Weekly Workout Wind Up (5/9-15/13)
You will soon find out that this week I started Jillian Michaels 30-day shred … I am wicked excited for the incorporation of strength training into my regime!!
Thursday, May 9: Walking around 4 Weight Watchers Meetings
Friday, May 10: 4-mile Run and 8-mile Bike Ride
Saturday, May 11: Family Walk and Day 1 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred
Sunday, May 12: MOMs Run 5k and Day 2 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred
Monday, May 13: 5k Run with Heather, Day 3 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred and Family Walk
Tuesday, May 14: Day 4 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred and Rest Day
Wednesday, May 15: Day 5 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred and 30-min Bike Ride
I can’t wait to add swimming to the mix next week… 
#30for60, Blogging, Fitfluential, Half Marathon Training, Marathon Training, Motivation, Running, Weekly Workout Wind Up, Weight Watchers, Working Out
My First Relay Experience: 26.2 Challenge Team Relay
And I am a race pushover.
What does that mean? Well, it seems when a friend brings up a race and I have the time/funds – I sign up.
Plain and simple.
It happened … again!
Last Wednesday (April 24) while at The Dubliner in Cambridge with friends for the launch of the latest Slumbrew brew, I asked my friend George what he had coming up for races over the weekend.
George and some members of his running club – The Most Informal Running Club Ever or TMIRCE – was taking part in the 26.2 Challenge Team Relay on the Saturday (April 27) in Plymouth.
And they were looking for a 6th member for their team.
**Interest Peaked**
Over the next 24 hours, we got confirmation that they did indeed need a 6th runner … and BAM! All of a sudden I am signed up for my first relay race.
The 26.2 Challenge Team Relay is set up a little different from other relays I’ve heard about.
The 26.2 Challenge is a team relay race for you and five of your friends. It’s an out-and-back style course, one member is running their butt off while the other teammates party, dance and enjoy the entertainment provided at our transition area.
Each member of your team will run an equal portion of the 26.2 distance. As one runner heads out the next relay member waits for the exchange. The whole event is one big party; live DJ spinning tunes as the runners take off and come in. Vendors line the exchange area offering samples, goods for sale and sage advice.
I picked up two of my running mates for the day – George & Jen – at 7am and we were off to Plymouth. The website told us to be there at least an hour before the race started (which was 9am) so we cruised into the parking lot just before 8am. Perfect.
We claimed a part of the parking lot – like the other teams were doing – and waited for our teammates.
Everyone else on the team was a member of TMIRCE so I was the only newbie. But, it is always nice to meet new runners!
As the members of the group talked about the paces they hoped to attain that day, I just kept hoping I wouldn’t be the person that would slow down their overall time. They were hoping to place and I didn’t want to ruin the chances. I was 12 days out from the Boston Marathon so I wasn’t sure what my legs would produce.
After getting acquainted, picking up bibs and having some pre-race snacks, it was time for our first runner Jen to hit the Starting Line. It was so odd to have the race begin and not be at the Start Line. I was slated to run the 4th out of our 6 legs on the morning.
Thankfully our teammate Erin had a stop watch so she kept it running throughout the race so that we could all be prepared in enough time for our legs of the run.
We were each set to run 1/6 of a marathon or 4.36 miles.
Jen (34:04), Christina (31:27) and George (33:38) all OWNED the course.
As I saw George turning the corner, I was in place at the Start Line – ready to FINALLY kick off my leg of the race.
Photo Courtesy of RaceMenu
Quick hug from Alain at Racemenu and I was off.
I didn’t know anything about the course except some quick snippets from the teammates that had already run.
I think my legs were just a TAD happy to be out running because I ran the first 3/4 of a mile at a 6:45 min/mile pace.
YEAH – those isn’t my normal pace in the least so I immediately told my brain and my legs to sllloowww it on down!
This wasn’t a 5k – this was 4+ miles so I couldn’t get burnt out too quickly.
Oh I also almost went the wrong way about 1/4 of a mile into the race – yeah, I missed a sign, but thankfully righted my ship quickly.
We had to go around the first water stop twice – once at the beginning of the run and once at the end. There were plenty of volunteers out on the course, which made the odd transition a little easier.
So thank you volunteers!!
Once through the first mile of the race, it was a clear out and back along the water in Plymouth. The sun was shining and the water looked beautiful.
Shade?
None.
The sun was beaming down on us, but I tried to stay committed and focused on the goal of keeping a sub 8 min/mile pace. That was my only goal of the run.
