Boston Marathon Weekend (Friday): Expo & Runkeeper Party

You probably are thinking to yourself - Boston Marathon - that old event was like 3 weeks ago... ... and you would be right!

Well I got a little dose of reality from my dad yesterday who was taken aback that I hadn't recapped the weekend yet. Now this coming from the man who doesn't really understand my blog nor read it. But, it lit a little fire under my big butt to get a move on.

So let's get this recap party started.

I like to set the scene so we are kicking it day by day style up in here. Why? Because it is my blog and I said so. So there. :)

On Thursday, April 17, my dear boo Linzie from See Sharp Run arrived in town from Cali. Of course I jumped in the car to go meet him and Adam and Katie (hi twitter friends) for a brew ... or two.

Reunited and it feels soooo good! Sometimes you meet a person and you just click. For those that don't know Linzie and I first met in October 2013 and ended up running a 10k trail run together through the Hollywood Hills that night sharing his one headlamp - yeah that can bond two people together - plus the convo was great! :)

But I digress ... as we were enjoying some beer and food we were joined by Angry Julie. I was so excited to finally meet her after years of chatting online. Blogger fail for not getting a photo with her that night, but there will be one at some point in the weekend.

After a great night, it was time to head home and rest up for one of my favorite days of race weekend ... the Expo!

Now, I had to knock out four hours of work before I let loose on the Expo and it felt like 20 hours. :P But the clock finally hit noon and I was out the door.

Many folks are not a fan of the Expo - it is a get in, get the number and get out.

Maybe it is because I am connected to a lot of companies and folks through social media that the Expo turns into a social party for me!

You can imagine what is coming next ... pictures!! :P

I arrived at the Expo just before 12:30 on Friday and immediately got in line to get my number.

Thankfully I ran into a friend Stephanie (who was running her first marathon) and was able to sneak in with her. The line was RIDICULOUS when I got there. Doors opened at Noon. I know there were about 10k extra runners, but the line was about 3 times the length from last year at the same time.

Thankfully the line moved at a good clip and before we knew it was the magic moment - the pic we had been waiting for - you and the bib!

After sweeping up my number, it was off to get the official t-shirt (loved it this year) and finally hit up the Expo floor.

Ahhh a great sight. Occasionally I still question whether I can call myself a runner - I don't know what the hold up in my brain is - but I still love seeing the sign.

First and foremost I had the sign the big runner wall.

I had an Expo game plan: I was going to hit the booths of my favorite products first! And in no particular order...

Sparkly Soul

It is always a pleasure seeing Pamela, half of the dynamic sister duo behind Sparkly Soul headbands.

ENERGYBITS

It was awesome picking up the free bags of Bits I earned as an ENERGYBits ambassador right before a huge race weekend.

KT Tape

 

I always hit up the KT Tape booth if they are at an expo. While I am confident in applying the KT Tape myself, I never pass up the chance for a professional to do it. PLUS sometimes they tape it in a way you would've never imagined. Like on my foot above. I had never seen that style before, but was open to giving it a try for the BAA 5k the next morning.

After hitting up my Top Three booths and making a quick lap of the whole floor (two large rooms), it was time to sneak away to the Old South Church.

Thank you Diane for my scarf!! It was made with love by Jean in Hollis, NH!!  The knitters were told to make the scarves with 1) blue & yellow and 2) love & courage. Then I started crying!!

I popped into Dunkins for a healthy lunch of iced coffee and munchkins. Hey a healthy lifestyle is full of balance, right? :) Then headed back to the Expo to see friends. And see friends I did. While I didn't get a pic with everyone here are a few:

Kelly, a fellow Weight Watchers and a current Chicago resident (she has my leader I had when I was in Chicago)

The amazing Kimberly stopped by the Expo to spread some good hugs and cheer to Linzie and I for the race

More RunDisney love with Linzie, Kelsey and Kristin

What I absolutely love about the whole Expo??? Is that everyone I interacted with, saw, loved, hugged and laughed with ... I met online! Thanks Twitter and Facebook! :)

Thanks for the pic Adam

Before heading out with the crew to the Runkeeper Marathon party, Linzie and I needed to take a quick break with the power supply. #BloggerProblems

Since it was a nice day out, we took the opportunity to get some steps on the ol FitBit and take the walk from the Expo to Runkeeper, which really was only about a mile or so.

I was wicked excited to finally see the Runkeeper HQ. The event was from 3-5:30 and included a scavenger hunt. I was having too much Expo fun to pull away for the Scavenger Hunt portion, but made it in time to meet some Runkeeper folks I speak to online often and see the power duo behind Notch Brewing.

