#TryChocoMilk Challenge

Okay okay okay ... so you're telling me I get to drink chocolate milk (low-fat still cool) after a workout and my performance will improve? SIGN ME UP!

When I was at Fitbloggin last month, I met a couple of the wonderful ladies that work for Got Chocolate Milk's Team Refuel and they told me about a new challenge hitting the twitterverse-Facebookland-social media world.

Challenge? Social media?

Yup. I'm in. Please tell me more.

It's called the #TryChocoMilk pledge, which consists of 21 days of challenges. That's right folks a different challenge each day and you post a picture online using the hashtag.

So how does one sign up?

Seems pretty simple, right? I think I can get behind this.

Will you join me? If you're interested then let's share the good part ... the 21 challenges.

Oh and did you see how the best part of this is that you get to have low-fat chocolate milk after each and every one? :)

I'm in!!

If you would like to follow my progress with the #TryChocoMilk pledge, you can find me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook ... with Day 1 being today!!

So are you in???

***

PS I am a July finalist to make Got Chocolate Milk's ‪#‎TeamRefuel‬ again!! I am vying for $500 in sponsorship money and top notch training gear, along with the potential for free race entries to Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series and IRONMAN!!

Voting is today to August 9 at Midnight ET. Folks that love me can vote once a day (per device: phone, computer, etc).

Each vote also garners a $1 donation to the Challenged Athletes Foundation!

You can vote daily here.

THANKS!!! :)

Pure Barre 2.0

Lift. Tone.

BURN!

That is the motto of Pure Barre.

Not sure what Pure Barre is? Simply put on the website:

Using small isometric movements at the ballet barre set to motivating music, Pure Barre lifts your seat, tones your thighs, abs and arms and burns fat in record breaking time. Clients see results in just 10 classes, lose inches in weeks and have fun doing it!

And BOY is it true. Pure Barre really works on tiny tiny movements. Move your straight leg just one inch up and one inch out and your butt feels the work.

For those that are new to my blog (HHEEEYYY!!) or don't remember, I did a month stint at Pure Barre Burlington in November-December 2012. I documented my time there here.

I'll wait while you check it out. No seriously, I have coffee I can drink in the meantime.

La la la la. Oohh piece of candy.

Okay, you all up to speed?

Wonderful.

Pure Barre Burlington is owned by my friend Jess, someone I have known and has been a fitness inspiration to me since college. Jess was gracious enough to offer me a free month of classes at Pure Barre back when she opened the studio in November to share with you all what Pure Barre is really about.

Once the month ended, I wished I could continue, but unfortunately it wasn't in my budget. But, in June, Jess and I were chatting and she once again graciously offered up another free month of classes at Pure Barre Burlington.

So I offered to again share my thoughts and even pictures of me with you all. :)

I walked back into Pure Barre on July 8th and I immediately got nerve pangs just like the first time I walked in there.

But, this time around I KNEW I could tweak the exercises if I needed to. I also remembered I could stop and stretch at any point in time if my body needed it.

Also, the classes truly are made up of people of all shapes, sizes, athletic abilities, ages ... and even some gentlemen!!

(Note: cell phones are not allowed inside the class - which I love - but I have special permission for this series)

After my first class, I was happy to report that I felt stronger than when I ended the first series. Woo!

Each class is broken down into segments to work on different areas of the body: arms, abs, seat, thigh, etc.

I could tell those Jillian Michaels DVDs really helped my upper body strength.

Even my surgically repaired back can handle the ab movements. I love that you can work the lower abs without having to do a bunch of crunches.

The thigh work pictured above is where the SHAKING comes into play. Jess and her amazing staff keep reminding me that shaking is good so I let it happen. Ha!

One of the biggest thing Pure Barre does is combines the work - thigh, seat (aka butt), etc - while having you stand on your tip toes.

"Act like you are wearing six-inch stilettos"

I'm someone that rarely wears heels and after pretending I have heels on for a good portion of this class, I know why I don't. ;) It increases the burn ... but in a good way. Of course. :P

I am happy to be getting back to Pure Barre and adding it into my rotation. It is a total body workout, which I find will be SUPER helpful in my triathlon training.

