Keepin' Focused: Cutting A Run Short, Rockin' & Rollin' with Meb & Being Sick

Getting sick was inevitable. The wife has been sick with something for over a week and it was only time that I would catch it!

It just happened to take place when I was having a deload week for marathon training.

What is a "deload" week? Well it's when someone wiser and smarter tells you to take the training down a peg to help your body recover. Thank goodness I have John, the Tedy's Team coach, to be that person in my life. After posting 44.6 miles the previous week - in part because of the Glass Slipper Challenge plus 5k in Disney - it was time to dial the training back.

So this past week I took a step back, reduced the miles and added in some additional swimming and biking.

And you know what? The body felt amazing!! I did all of my runs on the treadmill to make sure I didn't push the pace. Something that inevitably happens when I run outside. I just get so excited to run. :P

Sunday, March 1: 90 min bike trainer session and 5k run Monday, March 2: 5k run and 50-minute Spin class Tuesday, March 3: 2 mile run and 1.1 mile swim Wednesday, March 4: 2 mile run Thursday, March 5: 1.8 mile run Friday, March 6: 30 min bike trainer session and 3 mile run Saturday, March 7: 5 mile run

I was aiming for 10 miles today, but the body felt otherwise. I saw John at the first water stop and he nicely told me to cut the run, turn around and get home to bed.

I knew he was right, but it was still hard to do. The sun was shining and since I had pulled back the training this week the legs were ready to get out and face Heartbreak Hill. Breathing however was wicked difficult and it was time to play it safe. Especially with an 18-miler on the schedule for next Saturday.

But the run couldn't end without a nice mid-run bathroom photo. Thanks for the mirror Holiday Inn in Brookline. :P

I begrudgingly texted the wife to come pick me up and we headed to CVS to pick up some more meds and tissues.

So now I am tucked into bed and trying to figure out how to do this whole "resting" thing. Anyone have ideas?

I'm thinking some Disney movies are a must... but which one to start with?

And doing some more research on the Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon I'll be doing in May.

I'm psyched to pick up a special Finisher's Jacket after the run...

... and possibly hanging out with fellow Boston Marathon Finisher Meb.

Oh I know you all know I'm honored to be running my 3rd Boston with Tedy's Team this year, but you may not have heard of this guy Meb. He finishes just a tad before me. ;) Okay okay! He finishes and has enough time to grab a shower, eat lunch and run another marathon before I finish. But we both cross the same Finish Line!

Can't wait to get a great high-five from him in the MEB Zone in San Diego.

***

Alright alright I will go rest. But first a few sweet/funny moments from this past week!

Woo! Pretty excited to be recognized for my selfie skills...

Hahahaha!!! Anyone relate?

:)

***

How do you handle being sick?

Face It Friday: Negative Points, A Loss & Another Lesson

Prior to my Thursday 8am Weight Watchers meeting at the Boston Center, I was chatting with one of the members before she got on the scale. She shared how she faces the scale each week no matter what. As she simply stated:

The number will be the same whether I step on the scale or not.

<<Light Bulb Moment>>

I've heard this before. Heck I've even said it to other members. But for some reason in that moment it hit home.

I had been wavering on facing the scale this morning and that moment pushed me on to the scale today.

Why didn't I want to get on the scale? Well it could be something about being wwaaay into the negative.

Yes to the tune of -115!

Now I know from personal experience that I can be very in the negative and still lose weight. But this week I just didn't want to see a gain. It had been a very emotional week and I thought seeing a gain might put me in a bad head space... like the previous week's gain had.

BUT I had to pull up my big girl panties undies sparkle skirt and get on the scale anyway. I had to show the scale that I wouldn't be defined by any stupid three-digit number.

And you know what! I lost 1 pound.

Yay! Well that was a nice surprise.

Now I'm still up 2.2 lbs for the past month, BUT I am back in my free Lifetime range.

Time to buckle down and refocus. I am working through my funk and hoping to curb the emotional eating that is resulting from it.

Ironic since this week's WW topic was emotional eating. It's like WW knew I needed this week for my own personal journey. Thank you WW.