Notch was providing refreshments for the soiree. I love Notch and the folks behind it. It is great to find a cool local brewery you can support. I often see Notch at the Cambridge 5k races while captaining the Team Slumbrew running team. But as Chris said "friendly competition" here. :)

But, it was nice to have some time to chat with Chris and Mary Ellen at Runkeeper. As I chatted with friends and the Runkeeper staff, I realized it was bathroom time. So I excused myself, took care of business and came back to an empty room. I'm not sure if everyone got invited to a party that I wasn't or what but all of a sudden everyone was gone.

So I took the opportunity to snap a quick selfie with the Runkeeper treadmill, ask my way into a Runkeeper HQ tour and then head on my way.

It was a great way to kick off the Boston Marathon weekend ... and I hadn't even done any running yet! :P

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Are you an Expo lover?

Three Things Thursday: How Dani Got Her Groove Back

Wallowing.

That was me last week after coming off the runner's high of completing two marathons in 5 days AND raising over $9,000 to Fight Stroke with Tedy's Team.

Then it was back to the real world. I wasn't ready.

I felt off mentally and physically.

It was no surprise my eating hadn't been on point and I was lacking in sleep due to travel from Boston to Nashville.

So when I emerged from the fog of the post-race blues, I took to the vlog - Dani Dishes - and shared my pain. You can check it out here.

Once I made the video, I felt a some of the tension exit my body but I knew I needed more.

Changes had to be made and here are three that are helping so far...

***

1) Bedtime.

That's right folks.

I am 5 years old and instituting a bedtime for myself - at least Sunday-Thursday if possible. I have been shutting down the TV and electronics by 10pm.

I can spend HOURS flipping through social media channels and combing through Netflix, but it leaves me groggy in the morning.

AND impacts my morning workouts. Not okay.

I may only be four days into this experiment, but I am already seeing the benefits. It is getting easier to get out of bed by 6 for a morning run or session with Jillian Michaels.

As I prepare to kick up the Half Ironman training, I know the wake-up times will get earlier so this is a good transition time for me.

***

2) #WOMSRunStreak was born.

Now I have said before that I hate streaking and I do. Now not THAT kind of streaking you dirty minds you!

But, run streaks. I took part in the Runner's World Streak in December and felt it wear on my body a tad.

For now, this is the motivation I need to get out of bed and get moving. It is the accountability I need.

How long will it last? I can't tell you. It is doing the trick in the moment.

***

3) Tracking!

I know I know. This should be basic for a Weight Watchers member/leader. But with the hectic schedule as I approached Boston and set off for Nashville last minute - it was at the back of my mind.

On Monday, May 5 I challenged my Monday Night Weight Watchers group to a 6-week challenge. Week 1's task was to track at least 5 out of 7 days. Now, I don't like the do as I say not as I do motif so it was time to pull up my big girl pants and get to trackin'.

I am currently rockin' Day 4 back to tracking on the WW mobile app and I can say the first three days were:

^100% tracked (29 PPV a day) ^at least 120oz of water drank each day, ^activity each day (at least 30 min) ^getting all my Good Health Guidelines in.

The sense of control is back and I am feelin' good. Some of the road trip bloat has subsided as well. YAY!

***

I haven't done anything revolutionary here, but the tiny changes pay off big. These are things I KNOW I need to do. Occasionally one can get sloppy and let things slide - it happens.

And now I am going to get back to gettin' my groove back!

Dani Dishes 5-5-14

On this episode of Dani Dishes, post-race blues - they are a real thing - and it's okay to take a week off to clear the mind & body! Also registration is open for the Strides Against Stroke virtual 5k HERE...

Three Things Thursday

Oh this meme makes me happy every time I see it! AND it makes me miss the 90s/early 2000s. Those were the days. Now where are my overalls?

Okay getting sidetracked!

I have been launching some exciting things this week and realizing they are all over the place on the blog and throughout social media. Thanks to Three Things Thursday I can put them all in one place for you!

Let's do it!

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1) May is National Stroke Awareness Month! In honor of this, I am hosting a virtual 5k - Strides Against Stroke - to benefit Tedy's Team and the American Stroke Association. With your $25 donation (through Paypal) you gain entry to the 5k (which you can run or walk or skip), a printable race bib and a Finsher's Medal (which I will mail to you)!

A virtual 5k takes place wherever you are, inside or outside, treadmill or elliptical between May 11-18. Once you complete the 5k, you would email me your time and picture (love those sweaty selfies).

It's as simple as that.

To register or for more information, click here.

***

2) Weight Off My Spring Dietbet is LIVE!

For those that don't know what dietbet is: read here.

Basically you put in $20, attempt to shed 4% of your body weight in 28 days (less now since it started April 28), and if you succeed you split the pot.

Right now we have 217 players and a pot of $4,340!

So do you want to put your money where your mouth is?

Then click here to sign up!

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3) GIVEAWAY TIME!! I realized earlier in the week that I hadn't hosted a giveaway in about a month. You all need free awesome stuff!

Thanks to The Universe Knows I am giving away three great prizes: a mug, a hoodie and a journal.

