Boston's Run To Remember Half - 5/25/14

I love calling Boston my home. It is one amazing place to run and explore. Boston's Run To Remember 5-miler and Half Marathon takes place every Memorial Day weekend. Since moving back to Boston, I haven't missed the race. I did the 5-Miler in 2012 before upgrading to the Half in 2013.

2012

Why upgrade?

Because I wanted more time running through this amazing city. Of course!

The Run To Remember is honors Massachusetts Law Enforcement Officers killed in the line of duty by celebrating their lives and giving back to the community. Net proceeds benefit Community and kids programs of the Boston Police Runner's Club.

Last year's race was extremely emotional as it was the first race in Boston after the attacks at the Boston Marathon Finish Line. I think I cried from Start to Finish, but it was extremely cathartic. You can read more about that race here.

This year I popped into the Expo on Saturday afternoon, while out running errands. The Run To Remember Expo is pretty tiny and for me each year the highlight is seeing my Sparkly Soul girls. But more on that later... ;)

I quickly grabbed my bib and my shirt and took a quick lap around the Expo before rushing back outside as my wife was waiting for me.

I had to keep the number private to make sure no one swiped it! I didn't realize it was the 10th anniversary until I saw the bib. Cool!

As we headed about our day of errands, I got on the horn to my friend Susan for the details. Ones like: so the race starts at 7, right?

Yeah I am not one to look at the details too far ahead of time. Oops.

So I set my alarm for 5:45 expecting to be up at 6 and out the door by 6:15.

I was so tired that I forgot to set my clothes out the night before or really decide what I was going to eat for breakfast.

Let's just say that led to a frantic wake-up, but thankfully I live about 7-10 minutes drive to the race that I wasn't too worried.

Until a Tedy's Team running mate of mine brought up traffic ... then last year started coming back to me.

The wife and I hopped in the car and headed out. It wasn't until we were pulling off the highway that I realized ...

I LEFT MY GARMIN AT HOME!!!!!!

Ahhhhh! Dammit! I had no running partner for the run. I left my music at home. And now no Garmin.

I tried to take a quick breath and calm myself down.

Now I am not one glued to the timing of the Garmin, it just keeps me from going out too fast.

The wife kindly dropped me off as close to the Start area as possible and I headed to the masses. Thankfully I could skip the security line since I wasn't doing gear check.

I immediately found a port-o-pottie line and hung out in that until the race started. Talk about good timing. I got into my pace area just as the horn went off.

I didn't know what to expect at the race as I had done a brick workout (23.6 mile bike & 2 mile run) the day before and my left hamstring was giving me pain. So I lined up around the 8 min/mile pace.

I attempted to start Runkeeper when I crossed the Start Line so I would have some guess of pace. I think it finally clicked 15 seconds into the run - close enough!

I was ready to just have fun while running.

The course would be different from last year due to construction and since I never look at course maps - I had no idea what it meant. :P

We went over the Mass Ave bridge just before Mile 4. As I was taking a mid-run selfie a woman asked: "Do you want me to take that for you?" I smiled and let her know it is more fun to do it yourself.

Apparently the folks around me aren't used to the mid-run selfie because people kept telling me how impressed they were by my "skills." Hey! It made MY day! :)

We headed out to Memorial Drive and my favorite part of the run - the out and back. It is great seeing elite folks WHIZ past you. I was in a great group of folks too because we were all clapping and cheering them on.

When you do the turn around on Mem Drive, I then immediately start looking for friends I know! Thankfully being local I know a ton of people at any given race because social media friends, old coworkers, Weight Watchers, school, etc. I think half my Facebook timeline told me they would be there. ;)

I was getting frustrated though. I had only seen 2 people so far that I knew. I knew there were more out there. But as we headed back to Mem Drive, I saw my Tedy's Team teammate Larissa running towards me. She and her fiancé Eddie were running (his first half) so I was able to yell: "It's my favorite person," which caught her attention. Then give both of them HUGE high-fives.

