How To Pack For A Multi-Race Weekend In ONE Carry-On Bag

Never ever ever going to check my running gear when flying to a race. I couldn't imagine the panic I would go into having to try and replace those necessary items while out of my comfort zone.

That is why I make sure to pack - if not all of my clothing - at least my running gear in my carry-on.

Now when I went to Disney for one week for the Dopey Challenge, which included four races with different costumes for each, I successfully packed everything in two carry-ons. #WINNING

So how did I turn this...

... yes that is everything I packed for this weekend's trip to Runner's World Half & Festival in Pennsylvania. I am doing the Hat trick which means I am running the 5k and 10k on Saturday and the Half on Sunday.

Anywho. I turned that mess into...

THIS!

That's right folks. I am a packing genius.

What?

Too far?

Fine fine. I got my packing groove on and got a little excited.

***

Packing for a weekend or week with multiple races can be overwhelming so I break it down to make it easier.

1) Clean off a big space to work with - couch, bed, table. When dealing with multiple races the best thing to do is lay out everything in front of you so you are less apt to forget something major.

2) Begin with the race outfits themselves. Make sure you have the necessary clothing pieces for each race. I usually start from my head and make my way down to my feet.

Sparkly Soul headband, Zensah sports bra, Shirt, Moving Comfort Shorts, Sparkle Athletic Skirt, Fun knee-high socks and sneakers

Once I complete one race ensemble, I put everything in one pile and move on to the second race. I keep the same pattern for each race.

My tad sense of OCD really helps with this. ;)

3) I set up a "shake-out run" or back-up race outfit... just in case! It is also a way for me to bring back-up carpis in case my shorts randomly break down. :P

4) Recovery tools. I pack my Zensah compression shorts as well as two pairs of compression socks/sleeves.

It is tough to know whether a certain airline will let you through with your foam roller or the large Stick so I opt to leave those at home. Plus who wants to snuggle with their foam roller for a flight. I will opt to bring the traveling Stick or Trigger.

5) Electronics. It is time to make sure that Garmin watch is IN the bag and not left on the charger. IF it is on the charger, be sure to leave a post-it note in its place so you do not forget it when packing up.

While I do not run with music, others will need to include their iPod or other music players at this time.

Additional electronics are: laptop, phone charger, activity tracker charger, etc.

6) FUEL!! How can anyone forget about the fuel? It is a great time to take inventory of what you are missing and will need to pick up at the store or Expo. I am keeping it simple for Runner's World Hat trick with ENERGYBits and KIND Snacks Bar.

** Once the race gear is set, we can focus on the rest of the weekend. ;)

7) Non-race clothing. I tend to bunch these by types: pants, shirts, underwear, socks, PJs, etc. Thankfully I am only gone for a four-day trip so I don't require too many extras.

8) Toiletries. Let us NOT forget the deodorant, razors, toothbrush, etc. It is really to benefit everyone around us. ;) Luckily the toiletries are the easiest to buy on-site if necessary.

***

Once the necessary items are laid out ... and checked about seven times to make sure I didn't forget anything, it is time to start packing.

This is where the proper carry-on bag comes in handy!

For this trip, I am leaning on my Apera Performance Duffel bag.

This bag is the perfect size for a carry-on.

To make packing easier I simply pick up my piles, roll up clothing when applicable and place them directly into the bag. I know ground-breaking idea right there. :P

To save space, I will put my socks, underwear, razors, etc inside my sneakers. Every spare inch counts when packing.

Now the best part of the Apera bag would be the side pockets where I can put my sneakers. Each side of the bag can hold a pair of sneakers, which frees up a ton of space within the bag.

Some runners will wear their sneakers to the airport, but I don't go that route. I like to keep them in my bag and wear slip-on shoes or flip flops to the airport for an easier interaction with security.

There are also a ton of pockets, which can hold my Sparkly Soul headbands toiletries and chargers.

And voila my bag is packed for four days of travel including three races and extras!

***

I can also sleep easy knowing I can avoid the potential for lost luggage and race-day headaches.

I will carry an additional carry-on for my wallet, reading materials and a place to put any swag I will inevitably pick up at the Expo.

So go on your way my merry friends and pack smart!

***

What process do you have to handle the joy of packing for a racecation?

Dani Dishes: BIG ANNOUNCEMENT

It's BIG announcement time!! You will have to tune in to watch to see what it is... ;) Fundraising Page

*RECAP* ZOOMA...ing along the Cape!

Would you like to run a Half or 10k that ends on the beach with wine, massages, snacks and foam rollers? Okay okay I know that not everyone has a love relationship with the foam roller, but still foam rolling while looking out to the ocean makes it less painful. Sort of. ;)

Well ZOOMA Women's Half on Cape Cod offered all of the above plus some pretty gorgeous views along the course.

