I "Get" To Eat Healthy...

Every have that one sentence or moment that changes your life? You hear it/witness it and a light switches on in your head?

Yeah that happened to me at Fitbloggin during the "Stop Keeping Up With the Joneses" session on Saturday, June 29.

My friend Kenlie from AllTheWeigh.com snuck into the room late from another session.

But, her brief time in the room got my wheels turning.

She simply reiterated how someone mentioned about feeling unhappy about "having" to eat healthy to either lose weight or for health benefits.

And she then said: "But instead we can simply say: I get to eat healthy!"

*Mind Blown*

Oh no she didn't.

Why yes she did.

She simply taught me how to reframe my thoughts though a simple sentence.

For the past few weeks with countless travel and unhappiness with some aspects of my life, I have been SLACKING - I mean seriously slacking - in the healthy eating department.

(Note: this is not about needing to drop x amount of lbs - since I haven't stepped on a scale in 3 weeks - but this is about feeling good and feeling healthy! The reasons why I lost weight!)

Too many old habits have been sneaking back into my life to mask or try to bury the unhappiness I am feeling.

So what is happening today?

Today the reframe is taking place.

Today I stop the pity party.

Today I end "Vacation Mode." (Excuse Alert!)

Today I don't HAVE to eat healthy ... I GET to eat healthy.

Why?

Because I need to remember how much better my training goes when I am eating healthy.

Because I owe it to my racing self.

Because the athlete I've become (can I say that?) deserves to be fueled the best way possible.

Because I have the ability to do it.

So how does it start?

It starts by getting #back2basics. It is a hashtag I use when I need to hit the reset button.

Yup, I have hit the reset button more times than I can count. But the important thing is I keep hitting it.

What does #back2basics mean to me?

1) Take the food scale off the top of the microwave and put it back on the counter. 2) Move the measuring cups from the back of the drawer to the front. 3) Put into effect #DrinkEnd ... which means alcoholic beverages are only allowed Friday-Sunday. (Unless there is an extenuating circumstances of course. If my friends win mega millions on a Tuesday, I'm not passing on champagne! ;)) 4) TRACKING everything that enters my body. 5) Stick to my training plans, planned workouts and gym dates that I have set with friends. 6) Continue to hit my #100ozchallenge each day, which means drinking at least 108oz of water each day! 7) Do my #plankaday each day. My core will thank me too. ;)

It seems like a lot, but really there are the basic routines that I have created since joining Weight Watchers and when I hit them I have success. So easy decision is to list them out for myself.

PLUS, I always do better with a challenge! Don't you?

So if you are looking for a little support or looking to buckle down, feel free to join me in using the #back2basics hashtag!!

Can you pass me an apple?

It's GAME TIME!

Dani Dishes 7-8-13

On this episode of Dani Dishes, I apologize for not having a video last week (Darn Fitbloggin! ;)), complete my final travel, talk about emotional eating and hitting the reset button! Product Of The Week Mizuno Wave Sayonara - http://www.mizunousa.com/running

Mizuno Wave Sayonara Review

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of  Mizuno. All thoughts and opinions are mine. 

I like being a guinea pig.

Oh does that need further explanation? ;)

I love having the opportunity to test out products for myself and for you all, the readers. When I started running back in 2005, I knew NOTHING about proper sneakers, running clothes or even how to design the right playlist.

Can you tell the difference between Marathon #1 (no education) and Marathon #2 (starting to do my homework)?

***

So now I relish the ability to broaden all of our horizons to what is out there to help us reach out goal ... to finish a race, to learn to run, to increase speed - whatever it may be.

That brings me to my latest adventure: the Mizuno Wave Sayonara.

First off, oohhh pretty!! *wiping drool from mouth*

Before losing weight I always wore dark colors to just try and blend in ... and look slimmer. So as I started my weight loss journey I would slowly add color to my attire via sneakers. So HELLO these are perfect.

Now, Mizuno is known for light weight shoes, which basically means not a lot of cushion.

