Design Party at Lululemon

In the past few years the market for fitness apparel has been flooded by new brands and one of the most popular brands around NYC is Lululemon, so when I was invited to hit up their Madison Avenue store (thanks Abby!), I jumped at the opportunity. I explained to the hubby that Lulu needed my help so he had to handle the kids for the evening. It’s a hard job, but I had to do it ... so yesterday after work, I popped down to the gym for 3 tempo miles before heading uptown. It was my first time in the Lululemon store and I swear angels sang when I opened the door. The cutest running clothes ever, were hanging from wall to wall. I was greeted by the staff and given a dressing room and then I was unleashed to “find whatever I liked" and they sure didn't have to tell me twice!

"My" dressing room @ Lululemon

I grabbed a few tanks and a couple of different styles of crop pants to try on. I found that their clothes to be colorful and feminine and yet functional.  If I was ever going out to dinner and then for a run, I found a couple of shirts that would go from one to the other.  Also their capris come in different lengths which is helpful for my vertical challenged legs.  I was having so much fun shopping that it took me a few minutes to notice that some of my favorite bloggers were all there playing dress up. Ashley was deciding between a great purple jacket and a vibrant orange long sleeve shirt. Ali had found the most adorable jacket ever! I loved the jacket so much that I had to try it on. I didn’t want to be a total stalker so I tried on the red one... I was in love.

I love the way it lays high enough on the chest to keep away the bounce, but isn't uncomfortably high.

Some of the pieces I tried on.

I tried this one on and wish that I picked it up.   (Photo courtesy of Lululemon.com)

Once we finally decided on our outfits, we headed to Central Park to try them out. Run Coach and blogger,  Gia had us do 8 x 400m and I ran most of it with Meghan, who lives at Mile 7. Yup, we speak in marathon route now. We were the last two to finish, but that's okay. We are tapering! After the run, we headed back to the store for snacks. They were nice enough to provide some yummy treats before we sat down for an interesting discussion.

I heart snacks.

First, the staff explained how the store started in a yoga studio and how they prefer grassroots advertising in lieu of giant billboards, an approach that is obviously working for them. Secondly, we talked about trends in fitness and things that we look for in running apparel. I found this to be a great opportunity to tell the people who can make a difference what we want from our running clothes.

Giving the staff our thoughts on fitness trends and needs

Gia & Ali

After I explained my need for running shorts with a thong and Gia expressed desire for a sparkly marathon line, we each went our separate ways. I had a long ride home, but my new amazing jacket kept me in warm company.

Can I wear it everyday please?

Thank you so much Lululemon! I’m here whenever you need me.

Sharing is caring: What do you look for in running gear that you aren’t seeing enough of?

Marathon To Dos

1. Prepare marathon outfit including baggage and food.
2. Make plans for spectator spots and post-race meet up.
3. Handle babysitter logistics for kids from Saturday night through Sunday afternoon.
4. Sleep more!
5. Run less.
6. Get and stay healthy.
7. Make a 5 hour (just in case) playlist.
8. Secure ride to start (No need to secure early morning bus = Benefit of living on Starting Staten Island).
9. Check for any logistics changes on the website, etc.
10. Think positive thoughts!

Sharing is Caring: What are your marathon to dos?  What did I forget?

Weekend Update (The abridged version)

Friday
P.M.

Homemade Pizza dinner

My pizza

Kids' Pizzas

Saturday

A.M. 
Saturday morning I could not drag myself out of bed.  I just didn't feel right physically or mentally.  I tried to go through the motions and get dressed and ready for my run.  When I got to my Mom’s house to drop off the kids, I knew a run wasn't in the cards for the day.  Instead, we went out  for breakfast.

P.M.
I had been invited to attend a yoga for runners class that Ashley sponsored at Equinox.  Luckily my friend Heather was also attending so I had a train buddy.  I also ran into Stephanie, as she was 9 miles into a 13 miler, with a pause for yoga.  It was a great class and I definitely felt great afterwards.  Thanks again Ashley!

Heather was ready for yoga

Ashley before class

Namaste

Afterwards, I enjoyed some pad thai that I had been craving for weeks.  

Fancy take out tray

Sunday 

Up at 5 and out the door just after 6.  I managed to get in 11.3 strong miles before I had to get home.  I had to drive the boy to religious instruction at 9 a.m.  10:15 mass and then we hit the road for New Jersey pumpkin picking.