2014 marked my second-straight year as an ambassador for the ZOOMA Cape Cod race. I ran it in 2013 before completing the Rock 'n' Roll Providence Half the following day to qualify for the Half Fanatics! :)

What brought me back besides the things mentioned above? The great atmosphere at the race. With a 3.5 hour cutoff for the 10k and Half, it is a great race for all fitness levels and paces. Seeing groups of women out on the course walking, walk-running and running is so inspiring to me.

And of course ... The other amazing ambassadors. It is a group of amazing female bloggers, who I am lucky to call my friends.

At the Honest Tea mocktail party at the Sea Crest Hotel on Friday night, I was finally able to meet some of my online friends in real life.

Plus I got to take fun Expo pictures with my friends Amy from RunningEscapades and Nancy from LilFancyNancy.

Amy & I - photo courtesy of Amy

Me, Amy, Nancy - photo courtesy of Nancy

The Expo is pretty tiny so we were able to breeze through it easily on Friday. After the Expo and the mocktail, we had a quick little dinner (mmm pizza and wine) before calling it a night.

I owe a big thank you to Ms. Nancy who lets me crash on her guest bed so I don't have to pay for a hotel. Woo! This year she even hung up photos in the guest room. Fancy.

The alarm was set for 5am on race day, but I didn't manage much sleep. I was in bed by 10 and immediately had a dream about sleeping through the race. This resulted in me waking up at 2am, 3am, 4am and just before my 5am alarm was set to go off. Ummm yay!!

After a night of on and off sleep I was pretty happy with my decision not to race the half. I really wanted to run with people on Saturday so I took Nancy up on her offer to run with her and Jess from 30SomethingMotherRunner. Nancy was hoping for a PR, which mean beating 1:52:24 and I was happy to try and help the best I could.

We headed out from Nancy's house just after 6 so I snacked on my banana in the car and saving my LUNA Bar to enjoy onsite. Neither of us could remember if the race was at 7am or 7:30am. Pretty good bloggers, right? Ha.

Amy graciously opened up her room to the blogger crew to hang out in pre-race. Thank goodness because it was chilly out there.

Plus we could avoid some port-o-potties for awhile. It is really the little things in a racer's life. :P

Thanks to Amy's husband Chris for being our photog

Before the race it was all about mingling with the fellow bloggers and racers. You all know I love meeting new folks - especially social media friends/blog readers - at races so this was another great opportunity.

Big thanks to Kim for coming over and saying hi! Kim blogs at BarkingMadAboutRunning!!

Plus I drooled over the medals before the start of the race. It would be mine in just a couple of hours.

We snapped one last ambassador photo before sending the 10kers off. About 5 minutes later, it would be our turn.

Photo Courtesy of Nancy

The countdown began and BAM we were off for 13.1 glorious miles.

It is wicked cool seeing a sea of women run down the street with a few boyfriends/husbands in the mix.

The morning air was nice and crisp giving the perfect temps for a Fall race in New England. The beginning of the course is pretty flat, which I did not complain about. :) Having run the race last year I knew there would be some hills to battle within the last 3 miles so I tried to keep that in mind while we were running. I wanted to help Nancy have a nice consistent run.

And make sure I was taking in the sights around us.

I mean how lucky were we to be running along this.

Mile 1: 8:33 Mile 2: 8:13 Mile 3: 8:09

Let Nancy know that the 8:09 mile was great, but we needed to pull it back a little. I think the excitement of seeing her film crew from Feetures put a little pep in her step during that mile... or maybe the Sparkle Athletic skirt she borrowed from me. :)

I love the 2-3 mile area since there is an out and back so you can actually wave to other friends or cheer on the other runners. This is where I saw a few of my Tedy's Team running mates who were taking in the race as well. Yay!

Mile 4: 8:27

During Mile 4 I decided it was selfie time. But with a bad internet connection I wasn't sure how long it would take me to actually upload the photo. FYI It took until just before Mile 7.

Mile 5: 8:30 Mile 6: 8:32 10k Split: 52:32 (8:28 min/mile pace)

The middle miles take place along the gradually inclining rail trail. I really appreciated the path being nice and shady.

Mile 7: 8:33 Mile 8: 8:31

And it was the perfect time for a group selfie.

Hi From Mile 8!

Action shot baby. You can see a 4th girl behind us. That was Courtney. We met her while on the path and had a great time chatting with her for awhile. She is turning 26 on Wednesday (October 1) and will be running her first marathon (26.2 miles) on October 26. How about working the 26 on that one? Courtney, if you are reading, it was our pleasure meeting you and running with you for awhile. Good luck!! :)

Mile 9: 8:36 Mile 10: 8:38

It was great chatting with Jess and Nancy about life, blogging and running.

