*Guest Post* Running: Is it your 2nd job ... By Pavement Runner

Runner. Instagrammer. Blogger Extraordinaire. Amazing Parent. Stud. Kind. Funny. Entertaining. Friend. Wise Ass. All of the above describe me... wait what? That doesn't make sense.

Oh nope. Read my notes wrong. All those great qualities describe the one and only Brian (aka Pavement Runner).

Side Note: do you know it took me a long time into our online friendship to learn Pavey's real name was NOT in fact Pavement Runner. Can you believe that? I thought it was on his birth certificate. ;) 

Oops!

But my dear Pavey is a huge inspiration to me in life, running and in blogging. I'm sure he regrets giving me his cell # after the resulting odd questions and texts I inundate him with.

I was lucky enough to meet Brian live and in person at a little tweetup/meetup I organized before the Rock 'n' Roll Los Angeles Half Marathon back in October ... and it was magic.

Photo Credit: Pavement Runner

During one of the many text/Twitter DM convos, I inquired if Pavey would be up for penning a guest post for my little slice of the internet. He is wildly busy so I was nervous to ask. Think of it as writing that first note to your crush and asking "Do you like me like me? Check yes or no." Scary right? I get that way when speaking with my Blogging Idols.

And in true Pavey fashion he ignored me. :P

NOT! He graciously accepted.

But what did I have in mind? I needed him to impart his wisdom. The dude is a running rockstar and I needed to hear about his mojo, especially during the long training season for a marathon. So I asked him:

How do you keep the love, happiness and spark going

during the grueling training session?

And the post was born...

***

I'm going to jump right into it. Training is hard. There is no sugar coating the amount of time that is invested into getting ready to run a marathon. You pretty much have to invest one day per week dedicated to a long run, factor in a recovery day and most likely 2-3 runs during the week and you've accounted for 5 of the 7 days. Add into the equation that your training calendar can range from 3-6 months and you're looking at some serious time commitment.

I run throughout the year, often racing frequently. At times, it can feel like a full-time job on top of my existing full-time job. But if it is something you love, then you usually find ways to incorporate it into your daily life. There are, of course, sacrifices that have to be made. For me, it sometimes means missing breakfast on Saturday morning with the family. The other option is getting up at 4 am to get in my run and be home in time for breakfast. I do both. Either way there has to be some give. It's just finding the proper balance of which will work on a given day.

But here are some ways to make the training season a little more fun, and less like a job.

Make it a party. Not everyone can join you for a 20 mile run... unless of course you are in the Bay Area because then you could just shoot me a message. But if you have a long run planned, try to see if friends can join you. If you have a friend that can run 5-10 miles with you, invite them for a run. It's always best to have them join you at the end of the run so that you can count on their upbeat energy when you begin to feel tired. I'll often ask friends to meet me at a central location several hours after I've started. For example if you had a 20 mile run planned, start at a local coffee shop or running store and do a 5 mile out-and-back before your friend arrives, then run the last 10 together. The more the merrier is true here as well. If you can get 2-3 friends to join you, open up the invite. It can also be a shorter distance, if your friends can run 5 miles, run 12 before... a good way to recruit people is to offer breakfast afterwards. "My treat" is usually key in that sentence. Trust me, knowing you have friends joining you can motivate you to get through some tough miles.

Photo Credit: Pavement Runner

This is actually how I get a lot of my longer runs done. I run with a group of friends that normally run between 7-12 miles and it is not uncommon for me to run for an hour before we plan to meet. When you break it up like that, it feels less like a 20 mile run and more like a 12 mile run, then an easy 8 miler you get to do with friends. It's funny how that second part of the run with company feels like you are fresh and starting over. Try it.

Bonus tip: change your shirt before your second run. Swing by the car real quick and put on a clean shirt. If you started in a long sleeve, switch to a short or a tank. It'll make you feel refreshed and your friends will be appreciative that you don't COMPLETELY stink like you just came from a run... even though you did.

