Tedy’s Team Group Run – 6 Miles

12 degrees. 16 degrees. 17 degrees. Freakin' cold. All temperatures I saw forecasted for the first Tedy's Team group run of the 2014 Boston Marathon training season.

Ummm ... Yay?

I know I know. I live in Boston. I do this to myself. Yes I know that, but I like to delay the cold weather for as long as possible.

Every charity team conducts their training runs differently.

Tedy's Team has an amazing coach, John Furey, who helps with the long group runs on Saturday morning and also offers any running advice we need. Let me tell you this guy was a HUGE help to me when I saw him at Mile 20 of the Boston Marathon in April and experiencing immense right heel pain. If I didn't see him at Mile 20, get a pep talk and some swedish fish, I'm not sure how the last 10k of the race would have gone.

This year our group runs would start at Joint Ventures Physical Therapy and Fitness in Kenmore Square. It is a great deal since they have an area for us to store gear, a place to stretch, foam rollers to borrow and a place to call base camp after the run. The one benefit of moving where the group runs are being held is the avoidance of the hill on Beacon St. This was only a .3-mile long hill, but it was brutal to see at the end of a 10-,12- or even 18-miler. Now we can avoid that. Yay! Tiny victory. :P

It was GREAT seeing everyone this morning - lots of hugs and smiles.

Special thanks to my teammate Meg and her husband Josh were able to give me a ride in since the T would've taken over an hour on a Saturday morning. We made sure to meet the group in time for the 8am kickoff.

Since I usually train alone, I look forward to these Saturday runs with folks that have become great friends over the last year.

The mileage options for today were 6, 8 or 10 miles and I opted for the 6, which was perfect for today. :)

Meg, Cristina, Nancy and I headed out and it was like no time had passed since our last group run together back in April. We fell right into conversation and it was awesome. Thankfully Facebook has kept us connected since the Marathon.

I was looking to keep the pace light and at Mile 1 my Garmin pinged - 9:00 on the money. Perfect. It was just what I wanted to see. At that point, I flipped the Garmin over so the face was on the inside of my arm and tuned it out.

This run was about the people and the experience.

It was great seeing so many other charity teams taking to the streets of Boston as well. Many familiar faces from the year before.

Having run with Tedy's Team last year, it was great being back on familiar territory. Like coming home.

As we ran, we all chatted about the holidays and the impending snow storm. You know the usual winter topics in New England.

Mile 2: 9:20. Fine by me. As we hit Mile 2, you hit a more pedestrian area with more stopping/starting with street lights. But again, not about pace.

We hit Coolidge Corner and Meg and I were back in stride. We had done a majority of the training runs together last year. She is a faster runner than I am so I enjoyed being pushed by her each week. Plus the conversations were always great.

Mile 3: 8:59. And the turnaround. We hit Coolidge Corner and were ready to make our way back to base camp. For only 1/2 a second I thought about pushing it to the 8 then decided 6 was good. I have another run tomorrow so it is okay. :)

When we turned around we hit a bit of a downhill, which was lovely. Also the turnaround gave a great time for high-fives and waves to other teammates. I love the running community and high-fives.

Tedy's Team is awesome enough to also have a water stop (or more depending on distance) during the run which you can hit multiple times on the down-and-back course we run. So I need to thank John (coach) and Margaret for hanging out there in the freezing weather. We heated up as we ran - they didn't while they stood there. So thanks guys! Can't wait to see you each week. :)

Mile 4: 8:24. Here is where the old groove came back. We got caught up in conversation about the Marathon Bombings and our experiences and the legs did what they wanted. Around this time we met up with our teammate Carly who joined us for the remainder of the run.

Talk of how frozen our body parts were became topic. I just kept thinking about how it will only get colder folks. ;)

Mile 5: 8:00. Hello downhill. You were a glorious addition to Mile 5. I was the only one wearing a Garmin in our group - hey I gotta keep this mileage total accurate - so I was letting the ladies know that we only had a mile left before we could be inside.

It was odd not having the large Beacon St Hill looming in front of us for the final bit of the run, but I can say I didn't miss it one bit. :P We ended up finishing with a final mile of 8:13.

