Dani Dishes: Post-Boston Marathon Thoughts (2015)
/On this episode of Dani Dishes, I attempt to put into words the thousands of thoughts running through my head post marathon!
Face It Friday: A Gain & Overall Marathon Training Thoughts
/Hey All! Unfortunately I do not have time to grace you all with one of my long-winded stream of conscious posts today. Why you may ask?
Well I had a great morning of personal coaching calls, BUT it is finally Boston Marathon weekend so I need to prep for the afternoon. The fun fun fun starts at 2pm and shockingly I have a lot to do before then including lead one final Weight Watchers meeting during lunch.
Soooo let's get right to it. Shall we? Oh and I am already doing a horrible job about NOT being long-winded. :P
I actually weighed myself at home on Thursday before leaving for work because I wasn't sure I would make it to weigh-in today. Yesterday I was up 1.8 lbs and I let it get to my head. I was angry and hurt. I wanted to see a loss or at least a gain of less than 1 lb. BUT I had committed to tracking everything through that day before taking the tracking pressure off of myself over the weekend.
As a result, I decided that no matter what I would weigh in today as well because well I was curious to see the difference a day could make.
So I had my alarm set - "You are more than a number" - and faced the scale.
Yup up 0.8 - 1 less than yesterday.
Hello fluctuation and whatever else mother nature wants to throw at us.
Now I wanted a loss, but again I was still in the negative. So a gain wasn't totally on my radar. Plus I had been losing for the past few weeks when I didn't expect it.
The -/+ represents how over I was on my points for the week. So being down 0.8 over the past 4 weeks when each was in the negative - I'll take that.
Oh hi perspective I needed you to show up.
I also needed to remind myself that I am a good 20 pounds less than last year's Boston Marathon, I didn't emotionally eat this week on the anniversary of the bombing and I am still down during the entire marathon training cycle.
Proud of my progress this marathon training cycle - Not only on the scale, but also in terms of my cross training and my core/strength work!!
12/5/14 - 159.8 1/2/15 - 160.8 4/17/15 - 151.2
I will take all of it!
Plus I rocked some pretty amazing streaks this year as well.
So overall I am accepting of the gain - not totally shocked - and ready to turn my attention to a fun weekend with friends and running. Now I am not making myself track or beating myself up if I don't, but I still will be aware. I mean once you know the Points of stuff you can't UNknow it, which leads to some subconscious tracking all the time.
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So I will walk away from the training cycle with less weight (about 8 lbs), a stronger core, some baby arm muscles and a great mental attitude!!
Thank you all for sticking with me and tuning in to my Face It Friday posts/rambles. I will be weighing in next Friday and will as always take whatever the scale gives me.
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How has your mental/emotional state about weight loss changed during your journey?
Three Awesome Local Somerville Road Races - Check 'Em Out!
/It's no secret that I love racing. I have the pleasure of traveling all over the country to take part in some of the coolest races in the country. But sometimes the best races are the local ones put on in your own backyard.
Well let me rephrase - some of the best races are in MY backyard!
Let's see what Somerville is offering this summer... shall we?
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M.O.M.s Run 5k - May 10 (9:45 - walkers; 10:00 - runners)
2014
The wife and I have done this race each year since we moved back to Somerville, which means 2015 will be our 4th year. Yes I am doing the Ragnar Relay Cape Cod that weekend, but traveling back in time for the race because I cannot miss it!
In the past 13 years, M.O.M.’s Run has raised over $106,000 benefiting the Claudia Adams Barr Program. A full 100% of the funds raised by M.O.M.'s Run benefits the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, widely recognized as one of the largest and most successful programs of its kind.
2013
This morning is a family affair as they offer a Kids 0.1 Mile Run at 9:30 (nine years and under, $5), a 5k walk at 9:45 ($25, 30 after May 1) and a 5k run at 10:00 ($25, 30 after May 1).
Now in addition to an awesome race and atmosphere - complete with carnations given out to moms at the Finish Line - there is the post-race party!