While February wasn't my best month in recent history food-wise, I AM proud of the many streaks that I was able to keep in tact.

I owe big props to the Simple Habits app for keeping me motivated. Yes a stupid app keeps me going. I get super excited every time I can check off another accomplishment.

***

Lesson From This Week (that I have relearned for the 1,000th time): Tracking Honest Tracking Works!

Even if you are in the negative and upset with yourself, push past that feeling and track it. Owning the choices really will help you move past the guilt faster and make it easier to get back on track! I promise.

***

This week's #NSV (Non-Scale Victory): Bridesmaid Dress Edition... 2008 vs 2009 vs 2015!

On Saturday I was wicked nervous to go with my cousin to try on the bridesmaid dress for her upcoming wedding (8/8). Internal fear struck of not fitting into the options they had. Who could blame me the only other weddings I was in I had to buy a size 22 (left) and 18/20 (center).

But we went and I slowly put on the sample (size 12) and it was too big!! They actually had to add clips to the back to get it to stay up. So I was actually told to buy a size 10! Well my bust line and hips measured a 10, but my waist was a 12/14 (hello excess skin), but she went with the 10.

Aaahhhh?!?! Me!! Yes me! I can't even put into words the feelings that took over my whole being! Okay I can - it was so much PRIDE!! Now to use that feeling and that dress as motivation to continue crushing my goals!

***

Did you face the scale this Friday?

*Update Time* Boston Marathon, Ragnar Relay, ZOOMA & Rock 'n' Roll Marathons

Oh I'm sorry did I somehow sign up for three marathons in a year for the second-year in a row... ummm that would be a big yes! **Note: it may've been four, but I was a big reject from NYC lottery! :P

How does this happen?

I mean seriously! Who took over my body and started type type typing my info?

Okay okay. I take full responsibility for my actions... this time!

So where to start? Well I think chronological order makes most sense to me.

***

Boston Marathon ... T-minus 47 days!

Excuse me while I freak out!! 47 days? I remember when it was 100. Heck I remember when I was applying to run for the third year with Tedy's Team!

Let's sloooowww the time train down. Okay?

Well training for Boston has been interesting to say the least. There has been a tad bit of snow here in Boston - in case you live under a rock and didn't hear. A tad bit of snow = over 100 inches.

While I've been making the most of it and running outside as much as possible, it still is tiring to constantly be slipping, sliding and trying to find a piece of street or sidewalk to run on.

I have been focusing this year on trying to keep my weight down this year and hope for a better result than last year.

I officially set my goal for Boston in this lovely little vlog post. I would still LOVE to see that happen, but am being realistic with how this winter has been.

This past week, however, proved trying. I did a 16-mile training run on Saturday with my teammate and friend Page and it was BAD. I felt off and tired the whole run. I was supposed to do 18, but called it a day at 16. The coach for Tedy's Team suggested I take it back this week and try to rest the legs. It was the best news I could've heard and I have been enjoying more time on the bike and in the pool. :)

I am proud to announce that I have raised $6,840 to help Fight Stroke with Tedy's Team. This brings my three-year fundraising total to $22,415 in honor of my Stroke Heroes - my grandparents, my father-in-law and so many others affected by Stroke.

I know that any version of me can show up on race day so I have learned to have different levels of goals for a race and make sure the #1 goal is: Have Fun!! :)

***

Ragnar Relay ... T-minus 65 days!

Again whhaa?? Time is creepin' up on me!

Since my current focus is on the Boston Marathon, I am not sure yet how to transition to Ragnar training once the marathon is over. I think my current run streak (#WOMSStreak - 131 days) is helping me out with that thought of running on tired legs.

I do think I will have to work on some double run days after the marathon to see what it's like to put in some serious miles on tired legs.

Either way I know I am in for a pretty sweet experience.

Now to start thinking about what fun outfit I will rock... :)

***

Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon ... T-minus 88 days!

I am PUMPED for this race! There are going to be just so many of my favorite bloggers in the world in town for the weekend...

... AND I get to run the marathon with my girl Sarah from Mom Running On Empty and her husband Rob. Woo hoo!!!