Not too shabby at all. My foot was sore the whole time, but nothing unbearable. I was hoping for an average pace around 8:45 before getting to the run this morning and was happy with an 8:39. I enjoy running with more skilled runners than I am as it is the push I need. Also, it is easier to push yourself when running with people.

We didn't waste time getting indoors once the run ended. It is nice to have a place to stretch and foam roll after a run. And you can catch up with everyone else to see how their runs went. The great thing about group runs is the range of paces and mileage being OWNED.

I tried to get a sneaky pic of the room/group. I will get better about taking pics with teammates over the course of the season. I love sharing other people's stories about why they are taking part.

But, in the end, no matter your pace or mileage, we are all there for one reason: charity. Each person is helping to raise awareness for and to fight either Stroke or whatever other cause they are running for. That bonds people together.

Until next week's run...

***

Week 1 Workouts:

Sunday, December 8: 55 min Zumba class and 3.9 mile run

Monday, December 9: 3 mile run and 47 min Spin class

Tuesday, December 10: 4 mile run

Wednesday, December 11: 5 mile run

Thursday, December 12: 2 mile run

Friday, December 13: 4 mile run

Saturday, December 14: 6 mile group run and gym date with a friend

***

Looking To Donate

Are you interested in helping to fight Stroke? Please feel free to click on the link HERE to share a donation. Wondering how much? How about $6 in honor of the 6 miles I ran today with Tedy's Team?

Boston's Jolly Jaunt 5k 2013

It's the FINAL countdown... da da da daaaaa! After finishing Yulefest 5k on December 1st, I knew I needed to add one more race to my race calendar for 2013. Why? Well Yulefest marked my 30th race of the year and seeing as how I turned 31 in September I thought it would be fitting to complete 31 races the year I turned 31.

Was I really just finding an excuse to sign up for one more race? Maybe.

But let me live in my own little world here. Okay? Thanks.

I turned to Twitter, Facebook and the rest of the interwebs to find one more race supporting a great cause.

And there was the Jolly Jaunt 5k on Saturday, December 7th in Boston Common in support of the Special Olympics of Massachusetts.

BINGO!

On Friday, December 6th, I got a ride in town to pick up my bib at New Balance on Boylston Street. As we drove down Boylston, we drove over the Boston Marathon Finish Line. I tried to act cool, but like usual I started tearing up. Someday I am sure I won't start crying when I am in that area of Boston but for now I let my body and heart feel whatever emotions it needs to.

The bib pick-up was easy peasy and I was in out and in about 3 minutes. Score!

I love the long-sleeved t-shirt - a nice benefit of running winter races in New England.

The race kicked off at 10am on Saturday, which meant I could sleep in a little. It would be my last Saturday to sleep in since Boston Marathon training with Tedy's Team starts December 14th.

My wife dropped me off at 9:30am. I wandered around Boston Common looking for the two people I knew running, but unfortunately never connected with them. I did, however, find the awesome folks of ENERGYBits so I was able to catch up with them.

(Note: If you are looking to try ENERGYBits, you can use discount code WeightOffMyShoulders for 25% off your order!)

Before I knew it it was time to line up. Yes recently at races I have gotten so caught up in chatting with folks that the whole "race" thing sneaks up on me. ;)

The race had just under 1,000 participants on hand - running and walking - and most of the field were rocking some amazingly festive outfits. I loved the buzz before the Start. There were so many families participating and lots of kids getting ready to beat me run fast. ;)

After the police gave the A-okay, the race was on. Pretty much right on time - I love a prompt Start.

I decided to leave my music at home and just take in the atmosphere. I also went into the race without any expectations. I just wanted to go out feeling happy and healthy.

My right foot felt better than it had at Yulefest and I noticed a slightly quicker pace on my Garmin. I knew I wouldn't PR, but I made sure to give the race my 100%.

The number of spectators were small since it was supposed to be very cold temps, but the ones along the course were sure vocal! :) I got distracted by all the costumes around me that I didn't realize we were already at the half way mark.

As we made the turn at the half way mark to head back to Boston Commons, we actually merged on to a portion of the Boston Marathon course. I got lost in my thoughts and transported back to Marathon Monday - the last time I had run this part of the city. I allowed only the happy memories to flood into my brain.

