Dani Dishes: Running Down Ragnar Update

On this episode of #DaniDishes, I'm giving a quick and emotional recap of my first Ragnar Relay experience!

Dani Dishes: "Then Me" vs. "New Me" Thinking

On this edition of #DaniDishes, I'm talking about the mental side of the weight-loss/fitness journey! Do you also struggle with banishing the "old" thoughts/views or yourself & accepting the new?

Dani Dishes: Sharing My "Why"

On this episode of Dani Dishes, I'm sharing "why" I started my weight-loss/healthy living/running journey... Please feel free to share your "why" with me!

Dani Dishes: Post-Boston Marathon Thoughts (2015)

On this episode of Dani Dishes, I attempt to put into words the thousands of thoughts running through my head post marathon!

Watch the video from post 2014 Boston Marathon: Here!

Face It Friday: A Gain & Overall Marathon Training Thoughts

Hey All! Unfortunately I do not have time to grace you all with one of my long-winded stream of conscious posts today. Why you may ask?

Well I had a great morning of personal coaching calls, BUT it is finally Boston Marathon weekend so I need to prep for the afternoon. The fun fun fun starts at 2pm and shockingly I have a lot to do before then including lead one final Weight Watchers meeting during lunch.

Soooo let's get right to it. Shall we? Oh and I am already doing a horrible job about NOT being long-winded. :P

I actually weighed myself at home on Thursday before leaving for work because I wasn't sure I would make it to weigh-in today. Yesterday I was up 1.8 lbs and I let it get to my head. I was angry and hurt. I wanted to see a loss or at least a gain of less than 1 lb. BUT I had committed to tracking everything through that day before taking the tracking pressure off of myself over the weekend.

As a result, I decided that no matter what I would weigh in today as well because well I was curious to see the difference a day could make.

So I had my alarm set - "You are more than a number" - and faced the scale.

Yup up 0.8 - 1 less than yesterday.

Hello fluctuation and whatever else mother nature wants to throw at us.

Now I wanted a loss, but again I was still in the negative. So a gain wasn't totally on my radar. Plus I had been losing for the past few weeks when I didn't expect it.

The -/+ represents how over I was on my points for the week. So being down 0.8 over the past 4 weeks when each was in the negative - I'll take that.

Oh hi perspective I needed you to show up.

I also needed to remind myself that I am a good 20 pounds less than last year's Boston Marathon, I didn't emotionally eat this week on the anniversary of the bombing and I am still down during the entire marathon training cycle.

Proud of my progress this marathon training cycle - Not only on the scale, but also in terms of my cross training and my core/strength work!!

12/5/14 - 159.8 1/2/15 - 160.8 4/17/15 - 151.2

I will take all of it!

Plus I rocked some pretty amazing streaks this year as well.

So overall I am accepting of the gain - not totally shocked - and ready to turn my attention to a fun weekend with friends and running. Now I am not making myself track or beating myself up if I don't, but I still will be aware. I mean once you know the Points of stuff you can't UNknow it, which leads to some subconscious tracking all the time.

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So I will walk away from the training cycle with less weight (about 8 lbs), a stronger core, some baby arm muscles and a great mental attitude!!

Thank you all for sticking with me and tuning in to my Face It Friday posts/rambles. I will be weighing in next Friday and will as always take whatever the scale gives me.

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How has your mental/emotional state about weight loss changed during your journey?

Three Things Thursday: 1st She Runs Boston, Autistic Twin Brother Runners & Race Weekend Nerves

Motivation, Inspiration and Determination can be found everywhere you turn. So where did I find it this past week?

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1) 1st She Runs Boston Group Run

We had our first She Runs Boston run of the season on Tuesday - out of Athleta on Newbury Street - and it was an awesome turnout! We had 40 amazing women join us for a 3 or 4 mile loop along the Charles River.

It was a beautiful night in Boston and it was a pleasure chatting with new friends. Some ladies had never run along the Charles before or with a group, while others were getting back into a groove after a harsh winter.

I had the pleasure of making sure both the 3-mile and 4-mile folks all made it back to Athleta. It was my honor to act as overall sweep for both runs. No lady left behind is our motto!!

I absolutely loved meeting new friends - especially some blog readers - and look forward to continued motivation from each weekly run!

Will I see you there next Tuesday? April 21 at 6:30pm at Athleta. Be there or be somewhere not as cool. ;)

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2) Autistic Twin Brother Runners

Have you heard of the Schneider Twins? Alex and Jamie Schneider are twin brothers who are both profoundly autistic.

Check out the trailer below for their book: Silent Running:Our Journey to the Finish Line with Autism

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If you are in Boston this weekend, keep an eye out for these amazing guys at the Boston Marathon Expo or race itself. I really hope to run into them and meet these inspirations!