The pair is looking to PR and shooting for a 4:30. I'm excited to play #1 cheerleader and leader of the conversation if they need a distraction/pick-me-up!!

***

ZOOMA Cape Cod Half ... T-minus 206 days!

My game plan for this may have changed. My current half PR (1:44:12) will soon be invalid to register with for Disney races (needs to be within 2 years). THIS means I need a new PR or a 1:4x to help secure my spot in the first corral for 2016 Disney races.

Originally I was going to try to help a friend PR at this event, but now I may need to work on PRing there myself. I did post a 1:47 at ZOOMA in 2013 so a 1:4x is possible on the course.

Lots to think about over the summer in terms of that!

Want to run your own ZOOMA race? Use my discount code below for 10% off.

***

Rock 'n' Roll Savannah Marathon ... T-minus 248 days!

This has been a recent add to the race schedule as I am hoping to set a new shiny PR on the course. I set my current PR (and only sub-4 marathon finish) at this race in 2012.

I am hoping to come up with a great training plan to make this dream a reality.

Savannah is one kick ass city and I am excited to rock and roll right through it!

***

If you want to join me at the Rock 'n' Roll races (or a different one), please use my discount code to save some money... for extra adult beverages!

***

There are other fun races on the schedule, but these are the major distances I have as of now. I am toying with the idea of adding another half in order to possibly PR.

GAH so many races so little $$$$.

***

Do you have a goal race for 2015?

Dani Dishes: Verbal Diarrhea (Disney, Life, Negativity)

On this episode of #DaniDishes, I'm letting go of the mish mash of things that have been weighing down my mind recently: good, bad and indifferent.

Make sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! :)

And My Fall 2015 Marathon Will Be...

... drum roll please? C'mon folks! Someone give me a little National Lampoon Christmas Vacation drum roll action!

Ahhh I crack myself up.

Aaannnyywwwhoo!

I will be proudly representing Team Chocolate Milk while tackling my ninth full marathon in...

Are you getting excited?

On the edge of your seat?

Wondering what I will say next?

Well without further adieu the location is...

Savannah!! 

That's right! I am happily returning to the scene of my second full marathon (November 2012) and location where I set my current PR and recorded my (so far) only sub-4 marathon.

At this point, I will be shooting to PR once again in Savannah as I feel like I am a stronger runner three years later.

However I will say I was pretty proud of my decently even splits back in 2012. I know the end I lost steam, the weather turned hot (uncharacteristically warm that weekend) and I was in my own head.

***

NOW I am currently still in the lottery for NYC Marathon (November 1) so if I get in to that it may refocus my goals for Savannah, but for now I would like to focus on another sub-4 there.

The course is nice and flat!!

PLUS Savannah was an amazing city to explore.

***

My marathons update:

1. September 24, 2006 – Clarence De Mar – 5:59:27

2. November 3, 2012 – Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah – 3:58:49

3. April 15, 2013 – 117th Boston Marathon – 4:04:08

4. January 12, 2014 – Walt Disney World Marathon – 4:45:57

5. April 21, 2014 – 118th Boston Marathon – 5:31:18

6. April 26, 2014 – Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville – 4:42:12

7. April 20, 2015 – 119th Boston Marathon – TBD

8. May 31, 2015 – Rock 'n' Roll San Diego – TBD

9. November 7, 2015 – Rock 'n' Roll Savannah – TBD

***

Have you rocked and rolled your way through Savannah?

The Refresh, Revive, Remix Celebration at Athleta Newbury Street

Running clothes... Snacks... Champagne... Massages... You had me at - well - all of that!!

I had the honor of attending the Refresh, Revive, Remix Celebration Party at Athleta Newbury Street with my friend Susan from Lifestyle of a Fashionista.

Susan and I arrived at Athleta ready to get our shop on. Now I am not one to normally enjoy shopping - okay I rarely enjoy shopping - but with the entire Athleta store at my disposal... my attitude changed. It's like Athleta After Dark.

In addition to the amenities, Athleta would be giving us a sneak peek at their new arrivals.

