Do You Know When Mother's Day Is? Well It's One Month From Today & UnCommonGoods Is Here To Help

My mom is one of the toughest women to buy for. I mean we can have a competition if you want over whose mom is the hardest one to shop for, but I want to save us all the time, energy and post-it notes that would take. ;) So when I woke up this morning and realized I had just one month to go before Mother's Day, I vowed to start looking NOW. I am not going to turn this into another trip to CVS the night before where I try to rummage through the discount bin to find something creative, unique and affordable.

What? Like you've never been the child that was out the night before trying to find something. ;)

This year - 2015 - will be different and I have UncommonGoods to thank for that.

UncommonGoods is an online retailer offering creatively designed, high-quality merchandise at affordable prices. UncommonGoods believes that creativity and the expression of individuality represent two great human treasures. They have set out to create a business that makes uncommon goods accessible to everyone.

What set UncommonGoods apart were the special features:

• Featured Artist: UncommonGoods highlights the stories of our artists and designers throughout our website as well as our print catalog.
• Handmade Goods: Look for the blue hand icon throughout the website to find our handmade goods.
• Uncommon Knowledge: UncommonGoods posts surprisingly uncommon information and facts related to certain product categories or featured items on the site. For example, did you know that early candles were often eaten rather than burned? Or that Leonardo da Vinci invented the scissors?
• Our Commitment to the Environment: UncommonGoods strives to work in harmony with the environment: our print catalogs are printed on recycled paper (30% post consumer waste) and all our merchandise is produced without harm to animals. Look for the green recycled icon throughout our website for products made of recycled materials.
• Better to Give Program: We donate a portion of each order to your choice of non-profit organizations: American Forests, Women for Women International, City Harvest, and the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN).

Pretty cool right?

With two Mother's Day collections available on the site I am bound to find something for even my Mom! *Fingers Crossed*

Both the Mothers Day Gifts and the Gifts For Mom collections are easy to search and offer sorting and filtering features (rating, price, etc). You know this girl is working on a budget so we need to keep it realistic here!

Ohh I am loving the 5-star Recycled Glass Tree Globes (value $45 per globe). I need to thank the website for clarifying that this is not in fact a tree decoration (my bad), but this is something my mom would love to hang in her kitchen window or on the porch looking off to the backyard.

And check out the back story provided in the description for the product:

Uncommon Knowledge: To make these pretty globes, artist Stephen Kitras first has to receive a shipment of broken glass from a supplier in Seattle that makes windows for cars, homes and offices. They send their broken shards to Kitras, who then melts them down in a furnace for 12 hours before creating his signature pieces.

Now I can even impress my mom with this fun fact! Win-win.

Gift prices really do run the gamet - from under $25 to over $150. The selection of gifts can range from bath soaps, mugs, Galaxy knee socks to a foot sauna, jewelry and throws.

You can also make sure your gift was: Made In The USA, made with recycled materials and/or handmade.

Allll from the comfort of your home, work, car or stationary bike. ;)

So what are you waiting for? Head over to the UncommonGoods Mother's Day collections and pick your mom out something nice.

You can thank me later! :)

This post was sponsored by UncommonGoods, but all opinions are my own! Ain't nobody got time for lyin'!

Three Things Thursday: Discount Codes, #RunningMakesMeFEEL & Sparkly Soul + Athleta!

Happy Thirsty Thursday!!! Oh wait... wrong post!! ;) Haha. Oh I slay me.

Well with a weigh-in tomorrow morning and a night of personal coaching calls for Weight Watchers I will not be taking part in an adult Thirsty Thursday. So pass me the Dunks and water! :)

Let's get to the fun...

***

1) Here a few discount codes for some of the races I love the most!

Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series

Max Performance Triathlon Series

Save $12 on registration for the two triathlons that I will be participating in!!

Escape the Cape Triathlon on June 13

Distance: 1/3 Mile Swim, 10 Mile Bike, 3.1 Mile Run

Use code: WOMSESCAPE15 (expires May 2)

Title IX Women Only Sprint Triathlon on September 13

Distance: 1/4 Mile Swim, 10 Mile Bike, 3.1 Mile Run Use code: WOMST915 (expires June 1)

ZOOMA Women’s Race Series (Cape Cod)

Race has a Half Marathon and 10k option and takes place September 26.

Use my discount code DANI15 for 10% off.

***

2) Have you taken part in the #RunningMakesMeFEEL campaign yet?

