Leaving my comfort zone… one mile at a time.
Leaving my comfort zone ... one mile at a time.
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!
The 2nd Annual Stop Stroke Shuffle In Person and Virtual has just 11 spots remaining!!! Have you grabbed yours yet???
For those that don't know, I am running the 2015 Boston Marathon with Tedy's Team to raise awareness and fight Stroke! This will be my third-consecutive Boston Marathon with Tedy's Team and I run in honor of my grandparents, my father-in-law and all those affected by Stroke.
If you are in the Boston area, please think about coming down to run/walk/bike the 5k with me in person on February 15 at Noon.
We will be hosting the event out of Slumbrew's American Fresh Brewhouse at Assembly Row (in Somerville). American Fresh is a heated tent with ample free parking and access to the Assembly Stop on the Orange line.
We will have bibs, medals and water on hand. There will be beer available for purchase!
^^ Strollers welcome, but unfortunately pups need to stay home this time.
**PLEASE NOTE: this will not be a chip-timed race**
Register HERE for in person OR virtual option!
If you are NOT in the Boston or unable to join us on February 15, please consider running/walking/biking the charity 5k virtually.
A virtual run-walk means you do the 5k (3.1 mile) “race” at your leisure anytime in the month of February! Map out your own route, get your own friends together or jump on the old trusty treadmill. Your call.
This “race” is one to anyone all over the world.
I will provide a race bib that you can print out and fix to your shirt (if you want)!!
Register HERE for in person OR virtual option!
***
The Finisher's Medal is going to GLOW IN THE DARK this year!! Yay! Well okay the outer ring of the medal plus the 2015 portion will glow. But still awesome. I love it.
The $26.20 registration fee is a donation to Tedy's Team!
Register HERE for in person OR virtual option!
Today I took a No-Weigh In. The wife started feeling woozy and sick yesterday so take a wild guess who started feeling those symptoms next. So last night I took some Nyquil PM and turned my alarm off. Taking care of us is more important than the scale. So I am okay with the choice.
Now this past week was not one of my finest weeks food wise. Not the reason I took the NWI. The number on the scale is just that a number.
I made the conscious choice to bring tempting snacks into the house when I knew I would be stuck in the house due to Blizzard 2015. Now I did do about 3+ hours of shoveling on Tuesday (day of the storm) AND went outside for a 4.5 mile run.
Bravo to me for getting out and getting active despite multiple excuses I could've used.
Next Blizzard I will keep the tempting chippy type snacks out of the house and move the healthy stuff (that I did have in the house) to the FRONT of the fridge and cabinets!
I had a horrendous week keeping my emotional eating and poor snack choices in check BUT I weighed/measured it all and honestly tracked. Why lie to my tracker? It only hurts me.
Since my tracker is never failure and only FEEDBACK, I have a new plan for this week. My week restarts on Friday!
I did a lot of good stuff this week that I will celebrate:
^ 10 straight days of tracking, 100% on activelink (10 APs) and at least 10k steps on my Fitbit ^ 16 consecutive days of drinking at least 100oz of water ^ Extended my running streak to 97-straight days ^ Successfully practiced self-forgiveness
I also had a sweet Non-Scale Victory (NSV) at an Athleta event on Newbury Street. Oh hey size Medium pants! Yes I had to buy both pairs because well they were Medium AND I was getting 30% off. ;)
***
Are you tracking honestly?
On this episode of #DaniDishes, it is time to catch up on the last two weeks of life including a black eye, weight management milestone and running at Disneyland! Also looking to sign up for the virtual OR in person 5k to benefit Tedy's Team and the American Stroke Association? Do so here!!
Now when we last met on January 9th I had gotten myself back down to goal. Like goal on the nose - right at 155.
I was elated.
2014 was a horrible year for me weight wise so I am happy to be starting 2015 in a better frame of mind and a better number on the scale.
I was unable to weigh in last week because 1) I slept through my alarm to weigh in Wednesday morning and 2) I was out of town at Disneyland on Thursday/Friday. I felt okay with having the week off from the scale.