Before we started trying on clothes, we took a lap around to meet some of the great companies in attendance.

First up was a stop for some snacks from b.good and a little champagne.

Cocobeet is Boston's original organic juice bar (online delivery available, store coming soon).

Bringing fresh cold-pressed juices, superfood smoothies, raw vegan fare, and detox juice cleanses to the Boston community. Our ingredients reflect our healthy values: organic, raw, vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, non-HPP, and locally sourced.

Since I was already drinking my water, I opted to bring a couple of hint water bottles home with me. The watermelon water was tasty!

Since I had to postpone my massage earlier in the week, I was happy to take advantage of the free chair massage from the Joint Venture physical therapists. Oh boy it was a treat. Yes 10 minutes was all my upper body needed. Okay it could've taken an hour if available, but I appreciated 10 minutes. :)

Finally we chatted with Cassie from Beautycounter.

Beautycounter is an up-and-coming skincare line. Thankfully Susan is the fashion blogger so I let her take the lead with this convo. ;) I know nothing about makeup.

After making the rounds, it was time to try on some of the amazing clothes available.

I wanted this entire ensemble... including the abs! Apparently abs sold separately? #Rude :P

While I wanted to try everything on, I tried to be realistic in what I brought into the dressing room.

Up First? Floral Fade Sonar Capri ($74, size medium)

The super-sleek, wicking capri with compression fabric to give you a flattering fit for every run and training session.

Oh boy did I immediately fall in love with these. I knew as soon as I put them on that they would be coming home with me. The wide waistband on the capris limit slipping or riding down while running - which I really appreciate.

Rear pocket to stash my key/ID. Machine washable AND dry!

I tried on the green tank as well, but wasn't a fan. Style: Mesh Chi Tank ($44, size large)

Second Up? Gel Chaturanga™ Capri ($64, size medium)

A spliced-in gel print adds flash to your workouts in our favorite Chat style.

I really wanted to like these pants, but I didn't feel "it" when I slipped them on. They felt fine, but not enough for me to bring them home.

I thought the design would make me feel wide or self-conscious, but that wasn't it.

They had the wide waistband, hidden key pocket and are rated UPF 50+ - all amazing.

NOW if these were to randomly show up at my house, I would not send them away. ;)

Third Up? Sting Be Free Tight (on sale $59.99, size medium)

Now these pants are WAAAYYY out of my comfort zone! I'm not one to normally pick up such a bold-color pant.

But they had me at pockets!! Yes these pants offer pockets on the side that can hold my phone and fuel.

They are mid-rise, which is something I like in my running tights since they don't tend to ride down like other pants. They are lightweight, sleek and stretchy - all pluses.

I also love that most Athleta pants also have the mesh inserts for ventilation.

Now when I first put these on I thought they were super baggy and was really confused why they were bunching at the end. Yeah I had put on a Large. Once I went down a size to the medium they fit like a glove and the bunching was gone.

Thanks to some convincing from Susan these also made it into my cart.

***

The last time I attended an Athleta After Hours event I walked away with three pairs of pants. Sooo going home with two was an improvement for my wallet. :P

I highly recommend that everyone check out their closest Athleta or Athleta.com. (They do have plus sizes available on their website) I really like the durability of their clothing AND their dedication to empowering women through their Power to the She movement.

Yes it is still a little pricey, but you get your money's worth.

PLUS, if you feel good while running or working out, you perform better and are more apt to keep the movement going. So splurge! ;)

***

Have you tapped in to the #PowerToTheShe at Athleta?

Weekend Wrap-Up: #FaceItFriday, Tedy's Team 11-Miler & More Snow

Gah!! I was so busy having fun this weekend that I TOTALLY forgot to post about both #FaceItFriday and my Tedy's Team group run. Soooo using today's snow in Boston as an excuse to settle in and catch you all up. Ya know if case you haven't also been following my adventures of Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

Well let's start at the beginning.

On a September afternoon in 1982, I was born...

Oh oops not THAT beginning. My bad all. My bad.

