When It's Just Too Much

This week has been speeding by, but not in a good way.  My newly organized life is still too full of obligations. I have yet to say no.

On top of work, marathon training has picked up, as well as the return of homework, friends having babies and my board of directors obligations at Mini Me's daycare.  THEN I get a call from the boy's school PTA asking me if I would chair a committee.  All I really have to commit to is coming to a meeting every other month DURING THE DAY.  You would think that would be an easy opportunity to say no but, instead I asked if I could dial into the meetings.  Yup, I am a lost cause.

So, with that, let's take a look at the goals I had for this month.  It is only the 26th but I don't expect big changes in the next four days.

1. Get It Together - I will get better organized with school, life, work, obligations, etc with a tangible schedule. Sadly, my Google calendar isn't doing it for me. - Well, I managed to get a planner and I have been tracking all my obligations and to-dos in one place.  It has been helpful, although I just keep adding to it.
2. Study! - I will commit at least an hour 4 nights a week to studying for my ACE personal training certification. I know that is not nearly enough time, but it's a start. Especially since it's been off my radar for most of the summer. - Tragic fail!  I studied one night... literally.  The issue is that I cannot study until the kids are asleep and by then I am exhausted.  I have just over 6 months left before I have to take the PT certification test.  I need to find a way to get study time in.  
3. Part-time Veg - I am going to commit to meatless Mondays. I have done it a few times but I can easily be swayed by a good steak sandwich. - Ha.  Another failure.  
4. Run! - I'm going to schedule my longer runs better so they happen. I need to plan ahead and get hubby on board. Marathon is two months away and I'm going to need help getting the foot time in. -  I can happily say that I haven't really missed my runs.  Hubby has been very supportive, even when I head out for a run on Friday night after 7 p.m.
5. Blog Better - I will read one or two articles a week on better blogging and begin implementing changes to give you a better experience when you visit my page. - I cannot promise that I read 1-2 per week, but I have been learning more and I may have even purchased a domain name for myself.  Bear with me.  I am definitely a work in progress.

So, I have about 50% success rate this month.  It's better than nothing.  October should be fun.  It's my last month of marathon training which means the dreaded 20 mile long run.  Plus Halloween costumes, pumpkin picking and starting to plan December birthday parties.  The fun never ends.

I'll start with today though and go from there.

Sharing is Caring: Are you good at saying no or are you an exhausted "yes person" like myself?  How do I change my ways?

Happy Monday

Last week's training called for a longer than usual tempo run and a shorter than usual "long" run,  because of the 10 miles required, I didn't get to my tempo run until Friday night.  I got home from work and settled the kids in.  I got their pajamas on early and hubby was just about done cooking dinner.  I headed out the door about 7:15 p.m. and it was already dark out.  I did not have high hopes for myself and had already agreed that as long as I did 6, I'd be good.  I ran on some side streets to avoid the party people heading out for an exciting Friday night.  Surprisingly, those side streets got me  through 6 miles and back to my corner.  Then the determination kicked in... I wasn't as exhausted as I thought I would be and hey, what's 4 miles?  So, I made it happen.  I even met up with my friend Stacy for the last 1.5 miles.  I got a cramp in my calf after about 7 miles but it wasn't that painful, more annoying than anything else.  I promised myself that I would foam roll afterwards.  Hmmm, yea, I still need to do that...

Post-run, I enjoyed a benefit that would usually be unacceptable after a morning run.  A nice glass of wine and a peanut butter sandwich.  All class I tell you!

Saturday was pretty lowkey.  The kids and I ran errands and visited my grandmother.  I even got to hang with my sister and my adorable nephew.

Cousin Love

Then I took a much needed trip to Trader Joe's.  I went in there hungry which is always a bad idea, but I grabbed my favorite hummus and veggie wrap while I shopped.  I got my basics for a quality runners diet.  Goat cheese, brown rice wraps, and all my greens.

What?  These aren't a superfood?

In the evening, hubby and I watched Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.  It was about a boy whose father was killed on 9/11.  It was a really good story, but really difficult to watch, even 11 years later.  I was in the city on 9/11 and hubby was a first responder.  It was emotionally tiring and I was out like a light when it was over.

