Face it Friday - Frustration OVER

I am human! I know folks it is a shocking revelation, but I am not always the perfect Weight Watchers member and I tend to think that is why you all can relate. We are human. Life happens. Then I realize "I Am Still Learning"!!

So a week ago today I stepped back on the scale for the first time in three weeks. We had been traveling each Friday to either Chicago for the Half Marathon or Maine for relaxation (not that I am complaining at all).

But I got on the scale on August 2 and was up 4 lbs since my last home weigh-in

July 13 - 155.2

August 2 - 159.3

(Note: I NEVER thought I would be upset/mad to see a 159 on a scale! Oh how times change...)

Well that was expected with vacation and taking advantage of stopping at all our favorite spots in Chicago. ;) But it was time to get refocused.

So on August 3, it was back to tracking. I was determined over the next 11 days to track everything (be a #trackstar), get 100oz of water each day, do a plankaday and hit all of my Good Health Guidelines.

At the same time I was starting full on Marathon Training...

so it was time! :)

Thanks to my ActiveLink I am wicked aware of my activity and motivated to top myself each day.

Well by Monday morning I was up to 60-something Activity Points, yet I got on the scale and nada.

Say whhaa?? Usually after a few days back on plan and that much activity, I woulda seen some movement but nope.

So it was time to bring in my reinforcements ... my #wwmafia crew (which is a group of WW Leaders and Receptionists that are the bomb biggity - yup I just used bomb biggity).

I asked for their advice and soaked it all in.

Because I can use all my WW Leader info on myself, but sometimes you need to hear it from someone else to get it to sink in.

So I kept on doing what I was doing:

*Eating 26 DPT a day

*Eating/Drinking all 49 of my Weekly Points

*Not touching my Activity Points

*Drinking at least 100oz of water a day

*Kept up my plank a day streak

I checked in again on Wednesday...

(Note: I am broke my own rule this week by weighing myself more than 2 times a week and I was upset with myself for doing that, but I got swept up in my own crazy!)

... and nada!

I started to look through my tracker and share with my most trusted WW Leaders and Receptionists to get their thoughts.

Common theme: water retention. Yup, indicator to me? Not able to get any of my rings off my fingers.

But I stuck with it!

I could've just given up and said Screw it! I'm having Chinese food but no! I trust WW and know it works.

I tallied up 111 AP this week - thanks ActiveLink for pushing me to light those darn lights up! ;)

So I got on the scale this morning and BAM. It worked.

Home Scale read 156.2.

WOO!

And the official Weight Watchers Lifetime/Employee weigh-in read .... 156.4!

WOO!

In range (153-157) and once again proving that WW works.

Now, for me ... this summer has been a HUGE adjustment. Not only are we in a new place and I am in a new job, I have now had to adjust to attending BBQs and having a social life. ;) Well going from working like 100 hours a week to not, I feel like a new member now (like I've written before). So now adjusting to social life and learning how to handle the delicate time of Lifetime/maintenance.

This whole summer has been a welcomed learning curve. I have learned to really keep my fitness up in the times of Happy Hours, BBQs and vacations.

Thankfully, I have a great support system that will not let me get too far off the deep end. They keep me in check and I would be LOST without them!!

So let's as a group just make it through these last few weeks of summer and move on ... to Birthday Season!

Oh darn... ;)

But moral of the story is: I Am Human ... and I am Still Learning!

Jerry Garcia Memorial River Run 5k - 7/26/12 - 23:00 (7:26 min/mile)

As we were driving up to the 5k Thursday night, we passed loads of people walking to the pre-race hangout area and I thought to myself how many of those people looked familiar. It is funny how you start recognizing people at races. It's like you think you knows those people, but you really don't. You just see them at all of the same races. It's like when people have the gym take the same classes or have the same schedule as you. Thankfully, I have started to chat with some of the usual runners and it is great to build/learn/meet new runners!!

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*The Jerry Garcia Memorial River Run marked the 3rd of 5 races in the Let's Run Summer Series*

I knew this 5k would not be one of my best efforts. I was still recovering from July 22's Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon (Sunday) in Chicago when this race crept up on me on July 26 (Thursday). But, you need to complete all 5 of the races to get the free jacket in the end so nothing was holding me back from running. :)

PLUS, these races are wicked fun so I never want to miss one.