It gave me the little boost in my step that I needed.

I checked in on the Garmin and saw I had just 1/2 a mile to go. My Santa socks were slipping down and my headband was starting to slip back on my head, but I was tuning that stuff out.

I looked to my right as we turned on to Arlington St and there was my stoop. It was the stoop I sat on with my friend Robin after the Boston Marathon where I waited for my family. Every time I pass that stoop I start to tear up and I could feel myself doing it again. So I turned back in front of me and focused on getting to the Finish.

I needed a distraction.

So I found a person in front of me and made it my goal to beat them. I got a little deeper into my form and pulled any extra speed I had from inside.

The Finish Line was buzzing with supporters, families and racers who had already finished.

Race #31 was in the books. It turned out to be a beautiful sunny day, a fun race and great awareness raised for one amazing organization.

Despite my bum right foot (damn that metatarsalgia), I posted a 23:56 finish time. Wow! I was definitely happy with those results.

I am missing my speed from earlier in the year, but I know that it is out of my control right now. I know I will get in back in due time.

But I need to thank New Balance and the Special Olympics of Massachusetts for a great race. I will be back next year for sure!

For now, I will continue planning my 2014 racing schedule as 2013 has officially come to a close.

I think. ;)

***

Do you have any more races in 2013?

Tedy's Team, Raffle Basket & 5 Months 'til Boston Marathon!

Thank you to everyone that donated to Tedy's Team. This fundraiser raised $630!! Woo!! Congratulations to Abby K for winning the raffle basket!!!

Winner selected from Random.org.

How crazy is it that it picked 54 - Tedy Bruschi's jersey # with the Patriots. *Destiny*

***

Tedy's Team.

I am honored to be on a team with such amazing, dedicated, smart, athletic and kind people.

Tedy's Team was founded by Former Patriot Tedy Bruschi, who suffered a stroke in February 2005 at the age of 31. The Stroke happened "just weeks after winning his third Super Bowl and days after returning from playing in the Pro Bowl in Hawaii.  As he recovered, Tedy committed himself to being an advocate, spokesperson, and inspiration for stroke survivors in our area."

So where do the runners come in?

Tedy asked the American Stroke Association to work with him to create “Tedy’s Team,” a group of runners raising money for the American Stroke Association and training to complete the Boston Marathon® and the Falmouth Road Race.  Their participation supports Tedy Bruschi’s fight against stroke and honors both the survivors and the loved ones lost to America’s No. 4 leading cause of death.

When I decided in 2013 that I wanted to run the Boston Marathon as a charity runner, I knew it had to be with Tedy's Team .

Why?

Because I have a very personal connection to Strokes. Both of my grandparents are Stroke Survivors, as well as, my wife's father.

I got the acceptance call from Zack, Senior Director of Tedy's Team, in October 2012 and was psyched! I was ready to help in the fight against Stroke and take part in one of the most historic events in the world, the Boston Marathon.

I had an amazing experience training for the Boston Marathon, meeting teammates and helping the American Stroke Association one dollar at a time. But during the training, I had an unexpected loss. My Grampa passed away two days after Christmas. It was a tough tough time.

But when I needed a push to go out in the snow and run 18 miles or a reminder why I was taking on this endeavor to begin with, I thought of him. I even wrote Grampa in the Sparkly Soul headband I wore at every Tedy's Team training run and during the Boston Marathon itself.

The 2013 Boston Marathon is something no one will forget. For those that don't know, I crossed the Finish Line about a minute before the explosions happened. My wife and dad were right near them, but thankfully we all came out unharmed. Here is my recap of that experience.

When asked after that day if I would run the Boston Marathon in 2014, I would say no. I was one and done.

But, things change.

On April 22, Tedy's Team reconvened to have the post-marathon party we didn't have on April 15. There Tedy and Heidi (his wife) posed with all the runners...

and Tedy announced that he would be running in 2014 and that all 2013 runners would be welcomed back to the team for 2014.

AND in that moment the decision was easy, HELL YEAH I would be back in 2014!!