Around this time I knew the Runkeeper was off, it doesn't like the tall buildings of the city at the beginning, but it seemed as if I  was at about a 8:30 min/mile pace. Which was fine by me and my body was feeling comfortable. I wasn't going for a PR so I wasn't really trying to calculate what finish time that would put me at.

So I turned my attention to my next selfie ... of course!

Just before we took the right back onto the Mass Ave bridge, we hit Mile 9.

I was telling someone the other day - I might not be good at running, but DAMN I am getting the hang of the mid-run selfie! ;) Now mastering the mid-run selfie doesn't mean they are always pretty or flattering - as exhibited above.

As we headed back down Beacon St towards the Seaport (aka the Finish), a previous used water stop was being used again and guess what? I had an old Weight Watchers member Jenny give me water both times. Yes, it is the little things in life sometimes. It was great to see her and get a little "Go Dani!" when I needed it.

I was in the zone, taking in the brownstones, trying to ignore the slight pain in the left hamstring when some guy ran by and said "I will not lose the tutu contest to you." Which I was thrown off by. He was rocking a lovely purple tutu. Now I don't want to knock him, but technically I was wearing a skirt - a Sparkle Athletic skirt to be exact. I let him have his moment and continue on.

We hit the Mile 12 marker and I got the "man I don't want the race to end" pang that I always get at Mile 12 of a Half. But on the flip side I said "yes! Only one mile to go" after having done 2 fulls in April. I was happy to not have to keep going another 13+ on that day.

Now the final push down the Seaport is deceiving. You take the final turn and you think the Finish Line should be RIGHT there.

FALSE!

Every year I feel like I am on a treadmill and will never cross that freakin' line.

Thanks for the photo Kelsey!

Even though I felt like I was going nowhere, I felt strong so I gave whatever I had left at the end.

It was an odd feeling not having my Garmin to pause at the Finish. :P But I stopped Runkeeper which had a time of 1:50 and change.

Darnit! Had I realized earlier in the run I could've finished sub 1:50. Eh - it's okay. It was about 6 minutes slower than my PR anyway.

I headed into the World Trade Center to grab water and my medal. I made sure to look for blog reader Patty, who was handing out medals. Thank goodness for her eyes because she spotted me before I could spot her. :) It was a cool experience getting my medal from a reader/social media friend. Sorry we didn't grab a pic together.

As I got my medal, my friend Kelsey came up. She had rocked the 5-miler that morning.

We headed back inside to grab some more water and check out the Sparkly Soul booth.

It was great chatting with creator Dari and I cannot WAIT for you all to see what Sparkly Soul has coming out next!! :)

I picked up a few of the new colors ;) and headed towards the train to head home.

Since I already had my water and my chocolate milk was waiting for me at home, I stopped by Dunkin' on my way.

#DaniRunsOnDunkin

It was great to add the 2014 medal to the group...

While we were celebrating the Half with lunch, the official results came in:

Finished 1,601 out of 7,172 overall and 181 out of 1,409 in my division (F30-39). I can't even believe I was in the top 13% of my division and top 23% overall. I remember finishing 3rd to last in my first full marathon and thinking I would never place in a race higher than that ...and now look.

I never take any run for granted and work hard to keep improving. But the run is about more than the pace and the time - it is about celebrating my health!

And on this day it was the men and women that have sacrificed their lives for the Boston area community. Police from all over Massachusetts lined the path during Mile 3 - cheering and high-fiving runners. While New York Police were both running and volunteering to patrol the course and make sure the runners were safe.

Until next year Run To Remember... :)

***

Have you run Boston's Run To Remember 5-miler or Half Marathon?

Upcoming #Boston Area Races... See you there?

I love to drink local so naturally running local is another of my favorite past times. Traveling for races is a treat, but sometimes you just want to walk out your door and stumble upon a 5k or obstacle course.

I also adore being part of an inaugural running event. I mean hello #DopeyChallenge anyone! ;)

While not EVERY 5k can happen down the end of my street - how RUDE - here are some of the local races I have on my docket this summer.

