of course went around almost 4 times. It is a little over 2 miles each loop.  Running in circles is not usually my thing, but when the ocean is all around you for a majority of the run, it makes up for it. Also, the people watching is never really a disappointment.

A little faster than last week's run, but also a little shorter

My view while streching

Looking forward to seeing leaves on the tree

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 The past few weeks there has been a lot more coverage of Marathon events, memorials, and celebrations of life. It might seem weird since I wasn't at the finish line last year, but it has still been emotional reliving that week of events from Monday to the Friday capture of the bombers. I had a hard time walking past an MIT Police car without getting a bit choked up.

I will say it is inspiring to hear survivor stories and see all the Boston Strong gear in support. Running around Castle Island I can't help but stare at peoples' T-shirts to see what sort of positive message people have put out into the world.

That  being said, I can barely run 13.1 miles at this point and don't know if I will ever have the opportunity to run the illustrious Boston Marathon, but for anyone who might see this here is what the State Police have put out in regards to what the runners should and shouldn't bring with them.

I am hoping to see some runners this year, as I am attending the Red Sox game again.  So excited, but if I can't see a police cruiser without getting emotional. I might need my fannypack full or tissues.

And lastly... 

Look I found Spring! 

Zombies, Run!

So one of the things that kept me busy this winter was binge eating watching. I managed to catch up on Walking Dead and love it! (Orange is the New Black and Chuck were also on the list) Netflix is really a productivity killer, but I am not sure I will ever give it up.

In previous years the changing of the calendar and the thought of spring really gave me that push to hit the gym after a long holiday season. The whole month of February was consumed with the move, knowing that my January was a wash, with the though, I will just start back when the move is over.

I have been working on trying to motivate myself and after my many hours sucked into the life of Rick Grimes and others, I wondered if I should look into those Zombie running apps the kids are talking about these days. I went over all the reviews and found Zombies, Run!  and while they are running a new years special I snatched up for the bargain price of $3.99 on iTunes.

After reading all the reviews I was planning for a few glitches, but it seems that they were all written so long ago that the creators/developers have worked out the bugs. So far so good, I don't use the GPS feature because I run with my iPod on a treadmill (for now) and not my phone. I have turned on the accelerometer and although it could use a little calibration I have no complaints.

The story is distracting and keeps my ADD brain entertained enough and it shuffles my songs in between the "transmissions from Abel Township". After your run you see all the things you have collected and you can build up the town. I am currently on season 1 episode 7 and definitely think I will stick with it for the long "run".

Today's Run: Random Hill Mode Treadmill - 30 minutes 2.64 miles, workout 2 of my 10K training program

Sunday FunDay's for Running

With a new pep in his step Gavin is volunteering to run with me outside! This weekend we parked in Cambridge and ran along the Charles River for a little change  of scenery and a relatively flat training ground.

I started out great and about 4 miles in I realized that the shorts I had chosen has very irritating seams. Not to get into too much detail, but I made it to 5 miles and change but had to cut the run short, walking back to the car was not great. Gavin of course kept running, I was so impressed for a guy that hasn't been out running in a while.

Running along the Charles is so nice, there was a great breeze and always something to look at, even if it is just to people watch.  There is no shortage of scenery, the Cambridge skyline on the first leg and the Boston Skyline on the second.  The other great thing about it at least the course we took, is there is rarely a need to stop for traffic.

It was nice having a running buddy.

The Running Bug has Biten

Gavin has the opportunity to run the "Mini Marathon" in San Jose along with my half. He is also currently waiting for his new job to start and feeling a bit antsy... maybe. He has been all about going out for runs with me, and for a guy that has taken about 3 months off from the gym, I am very impressed.

He was able to run almost 4 miles his first time out and then almost 6 the time after that. Too much too soon could have gotten the better of him, because the next 2 runs were not as long.  It has been a great motivational force for me in my "training" (I say in quotes because it is more about when I feel like running or guilt that I have a half to run and need to step up my game).  Running with someone really does make a huge difference, I even don't mind running without music.

After the Half... I will be working on speed.

Now that I have my Garmin I don't need to carry my phone with me on runs to track myself. This results in less pictures, which makes me sad.  I love pictures, even when they are a bit shaky from taking them while running.

Blogging Hiatis

It has been a while, but things got a little crazy in my life. I am not going to lie, my half training hasn’t been what it should have been.

There has been a lot more of this than running.

Of course when one of these opens down the street you have to check it out!

There was also a lot of this... 

Then feeling like this...

And who wants to run when you slept on the rock solid ground all night? (Should have packed the air mattress)

Camping at the beach... very nice, only wish the weather had been better.

I finally got the Garmin, splurging on the Forerunner 610 and so far my only concern/complaint is scratching the face. It keeps me off the treadmill, only problem has been finding a trail to run on.