2012
The entire Davis Square restaurant scene gets involved in addition to Harpoon Brewery. Hello free food and beer. Count me in.
This is a must-do race on Mother's Day (5/10). Register here to join the wife and I for a good time.
^^Tank top to first 300 registrants!
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Mystic River Herring Run (5k) and Paddle - May 17 (9:00 am)
This race is legit AT THE END OF MY STREET on May 17th in Somerville, MA. I am less than 1/4 of a mile away. Thank YOU race gods! Thank YOU! The 19th Annual Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle is happening Sunday, May 18 at 9am.
The annual Herring Run and Paddle includes a 5K run/walk race, three paddling races (3, 9, and 12 miles), educational booths, children’s activities, and more. All events are held at the DCR Blessing of the Bay Boathouse in Somerville. The 5K course continues along the Mystic River bike path and through DCR Torbert MacDonald Park. There are no street crossings on this flat course.
You read that right. In addition to the 5k run, there are 3 paddle races (kayak or canoe) a person can take part in. You can run the 5k on its own, do any of the 3 paddle races on their own OR do the 5k and one of the paddle races as a combo. If you don’t have a canoe or kayak, you can rent on. I will only be running the 5k that morning ($25 registration fee).
As you can see all proceeds benefit the Mystic River Watershed Association.
If you want to join me for this 5k (you can register here) then join me for the Slumbrew Fun Run 5k at American Fresh that same morning at 11am!
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Race To The Row 5k - August 23 (9:30 am)
Amazing Race is coming back to Somerville.
Wait wait! That sounds misleading.
THE Amazing Race the show is not coming back to Somerville, but AN Amazing Race is.
The Somerville Road Runners are putting on the 3rd Annual Race To The Row 5k on August 23rd at 9:30am!
2013
The race is a run or walk and is open to runners and families of all ages and abilities.
Additionally, there will be a Children’s Fun Run (age 9 and under) before the race with all kids getting a medal! Can I pretend to be an 8-year old? 
I love a medal.
I will say the Fun Run was adorable to watch pre-race last year.
But more about the 5k:
The Race to the Row will run through the Assembly Square District and along the Mystic River! All proceeds will benefit the East Somerville Main Streets program (funding East Somerville business visibility and bolstering the community at large) as well as Somerville TrackPAC (provides college scholarships for Somerville High School students).
2014
After coming through the finish, runners will be guided back to the post-race party. Your post-race meal will be provided by Ernesto's Pizza. Quench your thirst with beer from Harpoon Brewery (21+ only). Other beverages will be provided as well. And dessert comes from another local favorite and one of our big sponsors, JP Licks, who is providing six different flavors of ice cream to choose from. Meanwhile enjoy the live music from The IT Band.
The first 300 registrants are guaranteed to receive a race t-shirt, and all paid registrants will get free food, drinks and dessert afterward! But all racers, volunteers and members of the cheering crowds can participate in the post-race festivities.
Want in on the fun? Register here ($25).
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So who will be signing up for this sweet Somerville hat trick of races? ;)
Three Things Thursday: 1st She Runs Boston, Autistic Twin Brother Runners & Race Weekend Nerves
/Motivation, Inspiration and Determination can be found everywhere you turn. So where did I find it this past week?
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1) 1st She Runs Boston Group Run
We had our first She Runs Boston run of the season on Tuesday - out of Athleta on Newbury Street - and it was an awesome turnout! We had 40 amazing women join us for a 3 or 4 mile loop along the Charles River.
It was a beautiful night in Boston and it was a pleasure chatting with new friends. Some ladies had never run along the Charles before or with a group, while others were getting back into a groove after a harsh winter.
I had the pleasure of making sure both the 3-mile and 4-mile folks all made it back to Athleta. It was my honor to act as overall sweep for both runs. No lady left behind is our motto!!
I absolutely loved meeting new friends - especially some blog readers - and look forward to continued motivation from each weekly run!
