Runner's World Heartbreak Hill Festival Part 3: Five & Dime

Thursday and Friday of the Runner's World Heartbreak Hill Festival felt like Summer Camp. I mean really. Okay maybe. I never actually went to a sleep away Summer Camp so I am 100% basing this on TV. Oops. But I still think it was - laughs, hugs and beer. Okay definitely no beer at Summer Camp, right?

Either way it had been a blast. But I kept thinking and saying: Oh yeah, we are here to actually run races.

Sort of forgot that one little detail. Even though I had my bib in hand and everything.

Well the running got started bright and early Saturday morning with the Five & Dime, which meant at 5k at 7:15 and a 10k at 8:30. You know I am up for a challenge so I was ready to go. However, was unsure how to handle the time in between the races. Well, nothing like flying by the seat of your pants when it comes to fueling.

Pre-race I grabbed a dark chocolate & peanut butter KIND bar and my trusty ENERGYBits. Luckily we were staying in the dorms so Athlete's Village was a leisurely 5-7 minute walk from where we were. Strength in numbers so as many bloggers as possible climbed into the elevator - for a selfie - and headed to the Start.

KT Tape matches my Team Chocolate Milk singlet - what a coincidence? ;)

I KNEW I needed to run with people. If I have learned anything, I suck at pacing myself to a slower race when running alone.

Thanks for the pic Anne!

So I lined up around the 9 min/mile pace with some bloggers and set out to keep it easy. I had an angry left hamstring and three races to make it through in total.

As soon as the horn went off, we shuffled through the corral to the Start Line and it was game time.

And I cut off their heads! 

It was awesome setting out with Julie, Presley and Anne. My goal was to share my mid-run selfie skills with these ladies. BUT, Anne brings the A-game and a real camera to the plate. I hung my head in shame.

Hey Girls!!

As I hit Mile 2 I had separated slightly from the group, but it allowed me to cheer them on as we hit a turnaround in the race.  But Marnie and I had kept together and were having a great conversation.

I was getting lost in conversation that I hadn't taken a mid-run selfie yet. I was talking all that pretend game and hadn't done anything about it so it was time to rectify that.

I thought it was one of my better ones.

The race ended on a little bit of a downhill before taking a right into the final stretch, where - of course - I had to step it up a notch. I didn't want to be dogging it in the Finish Line photo. Priorities, right?

Splits: 9:01, 8:59, 8:46

Since I love numbers, I loved the 28:28 5k time. Now my inner demon was angry at the slower than usual time, but the brain knew that it was about finishing and not speed.

After happily collecting the first medal of the weekend, I set out to find a snack (hello chocolate chip bagel) and a bathroom (thank you BC for keeping all the buildings open so I could avoid the port-o-potties)! Once that was set, it was time to start thinking about the 10k. It was an odd amount of time for me so I wasn't really sure what to do. But the bagel hit the spot.

Now the 5k didn't really feature Heartbreak Hill so I figured the 10k would be more a challenge. I knew I would need to keep the pace easy once again.

I felt as if the 5k ended as soon as it began!

So I met up with the same crew at the same spot - oh hey hey 9 min/mile sign - and planned to run with them again.

From the look of this pic, maybe they didn't want me to run with them :P #PhotoBomb

As we crossed the Start Line again, I had some deja vu and let the ladies dictate the pace. I didn't want to push it.

Almost immediately I realized that we would be hitting more of Heartbreak this time around! And it would be the last portion of Heartbreak - aka the biggest of the hills.

For those that don't know, Heartbreak Hill is not a single hill like many think. It is actually about 3-ish miles of rolling hills (3 total). They really aren't that bad in the scheme of life, but when you come upon them at Mile 17 of the Boston Marathon they seem like MOUNTAINS!

And on this day the heat was dictating how the day would go so the hill was tough. Thankfully once again the conversation flowed so the time and miles ticked by.

Mile 1: 9:30 Mile 2: 9:53 Mile 3: 9:35

It was about the halfway mark that Anne and I started picking the pace up. Not sure how it happened, but it seemed organic. I hadn't met Anne before this weekend and didn't know much about her story. It was GREAT chatting with her. We learned that we have very similar PRs.

Her Half: 1:43, My Half: 1:44 ... Her Marathon: 3:56, My Marathon: 3:58. We are both 31. We like running and blogging.

Crazy similar.

So you can only imagine the talking helped dictate the pace. But we both wanted to keep it smart.