Newton Running is partnering with Timex to ask runners nationwide to express how running makes them feel by spelling out words with their run routes, launching a first-ever initiative on this scale.

Inspired by Newton’s new feel Campaign and an emerging trend among runners, The Run It, FEEL It, Spell It Challenge will encourage runners to track their run routes using GPS devices.

I finally tested out my new Timex watch yesterday! Can you tell what #RunningMakesMeFEEL? ;)

Runners will then submit GPS map screen grabs – and the words therein – through Twitter and Instagram using the hashtags #RunningMakesMeFeel and #promo to win prizes including:

• A daily give-away of Newton and Timex swag
• A weekly prize of a pair of Newtons and a Timex GPS watch
• A grand prize of Newtons for life and a new Timex IRONMAN One GPS+

The Run It, FEEL It, Spell It Challenge runs through May 1. The challenge is open to all runners and running enthusiasts in the U.S. To learn more about The Run It, FEEL It, Spell It Challenge visit Newton Running. Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

***

3) Have you heard about the latest partnership?? Sparkly Soul will now be sold at Athleta stores and online (12 specific colors)! Woo! Two of my favorite brands partnering together.

To celebrate this sparkly union, Sparkly Soul is celebrating with 12 days of giveaways - #12DaysOfAthleta - and today is Day 2! Head over to twitter, follow Sparkly Soul, use hashtag #SparklyAthleta and get in on the fun.

***

Have a happy Friday Eve! ;0)

Dani Dishes: Marathon Taper & Self-Sabotage

On this episode of #DaniDishes, we are talking about taper madness & some potential self-sabotage over recent weight loss success!

Tedy's Team Group Run: 12-Miler & "THAT" sign (4/4/15)

On Friday I started the weekend off with the best weigh-in I've had as an adult. I am happy to be down 66 pounds with Weight Watchers and over 80 from the highest recorded weight I have.

I needed this perspective as I went into the final long run of the training cycle for the marathon. I had such a horrendous race at Boston last year - from a running perspective. If you never heard what happened, feel free to catch up here.

This year has been different and I hope it results in a different outcome on race day... which is a mere two weeks away!

On Saturday I woke up with plenty of time to enjoy breakfast, change my entire planned outfit and head in town.

The forecast called for rain all morning so I tried out my new jacket from New Balance. BUT the forecast also said low 40s which meant I could test out the potential bottom part of my marathon outfit. Well the skirt and shorts at least. I've never worn shorts in a marathon so it will take some getting used to as I do not run with a fuel belt and generally shove my fuel in my shorts while I run. Classy, right? So this would be the test as I was bringing 2 KIND bars to use as fuel and my phone.

It was drizzling and overcast as I made my way in town to stretch and prep for the run. It would be my last team group run before the big day as next week I have my cousin's bridal shower on Saturday. Woo hoo!

While I was one of the first out the door thanks to my Garmin crapping the bed I was one of the last to leave. Womp womp! It took my Garmin forever to locate satellites which left me grumpy for the start of my run. I have a Garmin 310xt which is just over a year old.

After praying to the satellite gods, the Garmin finally picked up satellite and I was off.

The legs felt heavy as I made my way down Beacon St to Comm Ave where I would catch Heartbreak Hill. I was told to take the 12-miler "easy" and was hoping my legs would do the work for me. My brain wasn't in the mood to keep an eye on pace. I would be in a group run, but running alone. So I knew my mind would be occupied with 10,000 other thoughts I can ignore during the week when busy but come flooding out during a quiet run.

Mile 1: 9:31 Mile 2: 9:23 Mile 3: 9:24

Good work body! The legs were feeling really heavy at the start of the run and I second guessed my decision to hold off on the Zensah compression sleeves.

As I made my way up Heartbreak (the opposite way you run it during the marathon), I had a pick-me-up in my mood as I saw a ton of runners coming at me. It is always fun to see other folks out on the course preparing for the big day. Especially since most of the ones I see are parts of charity teams so they have team gear on so I can see who and why they are taking on this awesome feat.

I even had the chance to say HI to some friends.

Heartbreak Hill is a series of hills covering a 3-mile stretch, but even running it backwards I could tell when the biggest of the hills was ahead of me. Let me tell you it is a lot easier to run down that bad boy than up it. ;)

Hello there downhill. :P

Mile 4: 9:28 Mile 5: 8:50 Mile 6: 8:51

The Tedy's Team coach was waiting at the halfway mark with some much-needed water and Gatorade. It was good to catch up with John as he could tell I was having a tough week mentally. It was the time of the month the week before and I was feeling light-headed and woozy during some of my workouts. He let me know that it is okay and that yes it could be a result of my period. Which is what I was hoping to hear as I felt fine once it went away.