Sunday, I was up and out by 6:40 a.m. and heading towards the beach to run my 13 miles for the day.  I kept thinking about how one year earlier I was running the 18 mile tune up and injury struck.  It was the last race I did in 2011 and it was the last day I trained for the 2011 NYC marathon before deferring.  Well, that was last year and since I deferred, I CAN run this year.  So, I met my friend Tara and she joined me for a good 5 miles of running chat.  Then I did a second loop by the beach which is always great scenery, before heading home with 13 miles under my belt.

I refueled with an egg and some pancakes with ground flax seed and banana.  Shhh!  The kids don't know that I added flax seed ;).  Then I did the real hard work of the day, house cleaning and laundry.  I swear I'd run 50 miles if someone would just do all the housework for me.  Any takers?

Sharing is Caring: Some people find cleaning to be therapeutic.  I'll stick with running.  What's your preferences for clearing your head?

Marathon Training Nutrition Intervention & Giveaway

When I was doing the LIVE Fit program I was eating extremely clean and sensibly.  I would eat all my protein and my small meals throughout the day.  I was feeling fit, clean and strong.  Cue Marathon training season.  Marathon training really brings the worst out in my appetite.  I am hungry all the time and I want to, and often do, eat everything.  I don't mean rewarding myself with a bagel post run, I mean I eat a double serving of peach pie at 9 p.m. with milk while lounging on the couch.

Yes, that chicken is fried.

Doesn't this scream "help me"?

I desperately need an intervention.  I am headed back to my old ways and it's not a pretty place.  I need to curb the afternoon sweets and late night snacking.  I think the best way to do that is to eat sensibly throughout the day.  I have a trip to Trader Joe's on the schedule for tomorrow.  However, I need a shopping list.  I need to know what I should be eating.  When I moved from heavy (for me) weight training to a running focus, I got lost in the carbs.  So much for my recommitting...

So, I am revisiting it.  It all starts in the kitchen.  According to Runner's World's August issue, I should be eating some "good for you" foods that I actually love like raspberries, eggplant and goat cheese (just to name a few).  I am happy to go out and buy these foods.  BUT every food cannot be string cheese and bananas.  You cannot just grab an eggplant and take a bite.  I need some easy go-to snacks and meals for marathon training.  Please focus on "easy."  I do not have time, energy or desire to even spend all day Sunday cooking in my itty-bitty kitchen.

Challenge:  Can you please give me a simple recipe for a snack or meal that is good during marathon training?  It can be as simple as "smear peanut butter on whole wheat bread" (now that one is taken though, okay?).

Incentive: I have the "Spirit of the Marathon" on DVD.  I bought it and I watched it once and because it is Fall and I love pumpkin lattes, I'll throw one in as well.  Just let me know if you prefer Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts.

Leave me a recipe or snack idea in the comments and "like" my Facebook page by Monday, 9/24/12 at noon (EDT) at noon and I will pick a winner at random.

Yoga with Bex and MPG

A few days ago I learned that I had won a giveaway from one of my favorite blogs, BexLife.  I won an outfit from MPG and a special yoga class at Paragon Sporting Goods with Bex.  I was very excited because, well, I love work out clothes and I had been dying to meet her in real life.

So, yesterday after work, I  headed down to the gym to get my speed work in and after 4 x 1200 and a cool down, I showered and took the 5 minute walk to Paragon. Once I got there and after asking a few people, I finally found Bex.  The first thing I noticed was how tall she was.  I am short, but she literally towers over me.  

I got my MPG on and it was ready to go.  The top fit a bit bigger than I would have liked, but I was a happy (and grateful) camper in my new (free) gear.  After waiting for more yogis to show, we finally got started.  It was a great class with a great variety of stretches and arm work (read: vinyasa).  She even had a great soundtrack with varied types of tunes.

After, I met some of the people in the class.  There were some much older women and a marathoner who is gunning for 2:59:00 this time around.  Umm, not even in my wildest dreams... I also met a guy who placed THIRD in Tough Mudder!  Yes, overall for the WHOLE race.  I literally asked him what it was like to know you are that awesome.

After class, they had snacks for us, which I thought it was very nice. Although,  I am not sure that a bagel/muffin platter and bowls of butter and cream cheese were the best fit.  I grabbed some veggies and a water. I headed out and grabbed an awesome goodie bag with a pair of MPG capris and a water bottle.

All in all, a great evening.  There weren't even any dishes in the sink when I got home.  I did later found out from mini-me that was because they went to "a restaurant for dinner with me and brother".  So be it.  I still stayed up way too late updating my iPhone and iPad. Yes, I am Apple addicted.