Soon after the Garmin entered my life I figured out that Marathon Sports will honor a gift certificate without the physical piece of paper. IF only I had called before… wha whaaa...  These shoes make so much difference.  I have already noticed certain aches going away.

The people at Marathon Sports were super helpful, and they ask just the right questions to make sure you don't leave the store with something that doesn't seem right on your foot. It was a little tricky because after they figure out what support you need base on how you pronate and your support needs it is up to you to make sure you feel comfortable. I have been wearing New Balance for so long they just felt natural, but the cushion in the Asics and Saucony just made me feel like I was floating. I must have tried on 8 pairs of shoes. The best part, for those of you who are similarly large footed, they really didn't seem to have a problem with finding shoes in my size.  (I have gone to other stores where a 10.5 or 11, I have big feet, was just not easy to come by.) They also have a great return policy, make sure you get the most use out of the shoes as possible in the first 15 days and if you find that they are not the shoes for you, full refund.

I ended up with a pair of Saucony's so far so good.

Running Gods Smiled

This morning the running gods smiled on me.  Best run I have had in over 2 weeks.

No one said it would be easy but it can be rewarding if you can get past the fumbles. This past week i have felt defeated by the prospect of running a half in October, "What did I get myself into?" Now I am a bit behind in my training program according to Hal Higdon, but not so much that I will let it get me down.

I am very excited about the 10K this Sunday, it is practically in my back yard. Going over the bridge and back might not be great, but it has to be better than the Gansett Run.

This morning I was watching the Today Show and Gone Baby Gone, to say I was a bit over stimulated is an understatement. As a girl with ADD that is the best way to keep me going. I have already admitted to be a total crybaby (Here is a question, does cardio enhance emotions?)  There was a story entitled Dream Wedding, which perked my interest as Gavin and I are planning on tying the knot some time in the near-ish future. I should have known that this story was going to be a tear jerker. A San Francisco couple was getting married before the bride died of terminal cancer. The strength of both bride and groom is astounding and if it doesn't make you tear up, take your breath away and not take advantage of the life you have all at once, I don't know what will. Heart breaking and inspiring all at the same time. The whole thing really made me pick up my pace, I should just consider having The Notebook on repeat when I start on my long runs.

My attempt at taking a picture of a double rainbow... not sure you really get the effect.

Workout: TM 3.15 miles / 34 minutes

Dr House almost ruined my workout

My runners high didn’t carry over into this morning.  It really is only after those few hours post workout, which I guess is like that extra push you need at the beginning of the day. 

That being said, as for working out this morning, I was more than not feeling it. So I went into pep talk mode, “It is only the elliptical.”  “It really doesn’t have to be for very long, give yourself 30 minutes.”  That is what I did, 30 minutes (32 with a cool down, but who is counting) I was off and did some stretching and off to work I went.  (I feel like I don’t have to bore you with the details of actually getting ready for work)

Workout: 32 minutes Elliptical

IMPORTANT!! How to keep from vomiting on the elliptical.

Don’t, I repeat, DO NOT watch the episode of House where he performs surgery on his own knee in the bathtub while trying to workout… Unless you are a nurse or a doctor or just a blood and guts crazed person. I am just glad my breakfast was relatively minimal.

Running goal for tomorrow, another slow 4 miles!

Tonight a celebratory Lime-Rita thing… Got some great news today at my 9-5 AND I got my prize money from the BL competition. 2013 is getting better and better!

Riding the Runners High

Workout: 4.04 miles / 43:40

After a bit of a mishap with my original treadmill choice, I moved onto another one and I was off and running!

I decide for the sake of my nose I would run in a climate and room with an air filter. Turns out it was for the best it was steamy outside even at 7:30. Even with my generic target variety Claritin, my nose has been losing its mind.  If only you saw the sneezfest I had when I got in my car.

My goal was 4 miles based on my sub 60 10K training program. Goal complete! My biggest issue was I didn't give myself enough time to run 4 miles.  I never give myself enough time when I run in the AM... truthfully I am terrible at timing things, but when I know I need to be on the treadmill for at least 45 minutes... I should probably give myself at least 50.  I could get up earlier in the AM... that would mean getting to bed earlier.

So here is the rub, Gavin gets home about 9:30PM every night, that gives me about an hour to hangout with him before I turn into a pumpkin.

Anywhoodles, while I was running I just felt so good, if I had given myself more time I probably would have run longer. Due to the time constraint I just upped the speed with 15 minutes left and progressively sped up. I have some lessons from not giving yourself enough time after a workout.