Will I see you there next Tuesday? April 21 at 6:30pm at Athleta. Be there or be somewhere not as cool. ;)
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2) Autistic Twin Brother Runners
Have you heard of the Schneider Twins? Alex and Jamie Schneider are twin brothers who are both profoundly autistic.
Check out the trailer below for their book: Silent Running:Our Journey to the Finish Line with Autism
[embedplusvideo height="283" width="450" editlink="http://bit.ly/1Hya4Xs" standard="http://www.youtube.com/v/7zjUaByYtIY?fs=1" vars="ytid=7zjUaByYtIY&width=450&height=283&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=¬es=" id="ep3057" /]
If you are in Boston this weekend, keep an eye out for these amazing guys at the Boston Marathon Expo or race itself. I really hope to run into them and meet these inspirations!
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3) Race Weekend Nerves
"So are you ready for Monday?" - the question I have been asked countless times over this past week
My response: "I sure hope so. Not much more I can do now." <<nervous laugh>>
I nervously laugh, but it is true. Any race prep that really matters has been done. If there was anything more I could've done, now is not the time to dwell on it.
The race nerves have invaded my body and will stay until well... probably until I cross the Finish Line! <<knocks on wood>> NO I am determined to cross that Finish Line baby!
Thankfully starting tomorrow (Friday) the weekend fun will begin and prove to be a necessary distraction from the race nerves. I cannot wait to hit up the Expo (Friday and Saturday), enjoy the BAA 5k with friends (Saturday), devour some pasta at the Tedy's Team pasta dinner (Saturday) and take part in a couple of free shakeout runs (Friday - ASICS, Sunday - Runner's World/Land's End).
But first it's time to work on some last minute outfit decisions... ;)
If you are still interested in tracking me Monday: text 26786 to 234567 for updates!
ALSO if you are running the BAA 5k - meet at 7:15am behind the t-shirt distribution tent for a fun low-key meet-up!!
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Where did you find motivation, inspiration or determination this week?
Vermont I'm Comin' For Ya... But Which Race Will It Be? The Answer & A Discount Code Inside The Post...
/I've raced in 5 out of the 6 New England States. I easily checked off Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island (neither a rhode nor and island - discuss), Connecticut and Maine. But that darn state of Vermont has been alluding me for years.
Well that will all end in 2015!
For I have FINALLY found a race to run in the great state of Vermont.
Do you want to know what it is?
Are you on the edge of your seat?
Are you holding your breath until I reveal it?
Well don't do that that's not safe! C'mon people breathing is #1 to live!
Okay okay... so both the wife and I will be taking part in...
The Biggest Loser RunWalk Half Marathon in Killington, Vermont on July 26!
Wahoo!!!
I want to thank the people at Biggest Loser Race Series for wanting to partner with Weight Off My Shoulders for this event and sponsoring my wife and I.
I love being at the Finish Line to cheer the wife in!
SO why this race?
First off, it offers a 5k and a Half Marathon option.
Second off, the swag!!
Each registered participant and finisher will receive the following:
- The Biggest Loser Finisher's Medal
- Commemorative Biggest Loser RunWalk shirt
- Drawstring Backpack
- Chip-Timed Race for Runners and Those Tracking Personal Goals
- Free Downloadable Race Photos
- Award Divisions for Runners and Walkers
- Celebrity appearances by former contestants from "The Biggest Loser"
- Hydration Stations with Water/Sports Drinks Along the Course & Food at the Finish Line
- Discounted Gondola rides to the top of Killington Peak
- 2.5 hour Learn to Ski/Snowboard lesson at Killington Resort valid for the entire 2015/2016 ski season
- Buy one get one free offer on the following items:
- Adult 18 hole Golf Greens fees (Midweek Only)
- Mountain Bike and Lift Trail Access Tickets
- Adult Scenic Round-Trip Gondola Ride
- Soaring Eagle Zip Line Ride
- Ropes Course Adventure
- ATV Tour (2 rides for the price of 1)
- 18 hole round of disc golf
I mean you had me at medal and FREE race photos!! Am I right?