Plus, my body can use the extra stretching as well...

***

Have you ever tried Pure Barre before? Will I see you at Pure Barre Burlington?

Dani Dishes 7-16-13

On this episode of Dani Dishes, I celebrate a week of "Progress Not Perfection" when it comes to my getting #Back2Basics challenge and I'm happy about it! :) I also mention one of my favorite local brews - Slumbrew - check 'em out. Product Of The Week Fiber One 90 Calorie Cinnamon Coffee Cake - http://www.fiberone.com/products/brownies/new-90-calorie-cinnamon-coffee-cake

5 Things Friday

5 things that got me through today's sweaty 5-mile run

1. Mizuno #WaveSayonara Sneakers

These have truly changed my running the past few weeks...

2. Garmin 310XT

This gadget allows me to feel in control of my run (since I check in on pace and distance), but it doesn't OWN my run! :)

3. TruMoo Low-Fat Chocolate Milk

I think we all know I like to refuel after a workout with low-fat chocolate milk! ;)

Lowfat chocolate milk contains the right mix of carbs and protein scientifically shown to help refuel muscles. Chocolate milk helps restore muscles quickly to their peak potential.

4. X-1Audio Headphones

I am currently OBSESSED with wearing my X-1 Audio  swimming headphones on my Team Refuel visor while running. It means I no longer have to wear my iPhone on my arm anymore and I feel free. :P

5. ENERGYBits

I also can't start any workout without having a serving of ENERGYBits beforehand to give me a natural boost of energy!

For the best energy reboot, we recommend our ENERGYbits® algae tabs which are 100% spirulina algae. Spirulina’s nitric oxide opens up your blood vessels so you get instant access to all of its protein and 40 other nutritional goodies.

 

Weekly Workout Wind Up (7/4-10/13)

The week started off poorly, but rebounded once I recommitted and actually found a training plan to follow for the upcoming triathlon AND the Dopey Challenge (Janury 9-12 ... 4 races ... 4 days ... 48.6 miles)!  

Thursday, July 4: Rest Day

Friday, July 5: Rest Day

Saturday, July 6: Travel Day to Maine/Rest Day

Sunday, July 7: 4.5-Mile Trail Run with Sarah in Maine :)

Monday, July 8: Pure Barre class, 4-Mile Run and 50-Min Spinning

Tuesday, July 9: Pure Barre class, 35-Min Stairmaster and 25-Min Elliptical

Wednesday, July 10: 1000 meter Swim and 5-Mile Run

I am sooooo happy to be following a training plan again - it just makes life easier!! 

Want to join me at the VERT-Sasquatch Trail Run?

Annddddd the winner IS:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

CONGRATS!!!! Thank you to everyone that participated and big thanks to our Sponsor!!!

***

I am NOT a trail runner. Okay! Phew! I feel better getting that deep dark secret off my chest. So why am I participating in and giving away a free entry in a Trail Run? Because this isn't like the other trail races.

VERT Race Series is a unique, new school trail race series from the research lab @Cambridge 5K. We have two races scheduled for 2013: VERT - SASQUATCH, 7/14 @ DCR Middlesex Fells, and VERT - Big Bad Wolf, 9/21 @ the Ipswich Ale Brewery, Ipswich, MA. We are also working hard to add some epic l-o-n-g-e-r (and more BAD ass) races so stay tuned!

Last year's Sasquatch race was my first-ever trail run ... read my experience here!

The Sasquatch race is a 2.35 mile run through the Fells in Stoneham, Mass - which VERT refers to as a "sprint" trail run. Can't you see how much fun I am having in the picture above? :) The race is set off in a large open field and in waves so you are not really tripping over other people along the course. I wasn't bumping elbows with folks like normal starts of races. The trail is somewhat thin throughout the run, but you can easily pass people if necessary. The end of the run is a downhill and referred to as the "Sasquatch chute" by the runners. :) You end back on the open field you began on. As soon as you finish, it's party time! That's right.

Team Slumbrew owning the after party!