Also who knew when I started running or this blog that I would share so much about my period or attempting to pee while riding the bike during the Half Ironman. I mean things I never thought I would share is now normal. Or maybe you guys don't need this info, but I feel comfortable enough to share it. Either way - you are welcome!

Anywho he calmed me down and reassured me to trust in the training and that all would be okay. We made a plan to keep this week's mileage around 30 then down to 20-25 the week of the marathon. I never hit more than 50 miles in a week so I don't need a huge taper time like some of the other marathon folks.

After a quick KIND bar break - which by the way were holding up great in my shorts (I hide them in the front on my quads) and were proving to be a great choice for me fuel-wise.

I bid John adieu and started the trek back home. I was going to Maine after the run to see my BFF and her family so I was a little excited and I think it showed in the pace.

PLUS the big shiny orb in the sky - I think you call it a sun - made an appearance during the run and I was soaking it all in. Wicked happy I opted to wear my Sparkle Athletic visor!

Mile 7: 8:59 Mile 8: 8:32

I stopped at the spot outside of BC, where Heartbreak Hill officially ends, to film another quick video. Just a little different weather wise than the one Page and I had filmed the week prior during the 20-miler.

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It was nice to stop and take a moment to reflect back on the journey AND have some final words with Heartbreak before the big day. Yes I talked out loud to a road. That weird? ;)

Mile 9: 8:29

As I made my way back down Beacon to Kenmore. I tried to check in with my body. I know the pain in my hamstring that has been there since May won't be going away by race day. So I am just watching it to make sure it doesn't get any worse. I have been doing a lot of exercises nightly to try and strengthen the area around the hamstring as well as work on my core.

Now my core work was said to be a "joke" by a blog reader, but I can only do the best I can. My journey is different than everyone else's so I focus on that. My time or reps might be less than others and I may have to do modified push-ups, but I am doing it and making myself stronger. One day at a time.

But I digress... I have found that work helpful for me and I am feeling strong.

While having a mental debate with myself it was nice to pull up to see Margaret at the final water stop of the day.

Our weekly selfie taken care of it, it was nice to chat before finishing out the run.

Mile 10: 8:29

Now I obviously couldn't tell if you could see my singlet through the back of my New Balance jacket so I totally had Margaret take a pic of me running away so I could tell.

Verdict? Oh yeah!

With the niece on the brain, I headed back to Kenmore. Running the route week after week can seem tedious, but it really helps with the mental side of the marathon. You can feel the crowd every time I run down Beacon or Comm Ave. I immediately can go back to how I was feeling at that spot in 2013 or 2014.

And for now it is making sure I don't recreate what happened last year this year.

Mile 11: 8:25

But as I came towards Kenmore, I moved myself to the right side of the street to capture "that" sign as you head into the home stretch of the race. Kenmore marks just 1 more mile of the marathon.

Gorgeous enough for a selfie...

;)

Now I am hoping to feel as good as I did in that moment in that same spot on race day!

I finished up the run by snapping a few more pics of the kick ass New Balance marathon campaign. Seriously loving it...

... before ending my long run where I always do - Dunks! :)

Mile 12: 8:21

Soooo I definitely ended faster than I wanted to, but I was feeling good the whole way. The legs started waking up a few miles in (as you can also tell with the pace) and overall the body and fueling were strong. There was some lingering left hamstring pain, but I think it was from extra hill work earlier in the week.

I made sure to continue to foam roll 2-3 times a day to keep the body loose and I have been living in compression shorts, pants, socks or sleeves! I find is so helpful for blood circulation and recovery time.

***

Since that was my final group run on the course, I would like to thank the Tedy's Team water stop crew as well as those of other charities and stores.

So many were out there week in and week out in the horrendous weather. I always say it is worse for volunteers since at least the runners are moving to stay warm.

***

There will be just one final "long run" - 8-10 on Sunday - before the Big Show. I will set out to enjoy the day, the experience, the reason why I run Boston and let the time/pace go as it will. I have done the work now I just need to see what weather Boston wants to bring! :P

Thank you all again for following along on this journey. Somehow this is marathon #7 - Boston #3 with Tedy's Team - and I just keep signing up for more! ;)

Face It Friday: A Loss, A Food Find & A Limited Time 50% Off Offer From Weight Watchers

Another Weight Watchers week in the books. Now I have been having some luck on the scale recently when the numbers (Points Plus Values) proved it should've gone otherwise. I have been in the negative the past couple of weeks and I am not happy with that. Tracking is crucial because I can look back and see where I was wasting points. The past couple of weeks they have been on weekend splurges and snacky type food. Not how I want to be fueling/spending my Points right now.