I looked at my "Grampa" Sparkly Soul headband on my wrist, started tearing up, looked at my family and we all knew - I had to run again.

So here I sit, 5 months away from the 2014 Boston Marathon, which will be taking place on April 21, 2014, and while the training hasn't started yet the fundraising has. :) :)

To have the honor of wearing the Tedy's Team singlet again, I have committed to raising at least $5,000 ... and you can help!

In September, I did the 2nd annual 30th Birthday Run-Walk Ramble and once again raised $1000. Since then I have been reaching out to friends and families to start planting the fundraising seed.

At this moment, I have raised $2,950 out of the $5,000 fundraising minimum.

Which brings me to my latest fundraising effort: a raffle basket with amazing prizes - valued over $350!!

The Raffle Basket includes:

*1BandID (value $20)

*ENERGYBits Sample Pack (value $10)

*Got Chocolate Milk Team Refuel visor (value $16)

*Humana Gear Pedometer g1.0 (value $15)

*KT Tape Pro (value $20)

*Nike + iPod Sensor (value $20)

*Omron Pulse Monitor HR-500U (value $172)

*SONY 2GB W Series Walkman MP3 Player (value $70)

*The Biggest Loser: The Weight-Loss Program to Transform Your Body, Health, and Life (value $22)

 

Not Pictured: 1BandID and Team Refuel Visor

Here's how to enter: for every $10 you donate between now and Wednesday, November 27th at 5pm ET, you will get one chance to win the raffle basket. So $30 donated to Tedy's Team = 3 chances to win the basket, etc.

So where do you donate?? Click on this lovely link to get started ---- DONATE HERE!!

Let's Get To Fightin' Stroke!!

Dani Dishes 11-25-13

On this episode of Dani Dishes, I share my thoughts on hitting my goal of running 1000 miles in 2013!!! Ahhhh! :)  

Must Have: Runner's World Cookbook

I love eating. I love cookbooks. I love my wife who loves cooking. Now, I personally don't cook, but that doesn't stop me from choosing recipes that look amazing to give my wife to make. ;)

It is a team effort. I am a great grocery shopper and dish washer. Okay we have a dishwasher, but I can load and unload it like no other!

But I digress.

This Fall, I had the opportunity to obtain a free copy of the Runner's World Cookbook (value $26.99) thanks to Runner's World. The book came in the mail and I was already drooling just looking at the cover.

Can you spot the drool marks or did I wipe it all off?

The Cookbook was actually released on October 1st, but with a crazy Fall racing schedule I didn't even get the crack the cover until Halloween. Fail on my part I know. But the first thing I did once I had time was calculate the Weight Watchers Points Values for all recipes.

Thankfully each recipe had the nutrition information on the bottom so it was an easy task.

The cookbook was edited by Runner's World nutrition editor Joanna Sayago Golub, who also hosts RunnersWorld.com's nutrition Web series Quick Bites, and featured a foreward by Olympian Deena Kastor, who holds the American marathon and half-marathon record holder.

I loved when Deena wrote:

The Runner's World Cookbook can help you accomplish these dual goals - creating meals made with simple ingredients to fuel your training while helping build relationships with those you love... These recipes will satisfy, empower, and keep you running optimally-while meeting any dietary need or craving you have.

With that I was sold and couldn't wait to try out the recipes.But before I made it to the recipes, there was an informative introduction on "how to eat like a runner," which is something I am still trying to understand. Especially with what to eat when trying to heal, refuel or grow stronger.

The cookbook is a collection of 150 recipes covering breakfast, soups, pizza, burgers, desserts and so much more. There is also a color-coded Recipe Key at the top of each recipe letting you know if the recipe meets certain training goals (prerun, recovery) or dietary needs (vegan, low-calorie, etc).

Choosing our first recipe to make was a tough decision, but after a little game of paper, rock, scissors (the adult way to make a decision) we chose...

... and it was delicious!! Worth every Weight Watcher Point for sure.

The recipe was created by cookbook writer and runner Patricia Wells, who recommended it for either the night before a long run or a post-run recovery with it carbs goodness.

The Soba Noodles recipe is designed for post-run recovery and fast, which meant it could be prepared in 30 minutes or less.