Run a local race This one is something I also use quite often. It can be a little bit of an investment, but it can help add some excitement during the training season. Use shorter distance races to help you train. If you are incorporating speed work during your training, doing a 5k or 10k can help. Be sure to check your local running store around a holiday for a 5k or 10k race, they are usually smaller and hopefully less expensive.The same can be true for a half marathon. Although they are usually a bit more expensive, they can be great at teaching you to maintain your goal pace. If this is your first marathon, it can also give you a preview of what to expect on race day. From portapottys to water stops to pace groups. It can help remove some of the nerves from the unexpected.

Bonus for experienced runners: you can use a half marathon as part of a longer run. This one is tricky, but if you time it right you could run some miles before the half marathon. I've run 6-7 miles before a half to get my 20 miles in for a day. The only variable is how much down time you might have before the race starts. You'll want to keep it under 15 minutes as you won't want to tighten up before the half starts. Be very aware of your pace.

Make it social... on social. If you have a long run coming up and you are looking to pass the time, share your run on social media as it's happening. Create a hashtag, something like #Saturday20forfun. Take a picture of your feet at the start with the hash, then send out an update whenever you see something interesting. This works best with photos, but it could be a simple status update. Be sure to include the hash on each post so that if someone sees it 5 photos in, they can click on the hash and see where you have been... literally. Don't go crazy with the updates, you DO have to get in your miles. A good starting point would be a photo every 3-4 miles, and of course a selfie before and after.

Photo Credit: Pavement Runner

And now comes the tough part: There are going to be bad runs and days when you don't even want to start. But give the run a chance. Even if you don't feel like running, you have to give it a chance. Put on your shoes, throw on some gear and head out the door. Commit to running X miles or X minutes and reevaluate at that point. You might feel AMAZING and ready to take over the world. If it's not your day, then it's just not your day. We have to remember that at some point or another we fell in love with running and that is why we keep doing it. If you ever find yourself in doubt, send me a message on social or hit up Dani and we'll talk you off the ledge... chances are, we can offer some ways to mix it up or probably know someone in your area that will run some miles with you.

@PavementRunner on Twitter @PavementRunner on Instagram

Gotta love this running community!

Athleta ... After Hours

If only life was like a TV show, right? I'm thinking of the classic Saved By The Bell or some other equally amazing 80s-90s classic TV show where the gang gets trapped in the mall/store - after hours! They try on all the clothes, have some sort of safe mischief transpire and then they escape being arrested for trespassing and go on their way for pizza.

Doesn't anyone else wish that would happen to them?

Well I got the chance ... okay minus A.C. Slater and crew ... to hang at the Athleta Store on Newbury St in Boston - After Hours!

Par-tay!!

I and some other Boston area bloggers were invited to check out Athleta's new Summer Line. Oh yeah sneak peek!!

My love of Athleta has been growing and growing, but I can never find an opportunity to make it into one of the stores.  So I jumped at the opportunity. Plus, it happened at 7pm, which meant I could leave work at my normal time and arrive fashionably late. I know I am never fashionable, but I can OWN fashionably late.

I arrived at Athleta to a nearly empty store, which is a really cool sensation. It is like walking into your personal closet - except you need to pay for the things inside of it before you can wear them. :P Minor detail.

There were a handful of bloggers on site when I arrived, as well as some delish looking wraps being offered by Flatout Bread.

Flatout Bread even sent us home with a bag full of goodies. I know you are all jealous of that.

After grabbing my glass of champagne and snapping a quick "Look Ma! I am in a store after hours. Aren't I cool? Okay I know I am not, but let's pretend" selfie...

... I was off to the races to check out the goods.

Now, if you told me five years ago, that I would be this giddy over checking out workout clothes - I would've told you to go home. But, here I am in 2014, and in heaven.

I mean how cute, right?

Athleta doesn't carry all of their size options in store. I believe you have to go online to purchase some of the larger options (hope they are working to change that). But Athleta does range in sizes from 0-20 or (S-2X). I am not sure if every style is available in all sizes, but playing around on the website helps to figure that out.