I also know that I have been slipping back into some old emotional eating habits.

I recognize the trend and will work to change it. This past week however was another doozy. It was that time of the month for me and I was craving all sorts of things and giving in to temptation. I should've been stronger, but I was feeling emotionally, mentally and physically drained. :( It is definitely not a proud week for me, BUT I am proud of myself for owning all of the decisions and tracking them.

So how bad was it?

Tune of -153. Yup. It was tough. BUT I am proud of my Activity Point level.

I have been using 29 as my Daily Points Target and have been going over that pretty much every day in the past couple of weeks. I think I hit 29 just once in that time. Now that says to me either 1) I am making poor choices each day or 2) I need more fuel than I think while training for the marathon.

Now last week I was expecting a gain and somehow walked away with a 0.4 lb loss. Thanks scale!

So this week I was once again expecting a gain so I set my alarm message as: "You are note defined by a number!" It was a help when I woke up to weigh-in on Friday.

Aaannddd...

I somehow lost another 0.4 lbs. Yes this is now my lowest weight since like the early 90s - aka 6th grade. I am really in shock.

I do not want to keep this trend of being so far in the negative to continue. I am going to work on making smarter choices during the week to choose more filling, lower Point value foods (Hey Power Foods) and to stop buying the snacky options that are tempting me while at home. I will be setting my space up for success.

I am still proud of the progress I have made since returning from Disney World, this year and during marathon training.

But there is room for improvement especially with a little less activity in my future over the next two weeks as I taper down for the marathon (April 20).

***

Food Find Of The Week: Bamboo Lane Crunchy Rice Rollers!

Thanks to a member of the Tuesday WW meeting I reception for bringing these in for us. 1 is 1 PPV. 2 is 2 PPV. 3 is 4 PPV. These have been a great snack in between WW meetings or a quick snack while on the move. I have been keeping them in my backpack and in my car as a just in case!

***

Have you heard the news?

Weight Watchers has a great deal going on - 50% off when you purchase a Meetings Subscription plan between 4/3-11!

Learn more & get started here!!

Will I see you in a meeting room soon? I lead at:

^ Medford Center (674 Fellsway in Medford) at 5:30pm on Mondays

^ Boston Center (101 Summer St in Boston) at 8:00am on Thursdays

***

How do you use your food tracker as feedback?

Looking For A Fun & Free Girl's Night With A Fitness Twist? Check Out The New Balance Girl's Night Out Events In Boston

How would a free night out with your girls sound to you? What if there was a fun fitness twist to it?

How about sweet swag bag?

If you answered yes to any or all of these questions then you will want to join me for the next New Balance Girl's Night Out Event (#NBGNO)!

I attended my first Girl's Night Out in November 2014 with my friend Susan (Lifestyle of a Fashionista) at the Westin Copley Plaza.

We had so much fun that I made sure we both signed up for the email alerts when the events would be back in 2015. Why sign up for alerts? Because these awesome free events sell out quickly! Like a step under a Disney race fast! ;)

Sooo when the March31st Girl's Night Out info went up I was on the sign-up page within a few minutes.

I was intrigued by the theme and sold by the description:

We’re starting the year strong with a celebration of our body breakthroughs — what they mean, why they matter and how we can achieve them.

Choose from a 3.6 mile Fun Run or Resistance Band Training Session. Then party it up with music by DJ BREK.ONE, clean cocktails and healthy hors d’oeuvres and swag bag giveaways.

Let's take a guess which option I was going to pick! Hard choice? ;) While I had picked the run I was then asked to help New Balance as a pacer so I offered to be the sweep/caboose/hang out with the folks that wanted to walk or walk jog.

I arrived just after 5:30pm so I could get familiar with the route and meet the other pacers/New Balance folks before we got started.

New Balance had a free coat check to store your coat and bag and water provided by Essentia (one of my faves). As more folks arrived, I spotted some friends I knew and met some new-to-me friends - which is always a great bonus from these events.

I will tell you it was a little nerve-wracking attending without a partner in crime, but that washed away as soon as I walked in the door. :)

The emcee for the event was fellow Boston blogger Athena from Fitness and Feta. It was great to meet another local blogger in person after chatting online.

