Boston Marathon Weekend (Friday): Expo & Runkeeper Party

You probably are thinking to yourself - Boston Marathon - that old event was like 3 weeks ago... ... and you would be right!

Well I got a little dose of reality from my dad yesterday who was taken aback that I hadn't recapped the weekend yet. Now this coming from the man who doesn't really understand my blog nor read it. But, it lit a little fire under my big butt to get a move on.

So let's get this recap party started.

I like to set the scene so we are kicking it day by day style up in here. Why? Because it is my blog and I said so. So there. :)

On Thursday, April 17, my dear boo Linzie from See Sharp Run arrived in town from Cali. Of course I jumped in the car to go meet him and Adam and Katie (hi twitter friends) for a brew ... or two.

Reunited and it feels soooo good! Sometimes you meet a person and you just click. For those that don't know Linzie and I first met in October 2013 and ended up running a 10k trail run together through the Hollywood Hills that night sharing his one headlamp - yeah that can bond two people together - plus the convo was great! :)

But I digress ... as we were enjoying some beer and food we were joined by Angry Julie. I was so excited to finally meet her after years of chatting online. Blogger fail for not getting a photo with her that night, but there will be one at some point in the weekend.

After a great night, it was time to head home and rest up for one of my favorite days of race weekend ... the Expo!

Now, I had to knock out four hours of work before I let loose on the Expo and it felt like 20 hours. :P But the clock finally hit noon and I was out the door.

Many folks are not a fan of the Expo - it is a get in, get the number and get out.

Maybe it is because I am connected to a lot of companies and folks through social media that the Expo turns into a social party for me!

You can imagine what is coming next ... pictures!! :P

I arrived at the Expo just before 12:30 on Friday and immediately got in line to get my number.

Thankfully I ran into a friend Stephanie (who was running her first marathon) and was able to sneak in with her. The line was RIDICULOUS when I got there. Doors opened at Noon. I know there were about 10k extra runners, but the line was about 3 times the length from last year at the same time.

Thankfully the line moved at a good clip and before we knew it was the magic moment - the pic we had been waiting for - you and the bib!

After sweeping up my number, it was off to get the official t-shirt (loved it this year) and finally hit up the Expo floor.

Ahhh a great sight. Occasionally I still question whether I can call myself a runner - I don't know what the hold up in my brain is - but I still love seeing the sign.

First and foremost I had the sign the big runner wall.

I had an Expo game plan: I was going to hit the booths of my favorite products first! And in no particular order...

Sparkly Soul

It is always a pleasure seeing Pamela, half of the dynamic sister duo behind Sparkly Soul headbands.

ENERGYBITS

It was awesome picking up the free bags of Bits I earned as an ENERGYBits ambassador right before a huge race weekend.

KT Tape

 

I always hit up the KT Tape booth if they are at an expo. While I am confident in applying the KT Tape myself, I never pass up the chance for a professional to do it. PLUS sometimes they tape it in a way you would've never imagined. Like on my foot above. I had never seen that style before, but was open to giving it a try for the BAA 5k the next morning.

After hitting up my Top Three booths and making a quick lap of the whole floor (two large rooms), it was time to sneak away to the Old South Church.

Thank you Diane for my scarf!! It was made with love by Jean in Hollis, NH!!  The knitters were told to make the scarves with 1) blue & yellow and 2) love & courage. Then I started crying!!

I popped into Dunkins for a healthy lunch of iced coffee and munchkins. Hey a healthy lifestyle is full of balance, right? :) Then headed back to the Expo to see friends. And see friends I did. While I didn't get a pic with everyone here are a few:

Kelly, a fellow Weight Watchers and a current Chicago resident (she has my leader I had when I was in Chicago)

The amazing Kimberly stopped by the Expo to spread some good hugs and cheer to Linzie and I for the race

More RunDisney love with Linzie, Kelsey and Kristin

What I absolutely love about the whole Expo??? Is that everyone I interacted with, saw, loved, hugged and laughed with ... I met online! Thanks Twitter and Facebook! :)

Thanks for the pic Adam

Before heading out with the crew to the Runkeeper Marathon party, Linzie and I needed to take a quick break with the power supply. #BloggerProblems

Since it was a nice day out, we took the opportunity to get some steps on the ol FitBit and take the walk from the Expo to Runkeeper, which really was only about a mile or so.