Taper Week #1: In a NutShell

It has been nearly a week since my 20 miler and I have since developed a nasty cold.  I have been very heavy handed with the green tea and echinecea, but  I am not too worried though, because from what I've seen in twitter feed and blogroll, it seems that getting sick at this point in training is quite normal. Your body is working so hard that your immune system is weakened.  Since I traded my germ fighters for a few more miles, I won’t complain about not feeling well.  Besides, it's better to be sick now than in two weeks.  That said, I would like to be better by this weekend.  It was not fun clearing my throat through nine miles of a tempo run on Wednesday morning.  It was probably even less fun for the chick on the treadmill next to me. 

This past week my husband’s work schedule has changed twice and my boss has traveled out of town three times.  Thank God for my new planner or I’d be completely lost.  I also took Monday off for my son’s doctor's appointment and have been extremely busy at work since then.  Yet, still, all I think about is this marathon.  I cannot wait to get my brain and my body back.  While I think know it will all be worth it, I am exhausted…and starving. Marathon training is so NOT for weight loss.

Yesterday was a nice break from the norm though.  Nurys and I had a lunch date with Phyllis.  

Me, Phyllis and Nurys after a yummy lunch

She is a blogger that I met at the HealthyLiving Summit in August.  We have been talking about meeting for lunch for weeks and finally did.  She and I work literally across a park from each other.  For NY readers, it’s Madison Square Park so it is quite small.  We met at Dewey’s Flatiron.  The girls ordered soy and turkey burgers with side salads and I opted for a nice rare burger with sweet potato fries.  I told you!  I am hungry all the time!  The food was good and the company was better.  It was so great to catch up and listen to Phyllis’ perspective as someone new to fitness and running.  I am grateful to Meghann, Heather and all the HLS organizers for hosting an event for me that allowed me to meet such great people.  

Today was made for staying in bed.  It's rainy and cool.

Rainy commute

West Side Hwy without runners :(

I am however at work because well, the mortgage won’t pay itself.  I am going to make the most of it though by getting my house cleaned up this evening.  I have 13 miles on deck for tomorrow so I would rather not have housework and laundry looming over me.  Besides it is supposed to be a nice weekend so if that means rain today, I’m okay with that.

Sharing is Caring: How do you make the most of a rainy day?  Are you currently in taper insanity?  How do you cope?

Mini me copes with rainy day and taper insanity by dressing up as a 90s grudge singer. :)

20 Miles Completed

I had my final 20 miler weighing on me all week.  I tried to stay smart and on schedule.  Unfortunately my 10 mile tempo run hadn't happened and it was Friday.  I opted for a Friday evening 10 miler.  I literally scheduled and paid a babysitter so I could run for nearly 2 hours.  In my opinion, it was justified.  I have already missed a few runs and I didn't want to add another, especially at this point in training.  I ran the first 5 on a well-lit street  and then my friend Tara (another mom) met me for the second half.  At that point, we were able to run on the boardwalk.  We chatted through the miles which made it over quickly.  So, here's the takeaway Moms.  If you have no time without the kids to run, get a sitter for an hour or two.  And if you have to run in the dark, there is strength in numbers.  Maybe see if you can get sitter who will watch a few kids.  You and your other mom runners can run together and split the sitter costs.

So, then I opted for a little late adult dinner.  Trader Joe's enchiladas and a hoegaarden.

Yup, I know.  I am an expert in food presentation.

I wanted to post earlier this weekend. However, life got in the way. Hubby was off yesterday, but working today so we had some time together. First, we visited my dad, grandma and my uncle who was visiting from out of town.  Then we spent the remainder of the day cleaning up our bedroom and I did about 100 loads of laundry. Seriously, it was more like 102! I also winterized my running/work out clothes drawer. I was happy to put away the running shorts after some major thigh chaffing I experienced recently.  Still I literally have more clothes for exercise than work. I'm okay with that. I prefer exercise. :)

I still want more. :)

Knowing that I had 20 on deck for today, I tried to rest my legs.  Although my washer and dryer are down 12 stairs so I wasn't so successful.  But with hubby hitting the sheet early for work today, we all went to bed pretty early.  We got through 2 innings of the Yankee game and we both rolled over.  Damnit Jeter!