***

I am taking part in the Boston 5k Summer Series, which spans over 6 Thursdays from May through September. What I like about this series is the Women's Only 5k option. That's right. This race has 2 5ks in one night for the ladies if you so desire.

Six Thursday evening 5K runs along the Charles River in Boston at the DCR’s Artesani Park on Soldiers Field Road w/ after-parties at The Boyne Pub. 

For example, this Thursday (May 29) the Series kicks off with the Women's Only 5k at 7 and the Open/Co-Ed 5k at 7:30. So if you ladies so desire, you can complete the first, turn around and head right back out for another. Which for now is my game plan - unless my training plan calls for something else.

You can get a deal by signing up for all 6 races at once - season pass - for $119, which works out to about $19.83 per race ... OR you can sign up for individual races for $25 each.

Aannndd as we all know I like a good post-race beverage! The Boston 5k Summer Series has connected with some spectacular breweries for post-race beer!

To sign up or to learn more information about this series, click here!

***

My LOVE of the Cambridge 5k race series and it's race director Eddie are widely known. :) So I am happy to be running in the 2nd annual Freedom Run 5k on June 1st!

I proudly run with the Slumbrew Happy Soles. Now while our team may be full - YOU can still register to sign up for this one of a kind race.

Freedom Run is a patriotic summer "kick off" race through East Cambridge that's hosted by theEast Cambridge Business Association (ECBA) and sponsored by the CambridgeSide Galleria.

Registration includes a great shirt + post-race party in Canal Park that features free food, craft beer, great music + an epic costume contest & dance off!

See now - four local breweries (including one cider option) - ready to welcome you with open arms and a cold brew upon finishing a scenic 5k through Cambridge.

So click here and register! Oh and remember to rock some red, white and blue!

***

The Runner's World Heartbreak Hill Half & 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

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

*Half Marathon - blogweightoffmyshouldersHalf

*Five & Dime - blogweightoffmyshoulders5&10

*Hat Trick - blogweightoffmyshouldersHat

Click here to register!

***

Now that we've hit up Boston and Cambridge, it's time to head back to my hometown of Somerville for the inaugural Rock and Run Boston.

Yes I know the title says Boston, but technically it is Somerville - hey on a day with zero traffic I hit Fenway in about 7 minutes from my house. So close enough... :P

Introducing Rock and Run, Presented by Radio 92.9! Rock and Run is a brand new event featuring an awesome 5K obstacle race, live music, views of the epic Boston skyline and okay…Beer (21+ only). Don’t miss out on the only race around that features unique challenges, live music checkpoints, urban and water views, and one kickin’ after party featuring a live performance that you won’t want to miss!

Racers can participate in the Rock and Run as a solo artist or grab some buds and start a band. Plus, in addition to the a soon to-be-announced national recording artist at the Finish Line, the Rock and Run will feature three bands along the course and is sure to be unlike anything you’ve competed in before!

This 5k obstacle run is hitting the Assembly Row area on June 21 and will feature a post-race Sponsor Village, filled with activations, samples, demos, live music and Sierra Nevada Beer Garden (21+ only).

Each participant receives entry to the obstacle race, a shirt and two free beer tickets.

Care to join my girl Kelly and I at the race? Then register here!

***

If you haven't seen a local race in the Boston area that you love, please pass along the word! I love to spread and share about as many races as possible!

Will I see you at one of the races listed above?

Review: Flapjacked Protein Pancakes

For those that may be new to the little slice of the internet I like to call Weight Off My Shoulders, here is a big fact to know about me... I.

Don't.

Cook.

Wow! Feels good to get that off my chest.

Thankfully I married a lovely girl who can cook, BUT there are times when she is NOT home and I must fend for myself.

It can get ugly. I actually cut myself cutting cucumbers the other day. Yup. Blood everywhere.

So clearly I need options that are pretty safe.

Apparently flapJacked heard my plea and invented Protein Pancakes!

If you can't read what it says on the package, let me clue you in: "Just Add Water"

Oh come again you may ask.

Yes, all you have to do is add mix and water.