***

On Friday I woke early to get myself ready for my weekly weigh-in. I had a great week and hoped the scale reflected that, but I know the scale can be a fickle beast. I stepped on cautiously.

Woah! Down 2 lbs and under goal for the first time in ages. It was my lowest weight on the scale since August 2013. Hollah!

I righted the ship after 2 weeks of small gains. With marathon training tracking keeps me fueled, focused & not giving in to the Rungry Horrors that can attack after a long run or intense cross-training workout!

Also didn't give in to emotional eating this week. I'm asked all the time if I eat my APs (activity points) & you can see I use WPs & APs.

The morning continued with a special delivery: My 2nd Annual Stop Stroke Shuffle 5k medals.

How awesome did they turn out???? They even glow in the dark. Oh snap they do!

After leading my final Weight Watchers meeting of the week and finishing up the WW paperwork, I headed out for my #FridayFive run. I headed to Assembly Row (Somerville) to test out alternative routes for our Happy Soles 5k Run/Walk on the Sunday.

With over 60 inches of snow in the Boston area over the last 30 days, we've had to get creative when it comes to running routes.

Splits: 8:12, 8:10, 8:25, 7:59, 7:55

I slipped and slided my way around the Assembly Row area until I had four possible routes. I celebrated with a delicious Slumbrew Porter Square Porter and some arts and crafts. I had to dress up my koozie.

Further confirmation why the wife is in charge of my running costumes. Oof.

The wife and I had a nice relaxing Friday night watching some Big Bang Theory with my parents. We had some bad news delivered that one of our pups, Laney, will have to go in for surgery March 6 to remove four tumors from her knees. :/ Poor pup.

Saturday means Tedy's Team long run day. On the schedule this week? Another Riverside run. This means we take the T (train) from Kenmore Square to the Riverside stop in Newton and run our butts back to Kenmore. It comes out to just over 10 miles and you get to tackle the entire 3+ mile span that is Heartbreak Hill.

It happened to be a balmy 20 degrees (real feel 12) and the hill was a buzz with runners also training. I love the feeling when out there with hundreds of other folks putting in the work for the Big Show. Plus most of the folks are also charity runners.

I also love seeing the Newton Firehouse, which marks the start of Heartbreak. On this day, two firefighters were out cheering on runners and offering up some much-needed water, Gatorade and snacks! :)

While the true reason for the long runs is to train and prep for the race, I love seeing familiar faces especially when they are my Tedy's Team crew. It is truly the highlight of my week.

Lisa - my triathlon training guru

Margaret - the best cheerleader and water stop volunteer ever!

My thoughts on my 11-miler (I extended it so I could end right in front of Dunkin Donuts): Best run EVER on Heartbreak Hill in the three years of training for the Boston Marathon!! Woo hoo!

After a shower and a foam rolling session, the wife and I opted to go out to lunch. PF Changs won since we had a $50 gift card. We both chose the lunch portion, which really helped with portion control.

I ate my peppers for the first time. Yes yes I am a picky eater who is trying to branch out little by little.

But that fortune?!?! LOVE!

We had a pretty low-key evening as I did some work from home and tried to snuggle the pups as much as possible. Snuggling pups is good for the soul!

Sunday morning called for more puppy snuggling before embarking on a pre-Slumbrew run. With additional snowfall, I needed to get out to make sure at least 1 of my 4 alternative routes would be safe enough for our participants. Thankfully the main roads around the outlets were decent enough that we could do loops around. I let folks choose 1, 2 or 3 loops since each loop was roughly 1 mile.

I was so proud to see 12 folks - half new - brave the weather for a fun morning run. Oh and belgian waffles and beer! Mmm...

While I wanted to stay and play with everyone all day, adult duties were calling. We had to head to the grocery store to make sure we had enough healthy food in the house for the impending 10-24 inches of snow. Ummm yay?

After tackling the grocery store, putting food away, cleaning the house, starting some laundry and knocking out 1.5 mile walk on the treadmill, it was time to call it a night... but not before I shared this awesome news!

Ahhh all official! Yay! Wicked pumped to be running my 3rd Boston Marathon with Tedy's Team in 2015.

