Getting back into things

It's been awhile. Mostly because I've taken a hiatus from running. But also because I have been super busy with wedding stuff for my sister and friends. But today, I am committed to getting back into a schedule and eating better.

Here's my plan:

1. Start running 3-4 times a week again. I have a couple half marathons planned for the Fall and got a number for the Falmouth Road Race (7 miler) down the Cape in August. I want to PR this Fall in at least one of my races.

2. Eating better by bringing my own food to work and planning meals. I've been so busy the past two weeks and Boloco is just so good - that I wasn't very good at eating. Luckily I haven't really gained weight, but I don't feel as good. Today I went shopping and planned my breakfast, lunches, snacks and dinner for a couple nights this week. Some good buys were 10/$10 Greek yogurts and 10/$10 Luna bars.

 




3. Signing up for personal training again. Somehow I will find the money for this. But my gym is running a really good deal right now:

For $49 per month:
• One 60-minute personal training session every month
• Two fitness evaluations for measuring progress
• Fitness journal to set goals and track progress
• Four complimentary guest passes each month

You really can't beat that! And my trainer is pretty bad ass. So I'm excited to work out with him again. He trained Brendan from the Biggest Loser.

4.  Blog again. The blogging kept me motivated and connected to those who have the same goals and battles.

How do you get back on track when you've gotten off the wagon?

How do you plan your meals for the week?

What are your favorite lunch ideas?

Song of the Post: "Dirt Road Anthem" - Jason Aldean ft. Ludacris (obsessed with this song right now)

Vermont City Marathon Relay: Race Report

(overdue, I know)

On Sunday I ran the Vermont City Marathon as a 2 person relay with my friend Meg from college. I ran the first half (13.1 miles) and Meg ran the second half. I was pretty psyched to finally be running this race, but not feeling prepared. I had only run 3 times since Boston: short run, medium run, and long run (10 miles the week before). The weather report was also daunting, calling for hot, muggy weather and thunderstorms.

Ryan and I got up to Vermont on Friday afternoon and had dinner with the crew from Myrtle Beach at American Flatbread pizza. So good! That night we stayed with Meg and her husband Ryan, also a friend of mine from college. We watched the Bruins game and started prepping for Sunday by discussing plans, outfits, food and hydration.

Saturday morning we headed to the expo to pick-up our race bibs, bags, tech shirts and check out the vendors. It was really hard not to buy anything, but I'm trying to save! It was fun to check out the free samples from Cabot and Ben & Jerry's! Later that day Ryan and I bounced around to see some of my other friends and then headed back to Ryan and Meg's where I made my Dad's homemade sauce and meatballs! Meg helped by cutting up veggies and pressing garlic! We devoured. It was good - but then I had really bad stomach pains. I forgot to add the sugar to the sauce! So maybe that's what happened!

We woke up Sunday morning at 6am to pouring rain. By the time we walked out the door it was slowing down and had stoped by the time we parked downtown. But then at the start, downpour came again!

Miles 1-3: I ran with my friend Melissa's boyfriend Sander. Their family was running as a 5 person relay. Sander was good company and helped pace me through the beginning. The first three miles were mostly residential but I saw some familiar faces, which was cool! The last part of this leg came up Church Street, where there were some Drag Queens for some entertainment!

Miles 4-6 Were the most boring part of the course. This was out on the beltline, which is a mini-highway. No spectators, long, hot, boring. The only cool part was seeing those ahead of you looping around. This is where I spotted Emily from Sweat Once a Day! I wasn't sure it was here, but her blog post confirmed it! I was also able to spot maybe alumni, which was awesome!

Miles 7-9 This was rounding out the belt line, coming back into downtown Burlington. I saw Carrie and Andrew cheering from their lawn, as well as a few others! The best part was going back down Church Street again, where I got another surge! Holly spotted me, as well as my Ryan and Meg's Ryan... and Meg's mom!

Miles 10-13.1 Also another hot, boring leg. This is where I hit my wall and the walk/run happened. More like walk/sprint. I hydrated, poured water on myself... saw more people I knew... but I was just not motivated. At this point a PR was in sight... but I let go. I knew that wasn't a goal for me today anyway. The last mile or so was through another residential area, the same as the Vermont Unplugged Half Marathon that I ran in April. Finally, the last hill - and last leg ending into Oakledge. At this point, I saw my friend Melissa (finally) - said hello, wished her luck, told her I was dying! And then just as I turned the corner, I spotted Meg! I waved my arms, handed off the bracelet, hugged her good luck and told her to drink lots of fluids!

Unofficial Split time: 2:18:56/10:36 avg pace

The exchange area has lots of snacks! I grabbed some pretzels for salt, chocolate milk, banana and water! I met up with some friends at the exchange and we took the shuttle back to the finish area.