And I had the pleasure of introducing Anne to Heartbreak Bill. He is the mascot for the Heartbreak Hill Running Company and a staple all winter long during Boston Marathon training runs.

Poor guy must've been dying in the suit

Mile 4: 9:10 Mile 5: 9:18 (highest point of Heartbreak) Mile 6: 9:07

Once again ending on a downhill was appreciated and allowed us to rack up some speed to finish the race strong. We weren't about to let these 2 folks finish ahead of us so we dug down and sped around them. I wanted a nice clear Finish Line photo for us. :P

Now I had kept my 5k medal in my hand during the run just so I could keep start sporting both medals AS SOON as we crossed.

It was a great run in some bad heat. Finished with an official time of 58:49.

Definitely amazing knowing so many people at the Five and Dime races. Every time I turned around there was a blogger, friend or blog reader finishing the race. I love some sweaty hugs, high fives and hearing race stories.

I am proud of everyone I know that tackled a running challenge of two races in one morning.  Two pieces of bling before 10am is A-okay with me.

The left hamstring was sore, but didn't feel any worse after 9.3 miles. Taking it slower was definitely the way to go.

After more water and snacks it was time to head back to the room for a shower and a change. The rest of the day featured Expo fun, Dunkin' Donuts Iced Coffee, the Dogs Run, the pasta dinner and another Sarah Reinertsen talk (I will NEVER pass on hearing her speak).

I want to thank all of the volunteers, police offers and Runner's World staff who was up way earlier than I was to put this race on and to make sure there was enough water for the participants. I also want to applaud Runner's World for the Medical presence during the race. Since I had some breathing trouble the last time I was on Heartbreak, I kept an eye out and it put my mind at ease to see so much medical staff out on the course.

I can also say the KIND Bar and ENERGYBits was a great combo pre-race. The chocolate chip bagel wasn't too heavy before the second race. Phew! I wouldn't have wanted that yummy bagel to go to waste. Plus it worked as my chocolate since the race was lacking low-fat chocolate milk. :(

But no matter what I had another meeting with Heartbreak the next day ... for the half marathon!

***

Have you run legit back-to-back races before?

(Note: if you would like to buy ENERGYBits, use code WEIGHTOFFMYSHOULDERS for 25% off your order!)

Runner's World Heartbreak Hill Festival Part 2: Kids & Dogs Racing

The Runner's World Heartbreak Hill Running Festival left me in tears multiple times ... happy tears! Whether it be from laughing so hard (thanks bloggers) or sheer inspiration and motivation, I was blubbering like a baby. (This doesn't seem hard these days :P)

Runner's World made sure there were races for more than just the adults - enter the Kids Races on Friday night and the Dog Races on Saturday morning.

I didn't want to miss either so on Friday after picking up my own bib at the Expo I headed up hill to Athlete's Village, which doubled as the Start Line.

Getting a good spot was my number one priority so I could soak up all the cuteness.

The event even had some big name guest stars - Bart Yasso, Shalane Flanagan and Sarah Reinertsen. Oh and the Mayor. I'll throw him a bone here. :P

The race was broken into three parts: 2-5 year olds (1/4 mile), 6-8 year olds (1/2 mile) and 9-11 (1 mile). The 9-11 kids had two heats: fun and competitive.

Adorable-ness abounded. Yes worthy of creating my own word over it!

And yes that is the New Balance mascot - a giant shoe - which was a big hit with the participants.

The horn blew and the kids were off. With this being the younger kids, some parents paced the kids through the one lap around the upper quad of Boston College. There were meltdowns from the onset and I totally understood how the kids were feeling. Hey, when the run isn't going well ... it isn't going well. :P

I wish I had thought ahead and made a sign for the kids, but instead I jumped, whistled, clapped and cheered as loud as I could. I freakin' love being a spectator.

Once the 2-5 year olds finished, the 6-8 year olds made their way to the Start Line. Their goal was 2 laps around the upper quad, which was 1/2 mile.

Bart Yasso did a GREAT job announcing the kids and lending commentary during the races. I wish I had faked my own birth certificate so I could've participated.

I also wish I had taken more pictures.

But I definitely snapped a picture of EJ, who was participating in his first race in the 6-8 year old heat.

It was great hearing the crowd support for EJ and hearing Bart Yasso say "And EJ has finished his first race" once he crossed the Finish Line.

