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)

JP Morgan Corporate Challenge: Race Report

Last night I participated in the JP Morgan Corporate Challenge race in Boston. This course is 3.5 miles long, starting and ending on Charles Street between the Boston Garden and the Boston Commons. The first time I ran this race was in 2008, with my prior employer. I was eager to meet new people as part of my new employer's corporate team. I saw a few familiar faces (undergrad friend, grad friend and friend from middle school that I've reconnected with through some work friends). It wasn't as good of a networking opportunity as I thought it was going to be though. But I started out with my friend Mike from college.

The start was insane, as expeceted for 12,000 runners for a 3.5 miler. But we crossed the start in no time. Runners were speeding by, weaving the entire time. Volunteers were trying their best to keep runners off the sidewalk.

The race went down Commonwealth Ave. to Kenmore Square (near Fenway), turned around to go back down Comm. Ave and finish on Charles Street. I started out slow by quickly found myself running faster and faster. At one point I was holding a pace of 8:45. But by the halfway mark, I was feeling it. But I kept on chugging, knowing that this would be an easy PR and a good workout. I wasn't sure how it was going to go, given that I had run 13.1 miles on Sunday in the heat. But all things considered, I thought I did great!

My time in 2008 was 32:47 and I came in at 32:28! A PR by only a few seconds! (Apparently I used to be faster?!)

Anyway - definitely a crowded race - but always fun to go out and support your company and see all your corporate friends!

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

Getting back into the swing of things…

Slowly but surely, my body is beginning to crave running. (If that is even possible!) It feels weird to not revolve my weekends around long runs or fueling my body. Although, I feel like I’ve still been eating like I’m training for a marathon. Need to work on that…

Ryan and I just spent 3 days in Myrtle Beach for my friends Holly and Nate’s wedding. All of the hockey girls were down celebrating, relaxing and partying it up. The wedding was a blast and lots of beach time was incurred.

 

Yesterday I went for my longest run yet since the marathon. I ran with my friend Catie from Team Challenge and Cops for Kids with Cancer, as well as my friend Vanessa from high school. Catie and I trained together for Boston this year and Vanessa is training for her first half marathon that she’ll be running this weekend. Since I hadn’t run much I wanted to get in a solid long run before this weekend’s half marathon as well. We ran at Castle Island in South Boston and even crossed paths with the Harpoon 5 Miler race that was going on. We had a free cheering squad and water stop around mile 4.

 

Old picture from winter training – but this is Castle Island

 

The run went well. My Garmin died around mile 6, forgot to charge it.  Catie and I distracted Vanessa from her first 10 miler ever but constant chatter and laughs, mixed in with singing some lyrics. My goals for the run were to just run 10 miles, run with friends and help Vanessa through it. Goals accomplished. The 10 miles went by fast, we picked it up towards the end. And I was starving. Very proud of my friends that are getting into running!

 

This weekend is the Vermont Marathon relay. I will be running with my friend Meg as a 2 person relay! I’ll be running the first leg and Meg is running the second leg. I am very much looking forward to running in my college town and seeing all the familiar faces in the area cheering on the runners! This is a big race for locals as well as those coming back into town to run with family and college friends. I can’t wait to go to my favorite restaurants as well! Saturday night I plan to make dinner for Meg, our Ryan’s (she has a Ryan too!) and me. Pasta and meatballs and garlic bread! Maybe some salad!

Team relay name: Grit and Gu! Thank you Meg for coming up with it! And also, my POWER WORD! Psyched!

I’ll be running the first leg, which goes out on the beltline and down Church Street, the marketplace area (pumped to be on this section!) and some residential areas. Meg’s leg will be closer to the waterfront, which the organization is trying to clean up after all the flooding they have had.

Lake Champlain – from Vermont Unplugged Half Marathon April 9, 2011

Hope to get in a post before the relay, but if not – expect a full race report next week!

Song of the Post: "Lazy Song" - Bruno Mars (feeling lazy)

Yogi Bear

So my life has been a little crazy and the blogging has been… well, on my mind but not a priority. Plus last week I got that nasty cold and or maybe sinus infection (I don’t know, my doctor NEVER CALLED ME BACK! Time to find a new one? Maybe.) Anyway – I didn’t get much in. I did however, get in my third yoga session. As in, third ever.

 

I’ve been wanting to use up the yoga credits I have at Back Bay Yoga that Ryan gave me for Christmas. My plan was to go there Friday. But I forgot my yoga mat at home and didn’t feel like spending money to rent one. So instead I went to lunch time yoga at my gym. I got there early to find my space, get in the “zen” zone and stretch out. I was nervous I wouldn’t be able to do a lot of the poses because I’m not really that flexible. However, I surprised myself.