We had a little journey finding the Soba noodles, but thankfully there is a great Asian market near our house that had them in stock.

Most of the ingredients went into a bowl to create the sauce, while the sesame seeds, peanuts and cilantro went in a separate bowl as the garnish (pictured below). The cooked chicken and soba noodles were separate.

Once the soba noodles cooked (which took about 5 minutes), you mixed in the sauce to make sure the noodles were all coated then added in the chicken.

Only then was it time to add the finishing touch ... the garnish.

Doesn't this look delicious? I hope so because it was.

Our dish did end up having a lot more sesame seeds than we saw in the cookbook picture, but we weren't complaining.

I was impressed with how quickly the recipe came together and the flavors were great. I would definitely enjoy having something like this the night before a long training run or after a marathon.

Normally I want to take carbo-loading the wrong way (aka allow myself to order pizza and french fries), but I think this cookbook will allow me to really explore the different avenues of true carbo-loading.

As I continue with Dopey Challenge training and start Boston Marathon training, I think this cookbook will serve as a great tool to properly fueling my body this winter. It has the "comfort foods" I am looking for in pizza and pasta, but with a healthier, more nutritious twist.

If you are someone who is wondering what to eat while training for a half marathon or marathon, I really recommend this book. It covers breakfast, lunch and dinner, while adding in smoothies and desserts. One cookbook will cover your entire training.

Now what to cook next?

Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this book by Rodale, but all opinions of the Cookbook are my own!

Am I Enough?

Well that answer was too easy. :P

***

I took and posted this picture the other day because I needed a reminder.

I am in fact enough.

I have talked before about the pattern of Keepin' Up With The Joneses. That DAMN comparison game that I don't think I'm the only person to fall into the trap.

What fascinates me is the spells in which I go through when it comes to wondering "Am I Enough?" There can be a good two-week stretch when I feel amazing. I am confident, secure and on top of the world.

Then there's the flip side. When I feel like I'm insignificant, that everything I do is wrong and that I should just go back to bed and hide in there with as much food as I could fit with me.

Wow! That is quite a difference.

But does anyone know what I'm talking about?

While in NYC, I was trying to think what caused this flip and I came up with one thing.

Rejection.

It could be from work ... friends ... family ... a blog opportunity ... other runners ... other weight loss success stories ... or even a stranger.

Once someone else questions my ability to be in a certain space with them, my insecurities take over my ENTIRE mind and body and I feel about 1 inch big.

At the Runner's World Shakeout run everyone in attendance that was at the run was either a Runner's World writer/editor/employee or a qualified runner - except me. Nothing like seeing the face of someone who is totally judging you.

Person: "Where did you qualify?" Me: "Oh I didn't. I have the pleasure and honor to run as a charity runner with Tedy's Team in honor of my Stroke Survivors - my grandparents." Person: <<confused face>> "Oh, well that's okay."

Hell yeah it's okay. It is a freakin' honor in my mind. I could feel it getting to me, but pushed those feelings away.

But when you get asked the same question over and over again you can't help, but let some little slip of doubt, of "should I even be here?" when you see the same reaction from people over and over again.

(Note: it wasn't everyone at the event. I really did meet some amazingly supportive folks that morning)

But that is just one instance where I saw rejection or people doubting my right to be at the event lead to the "Am I Enough?" inner debate.

I feel it sneak in whenever you apply for a job that went to someone else and you thought you were the PERFECT fit for it.

Or a friend you've known for a long time decides (without telling you) that the friendship is over. Ouch! I immediately go into "what did I do?", "what is wrong with me?" or "what could i have done?"

I see the pattern over and over and want it to end.

The trick for me to do that will be to obviously stop taking rejection so personally. Well that is kind of a "duh" moment.

What I think truly has to change is reminding myself that everything happens for a reason and knowing something better will happen.

I have to be me.

If someone doesn't want to be a part of my life then that is on them - not me.

If a company doesn't think I'm meeting their criteria for a job then something better is just waiting in the wings.

If a fellow weight loss success story looks down on me because I "only" lost 80 pounds then shame on them.

I have to be proud of the person I have become and accept what is outside of my control.

