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!

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 Awesome Local Somerville Road Races - Check 'Em Out!

It's no secret that I love racing. I have the pleasure of traveling all over the country to take part in some of the coolest races in the country. But sometimes the best races are the local ones put on in your own backyard.

Well let me rephrase - some of the best races are in MY backyard!

Let's see what Somerville is offering this summer... shall we?

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M.O.M.s Run 5k - May 10 (9:45 - walkers; 10:00 - runners)

2014

The wife and I have done this race each year since we moved back to Somerville, which means 2015 will be our 4th year. Yes I am doing the Ragnar Relay Cape Cod that weekend, but traveling back in time for the race because I cannot miss it!

In the past 13 years, M.O.M.’s Run has raised over $106,000 benefiting the Claudia Adams Barr Program. A full 100% of the funds raised by M.O.M.'s Run benefits the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, widely recognized as one of the largest and most successful programs of its kind.

2013

This morning is a family affair as they offer a Kids 0.1 Mile Run at 9:30 (nine years and under, $5), a 5k walk at 9:45 ($25, 30 after May 1) and a 5k run at 10:00 ($25, 30 after May 1).

Now in addition to an awesome race and atmosphere - complete with carnations given out to moms at the Finish Line - there is the post-race party!

2012

The entire Davis Square restaurant scene gets involved in addition to Harpoon Brewery. Hello free food and beer. Count me in.

This is a must-do race on Mother's Day (5/10). Register here to join the wife and I for a good time.

^^Tank top to first 300 registrants!

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Mystic River Herring Run (5k) and Paddle - May 17 (9:00 am)

This race is legit AT THE END OF MY STREET on May 17th in Somerville, MA. I am less than 1/4 of a mile away. Thank YOU race gods! Thank YOU! The 19th Annual Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle is happening Sunday, May 18 at 9am.

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

You read that right. In addition to the 5k run, there are 3 paddle races (kayak or canoe) a person can take part in. You can run the 5k on its own, do any of the 3 paddle races on their own OR do the 5k and one of the paddle races as a combo. If you don’t have a canoe or kayak, you can rent on. I will only be running the 5k that morning ($25 registration fee).

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

If you want to join me for this 5k (you can register here) then join me for the Slumbrew Fun Run 5k at American Fresh that same morning at 11am!

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Race To The Row 5k - August 23 (9:30 am)

Amazing Race is coming back to Somerville.

Wait wait! That sounds misleading.

THE Amazing Race the show is not coming back to Somerville, but AN Amazing Race is.

The Somerville Road Runners are putting on the 3rd Annual Race To The Row 5k on August 23rd at 9:30am!

2013

The race is a run or walk and is open to runners and families of all ages and abilities.

Additionally, there will be a Children’s Fun Run (age 9 and under) before the race with all kids getting a medal! Can I pretend to be an 8-year old? I love a medal.

I will say the Fun Run was adorable to watch pre-race last year.

But more about the 5k:

The Race to the Row will run through the Assembly Square District and along the Mystic River! All proceeds will benefit the East Somerville Main Streets program (funding East Somerville business visibility and bolstering the community at large) as well as Somerville TrackPAC (provides college scholarships for Somerville High School students).

2014

After coming through the finish, runners will be guided back to the post-race party. Your post-race meal will be provided by Ernesto's Pizza. Quench your thirst with beer from Harpoon Brewery (21+ only). Other beverages will be provided as well. And dessert comes from another local favorite and one of our big sponsors, JP Licks, who is providing six different flavors of ice cream to choose from. Meanwhile enjoy the live music from The IT Band.

The first 300 registrants are guaranteed to receive a race t-shirt, and all paid registrants will get free food, drinks and dessert afterward! But all racers, volunteers and members of the cheering crowds can participate in the post-race festivities.

Want in on the fun? Register here ($25).

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So who will be signing up for this sweet Somerville hat trick of races? ;)

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????