Sharing is Caring: What is your favorite brand of workout clothes?  Do you find that some brands just fit you better?

Special congratulations to another of my favorite bloggers, Michelle gave birth to a beautiful baby boy yesterday.   I wish her and a her family love, health and happiness.

Cheers to Antioxidents

As I briefly mentioned in my weekend recap, I had some Eppa SuperFruit Sangria this weekend.  The people at Eppa were nice enough to send me a bottle to try it out.  And hey, who am I to turn down sangria?  I had been waiting for a good opportunity to try it out and what better than a weekend in the country with some sangria.  So, I packed it. Yep, I remembered the alcohol and forgot the sneakers...  Surprise, surprise!

So, Sunday night we cracked the bottle, poured it over ice and added some fresh local fruit that we got earlier that day from a local NJ farm.  I wanted to make sure that the fruit was all fresh and organic since the sangria boosts that promise.  Eppa is made with Cabarnet and Syrah from  Northern California.  I know little about wine origin, but I was most excited about the organic fruit juices.  It includes pomegranate, blueberry, blood oranges and acai.  It's like a cup of antioxidants and superfoods.  And here's an added bonus, it's only 120 calories per glass.

I shared the goodness with hubby and mom.

Mom getting in her antioxidants. :)

The both enjoyed it.  Hubby said he could smell the sweetness.  I enjoyed it enough to save the last glass for Mexican night.  It goes well with nachos. :)

The website includes a store locator which told me that I can get more Eppa right near my job.  And I definitely will.  I see a wine and cheese party in my future.  Who's coming?

Sharing is Caring: Do you like sangria?  Red or White?  What fruit to you like to add to it?

Disclaimer: I received a free bottle of Eppa SuperFruit Sangria to sample.  The opinions expressed here are my own.

Better Late Than Never

I originally tried to send this post out over the weekend, however I was literally unplugged.  I spent the weekend without wifi.  I was dying to let you know that I succeeded in the face of adversity. Okay, it wasn't that serious but it was a big deal to me.

We decided to head to Mom's lake house for the weekend, aka the land of no wifi. Thursday night I packed up everyone's clothes before bed. I left out the things that we needed Friday morning. In this category were my Asics which I brought to work for my lunchtime tempo run. So, after work Friday I grabbed everything and we headed out. As you probably figured out, I forgot my sneakers. Hubby tried to stop in NJ on the way to get me to a Foot Locker. We wound up in a less than desirable neighbor and past a Foot Locker that was already closed. #Fail

There was no run to be had on Saturday morning unless I wanted to try 17 miles on my flip flops. Instead I indulged in breakfast (hey, how often is mom cooking for me) and then we went to Space Farms. It was my first time there and I was impressed. I like animals as much as the next person, but I'm one to skip the drive-thru safari if given the opportunity. So when I realized how much history this place had, I was pleasantly surprised. We saw old carriages, sleds, cars, toys and tools just to name a few. It was so cool to see so many artifacts.  I recommend a trip there if you find yourself in the Sussex, NJ area.

I leave the animal feeding to them. :)

I may have found a new daycare option.

Afterwards, we were exhausted.  Yet Hubby was sweet enough to take me to the closest Modells, which not surprisingly, did not carry Asics Kayanos. After trying on a few random pairs of running sneakers and talking to the staff, I opted for Reebok SmoothFlex Run. I had gotten a similar pair of these minimalist type Reebok at the Healthy Living Summit in August and liked them. I figured why not try it out. and the $59 sale price helped since my Kayanos go for $150. Then hubby paid for them. #Winning!

Mini Me woke me all night and I was exhausted. Part of me just wanted to sleep, but now hubby had made an investment in my long run. I headed out the door at 6:45 a.m. and left the kids (yes, of course they were already up) with a banana and some cartoons. The best part (read: sarcasm) was my route.  The road around the lake house is a 2.5 mile loop. That meant nearly 8 trips around the lake. It was almost comical as I saw the same people each time around as they mowed their lawns or walked their dogs.  On my last loop, I almost got attacked by a pair of chihuahuas that clearly would have killed me had them been bigger than 3 pounds each.

The verdict was 17.2 in 2:53:50.

 Way too fast according to my training plan, but I think that after all the obstacles, I was just ready to get it over with. And the new sneakers, they held up fine.

Thank you Reebok and Hubby! And Pheobe for hanging out on the boat with me.