With a 2:22 marathoner on hand, I couldn't wait to hear Shalane's advice to the kids pre-race. She kept it simple.

"Run until your teeth sweat"

which she shared was what her dad used to tell her when she was their age.

The 9-11 year olds looked like they were bringing their A games to the 1-mile course. I spotted a few stopwatches and GPS watches out on the course. The 1-mile loop consisted of 4 loops around the upper Quad.

There was quite a battle in the front pack and quite a few lead changes, which drew the crowd in for sure.

I noticed one little girl check her watch during her third lap. Gotta stay on top of those splits. :)

While most of the kids were having no problem with the 4 laps, there was a girl who seemed to be struggling. She was falling behind the group and she didn't look to be enjoying herself.

Out came Sarah Reinertsen to the rescue.

As the young lady, Dorley, came by the announcer platform on her third lab, Sarah jumped into the race to take the final lap with her.

Ah-may-zing!

Not sure if that little girl knew she was running with an Ironman. You could see a tiny smile crack on Dorley's face and by the time they crossed the Finish Line - she was downright beaming!

Sarah told me after the race that she didn't want Dorley to leave with a negative feeling on running.

Hello warm fuzzy feelings.

With the first three heats completed, it was time for the competitive mile ... with two participants: 1 boy and 1 girl.

It was another amazing battle which came down to the wire with the young boy taking the #1 spot. But both were able to win a division award! :)

Pretty cool to have these two holding the tape for you! Another awesome thing? They were able to reattach the tape so both participants could break it. Love it!

I had a great time taking in the atmosphere of the kids race and yes I was jealous of their little medals. I can't wait to watch my friends' kids run in these races ... or borrow them so I can run with them. :)

***

On Saturday, it was the puppies time. I had only been away from my dogs for about 48 hours, but I needed my doggie fill.

The original plan was a 2-mile run, but the heat was too much and it was dropped to a 1-mile course (4 laps around the upper quad).

I luckily made it just in time to get some footage of the pups and their owners in action.

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I hope you all liked my commentary. ;)

With the high temps, some dogs were not holding up well, but it looks like 69 dogs finished. The winner posted a 5:55 - must've spotted a cat somewhere along the course.

Eukanuba, which hosted the dog run, had a vet on hand at the Finish Line in case any dogs needed any care.

I could hear the vet telling some owners to make sure they got their dog into the bath tubs provided at the Finish Line.

The upper quad provided lots of shade for the pup post-race hangout. It looked like someone just replaced runners with dogs since this is a similar site after any race I have run.

***

The races raised money for the New Balance Foundation Obesity Prevention Center at Boston’s Children’s Hospital.

If you ever get the chance to watch a Kids or Dog race during a festival weekend, I urge you not to skip it!!

Have you participated in a Kids or Dog run?

Wednesday Wrap Up: Running Edition

Before I even begin, I want to thank everyone for their support from yesterday's post - Relapse. It means so much to me to hear from people who have gone through a similar situation and maybe felt alone. I am here to say you are not alone and that is something I need to hear as well. But now on to something fun ... running!!

Yesterday the wife and I signed up for the Run Disney Rebel Challenge. Annnddd I may have fallen on the keyboard a second time and added the 5k to the mix as well.

For those that don't know, the Rebel Challenge is happening in Disneyland January 15-18 and is a Star Wars themed race weekend.

The inaugural Rebel Challenge is a 10k on the Saturday and Half Marathon on the Sunday. The 5k which I will also be doing will be Friday morning. So I am a marathon short of the Dopey Challenge. ;)

I am wicked excited. This will be our first trip to Disneyland. My wife is a HUGE Star Wars fan so it was an easy thing to get her to sign up for.

Noooowww I can work on the Coast 2 Coast medal - which means completing a Disney race at both parks in one calendar year. I am opting for the Glass Slipper Challenge (10k and Half) during Princess Weekend in February for our Disney World trip.

Since the trigger is pulled the only thing left to worry about are the costumes - my favorite part of the Disney races.

Here are the four costumes I used during the Dopey Challenge in January.

 Now we wait to see what the bling will look like!!

***

Tonight, I met the Boston Luna Chix for the second-straight week to take part in their Wednesday night run club. The all-female group does a 3 or 4 mile run (your choice) out of the Athleta Store on Newbury St. It is a great location and nice change of pace from running by myself.

I actually know a few of the girls that put it on thanks to social media and Weight Watchers. :) I once again was joined by my friend/fellow blogger/fellow Weight Watchers Leader Susan.