As someone who used to be a size 20, I appreciate a brand name taking care of their clients - who range in shapes and sizes. Plus, I love the Athleta message of "power to the she!" Girl Power baby. Oh Spice Girls how I miss thee.

But I digress...

I did a once around the store before targeting the running corner. Are we shocked. The pants (pictured above) caught my eye immediately. They are the Blossoms Be Free Knicker (value $64). I loved the pattern, the drawstring, ventilation behind the knees, the rear pocket AND side pockets (where I could hold my ENERGYBits during a run. Oh they were made for me. I was Oohing and Ahhing over them when I heard: "Do you want me to start a room for you?"

Oh heck yeah!

I've never liked clothes shopping or trying on clothes, but seeing the fun colors and patterns in Athleta that night made me leap at the chance to see how they would look.

The girl helping me asked what size I needed and I immediately wanted to say XL. BUT I already own a pair of Athleta pants so I knew it was a Medium. Can that gut reaction to say XL just go away?

And they fit like a glove. The tag is blocking the side pocket, but it is perfect for your in-run fuel. I had a hard time taking them off. I just wanted to hit the streets in them.

I may or may not have done a lap in the store, while wearing them. I mean you need to test these things out right?

The extra lap also helped me spot some additional pants to try on.

As I mentioned before, I love the relay capris I got during a Fitfluential campaign last year. They are amalfi blue - aka really blue - and were a color choice out of my comfort zone.

I was explaining this to the girls who worked at Athleta and they pulled the same pants off the discount rack ($69 marked down to $44.99), but in coralade (aka pink). I was nervous to try on such a bold flavor, but felt comfortable with the encouragement from the girls in the fitting room so I took the  chance.

How bright are they? :P

Sorry I didn't have time to match my KT Tape to the pants.

While I was doing a little walk around in the relay capris, I noticed Rachel (aka @Healthy_Chicks) rockin' the Chaturanga Capri ($54)in Catalina Green. They were fierce. Can I say fierce? Has Beyoncé trademarked that?

Anywho with some slight prodding by the other ladies in the fitting room, I took the plunge to try them on.

See the fierceness? Ignore my inability to make a normal face.

As soon as I put them on I wanted to live in them. I kid you not. I wanted to make a movement that these be considered business wear. They were flattering - a nice wide waistband which really flatters all body types. They are made of a Pilayo wicking material, which allows the pants to breathe and dry quickly. They even lend "UPF 50+ protection."

While changing back into my normal wear, the three pairs of pants sat in front of me. Taunting me. Calling my name. Saying they wanted to come home with me.

I was not planning on spending money.

Then I remembered. I tucked a $50 Athleta gift card in my pocketbook earlier in the day. Just in case. AND the lovely ladies of Athleta treated all the bloggers to a $25 gift card for being at the event. Pair those $75 gift cards with a 30% off coupon and I walked out of the store with three pairs of pants for $53.

Oh heck yeah!

Even without the gift cards the Athleta pants are reasonably priced compared to some other workout clothing lines that I won't mention (from that country ending in anada).

So if you haven't had the chance to check out the new Athleta Summer line, head to their website or the closest store. You really won't be disappointed.

You just may have to bring your own champagne and snacks... ;)

I'm Struggling: One Month At New Job

One month. A lot can happen in one month's time. For me it has been a complete overhaul on the life I knew for the last two years.

Leading Weight Watchers meetings had me always on the move - not only going from meeting to meeting, but it gave me the flexibility to work out often. I could hit the gym or the pavement when no one else was there to bother me.

Oh 11am swim pool to myself- sure thing.

Bang out 5 miles at 3pm on a Wednesday afternoon - why not.

That all came to a crashing halt when I returned to an office job.

I've been nervous about this impacting my fitness and weight loss goals ... and it has.

And not in a good way.

My Fitbit and Weight Watchers Activelinks aren't happy with me.

I'm not happy with myself.

I just feel ... blah!

I've been trying all of the suggestions I give to other folks that have office jobs. I mean in case you didn't know - I am not the only person who works 10 hour days, is training for a marathon and trying to lose weight. So I know there are folks out there doing that ... and more!