I was wicked excited to finally see the Runkeeper HQ. The event was from 3-5:30 and included a scavenger hunt. I was having too much Expo fun to pull away for the Scavenger Hunt portion, but made it in time to meet some Runkeeper folks I speak to online often and see the power duo behind Notch Brewing.

Notch was providing refreshments for the soiree. I love Notch and the folks behind it. It is great to find a cool local brewery you can support. I often see Notch at the Cambridge 5k races while captaining the Team Slumbrew running team. But as Chris said "friendly competition" here. :)

But, it was nice to have some time to chat with Chris and Mary Ellen at Runkeeper. As I chatted with friends and the Runkeeper staff, I realized it was bathroom time. So I excused myself, took care of business and came back to an empty room. I'm not sure if everyone got invited to a party that I wasn't or what but all of a sudden everyone was gone.

So I took the opportunity to snap a quick selfie with the Runkeeper treadmill, ask my way into a Runkeeper HQ tour and then head on my way.

It was a great way to kick off the Boston Marathon weekend ... and I hadn't even done any running yet! :P

***

Are you an Expo lover?

Three Things Thursday: How Dani Got Her Groove Back

Wallowing.

That was me last week after coming off the runner's high of completing two marathons in 5 days AND raising over $9,000 to Fight Stroke with Tedy's Team.

Then it was back to the real world. I wasn't ready.

I felt off mentally and physically.

It was no surprise my eating hadn't been on point and I was lacking in sleep due to travel from Boston to Nashville.

So when I emerged from the fog of the post-race blues, I took to the vlog - Dani Dishes - and shared my pain. You can check it out here.

Once I made the video, I felt a some of the tension exit my body but I knew I needed more.

Changes had to be made and here are three that are helping so far...

***

1) Bedtime.

That's right folks.

I am 5 years old and instituting a bedtime for myself - at least Sunday-Thursday if possible. I have been shutting down the TV and electronics by 10pm.

I can spend HOURS flipping through social media channels and combing through Netflix, but it leaves me groggy in the morning.

AND impacts my morning workouts. Not okay.

I may only be four days into this experiment, but I am already seeing the benefits. It is getting easier to get out of bed by 6 for a morning run or session with Jillian Michaels.

As I prepare to kick up the Half Ironman training, I know the wake-up times will get earlier so this is a good transition time for me.

***

2) #WOMSRunStreak was born.

Now I have said before that I hate streaking and I do. Now not THAT kind of streaking you dirty minds you!

But, run streaks. I took part in the Runner's World Streak in December and felt it wear on my body a tad.

For now, this is the motivation I need to get out of bed and get moving. It is the accountability I need.

How long will it last? I can't tell you. It is doing the trick in the moment.

***

3) Tracking!

I know I know. This should be basic for a Weight Watchers member/leader. But with the hectic schedule as I approached Boston and set off for Nashville last minute - it was at the back of my mind.

On Monday, May 5 I challenged my Monday Night Weight Watchers group to a 6-week challenge. Week 1's task was to track at least 5 out of 7 days. Now, I don't like the do as I say not as I do motif so it was time to pull up my big girl pants and get to trackin'.

I am currently rockin' Day 4 back to tracking on the WW mobile app and I can say the first three days were:

^100% tracked (29 PPV a day) ^at least 120oz of water drank each day, ^activity each day (at least 30 min) ^getting all my Good Health Guidelines in.

The sense of control is back and I am feelin' good. Some of the road trip bloat has subsided as well. YAY!

***

I haven't done anything revolutionary here, but the tiny changes pay off big. These are things I KNOW I need to do. Occasionally one can get sloppy and let things slide - it happens.

And now I am going to get back to gettin' my groove back!

Dani Dishes 5-5-14

On this episode of Dani Dishes, post-race blues - they are a real thing - and it's okay to take a week off to clear the mind & body! Also registration is open for the Strides Against Stroke virtual 5k HERE...

Three Things Thursday

Oh this meme makes me happy every time I see it! AND it makes me miss the 90s/early 2000s. Those were the days. Now where are my overalls?

Okay getting sidetracked!