I hung with Susan for the run and had a great time catching up with her and taking it easy on the left hammy. The group truly does welcome folks of all different paces.

Plus it holds me accountable to get moving on a Wednesday.

***

I am definitely going to work on a blog post about taking mid-run selfies. I would love to share the joy of the mid-run selfie with as many folks as possible. :)

***

Do you like running with a group or solo?

Relapse...

It happened again. It has been months since my dark demon reared it's ugly head, but tonight it won.

I feel weak.

I feel pathetic.

But I have to admit defeat.

Tonight I gave in to the eating disorder ghost that haunts me and I purged.

I know this isn't something that folks probably want to read, but I need to get it off my chest.

It is something that I still deal with on  daily basis.

I overate and instead of accepting what I did - I gave in to the deep thoughts in my head.

"Get rid of the evidence."

"You F-ed up again now you must pay."

It isn't something that I am proud of, but this disease is a part of me and my journey.

So tonight I admit defeat, but I am taking away the positive.

I recognize what I did. I am looking into why it happened and why I will NOT let it happen the next time.

Eating disorders - binging, purging, starving oneself - it is as much a mental disease as it is physical. To me one that will never go away, but one that I will always battle.

I share this with you all because if I kept it inside it may lead to more negative thoughts and a deeper spiral that I don't want to happen.

This space was created for me to share the battles - the good and the bad.

Tonight it was the bad.

But I will forgive myself and know that tomorrow is a new day.

A better day.

I am not defined by my mistakes...

Runner's World Heartbreak Hill Festival Part 1: Selfies & More

How many selfies have you taken in a single weekend? If you are saying 3 or 4 then buckle your seatbelt friend I got you beat. If I had to guess I took 3 selfies before 5:30am on Friday, June 6. Oh does that sound like too many? Let me break it down for you. This past weekend I had the HONOR of attending the Heartbreak Hill Running Festival on behalf of Runner's World and an incredible list of bloggers. Not sure how my name made it on there, but I may or may not have broken into the Runner's World HQ - Mission Impossible style - to make that happen. :P

So now you can get it right? 20 bloggers together for a weekend means lots of calling each other by twitter handles, hashtags, laughter and well ... selfies.

My driver (aka the wife) dropped me off at BC on Thursday afternoon, June 5. I decided to keep the arrival low-key so the limo was left at home and we rode in Jinxie (my 10 year old Jetta).

Despite being one of the few "locals" on the trip, I decided to stay with the group at BC - in the dorms - to get the whole experience. Yes, I opted to stay on a rough dorm bed instead of my luxurious bed at home so I could relay the whole experience to all of you.

I expect my award for this selfless act to be delivered sometime shortly.

This experience felt like college. Of the 20 bloggers, I think I had only met 2 prior to this trip so all the nervous energy was there. Will they like me? Do they even know what my blog is? Are they beer drinkers? The usual.

As soon as the folks started arriving, the hugs were flying, the laughs were starting and the bonding was apparent. This was going to be a special weekend.

After settling in, it was time to head to West End Johnnie's for dinner. We had a sweet welcome bag waiting for it. And yes I still geek out when folks put my blog's name on anything. Loser, party of one!

We had some time to mingle before dinner and a movie. We had a private viewing of Finding Strong, which was introduced by Saucony's Director of PR (and mega inspiration) Sharon Barbano.

The movie Finding Strong was utterly motivating and I will share a link to it when available. Get tissues out in advance.

We hit the party bus back to the dorm before taking the walk to the closest liquor store. We sat around the common room and had some great convos. It really felt like college all over again. It was a blast until...

... the alarm went off at 5am the next day. Who starts an itinerary so early in the morning? I mean really. :P

The party bus was ready to roll at 6am to bring us to a November Project workout.

I have friends that have been trying to get me to attend November Project for months. But Runner's World offered brunch afterwards - and that won.

For the workout we would be doing hill circuits (so necessary before a weekend of running Heartbreak Hill :P) for 45 minutes on Summit Ave in Brookline.

Yeah Summit Ave doesn't mess around.

The plan was go down the street then back up (the harder part), slide under a road block barricade (why not) then do a "cross country" circuit on the grassy knoll at the top of Summit Ave. Goal? Do as many as you can in 45 minutes.

My plan? 1 circuit. The left hamstring was hurting and I wasn't about to blow it before the actual runs started.