So Thursday is my busiest day at work since I lead 4 back-to-back-to-back-to-back Weight Watchers meetings from 12-5:45, but they are great groups and days are always easier when I have a 5k to look forward to.

Thankfully the race didn't start til 7:30 so I had plenty of time to come home and chill before we headed out for the run.

The weather report said we would have heavy rain and thunderstorms, but thankfully we lucked out and there wasn't any rain until we were heading out!!

We headed out over the bridge and over to the Start Line. We got there closer to the start than usual so we actually only had to wait about 15 minutes until the race started.

Before I knew it it was time to go. I felt sluggish, but I was still going to give my 100%.

It was WICKED humid, but thankfully I was used to that from Chicago. ;)

So I didn't feel as strong as usual, but I was happy to run into my friend George just after Mile Two. It really wouldn't be a 5k unless I ran into him!! He is one of those people that I kept seeing at races, we chatted on social media then we finally met up at one of the last runs!

I crossed the Finish Line at 23:00 (7:26 min/mile pace). About 33-34 seconds slower than my usual times at the Let's Run Summer Series ... but I was still A-okay with it! I mean hello, I still ran a 7:26 min/mile pace. Me!! So yes, I was happy with the results.

I finished 167 out of 995 overall and 29 out of 546 women.

I will take it!!

Afterwards, I enjoyed some music and brews with my Let's Run ladies: Vickie, Kim and the wife (aka Tori)!! :)

jerry garcia

I just wanted to note that this was the 16th of my 24 road races in 2012! CRAZY!!

VERT Sasquatch Trail Race (2.35 mi) - 7/15/12 - 18:59 (8:05 min/mile)

So this was my first ever trail run. Let me tell you: I have GAINED a TON of respect for people that do trail running ALL the time. WOW! It is quite a workout... I figured it was safe to kick off my first trailing running adventure with a race that was short - 2.35 miles seemed like nothing ... PRIOR to running it. ;)

I was HONORED to have the privilege of being asked to be the Captain of Team Slumbrew for the event and of course I jumped at the chance. Not only do I love their beer ... but I also LOVE the people behind it. Drink local folks ;)

They even hooked us up with these awesome tech shirts for the run...

Team Slumbrew had 12 awesome people on it. I only knew two of the people beforehand, but think we all clicked pretty well. :)

Racemenu did the timing and had awesome chips that went on the shoes. 

The run was set into three separate waves since the paths were pretty tight. Our team was in Wave One.

Like usual I didn't bother to look at the course beforehand so I had no idea where the start was or what to expect. Sometimes I kind of like the unknown of a race course since I practice on the same course all the time and know the ins and outs of it.

But anyway, we all lined up on the field across from the Stone Zoo and all of a sudden the gun went off and it was go time.

I was actually having some technical difficulties at the beginning of the race so I decided to forego listening to my music or my Runkeeper during this run. Also, I thought C'mon it's only 2.35 miles - that isn't that much.

WOAH!

2.35 miles on this trail run was MUCH different.

We started my running along the road before we headed into the woods and proceeded to run vertically for about 2 miles.

Wow.

All I kept thinking was thank GOODNESS I Spin. I got myself down into more of a squat and run barreled up the hill as best as I could. But, it there were so many rocks/tree branches/other people to watch out for.

It was definitely more of a workout than I had expected, but it was a good burning for sure. It made me realize how strong my legs have actually gotten over time.

Thanks to Alain from Racemenu for yelling at me to "smile already" so I could get this great action shot!

I was definitely breathing heavily and cursing under my breath before and after this was taken. ;) This was just after what I figured was the half way mark.

I finally looked down at my Runkeeper once I saw the long awaited downhill come into view. We were just shy of 2 miles and I was ready to be done. It was in the mid 90s and I was sweating up a storm.

I hit the downhill and just felt like a kid running free down a hill without any sort of brakes. Normally I can reel myself in on a downhill, but not this time. All I focused on doing was NOT falling down the hill and taking out the people in front of me.

Once we got to the bottom of the hill, we STILL weren't done. C'mon people. We had to sprint around the field and then would be done.

Wow! This race honestly felt wwwaaayyy longer than 2.35 miles, but it proved once again how much stronger I am thank I give myself credit.