This got my brain working and I was nervous. Since I started running and especially after back surgery in January 2011, I always aired on the side of caution and used a shoe that offered as much support (aka cushion) as I could find. For some reason in my mind that meant nothing would happen to my back again.

But, when I was given the opportunity to a sneak peek at these gorgeous Mizunos (retail $119.99) how could I pass that up. Plus every day I learn something new about my body and my running so I need to keep the mind open.

These beautiful shoes came in the mail and I immediately ripped them open and hit the road.

They fit like a glove. I was shocked. I said a little prayer to the running gods and set off.

It was June 26th, a hot and humid Wednesday morning in Boston and I felt my run would suffer. But I think the shoes kicked in.

(Note: Mizuno refers to the #WaveSayonara as the "Everyday Fast"!)

So how did the run go? I think I put it best on Instagram that day:

Tried out the @mizunorunning#wavesayonara today & loved 'em!! Even with the heat I hit sweet negative splits (8:16, 8:03, 7:56 & 5:33 for 0.7) AND repped the rainbow@sparklysoulinc in celebration of #domadying! :)

Oh yeah, those would be some pretty sweet negative splits. I felt light. I felt free. I felt fast.

I actually LOVED wearing the light weight shoes. When it is so hot out, I find it sometimes feels like a chore to pick up my legs - especially during a long run - but the Mizunos were lightweight enough that I didn't experience that.

My back didn't hurt at all. My knees and ankles felt supported.

***

I took another Spin after returning from Fitbloggin' this past week. I was tired from the travel (east coast to west coast to east coast in 4 days), but I knew I needed to hit the pavement. So Tuesday afternoon, I laced up the #WaveSayonara and hit the path.

I was tired and feeling blah, but honestly the shoes picked me up. I didn't even want to know about time (that's how out of it I felt) so I wore my Garmin face down during the run. As I was running around the River, I thought to myself how I felt like I was running in place, but as I sneaked a peek at my Garmin I was rocking a low 8 min/mile pace - say wha?

The shoes. It was all about the shoes. I swear.

***

I think Mizuno described the shoe perfectly:

Mizuno introduces the Wave Sayonara – our lightest everyday training shoe yet. Speed is now more accessible than ever and something that can obtain on a daily basis.

Sayonara is light, low-to-the-ground, and versatile so any run can be as fast as ever. The euphoric foam midsole ensures the proper cushioning without added weight and bulk so runners experience a light, smooth, comfortable, and responsive ‘ride.’

Now, running enthusiasts can wave goodbye to slow and say hello to more energized, mezamashii running.

***

I know you want to know the technical highlights of the shoe ... so here they are:

**Blown rubber sole for optimal flexibility **U4ic is innovatively light and well cushioned **G3 Sole features lightweight, superior traction **Mizuno Wave Technology provides the perfect balance of lightweight cushioning and stability

Thank you again #WaveSayonara for making me feel as fast as an Elite runner?

And what's cool? They hit the shelves TODAY!

Go! Go check 'em out and see if they are right for you!

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Weekly Workout Wind Up (6/27-7/3/13)

With so much travel and flight delays and timezones, this wasn't my best workout week, but it had some variety! Thursday, June 27: Rest Day/Travel Day

Friday, June 28: Zumba

Saturday, June 29: Jumpsport Trampoline Class and 3-Mile Run

Sunday, June 30: 6-Mile Run

Monday, July 1: Rest Day

Tuesday, July 2: 4.99-Mile Run

Wednesday, July 3: 45-Min Stairmaster and 20-Min Elliptical

Will I see you at Urban RAID Boston?

Do you reside in the Boston area? Do you want to take part in a wicked cool obstacle course?

Do you want to challenge your comfort zone?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, YOU should join me for the RAID Series Urban obstacle race in Boston on July 27th!

ONE MONTH FROM TODAY I will be tackling my 3rd obstacle course race. In September 2012, I completed my first Warrior Dash and in June 2013 I had a blast at Ruckus Boston.

