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?

Want to learn more about She Runs Boston? Meet the Run Leaders!

What the heck is She Runs Boston you may be asking???? Well….

Are you a Boston area lady runner?

Have you been looking for a new running buddy? Or two? Or 10?

Do you need some extra accountability to get out at least once a week and log some miles?

Is having fun during a run a priority?

Then She Runs Boston (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) will be for you!

She Runs Boston, formerly known as Boston LUNA Chix, will be running out of the Athleta on Newbury Street on Tuesday nights at 6:30pm - BEGINNING April 14. The group will meet in the back of the Athleta store, where there is a bathroom to use, a water fountain and a place to store your bag during the run (yes someone is watching it while you are out on the town).

You may be worried about not finding someone in their pace at a group run – not a problem here at She Runs Boston. The group will run the gamut of paces. There are speedsters, run/walk method, middle-of-the-packers, back-of-the-packers, folks that like to take pictures while running, selfies, etc.

Also She Runs Boston has a no drop policy so a sweep will stay with the final participants on both distances.

There will be two distance options – 3 of 4 miles – and you can choose whichever you want.

So let's meet the other eight ladies that will be leading these runs... shall we?

Since you read this blog so you know enough about me! ;) (For those that aren't normal readers, I'm Dani and SUPER excited to be a team lead!)

Ashley (Captain)

Why Did You Start Running: I wanted to run the JP Morgan Corporate Challenge with coworkers so I trained and fell in love with it. In 2009 I went from running a 5K to a marathon in a year! After a few setbacks with injuries, I haven't been running distance but I hope to get back to it later this year!

Most Enjoyable Distance To Race: 10K, just long enough to balance speed and distance and manageable training wise

Favorite Thing About She Runs Boston: It's a great group of women who run at various paces and we don't leave anyone behind, everyone feels comfortable running their own pace, knowing they will have a buddy!

Jessie (Captain)

Why Did You Start Running: I had just had ACL surgery, and everyone told me that I'd never be able to run pain-free. I took it as a challenge! 10 years, 3 marathons, 13 half marathons and countless other races later -- I think I've proved them all wrong!

Most Enjoyable Distance To Race: Half Marathon -- it's always a challenge, but training for it doesn't have to take over your entire life as it does with a marathon.

Favorite Thing About She Runs Boston: The people! It's so wonderful knowing that I have this amazing group of women for weekly runs. Some of my best friends are women I've met through this run group!

Susan

Why Did You Start Running: I started running in college, probably to make up for all the beer I was drinking. I will still run for beer today!

Favorite distance: 10K

Favorite thing about She Runs Boston: I've met some great people who share my interests.

Blaire

Why Did You Start Running: When I first starting working out with a personal trainer, the trainer had me set some fitness goals. One of my goals was to run a 5k as I was not a runner. My first 5k was the St. Patrick's Day race in Davis Square in 2013. From there, I became addicted to running since I competed mostly with myself on distance and speed.

Favorite distance: I don't have a favorite distance as I use running to escape reality and just think. I have ran a couple 5k's and a 10k. I would like to run a half marathon this year.

Favorite thing about She Runs Boston: My favorite thing about She Runs Boston is meeting new ladies that run different paces and make sure no one is left behind.

Danielle

Why Did You Start Running: 1. In college Honestly - to lose weight 2. I started calling myself a runner/racer after college when I no longer had field hockey and needed an outlet to compete and feel mentally and physically complete

Most Enjoyable Distance To Race: Half Marathon

Favorite Thing About She Runs Boston: My favorite thing about SRB is that I have weekly accountability because I know that there will be a group of awesome, motivated and really fun women who are taking their time to just show up and run - so why not push myself to get there and be present with them!

Julia

Why Did You Start Running: 1. After college- I was burned out from Swimming and I wanted to meet new people in my new city, Boston :) 2. I didn't think I was a good runner (swim coaches always told me I wasn't built to run). So I took it slowly and didn't care about times, just putting one foot in front of another. I was challenged to run a long-distance relay race (reach the beach) only weeks after I started running outside and after a creative "training day"- I determined I could at least try it. I did it and loved it!

Most Enjoyable Distance To Race: Half Marathon

Favorite Thing About She Runs Boston: My favorite thing about SRB is the collaborative, cooperative, peer (fun) pressure to get to the run, say hi, smile, and think about others while getting in a workout. It gets me OUT of my own head, and into having fun with great people.