I have been launching some exciting things this week and realizing they are all over the place on the blog and throughout social media. Thanks to Three Things Thursday I can put them all in one place for you!

Let's do it!

***

1) May is National Stroke Awareness Month! In honor of this, I am hosting a virtual 5k - Strides Against Stroke - to benefit Tedy's Team and the American Stroke Association. With your $25 donation (through Paypal) you gain entry to the 5k (which you can run or walk or skip), a printable race bib and a Finsher's Medal (which I will mail to you)!

A virtual 5k takes place wherever you are, inside or outside, treadmill or elliptical between May 11-18. Once you complete the 5k, you would email me your time and picture (love those sweaty selfies).

It's as simple as that.

To register or for more information, click here.

***

2) Weight Off My Spring Dietbet is LIVE!

For those that don't know what dietbet is: read here.

Basically you put in $20, attempt to shed 4% of your body weight in 28 days (less now since it started April 28), and if you succeed you split the pot.

Right now we have 217 players and a pot of $4,340!

So do you want to put your money where your mouth is?

Then click here to sign up!

***

3) GIVEAWAY TIME!! I realized earlier in the week that I hadn't hosted a giveaway in about a month. You all need free awesome stuff!

Thanks to The Universe Knows I am giving away three great prizes: a mug, a hoodie and a journal.

Head over to the post to check out more info and to enter! Winner chosen May 8 at 7am ET!

***

Have a Happy Thursday!

Dani Dishes 4-28-14

On this episode of Dani Dishes, it's time to talk about my trip to Nashville and those 2 marathons in 5 days!! Also registration is open for the Strides Against Stroke virtual 5k: Click here!

Dani Dishes 4-21-14: Initial Boston Marathon Thoughts

On this episode of Dani Dishes, I am sharing my initial thoughts and reactions to April 21's Boston Marathon. Warning: there will be tears!

#BostonRunsSocial Meetup/Tweetup (April 19) - You joining?

Do you live in Boston? Do you read this blog? Ummm that is an awkward question since you are currently reading this sentence, but hey I have to ask anyway. Right?

Are you running the BAA 5k or Boston Marathon?

If you answered YES to any of those questions, well good for you.

That's it. I was just wondering.

Ahhh just kidding! ;)

It's meetup/tweetup time folks!!

I floated the idea out on the interwebs a few months back and folks seemed like they wanted to get on board. So here it is:

The Back Bay Social club is located right across the street from the expo so it is a GREAT location!

Will I see you there?

PS Special thanks to Linzie from See Sharp Run for coming up with the sweet hashtag!!

One Week Til Boston...

I was trying to put into words my thoughts about next Monday, but I thought a little video might be easier. Okay it is the same amount of rambling, but I liked doing the video rambling instead. :P [embedplusvideo height="281" width="450" editlink="http://bit.ly/1t03QaO" standard="http://www.youtube.com/v/TlR29FHfpxA?fs=1" vars="ytid=TlR29FHfpxA&width=450&height=281&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=&notes=" id="ep1729" /]

As mentioned in the video I am STILL raising money to #FightStroke and would appreciate any and all donations. If you would like to sponsor a mile in the marathon, follow the simple instructions below:

1) Head over to my donation page (here) and donate :) - $20 per mile

2) Comment on this blog post with which mile you would like to sponsor

3) Feel good about helping to Fight Stroke

Thank you all for your continued support as we head to the Big Day!!

MILES SPONSORED

1 Lindsay Sampson 2 Amanda Heglin 3 Nicole Ethier 4 Lynne & Jim Kirk 5 Cubicle Dad (aka Dan Malinski) 6 Samantha Collins 7 Abby Land 8 John Flynn and Diane Fauteux 9 Tambra Means 10 Wendy Arnold 11 Kim Carvalho 12 Amy Kelley and Shannon Natoli 13 Rachel Rubenson 14 Amy Parker 15 Caitlin, Jeff and the Slumbrew Family 16 Linda Rasmussen 17 The Bryan Flynn Family 18 Sarah Griffiths-Briggs 19 Anna Schandorff 20 Mindy Bobe 21 Chris Shuttlesworth 22 Kathleen and Ben Coughlan 23 Megan Lee 24 Dan & Marcia Flynn 25 Eric Celidonio 26 Kelly Southard 26.2 My Stroke Heroes

Splendid Saturday

On Saturday, April 12, the stars aligned, the weather gods listened and I had one freakin' fantastic day!! Oh yeah it was worth double alliteration: Freakin' Fantastic and Splendid Saturday.