Actually happened? 2 circuits. I got talked into a second "slower" circuit. Curse you peer pressure. :P

I had always been nervous to attend November Project because of the athletic folks that I saw in pictures that went. So I thought there wouldn't be anyone of my level or physique. But it truly reaches a wide audience. Plus once you start, you really can't tell which circuit number another person is on.

Plus this is one super positive group. Will I maybe roll up to another November Project workout? Definitely a possibility.

After a good workout, we headed to brunch at Zaftig's in Brookline with special guest Brogan, November Project creator.

Happily filled bloggers headed back to BC to get all cleaned up for two unbelievable meet and greets that would be coming up.

But who would the special guests be?

Sarah Reinertsen

For those that don't know Sarah is the first female amputee to finish the Ironman AND she was on Amazing Race. If you don't know her story, please check it out. She is not only inspirational, but a down to earth person. WHO actually remembered meeting me at the Boston Marathon Expo. Wow!

and our other guest???

Shalane Flanagan

Yes the Shalane Flanagan. I had a total fangirl moment while she talked... I think she felt the same way about me. But she kept her cool. I can tell you that this Olympian and 2:22 Boston Marathoner is just like us. Her post-marathon craving: "French Fries, a burger and a beer."

OOhhh yeah!

After a highly entertaining runway show by my fellow bloggers and Running Skirts, we had a delicious lunch courtesy of Runner's World Nutrition Editor, Joanna Golub, who helped pen the Runner's World Cookbook.

New Balance gave a great demo of their new shoe line. (And I forgot to take any pics)

Then it was Expo time. You know I love a good expo. I gunned for the Sparkly Soul booth after I picked up my bib.

Yay Pamela!

I was happy to have fellow bloggers around for the Expo since they like to take obnoxious photos like me.

Heather battling Larisa and I for the Finish Line

I spent waaayy too much time at the Expo for the size of it, but I had a blast. Plus, I ran into a ton of friends while there. Another favorite thing about Expos.

After bringing my haul (aka free stuff) back to the room, it was time to move my belongings to our new dorm and find dinner.

Friday was a chill night in the new common room with my fellow bloggers, dinner and some wine.

Laughing was a great way to stretch before the impending races on Day 2.

Oh yeah in case you forgot, we were brought together to run!

But I'll save that for another recap...

***

What do you like to take in when on a racecation besides the race itself?

Dani Dishes 6-9-14

On this episode of Dani Dishes, a quick Heartbreak Hill Festival recap and wondering if the feeling of being "worth it" ever goes away!!

I'm Not Streakin' Anymore...

I was joining the bandwagon and following Frank The Tank (yet clothed) on a run streak.

Now I had taken part in the #RWRunStreak back in the fall and discovered after running 35-straight days with that challenge I realized...

I am not a streaker!

I am not built to run every single day. I need rest days.

But the challenge made me stronger and taught me that if I put my mind to something I can finish any goal I set ahead of myself.

So for that I was thankful.

Why did I attempt to streak again if I declared myself a non-streaker?

Because why not.

Hey, sometimes the first time we attempt something it doesn't work out. Might as well give it the old college try one more time.

PLUS, after completing the two marathons in a week in April, I needed something to get me back out the door.

The #WOMSRunStreak was born...

I put zero pressure on myself. I didn't set a number of days. I just told myself a minimum 2 miles a day. Now, about a week or so ago I started having some pain in my left hamstring. But I kept ignoring it and went about my running.

I should've stopped. Right then and there and rested. But I told myself I could do just 2 miles on it.

I let the streaking get the best of me. Especially when Runner's World kicked off their #RWRunStreak when I was 21 days into my own. So I jumped on that band wagon.

But yesterday I finally listened to the growing pain right under my butt and stopped.

I didn't run.

I felt guilty.

I felt like I let myself down.

I let readers down.

Then I looked myself in the mirror and said this is exactly why you don't streak.

I build unnecessary pressure on myself. Imaginary pressure if you will.

So yesterday I didn't run - I walked - and the world kept spinning.

What's comical is how many miles I reached during the 29 day #WOMSRunStreak.

99.9

ha!

I couldn't have turned my Garmin on for 0.1 miles yesterday just to hit 100.

Ah well - I like the play on 9's so it works for me.

Will I try streakin' again? Maybe if I need that little oomph again.