My three-year fundraising total has combined to raise $21,528 to #FightStroke! Absolutely amazing and inspiring!! :)

***

Wow! I look back at that weekend and saw DAMN I am one lucky person to have such motivating people in my life.

What was the highlight of your weekend?

#MotivationMonday: Succeeding After Struggling

For those that don't know, I have lost 80 pounds (60+ with Weight Watchers).

I hit goal with WW in January 2012 and successfully kept the weight off for about 2 years.

Until...

(Left pic) In June 2014 I faced the scale after a bad winter/Spring and saw 178.6! I had hidden away from the scale and lied to myself about the weight gain. But at that moment I reclaimed my mojo and got back to basics. So while I trained for my first Half Ironman I lost weight. I tracked, attended my weekly Weight Watchers mtg, focused on portions and fueling my body.

(Right pic) January 2015 and back at goal (155). I'm in a much better space mentally and still tracking, watching portions and refueling my body while I train for the Boston Marathon.

Many said they didn't notice my 23 pound weight gain, but I did. I felt it as I trained and completed two marathons in a week in April 2014. I felt it as my tracker sat empty. I felt like a fraud to my WW members. I felt it in my soul.

While I never wanted to have a gain of that magnitude after hitting goal, I'm glad I did as it made me a stronger and more resolved in my journey to maintain my weight loss.

Now I can say I am back to being a person who shed 80-pounds.

Can I say with 100% certainty that this won't happen again? No! But I am in a better place to recognize the warning signs of struggle, depression and general BLAH feelings that lead me to emotionally eat.

So if you have had a backslide, you are not alone. Start with one small change to help right the ship.

Who wants to virtually run a mile of the 2015 Boston Marathon with me?

Did you know: 1 in 3 Americans don’t know how to recognize a stroke? When you don’t know what to look for, you can’t save a life. Tedy’s Team and I want to change that and you can help us! Download and share American Stroke Association’s stroke warning signs.

F.A.S.T. is an easy way to remember the sudden signs of stroke. When you can spot the signs, you’ll know that you need to call 9-1-1 for help right away. F.A.S.T. is:

	Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven?
	Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
	Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like “The sky is blue.” Is the sentence repeated correctly?
	Time to call 9-1-1 – If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get the person to the hospital immediately. Check the time so you’ll know when the first symptoms appeared.

Today, approximately 1,300 Americans will lose their life to, or become severely debilitated by a stroke.

THINK YOU ARE HAVING A STROKE? CALL 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY!

***

I will be lacing up my sneakers to run the Boston Marathon in 2015 with Tedy’s Team in honor of my Stroke Heroes – my grandparents and my wife’s father – in addition to all of the others affected by Stroke. This will be my third Boston Marathon with Tedy’s Team and I am excited to take on the challenge and hit my fundraising goal of a combined $21k raised to #FightStroke!

If you would like to help me reach my goal AND virtually share a mile with me on that day, a $20 donation to Tedy’s Team would make any mile you want yours!! Sound like a fun plan?

Let’s Do It!

Click here to donate today

Leave a blog comment letting me know which mile you would like to sponsor

Miles Available

1- Melissa K 2- Ryan F 3- Kathianne L 4- Mary R & Dusty H 5- Jim & Lynne K 6- Elizabeth D 7- Gregg B 8- Jamie M 9- Thea R 10- Dan F & Family 11- Carrie B 12- Chris S 13- Samantha A 14- Kelly K-C 15- Mary Ellen V 16- Frank F & Family 17- Megan A & Family 18- Sarah M 19- Neil F & Family 20- Dan F 21- John & Diane F 22- Barry G 23- Laura L 24- Dacia R 25- Angela G 26- Mom & Dad 26.2 For My Stroke Heroes 

***

Thank you all for your support and remember F.A.S.T!!!!

Dani Dishes: Confidence vs. Self Doubt - HELP!

On this episode of #DaniDishes, it's time to break down the constant battle that is going on in my head: being confident vs. being filled with self-doubt! Can you relate? Share your thoughts and opinions please!