I'm still running the marathon in Kayanos, but at least I know there's a world outside of Asics. Go figure.

Then I sat back and enjoyed some Eppa sangria (more on that later this week) and a boat ride around the lake.

My little captain

Post 17 mile glory

Sharing is Caring: What obstacles do you face in getting your long run in?  Could you stand a weekend without wifi?

I am a Spartan!

This past Saturday was the Super Spartan race in Vernon, NJ.  It was the 8 mile obstacle course race that I signed up for a few months ago after a nudge from some of my Shaolin Killa Beez teammates.  Truth be told, I am a slave to race peer pressure.  I knew it would be a tough day because my BFF (since we were 5 had already scheduled her birthday festivities for that afternoon.  However, I thought I could make it work.

Of course, that included an obstacle course of logistics to handle before the race even started.  I dropped off my kids at my mom's house (in the opposite direction and over a bridge) at an ungodly hour of the morning.  After grabbing a bagel with peanut butter, I headed back over the bridge to carpool with my teammate Tara.  The ride itself was about an hour and a half to Vernon, NJ and we talked the whole way about how difficult the race would be and the rumored additional miles added to the course.

When we got there and parked (about a mile from the start area) we saw the mountains and knew it was not going to be an easy day...

Just parked

And then we looked up (gasp)

Meeting up with the team

...and once we started running walking quickly, in the 10 a.m. heat, we quickly realized that we were right.  Right after crossing the starting line you literally start going uphill, and not a slight uphill, no, it was more like walking up a wall that kept going and going.  At some point we hit a plateau and some really small walls to go over... and then more mountains. Some nice trails... and then more uphills.  Then we went some very steep downhill, which ended at a cliff jump where I jumped 18 feet into 16 feet of water.  Needless to say, it was not fun.  Admittedly I panicked, but I still jumped.

After the jump, guess where we went? Back uphill!  And some point when we couldn't walk up any higher, we had to climb up a steep mountain.  There were literally rocks rolling off as you went up and once you got to the top, you were greeted by a cinder block on a chain which you had to carry uphill.  It was like walking a pet rock... in hell!

We had a bunch more fun obstacles (like 30) including walls to climb over, a lake to swim across and under, a traverse to climb (over a swampy lake), and some others that I've mentally blocked out.  About two thirds into the race (not that we had any idea how far we'd come or how far we still had to go), we started to descend for good.  By this point, we were physically and mentally exhausted.  It was so exciting when we emerged to the final obstacles.  There was spear throw, which is nearly impossible and should be called "just do burpees", the rope climb, the crawl under barbed wire (which went on forever), jumping over fire, and then the gladiator (who was pretty easy on the chicks).

Empty ropes

Me in the wet muddy ropes 5 hours later

Spear throw aka Do Burpees dammit

Can I make this my driver's license picture?  Hi, I'm bad ass and still smiling. 

The best part about the finish (aside from being done) was that one of our injured teammates-turn-volunteers, Janet gave us our medals.

Teammates Billy and Janet - that's love, they are married 

Me and Tara delirious at the finish line

It took us 5 hours and 19 minutes  to finish as a team.  The course was apparently around 11 miles (not funny Spartan organizers!).  It was humbling and likely in the top 3 hardest things I have ever done (behind childbirth and tied with marathon #2).  If you want to see exactly what the course looked like, there were two men who held cameras as they completed the course.  Here is a link to the first part and then you can see the others from there.

Happy Spartan!

I did eventually get to my BBF's birthday... much later than expected and much dirtier.  I showered, got dressed and ate everything in her house.  Seriously, everything!  Plus cupcakes!

Happy birthday Suzie!

Sharing is Caring: Are you a Spartan?  Or have you done other mud challenges?  What was your experience?  Do you want to?  

I am already registered for the Spartan Sprint in June 2013.  It's the 3 mile version of bad ass.  I know you are tempted.  Go for it! ;)

TODAY not Tomorrow

It has been 11 years and yes, it still feels like yesterday.   As a New Yorker, I still remember what time I got to work, what I had for breakfast and every other detail of that awful day and the blur of days that followed.    I could also talk about those we lost and those heroes who risked and sacrificed their lives.  The families who were are heartbroken forever and how the world changed,  but you know all of that, so I will spare you the details. May all those we lost rest in peace.