Before the run or resistance band training session started, I milled around the New Balance store thinking of all the potential things I could buy. Seriously I'm obsessed with the new Spring line. Ohhh the colors!

Shaky pic due to excitement? ;)

With the store packed, the run/walk group made our way outside to get the party started while the resistance band crew stayed inside for their session. It was a gorgeous Boston night so I was excited to get some fresh air and take in the lovely views of the city.

As we got into the pacing groups, I found my ladies! Two women who knew Athena were going to be walking the route and I was excited to join them.

It was an awesome time chatting about life, dogs, fitness, etc.

Once back at the store, I scooted out to quickly run a mile around the block to keep my #WOMSStreak (run streak) alive!

By the time I got back, the after party was in full swing ... yes it was like 7:30 and it was after party time. ;)

DJ BREK ONE was mixing some great beats to get folks dancing.

And I headed straight to the snacks before grabbing a drink! How cute are these?

While at the bar area, I perused the juices provided by the Thirst Juice Company. Check out these combinations!

Fun, right?

I grabbed a quick spot by the snacks to listen to some of the New Balance Ambassador Shay Kostabi share about her body breakthrough.

With the night wrapping up, I headed over to grab my sweet swag bag and head home.

As always New Balance knows how to throw one kick ass Girl's Night Out event. I can't wait for the next one!

***

In the meantime you could set up my own Girls Night Out meetups through their website.

GNO Meetup helps you create your own unforgettable Girls Night Out. Just map your route, invite your girls, and go!

CREATE YOUR RUN.

It’s as easy as picking a starting point, time and distance. Then share it with your friends, or set your run to ‘public’ so anyone else can join too.

FIND NEW ROUTES & DESTINATION OPTIONS.

Map your own route or find one recommended by other users. We’ll even help you pick a destination and suggest places you may want to check out after your run.

JOIN BUZZ RUNS IN YOUR AREA.

Get text or email alerts whenever new group runs are created nearby. Filter by location, time or distance to find runs that work for you.

***

Have you attended a Girl's Night Out event? You know New Balance hosts them in other cities... not just Boston!! Check out the site to see if there is one in YOUR city!

Three Things Thursday: Gone For A Run Virtual 10k, Hill Repeats & #30DaysOfPositivity Check-in

Oh hey hey folks!! How is it Thursday already? I mean seriously. It was Monday morning and I was getting an awesome massage after a big training weekend, I blink my eyes and BAM it's Thursday! I mean I am not complaining it's just what happens when you are having one of those weeks. I mean I'm swamped so I'll take and I am counting down to a relaxing weekend.

But first?

Three Things Thursday! Enjoy! ;)

***

1) Gone For A Run Virtual 10k

Time to log off, shut down, and GO RUN --- after you finish reading this post of course!

You know I love me some virtual races! They are super easy to take part in. Just sign up (registration is $30), receive your race packet in the mail, and complete the 6.2 miles on the course of your choice during the race window (April 24-26), and receive a Finisher's medal!

Race packet includes a race shirt (either a Women's Athletic Tank Top or a Men's Lifestyle Tee), Finisher medal, real race bib and a car magnet. In order to receive your race packet in time for the race, register by April 14th. Note: Your race medal will ship separately but will arrive before race day.

For even more fun, post your race recap on Gone For A Run's Facebook page to be eligible to win great raffle prizes.

Raffle prizes include the following Gone For A Run items, all featuring original Log Off Shut Down Go Run artwork: 1) BibFOLIO Plus: All-In-One Race Bib and Medal Display 2) Hooked On Medals Medal Hanger 3) Medal Hook 4) Beach Towel 5) Decorative Throw Pillow

Are you in? Register HERE.

***

2) Hill Repeats

I did my hill repeats today in a tank top and shorts. You read that right folks. I, Dani, in Boston did hill repeats in a tank top and shorts.

Like there was this orb in the sky - I think you all know what it is called, but I don't want to put it down because I don't want to scare it away. ;)

The hill repeats were tough today, but not as tough as the set last week. Now that could mean I am getting stronger OR it was just a lucky day. Let's go with the former, shall we?

Now the hill in my neighborhood isn't the right distance for hill repeats so I double the number on the schedule to make it work. So today I did 14 trips up/down the hill in my neighborhood.

My poor neighbors had to watch my pasty white legs go up and down that hill over and over again. I think some of the people who drove by me were actually blinded by the paleness. I swear I saw one guy put his sunglasses on at one point.