Additionally the courses at this race have a twist:
Participants run/walk down the mountain, then take the ski lift back up and continue along with breathtaking views of Killington Peak, the second highest peak in Vermont. The 5K course goes through beautiful downtown Killington while the half marathon route, great for someone's first half marathon, travels along rustic wooded roads with stunning views of the Green Mountains.
So can this make up for me missing riding Expedition Everest during the Disney Marathon last year?
The course definitely sounds/looks challenging, but who isn't up for a challenge. The wife and I are ready to tackle this bad boy.
And we want you to join us!! Both the 5k and Half Marathon kick off at 8:30am on July 26.
Half Marathon Registration*
- $55.00 through 4/30/2015
- $60.00 through 5/31/2015
- $70.00 through 6/30/2015
- $80.00 through 7/22/2015
- $90.00 @ Packet Pick-up Registration (if available)
5K Registration*
- $35.00 through 6/30/2015
- $40.00 through 7/22/2015
- $45.00 @ Packet Pick-up Registration (if available)
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Use code WEIGHTOFFMS to get 20% off registration!! For more fun, join our team Weight Off My Shoulders! We would get a sweet group photo!! Just sayin'! :)
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I'm psyched to cross off the 6th and final New England state off my race bucket list. Will I see you there????
Face It Friday: Weigh-In Results, Food Find & Sharing My Relationship With My Excess Skin
/Since recommitting to my weight loss journey in June 2014, I've been doing my best to weigh-in weekly and share my tracker numbers. Not so much for others, but to hold myself accountable. The past few weeks have been the worst numbers I've tracked since joining Weight Watchers. Now I'm not saying they have been my worst weeks since joining WW since there have been MANY a time where I wouldn't track the really really really ugly!
But in 2015 I vowed to reclaim the consistency I lacked in 2014 so that means honest tracking! I mean if I track the 29 pts of Peanut M&Ms I had as 9 - that may look better, but the lying harms no one but myself. I might as well track honestly, own the slip-up/indulgence/treat and move on!
As we have talked about chain reactions, slip-ups and attitude adjustments over the past few weeks in WW meetings, honest tracking has impacted my relationship in all three of those areas... for the better!
So this past week was no different. Well, it was. For the past few weeks I had been sharing my tracker throughout the week on Twitter or Facebook for extra accountability. To try and help myself crawl back out of the negative. Now I was too far gone to actually get out of the negative, but I could chip away at it.
But this week I didn't. I stopped sharing it in some of the group texts I was in too. Why? Judgement. I try to create a judgement free zone on my social media channels, but it still exists. Some of the comments I got in response to my trackers were hurtful. So I thought I would save myself those comments and pain. I know some of the people are projecting their feelings about their own journeys on to me and I understand that... it just doesn't make it any less painful.
This week was a step back. I still shared with a couple of people, but for the most part I used the tracker as my own feedback.
The feedback? It was the ugliest I had ever tracked. BUT I tracked it all. Every delicious cookie and splurge were tracked, owned and accounted for.
While I am not happy to see such a negative number, I am proud of recording it.
For the third week in a row, I prepped my mind for a gain. I used the same alarm label as the week before: "You are more than a number." I didn't want to weigh-in. I wanted to hide from the scale, but I am more than a number. I needed to face the scale for feedback and to be able to once again attempt to start the week on a fresh clean page.
So Friday I got on the scale and for the third week I was shocked...
... another loss!
I again thanked the scale gods and ran away as quickly as possible. :P I cannot explain why I am so in the negative and still losing. Maybe my body needed the change? I don't really know. But as soon as the loss happened I didn't want to share. Those same people who judged me for a negative tracker also had seemed wicked annoyed that I was losing while it was happening. #Ouch
Now while training I have been trying to lose so my tracker was set for a 29 DPT (Daily Points Target). Maybe that was low? Maybe my body wanted more? I am not sure.