This year I will focus on the one thing that we definitely learned from that day.  You are not promised tomorrow.  Today is the day to say it, do it and make it happen.  If you love someone, tell them today even if you know that they know it.  If you have been wanting to make a change in your life, do it today.  Apply to school, look for a new job, walk around the block, whatever.  Do something!  Do it in memory of those who did not get a tomorrow.

Sharing is Caring:  What will you do today?

I will read an extra story with my kids and tell Hubby that I love him.  Then I go extra hard at the gym. ;)

By the way, Spartan recap is on it's way.

I'm Too Sexy for My Treadmill

After I threw off my week by doing my long run on Monday, I needed to give my body a day to rest.  Regardless, on Tuesday, my house was in shambles and we literally cleaned up until we got into bed.  Yesterday, I had to get the legs moving again.  I was feeling very "blah" at lunchtime and not up for a workout.  Luckily, that evening, hubby fed the kids and put them to bed, so I headed to the gym for some speedwork while he watched the Giants game. It actually worked out perfectly because I watched Big Brother on the treadmill.  I know he was glad that there was one less episode of reality dumbness that I can torture him with.

The workout itself was pretty hardcore.  I did a 10 minute warm up followed up 6 x 400m at 8:13 with 90 seconds recovery intervals.  Then after the 6, I did 2.5 minutes of recovery and did another 6 x 400m.  I finished off with almost 10 minutes cooldown.  It was definitely a killer.  I cannot imagine having done it on the street though.  However, I need to find out if I can use one of the local high school tracks and do some more outside running since the 90 degree days are over.  (Score 1 for Fall.)

My sweat deposit on the treadmill.  Yes, I am sexy.  Hey, I cleaned it after the picture.  I promise!

Moving on...

My boy started second grade today.  It was not a giant milestone, but every first day of school is a big deal.  He was very excited to get to school and show off his new Super Mario backpack. As for me, I am thoroughly looking forward to second grade homework. While it's so time consuming, it really is quality time for me and the boy without tv, computer, DS, etc.

Second Grade Rockstar <3

I cross trained on the rowing machine at lunch today and was thinking about my workouts for the rest of the week.  I have an 8 mile tempo run and a 16 mile long run. Then I realized that Spartan is in two days.  I'm thinking Spartan can take the place of the tempo run for the week. Especially since I'll have Spartan and my long run back-to-back.  Fun weekend ahead!

Sharing is Caring: Do you do speedwork on a treadmill or outside?  Which do you prefer and why?

Goodbye Summer 2012

I might be a day or two late, but this morning as I traded my sundress and sandals for a suit and rain boots, I realized that summer has come and gone.  I wanted to officially say goodbye to my favorite season.

Goodbye to yoga on the beach, 

fresh (moderately priced) produce, 

lunching outside, 

kids in the pool all day,

iced coffee!

Looking forward to:

• outside running in cool weather
• pumpkin spiced drinks
• chilis and stews
• hoodies and sneakers
• halloween costumes
• did I mention running outside comfortably? :)

Sharing is caring: What will you miss about the summer?  What are you looking forward to this Fall?

September Goals

So the day is here, well the day was here yesterday and I was busy... Sorry.

September is a fresh start. The boy is starting second grade and fall is coming. Time to start thinking about Halloween costumes and dare I say it, Christmas. Wait, forget I said that. I am just not ready. I love the summer and I am not a fan of cold weather, so let's just focus on September for now.

I have been thinking about my goals for the last few weeks and what needs to get accomplished to make today and tomorrow better than yesterday. So here goes:

1. Get It Together - I will get better organized with school, life, work, obligations, etc with a tangible schedule. Sadly, my google calendar isn't doing it for me.
2. Study! - I will commit at least an hour 4 nights a week to studying for my ACE personal training certification. I know that is not nearly enough time, but it's a start. Especially since it's been off my radar for most of the summer.
3. Part-time Veg - I am going to commit to meatless Mondays. I have done it a few times but I can easily be swayed by a good steak sandwich.
4. Run! - I'm going to schedule my longer runs better so they happen. I need to plan ahead and get hubby on board. Marathon is two months away and I'm going to need help getting the foot time in.
5. Blog Better - I will read one or two articles a week on better blogging and begin implementing changes to give you a better experience when you visit my page.

I know these goals seem all over the place, but hey, welcome to my life. Here's hoping for success.

Sharing is Caring: What are your goals for September? Spill it! Accountability is key to success.