The morning started like every other Saturday this winter/early Spring - with an early wake-up call for a morning run. But this wouldn't be a Tedy's Team run (because those ended the week before). I would be meeting my friend Robin (aka Westford Mommy) at the Minuteman Bikeway.

We met at Depot Park in Bedford, which is thankfully a great halfway point between us, at 8:30am. Robin had a 2 hour run on the docket so she did a nice 4.5 mile warm-up before I got there. Yeah that is why she is a 3:24 marathoner and an Iron(wo)man! :)

The weather was GORGEOUS and the Minuteman Bikeway was finally clear of snow. The Minuteman Bikeway enjoys rolling "hills." It isn't really hills, but more a constant incline and decline during the entire path. I somehow block that from my memory each time I run the path.

Robin and I haven't been able to hang out for ages since she is rocking Half Ironman/Marathon training, being a mom and going to school to be a PT. So it was great to have some quality time to catch-up.

As I said before Robin is a much faster and stronger runner than I am so I was nervous to have her run with me. I didn't want to slow her training down. But thankfully she is training at a slower speed, which thankfully fits more into my normal pace. :P

We hit the trail talking and before I knew it we were at 5 miles and ready to turn around.

Mile 1: 8:26 Mile 2: 8:20 Mile 3: 8:24 Mile 4: 8:23 Mile 5: 8:10

The inclines didn't take too much out of me, which really made me appreciate all the extra time I am putting it on the bike this winter.

I was so focused on our conversation that I barely looked down at my watch to see what our pace was. I knew we were just under 8:30. I couldn't believe how comfortable the pace was. I was having a good conversation and didn't sound out of breath while we were talking (which is always a good indicator whether you are running too fast).

As I've mentioned Robin is a huge inspiration of mine on many levels. She lost over 90 lbs with Weight Watchers and is one amazing athlete and mom. So any chance I get to pick her brain about training and racing, I jump on it. I had her sole attention out there. :P

We are actually both going to be completing The Pumpkinman Half Ironman in September (my first) so it was great to hear her thoughts on the course since she's done it before.

I also love Robin's belief that I am stronger than I think. She is 100% believes I can qualify for Boston, while I think she may be missing a screw up there. ;) But she gives me the slight flicker that maybe there is a small chance. And if not, I could still run a faster and stronger marathon than I do now.

Mile 6: 8:38 Mile 7: 8:36 Mile 8: 8:27 Mile 9: 8:20 Mile 10: 8:33

(Yeah we caught some great inclines on the way back - thanks Minuteman ;))

I felt strong during the run. I didn't feel like I was pushing the pace. There is something to taking that risk and running with someone who is a faster pace than you. Plus, I knew that if I needed to at any point, we could slow the pace back down. But as the final long run before Boston, I wanted to see what the legs had to offer. Sorry taper. :P

It was great to see Robin, especially since she was the person that found me on Newbury Street after the marathon bombings and stayed with me until we found my family.

Big thanks to Twitter for bringing us together.

What an amazing way to kick off a Saturday, huh?

After bidding Robin farewell, I headed home to do a quick shower/change before the rest of my fun plans.

But first I had to try on the super cute running skirt that Robin gave me. (Running Skirts)

"Now you can work up to all the distances on the skirt" ... hmmm I see where she is going with this. ;)

I don't usually run in any skirt besides a Sparkle Athletic skirt, but the shorts under the skirt seem so comfortable that I might have to give it a try!

After grabbing a quick lunch with the wife, I was off to The Paint Bar on Newbury St ($35 value) as part of my friend Beth's #NerdyThirty Birthday Celebration Day. As you can imagine she had a nerd theme. I love a theme, but ran out of time to properly prepare so I thought my Zensah Argyle socks would have to do.

The Paint Bar event started at 1:30 and of course I cut my arrival super close, but I made it. This was my first attempt at a Paint Bar event and I was nervous. I was told wine would be available, which would be appreciated.