But I know it will be an adjustment after the marathon --- which is just a week away!
This week I am focusing on fueling for the marathon. Adding in some healthy carbs and trying to keep the snackey foods at bay. Marathon weekend will be filled with social engagements and running. Shocking I know! ;)
I made a rule with myself. If I tracked every day from the return from Disney (Feb 25) to the Thursday of marathon weekend (April 16), I wouldn't make myself track Marathon weekend (Friday-Tuesday). Again this doesn't mean all food habits are thrown out the window, it just means I won't have to worry about tracking them all during this stressful/fun weekend.
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Food Find Of The Week: Bolthouse Farms Miso Ginger Vinaigrette!
Absolutely delicious and my new obsession. 45g of dressing = 1PPV!
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I've never had a particularly good relationship with my body. I've never been one of those people with a positive body image. I'm the master of picking myself apart. Instead of improving as I lost weight, I've found it has gotten worse. I can now see more of the imperfections that were hidden behind/around/under layers of fat.
But when I share on social media or with friends about my excess skin, I normally get a confused look. Many folks think that I have none after losing over 85 lbs. I mean you are seeing me in compression pants or running shorts - those things can sometimes suck in all the imperfections we want to hide.
Folks don't see what I see when I look in the mirror - which I try to avoid. Folks don't see what I see when I bend over after getting out of the shower. Folks don't see what I see when I do my planks in just a sports bra and pants.
So I thought it was time I shared what I see... or at least attempt to.
We can start with the standing and side view.
We could debate all day and night what I see compared to what others see. But I know that I am lucky to not have as much skin hanging down as others do. But the skin is still there and it still hangs.
So I now share with you what I see when I look down during planks.
Note: I almost didn't write/share these thoughts because I knew there would be people saying that my thoughts on my amount of excess skin wouldn't be valid since it isn't as extreme as other weight-loss stories. But then I remembered that my blog is a place for me to share my feelings. So I gave myself a butt kicking and here it is. :)
It was scary to have my wife snap these pics as I had a picture in my mind of what the skin looked like, but this was actual documentation. Does that make sense?
Now I am not ashamed or embarrassed by these pics. I know it is a result of changing my life and deciding one day that I was worth a healthier lifestyle.
Do I wish I could just cut it off and have it gone? Sure.
But for now I will hold on to it as a reminder of the struggles I have gone through, the amazing changes I have made and the past that I refuse to go back to.
While my excess skin may not be as much or as loose as others, it is still a part of my journey that I felt I needed to share.
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How do you deal with the judge-y people in your life?
Do You Know When Mother's Day Is? Well It's One Month From Today & UnCommonGoods Is Here To Help
/My mom is one of the toughest women to buy for. I mean we can have a competition if you want over whose mom is the hardest one to shop for, but I want to save us all the time, energy and post-it notes that would take. ;) So when I woke up this morning and realized I had just one month to go before Mother's Day, I vowed to start looking NOW. I am not going to turn this into another trip to CVS the night before where I try to rummage through the discount bin to find something creative, unique and affordable.
What? Like you've never been the child that was out the night before trying to find something. ;)
This year - 2015 - will be different and I have UncommonGoods to thank for that.
UncommonGoods is an online retailer offering creatively designed, high-quality merchandise at affordable prices. UncommonGoods believes that creativity and the expression of individuality represent two great human treasures. They have set out to create a business that makes uncommon goods accessible to everyone.
What set UncommonGoods apart were the special features:
- Featured Artist: UncommonGoods highlights the stories of our artists and designers throughout our website as well as our print catalog.
Handmade Goods: Look for the blue hand icon throughout the website to find our handmade goods.- Uncommon Knowledge: UncommonGoods posts surprisingly uncommon information and facts related to certain product categories or featured items on the site. For example, did you know that early candles were often eaten rather than burned? Or that Leonardo da Vinci invented the scissors?