I could feel my body starting to get tired around the 5k mark so I buckled down. And as my Tedy’s Team Running Coach, John, would say “Just Run!”
So that’s what I did.
I pushed through the final mile and can say taking my ENERGYBits before the run helped.
I crossed the finish line in 31:18 – HELL YEAH.
I will gladly take the results.
I grabbed a water and rejoined my team to wait out our final two runners.
Our last two runners – Erin (29:57) and Nathan (24:31) – DOMINATED the course. Nathan ended up being the fastest person of the day. YES, his slip said 1/473 – hot DAMN.
So as a group we finished the 26.2 mile course in 3:04:57…
… and headed inside to grab a beer while we waited for the official results to post.
With the $25 entry fee, you had entry to the race, a 26.2 Challenge beer mug and one free Mayflower Brewing Company.
Me, Alain (RaceMenu), Steven (26.2 Challenge Organizer)
I drank my beer, ate a yummy chicken caesar salad and had a great lunch with team as we celebrated…
… our 3rd place finish in our division (running club).
In the end we were the fifth team overall out of 79 teams. Not. Too. Shabby!
I had a GREAT time participating in this relay. It was a change of pace from normal races.
And I will definitely look to do something like this again!
***
Have you participated in a relay race before? If so, what time? Did you love it?
#30for60, Blogging, Half Marathon Training, Marathon Training, Motivation, Road Races, Running, Weight Watchers, Working Out
Weekly Workout Wind Up (4/25-5/1/13)
While I am in between training plans – Boston Marathon and my first triathlon – I am winging the workouts. 
I can’t wait to be back on a new training plan soon…
Thursday, April 25: Rest Day
Friday, April 26: 45 min Walk
Saturday, April 27: 26.2 Marathon Relay Challenge … my leg was 4.36 miles
Sunday, April 28: 60 Min Spinning
Monday, April 29: 3.1 Mile Run and 45 Min Spinning
Tuesday, April 30: 2.13 Mile Run with Laney
Wednesday, May 1: 5-Mile Run
#30for60, Blogging, Half Marathon Training, Marathon Training, Motivation, Running, Weight Watchers, Working Out
Weekly Workout Wind Up (4/18-24/13)
This will be one BORING wind up as I took it easy the week after the marathon. 
Thursday, April 18: Rest Day
Friday, April 19: Rest Day (trapped inside due to lockdown)
Saturday, April 20: 26:20 min run in honor of Marathon Victims
Sunday, April 21: 60 min Spinning
Monday, April 22: 2.62 mile Run with the pup
Tuesday, April 23: Rest Day
Wednesday, April 24: 4 Mile Run
#30for60, Blogging, Half Marathon Training, Marathon Training, Motivation, Weekly Workout Wind Up, Weight Watchers, Working Out
Runner’s World Shakeout Run
I love meeting other bloggers. I love running. I love reading Runner’s World.
So an invite to a couple of the Runner’s World events during Boston Marathon weekend was an honor.
I thank my friend Robin for suggesting my little blog be able to attend.
The run was later opened up to all runners as it was posted on Runner’s World’s Facebook page the day before.
The more the merrier right.
The event kicked off at the New Balance Store on Boylston St at 7:30 Saturday (April 13)morning.
My dad was dropping me off (again I am a cool 30 year old) and we of course got there early so when I walked in only the New Balance employees were at the store.
Oops!
Originally Bart Yasso was said to be attending the event, but after tweeting with him he said he wouldn’t arrive in Boston until Saturday afternoon. Darn, I wanted to meet him.
As the store started slowly filling up with Runner’s World staff, I met a couple bloggers that I hadn’t known before. I met Brittany from Btypes.com, who qualified for Boston while running her first marathon (Wow!) and Katherine from NeonBlondeRunner.com, who I actually already followed on Twitter and Instagram.
I love finding new blogs to follow and new runners to use as inspirations.
Very quickly I realized I was the only person in the store who was running The Boston Marathon as a charity runner. IE, I was the slow poke in the store. The only person in the room/run that didn’t qualify for the Marathon.
Ouch! Nothing quickly cuts down your confidence than the question: “So where did you qualify for Boston?”
Yeah, nope I didn’t qualify. I am a charity runner. In the moment it hurt, but as I thought more about it that night I was/am honored to run for a cause. I raised over $5k for the American Stroke Association. I was running in honor of my grandparents.