I crossed the line at 18:59 (8:05 min/mile pace) and was 111th out of 444 and the second finisher on Team Slumbrew.

What an accomplishment.

Go Team!

We rocked it!

I even won an award - cuhlearly, not for my speed or lack there of. But for being a social media nut - Facebook and Twitter - about the race and the VERT Race Series. :) I was so surprised and honored. I got a cool VERT mug with the Slumbrew logo on it. :)

It was great to hang out with some of my twitter buddies in person:

George and I have crossed paths on Twitter, Untappd, Foursquare and on the road at races, but it took til this race to finally chat!

The same with Lexi - lots of social media, but had yet to meet in person. I wanted to thank her and her husband for giving me this sweet Untappd t-shirt!! :)

So thank you all for making my first trail run a success.

It is Wednesday and my ankles still hurt - so I know I need to keep practicing to get used to it. But, I will definitely do it again!!

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Have you participated in a trail run/race before?

Raggae Ramble 5k - 6/28/12 - 22:26 (7:15 min/mile)

It may be sad how giddy I get thinking about a night 5k. I mean Thursdays are my busiest days at work so having the fun 5k along the Charles River with my wife and Kim pushed me through that day. Plus, having it an hour later than the last one (Blues Run 5k) gave me time to wind down from work before we headed over to the run. The Summer Run series is a group of five races (one per month) on a Thursday night on the Charles River. The races are usually 4.something miles, but due to construction this year they were shortened to a 5k.

Some people thought the Blues run was shorter than 5k, which I thought might be possible since my time was so much faster than my other PRs. I finished in 22:23 where my other lowest PR is 23:10. But this race started a tad farther back than the previous race, which made me think it would be closer to the 3.1 mile distance.

For me though, these races are about the atmosphere and the post race party. ;) Plus, if you complete all 5 you get a snazzy jacket ... Ooohh!! I am a sucker for race schwag!

I was annoyed at the beginning of the race because the group of runners in front of me spent the entire time complaining about the race and it's organization or in their opinion lack thereof. I just wanted to tap them on the shoulder and say "If you don't like the race, no one is forcing you to run it." I was just so irked by their comments, also because I like the race and it's local feel.

Anyway, it was finally time to start and I thankfully blew past the nay-sayers and got myself into a groove.

I have run the course a thousand times so it is easy to know the ins and outs of the turns and how much farther you really have to run.

There was a group of tourists standing along the River and you could tell they were completely confused as to why a thousand people were bursting towards them with numbers on. It was funny.

As I took the turn that goes in to the last mile of the run, I locked in on some targets and told myself to get down and pass 'em. In the last half mile, I managed to pass three different runners - all female. I felt so accomplished. It made me feel like I did a good job of keeping a little in the tank so I could really let myself free in the final stretch.

I was feeling good until some guy came barreling past me in the last few feet before the Finish Line. Kind of a lame move in my opinion, but I tried to just let it go. It just isn't something I would do - runners courtesy.

But, I grabbed my water and headed to the post race party ... and forgot about the guy that pulled a jerk move.

Mmmm Harpoon :)

My official time came in at 22:26 (7:15 min/mile) and just three seconds slower than the Blues Run 5k. I was 138th out of 1,122 overall and 27th out of 648 females! Wow!

I am still amazed that times like this are coming out of my body.

I definitely think the added length at the start got the race closer to 3.1 miles.

Anyone else run the Raggae Ramble 5k?

Harpoon 5-Miler - 5/20/12 - 38:23 (7:41 min/mile)

I'd been looking forward to this race on May 20 for awhile ... who doesn't love a race that allows you to wear costumes and ends at the Harpoon Brewery? The 5-mile race is so popular - there is a lottery to get in to it. You can enter as an individual or a "6-pack" ... we entered as a "6-pack" and were selected ... Go "Team Big Man"! Woo!

Next big decision - what costume to wear? Hey, there is a contest, we had to enter.

Lots of e-mails back and forth between the group before we picked a nice and timely option.

 

Yes indeed we were the Josh Beckett "situations": Beckett and Lester with the Popeye's chicken and beer ... Beckett and Buchholz out for an off day of golf. :P

Thankfully the wife came along to act as official "Team Big Man" photographer and to enjoy the post-race party! :)

The Starting Line opened up to the masses at 9:45 to prepare for the 10am kickoff.