• I didn't stretch, all that paranoia about getting hurt and I am just willing it to happen by ignoring my stretches.
• Rushing to get ready, no bueno! (TMI alert: I keep a tooth brush and deodorant at work just in case I forget... it was that kind of rushing this AM)
• Get off the treadmill sweaty, go directly into a hot show and according to an episode of Seinfeld... "the shower didn't take". I was just as sweaty post shower... gross, I know! 

GEORGE: "What day is today?....Aw. ..Tuesday! Damn it. I shouldn't have worked out today. Mr Wilhem has called a big meeting and now I'm gonna be sweating through the whole thing."

JERRY: "Why. You took a shower?"

GEORGE: "Aahhrgh...it wouldn't take...... long pause, audience laughter) ten minutes from now, I'll be sweating all over again ,I can feel it. I'm a human heat pump!"

KRAMER: "You should take cold showers."

GEORGE: "Cold showers? They're for psychotics."

You really can find anything on the Interwebs, apparently even every Seinfeld script is out there.

I officially had a runners high today! Not sure if it was because I felt so good during or if it was because I hit my goal. Days like today I want to run all over again and then days like the past 3, where I wanted to hit the couch like a sack of potatoes.

I am going to take today's high and hit that cross training machine (elliptical) tomorrow!

June 5th is National Running Day, will you be running?

Today was my first time contributing to #tbt (Throw back Thursday) Who am I to forgo the trends, actually I am usually just a little late to the party, (and here we are, full circle). Oh my, does anyone know what time it is?

#tbt Here you Go! (different one than on Instagram... so hit me up there if you want to see more)

Motivational Trickery

Workout: Treadmill 3.61 miles / 40 minutes

I wanted to run the Run to Remember today, but I waited too long and it was sold out by the time I got around to it. Congrats to my friends Carlyn, Pat and Amy for running today! Note to self, register earlier next year.

So my run wasn't what I was hoping for, but it is the farthest I have gone on the treadmill in a while. Also, I am still running on old sneaks, so there is that.  I felt good through the beginning of the run and at 30 minutes I hadn't even taken the sweatshirt off the front of the treadmill.  I think some of it had to do with how good I felt, and the other part was not being bored out of my skull with what was on television. 

When I am in the gym in the mornings I try to be a good sport and I put the news on.  I am not sure if it is trying to keep up with the story changes or reading everything they say but my ADD kicks in and I can't focus on anything except, when will this be over?  If I am watching an hour drama or a movie then it is much easier for me to get lost in the story line. 

From what I have been told running is mostly mental. I truly believe that your mind gives up before your legs do. I haven't made it to miles in double digits, yet so I feel like the mental game is yet to come.  It makes a difference when you are checking out the sights somewhere new. Races are also that much more motivational, with all of the other people around you and generally there is a cause reminds you that a few miles is nothing compared to what other people are going through. 

Running along the Cape Cod Canal

The weekend after volunteering at the Ragnar Relay, and running along this made 5 miles go by quickly. 

The Sagamore Bridge

I tend to play head games with myself to get to a certain point.  If it is good song or the surroundings or something on the television. Would I prefer to be outside with sights to see all the time? Of course! New England, although it has some great places to run with beautiful surroundings, weather and convenience is a factor.

Today was a trifecta of feeling good, good music (very important to me) , and entertaining movies that I had seen before on television (What Women Want, and The Proposal). Not gonna lie, when I found out that The Proposal was going to be on next I got a little extra pep in my step. Sandy and Ryan running around the North Shore of MA pretending it is Alaska, oh so entertaining! 

 

Running around Castle Island in Southie.  

What do you do to get through so that you don't cut your workout short?

Can I Eat Yet? (Beware, Talking Sweat)

For all 5 of you that are paying attention, (thanks sis!) I left you hanging on the weight loss competition.

Friday, I got up at 6:10 AM, gulped down a coffee protein blend and hit up the gym.  55 (very sweaty) minutes on the elliptical and home to find the lightest outfit I had in my closet, no matter how ugly.  I went with linen capri's and brought a change of clothes.

I got to work feeling like I was going to pass out! The person in charge of this crazy competition grabbed me to weigh in.

I was 2 lbs down since the day before... (now I don't recommend the method) wrestlers are onto something! And I was off to sip on sip Gatorade like a champ.

I had moved up to second place for percentage lost.   The girl I was neck and neck with the previous day was 100th of a percent lower than me... Guess who is the official second place winner of this Biggest Loser competition? Moi! (Channeling my inner Muppet, although I think of myself less of a Miss Piggy and more of a Fozzie/Rowlf combo).

***Stop reading now if the idea of girls sweating isn't your thing***

So what?  I sweat a lot. I know people who don't sweat at the gym and they are either socializing or working their tail off.  Everyone is different and I don't know how else to have cardio work for me unless I am a sweaty beast. It don't have a problem sweating it out, I walk into the gym and it is almost inevitable.