According to their website:

Introducing a new, cutting-edge race series designed for a new breed of cross training athlete – The RAID. Come experience the next generation of obstacle racing; one that features varied terrain, large-scale customized infrastructure, and extraordinary venues that range from picturesque beaches, to energized downtown metros, to breath-taking mountain sides. The RAID offers you the chance to choose one or conquer all three races in distinct environments – a unique challenge that no other series can provide. For just under five miles in distance at each race course, you’ll be challenged to run, crawl, jump, climb, and scramble on sand, city streets and steep slopes. Our immense constructed obstacles are designed to test your strength, agility and fortitude, while keeping you safe and injury free. We want you to cross that finish line exhausted and ecstatic, with your friends and family cheering you on. And we want you to celebrate your accomplishment by joining your fellow athletes and fans at the post-race party, complete with recovery stations, sponsor booths, music, food, and beer!

They have a beach raid, a mountain raid and an urban raid ... so what will Boston's URBAN RAID entail?

Anyone who has run on busy city streets knows that it’s a challenge in itself. Urban RAID takes it to the next level by capturing the best of city landscapes and urban elements and incorporating them into an innovative and challenging course. The city is your course in Urban RAID.

Boston's URBAN RAID will take place at City Hall Plaza in downtown Boston on July 27 at 9am. The course is 3.1 miles (5k) with what looks like nine obstacles.

Now, this race is GEARED to people of ALL fitness levels and anyone over the age of 16! So if you are worried about participating in your first obstacle course race ... this seems to be on for you!!

If you are nervous about being able to participate in an obstacle, don't worry there are volunteers on hand to help!

Racers are required to complete all obstacles before continuing on in the race. Staff will be stationed at each obstacle to ensure no racers are skipping obstacles and are able to complete it. In the event that racer cannot complete, they will be assessed a penalty in the form of an alternate obstacle or 10 burpees.

Now this is the first time they are hold a Urban Raid race in downtown Boston, so there aren't actual photos of the obstacles yet ... but here are some drawings.

How cool would it be to cargo net up towards City Hall?

How exciting would it be to do some Marine Hurdles with the historic Faneuil Hall in the background?

Seems pretty cool right? A new way to check out downtown Boston.

If you want to join my team and I at Urban RAID Boston then head over to their site and register!

REGULAR ($65): JUNE 12 – JULY 25 ON-SITE ($75): JULY 26 – JULY 27

Oh yeah that's right - you can sign up as a team. How fun would it be to jump our of your comfort zone with some of your closest friends???

Your friends aren't "racing" type people? Okay, tell them there is an after-party!! :) That's right. RAID will be hosting a post-race party at a local bar, which will be revealed closer to race day.

So if you are looking for a new adventure and you love downtown Boston then this race is for you!

So again ... will I see you there with me on July 27?

Weekly Workout Wind Up (6/20-26/13)

After a week of double-triple workout days, I took Saturday and Sunday as rest days - mainly because we were traveling to upstate NY for a wedding so that meant a looooot of time in the car. I did dance at the wedding to help a little. ;) But, I made up for it on Monday!!  

Thursday, June 20: Day 29 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred, 5k Run and Afternoon Walk With A Friend

Friday, June 21: 5k Run and Day 30 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred

Saturday, June 22: REST DAY/Wedding Dancing

Sunday, June 23: REST DAY

Monday, June 24: Personal Sprint Tri (1/2 Mile Swim, 9 Mile Bike, 4 Mile Run) and 45-Minute Spinning

Tuesday, June 25: 45-Minute Stairmaster

Wednesday, June 26: 3.7-Mile Run

Next week will include a four-day trip to Portland for Fitbloggin ... so workouts should be varied!! 

My Makeshift Monday Morning Triathlon...

On Sunday while driving home from Suzi Storm's wedding in upstate New York, I was tracking my friend Tara from A Life Changing Journey OWN her first Half Ironman. At the same time, Krysten from The Misadventures of a Darwinian Fail was ROCKING her first Triathlon. How could I not be pumped and inspired by all of that awesomness?

So what did I decide to do yesterday morning?

Attempt my own personal Sprint Triathlon at the gym.

On March 3, I somehow landed on the Boston Triathlon (Sprint Tri) website and registered for it (happens August 4). Don't remember, check this out to refresh your memory!