Head over to the post to check out more info and to enter! Winner chosen May 8 at 7am ET!

***

Have a Happy Thursday!

Gone For A Run Helps Me Rep Massachusetts

Did you all know I'm from Massachusetts? I don't think I ever bring that fact up on here so I thought I would bring everyone up to speed.

:P

Okay done being sarcastic.

But, I really am a proud Masshole - or whatever you would like to call us.

I try to proudly rep Massachusetts the best I can.

And now Gone For A Run is jumping on board with ...

Running Gifts By State

Gone For A Run offers t-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, medal hooks, car decals, ornaments, coasters, etc. The list keeps going.

I opted to try out the Womens Everyday Runners Tee Massachusetts State Runner (value $19.99) in charcoal grey. 

photo (35)

The shirt - which is also offered in hot pink, lush berry, storm indigo and teal - is a super soft cotton shirt perfect for lounging around the house or changing in to post-race.

We all know I am not one to wear tight clothing so I went with the women's large and felt comfortable. The heathered shirt is a women's cut so if you like it loose like me - size up!

photo 2 (38)

All Gone For A Run State garb feature an outline of the featured state - all are available - with the state's name and RUNNER written within.

I wish I have had more opportunities to wear the shirt, but it is still wicked chilly in Boston so I might need to buy the Massachusetts state sweatshirt in the meantime.

photo 1 (43)

Well I better run on out and do that before they sell out...

***

Do you represent your state with your apparel?

*UPDATED* My Boston Marathon Promo is LIVE!

Ahhh can you believe it? I received the email today from Universal Sports with the link. I am 100% geeking out over it.

I owe Got Chocolate Milk a HUGE thank you for choosing me to be a part of this project.

Without further adieu, here's the video:

Edit: We found the link to the second longer promo video and wanted to share it!

Dani Dishes 4-28-14

On this episode of Dani Dishes, it's time to talk about my trip to Nashville and those 2 marathons in 5 days!! Also registration is open for the Strides Against Stroke virtual 5k: Click here!

Dani Dishes 4-21-14: Initial Boston Marathon Thoughts

On this episode of Dani Dishes, I am sharing my initial thoughts and reactions to April 21's Boston Marathon. Warning: there will be tears!

*UPDATED* I'm going to Nashville to #FightStroke!

Being a member of Tedy's Team is an honor. One that I am reminded of every day. It becomes even more evident at the pasta party prior to the Boston Marathon, which happened last night. Hearing the stories of teammates - 5 who are Stroke Survivors that will be running on Monday. I run in honor of my Stroke Heroes - my grandparents - and for all others who have been affected by Stroke.

So when I surpassed the $5000 goal for the Boston Marathon I started to think what was next. I then realized (yes late to the game) that many of my teammates would be taking on the Nashville half or full marathon five days after Boston. The fundraising goal for that was $4500.

As I sat pondering the extra challenge, I made my final push for Boston by offering mile sponsorships. The generous donations came rolling in (which still leaves me speechless)!

Finally yesterday I made a decision. If I could hit the $8000 mark, I would make the announcement: 2 marathons in 5 days to Fight Stroke.

And then this happened...

So I am doing it. I am going to push my body and mind to a new limit in honor of my grandparents and those that can't run.

Since the mile sponsorship was well-received for Boston, we are taking it to Nashville too. Here are the details:

1) Head over to my donation page (here) and donate  – $20 per mile

2) Comment on this blog post with which mile you would like to sponsor

3) Feel good about helping to Fight Stroke

Thank you all for your continued support as we head to Boston tomorrow and Nashville Saturday!!

 EDIT: After the medical incidents at the Boston Marathon on April 21, I will be dropping to the half marathon in Nashville.

New fundraising update:

MILES SPONSORED

1 Holly Rhoades Johnson 2 Gramma 3 AK Stout 4 Joe Zorola 5 Mom & Dad 6 Jerilyn Goldberg 7 Dacia Root and Erick Larin 8 Carlee Padot McClurg 9 Chris Shuttlesworth 10 Katrina Pilkington 11 Jamie Falzone 12 Carissa Bealert 13 Cecilia Jones 13.1 My Stroke Heroes

#BostonRunsSocial Meetup/Tweetup (April 19) - You joining?

Do you live in Boston? Do you read this blog? Ummm that is an awkward question since you are currently reading this sentence, but hey I have to ask anyway. Right?

Are you running the BAA 5k or Boston Marathon?

If you answered YES to any of those questions, well good for you.

That's it. I was just wondering.

Ahhh just kidding! ;)

It's meetup/tweetup time folks!!

I floated the idea out on the interwebs a few months back and folks seemed like they wanted to get on board. So here it is:

The Back Bay Social club is located right across the street from the expo so it is a GREAT location!

Will I see you there?

PS Special thanks to Linzie from See Sharp Run for coming up with the sweet hashtag!!