Sorry, I had to put that out there. I knew that losing water weight wouldn't be too hard. I didn't even have to wear a sweatshirt like the wrestlers do.

I don't recommend what I did, but it was a means to an winning number on the scale.  Hydration is so important and for me it is my cure all.  When I feel even just a little off, water is my first defense to cure.

Stay hydrated folks!!

Alright this isn't what I mean, but I think you get the picture! (Of course I don't drink beer out of straws) There is a water somewhere behind there.

From Tomorrow on it is All for Me!

Workout on the Treadmill - 3 miles / 33 minutes (I haven't run in over a week, but room for improvement)

Last year my coworkers made a big deal about doing a biggest loser competition at work. Everyone was so excited about it and the office was a-buzz with all of the weight loss happenings. Of course I didn't join, the buy-in was a $100 (I know it is motivation to lose but also a lot of dough to lose!).

This year I figured why not, I had put on some holiday weight and figured I might be able to take the whole competition. Fail... Unfortunately, I didn't have Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper in this version.

Tomorrow is the weigh in day and the winner is announced. As of right now I am tied for 3rd place, which is a prize holding spot, but I have to hope that the person I am tied with gained weight in the past month... (sad face, I am a horrible person).

On the eve of weigh in day I have come to a realization, I am never going to make this about anyone except myself again.  I will lose weight for ME and only me.  Gavin could care less what weight I am so is there really anyone else that matters. I also don't necessarily want to be skinny, I want to be healthy and toned and be able to run double digits. (For all those Ultra people out there... sorry I have to draw the line somewhere)

That doesn't mean I am throwing in the towel, I did what I could on the treadmill this morning (wish it was more) I didn't want to push too hard just yet, and I really didn't even give myself enough time to do the 33 minutes that I did. Not the mention the foot, still a bit tender. I will also be putting in some serious time on that CRAZY elliptical tomorrow morning!

So lets reevaluate, my goals are to drop some weight, build muscle and run this silly 13.1 miles that is less than 5 months from now.  Oh I forgot to mention those skinny jeans WILL fit again!

Putting my Pant Leg Down

Some of you may know that I am a member of SparkPeople, it is full of great informtion and helpful tools for weight loss, as well as having a community aspect. There are so many articals that are very informative.

I some of the information is recycled so I have received the link to an artical a few times titled "5 Reasons to Get Rid of Your Skinny Jeans" The writer, Nancy Howard, asks the important question, is it movtivating to keep the skinny clothes in your closet or detrimental. She makes some great points, but I am in total denial that this is my situation.

Pharaphrasing her reasons a bit:

1. The skinny clothes become a reminder of your 'ideal' size and you will beat yourself up over not getting back to that places.  Your self-esteem could be tied to that weight/size.  Things happen (especially with us ladies) weight never seems to redistribute its self the same way.
2. Mourning the life that once was.  (I will be the first to admit college was a great time of my life... I hold on to it, ok now that you mention it there are a few things that I could get rid of. Although, it still fits!)
3. When things don't fit and you keep trying you feel like a failure (again, weight comes back in strange places)
4. Desparate to fit? Desparate measures... unhealthy weight loss is never good!
5. Trying to get back to that size and connecting that to your happy place might make you feel eternally inadequate. 

So I can understand her point that if this stuff is from a decade ago, then it is time to LET Go!

Jeans in particular, I keep until they are worn through... things that I could have kept from my Glory Days of college are complete rags at this point! When things ware out in the knee it is one thing, but when you lose the crotch... Sayonara Pants!

My confession is that 3 years ago I dropped 25 pounds, had issues with my feet and fell off the wagon, and have been struggling to get back there ever since.  In the time that I was down, I bought my dream pair of Lucky Brand Jeans. (I know I don't aim high, my fashion sense could be considered as 'simple'...) Nothing could beat the high I had in the store when these pants fit me. There are so many stores that I just don't go into for fear that the I would be sent into a serious low by a pair of paints barely coming up past my knee. This was one of those stores, Gavin and I walked in on a whim, and I was feeling confident that day. They were not even the biggest size the store carries!

Of course these pants don't fit me know, they have had their moments back in 2012 I had them on for a breif moment in time with a big thanks to a pair of Spanx (Target brand, again nothing fancy). I really thought the 5 mile run earlier that day would shed the 2 inches that would take for me to go sans Spanx.

Me and my besties on my 30's Birthday... 2010 (you can do the math) I am the one with the white and green necklace and pink shirt, but more important those are the jeans. 

Until these jeans are a decade old or I have had a kid and my bodies shape has totally mutated, then they will stay in my closet and I WILL wear them again. (and not with a rubber band as a loop extender, might have happened.)

Do you keep your "skinny" clothes just in case?