So why haven't I shared these feelings before?

Because I was lying to myself that I had my sh%t together.

In case you aren't picking up on it - I don't.

I am struggling.

The decrease in workout time and flexible schedule is messing with my mind and my confidence. For anyone that follows me on other social media channels - Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc - I think you have picked up on that lately.

This is the longest stretch of struggling that I have experienced since starting my healthy lifestyle change in 2009. So it is making me feel like a failure. I mean I bawled HARD on my run Tuesday morning. Thinking that I have let everyone down because I don't have everything figured out.

But guess what ... not everyone does? Did you know that?

It was news to me. :P

This is a learning process. The job hours won't change. The training for a marathon or Half Ironman won't change. The desire to lose weight won't change.

(Note: I am not trying to lose a ton of weight - just maybe an additional 3-5 lbs. I love my goal weight of 155.)

So what has to change ... me!

Here is the latest plan of attack:

1) I will stop lying to myself that everything is okay. That is how I got into the mess of being 235 lbs to begin with.

2) I will share. I have always been open in this blog space and that starts by Point 1 - being honest with myself.

3) I will ask myself "Will this get me to my ultimate goal?" when faced with the free snacks at work. Don't get my wrong I am grateful for free lunch and free snacks, but not all of that is really on my plan.

So game plan 34634783 since starting the new gig begins. What is the biggest positive I can take out of this? I keep recognizing the triggers and warning signs - and wanting to change them.

THAT shows me that this shall pass and I will overcome this struggle.

Who has faced a similar situation? What has helped you make the adjustment?

***

I will leave you with a great sentiment brought up at my Weight Watchers meeting on Monday Night by a member Erin:

"Life isn’t about figuring out what to do. The real challenge is simply doing the things we know we should be doing."

Craicfest 5k: Cambridge, Costumes and Craft Beer

Giving me a holiday race = giving me the opportunity to not be the ONLY person dressed up! Ha! It is true that I rock a Sparkle Athletic skirt and fun knee-high socks for any run or race, but there is something about a holiday or Disney race that makes me step my game up.

Well the Craicfest 5k on March 16th provided the opportunity for me to turn up the flair ... and break out as much green as possible! ;)

The inaugural Craicfest 5k was put on by Cambridge 5k and Race Director Eddie O.

Selfie with the Race Director Eddie

It was the first in a six-race series for 2014.

If there is one thing that sets Cambridge 5k races away from the rest (besides amazing local craft beer at the Finish - the obvious), it would be the uber comfortable race t-shirts. I LIVE in my Cambridge 5k series tees.

Now as many of you know I am training for an April marathon, which mean the day before Craicfest would be a long run ... 17.2 miles to be exact. So on the day of the race I had NO idea what my legs would have left in the tank.

As always, I was ready to have a fun time with my Team Slumbrew Happy Soles running mates and watch some great dancing at the post-race dance-off. (Oh yeah, Cambridge 5k races always feature a pretty entertaining post-race dance off!)

I was hoping for a pretty March morning in Boston, but instead got a bone-chilling windy mess of a morning. I can say it was rain and snow free. Ummm silver lining?

So on went the layers!

Kim is also training for Boston and had run 18 miles the day before

I tend to travel light to races (read as: skip bag check) - especially ones that are just a 10 minute drive from my house - so I was actually able to sleep in a little for the 9:30am start. Plus, I wanted to limit my "standing around" time as much as possible pre-race.

Nice to finally meet Danielle - a fellow Boston area blogger & Weight Watchers friend

Team Slumbrew met near where the post-race pouring station would be and caught up. It is crazy to think I have known some of these folks for almost two years - all thanks to our favorite Somerville brewery and running! :)

Just before 9:30 we all headed into the starting area to get the party started. The Start area was a little sunnier - aka about 2 degrees warmer - so I soaked it in.

With so much flair on, I wasn't sure how conducive to running it would really be. I couldn't pass up the extra boa from Amy pre-race.