But for now the streak ended and tonight's run (which I probably shouldn't be doing, but I need to run on National Running Day) will be pressure free. Well besides meeting a new running club and calming those nerves. ;)

***

Do you enjoy or loathe running streaks?

Dani Dishes 6-2-14

On this episode of Dani Dishes, it's time to celebrate the blog turning 3 and my Weight Watchers Success Story hits the web! :) Story here!

I'm Walkin' On Sunshine...

WOO OOO!! Okay not really walkin' on sunshine since that would be hot and burn my feet. But it would be quite a feat...

I am working on being a ray of sunshine, but not have it feel forced.

Someone at work today said how calmly I was taking the job ending. Well clearly she doesn't live in my head. :P

But what I realized this weekend was that being mopey about the job situation won't make a new job appear. Thankfully my wife is still employed so it isn't like I am being thrown on the street. I have a lot of things to be thankful for.

So while I was having one kick ass awesome weekend, I focused on that.

The HERE and NOW.

I am a worrier by nature. I can't turn it off. But I can control how much I allow it to dictate my mood.

I have my health. I have amazing friends. I have a great wife and two pups. I have this little blog of mine.

There is too much to celebrate to be worried.

Now that isn't saying I am getting rid of worrying all together. I am still very much a worry wart over bills, etc  - but I need to work more on the NOW.

And I set that goal last night before bed.

Can I tell you something?

It already is paying off in the mood department.

THAT could still be lingering awesomeness from this weekend. It was a jam-packed couple days, but if it is an indicator of things to come - then this summer is going to ROCK!

On Friday, I attempted the Assembly Row media event. Assembly Row is a new shopping center across the street from my house in Somerville - but it is so much more.

There are outlet shops, restaurants, and activities! They are going to have free yoga by the water, a boot camp once a week and a running club out of the Nike store (still waiting on more details for that).

The event had food samples from some of the restaurants that will be at Assembly Row - Fuji Sushi, Tony C's Sports Bar/Grill, Earl's and Papagayo.

Trying a sushi roll with EEL from Fuji

Let's just say my wife was jealous of this picky eater being at a food sampling event. ;)

They even had a game where you had to guess the prices of the three outfits being displayed. Keeping in mind these are outlet stores. I haven't heard the winning prices yet, but my guess is I was WAY off. I really wanted to win the PUMA outfit too (#2).

I stopped at the brand-new Papagayo to sample their Sangria and oohh boy it was tasty!

After a brief walk home (I can get use to that), it was a low-key evening in bed with the family.

On Saturday I let myself sleep in - until 8am - then headed out for a quick run to pick my car up from the mechanic.

The wife and I got started on a laundry list of errands we had to run to get ready for a BBQ at our house the following day.

But I HAD to get in a training ride so I brought the wife along with me for a little bike afternoon date. I'm glad she bought a bike so we can start doing more things like this. We must take advantage of the summer months! We endure such crappy Boston winters for them. :P

Saturday Night we lived it up - by cleaning. I know I know. Try to hold back your jealousy if you can.

Sunday was going to be fun from the get go! Sunday kicked off with the Cambridge 5k Freedom Run 5k with Team Slumbrew Happy Soles.

I was definitely happy with my time as I am nursing a very painful left hamstring thing/injury/annoyance and it was much hotter out than any of us expected.

I wish I had noticed the photog, but since I was coming straight into the Finish Line all I could think about was cheering on the rest of the team and ... BEER!

Aren't we one awesome looking team?

I had a great little post-race celebration with this fine group before heading home for the BBQ with a couple of college friends and their kids.

After they left we needed to get the dogs some exercise so we took a family walk along the Mystic River and over to Assembly Row.

The dogs even did a little swimming. Okay Molly did some sitting in the water.

This was all followed by a CRASH. I was ready to just lay down and enjoy some TV before the final week of work.

But this weekend involved so much love, laughing and smiling.

How could I be sad when I have all of that in my life?

Behind The Scenes of My Weight Watchers Success Story Shoot

I. Am. Speechless. Okay people stopped laughing! I know it is hard to believe, but I am.

When I found out I was selected to have my story shared as a Success Story on the Weight Watchers website in August 2013 I was over the moon.

I've spent hours pouring over that section of the website and app. Reading people's stories and getting the motivation I needed to keep going.

As my social media life grew, I started actually meeting people who were on the website.

Like...

Mae

Sheryl

Frank

(Please click on their names to read their stories!)

And so many more!