I did an easy warm-up and cool down run to bookend the hill repeats. After yesterday's run was cut short due to dizziness it felt good to have a strong performance today.

Plus I put some of the moves Golden from Altra Running taught us during the Runner's World half Festival in October. I kept a proud posture - meaning chest pushes out and shoulders back - and I kept my arms tight to my side and pumped them back and forth without letting the elbow go past the side of my body. It really helped!! Thanks Golden! :)

***

3) #30DaysOfPositivity Challenge

Today will mark Day 10 of the #30DaysOfPositivity Challenge and I am really glad I started this. Now it is still a bit of a struggle to come up with 3 positives each night BUT I like ending my day on a happy note. It is also making me really stop and take a little me time, which seems so rare these days.

It has also been great seeing other folks get on board and take some "ME" time. Seeing the hashtag on Twitter and Instagram is super inspiring!! So if you haven't joined in yet - feel free to do so. YOU are worth the time it takes to come up with 3 positives a day! I promise you it will lift your spirits up!

Are you in?

***

Happy Friday Eve Everyone!! :)

Dani Dishes: 1st Quarter 2015 Recap

On this episode of #DaniDishes, it's time to reflect back and recap the first quarter of 2015!

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?

Weekend Wrap-Up Plus Final Day of Sparkly Soul Discount Code!

Why must weekends pass so quickly and the weekdays drag on and on? I know I am starting your Monday off with the hard-hitting questions! ;) But once again I had a fabulous weekend that ended too soon.

I was ready for a fresh start on Friday after a very emotionally driven week. I was all over the place with my food choices and just not in the game.

As always my #FaceItFriday weigh-in gave me the chance to bid adios to the prior week and it's baggage and say hello to a new slate.

And it even greeted me with a shocking loss. Thanks scale gods.

For those that don't know that is my lowest weight since 6th grade. Yes you read that right - since junior high/1993(ish).

In total I have shed 65.8 lbs with Weight Watchers (started November 2009) and 83 overall from my highest.

2004 vs. 2015

After a surprising weigh-in, I had some amazing Personal Coaching calls with my WW members before having a kick ass mail day! Both my Sparkly Soul and Sparkle Athletic orders arrived at the same time. :)

Yes I totally had a Treat Yo Self moment when feeling down in the dumps the week prior. Retail Therapy FTW? ;)

With a 20-miler on tap for Saturday, I took it easy Friday night with a little shakeout run on the treadmill then followed it up with a nice evening in bed (Zensah compression, boboli pizza and a little vino)!

Perfect Friday night, right?

Now if you haven't done a long run before, I can tell you it takes up pretty much the entire day between the run itself, follow-up brunch and then recovery time. ;) Or that might just be my plan. :P

We had a great 20-mile run on the Boston Marathon course despite it snowing the entire time and a delicious lunch at Bertucci's after. Once I got home it was time to face the dreaded ice bath. Thankfully I talked my wife into sitting with me to distract me!

Yes it was painful 6 minutes! I know only 6 minutes, but it felt like 60. And the wine didn't help as much as I wanted it to... but it was still a delicious addition.

With no real desire to do anything much the rest of the day, the wife and I used the rest of the day to catch up on some Netflix and blogging.

Oh and puppy snuggles!!

It was awesome to sleep in until 7:30am on Sunday. Boy I remember the days in college when you would sleep in until like 11 or 12 then do a hungover brunch.

Now I sleep in until 7:30 and head to a Spin class. What happened to me? Oh lifestyle changes. #WorthIt

On Sunday I tested out a new Boston Spin Studio - Velo City - which is just off Boylston St on Fairfield.

Love that they offer complimentary Spin shoes!

Velo City had a great vibe and Matt (the instructor) had one sweet playlist with awesome remixes.

I was worried about tackling a 60-min Spin class the day after the 20-miler, but my legs felt amazing after!

If you are in the area, definitely check them out!!

The rest of Sunday was spent catching up on work, getting in a recovery 5k and soaking up the sun and "warmer" weather!!

It felt great coming into Monday feeling refreshed and recharged! It didn't hurt that I had a 60-min massage on tap for Monday morning as well.

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Now to help you help me! ;) Today (3/30) is the FINAL DAY of my Sparkly Soul discount code.

Use code DANIRUNSBOSTON to receive 10% off your order AND have 10% of your order come back to my 2015 Boston Marathon fundraising efforts for Tedy's Team!! #FightStroke

Code expires tonight (3/30) at 11:5pm PT!!

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How did you recharge this weekend?