Training has been slow. I finally bought a bike on May 5, but getting the running-biking-swimming training schedule down has been tough. I am trying to train for the Sprint Tri (1/2 mile swim, 9 mile bike and 4 mile run) while also keeping up with training for a slew of half marathons, marathon and Dopey Challenge - which are all on the horizon.

But with all the awesomness that happened on Sunday, I woke up yesterday morning and committed to attempt to do this whole Sprint Tri at my Boston Sports Club location.

I didn't really want to tell anyone what I was going to attempt in case I failed. I confided in Dacia from Run. Ride. Repeat. since she is a non-judgmental cheerleader! :)

I made sure to get #PoweredByBits before embarking on this endeavour thanks to ENERGYbits!!

I got to the gym about 10am dressed for the swim with a backpack of clothes for the bike/run.

Thankfully between google and my math degree I was able to figure out that I would need to swim 32 lengths of the pool or 16 laps in order to reach the 1/2 mile swim the Boston Triathlon has.

I popped my X-1 Audio waterproof headphones on the back of my goggles, started my timer and I was off. I was going for nice and even strokes and hoping not to go out too fast.

Boy did the music help keep me focused on the swim and on the correct lap number. :P

I finished the 32 lengths in 15:04.

Can you tell I was excited?

My arms felt GREAT! And I owe a huge thanks to my wife since the bathing suit, swim cap and goggles were all borrowed from her. :P

I quickly headed into the locker room to change for the bike.

It has been AGES since I used a regular gym bike...

... since I normally get my bike on either outside with Roxie or in Spin class!

It was an awkward bike experience, but I was determined to finish the 9 miles on the bike no matter what.

I definitely know the bike section will be better 1) in the moment, 2) with more practice and 3) on a more comfortable bike!

My legs were feeling a little tired - I think from the awkward motion from the oversized bike ;) but I was ready to hit up the treadmill for the 4 mile run.

As I was running, I decided to keep myself at a nice 8:30 pace. I obviously was not doing this little experiment for time, but to prove to myself that I could.

But, as the run got to the 5k mark, my legs were feeling good so I started upping the pace a little each tenth of a mile. Because why not, right?

I ended up with a 8:31 min/mile pace and I was A-ok with that!!

I DID IT!! I successfully completed a swim-bike-run in that order and with minimal time in between each one.

I know the actual Sprint Tri will be a whole different experience, but boy did completing each distance within a 2-hour timeframe make me feel a tad more prepared!

I ended up finishing my challenge in 1:21:33.

At least now I have a jumping off point for the rest of my training. I have about 5 weeks before actual race day.

Now I need to work on getting outside and swimming in the open waters, bike on the street and put the sneakers on the pavement.

But for now, I will bask in my own awesomeness and inspire myself to get out and do more!

Argyle Zensah Compression Socks Giveaway

Annddddd the winners ARE:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

CONGRATS!!!!

Thank you to everyone that participated and big thanks to our Sponsor!!!

***

What was life like before compression? How did I run for so long before welcoming compression into my life? Boy was I late to the party! Now I rock lots of compression ... arm sleeves, leg sleeves, socks and even shorts!!

And all from Zensah! About six weeks ago, Zensah gave me the opportunity to review a pair of Neon Yellow Compression Socks, which you can read here.

While neon is fantastic (never thought I would say that outside of the 1980s), it doesn't go with all of my running outfits. Zensah to the rescue. Argyle Say whhaa?? You heard me ... argyle compression socks ($49.99 value)! Like the website states:

Zensah Argyle Compression Socks provide runners, triathletes, cyclists, and all athletes with increased circulation and decreased recovery time by utilizing advanced graduated compression in each pair of argyle compression socks - meaning the greatest amount of compression in the ankle and less in the calf area.

Of course I had to pick the white-grey-neon pink argyle socks since they go so well with my Asics running shoes. Don't you agree? We were a match made in Heaven. Many wonder when compression socks can be worn and Zensah puts it best:

The argyle compression socks are able to be worn prior to exercise to help runners warm up and prevent injury. Athletes are able to wear the compression socks during running and other exercises to help increase endurance through improved muscle oxygenation. Wear Zensah Argyle Compression Socks post-exercise provide runners, triathletes, cyclists, and athletes with a valuable recovery tool, helping to rebuild muscles faster.