I was awake at 6 this morning but not so quick to jump out of bed.  I logged onto Twitter for some inspiration.  Thanks for the replies fellow Twitter running bloggers!  I got the kids up and out and we headed to Brooklyn.  My sister and brother-in-law were nice enough to watch my kiddies, on top my nephew who is a one-year old handful.  So damn cute though. :)

My training partner, Nurys and I headed out the door at 8 a.m.  We dipped into Coney Island and then took Ocean Parkway from one end to the other.  Luckily it ends at Prospect Park, so we got some hills in.  We did just over 2 miles of the park loop and reversed for our out and back.  It was the same course back, but not nearly the same.  The second half included more traffic (stop and go) and much more sun.  By the time we hit 16, I was definitely feeling it.  I just kept moving., sometimes faster than I should have because I just wanted it to be over.  The last 2 miles were literally a deal I made with my legs to just go and I promise I won't do this to you again... for a few weeks.  There was even a point where I questioned my ability to do 6 more on 11/4.  Nurys just kept moving and therefore so did I.  The thing about a training partner is you might feel like they will hold you back, but the truth is that they are there when YOU need them.  Thanks to Nurys and my sheer stubbornness, 20 miles was completed.

We walked a bit back to my sister's house and took turns cold bathing (no ice but the water was damn cold). 

A punk ice-less bath

Then we picked up some Roll n' Roaster roast beef sandwiches, a Brooklyn favorite, to refuel.  There are no food photos, I was starving.  I lounged around my sister's for a while.  I was trying to get the energy to go home, plus she was entertaining the kids.  Plus it's always a treat when I get to see my nephew and the kids have "cousin time."

After a couple of errands, I'm now home with a glass of cabernet watching Tigger with mini-me and the boy.  Hopefully they are tired, because I should am.  All I can say is let the taper begin.

Sharing is Caring: Thoughts on the final long run (20, 22, etc.)  Did you feel great after it?  If you didn't, did you worry about the 26.2?  Should I?

The Fear of Injury

As I approach my longest running of this training cycle, I know that if I can get through this weekend's 20 miles, I am almost home free.  I say almost because my biggest fear is injury.   I remember when I trained for my first marathon in my mid-twenties, I never even thought about injuries.  I barely stretched and I went all out all the time.   I finished that marathon, slower than I care to mention, and then moved on.

October 31, 2004 after Marine Corp Marathon (with my Team in Training mentor)

 I was so in love with the finish line and I signed up for my second marathon within a month.  It was to be the San Diego marathon in 2005.  A few weeks into training, I was doing a group run with Team in Training and I started to feel some pain.   I kept running a few more feet until I was literally crying.  The next morning I had an appointment to see a sports medicine doctor and found out that I had a stress fracture.  Obviously, I dropped out of the marathon, which worked out well because I found out within weeks that I was pregnant with my son.

Clearly not running San Diego in this photo :)

After that, I never took my healthy body for granted.  However; my body reminded me again last year when I had to drop out of the NYC marathon... Now, I am pretty healthy (knocking wood).  I stretch after each run and I have been doing yoga and a lot of cross training to avoid injury.  So, when I was invited to attend a Pilates class and listen to a speech by Dr. Robert Marx, an orthopedic surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgeries, I was all in.

The class was held at the Power Pilates on West 23^rd Street.  It was literally a 3 minute walk from my job.  Convenience is always nice.  The studio was clean and smelled extremely good.  I love a place to sweat that smells good, is that just me?

After everyone changed and was seated on their mats, Dr. Marx told us about how common ACL  injuries are these days and how the way to avoid it is preemptive stretches and exercises.  He wrote a book that focuses on this particular injury but also includes some stretches and exercises that can be helpful for avoiding injury in general.  The book includes planks, lunges and even some plyometrics as helpful exercises for injury prevention.  The fact is that if you want your body to work hard, you have to make it strong.

After Dr. Marx spoke, we were treated to a great 45 minute Pilates class.  It has been some time since I had practiced Pilates and it was difficult for me to get the timing as I have recently been doing more yoga, which is much slower.  

Before class, rocking my @BexLife #BlissedIn Tank... get one!  

The instructor was helpful and was assisting everyone as needed.  