Not qualifying for Boston is not something I should’ve been ashamed of.
But when you get asked that question rapid fire in a morning, it cuts you down just a little.
How can it not?
After mulling around, it was time to actually get out and run. I had no idea how long the run would be or where it was going. It was kind of nice to just follow the crowd.
We kicked off the run so quickly that my Garmin didn’t have time to locate satellites (shocking) so I used Runkeeper to track our run.
We headed out down Boylston St towards Boston Common. We did a big lap around the Commons before heading to the oldest street in Boston. Even I – someone that grew up in Boston – had no idea where they were taking us.
Everyone was extra cautious on this part of the run since no one wanted to get injured two days before the big race. It was cool to run up and down the old cobblestones – slippery, but cool.
We ran back through the Commons before hooking a right onto Boylston St to the New Balance Store.
We ended up doing a 2.5 mile loop, which was relaxing and good for the legs as I was running the BAA 5k the next morning.
Runner’s World had a nice little breakfast spread after the run, where I chatted with some of the Runner’s World folks I actually followed on Twitter. It’s always nice meeting social media contacts/friends in real life.
Mmmm snacks!
The New Balance store is pretty sweet if you haven’t checked it out before…
And it looks like they like to #Sweatpink like my FitApproach ladies and I do!
I especially had a great time chatting with Caitlin, one of Runner’s World web producers. Thanks for hanging out with me as I stood around not really knowing anyone!! Much appreciated…
Once the event was over, I wondered around Boylston St near what would be the Starta Area for Sunday’s 5k and the Finish Area on Marathon Monday as I waited for my dad to get me.
(Looking back it is crazy to see how much this would change on Monday afternoon)
I want to thank Laura from Runner’s World for extending a Shakeout Run invite to me. It was a great experience and a nice casual run to help simmer my nerves for Monday…
#30for60, Blogging, Half Marathon Training, Marathon Training, Motivation, Running, Weight Watchers, Working Out
Weekly Workout Wind Up (4/11-17/13)
Boston Marathon week … Ahhh!!!
Thursday, April 11: 2 Mile Run
Friday, April 12: Rest Day/Walking Around Boston Marathon Expo
Saturday, April 13: 2.5 Mile Shakeout Run with Runner’s World
Sunday, April 14: BAA 5k
Monday, April 15: Boston Marathon
Tuesday, April 16: 2.62 Mile Walk in Honor of Marathon Bombing Victims
Wednesday, April 17: Rest Day
#30for60, Blogging, Half Marathon Training, Marathon Training, Motivation, Running, Weekly Workout Wind Up, Weight Watchers, Working Out
The Night Before The Boston Marathon…
… is FULL of emotions!
I don’t even really know how to put them all into words.
***
I am excited.
I am nervous.
I am ready to throw up.
I am pumped.
I am honored.
I am doubtful.
I am questioning.
I am breathing.
***
With less than 17 hours til Tedy’s Team crossed the Start Line (10:40am), it is finally sinking in that this whole running The Boston Marathon thing is really happening.
I mean Yes I knew it was coming, but with a full weekend of festivities – I was distracted for a while. Until I crossed the finish line of the BAA 5k this morning and realized … it’s time for THE BIG SHOW now.
I sit here hugging my foam roller and Marathon Stick wondering what I got myself into. But, WHY do I keep questioning myself. I’ve done this whole running a marathon before. I’ve done all of the training since Tedy’s Team kicked off the season December 1.
Why start doubting myself now?
Well, maybe it’s after a weekend of being asked: “oh, where do you qualify?” Nope, nope not a qualifier. As soon as anyone asked if I was running Monday, I would immediately say: “Yes, as a charity runner” to avoid the qualifying question. For some reason it made me feel as if I wasn’t worthy to be in the same room with all of the other people doing their shakeout runs or picking up their bibs.
Then last night whipped me back into shape. Last night, we attended the Tedy’s Team Pasta Dinner. Sitting in the room with my 45 teammates, hearing people’s stories, celebrating that the team has raised over $300,000 for Stroke Awareness – THAT made me remember why I was doing this whole thing and why I DID deserve to be running in the Boston Marathon.
It doesn’t matter how fast or slow I run tomorrow, what matters is the singlet I will be wearing … what matters is the reason WHY I am running.
Tomorrow I run for my grandparents, for Tedy Bruschi, for all Stroke Victims, for my family, for my friends and for all of you – my supporters!