After chatting it up with familiar faces around me - yes one of my favorite part of local races - the horn went off.

George & I couldn't contain our excitement

Since I was too distracted talking - shocker :P - I wasn't totally ready to run. But I quickly hit Start on the Garmin and I was off.

I immediately had to have a discussion with myself.

"Self, it is OKAY to be passed. You are not here to PR. You are here to have fun. You cannot PR every race. Are you listening to me? Hello! Oh shiny thing. FOCUS! Just run your race. Then you can have a beer. Okay? Okay!"

And yes that is how it really happened. Your welcome for a glimpse of the crazy that goes on in my head during a run ... and this was only in the first 0.1 mile. Imagine what happened during the Dopey Challenge. ;)

But I digress...

The sun was shining which put Cambridge and Boston in a gorgeous light as we were running. The course ran along the Cambridge Side Galleria Mall and over the Gilmore Bridge. Now this Bridge is really the continuation of Memorial Drive (aka a highway type road that I am using to driving on not running on). I geek out over things like that. As we took a right on the off ramp, I could see the Paul Revere Park in our future. I have never actually run in the park so it was great to see a new part of Cambridge. The paths were clean, windy and wide enough that I didn't feel smooshed by other runners (this may be because I wasn't in the heavy traffic pace of the run).

As we ran through the park, we approached the gorgeous Zakim Bridge. I had to stop and snap a couple photos.

Beautiful

Well enough of the scenery, time for an in-race selfie.

Never attractive, but always fun!

I was wicked happy to be seeing about a 7:35-7:50 min/mile pace. As I said, my legs had gone quite a distance the day before.

Just after the photos were taken, we headed up and over the Northpoint Pedestrian Bridge ... which is where this gem of a photo was snapped.

It really does embody my run that day!

Once over the bridge, we did some more weaving and winding through the Northpoint Park. It was nice to be away from the traffic. Many times during local races you are dodging cars, etc - not during this one! Thanks Eddie.

I was starting to get a little tired with about 0.5 mile to go so I started targeting folks in front of me and try picking them off. Now I didn't know if I would actually do it or not, but I needed something to focus on.

And you know what it worked! I passed about 4-5 folks coming down the stretch.

The Finish Line photo definitely isn't pretty, but it was how I was feeling. happy to be clicking Stop on the Garmin.

I immediately turned around to start cheering on my teammates and any other familiar faces I saw. Really I was cheering for everyone with special shouts for folks I recognized.

You know not everyone has someone at the Finish Line, but everyone deserves the cheers!! I'm happy to provide them!

Once the cold stated setting in, it was time to mosey on over to the post-race party and collect a much-needed Slumbrew.

How about that? I will take it. I got 3.2 miles on my Garmin for a 7:35 min/mile pace. But hey, no reason to battle over actual distance... unless he had added an extra 0.5 mile! :P

The wind on the course was BRUTAL! At times I thought I was running in place. (Read: like I was stuck on a treadmill)

With the work done, it was celebration time...

Slumbrew Ladies

It would've been nice to have warmer temps, but what can you do. We all huddled in the sun as much as possible.

Part of the Slumbrew Happy Soles

As Slumbrew Team Captain, I had the honor to hand out the fun beer gift from our fearless leaders - the Slumbrew founders Caitlin and Jeff.

How cute?

 Now Team Slumbrew Happy Soles tagline is "First to the Finish Beer Line" because we are there for fun, memories and good beer. That being said - we have always wanted to place in the Team category.

And you know what ... we finally did! 3rd place in the Team division! Woo!

Drinking out of the trophy with Caitlin

Despite the chill, it was a fun morning. Eddie does a great job of creating a fun race atmosphere where all are welcome. Plus, the post-race festivites are like no other - 4 local breweries pouring delicious beer, laughs, pictures and a dance off.

What more can you ask for on a Sunday morning?

***

Did you participate in a St. Patrick's Day race?

"What's Your Goal Time For Boston?" - Said Everyone Always

Did you know I am running the Boston Marathon? I know I never mention it on here and couldn't be any less excited about it....