Our Commitment to the Environment: UncommonGoods strives to work in harmony with the environment: our print catalogs are printed on recycled paper (30% post consumer waste) and all our merchandise is produced without harm to animals. Look for the green recycled icon throughout our website for products made of recycled materials.- Better to Give Program: We donate a portion of each order to your choice of non-profit organizations: American Forests, Women for Women International, City Harvest, and the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN).
Pretty cool right?
With two Mother's Day collections available on the site I am bound to find something for even my Mom! *Fingers Crossed*
Both the Mothers Day Gifts and the Gifts For Mom collections are easy to search and offer sorting and filtering features (rating, price, etc). You know this girl is working on a budget so we need to keep it realistic here!
Ohh I am loving the 5-star Recycled Glass Tree Globes (value $45 per globe). I need to thank the website for clarifying that this is not in fact a tree decoration (my bad), but this is something my mom would love to hang in her kitchen window or on the porch looking off to the backyard.
And check out the back story provided in the description for the product:
Uncommon Knowledge: To make these pretty globes, artist Stephen Kitras first has to receive a shipment of broken glass from a supplier in Seattle that makes windows for cars, homes and offices. They send their broken shards to Kitras, who then melts them down in a furnace for 12 hours before creating his signature pieces.
Now I can even impress my mom with this fun fact! Win-win.
Gift prices really do run the gamet - from under $25 to over $150. The selection of gifts can range from bath soaps, mugs, Galaxy knee socks to a foot sauna, jewelry and throws.
You can also make sure your gift was: Made In The USA, made with recycled materials and/or handmade.
Allll from the comfort of your home, work, car or stationary bike. ;)
So what are you waiting for? Head over to the UncommonGoods Mother's Day collections and pick your mom out something nice.
You can thank me later! :)
This post was sponsored by UncommonGoods, but all opinions are my own! Ain't nobody got time for lyin'!
Three Things Thursday: Discount Codes, #RunningMakesMeFEEL & Sparkly Soul + Athleta!
/Happy Thirsty Thursday!!! Oh wait... wrong post!! ;) Haha. Oh I slay me.
Well with a weigh-in tomorrow morning and a night of personal coaching calls for Weight Watchers I will not be taking part in an adult Thirsty Thursday. So pass me the Dunks and water! :)
Let's get to the fun...
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1) Here a few discount codes for some of the races I love the most!
Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series
Max Performance Triathlon Series
Save $12 on registration for the two triathlons that I will be participating in!!
Escape the Cape Triathlon on June 13
Distance: 1/3 Mile Swim, 10 Mile Bike, 3.1 Mile Run
Use code: WOMSESCAPE15 (expires May 2)
Title IX Women Only Sprint Triathlon on September 13
Distance: 1/4 Mile Swim, 10 Mile Bike, 3.1 Mile Run Use code: WOMST915 (expires June 1)
ZOOMA Women’s Race Series (Cape Cod)
Race has a Half Marathon and 10k option and takes place September 26.
Use my discount code DANI15 for 10% off.
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2) Have you taken part in the #RunningMakesMeFEEL campaign yet?
Newton Running is partnering with Timex to ask runners nationwide to express how running makes them feel by spelling out words with their run routes, launching a first-ever initiative on this scale.
Inspired by Newton’s new feel Campaign and an emerging trend among runners, The Run It, FEEL It, Spell It Challenge will encourage runners to track their run routes using GPS devices.
I finally tested out my new Timex watch yesterday! Can you tell what #RunningMakesMeFEEL? ;)
Runners will then submit GPS map screen grabs – and the words therein – through Twitter and Instagram using the hashtags #RunningMakesMeFeel and #promo to win prizes including:
- A daily give-away of Newton and Timex swag
- A weekly prize of a pair of Newtons and a Timex GPS watch
- A grand prize of Newtons for life and a new Timex IRONMAN One GPS+
The Run It, FEEL It, Spell It Challenge runs through May 1. The challenge is open to all runners and running enthusiasts in the U.S. To learn more about The Run It, FEEL It, Spell It Challenge visit Newton Running. Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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3) Have you heard about the latest partnership?? Sparkly Soul will now be sold at Athleta stores and online (12 specific colors)! Woo! Two of my favorite brands partnering together.