The crowd was huge and pumped for the run. It took us 3 minutes to make it to the Start Line.

We ran the first half mile together as a group then headed out at our own paces...

I do want to state for the record that each of us ran all 5 miles WITH our props! Yes, I ran 5 miles with a golf club and golf ball. Let me tell you that it gets heavier as the course went along. :P

It was HOT and HUMID. I also am not used to running in a cotton t-shirt so I felt out of my element.

But, I gave it my all. I couldn't believe that I was posting sub 8 min/miles after 3 miles - I hadn't done that before.

There were a couple slight hills, but the real opponent was the weather. Thankfully there was some extra shade during the homestretch.

I made it almost all 5 miles without dropping my golf ball then BAM! right before the Finish Line I dropped it and thankfully the guy running next to me scooped it right up.

As soon as we crossed the Finish Line, we got a Harpoon 5-Miler Pint glass full of water ... that would later be used for beer!

I officially finished in a PR of 38:23 (7:41 min/mile) ... I finished 98th out of 999 in my division and 706th out of 3,555 overall.

Wow! I still couldn't believe those numbers came from me.

The entire "Team Big Man" finished strong and everyone had a sub 9:20 min/mile pace. Hot damn we were working it.

We enjoyed our post-race refreshments and food before the costume contest began and ...

... we were jipped!! We lost to a group from the movie "Cool Running" and a set of American Gladiators. We shoulda won! We were timely and part of the costume was based on beer! Hello! :P But, that is okay - we will win next year!!

I even ran into my friend - and Spin Instructor - Jess, who I didn't know was running until after we finished. :P

Overall, the day was a BLAST ... and I cannot wait to run it again next year!

M.O.M.'s Run 5k - 5/13/12 - 24:06 (7:46 min/mile)

After coming off the "bathroom incident" from the Newburyport Spring Fever 5k on May 6, I was hoping for a really good run at the M.O.M.'s Run 5k in Somerville on Mother's Day (May 13). I had missed a PR in the previous week's 5k by 10 seconds - OUCH! Damn my small bladder! :P

But, I digress.

I also need to point out since my wife reminds me ALL. THE. TIME. I know I do not NEED to nor WILL I PR every race ... BUT, I was just looking for one at this race since I know how close I had come the week before.

Plus, I am competitive. I KNOW! None of you could tell that one bit in reading this blog that I have that tendency. Since no one picked up on it ;) I thought I would let you in to the secret. I want to be better than I was the time before. Yes, I am slightly wicked competitive with other people, but I am 20 times more competitive with myself.

So in summation - yes logistically I know I will not and do not have to PR every time, but it is a little extra umph that pushes me throughout the race.

Well, that and the damn lady on my Runkeeper that chirps in every 5 minutes with the distance I've run and my pace. Does she have a name? If not, I need to name her. Ruth? She sounds like a Ruth and sometimes she can be RUTH-less. Get it? Oh gosh, I am so on today. :)

Anyway, back to the run.

So I was excited to finally wear my cool Racemenu singlet and I, of course, rocked the Superman socks again.

The wife and I met up with Liz and Lauren before the race, drooled over the pre-race carb-loaded snacks, hit the port-o-potties (YES!) then headed to the Start Line.

The race was small, which meant we were actually up towards the official Start Line - made of duct tape (YES!).

The gun sounded and we were off.

Well folks, no one reminded me how hilly my hometown is. My goodness this race was the complete opposite of flat. Yes, the uphills seems to go on for days, while the downhills seemed like a millisecond long.

But, I was pushing myself.

There were great cheerers along the way and I got some more awesome shout outs for my kick ass socks (Thanks hun!)

I found a few runners in front of me and just tried to keep them in my line of sight the entire run. I tried to catch up to them, but knew that wasn't happening so I just tried to make sure I could see them at all times during the run.

Focusing on a person just ahead of me is a great motivator I use during races. I always love being pushed by people that are faster than me and this is a way for strangers to help me without even knowing it.

As I rounded the corner and saw the Mile Three marker ahead, I could also see the clock. I just kicked it in to another gear.