Allowing time for eye rolls from you the reader to take place

So back to reality!

The race is one month from TODAY! Say wha? I know. Time freakin' flies folks.

So soon you will be seeing Flat Dani make an appearance.

Flat Dani 2013

(Feel free to check out my 2013 recap here)

One of the first questions someone asks when finding out I am running the Boston Marathon is:

What is your goal time?

Now last year I had levels of goals laid out.

***

2013 Goals Were:

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 obtain 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?

***

After posting a 4:04:08 in 2013, I was angry at myself. I had a foot pain start at Mile 17 and just not leave me alone the rest of the race. I stopped to stretch at every med tent, etc. Obviously, once everything happened at the Finish Line just after I crossed. The perspective changed. But, I still was upset with myself for only accomplishing 1 of the possible 5 I had set out.

I DID make sure to soak up every minute of the course and had a blast while out there. It was - at the time - a once in a lifetime experience for me.

Fast forward to the Tedy's Team post-marathon party the week after the marathon and I am given the opportunity to return to the team for 2014. Every one of my teammates, whether they finished or not, were coming back ... so I definitely was.

The level of emotions I have felt since April 15, 2013 and on every run since then run the gamut.

Having said all that, my goals haven't really changed from the ones set in 2013. I would LOVE to run a sub-4 at Boston and in 2013 I was soooo damn close.

But my #1 priority, is to again soak up every minute of that race. Like Tedy Bruschi said, the Start Line is the Finish and the race is the after party! So I am ready to have a freakin' blast on April 21.

I am worried that emotions will play a factor in pace, etc. So I am trying to have that inner conversation about knowing that is okay. This race and experience is not about time. Dear Dani, it is NOT about time.

Oh who am I kidding - I do care about the time. I am trying not to, but it is hard after being so close last year.

I did the Black Cat 20-miler two weeks ago in 2:57:59 (8:54 min/mile pace). If I could keep that up for 6.2 additional miles I am set. Heck, if I can keep a steady 9 min/mile pace I would PR.

But, I need to run a smart race. I have learned from last year and I hope to show up on race day a smarter runner ... the second time around.

One never knows what can happen on race day. The body may feel off. A twinge of pain can come out of nowhere (thanks 2013). So I am trying not to psyche myself out by putting a lofty goal in my head.

Whatever happens on April 21, I will be wearing a smile ear to ear - unless I am crying then well you know what to expect. :P

With you all by my side and in my head and heart, I will run the strongest race I can.

All I can ask of myself is to give it my all.

Now about that post-race beer?

***

2014 Goals Are:

1) Finish. I thought about Goal 1 being make it to the start line, but I figure even if I am crawling from second one - I would be at the Start.

2) Beat 4:04:08. Always fun to try and beat the time from the previous year's race.

3) Post a time sub 4 hours. This was my goal last year and 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.

4) 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!!

Where's The Switch?

Instead of the Easy Button, I need a Mental Switch.

A mental switch for what you may ask?

Here's the situation that made me want to create such a device.

***

I was looking at recent race photos and just feeling blah. Yes I know race photos aren't always the most flattering photos and it doesn't help that it was about 7 degrees the day of the race so I was layered up enough to look like the marshmallow man.

But, I digress...

I was just feeling uninspired looking at the photos. Of course my first thoughts were: your thighs look huge, how many chins can one person have, etc. Now I know to immediately counter those with a positive. Which I was, hell yeah you rocked that 20-mile run, you were out there in 7 degree weather, you posted a sub 9 min/mile pace the entire time, etc. Oh and had fun!

But, I still couldn't shake the initial thoughts.

I am always my own worst critic - as many folks are. I try the self-love. I am working on it - truly.

So I was having these thoughts and texting with a friend - a fellow Weight Watchers Lifetime member/runner/triathlete - and I was lamenting the thoughts I was having.

Her response:

"Right there with you the negative thoughts but a little bit of something for you. I was looking at some of your recent pictures lately and I wished to myself that I was as skinny as you."