Yup, that's exactly what I would say: before a workout, during a workout or after a workout!! Your choice! Personally, I am most apt to use the argyle compression socks for post workout recovery ... especially with some weakness in my left leg after a back injury/surgery/sciatica I suffered in 2011. The compression socks really help the blood to flow and to speed up the recovery process. I even go as far as wearing them at night while I sleep if I feel I really need the help! But, there are days when the legs are feeling sluggish or tired and I will break out the compression socks. The day I ran the Freedom Trail Run (June 8) was one of those mornings ... so my amazing neon pink-grey-white Zensah socks came with me. The day was overcast and some puddles remained from a heavy rain the night before, but the moisture wicking fibers kept my feet nice and dry. Additionally, the padded toe and heel offer extra shock absorption on the uneven Boston cobblestone streets. And you know how you hate when a seam gets in one of those uncomfortable positions in your sneaker and you have to stop running, pause your Garmin and adjust the sock ... not in the Zensah compression socks since they are seamless. Smart designers!

So, I may have chosen the neon pink-grey-white argyle pattern this time ... but Zensah has 6 patterns to choose from. Eek, which will I choose next? *Black-Electric Blue-Light Blue *Black-Grey-Light Pink *Black-Grey-Neon Pink *Black-Turquoise-Green Apple *White-Electric Blue-Light Blue *White-Grey-Light Pink *White-Grey-Neon Pink *** So, now we get to the exciting part ... do you want to do know what it is? Well, I guess the title of this post gave it away ... it's a GIVEAWAY!!! Zensah generously offered a giveaway with not 1, not 2, but 5 lucky readers will win their own pairs of Argyle compression socks! YAY!!!!! Here's how to enter: The giveaway will run from Monday June 17 (9am ET) through Friday June 21 (9am ET)!

The winner will be selected and announced on Friday!

Weekly Workout Wind Up (6/13-19/13)

Weellll I wanted to return to swimming this week, but apparently the pool had a different idea and it was closed everytime I headed to the gym. But, I am going to get over my fear of swimming outside and embark on that endeavour next week! Eek! I hurt my ankle at the Ruckus Boston race on Saturday so I took it easy on Sunday and Monday and made sure to have an ankle brace on. But, starting Tuesday I was brace free and feeling okay!

Thursday, June 13: Day 25 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred

Friday, June 14: REST DAY

Saturday, June 15: Ruckus Boston (4-Mile Obstacle Run)

Sunday, June 16: Walk/Stairmaster/Elliptical with Lindsey

Monday, June 17: Day 26 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred, 3.2 Mile Run, Bike To/From Work, 5k Run and 50-Minute Spin

Tuesday, June 18: Day 27 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred, 2.5-Mile Run and 45-Min Stairmaster

Wednesday, June 19: Day 28 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred, 4.1-Mile Run and 10-Mile Bike Ride w/ my dad

Feelin' STRONG this week!! :)

Weekly Workout Wind Up (6/6-12/13)

During this week, I realized workouts are harder for me when I don't have a training plan written down. So I am taking time this weekend to write down a Sprint Triathlon training plan mixed with half marathon training plan mixed with marathon training plan. :P You can see towards the end of the round-up I am really working on two or three mini workouts a day to get ready for the triathlon.

Thursday, June 6: Day 19 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred

Friday, June 7: Day 20 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred

Saturday, June 8: Freedom Trail Run (3 Miles) and Day 21 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred

Sunday, June 9: Walk/Stairmaster/Elliptical with Lindsey

Monday, June 10: Day 22 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred, 5k Run and 50-Minute Spin

Tuesday, June 11: Day 23 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred, 4-Mile Run and 45-Min Stairmaster

Wednesday, June 12: Day 24 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred and 3.19-Mile Run

Due to health reasons there was no swimming this week ... it will return next week!