Beth in full #nerdythirty garb (wig and all)

The crowd was about 98% women with a wide range of ages. Many folks looked to be either enjoying an afternoon with friends, on a date with a significant other or celebrating a birthday. Either way the crowd was lively and ready to paint.

Here is what the final product should look like:

Let's see how close I got.

Thankfully I immediately found the wine. #priorities

Thankfully our lead artist Ari did a great job painting, playing DJ and making sure we all stayed on task. :)

We all took our paper plates to the back of the room to get our paints. Again they had a nice sign telling you exactly how much of each color of paint to get. Thank you Paint Bar!

We were finally ready.

We started with the sky and I already felt overwhelmed :P but I just tried to do my best. I knew that if the painting was horrible at least people would pity me and tell me it looked okay.

After finishing the sky, grass and water we took at 15 min drying break. I looked around and noticed that every single person's picture looked different. We were able to make the water whatever color you wanted. Some liked it more magenta than blue, etc. It put me at ease to see that we all took some artistic license with it.

Thank goodness actual people were not in my buildings. You can see they were a little wobbly. Probably not structurally sound. ;)

While checking in to The Paint Bar on my social media channels to try and win a chance for a free class at Paint Bar, I had a great time chatting with the owner Jill. April 12 marked The Paint Bar's one-year anniversary at the Newbury St location. They also have one in Newton.

After another short break, it was time to add the tiny trees to the Riverfront and windows to the buildings. Oh yeah and the sun and stars.

There's my finished product.

What do you think? I was pretty darn proud of myself since the most I can draw normally are stick figures. The Paint Bar staff really does make painting something everyone in the room can do... and have fun the whole time.

Our group had some masterpieces! 

The Paint Bar event took just over two hours, but the time flew. We were at the final product before I knew it. I highly recommend taking in a class at The Paint Bar if you are in the Boston or Newton area. I think the wife and I will be having a date there sometime soon. :)

After we finished our painting, the birthday girl and her crew went home to change, while I opted to enjoy the gorgeous Boston afternoon. I called the wife and had her meet me early so we could walk around downtown. It would be just her second time back to Boylston Street since the Marathon Bombings.

Enjoyed a nice beer while I waited for her

Oh and the beer was Samuel Adams Rebel IPA not Bud Light. Just for everyone's info. ;)

The wife and I had a great time walking around downtown before meeting back up with Beth and her friends for dinner at Kashmir. I was going to have my first adventure with Indian Food. We had some delicious garlic naan bread, which I knew I liked. I tried my first vegetable samosa. Eh, I didn't hate it, but didn't see any real draw to it. For my main dish, I had chicken tikka masala. I even asked for mild, but it was still a little spicy for my little palette. Overall, it was a great experience and I was happy to try something new. It has only been since joining Weight Watchers in 2009 that I have really tried to branch out in my food choices.

The conversation at dinner was ah-may-zing and it felt like I have known these people for ages instead of meeting some that afternoon.

While the girls went out for some karaoke, the wife and I took advantage of the nice weather by heading to the train then walking home.

Oh and I happened to pick up my Boston Marathon jacket before the Expo next week.

The day revolved around three amazing people - Robin, Beth and my wife - all of whom I met online. Thank you dear internet for bringing such amazing people in my life.

And Boston, thanks for being one beautiful city!

Three Things Thursday: Zensah Edition

I've done countless posts about Zensah compression socks and sleeves. (Read here if you missed one) Since everyone knows/hears about compression socks and sleeves, I thought I'd use Three Things Thursday to open your minds to other products Zensah has to offer in the world of compression.

(Please note: I loved Zensah so much I was honored to be chosen last year as a Zensah blogger! This does not however sway or impact my reviews of their products! Ain't nobody got time for fake reviews!!!)

The three Zensah products I'm bringing to you today are: Sports Bra, Shorts and Arm Warmers.

Let's get this compression party started ...

***

1) Limitless Compression Arm Warmers (value $34.99)

The latest addition to the Zensah arsenal are arm warmers. I wasn't sure what to think when I first heard about them. I mean I have seen friends running in arm warmers before, but hadn't tried it myself.

The description on the website explained it clearly:

Whether using the Zensah Limitless Compression Arm Warmers during an early morning run, or while working out, the arm warmers provide athletes with improved circulation for faster muscle recovery.