Wow! 

Reading those words: 1) shocked me because this friend is one of my Rock Star idols and 2) that she would see me in that light.

It made me ask:

WHY can't I have a mental switch that allows my brain to see a picture of me or situation I am in and only let me see it through a friend's eyes?

Now, I know it is a mental exercise I am working on, but in the meantime I would really like to just have a switch where it happens instantaneously.

Can anyone relate?

PS. Copyright this idea Dani Holmes-Kirk 2014. <<Just need to cover my bases>> ;)

Dani Dishes 3-17-14

On this episode of Dani Dishes, I'm sharing about the film shoot for my Boston Marathon training and a how I mixed up the workouts this week! :)

Three Things Thursday: Motivational Songs

Have you ever been running or walking down the street and the PERFECT song comes on your shuffle just when you needed it to? or

Have you spent hours the week night before the race trying to craft a playlist so spot on that you would want to sell it on the internet?

Yeah me neither. ;)

I've been working over the last year to run without music. Since I am trying to make the leap to triathlons and am training for that little race called the Pumpkinman Half Ironman in September 2014, I am tackling the mental exercise of running/swimming/biking sans music.

For those that don't know. music is not allowed during triathlons. That's right. I will need to come up with a way to entertain my head space for a good 6-7 hours during that Half Ironman so that I don't keep asking myself: "Are we there yet?"

NOW, that doesn't always work. If I am not running with Tedy's Team or a friend, I am NOT at the point where I can break out a half marathon or more without music. Especially if there isn't a crowd around to distract me. You all don't know how crucial those signs are along a course as entertainment and distraction.

So I still rock my iPod shuffle on many a long run and during the Dopey Challenge in Disney I had it at the ready for the stretches of course without a character stop or music playing (aka outside of the parks for the most part). I even had it stored in the back pocket of my capris during the Boston Marathon in 2013. Even though it never left that pocket, I felt comforted knowing it was there if I did.

Well, since it is three things Thursday and I have been dabbling in the music/playlist realm lately, I thought I would share my top 3 favorite motivational songs. These tunes have always come on the shuffle (aka I've hit 'forward' until I hit the song I want) in the big races this year.

1) "Go The Distance" - Hercules

This jam came on during Mile 10 of the Disney Marathon back in January. It was a magical moment. I was texting with Eric (aka @TheMochnacz) during the run and I think of Hercules whenever I talk to him. And then "Go The Distance" came on. I started belting it out loud. I'm sure the runners around me were staring at me like I had three heads and wishing I would slow it on down to be out of their ear shot. ;)

It was exactly what I needed to hear. I knew that I was going to make it through the marathon. I was going to finish the Dopey Challenge. I was going to go the distance and prove to myself and to others that I could.

I also made sure to listen to this song pre-race as a pump up. Especially the line - shown above - "I know every mile, will be worth my while." I anticipated the 48.6 miles of the Dopey Challenge to be more of a mental than a physical challenge. But I went into the race saying that I would enjoy every single mile and take it all in ... and I did. :)

2) "Defying Gravity" - Wicked

I've been talking about this song for ages. It has been a staple on my running playlist for a while now. I am ALL about belting this song out in the middle of a run ... and I have been known to do it.

Some non-theatre folks might be questioning the choice, but I am telling you - this song is for everyone. If you have ever been an underdog or have had anyone question you abilities, this song is for you. It truly encompasses my entire weight loss and fitness journey.

I'm through accepting limits 'cause someone says they're so Some things I cannot change But till I try, I'll never know! Too long I've been afraid of Losing love I guess I've lost Well, if that's love It comes at much too high a cost! I'd sooner buy Defying gravity Kiss me goodbye I'm defying gravity And you can't pull me down:

I mean how could you NOT have your spirits lifted when hearing that sung by the amazingly talented Idina Menzel (more on her later).

3) "Let It Go" - Frozen

This.

I told you Idina Menzel would be back!