Because I am enough... and you are too!

ZOOMA Women's Half Marathon (9/28)

I love Cape Cod in the Fall. It is a beautiful time to see the blue ocean against the trees that are starting to change colors. Sounds pretty right?

Well it is.

And I was able to run through it.

On Friday, September 27th, I hopped in my car and took the just under 2 hour drive to Falmouth (part of Cape Cod) to participate in the ZOOMA Women's Series Half Marathon. I was actually honored to be a ZOOMA Ambassador for the Cape Cod race so I received free entry and a discount code to offer 10% off the race entry to anyone that used it.

Since I got to Falmouth early, I decided to make a pit stop at the Cape Cod Beer Brewery. I mean I was there I had to do it. ;)

They have a lovely free tasting area right INSIDE the brewery. Cool!! You can then buy a pint of whichever brews they are pouring for $5 and browse the gift shop or sit out at the picnic benches.

After doing a quick change in their bathroom into non-comfy clothes ;) I was off to Nancy's house. Nancy, my fellow Ambassador and friend through social media, allowed me to use her guest bed for the night. Thanks Lady!! I didn't have the funds to pay for a hotel room. We jumped in the car and headed over to the Expo.

We were asked to do a ZOOMA Ambassador Q&A, but no one asked a Q. :P But, we still look spiffy.

Thanks for the pic Nancy.

Oh and I am not a Giant, I was just wearing wedges. :P

We grabbed our bibs (which also came with a ZOOMA water bottle and a YOGA mat) and headed out near the pool for the Mocktail party hosted by Honest Tea.

How amazing was our view?

Since it was a tad chilly and I failed to dress appropriately, Nancy and I headed inside for dinner and were joined by Amy (RunningEscapade.com) and her husband Chris.

It was great catching up with these folks that I sort of forgot we had to get up to actually run the next day. Whoops.

I did my nightly ritual of using my foot foam roller, my Stick and my regular foam roller and called it a night. One benefit of driving was that I could haul all my rolling tools with me. No worry of security taking them away as possible weapons.

I jumped out of bed as my alarm wailed at 5:30am. Yay early races.

Nancy and I prepped, I snacked on my KIND Bar and headed out the door to the race.

The race actually had ample parking lots which was nice so getting the car situated was easier than I expected. We met with Nancy's friend Jill, another blogger, and all headed to the Start area.

Okay I talk a lot about port-o-potties because well they are at every race. BUT, the ones at ZOOMA were fancy. They were pretty, clean, had a lever you could hit with your foot to flush and lots of hand sanitizer. I've really never seen ones like it before.

And yes I am easily impressed.

We met up with the other Ambassadors to snap a quick pre-race photo.

Thanks Nancy for the pic!

And I of course headed back to the bathroom. This time I opted to go inside the Sea Crest Beach Hotel to see if the lines were shorter. Well I went to the women's room and the line was out the door. Duh Dani! This is a race geared towards women.

So I walked myself into the men's room to use their facilities. In and out in less than a minute. Score!

I head back outside to hang with the crew until the race started.

ZOOMA offers a 10k and Half Marathon option. The 10kers were off at 7:30am followed by the Half Marathon at 7:35am.

Once the 10kers headed out, we lined up. I had never been so close to the Start Line before. The shot fired and we were off.

Again, I have never been so close to the front of the pack. It was cool to be near the front people at the beginning.

But of course after about a mile they started speeding up, which was fine by me.

For portions of the race, both 10kers and Half Marathoners were on the same course - which was neat. It was great seeing so many women out running or walking or wogging their first race.

There were even some men out there - many who were husbands, boyfriends or friends of ladies - helping and encouraging them through the race.

It was absolutely beautiful at the Start. We ran along the ocean. The sky was blue. The weather was perfect.

I dealt with some headphone issues which resulted in wrapping them around my bun with 1 of my two Sparkly Soul headbands. Hey it worked! ;)

I wish I had my phone out at the beginning of the race, where I missed all the great Cape Cod "shots."

We winded our way through the streets, which were open to traffic. We did our best to stay to the right and out of harms way.