Okay, even I can handle that amount of work.

Soooo let's see how it went.

1) Whisk 1 cup of mix with 1 cup of water until well blended.

Check!

1a) Let sit 3-5 minutes.

Check!

2) Heat griddle.

Check!

(Note: I am freakin' OWNING this pancake adventure thus far!)

3) Pour batter into 6-8 four inch pancakes.

Check!

Confession: I let the wife pour the pancake batter on the griddle. Look she made them the perfect size!!! #WorthIt

4) Cook.

Check!

Since we were working on the brinner theme (breakfast for dinner), I opted to add some turkey bacon on the griddle after the pancakes were done.

And verdict was????

Freakin' delicious!

We made these after I came in from an evening run so they were a perfect way to refuel. Yes I added a glass of low fat chocolate milk. But drank it too quickly for the pic. ;)

I went simple and made the buttermilk flavor, but flapJacked also offers Banana Hazelnut and Cinnamon Apple.

Besides being tasty, the whole process took about 15 minutes. So something I can make in a pinch for breakfast, lunch, brunch, dinner or brinner. ;)

For those counting Weight Watchers points, 2 pancakes (or 1/2 a cup of mix) is 5 PPV or 4 pancakes (1 cup of mix) is 10 PPV. Totally workable into your plan, especially as a way to refuel during a busy weekend.

I am excited to try out the other flavors in the next few weeks. PLUS, the website offers a ton of recipe ideas using all three flavors. Ummm there is something about chocolate chip pancakes on there and I am salivating on my laptop!

If you are thinking about trying flapJacked pancakes, use code WEIGHTOFFMYSHOULDERS for 20% off your order through May 31!!

***

Have you tried flapJacked pancakes?

(Disclosure: I received the product free as part of this review, but all thoughts are my own!)

Dani Dishes 5-23-14: Life Update

On this episode of Dani Dishes, it is time for a life update as job changes come around and the emotional eating rears it's ugly head!!

Can you really get running accountability from a shirt? Today's Miles Says Yes! Plus #Giveaway

Annddddd the winner IS:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

CONGRATS!!!!

***

Have you ever tossed your training plan across the room and yelled: "Screw it!"

Well, I have and it resulted in some nasty paper cuts on the dogs.

I mean I didn't mean to, but things happen.

(Please note: no pups were actually harmed in making of this blog post)

All I am saying is there are times that you don't want to live your life by a training plan ... but that is for a WHOLE different blog post.

What I am getting at is there are times when you just want to run, but you need some accountability.

For example, I have the best intentions to head out after work for a 5 mile run. But by Mile 2, I am having wardrobe malfunctions and my headphones stopped working and I am ready to call it a day. I am out there by myself and have no one to really tell me to keep going.

Sure social media can pinch hit in there.

How about a shirt?

A shirt you say - tell me more.

Today's Miles has you covered. Simply put:

"Share your daily workout without saying a word. Simply select a shirt, color and number of miles for each of your daily runs."

It's that easy.

When I came across their website, I had to check it out.

Today's Miles graciously let me try out a couple of shirts and share the experience with you all.

(As always, thoughts and opinions are my own! Ain't nobody got time for liars!)

The t-shirts, which are 100% polyester sweat wicking material, are available as a tank top, short-sleeved and long-sleeved. The tank tops and short-sleeved shirts also come in a ladies cut.

The shirt miles come in many increments from 0.0 to 50.0 and do include 5k, half marathon and marathon distances.

Can you tell I took the above photo in a mirror? :P

I took the short-sleeved orange 5.0 out for a spin (value $18). I normally don't wear t-shirts with short sleeves, while running - it isn't my style. However, it is still chilly in Boston so having a long-sleeved compression shirt underneath helped lessen the annoyance level.

The shirt - a men's medium - was nice and roomy while running. It didn't ride up. It does sport the 5.0 on the front and on the back.

I really don't know why having the 5 on my shirt impacted my thought process so badly. I think it was the fact that I take a post-workout photo every time and if I had to post this photo with the caption: "After my 3 mile run." I would've felt like a poser and a loser. I couldn't do that. So I soldiered through my 5 miles.