Being chosen as a Success Story meant I would be traveling to New York City for a photo shoot and on-camera interview in November 2013.

I was psyched. Not only would I get to head to NYC, but I would get to see some of my favorite Weight Watchers ladies while there.

I took the train to NYC on November 7 and had a lovely time. It was WAY less stressful than taking the train and with security, etc of the airport it probably took me about the same amount of time and less hassle.

My girl Kitty picked me up at the train station and we headed to the hotel. We decided to enjoy the afternoon/early evening and walk to dinner with the lovely Weight Watchers ladies.

I have to give a big thank you to social media for connecting me with these lovely souls.

After a great night of laughter and stories, it was time to head to bed to rest for the next morning. I had to be at the shoot by 9am, which meant an 8am departure from the hotel.

I arrived to the studio and found out I was the first person of the day so I headed to wardrobe for them to fit me for an outfit. The stylist Amit took out a size 6 Calvin Klein skirt and I laughed out loud. I said "Sir there is NO way that is fitting on me." But he gave me a look and off to the curtain (aka makeshift dressing room) I went.

And you know what??

It freakin' fit!! I was in tears. A medium top and a size 6 skirt.

ME!!

After the outfit was set, I was sent to hair.

I'm not sure what the stylist thought of my need to take selfies, but I tried to explain to him that I was a blogger and needed to document the day. :P

After hair - where I explained to him I usually wear it in a bun that anything he would do would be greatly different -

Tad surprised at the poofiness

it was make-up time.

Now I am far too lazy to put on make-up and when I do it is basically foundation and some mascara and that is about it. So I let the make-up artist do her thang. She was SUPER nice and great to talk to!

While in the hair and make-up area, it was nice to meet the other folks being interviewed and photographed that day. Especially since they were usuals for the series so they knew a ton of my friends! :)

After a little snack time, it was finally time for the photo shoot.

Let's take a moment to check the shoes out.

Yeah I moved wicked slowly around the Studio so that I wouldn't fall ... but I almost did a few times.

The photo shoot portion was an all white part of the room. The job - stand on the X and do what the photographer said. Okay I think I can do that.

The photographer was SO sweet and really encouraging.

Let me tell you when I crossed my one leg over the other in this photo I almost fell over. Thank goodness there was someone off to my right there if I needed them. Hello klutz! :P

This was such a scary experience. It felt so out of my comfort zone. I mean there were like half a dozen people watching you stand there and pose, while looking at the shots on a laptop. I tried to just zone out the nerves and live in the moment. Because this was most likely a once in a lifetime experience so no need to waste it being scared/nervous.

The photographer even told me I was a natural, which really made me feel awesome. Now I'm not sure if she says that to everyone, but even if she does it still made me feel great.

After the photo portion was over - which was the shortest and most fun of the morning - I got another snack break. YAY! Before heading to the downstairs area to film the short video that attached to the Story.

The folks were nice enough to let me take the big shoes off for this and keep slippers on instead. :)

While the group worked on sound check, etc, I asked another helper to snap a couple of pics for me.

WAY TOO excited to have the scary shoes off. ;)

This portion was pretty straight forward. The editor of the Weight Watchers website, Mary, had already gone over what topics they would cover. Since I am a WW Leader and share my journey here on the blog, I tend to talk about these things all the time.

Once we wrapped up the video portion, I was free to dive back into my normal clothes - hello yoga pants and sneakers - and enjoy NYC.

I grabbed a quick bite, chatted with the editors/etc that were there and then headed out. It was about 1pm when I wrapped up and was couldn't believe how fast the time went.

It was one of the coolest experiences of my life and felt like a total rockstar the entire time. And hey the shots came out pretty darn well.

If you want to see the actual story and watch the video, you can click HERE to check it out. You do not have to be a Weight Watchers member to view the Success Stories.

Since the shoot happened so long ago (November 2013) and hit the website on May 26-27, 2014, it is so surreal to really see if on the site.

It takes me back to when I started this journey and I would look to those Success Stories for hope. Now I have the chance to give someone hope to give a healthy lifestyle a shot. It is an extreme honor.

It is tough to share my story at times, but the more response I get from people about it touched them or it made them feel like they weren't alone - makes it all worth it.

So once again thanks to Weight Watchers, Mary and the whole team for selecting me to share a story about little 'ol me!

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If you would like to read more about what I did in NYC that weekend, check out the whole recap HERE.