Emma

Why Did You Start Running: I ran track and field in high school, but after college I needed an outlet for staying active. A friend of mine invited me to go running and after that I was hooked

Most Enjoyable Distance To Race: Half Marathon! Great distance and the training is manageable with a hectic schedule!

Favorite Thing About She Runs Boston: I love connecting with fabulous lady runners in the Boston area. Some of my closest friends have come from running with this team. I also love running with ladies who are new to the sport and discover that yes, they can CRUSH 3 Miles :)

Suzannah

Why Did You Start Running: My high school did not have girls varsity soccer team, so I started running cross-country in 10th grade to take the place of soccer; been running forward ever since.

Most Enjoyable Distance To Race: 10K

Favorite Thing About She Runs Boston: My favorite thing about SRB is the awesome group of women of all levels that I have meet over the past few years; bringing women together to stay active and encouraging others to get out and run or participate in any outdoor activity.

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Will we see YOU for the first run of the year on April 14 at 6:30pm at Athleta on Newbury St?

*Announcement* I Am A Momentum Jewelry Ambassador!

Ahhh I am WICKED excited to announce that I have been named a Momentum Jewelry Ambassador!!

WWWOOOOOO!!!!

Okay can you tell I'm pumped? ;)

Momentum Jewelry is a small women-owned business which produces all of their products in the USA. Momentum offers foot notes, wrap bracelets, suede cuffs, necklaces, headbands and earrings. These ladies are blending the fitness and fashion worlds seamlessly.

With endless possibilities of sayings for the wrap bracelets I felt overwhelmed when I picked out my first bracelet last year, but knew I wanted to go with a custom saying. But what custom saying would push me though a workout or pick me up during a tough emotional moment.

Yeah I’m kind of obvious. But this blog – this little slice of the internet – has changed my life in more ways than you can imagine. Thinking about sharing my life, workouts and adventures with all of you gives me a huge pick-me-up when feeling own and out. So I knew it was the perfect choice.

The above wrap is the oval motivational wrap with custom saying and teal wrap – value $25. A Motivational wrap without custom saying is $20. But with my newfound arm candy my feet were feeling pretty lonely. Momentum Jewelry offers a single foot note ($10) or a pair ($17).

Sweet, right? In addition to great products filled with passion and love, Momentum believes in the importance of instilling a healthy lifestyle at an early age. So:

5% of our profits are donated to the national effort, Action for Healthy Kids. Founded in 2002, Action for Healthy Kids works with schools to fight the national epidemic of childhood obesity by teaching kids to live healthy, active lives. Learn more at www.actionforhealthykids.org

Pretty awesome!!

But wait... there's more!

As an ambassador I am able to offer all of you amazing folks a 10% discount when you use THIS LINK! heck yeah!

So what are you waiting for??? Go get yours now! :)

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.

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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! ;)

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Have you tapped in to the #PowerToTheShe at Athleta?

Announcement: I'm Joining She Runs Boston in 2015!

Hollah!

I am wicked excited to make a little Friday afternoon announcement...

I am going to be joining the ladies of She Runs Boston starting in April 2015!

Who the heck is She Runs Boston you may be asking????

Well....

Are you a Boston area lady runner?

Have you been looking for a new running buddy? Or two? Or 10?

Do you need some extra accountability to get out at least once a week and log some miles?

Is having fun during a run a priority?

Then She Runs Boston (Facebook and Twitter) will be for you!

She Runs Boston, formerly known as Boston LUNA Chix, will be running out of the Athleta on Newbury Street on Tuesday nights at 6:30pm. The group will meet in the back of the Athleta store, where there is a bathroom to use, a water fountain and a place to store your bag during the run (yes someone is watching it while you are out on the town).

You may be worried about not finding someone in their pace at a group run – not a problem here at She Runs Boston. The group will run the gamut of paces. There are speedsters, run/walk method, middle-of-the-packers, back-of-the-packers, folks that like to take pictures while running, selfies, etc.

Also She Runs Boston has a no drop policy so a sweep will stay with the final participants on both distances.

There will be two distance options - 3 of 4 miles - and you can choose whichever you want.

So make sure you follow She Runs Boston on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to speed on all the details.

Oh and I think I forgot to add that I will be one of the lucky ladies helping to LEAD these weekly runs! WOO!

I look forward to running with you in April! :)