I'm not sure there is anyone that I know that hasn't seen Frozen yet. If you are one of those folks, run out and see it NOW!!! This is the title track in my opinion that has taken the world by storm (no pun intended).

This song can satisfy all of your moods: happy, sad, angry, lethargic, pumped, etc. It truly is one of the most versatile songs I know.

And one that has really resonated with me. For obvious reasons, this song was all over Disney during the Dopey Challenge in January, but it has been on my iPod since the day I saw Frozen in late 2013.

When it comes on the iPod during a run, I can't focus on anything else except the words. If there is pain, it is numbed. If there is sound, it is silenced. If my mental state is failing, it is rejuvenated. Plus, it always puts a little pep in my step.

***

I feel emotionally lighter after listening to all three of these songs. Now I know they are more Disney/Musical theatre themed than some people may like. But if you close your eyes and listen to the words and the music, the genre slips away ... and the emotions stay!

What is your top motivational song to listen to while running?

Dani Dishes 3-10-14

On this episode of Dani Dishes, I had a fun week with great friends, family and a FUN EXCITING announcement about this upcoming week. (Hint: it involves a film crew (keep your minds out of the gutter!)

Taking On The Heartbreak Hill Hat Trick With Runner's World

Runner's World is bringing their running weekend challenge to Boston in 2014!!! You read that right folks and I am thrilled.

Sooo here's the lowdown: I've been scoping this out since I heard rumblings of it at the Runner's World shakeout run two days before the Boston Marathon in 2013.

I've been asking any Runner's World employees that have crossed my path since April 2013, including dear Caitlin (Web Producer at RW) after we both completed the Dopey Challenge in Disney. :P

No one is safe friends when I am on a mission to learn about a new race... especially being hosted in my hood.

Back to the details.

The Runner's World Heartbreak Hill Half & Festival invades Boston June 6-8, 2014.

Aannnddd I was chosen to participate in the weekend as a blogger by Runner's World. <<insert shocked face>> Aahhhh!!

That's me hugging the Runner's World PR folks as a Thank You

The Running Festival, which is hosted on the campus of Boston College, includes:

• Seminars
• Live music
• A keynote address by Sarah Reinertsen
• Pre-race dinner with Runner's World editors

Now for the races, which has something for everyone:

Run with us, the editors of Runner's World, from Boston College through beautiful Newton, Massachusetts and along the Newton Hills, some of the most storied roads in racing. We have a race for runners of all levels, including a free kids run. Half marathon runners will receive a technical running shirt and 5K/10K runners will receive an event T-shirt. All half marathon, 5K, and 10K runners will receive a finisher's medal.

Saturday, June 7 5k - 7am 10k - 8:30am

Sunday, June 8 Half Marathon - 7:30am

So who is up for a challenge or two? Runner's World has your back. You can take your pick from:

**The Five & Dime, where you take on the back-to-back 5k and 10k on Saturday

or

**The Hat Trick, where you tackle the 5k, the 10k and come back on Sunday for a little Half Marathon

Can you all guess which one I am taking on? Yeah you all know me and my love of bling ... so Hat Trick it is.

Oh did I forget to mention the bling? Yes, each race includes a sweet little Finisher's medal. Calling all bling lovers!!

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If you are taking part in the Runner's World Heartbreak weekend with friends, check out the Team Challenge.

What's the Team Challenge?

The Team Challenge is designed to help build teamwork, instill camaraderie, encourage networking opportunities, and promote health and fitness. We're giving out awards both for the teams with the most participants in the Half Marathon and for the fastest teams in the Half Marathon.

Pretty cool option if you are planning to run with friends or your running club.

***

Now for the good part... I am happy to offer you all - my amazing readers and social media friends - some discounts for the weekend.

There are three different codes available - all good for 10% off your registration for:

*Half Marathon - blogweightoffmyshouldersHalf

*Five & Dime - blogweightoffmyshoulders5&10

*Hat Trick - blogweightoffmyshouldersHat

So now I need to know - will I see you out on Heartbreak Hill June 7-8? If so, which distance(s) are you tackling?