BUT that didn't mean I gave up tracking.
I made a deal with myself. I would NOT make myself track during our 5 days away at Disneyland IF I tracked every Bite, Lick and Taste up to that point... which I did. I tracked for 69-straight days before the trip.
When we left for Disneyland, I told myself I could enjoy whatever I wanted while there as long as I got RIGHT back on track as soon as I got home.
You know what? It worked!
I enjoyed a Mickey pretzel and a Mickey ice cream, as well as other indulgences... guilt free! I did make sure to wait and enjoy the pretzel and ice cream on the FINAL day of the trip as to not tempt myself to have them everyday. It worked like a charm!
We arrived home Monday night after having an absolutely amazing time. I earned 90 APs and tracked over 125k+ steps on my Fitbit. So yeah there was some moving involved while away.
Costumes from the Run Disney Star Wars 5k, 10k and Half!
But when I woke up Tuesday morning I got right back to business. Was the day perfect - not at all, but I wrote it all down. And it really felt great to be back to my normal routine.
So I stepped on the scale Friday fearing what the number would say.
155.6 - a 0.6 lb gain! Oh hellz yeah that is a manageable gain. I was thrilled. Cuhlearly being on track surrounding those 5 off-plan days and moving non-stop helped keep the scale in check.
Now can a belated gain show up next week, absolutely! The scale forgets it should be it's lightest on weigh-in day. There are also times when an off week can show up two weeks down the road. The scale is a fickle beast that only shows us one side of the journey.
I am prouder of the fact that I got on the scale despite the fear of the number. I could've hidden away, but what's the point. The number is going to be the same whether I step on the scale now or not. (Have I always lived by the mantra - no - but I'm working on it!)
The scale is always Feedback never Failure!!
The best part was going to Disneyland feeling fit and fabulous. I felt comfortable in my costumes and walking around the parks - something missing from my trip to Disney World last year.
I want to hold on to that awesome feeling as I continue to train for the Boston Marathon AND prepare for our trip to Disney World next month.
We are heading to Disney World February 19-24 for the Run Disney Princess weekend races (5k, 10k and Half). I made another pledge with myself: If I track every day between now and Feb 19, I will allow myself to enjoy Disney World tracking free. I feel again this is a good tactic for me and one that allows me to indulge guilt-free.
***
Does this mean there is no mental tracking going on? Oh definitely not. I have been doing WW long enough that I still have a tally in my head even when not putting it in the tracker.
When we got to the airport, I went to the "healthy snacks" wall at Hudson News and picked up Chex Mix and some Trail Mix. Yes I know I could've gotten grapes and yogurt, but I didn't want those and I hadn't had Chex Mix in months.
Again I said I wouldn't track, but for my own knowledge I needed to know the points. Why? So that the next time I tried to buy them I would know how much it would cost me.
Because once you look up the points of something - you never UNknow it! Am I right?
The bag of Chex Mix from Hudson News cost me 23 points. OUCH! Worth it in that moment? Yes!
The bag of Trail Mix from the "healthy eats wall?" Entire bag 28 points. My wife and I split it so 14 pts each. Worth it? Nope! But I live and learn. Now I know for my next trip to scan these items before buying - even if I am not tracking. Scan them because knowledge is power people!
***
So there are my life lessons of the last two weeks. I made some great choices. I made some not great choices. BUT I owned every choice I made, practiced self-forgiveness, re-found some confidence that was missing and got right back to business when "vacation mode" was over.
***
How do you handle your vacations when it comes to tracking/healthy choices?
The 2nd Annual Stop Stroke Shuffle In Person and Virtual 5k registration is OPEN!!!
For those that don't know, I am running the 2015 Boston Marathon with Tedy's Team to raise awareness and fight Stroke! This will be my third-consecutive Boston Marathon with Tedy's Team and I run in honor of my grandparents, my father-in-law and all those affected by Stroke.