 

I hadn’t ever been to this particular class but there was a sub instructor. I think he was Australian, but he was very friendly and really laid back. Some teachers come around and help you and make it really obvious, which can be embarrassing. But this teacher just provided instructions to the entire class if you wanted to modify a pose.

 

I surprised myself with my flexibility and memory of the poses. I did however learn 3 new poses: eagle, tree and plane. Eagle was hard, I loved tree and plane. Check out Hot Yoga Willits for some descriptions and pictures of poses.

 

My attention span was getting to the max at around 30 minutes. I thought it was a 45 minute class and turned out to be an hour. And it even went over. Oh, and the mats at the gym were so smelly! I’m definitely going to bring my own next time to my gym too!

 

Check out one of my new favorite blogs: Yoga to Run. I love their slogan “Do yoga. Run happy.” I definitely want to keep up with the yoga. I enjoy it more and more each time I go. I recommend it to anyone but especially runners.

 

Song of the Post: I got nothing! I need some new jams so if you read this, PLEASE leave your favorite tune of the week below.

Towel Snatcher

I’ve been wanting to write a blog post about locker room etiquette for awhile now. And Monday’s Towel Snatcher was the last push I needed to do so.

As most of you avid readers know, I go to spin class during lunch on Mondays and Thursdays. Sometimes it’s crowded at lunch and other times it’s completely dead. Luckily, I’ve never had to wait for a shower. After spin, I usually grab two (very undersized) towels, take off my spin shoes and hit the scale for a check-in. I then drop what I don’t need at my locker and hit the showers. I tend to use the same stalls, get in, take my clothes off in the shower stall (since I am extremely modest and probably scarred for life when my mom and step-mom took me to Filene’s Basement Running of the Brides the day after to try on my junior prom dress and I had to undress in front of everyone – yup, no changing rooms). I then place my clothes on the floor outside of the shower and hang my two towels on a hook. Mind you – there aren’t enough hooks for all the showers in my row. There’s one hook between each shower, leaving one hook short.

I go about my business, soap and sometimes shampoo depending on when I last washed my thick (now long) hair. I grabbed my first towel, dry off, and wrap it around the bottom half of my body (yes, I need two because as my friend says, they are postage stamp size). I go to reach for the second and it is COMPLETLEY GONE! WHAT!?! Who steals towels? I took a peak to see if I could spot the towel snatcher but alas, no luck. Gah. At least I still had one right?

About two weeks ago, something similar had happened. Because of the shortage in hooks, after I took my first towel off, someone got into the shower to my left, and TOOK MY 2nd TOWEL OFF THE HOOK AND THREW IT ON THE DIRTY FLOOR! Really ladies? In the words of Michelle Tanner, HOW RUDE!

 

Pet Peeves of the Locker Room

#1 and #2 Taking up too much space and leaving your stuff everywhere. Most of my annoyances spark from one girl in particular. She works out during lunch so I’ll see her on Mondays and Thursdays. If I go to the gym on other days, I try to go later on so that I miss having to deal with her in the locker room. She hogs space. From, taking up an entire area near a row of lockers, to hogging the benches so I can’t sit in put on my socks or shoes, to leaving her smelly stuff all over the floor while she’s in a shower. Not only is it disgusting, but people can’t walk around and might trip on her stuff! There are lockers for a reason. If you can’t fit your stuff in one locker, use two! You clearly don’t care about your stuff anyway when you leave it everywhere!

#3 Leaving your wet/dirty towels on the floor. Yes, there is a cleaning lady. But why not make her job easier? There is a place to put dirty towels!

#4 Walking around in your birfday suit. Ok, I admit it that I’m modest. But does everyone really need to see your stuff? Put a towel on it.

#5 Not sharing the mirrors. I don’t need to spend hours in the mirror fixing myself before I go back to work or home, but could you please move over and share the space? Oh, and you don’t need tha tmuch make-up to workout!

*What are some of your experiences in the locker room? What are your pet peeves? Do you think people respect others when dressing and undressing?*

 

Today’s Workout

Spin Class: 45 minutes – warm-up/stretch followed by 4 “fully loaded” loops (as the instructor called it). Each look consisted of 4 circuits seated flat, standing flat, seated climb, standing climb. Each circuit was 45 seconds to start then we built up after each “loop” to 1 minute, 90 seconds, 2 minutes. She threw in some sprints or jumps here and there to trick us. We ended with a 4 minute hill.

I really didn’t want to go to spin today. I’ve been tired and sort of in a funk (post marathon depression coming off race high? perhaps – but lots of others things too). But I knew that I’d feel better after. My motto for getting back into things is “I never regret a workout.” And today, I was so glad I went to spin. I was in a better mood, the intensity and energy of the class was awesome (full class!).

Song of the Post: "Rumor Has It" - Adele