The finish line area was insane and very crowded. Burlington has had severe flooding the past couple of months with above average and record rain falls. Props to all the volunteers that assisted in cleaning up the finish, as well the course.

I was able to squeeze into the crowd and see Meg come down the chute for the finish! I was so happy to see Meg finish. It's funny how time flies... feels like yesterday she approached me about training advice and then to run with her! I am so proud of her!
 
Overall the race was a blast! It was a hard race in the heat but I loved the course and love the spirit of the participants, volunteers and spectators! I definitely want to run the full marathon one year and would without a doubt run as a relay again!


Song of the Post: "If I Ruled the World" - nas ft. Lauryn Hill

Three Things Thursday

1. Today is actually my birthday! I am 26 on the 26th! It's been nice receiving messages from friends and family and the nice things they have to say! I'm also looking forward to spending the night with Ryan. Last year he got me pearls for my birthday, flowers and a nice card! As well as planned a surprise sunset picnic a couple days later on the Cape! He's the bestest!

2. I am running the Vermont Marathon on Sunday as a 2 person relay with my friend Meg from college! This will be her first half marathon and my first half marathon in Vermont! I've only run 3 times since Boston but have no doubt I will cross the finish line. A PR is probably not in the cards, but I'm not in this to race against myself. I'm in it to have fun! I'm looking forward to seeing a lot of my friends from college along the course as well: students, alumni, faculty and staff!

3. June 1st I'm eligible for a phone upgrade. Torn between a Droid or Iphone. Thoughts? Experiences?

Song of the Post: Beatles Birthday Song

True Power & Give Away Friday!!!!

Many people have asked me what my pink bracelet is for and why I wear it. When I work out I wear my True Power energy band. I had always heard about these bands and know that there are so many different companies that make them. When I forget to wear my bracelet, whether I can't find it in my gym bag or I left it at home, I get very sad! I love this bracelet!

Back in the Fall, Ryan and I attended a ski show that my friend Jewels was at since she works Cannon Mountain. We visited with her and then walked around to see what the other vendors had to offer. I heard my name called out, "Remdawg!" My little freshman Stephanie from college (I was her RA her freshman year, the best obvi) was working for True Power. She asked if we wanted to take "the test." Knowing that she was trying to sell me this band, I humored her and said ok.

The first test is that you stand with your arms out and she pushes down on one arm to try to get you to lose balance. Then you do it again with the bracelet on. Ok, it worked. Still not convinced. So the next test is spinning around with your arms out to see how far you can extend; then again with the bracelet on. Both myself and Ryan were able to spin and extend almost an extra 8 inches to a foot (he has longer arms, he wins) with the bracelet on. I don't think I was still convinced until Stephanie gave me her testimonial.

They were $10 off at the show, so what the heck, I'll buy one! It's worth a shot right? It comes in 2 different styles and a few color options. I went with this one below.

Has it worked? I'm not totally sure. I do feel that I have more energy when I wear it versus when I don't. But is it mental? Perhaps. Even so, I think when I wear it, it is a reminder of MY true power inside me. Also, there are tons of professional athletes that wear them as well. You gotta walk the walk to talk the talk!

Check out their website for more information and the technology in the bracelet: http://www.true-power.com/default.asp

*****Give-away details*****

True Power offered me one bracelet to one lucky winner!

I will use Random.org to select the winner…at random, from all the comments posted.

You'll have until Friday April 15th to enter and I will draw the winner on Saturday April 16th.

How to enter - 4 chances to win:

1. Leave a comment below telling me what you do to get energize.

2. Leave a comment below telling me what you believe "true power" means.

3. Extra entry if you follow my blog, leave a comment below telling me you do so (whether through google reader or blogger, etc.)

4. Blog about the giveaway on your own blog and let me know you did so by commenting below!

True Power was gracious and provided a discount code for those who wish to purchase a bracelet! So try it out yourself and let me know what you think! (http://www.true-power.com/) To purchase a True Power energy band, enter 9896 upon checkout to receive a $5 discount per band.
 

Check out True Power at the Boston Marathon Expo next weekend!

Google Reader: For some reason there is a delay from when I post to when it hits google reader. Does anyone know of any solutions?

Song of the Post: "Friday I'm in Love" - The Cure

Week in Review Picture Post

This week I did spin on Monday and Thursday.

I ran hard during lunch on Tuesday. Woof.

I took Wednesday off and "indulged."

I cooked a lot. Burritos for Ryan and I. I had sweet potato, black beans, brown rice, cheese and low fat sour cream :) YUM!

Thursday: I made a perfect pizza. I can even toss the dough now thanks to Ryan's brother-in-law Tim who taught me how on New Year's.

And another. Little lop-sided. LOVE my pizza stone!

Sunday: Stu's 30K and another PR. Race re-cap to come...
Song of the Post: "Bust a Move" - Young MC