I thank you all for joining me on this journey. The countless training posts, the fundraising posts and offering up encouragement when I doubted myself.
The girl that weighed 235 lbs at one time will be toeing the line tomorrow to finish the most famous marathon in the world. I didn’t qualify. But I had the honor to raise awareness and money for Tedy’s Team and the American Stroke Association/American Heart Association, which is more important than any qualifying time.
This one time obese girl will be putting on that Tedy’s Team singlet and representing her grandparents to the best of her abilities. I will give it my all tomorrow. No matter the outcome I know they are proud of me.
OKAY NOW I’M PUMPED!!!
—
But since I’m me and need a goal.
What do I hope to accomplish tomorrow?
1) Finish. Seems like a simple request, but you really never know what can happen during a given race so I want to remain healthy enough to complete the 26.2 mile crusade.
2) Post a time sub 4 hours. This was my goal for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Marathon in November 2012 (my 2nd marathon) and I accomplished it then (3:58:49) so I would like to do that again if I can.
3) PR – 3:55. This is a dream, but keeping it as a possibility based on my previous training runs. If I could keep a steady 9:00 min/mile pace, I would post a 3:55:48, which would be a 3 minute PR. I would take that for sure!!
4) PR – 3:51. I could attain this if I kept an average pace of 8:50. Definitely a possibility if I find people with a similar pace to mine. I always run better when I have a partner who is faster they I am. Why? Well I always doubt my speed and having someone with me pushes me.
5) PR – 3:50 or less. A girl can Wish Upon A Star, ya know?
—
Now that I have released the thoughts swimming around my head, I can get back to relaxing, having a yummy dinner (mmm carbs!) and head to bed early. How can I sleep on a night like this? My sweet little friend Tylenol PM. I need a full night sleep so I will be trying to dose off by 8/9.
So thank you again for being a part of my journey. I cannot believe it all culminates tomorrow. But, I know you will all be with me every step of the way!!
I leave you with Flat Dani, who is ready to Sparkle her way through The Boston Marathon!
#30for60, Blogging, Half Marathon Training, Marathon Training, Motivation, Running, Weight Watchers, Working Out
Boston Marathon Weekend Festivities
Just thinking about the next five days is making me tired.
But for ALL good reasons.
I mean yes there is the little thing of The actual Boston Marathon taking place on Monday, but there is SOOOO much more happening before then.
***
Let’s see what’s on the ‘ol docket:
Friday
After finishing the work week at 12:15, I will be heading home, getting a good reliable backpack and heading to the Boston Marathon Expo at the Hynes Convention Center. The expo kicks off at 2pm and I think my friend Sarah and I will be there pretty much at the start.
Why you may ask?
Well, I am REALLY hoping I can snag a pair of the exclusive New Balance Boston Marathon sneakers, which are only sold at the Expo. So trying to get there as early as possible will help my chances. *Fingers Crossed*
Aren’t they amazing???
(I missed out on the exclusive Run Disney sneakers because we got there too late)
Additionally, I am picking up my bib for the BAA 5k AND the Boston Marathon so lots to get done.
Plus, I have a ton of booths I want to hit up … the high priority? Meeting the ladies behind the amazing Sparkly Soul headbands.
***
Saturday
I had the honor of being invited to a special Runner’s World Shakeout Run with Bart Yasso, which takes place Saturday morning at 7:30am. I am wicked excited to be meeting up with so many of my fellow bloggers and some of my running idols.
Around lunchtime, I will me joining some of my local Twitter/Facebook friends for lunch before they head into the Expo (and maybe I go back ). I will definitely be seeing Sam from Running and Cupcakes and Colleen from The Fit Bee and hopefully some others!!
As if that wasn’t an exciting day already, the wife & I have the Tedy’s Team Pasta Dinner that night 6-9 at the Lenox Hotel. If we are still functioning, we will end the night with the Runner’s World party, which is located close by. I want to take advantage of as many chances as possible to meet some of my running and blogging idols.
***
Sunday
And on the day before the Marathon, I decided to sign up for the BAA 5k (8am) with my best friend Sarah. Sarah is turning the Big 3-0 on Monday and since I will be busy running I told her we could run the 5k together the day before as a shakeout run for me.
The biggest hurdle? Holding myself back from race pace.
Thankfully I will have Sarah there to reel me in and keep me in check. Since the BIG SHOW is on Monday!