In addition to your race entry, you have access to the post-race party at the Stone Zoo, which includes delicious local craft beer (Go Slumbrew!), food and a dance off or two. ;)

Isn't that ceramic mug I'm drinking out of amazing? I won it for being the most social female runner - scroll to the bottom of here! AAAANNNNDDD the race is accessible via public transportation!! SCORE! So have I convinced you to give VERT-Sasquatch a try? I will sweeten the pot by offering a free entry!! Here's how to enter the giveaway: The giveaway will run from Wednesday July 3 (10am ET) through Wednesday July 10 (10am ET)!

The winner will be selected and announced on Wednesday!

I "Get" To Eat Healthy...

Every have that one sentence or moment that changes your life? You hear it/witness it and a light switches on in your head?

Yeah that happened to me at Fitbloggin during the "Stop Keeping Up With the Joneses" session on Saturday, June 29.

My friend Kenlie from AllTheWeigh.com snuck into the room late from another session.

But, her brief time in the room got my wheels turning.

She simply reiterated how someone mentioned about feeling unhappy about "having" to eat healthy to either lose weight or for health benefits.

And she then said: "But instead we can simply say: I get to eat healthy!"

*Mind Blown*

Oh no she didn't.

Why yes she did.

She simply taught me how to reframe my thoughts though a simple sentence.

For the past few weeks with countless travel and unhappiness with some aspects of my life, I have been SLACKING - I mean seriously slacking - in the healthy eating department.

(Note: this is not about needing to drop x amount of lbs - since I haven't stepped on a scale in 3 weeks - but this is about feeling good and feeling healthy! The reasons why I lost weight!)

Too many old habits have been sneaking back into my life to mask or try to bury the unhappiness I am feeling.

So what is happening today?

Today the reframe is taking place.

Today I stop the pity party.

Today I end "Vacation Mode." (Excuse Alert!)

Today I don't HAVE to eat healthy ... I GET to eat healthy.

Why?

Because I need to remember how much better my training goes when I am eating healthy.

Because I owe it to my racing self.

Because the athlete I've become (can I say that?) deserves to be fueled the best way possible.

Because I have the ability to do it.

So how does it start?

It starts by getting #back2basics. It is a hashtag I use when I need to hit the reset button.

Yup, I have hit the reset button more times than I can count. But the important thing is I keep hitting it.

What does #back2basics mean to me?

1) Take the food scale off the top of the microwave and put it back on the counter. 2) Move the measuring cups from the back of the drawer to the front. 3) Put into effect #DrinkEnd ... which means alcoholic beverages are only allowed Friday-Sunday. (Unless there is an extenuating circumstances of course. If my friends win mega millions on a Tuesday, I'm not passing on champagne! ;)) 4) TRACKING everything that enters my body. 5) Stick to my training plans, planned workouts and gym dates that I have set with friends. 6) Continue to hit my #100ozchallenge each day, which means drinking at least 108oz of water each day! 7) Do my #plankaday each day. My core will thank me too. ;)

It seems like a lot, but really there are the basic routines that I have created since joining Weight Watchers and when I hit them I have success. So easy decision is to list them out for myself.

PLUS, I always do better with a challenge! Don't you?

So if you are looking for a little support or looking to buckle down, feel free to join me in using the #back2basics hashtag!!

Can you pass me an apple?

It's GAME TIME!

Dani Dishes 7-8-13

On this episode of Dani Dishes, I apologize for not having a video last week (Darn Fitbloggin! ;)), complete my final travel, talk about emotional eating and hitting the reset button! Product Of The Week Mizuno Wave Sayonara - http://www.mizunousa.com/running

Mizuno Wave Sayonara Review

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of  Mizuno. All thoughts and opinions are mine. 

I like being a guinea pig.

Oh does that need further explanation? ;)

I love having the opportunity to test out products for myself and for you all, the readers. When I started running back in 2005, I knew NOTHING about proper sneakers, running clothes or even how to design the right playlist.

Can you tell the difference between Marathon #1 (no education) and Marathon #2 (starting to do my homework)?