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3) Race Weekend Nerves

"So are you ready for Monday?" - the question I have been asked countless times over this past week

My response: "I sure hope so. Not much more I can do now." <<nervous laugh>>

I nervously laugh, but it is true. Any race prep that really matters has been done. If there was anything more I could've done, now is not the time to dwell on it.

The race nerves have invaded my body and will stay until well... probably until I cross the Finish Line! <<knocks on wood>> NO I am determined to cross that Finish Line baby!

Thankfully starting tomorrow (Friday) the weekend fun will begin and prove to be a necessary distraction from the race nerves. I cannot wait to hit up the Expo (Friday and Saturday), enjoy the BAA 5k with friends (Saturday), devour some pasta at the Tedy's Team pasta dinner (Saturday) and take part in a couple of free shakeout runs (Friday - ASICS, Sunday - Runner's World/Land's End).

But first it's time to work on some last minute outfit decisions... ;)

If you are still interested in tracking me Monday: text 26786 to 234567 for updates!

ALSO if you are running the BAA 5k - meet at 7:15am behind the t-shirt distribution tent for a fun low-key meet-up!!

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Where did you find motivation, inspiration or determination this week?

Vermont I'm Comin' For Ya... But Which Race Will It Be? The Answer & A Discount Code Inside The Post...

I've raced in 5 out of the 6 New England States. I easily checked off Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island (neither a rhode nor and island - discuss), Connecticut and Maine. But that darn state of Vermont has been alluding me for years.

Well that will all end in 2015!

For I have FINALLY found a race to run in the great state of Vermont.

Do you want to know what it is?

Are you on the edge of your seat?

Are you holding your breath until I reveal it?

Well don't do that that's not safe! C'mon people breathing is #1 to live!

Okay okay... so both the wife and I will be taking part in...

The Biggest Loser RunWalk Half Marathon in Killington, Vermont on July 26!

Wahoo!!!

I want to thank the people at Biggest Loser Race Series for wanting to partner with Weight Off My Shoulders for this event and sponsoring my wife and I.

I love being at the Finish Line to cheer the wife in!

SO why this race?

First off, it offers a 5k and a Half Marathon option.

Second off, the swag!!

Each registered participant and finisher will receive the following:

• The Biggest Loser Finisher's Medal
• Commemorative Biggest Loser RunWalk shirt
• Drawstring Backpack
• Chip-Timed Race for Runners and Those Tracking Personal Goals
• Free Downloadable Race Photos
• Award Divisions for Runners and Walkers
• Celebrity appearances by former contestants from "The Biggest Loser"
• Hydration Stations with Water/Sports Drinks Along the Course & Food at the Finish Line
• Discounted Gondola rides to the top of Killington Peak
• 2.5 hour Learn to Ski/Snowboard lesson at Killington Resort valid for the entire 2015/2016 ski season
• Buy one get one free offer on the following items:
  • Adult 18 hole Golf Greens fees (Midweek Only)
  • Mountain Bike and Lift Trail Access Tickets
  • Adult Scenic Round-Trip Gondola Ride
  • Soaring Eagle Zip Line Ride
  • Ropes Course Adventure
  • ATV Tour (2 rides for the price of 1)
  • 18 hole round of disc golf

I mean you had me at medal and FREE race photos!! Am I right?

Additionally the courses at this race have a twist:

Participants run/walk down the mountain, then take the ski lift back up and continue along with breathtaking views of Killington Peak, the second highest peak in Vermont. The 5K course goes through beautiful downtown Killington while the half marathon route, great for someone's first half marathon, travels along rustic wooded roads with stunning views of the Green Mountains.

So can this make up for me missing riding Expedition Everest during the Disney Marathon last year?

The course definitely sounds/looks challenging, but who isn't up for a challenge. The wife and I are ready to tackle this bad boy.

And we want you to join us!! Both the 5k and Half Marathon kick off at 8:30am on July 26.

Half Marathon Registration*

• $55.00 through 4/30/2015
• $60.00 through 5/31/2015
• $70.00 through 6/30/2015
• $80.00 through 7/22/2015
• $90.00 @ Packet Pick-up Registration (if available)

5K Registration*

• $35.00 through 6/30/2015
• $40.00 through 7/22/2015
• $45.00 @ Packet Pick-up Registration (if available)

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Use code WEIGHTOFFMS to get 20% off registration!! For more fun, join our team Weight Off My Shoulders! We would get a sweet group photo!! Just sayin'! :)

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I'm psyched to cross off the 6th and final New England state off my race bucket list. Will I see you there????