Pilates and photography - Not good multitasking

It was a good core workout which they followed that with some snacks and we all received a copy of Dr. Marx’s book.

Snacks for the bus ride home = Happy Jen

Sharing is Caring: What was your worst fitness injury?  What do you do now specifically to prevent further injury?

GIVEAWAY: Leave me a comment about your worst injury or what you do to prevent injury and you can win a copy of Dr. Marx's book.  For an extra entry like my Facebook page and leave a comment letting me know.  The winner will be picked on Monday, 10/15 at noon.

A Great Race

Firstly, I want to apologize for any negativity that I brought into the universe last week.  I was in a bad place for no real reason. I guess sometimes our emotions just get the best of us, but I'm back to my cheery self and I promise to make up for it with extra positive vibes this week.

Last night, I got an email from Team Sparkle that the skirt I won from Jessica's blog is on its way and I am so excited about it since I have wanted one for a long time, but haven't been able to justify the purchase.  Now if only I could win a Sparkly Soul headband.

I had to order new sneakers with only 27 days until the marathon and those should arrive this week as well.  I plan to christen them with my tempo run and then have them go all out with me for my longest training run on Sunday.  Yup, the week of the 20 miler is upon me.  If I can get through it and just stay healthy (read: lots of yoga, vitamins, eating well), the marathon should be a good one....

I actually had a great run this weekend in my territory.  New York Road Runners Club and thousands of runners flooded Staten Island for the annual half marathon.  While most probably complained about getting there, Nurys and I jumped on the Staten Island train. It is one train line and goes from one end of the island to the ferry and back.  We left just after 7 a.m. for an 8:30 start.  It was awesome!  We even had time to pick up our bibs there.  They were out of shirts but we were promised that we could get them at NYRR this week.

Pre Race

It was a chilly start so I was glad I opted for arm sleeves.  I ran into Stephanie just before we started and wished her luck before heading to my corral.  Nurys and I started out faster than we were supposed to, but we have been doing that all along in training season.  I think it was mentally easier for me to pick a more conservative marathon pace, knowing I had a kick to give. After the first few miles, which came and went quickly and easily, we slowed down a little, agreeing that after 10 miles, we'd let it all go.  There is one big hill at mile 8 that can be exhausting but I just concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other.  At mile 10, Nurys and I were still feeling great and took a little more speed.  At 12, we really kicked it up for a strong finish. They changed the course this year so that the last .2 is downhill and then plateaus.  It was great!  Thanks for that NYRR!  It almost makes up for how crowded it was.

This was one of my best races in a long time.  I am seriously hoping I can channel some of the same vibes for 11/4.  Unfortunately I went home and realized that my race results were not on NYRR.org. I had attached my D-tag so I am not sure what the issue was.  I have since emailed them and was asked to do a few things to prove I ran.  They asked that I:

• email them a picture of my D-tag on my sneaker (done)
• send the D-tag to them for testing
• name or bib #of anyone I started or ended near (done)
• look for photos when they come out late this week. 

The Proof!

I'll do all of that. However, I assure you that I ran this 13.1 and I ran it in 2:11:07 with a smile. Now I just have to do that twice and I'm done. :)

With that, happy Tuesday!

Congratulations to Heather for winning a copy of Renegades Write All the Rules.  She won by a landslide as my sole commenter.  Thanks for reading, Heather.

Sharing is Caring:  What was the last race you enjoyed or do you usually have a great run? 

What a weekend! (Part 2)

When we left off before my cool giveaway for #TeamRenegade, I was heading to sleep after watching Some Kind of Wonderful,  but with 18 miles on deck, the anxiety was stronger than the exhaustion.

I just kept thinking about the last time I attempted 18 miles when sciatica joined my life and marathon training was over.  Also, knowing that it was almost one year ago, didn't help.  I was heartbroken last year when I had to give up marathon 2011...sigh.

Anyway, despite being I exhausted I was lucky enough to have my mom text me earlier than expected, so I headed to her neck of the woods nice and early. Go Brooklyn!  I was really looking forward to the street fair in her neighborhood that we go to every year. However, I just needed to get through the damn 18 miles first. Luckily,  last week I got an email from nycruns.com about a half marathon in that same area. So, I asked myself if for $30 I can run 13 of my 18 miles with other people and water stops AND get a shirt?  No brainer! I was in!