While training for the Boston Marathon with Tedy's  Team, we had one of our final 10-mile runs on the docket. I really didn't feel like running that morning, but thought it a great time to try out the long-sleeved 10-mile t-shirt in blue (value $23.50).

Not only did it inspire and push me through the training run, but it helped my teammates. They knew what was ahead. The miles had to get done and shirt held us to that.

I again had on a men's medium and enjoyed the roominess (did I make that up?) of the t-shirt. The sleeves weren't too long and were easy enough to push up when I started to get a little too warm. You know when shirts bunch up too much when you push the sleeves up to the elbow? Boy I hate that and find it super distracting while running. Thankfully Today's Miles shirt did not do that.

Thinking about it - it is time I break that 5.0 shirt back out and get to business...

... before that it is giveaway time!!!

The giveaway will run from Monday May 12 (3pm ET) through Monday May 19 (7am ET)!

The winner will be selected and announced on Monday!

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

***

Are you an Expo lover?

Dani Dishes 5-12-14

On this episode of Dani Dishes, back in action, being motivated by my Weight Watches members, feeling good, but the self-doubt is still there as I start Half Ironman Training! Here's how I am dealing with it... Product of the Week: Flapjacked

**Use code WEIGHTOFFMYSHOULDERS for a 20% discount on your order through 5/31/14!

*WINNER ANNOUNCED* Running Local: Herring Run 5k & Race Entry Giveaway

Annddddd the winner IS:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

CONGRATS!!!!

***

Let's paint a picture that I'm sure many of you may relate to: It's a Friday or Saturday night at <<insert time that seems early to someone else yet late to a runner ... say 7pm>> You are quickly laying out your Flat Runner so that you can take a last-minute account of what you have inevitably forgotten (cause I'm sure I'm the ONLY one that forgets their Garmin the morning of a race)

Once the gear is accounted for, it is time to set the dreaded wake-up alarm. If traveling also calling for a wake-up call. Oh who am I kidding, I make anyone I am rooming with also set an alarm.

With alarms set (and triple checked), it is time to have a nice glass of wine or pre-run beer and call it a night.

Everyone with me so far? I think the toughest part of it all is setting the early morning wake-up calls. It's at that point that I wish the race was closer to me. Why can't I just wake up, roll out of bed and BOOM be at the race. Well, it looks like someone has answered my prayers. That's right. There is a race AT THE END OF MY STREET on May 18th in Somerville, MA. I am less than 1/4 of a mile away. Thank YOU race gods! Thank YOU! The 18th Annual Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle is happening Sunday, May 18 at 9am.

The annual Herring Run and Paddle includes a 5K run/walk race, three paddling races (3, 9, and 12 miles), educational booths, children's activities, and more. All events are held at the DCR Blessing of the Bay Boathouse in Somerville. The 5K course continues along the Mystic River bike path and through DCR Torbert MacDonald Park. There are no street crossings on this flat course.   

You read that right. In addition to the 5k run, there are 3 paddle races (kayak or canoe) a person can take part in. You can run the 5k on its own, do any of the 3 paddle races on their own OR do the 5k and one of the paddle races as a combo. If you don't have a canoe or kayak, you can rent on. I will only be running the 5k that morning ($22 registration fee).

As you can see all proceeds benefit the Mystic River Watershed Association.

If any of this is sounding exciting (which it all should be) then I have a giveaway for you! A FREE entry into the Herring Run 5k! Here's how to enter:

The giveaway will run from Monday May 5 (7am ET) through Friday 9 (7am ET)!

The winner will be selected and announced on Friday!

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!

*WINNERS ANNOUNCED* Inspiration Everywhere You Look With The Universe Knows + Giveaway

Annddddd the winners ARE:

a Rafflecopter giveaway CONGRATS!!!!

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

***

Inspiration

it can be found in a sunrise.

it can be found in a dream.

it can be found in a child's eyes.

it can be found within.