If you are in the Boston area, please think about coming down to run/walk/bike the 5k with me in person on February 15 at Noon.
We will be hosting the event out of Slumbrew's American Fresh Brewhouse at Assembly Row (in Somerville). American Fresh is a heated tent with ample free parking and access to the Assembly Stop on the Orange line.
We will have bibs, medals and water on hand. There will be beer available for purchase!
^^ Strollers welcome, but unfortunately pups need to stay home this time.
**PLEASE NOTE: this will not be a chip-timed race**
Register HERE for in person OR virtual option!
If you are NOT in the Boston or unable to join us on February 15, please consider running/walking/biking the charity 5k virtually.
A virtual run-walk means you do the 5k (3.1 mile) “race” at your leisure anytime in the month of February! Map out your own route, get your own friends together or jump on the old trusty treadmill. Your call.
This “race” is one to anyone all over the world.
I will provide a race bib that you can print out and fix to your shirt (if you want)!!
Register HERE for in person OR virtual option!
***
The Finisher's Medal is going to GLOW IN THE DARK this year!! Yay! Well okay the outer ring of the medal plus the 2015 portion will glow. But still awesome. I love it.
The $26.20 registration fee is a donation to Tedy's Team!
Register HERE for in person OR virtual option!
The 2nd Annual Stop Stroke Shuffle In Person and Virtual 5k registration is OPEN!!!
For those that don't know, I am running the 2015 Boston Marathon with Tedy's Team to raise awareness and fight Stroke! This will be my third-consecutive Boston Marathon with Tedy's Team and I run in honor of my grandparents, my father-in-law and all those affected by Stroke.
If you are in the Boston area, please think about coming down to run/walk/bike the 5k with me in person on February 15 at Noon.
We will be hosting the event out of Slumbrew's American Fresh Brewhouse at Assembly Row (in Somerville). American Fresh is a heated tent with ample free parking and access to the Assembly Stop on the Orange line.
We will have bibs, medals and water on hand. There will be beer available for purchase!
^^ Strollers welcome, but unfortunately pups need to stay home this time.
**PLEASE NOTE: this will not be a chip-timed race**
Register HERE for in person OR virtual option!
If you are NOT in the Boston or unable to join us on February 15, please consider running/walking/biking the charity 5k virtually.
A virtual run-walk means you do the 5k (3.1 mile) “race” at your leisure anytime in the month of February! Map out your own route, get your own friends together or jump on the old trusty treadmill. Your call.
This “race” is one to anyone all over the world.
I will provide a race bib that you can print out and fix to your shirt (if you want)!!
Register HERE for in person OR virtual option!
***
The $26.20 registration fee is a donation to Tedy's Team!
^^ Race bib and Finisher's Medal are still be designed. Thank you for your patience on that.
Register HERE for in person OR virtual option!
On this episode of #DaniDishes, I'm sharing how I constantly think about food and asking you for your thoughts and advice!
My Game Plan For Tackling This:
1) Eat On A Schedule
2) Try To Keep Busy/Distracted
3) Plan Indulgences To Avoid Worrying/Dreading Them Thus Enjoying Them Guilt Free
This run would be mine! That's right. Despite seeing a real feel of -4 for this morning's group run with Tedy's Team I was excited for it.
Today (January 10) is my three-year anniversary of hitting goal with Weight Watchers (60+ lbs shed through WW and 80 overall). So there was a little extra pep in my step.
My usual running mates weren't going to make it due to injury and sickness so I know this would be more a of a solo run. I opted to leave the music at home since I'm now so used to running without it (thanks triathlon training).
The wife dropped me off at 7:50am and thankfully I had enough time to get some foam rolling in before we departed.
Today would be our first Riverside run of the season. A Riverside run means we take the green line of the MBTA (train) from Kenmore Square to the end of the D Line (Riverside stop). Once at Riverside, we run the 10.6 or so miles back to Kenmore. Why do this? Because we get to run on the actual Boston Marathon course and get some much-needed practice on Heartbreak Hill.