To celebrate this sparkly union, Sparkly Soul is celebrating with 12 days of giveaways - #12DaysOfAthleta - and today is Day 2! Head over to twitter, follow Sparkly Soul, use hashtag #SparklyAthleta and get in on the fun.
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Have a happy Friday Eve! ;0)
Dani Dishes: Marathon Taper & Self-Sabotage
/On this episode of #DaniDishes, we are talking about taper madness & some potential self-sabotage over recent weight loss success!
Tedy's Team Group Run: 12-Miler & "THAT" sign (4/4/15)
/On Friday I started the weekend off with the best weigh-in I've had as an adult. I am happy to be down 66 pounds with Weight Watchers and over 80 from the highest recorded weight I have.
I needed this perspective as I went into the final long run of the training cycle for the marathon. I had such a horrendous race at Boston last year - from a running perspective. If you never heard what happened, feel free to catch up here.
This year has been different and I hope it results in a different outcome on race day... which is a mere two weeks away!
On Saturday I woke up with plenty of time to enjoy breakfast, change my entire planned outfit and head in town.
The forecast called for rain all morning so I tried out my new jacket from New Balance. BUT the forecast also said low 40s which meant I could test out the potential bottom part of my marathon outfit. Well the skirt and shorts at least. I've never worn shorts in a marathon so it will take some getting used to as I do not run with a fuel belt and generally shove my fuel in my shorts while I run. Classy, right? So this would be the test as I was bringing 2 KIND bars to use as fuel and my phone.
It was drizzling and overcast as I made my way in town to stretch and prep for the run. It would be my last team group run before the big day as next week I have my cousin's bridal shower on Saturday. Woo hoo!
While I was one of the first out the door thanks to my Garmin crapping the bed I was one of the last to leave. Womp womp! It took my Garmin forever to locate satellites which left me grumpy for the start of my run. I have a Garmin 310xt which is just over a year old.
After praying to the satellite gods, the Garmin finally picked up satellite and I was off.
The legs felt heavy as I made my way down Beacon St to Comm Ave where I would catch Heartbreak Hill. I was told to take the 12-miler "easy" and was hoping my legs would do the work for me. My brain wasn't in the mood to keep an eye on pace. I would be in a group run, but running alone. So I knew my mind would be occupied with 10,000 other thoughts I can ignore during the week when busy but come flooding out during a quiet run.
Mile 1: 9:31 Mile 2: 9:23 Mile 3: 9:24
Good work body! The legs were feeling really heavy at the start of the run and I second guessed my decision to hold off on the Zensah compression sleeves.
As I made my way up Heartbreak (the opposite way you run it during the marathon), I had a pick-me-up in my mood as I saw a ton of runners coming at me. It is always fun to see other folks out on the course preparing for the big day. Especially since most of the ones I see are parts of charity teams so they have team gear on so I can see who and why they are taking on this awesome feat.
I even had the chance to say HI to some friends.
Heartbreak Hill is a series of hills covering a 3-mile stretch, but even running it backwards I could tell when the biggest of the hills was ahead of me. Let me tell you it is a lot easier to run down that bad boy than up it. ;)
Hello there downhill. :P
Mile 4: 9:28 Mile 5: 8:50 Mile 6: 8:51
The Tedy's Team coach was waiting at the halfway mark with some much-needed water and Gatorade. It was good to catch up with John as he could tell I was having a tough week mentally. It was the time of the month the week before and I was feeling light-headed and woozy during some of my workouts. He let me know that it is okay and that yes it could be a result of my period. Which is what I was hoping to hear as I felt fine once it went away.
Also who knew when I started running or this blog that I would share so much about my period or attempting to pee while riding the bike during the Half Ironman. I mean things I never thought I would share is now normal. Or maybe you guys don't need this info, but I feel comfortable enough to share it. Either way - you are welcome!