And who doesn't want faster muscle recovery? I knew they were worth a shot.

I was trying to find the perfect opportunity to test them out and Boston weather gods must've heard me. We had a gorgeous, yet slightly chilly day this past weekend where I could actually rock a tank top. Destiny!

So I took the arm warmers out for a spin and they were really great. I didn't feel any swelling in my arms or hands. The sleeves stayed in place thanks to the comfortable elastic at the top. No pinching, which is always appreciated.

And you know my love of thumb holes.

Zensah didn't disappoint there.

The arm warmers even have a small mesh pocket where you can store fuel, a house key or even your phone.

My ENERGYBits are nice and snug!

Now many of you might be thinking that having a phone on your arm without a strap might bog you down. I didn't find it a problem at all. It stayed in place and didn't pull the arm warmer down at all while running.

I'm excited to test these out more over the next few months. As the weather gets a tad warmer my hands tend to heat up first so I tested it and the thumbholes can be rolled up to the wrist if needed without causing a ton of discomfort.

The arm warmers currently come in four different colors: black, white, neon pink and neon yellow.

Key Features:

• Essential transition piece for cooler weather
• Moisture wicking and antimicrobial proprietary fabric
• Mesh side pocket ideal for carrying iPhone, gels, or keys
• Thumbholes for added hand warmth
• Silver ions for thermal regulation
• Compression improves circulation for faster recovery
• Sun Protection
• Made of 87% Nylon, 13% Spandex

***

2) High Compression Shorts (value $63.99)

I think we all know that running and training is always a learning process. Am I right?

There are always techniques and products we learn about from our peers.

Well, I encountered IT band problems in 2011. I knew to foam roll and went to physical therapy to work on the problem. It would creep back at times as it does.

But one day I was running with friend when she told me about compression shorts. I had no idea. I knew about socks/sleeves and was already addicted to those. But knew nothing about these compression shorts.

So I took myself to the Zensah website to learn more:

Run, bike, and recover faster with the Zensah High Compression Shorts, The compression shorts provide support to the upper leg, while allowing for unrestricted mobility in the lower leg.

Huh? So these little shorts sound like they could help the nagging pain in my hip and IT area.

Can you guess what happened next?

I tried them ... and they worked!

Shocking I know.

I now wear compression shorts the night before a big run and the afternoon/evening after.

My hip and upper leg couldn't be happier. They are thin enough that I will in fact wear them under work pants or a dress. Take that business casual.

At first I thought it was just another fad or something folks bought just because they sound cool, but I see the light. These shorts are heaven to my legs especially after dealing with Heartbreak Hill on a weekly basis!

Key Features:

• 3D compression for extra support in the quadriceps
• Moisture wicking
• Keeps upper legs warm and loose
• Made of 85% Polyamide, 15% Elastane

***

3) Seamless Running Sports Bra (value $35.99)

Sports bras are one of the most integral pieces of clothing when it comes to exercise.

Fellas you agree? Mansiere? Bro?

The #1 annoyance can be chafing. Ain't nobody got time for that! (yes I used that reference twice in one blog post - sue me! No wait don't!)

With a seamless construction and Zensah fabric, the Zensah Sports Bra prevents chafing. This high-performance running sports bra offers superior comfort and support, as well as giving you the option to add color to your workout.

I like comfort. I like support. I like color.

Seems like a winning combo to me.

And they ARE super comfortable. My addiction has grown and I now own this bra in five different colors and waiting for pay day to increase the collection.

The Zensah Running Sports Bra features moisture wicking technology that keeps you dry, even after the toughest workouts. The racerback allows for free movement. Zensah has the best sports bra on the market for runners, athletes, and any active woman. The 15 different color choices make it the most colorful running sports bra.

The sports bra does fit all body types, but know it only goes up to a L/XL so you would have to refer to the sizing chart before purchasing. My lovely lady lumps have shrunk - thanks weight loss - so I usually wear the M/L.

Key Features:

• Seamless design = no chafing
• Anti-Bacterial
• Superior Comfort from the proprietary Zensah fabric in each Running Bra
• Thermal Regulating
• Moisture Wicking to prevent the running bra from becoming heavy with perspiration
• Made of 94% Nylon, 6% Spandex

***

Have you checked out any of these Zensah products?