For those that don't know Heartbreak Hill is about three miles of rolling hills that hit you at Mile 17 of the marathon. So the hills themselves aren't horrendous, but when your legs already have 17 miles on them - they seem enormous! ;)
When we departed the train at Riverside (after a 30 or so minute ride - worst part of the experience), I bee-lined it for the bathroom (shocker I know) and had to take a picture of this awesome sign. :O)
After retying my shoes and locating satellites, it was time to get this run in motion.
Thankfully I've now done this run enough times that I actually know where I'm going. Tiny win! It takes just two rights and one left until you are officially on the marathon course. Oh the memories. Every time I step on that course I am transported back to race day for both 2013 and 2014.
Mile 1: 8:27 Mile 2: 8:42
Then THE right happens... on to Comm Ave and the start of Heartbreak Hill. I was all ready to snap a pic of the iconic Newton Firehouse, which is kind of the welcome committee to Heartbreak, but my phone decided to say this.
Apparently the iPhone is too lazy to have a "too hot" and "too cold" message so it gives the same one either way. Because as I mentioned earlier Real Feel was -4, which doesn't scream warm to me. How about you?
Mile 3: 8:35
Just before hitting Mile 4, I saw the familiar faces of our Tedy's Team water stop! YAY!
I look forward to these social stops WAAAYY too much! haha
Teammate Patricia and I
And I know you were all waiting for the obligatory: Margaret and Dani pic! :)
So apparently I was out there to run not gab! Huh. Who knew? So I hit Start on the Garmin and continued on OWNING Heartbreak. ;)
I was feeling really good. I don't know why, but I felt strong and in the zone.
I didn't look at my watch at all for pace, but instead focused on how I was feeling.
Mile 4: 8:07
Just before Mile 5, my phone decided it was "cool enough" to work again. Bring on the selfies!
And now I could show the slushy snow covering the ground adding a little cross training to today's run.
Mile 5: 8:38
Now as I mentioned Heartbreak is actually 3 miles worth of rolling hills with the biggest and baddest at the end... of course!
Here is where I mentally have to prep myself. There could be some swearing going on, there could be some internal high fives and there could be some promises of beer to myself if I make it up and over.
Hey! Whatever it takes right?
While running up this final leg of Heartbreak, I saw the kids of Dreamfar out there putting in some serious work.
Dreamfar High School Marathon (DHSM) is New England’s first high school marathon training program. We are a Greater Boston-based program that teaches high school students that anything is possible, even completing a marathon. With hard work, perseverance and guidance from dedicated mentors, our runners realize their potential as they train for the Cox Providence Marathon.
This lit another fire under my booty and I gave the hill everything I had.
This is why when taking mid-run selfies you take mulitple. They aren't all winners. :P
The final push was tough, but felt better than I expected. Not sure what was different about today's run than runs past, but I went with it.
Mile 6: 8:46
The amazing sight when coming off of the final Heartbreak Hill push is BC.
During the marathon there is a huge blow up arch that says:
From Boston 2014
A magical sight during the race.
With the major hills being over, the run continued to familiar ground: Beacon St through Brookline and back to Kenmore Square.
Mile 7: 8:17
The great thing about all the charity runners out on the course together is the sense of community. Folks stop at each other's water stops. There are tons of smiles, high fives and of course runner nods. :)
Our final water stop of the day was 7.6 miles in.
John was ready for us with water and gatorade. I enjoyed my mini luna bar before heading out to finish this thang. Am I cool enough to pull off thang? I don't think so. Doing it anyway.
I bobbed and weaved my way through the downtown Brookline as folks were out for brunch, etc. I tried to stay in the bike lane to avoid as much congestion as possible.
Mile 8: 8:28 Mile 9: 8:06
The only downfalls to running downtown are the people and the stoplights. Nothing like getting in a running groove and hitting every single red light. I was on that path this morning.
As I made my way down Beacon, I could see the final incline between me and coffee.
I've mentioned before this incline is just before the Mile 25 marker for the marathon so on it's own not that bad - at the point of the race it is? Killer.