Anywho he calmed me down and reassured me to trust in the training and that all would be okay. We made a plan to keep this week's mileage around 30 then down to 20-25 the week of the marathon. I never hit more than 50 miles in a week so I don't need a huge taper time like some of the other marathon folks.
After a quick KIND bar break - which by the way were holding up great in my shorts (I hide them in the front on my quads) and were proving to be a great choice for me fuel-wise.
I bid John adieu and started the trek back home. I was going to Maine after the run to see my BFF and her family so I was a little excited and I think it showed in the pace.
PLUS the big shiny orb in the sky - I think you call it a sun - made an appearance during the run and I was soaking it all in. Wicked happy I opted to wear my Sparkle Athletic visor!
Mile 7: 8:59 Mile 8: 8:32
I stopped at the spot outside of BC, where Heartbreak Hill officially ends, to film another quick video. Just a little different weather wise than the one Page and I had filmed the week prior during the 20-miler.
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It was nice to stop and take a moment to reflect back on the journey AND have some final words with Heartbreak before the big day. Yes I talked out loud to a road. That weird? ;)
Mile 9: 8:29
As I made my way back down Beacon to Kenmore. I tried to check in with my body. I know the pain in my hamstring that has been there since May won't be going away by race day. So I am just watching it to make sure it doesn't get any worse. I have been doing a lot of exercises nightly to try and strengthen the area around the hamstring as well as work on my core.
Now my core work was said to be a "joke" by a blog reader, but I can only do the best I can. My journey is different than everyone else's so I focus on that. My time or reps might be less than others and I may have to do modified push-ups, but I am doing it and making myself stronger. One day at a time.
But I digress... I have found that work helpful for me and I am feeling strong.
While having a mental debate with myself it was nice to pull up to see Margaret at the final water stop of the day.
Our weekly selfie taken care of it, it was nice to chat before finishing out the run.
Mile 10: 8:29
Now I obviously couldn't tell if you could see my singlet through the back of my New Balance jacket so I totally had Margaret take a pic of me running away so I could tell.
Verdict? Oh yeah!
With the niece on the brain, I headed back to Kenmore. Running the route week after week can seem tedious, but it really helps with the mental side of the marathon. You can feel the crowd every time I run down Beacon or Comm Ave. I immediately can go back to how I was feeling at that spot in 2013 or 2014.
And for now it is making sure I don't recreate what happened last year this year.
Mile 11: 8:25
But as I came towards Kenmore, I moved myself to the right side of the street to capture "that" sign as you head into the home stretch of the race. Kenmore marks just 1 more mile of the marathon.
Gorgeous enough for a selfie...
;)
Now I am hoping to feel as good as I did in that moment in that same spot on race day!
I finished up the run by snapping a few more pics of the kick ass New Balance marathon campaign. Seriously loving it...
... before ending my long run where I always do - Dunks! :)
Mile 12: 8:21
Soooo I definitely ended faster than I wanted to, but I was feeling good the whole way. The legs started waking up a few miles in (as you can also tell with the pace) and overall the body and fueling were strong. There was some lingering left hamstring pain, but I think it was from extra hill work earlier in the week.
I made sure to continue to foam roll 2-3 times a day to keep the body loose and I have been living in compression shorts, pants, socks or sleeves! I find is so helpful for blood circulation and recovery time.
***
Since that was my final group run on the course, I would like to thank the Tedy's Team water stop crew as well as those of other charities and stores.
So many were out there week in and week out in the horrendous weather. I always say it is worse for volunteers since at least the runners are moving to stay warm.
***
There will be just one final "long run" - 8-10 on Sunday - before the Big Show. I will set out to enjoy the day, the experience, the reason why I run Boston and let the time/pace go as it will. I have done the work now I just need to see what weather Boston wants to bring! :P
Thank you all again for following along on this journey. Somehow this is marathon #7 - Boston #3 with Tedy's Team - and I just keep signing up for more! ;)