There was a great out-and-back turnaround spot (Mile 2/3ish) where I caught a glimpse of the Leader. It was amazing to see one woman so far ahead of the pack. So as I turned around I was able to cheer for the friends I knew. I LOVE high-fiving and cheering on familiar and unfamiliar faces during a race.

When not on the open streets, we were on the Shining Sea Bike Path, which was great. It was nicely paved and made me feel safe.

I definitely enjoyed the views.

The volunteers and spectators along the course were awesome! I want to give a special Thank You to the police officers and volunteers on the open road doing the best they could do keep cars at bay. While not many adhered, I didn't hear of any runners getting injured by vehicle traffic.

My body was feeling great. I kept an eye on my pace to keep myself in check. I had a half marathon the following day so I needed to NOT burn out in this race. I wanted to let my legs fly free, but I tried to keep myself between 8 and 8:30 min/mile pace.

When did that become normal pace for me? Not sure, but I was loving it.

For some reason I was under the impression this was a flat course - not sure where I got this - but it was definitely rolling hills. It kept you on your toes for sure.

During Miles 10-12, we were going through some Falmouth neighborhoods. Not many spectators out, but the few that were I would ask them: "This way to the wine?" Some thought it was comical and some gave me blank stares. ;)

I do need to give major credit to a pair of spectators that I saw not once, but four times along the course. I even had to say something the final time. I just let them know how awesome they were and how lucky their runner was to have them. Their response: "No YOUR awesome for running." Made me smile.

As I turned to head back on the Main street, this was about 12.5 or so, there it was. The major hill at the end. Now it wasn't like it was straight up, but it was definitely nasty! ESPECIALLY at the end of a race.

I squated down a little in my form and powered up the hill. I love to thin about Spinning during hills and just power myself up as best I can.

I did it. I was at the top of the hill and ready for the final .2 or so to the Finish Line.

I had no real idea how I had done, but I was pleased to be pain free as I had been dealing with a sore foot all week long.

I finished in 1:47:35. No PR, which meant no medal. ZOOMA only gives medals to those where the race was 1) their first 10k or Half or 2) it was a PR.

But I every Finisher did get a beautiful necklace as a medal. :)

I love the message.

The race had laptops at the Finish where racers could check their results. It was then I found out...

I had finished 4th in my division. Ahhh I could've gotten a prize had I just pushed a little. DARN I missed 3rd my 14 seconds. Had I known. Oohhh well.  Next time. :P

After seeing Amy (who was injured and volunteering at the PR medal table), meeting a fellow Weight Watchers Leader (who I spotted by her Activelink) and grabbing some water, I headed to the beach to meet up with Nancy and Jill.

Another stolen pic from Nancy!

Oh yes, the post-race party was on the beach: foam rollers, massages, snacks and wine. Unfortunately the lines were all so long that I missed all that fun, but I still soaked up some sun as I stretched.

Plus it was nice to put my feet in the sand after a race ... and I was able to run into a fellow Tedy's Team member Liza! Woo!

And you couldn't beat the view...

We had to scoot as I had still have to drive to Providence after, but it looked like the festivities were going strong when we left.

Overall, the race seemed well-organized and the participants seemed happy. Lots of smiles and laughs on the beach.

One of the race directors asked my thoughts on the race, which I appreciated and was happy to share:

1) I love the offering of a 10k and Half. So many races have done away with the 10k option and it is such a great bridge as people grow from the 5k to the Half.

2) I wish the course was reversed. I would've loved to see the gorgeous ocean shots at the end rather than houses in a neighborhood. Plus that would move that hill from the Finish. ;)

3) Streets blocked off more. I know that there is more to that with city/police/race officials/etc but it would've been nice and we ended up bobbing and weaving across streets. Since I am not from Falmouth, I was honestly just following the runners in front of me and doing what they did when it came to crossing streets, etc. But I think as the race grows, the city will be more open to blocking off streets for the racers.

4) I loved the portions on the Shining Sea Bike Path, which is a known hotspot on the Cape.

5) More massage tables if possible. The line was full of 10k racers that anyone doing the half would be waiting quite a while to take part in the service. But that is more in the hands of the company offering the service.