The Narrows Half started at 9 a.m and I wanted to be done as early as possible (street fair!), I decided to run the extra 5 first. When I got there, I ran to registration/starting line.  It was literally 1 mile.  I quickly ran back to mom's and dropped off my new long sleeved, red technical (love it!) and after an extra kiss from the little ones, I headed back out the door and added an out and back to get to the 5 miles. I actually realized that I went a bit over when I got to the starting line at 9 on the dot.  It would have been perfect if the race started on time, but like many local races, there was a 5-8 minute delay.  I ended up pacing back and forth waiting for the gun.

Finally! I was off.  This race had a straight out and back x 2 course on the side of the Belt Parkway (if you know Brooklyn you know exactly what I'm talking about). The first loop was 5 miles and it was definitely sunnier and warmer than I expected... and the lack of shade? Well, it sucked! But as I was almost around that first loop, I thought I saw a mirage, but instead I was thrilled to find out that it was actually my training partner and a friend of hers.  Her original plan for her 18 miles had changed and boy was I happy to see them.

We did the second loop of 8 miles together.  It seemed like forever before the turnaround point came.  My legs were so tired.  I didn't want to say anything because I was about 5-6 miles ahead of the girls and I didn't want to be a downer knowing how much further they had to go.  Finally, we turned around and the last 4 miles were spent thinking "Wow I have to do 2more than this in 2 weeks and 8more at the marathon?"  Well, I guess I do, but until then I will try to enjoy my 13 miles this weekend. It really is a sad state of affairs when 13 miles is a shorter run.

Anyway, after the 18, I bid adieu to my lifesaving run partners.  I celebrated the 18 milestone with a pumpkin latte and a multigrain bagel and a cool bath (sans ice).   I just didn't have the time or resources to worry about ice at mom's apartment.  I ate and soaked for bit and then get showered and dressed.  Some might relax after 18, but nope I went to a feast that runs for about 25 blocks (we'll pretend I was stretching my legs). Still, it's a tradition for us and always fun.  The kids went on some rides and we even saw Big Ang from Mob Wives signing copies of her book. (Yes, apparently she has a book.).

The feast

My mini Spartan in training

Just like Mom

weeeeee

Big Ang!

We stopped for a yummy lunch of brick oven pizza and my sister and I split an eggplant panini.

My boy and my nephew at lunch.

My BFF met us for lunch.

After that, you could literally stick a fork in me.  We headed home about 5 p.m.but it felt like midnight to me.  Even when I realized that I left my iPhone at mom's, I didn't have the energy to turn around.  Now THAT means something, because I seldom ever part with my phone.  Not even from one room to the next in my own house.  I was done!  And I am now.  Go enter my giveaway, you get a great book and I get to read your comments.

Renegade Giveaway!

Can I tell you about someone awesome?  Her name is Amy Jo Martin.  I first heard of her when she did the key note speech on the PathFinders day of BlogHer this summer.  She is young, beautiful and smart.  More importantly, she is bad ass!  She built a career out of a field that barely existed.  She saw the potential in digital media and literally built a successful career out of it.  She was the (first ever) Director of Digital Media for the Phoenix Suns.  Now she is the CEO and Founder of Digital Royalty.  They basically build an online presences for companies, celebrities, sports teams, etc.

Now, she has written a book, Renegades Write All the Rules.  The book has been released today!  In it, she talks about her strategies behind social media successes and uses some great examples from her experiences with The Rock, Shaq and other celebrities.  She is a self-proclaimed "renegade" because as she puts it, she "colors outside the lines without crossing the line."  It's an interesting read for anyone interested in social media and a great tool for anyone trying to achieve success in the field of digital media.  She has chapters on ethics, ROI (Return on Influence) and vulnerability just to name a few.

One story that I particularly enjoyed was about a former boss who told her that "it’s impossible to have a successful family life, personal life and career life. They said, 'Work, family, self.  Pick two, you can’t have all three." She was inspired to prove this theory wrong.  So far she has.  She has taken risks that give me anxiety to even think about.  For that, I admire her.  She is a success because she worked for it and continues to do so.

The best part is that Amy Jo Martin provided me with a signed pre-released copy of her book and it is FOR YOU!  Yup, a GIVEAWAY!