***

So now I relish the ability to broaden all of our horizons to what is out there to help us reach out goal ... to finish a race, to learn to run, to increase speed - whatever it may be.

That brings me to my latest adventure: the Mizuno Wave Sayonara.

First off, oohhh pretty!! *wiping drool from mouth*

Before losing weight I always wore dark colors to just try and blend in ... and look slimmer. So as I started my weight loss journey I would slowly add color to my attire via sneakers. So HELLO these are perfect.

Now, Mizuno is known for light weight shoes, which basically means not a lot of cushion.

This got my brain working and I was nervous. Since I started running and especially after back surgery in January 2011, I always aired on the side of caution and used a shoe that offered as much support (aka cushion) as I could find. For some reason in my mind that meant nothing would happen to my back again.

But, when I was given the opportunity to a sneak peek at these gorgeous Mizunos (retail $119.99) how could I pass that up. Plus every day I learn something new about my body and my running so I need to keep the mind open.

These beautiful shoes came in the mail and I immediately ripped them open and hit the road.

They fit like a glove. I was shocked. I said a little prayer to the running gods and set off.

It was June 26th, a hot and humid Wednesday morning in Boston and I felt my run would suffer. But I think the shoes kicked in.

(Note: Mizuno refers to the #WaveSayonara as the "Everyday Fast"!)

So how did the run go? I think I put it best on Instagram that day:

Tried out the @mizunorunning#wavesayonara today & loved 'em!! Even with the heat I hit sweet negative splits (8:16, 8:03, 7:56 & 5:33 for 0.7) AND repped the rainbow@sparklysoulinc in celebration of #domadying! :)

Oh yeah, those would be some pretty sweet negative splits. I felt light. I felt free. I felt fast.

I actually LOVED wearing the light weight shoes. When it is so hot out, I find it sometimes feels like a chore to pick up my legs - especially during a long run - but the Mizunos were lightweight enough that I didn't experience that.

My back didn't hurt at all. My knees and ankles felt supported.

***

I took another Spin after returning from Fitbloggin' this past week. I was tired from the travel (east coast to west coast to east coast in 4 days), but I knew I needed to hit the pavement. So Tuesday afternoon, I laced up the #WaveSayonara and hit the path.

I was tired and feeling blah, but honestly the shoes picked me up. I didn't even want to know about time (that's how out of it I felt) so I wore my Garmin face down during the run. As I was running around the River, I thought to myself how I felt like I was running in place, but as I sneaked a peek at my Garmin I was rocking a low 8 min/mile pace - say wha?

The shoes. It was all about the shoes. I swear.

***

I think Mizuno described the shoe perfectly:

Mizuno introduces the Wave Sayonara – our lightest everyday training shoe yet. Speed is now more accessible than ever and something that can obtain on a daily basis.

Sayonara is light, low-to-the-ground, and versatile so any run can be as fast as ever. The euphoric foam midsole ensures the proper cushioning without added weight and bulk so runners experience a light, smooth, comfortable, and responsive ‘ride.’

Now, running enthusiasts can wave goodbye to slow and say hello to more energized, mezamashii running.

***

I know you want to know the technical highlights of the shoe ... so here they are:

**Blown rubber sole for optimal flexibility **U4ic is innovatively light and well cushioned **G3 Sole features lightweight, superior traction **Mizuno Wave Technology provides the perfect balance of lightweight cushioning and stability

Thank you again #WaveSayonara for making me feel as fast as an Elite runner?

And what's cool? They hit the shelves TODAY!

Go! Go check 'em out and see if they are right for you!

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Weekly Workout Wind Up (6/27-7/3/13)

With so much travel and flight delays and timezones, this wasn't my best workout week, but it had some variety! Thursday, June 27: Rest Day/Travel Day

Friday, June 28: Zumba

Saturday, June 29: Jumpsport Trampoline Class and 3-Mile Run

Sunday, June 30: 6-Mile Run

Monday, July 1: Rest Day

Tuesday, July 2: 4.99-Mile Run

Wednesday, July 3: 45-Min Stairmaster and 20-Min Elliptical