As I looked ahead all I could see of the Citgo sign was GO... and GO I did.
I was going for 10.9 miles to make my 2015 year to date total a nice round 53.
Mile 10: 8:11
So I took an extra long route to Dunkin, which left me at 10.9 miles exactly.
I felt great at the end of the run. Could I have run 15.3 more? Not at that same pace, but I could've kept going.
I know I need to slow my long runs down as they should be slower than projected marathon pace, but today I let my body guide the pace and it felt okay the entire run.
I can tell being back at my goal weight is helping my pace and my overall feeling while running. Keeping excess weight off my back keeps that and my knees feeling better.
I opted to grab a coffee and wait for my wife at Dunkin. Of course I did some stretching while I waited.
Now I will miss the team's 12-14 mile run next weekend as I will be taking on 22.4 miles (5k-10k-Half) at Disneyland. I will miss the group, but I will be happy with the weather, costumes and character stops! :)
***
Week 5 Workouts:
Sunday, January 4: 5k run Monday, January 5: 4-mile run Tuesday, January 6: Hill Repeats (2.8 miles) & 45-min Spin class (Turnstyle) Wednesday, January 7: 4-mile run & 2.5-mile walk Thursday, January 8: 5k run Friday, January 9: 5-mile run Saturday, January 10: 10.9-mile run
***
Looking to Donate?
Are you interested in helping to fight Stroke? Please feel free to click on the link HERE to share a donation.
My Stroke Heroes
Last week's gain could've sent me in one of two directions: 1) Farther down a spiral of eating whatever I want, but letting myself do it since I was still "tracking it"
or
2) I buckled down and got down to serious business to undo the damage
Which do you think I did?
Because I have honestly taken both in the past...
Well...
1 or 2?
I'm waiting here nicely folks.
Okay okay I'll just show you and let you figure it out. ;)
Yes! #2!
Adios 5.8 pounds and hello being right on the mark at goal!!
<<insert embarrassing video of me doing a happy dance>>
(no there isn't really a video of that)
Now I know that losing 5.8 pounds is a lot in one week and has only happened a few times in my weight loss journey, but it did follow a 3.8 pound gain last week. So I don't think it is out of the realm of possibility to happen.
Could this result in a small gain next week? Absolutely. The body fluctuates all the time and sometimes out of our control.
But for now I will celebrate.
I am happy to report that I have tracked every day since that November 7th weigh-in. I am happy to report that through the holiday season I am still down 6.4 pounds.
Now THAT is a win! :)
I indulged, enjoyed myself, but still tried to keep some balance AND increase the activity.
This past week I really stuck to:
^ tracking honestly
^ weighing and measuring all of my foods - I heart my food scale
^ earning the most Activity Points (101) since August 22-28 (105)
^ staying in the positive
Now using my tracker as feedback, I learned I didn't make the best choices with my points - few too many spent on salty snacks rather than a more satisfying choice. Lesson learned and noted!
***
So what is on the horizon? An awesome weekend away with my wife at Disneyland (Jan 15-19) to take part in the Run Disney Star Wars Weekend, which includes three races: 5k, 10k and Half.
What is my game plan? I am going to indulge, but hopefully not go off the rails.
I told myself that I can take the weekend off from tracking, but will let the weekend go as it does. Maybe I will still be in the tracking mood.
Either way I am going to enjoy my time away with my wife, stay super active and either way get right back on the horse as soon as I get back.
I am going into the weekend okay with a small gain, but I would prefer to maintain while gone.
***
But for now I am feeling pretty awesome and giving myself a big high-five... and maybe a beer! :)
Do you use a gain on the scale as motivation?
My name is Dani and I am blogging out of the Boston Area. I started this blog in May of 2011 after suffering a back injury and subsequent back surgery in December 2011-January 2011. This space was to serve as a way for me to release the inner feelings I was carrying around and maybe help some other people going through similar situations: eating disorders, depression, weight loss and more.