The rest of the day will be spent relaxing at home and making sure everything I need for Monday is laid out in advance.
***
Monday
The Big Show!
Nerves will be setting in. Nervousness will be in full effect. Excitement will be seeping from all parts of my body.
I need to be at the Boston Commons by 7am to take the bus to the Start Line.
Once there, we have a place where all Tedy’s Team members can hang out – out of the elements – before the Start.
My wave is set to start around 10:40am.
Then it’s GAME TIME baby!
After finishing (assuming I do ), I will meet my family and the rest of the team at the after spot at a nearby hotel.
I can’t wait to see everyone after they Finish, especially my family.
***
Tuesday
My treat day!
Hey, I deserve a day off from work after the Marathon so I took one.
I am meeting my friend Abby for mani-pedis around 11am then followed by lunch/drinks in Davis Square.
I will then putter around until a 90-minute (yup I went there!) massage at Massage Therapy Works.
Once the wife gets out of work, I hope to meet up with her for dinner and possibly getting my 6th tattoo.
I am looking to get the phrase “One Step At A Time” with “13.1″ and “26.2″ on either side. I need to check with Painted Bird Tattoo parlor to see if they have time.
***
Now doesn’t that sound like one exhausting, amazing and life-changing weekend???
I am smiling, crying and feeling tired all at the same time.
But, I feel blessed and can’t wait to share all the memories with you all.
Will I see any of you over the next 5 days? Maybe grabbing a beer to celebrate?
#30for60, Beer, Blogging, Half Marathon Training, Marathon Training, Motivation, Running, Weight Watchers, Working Out
Weekly Workout Wind Up (4/4-10/13)
As you can see the tapering has begun… 
It is an evil necessity!
Thursday, April 4: Rest Day
Friday, April 5: Rest Day (knee pain emerged and I wasn’t about to risk injury)
Saturday, April 6: 3.51 Mile Run
Sunday, April 7: 5.49 Mile Run
Monday, April 8: Rest Day
Tuesday, April 9: 4 Mile Run
Wednesday, April 10: 3.3 Mile Walk With The Pups
And Monday is the BIG DAY BABY … The Boston Marathon!!
#30for60, Blogging, Half Marathon Training, Marathon Training, Motivation, Running, Weekly Workout Wind Up, Working Out
#30for60 Challenge STARTS TODAY!
I think by now we have all learned I like a good challenge… #plankaday, #100ozchallenge, #pnptrackstar, #7daychip, #30daychip, etc.
Obviously it was time to add another one!
Enter the #30for60 challenge created by my girl Samantha from Running and Cupcakes.
Sam first presented this challenge back in December 2011-January 2012, where I happily participated in. Here is the post I wrote halfway through the challenge: read on!
Once I heard Sam was considering bringing it back in preparation of Summer 2013, I HAD to be a part of it … and Sam graciously agreed to let me pair up with her. YAY!
So here are the details:
The challenge will run from April 1-June 1 and the main just is simple – get moving for 30 minutes a day. This doesn’t mean we need to hit the gym for 30 or more minutes a day since like everyone else I like/need a rest day at least once a week. But, we want to motivate people to get out there and get active with friends and families – take a walk, play some soccer in the backyard, have a dance party in the kitchen. Whatever you enjoy doing to get yourself off the couch will count!
Seems pretty simple right?
It is.
We will be tracking everyone’s progress on the google spreadsheet I created – #30for60 Tracking – and you can update your stats at any point in time. Each column represents a 5-day period so if you successfully accomplish the challenge 3 out of the 5 days, you would mark a 3 in the column, etc etc.
Make sense?
You want in?
What you need more incentive?
Fine!
***PRIZES PRIZES PRIZES PRIZES PRIZES PRIZES PRIZES PRIZES PRIZES PRIZES PRIZES PRIZES***
Did that get your attention? Sam and I have been working to secure some amazing prizes for you all and will be sharing those throughout the next 60 days.
So if you are ready to get up, get moving and get ready for Summer then head on over to the #30for60 Tracking sheet and sign up!
And make sure you use the #30for60 hashtag and mention Sam (@RunCupcake) and I (@IrishEyes1982) up to speed on your progress. Use us as cheerleaders if you need to. (Note: Pom poms not included)
Let’s Do This Folks!!
Who’s with me?
#30for60, #7DayChip, #plankaday, Blogging, Fitbloggin, Half Marathon Training, Marathon Training, Motivation, Running, Weight Watchers, Working Out