•  Just leave me a comment below about what makes you a renegade.  
• For an additional entry, like my Facebook page and/or Twitter and leave a comment to let me know.

**I am a renegade because instead of doing the laundry this past Sunday morning, I did an 18 mile training run.  (More on that in my next post.)

I will pick a winner on Friday at noon (EDT).

What a weekend! (Part 1)

Friday was promotion day at my office and it is a Company tradition on promotion announcement day, those people being promoted bring in treats.  In the afternoon after the promotion list is sent out people walk around all the buildings and congratulate the prompted individuals and enjoy the treats they brought in. The Company just went through a reorganization and promotions had been on hold for a while, which made this one special, well that and the fact that I brought in treats.  Yup, I got promoted.  Go me!

I had a hectic week, so I had to stop for treats at the last minute.  I went to the supermarket on Friday morning (6:30 a.m.) with mini me before dropping her at daycare and because I am always hungry in the morning, I may have gone overboard; there were mini cupcakes, a danish ring, donuts, cookies, fruit, and some cheese and crackers.  Hmm, yea thinking back it was a bit much.

Some of my promotion gifts.  (All the treats are hiding behind them.)

 After work, I rushed to the mall for a previously scheduled (and unable to postpone) family photo.  I had purchased it on Groupon and it was about to expire.  I should have been better prepared, but isn't that the story of my life? To say the photo shoot was  physically and mentally exhausting, would be an understatement.  Even the hair and make up was stressful with mini me jumping around me the whole time.  Long story short, the picture came out great.  However, we picked only a few because they were so expensive, aside from the one photo that was part of the Groupon package.

Post hair and make up

We didn't get out of there until almost 9 p.m. and the kids still had to eat.  Instead of going to AppleBee's and making it an all night affair, we went to the newly opened Five Guys Burgers.  It was my first time there.  The place was clean and the menu was simple, but a bit pricey in my opinion.   I opted for a "little burger" which apparently meets just one burger instead of two patties.  It was good, but the fries were the star of the meal.  So good!  One question though, what is with all the peanuts?  They just make a mess everywhere.  Thanks Five Guys for the peanut shells all over my car.

Looks a bit like an old 50's diner.

Great fries!

Of course hubby got the double burger with bacon

Saturday was a scheduled low stress day.  The boy had a session with a tutor in the morning, so the girls went for a walk on the beach.  We walked to the playground and had a ball.  It was empty and so we had the whole place to ourselves.  We ran from one area to the next and I even threw in some push ups when I could.  Mini me actually fell down some stairs and cried for a minute.  Then she got back up and told me that she had to "try again".  It was an amazing little moment that I will always remember.  She even told me that she wasn't afraid of any of the slides.  She is definitely growing into a strong little girl, mentally and physically.

No fear

Sliding!

Then we stopped for some coffee (for me) and a donut (for her).  Of course who wants a donut (I do) when Mommy has a wrap?  It's funny how anything I'm eating automatically looks more appetizing than her food.  All joking aside though, it was nice to spend some alone time with her.  It is definitely a different experience after the first child.  I never actually got to be alone with her.

My wrap

My wrap in her mouth :)

After we picked up the boy, we ran a few errands and then headed home.  Cleaning and laundry were on the agenda.  Then we smelled another necessary task.  Giving Phoebe a bath.  Always an adventure!

Clean dog = Happy Me

When hubby came home, I headed out for a quick bike ride.  I needed to get some cross training in plus I just needed some air (read = me time).  I rode to the beach and it became more of an adventure than I expected.  First I rode past a sweet 16 photo shoot that I originally thought was a wedding.  There was a "bridal" party and everything.  Except the guest of honor was a teenager in a purple sequined gown.

Teen bridal party lol

Then, on the way back I rode right into the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light the Night Walk.  Oops.  It was a bit awkward trying to get through the crowd, but I tried to be respectful as possible because I do understand the meaning behind the cause.  I ran my first marathon with Team in Training.

Walkers

Light the Night registration area

These posters were every few feet.  It was definitely emotional  riding by them.

We ended the evening with some carne asada burritos and then Some Kind of Wonderful was on tv.  So much for getting to bed early.  It's only my favorite movie ever!

"You look good wearing my future" <3

 18 miles was on deck for Sunday morning.  I'll save that for another post.