Inspiration

surrounds us.

Inspiration

has been harnessed by The Universe Knows apparel company.

***

The Universe Knows - who can be found on Twitter and Facebook - is an apparel company "dedicated to inspiring people. The company was founded on and is dedicated to a unique vision:

to remind people of the wisdom that resides within, and inspire strength and courage to live with passion and purpose."

The founders started The Universe Knows in 2003 and "created Inspiration Wear® because we believe that each thought we have and each action we take influences a link in a universal chain of events. our pearls™ (of wisdom) motivate, drive introspection and remind us to live as our best selves and be mindful of our passion."

The Universe Knows offers a wide variety of gifts ranging from women's wear (t-shirts, hoodies, comfy pants), stationary (bookmarks, journals, notebooks, notecards), mugs, water bottles and more.

***

I drooled over friends' posts of their inspirational mugs (mmm coffee). I coveted their comfy pants. I wanted to swipe their water bottles for my own. All the time favoriting and imagining myself with some inspiration wear.

Then came my opportunity to review this great company.

But what to choose? I wanted one of everything, but I settled for a mug, a hoodie and a journal.

I tore the package open when it arrived and immediately felt well ... inspired! ;)

(Note: Thank you Universe Knows for this opportunity. You can all know that thoughts are 100% my own.)

Since the package arrived on a Saturday, I opted to break out the mug (value $10) the next day. The mug would be a perfect fit for my morning oatmeal, while I edited the latest episode of Dani Dishes, my vlog.

And cherish the journey I do.

Since embarking fully on this healthy lifestyle journey in 2009, there have been times when I focus too much on accomplishing the next goal I've set rather than living the moment and cherishing each thing that happens.

Thanks for the reminder little mug.

design + care

• Ceramic
• Dishwasher safe or wash by hand

 fit + features

• Holds 15.5 oz
• Printed pearl of wisdom (saying) on front of mug
• Two toned

inspired for

• Morning cup of coffee
• Evening cup of tea
• Chatting with friends

<<>>

I am working on practicing yoga. I have a hard time turning the mind off to focus on the breathing and the practice. So before class a few weeks back I slipped on the Embrace The Moment hoodie (value $39) and tried to recite that mantra whenever I felt my mind slipping.

While the mantra may not have worked, having the words written on my shirt gave me the push to even try. I loved the lightweight fabric and the hood.

fabric + care

• 100% combed ring spun cotton
• rough cut “v” neck and raw edge bottom
• medium weight, sleek, stretchy, smooth
• Imported.
• Machine wash and dry.

fit + features

• Regular size contoured fit
• Raw edge V neck, raw edge bottom with raw edge hood
• Embroidered pearls of wisdom (saying) on front chest

inspired for

• Pre/After Workout
• Beach/Grocery
• Lounging around
• Go to comfy hoody
• All seasongarmentre
  • 100% combed ring spun cotton
  • rough cut “v” neck and raw edge bottom
  • medium weight, sleek, stretchy, smooth
  • Imported.
  • Machine wash and dry

<<>>

Obviously I enjoy journaling. Hello! I have this lovely little slice of the internet called Weight Off My Shoulders. But sometimes you just want to put the pen to paper. OR you have some thoughts you want to keep private. For that I picked the Rewrite Your Script journal (value $16).

I love that the journal has lined pages, while the leather cover keeps the book from being damaged while rattling around in my large bag.

design + care

• Leather
• Ribbon to hold your place
• 5”w  x 7”h

 fit + features

• Inspirational message on each journal
• Lined pages
• Recycled paper
• full front page description of pearl of wisdom

inspired for

• Writing about your travels
• Gift for a friend
• Great for taking notes

<<>>

Now that you've heard a little about what The Universe Knows has to offer and what I thought about my samples, it is time to get to the giveaway!!

There will be 3 winners chosen...

Raffle open to those residents in United States and Canada!

The giveaway will run from Thursday May 1 (7am ET) through Thursday May 8 (7am ET)!

The winner will be selected and announced on Thursday!