6) I liked the special props to women completing their first race or hitting a PR. I love welcoming new racers to the sport so giving them an extra boost with something special is a great idea.

7) The overall vibe. This was a supportive community. I couldn't stop smiling during the whole race seeing women pushing themselves, cheering for others and out there enjoying moving. It is a great energy to bottle up and keep with me on those days I just don't want to run.

So thank you ZOOMA for giving me the opportunity to experience this event, to see my blogging friends and to meet new smiling faces.

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Have you ever participated in a ZOOMA Women's Series race?

The Dani Ryan Holmes-Kirk 2nd Annual 30th Birthday (Virtual) 5k Run-Walk Ramble

It's here!!!!! That's right folks. My 31st birthday is on Monday, September 16 - which means only one thing!

It's time for:

The Dani Ryan Holmes-Kirk 2nd Annual 30th Birthday (Virtual) 5k Run-Walk Ramble

Yup, folks had so much fun participating in the event last year that I had to bring it back again! Plus, it was my most successful fundraising tool as well.

So let's break it on down here for anyone that wasn't around for it last year or needs a refresher.

Last year I wanted to ring in my 30th year of life in a new and different way since I was entering a new decade with a healthy weight, an obsession with running and a free Sunday morning.

As a result the Birthday 5k was born. You can catch up on all the fun here.

I will pause again as you read the lovely recap from last year's event that took place both in person at my house and virtually around the world.

What is taking place this year you ask?

Well, the entire 5k will be done virtually since I will be out of town during my actual birthday weekend. Again this means anywhere on the Globe. Last year we had participants in the US, Canada and England.

Here are the details.

A virtual run-walk means you do the 5k (3.1 mile) "race" at your leisure during September 16 and September 22. Map out your own route, get your own friends together or jump on the old trusty treadmill. Your call.

I will provide race bibs for you to print out and fix to your shirt (if you want) by the end of the week.

EVERYONE that completes the "race" will receive a Finisher's Medal in the mail from me. YAY! How cool is that? I know one of my favorite parts.

Also, everyone will be entered to receive some pretty sweet raffle prizes that I have available as well. More on that later.

But you may be asking: "Dani How much will this fun cost me?" or "What is my entry fee going to?"

Well, each participant will be making a $25 donation. The proceeds raised will be going towards my $5,000 fundraising goal to represent Tedy's Team in the 2014 Boston Marathon. That's right folks! I'm going back for more.

For those that don't know, I ran the Boston Marathon last year with Tedy's Team.

Tedy asked the American Stroke Association to work with him to create “Tedy’s Team,” a group of runners raising money for the American Stroke Association and training to complete the Boston Marathon® and the Falmouth Road Race.  Their participation supports Tedy Bruschi’s fight against stroke and honors both the survivors and the loved ones lost to America’s No. 4 leading cause of death.

In addition to the dollars being raised, an equally important issue for Tedy’s Team is the increase in awareness of stroke and recognition of its warning signs. Tedy’s Team is striving to reach as many people as possible in its message of recognizing the warning signs and acting appropriate when seeing them — calling 9-1-1 immediately.

I ran in honor of my Stroke Heroes, my grandparents, and will be doing so again this year. Unfortunately last year, my grampa passed away during the training. But, I feel as if he was looking down on me on April 15, 2013 and he helped me cross that Finish line at the right time.

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If you would like to take part in the run or walk:

1) Please register here. (Thank you Racemenu for help with the site) --- Make sure you are providing an accurate mailing address because that is where I will send the medal.

2) You can complete the 3.1 mile-run walk whenever you like from September 16-September 22.

3) Once you complete the race please send me a photo of yourself and your time - dani@weightoffmyshoulders.com

4) HAVE FUN!!

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Finisher's Medal

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Download Your Race Bib Here!

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If you would like to make a donation to my fundraising goal and do NOT wish to participate in the run-walk (which is absolutely okay), please visit my fundraising page here.

Dani Dishes 9-16-13

On this episode of Dani Dishes, it is time for a little birthday recap, a little RnR Philadelphia celebration and letting you know there is still time to take part in my virtual birthday 5k for Tedy's Team!! :) Blog About Event

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