I came towards the finish it was still in the land of 23 minutes, but as I crossed the line I could hear the people at the Finish saying 24:06.

What? 24:06? 7:46 min/mile pace? Me? Wow! I was able to knock 27 seconds off my PR in one of the hilliest courses I've ever run ... I wonder what could've happened had the course actually been flat? ;)

I ended up finishing 65th out of 303 overall and 5th out of 36 in my division.

I was beyond thrilled with how the race went and couldn't wait to hit up the post-race spread.

Let me tell you. This race had some of the best donations I've ever witnessed at an organized run - from the Harpoon beer to the Redbones' BBQ. I enjoyed myself. I knew this day would be off my Weight Watchers plan and I was totally okay with it.

I had a great time with friends and picked up a shiny PR to boot.

Wisconsin in 33 hours...

So in total my trip to Wisconsin for my friend Kate's wedding this past weekend lasted 33 hours from door-to-door. Wow! That is what I call a whirlwind trip for sure! Thankfully I live near the airport and not many people were traveling to Logan at 5:30am on Saturday. I made it from my front door to the airport through Security and to my gate in 10 minutes. Yes folks you read that right ... 10. Minutes. I was damn impressed. My new Premier Status helped get me through security, but overall it was a painless trip to the airport.

(Note: did you know you don't have to take off your jewelry? All these years I thought you had to, but nope. Maybe it's because of the new fancy screening machines? I'm not sure, but I was happy to skip that step.)

Thankfully when you travel for such a short period of time you can get away with just a carry on ... and that early in the morning means COMFORT wear. :)

You know I had to search the terminal until I found a Dunkin Donuts. :P

I also lucked out and got the exit row. Not that I woulda trusted the guy sitting next to me to help in the case of an emergency, BUT I dealt with it for the leg room.

I had a layover in Chicago and was able to travel through my favorite terminal at O'Hare. I always love these lights!

So I made it to Madison, Wisconsin around 10:30am CT (thanks to Brandon for the ride from the airport) so it was time to explore the city before the afternoon wedding...

 We tried out some of the local craft beers on the main street in Madison...

I loved that Madison wanted to combine people's love of both a delicatessen and a carousel. Normal, right? :P

It was finally wedding time after this! We headed to Badger Farms, where the wedding was held in a cute barn surrounded by fields of green. Nice scenery for a group of city kids. ;)

Kate and Joe looked picturesque on their Happy Day. I absolutely LOVED her dress.

I loved the country set-up and colors used to set a great scene.

And I was able to see some of my friends from college that I haven't seen for almost three years. You may not speak everyday, but when you are back together it's like no time has passed at all ... that is friendship!

The next morning we hit the road at 5am CT to make the 1.5 hour drive to Milwaukee to fly back home. Thank you to my lil' pregnant Sarah for taking the wheel as her husband I slept the entire ride!

After a flight from Milwaukee to Chicago then a delay in Chicago, I headed from Chicago to Boston and was back at my house at 2:30pm ET.

What a busy and awesome 33 hours. It was great to be able to see my friend tie the knot, catch up with friends I haven't seen in years and be a part of a magical night.

Now someday, I too will get to have that kind of magical night. Not sure when the wife & I will be able to afford it, but we will... someday!

Slumbrewin'

I first heard of the Somerville Brewing Company, Slumbrew, through my friend Kim who is a local craft beer aficionado. She told me about it just before moving back to Boston from Chicago in January. So of course, as soon as we got back to town we had to give it a try. Wow! It is awesome. The company has four great brews:  Flagraiser IPA, Happy Sol, Porter Square Porter and My Better Half.

I can't tell you which is my favorite because they are all great! But, if you twisted my arm and told me I could only have ONE. Well, first I would say stop twisting my arm ... then I would tell you: My Better Half.

If you click here, you can find locations that sell Slumbrew near you!

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On Friday night, I was honored enough to FINALLY meet the masterminds behind Slumbrew ... and even got to check out where the company all began. My dad, another Slumbrew fan, joined me for the awesome night. Here are just a few pics:

In addition to some pretty yummy beer, a local Somerville chocolate shop - Taza Chocolate. It was delish! Chocolate covered almonds, cashews, etc. Mmm...

I had a great time meeting the brewers, Caitlin and Jeff, and sharing a great night with some other craft beer fans.