We were cruising along, but I knew the hills would be coming as would the sun and heat. It was definitely getting warmer while we were out there and the shade would be decreasing.

Nancy was testing out new fuel on the day of the race and it started to backfire causing some stomach pain. Jess and I reminded Nancy that we were there for her race and whatever she needed. If she needed to walk, we could. She called the shots.

I could tell the stomach pain wasn't fun and was hurting the PR chances, which was upsetting to Nancy. Jess and I tried to keep the mood light and spirited. No matter what she would be finish and under 2 hours. Since I love being someone's cheerleader, it was a blast trying to keep the spirits of the troops up.

Mile 11: 9:05 Mile 12: 9:11

The final mile included the biggest of the inclines of the course. This is where my Garmin came in handy. Letting Nancy know we had 0.6 miles to go and Jess translating it into repeats: "just two repeats left." Doing whatever we could to keep the three of us moving forward.

Mile 13: 9:19

Right after passing the Mile 13 sign, we went to turn into the Sea Crest hotel parking lot towards the Finish before the volunteers yelled at us that we needed to "continue straight." Ahh we were about to go the wrong way. Oops! Thanks volunteers. :)

We had decided during the last mile that we would all raise our hands over the Finish. I mean you gotta get a group on the same page for a good Finish Line shot.

Final Time: 1:54:17 (8:43 min/mile pace)

YYAAYYY!! While we missed Nancy's PR goal by 2 minutes, we still had a blast out on the course and made some memories. :)

Pretty pretty bling for my 21st Half Marathon.

I want to thank ZOOMA for improving the signage, volunteer presence and number of safety cones on the road when we were crossing. Last year I had some close calls with some cars that almost hit me whereas this year was a breeze.

Additional thanks to the Falmouth Fire & Rescue for patrolling the course keeping the ladies safe. We did have to see them go into action for a woman that fell and I hope she was okay. Her knees were all scraped and bruised.

Even though the run was done, the fun was going to continue with the post-race party on the beach.

Yes the foam rolling was less painful with my toes in the sand. :) Thanks Muscle Milk for laying out at least half a dozen yoga mats with foam rollers.

There were a ton of tables set up along the beach for ladies to enjoy their post-race snacks (hummus wrap or chicken salad wrap) and wine.

Don't worry folks I made sure to test them all and they were all delicious! :)

Of course post-race was additional chances to see some of my favorite people.

Nancy & I snapped another photo together

Jen & I - make sure to read Jen's weight loss story on the blog she has with her twin sisterTwinsTakeOnLife

Some of the amazing ladies of Tedy's Team :)

Angela, Nancy, Amy and I

After a bunch of hugs and celebratory high fives, it was time to head out and enjoy the rest of my weekend on the Cape.

Until next year ZOOMA...

***

Did you run the ZOOMA Cape Cod 10k or Half? What was your favorite part?

Dani Dishes 9-19-14

After a two month hiatus Dani Dishes is BACK!! Let's get caught up on weight loss success, work life, balance and what is to come on Dani Dishes … I need your input!  

The Dani Ryan Holmes-Kirk 3rd Annual 30th Birthday 5k Run-Walk Ramble: September 2014

When I turned 30 in September 2012, I wanted to celebrate my birthday in a new and exciting way. I didn't want to go out to dinner with friends and family. I didn't want to host a Happy Hour. I wanted to celebrate my healthier lifestyle and the fact that I would be entering my 30s in the 150s! An amazing feat for a girl who at one point topped the scales in the 230s! With the help of my family, The Dani Ryan Holmes-Kirk 30th Birthday Run-Walk Ramble was born. It was an amazing day that featured folks running or walking the 5k in person AND virtually.

Oh that's right! There were printable race bibs and Finisher's Medals for all.

What did I ask in return? A $25 donation be made to Tedy's Team and the American Stroke Association.

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.

Tedy & I mid-run selfie: Mile 1 of 2014 Boston Marathon

In the past two years I have been lucky enough to call Tedy's Team family. I have run two Boston Marathons (2013 and 2014), the Rock 'n' Roll Nashville marathon (2014) and Falmouth Road Race (2014) with an amazingly motivating and inspiring group of people. Along the way my friends, family, blog readers and online community have helped me raise

$15,575

to help #FightStroke so far.

My 5 Virtual Race Finisher's Medals

I run in honor of my Stroke Heroes - my grandparents - but through this journey, this blog and Tedy's Team it has become so much more. I run, sweat, train and fundraise for all those affected by Stroke.

Tedy and I after Falmouth

I will be applying for the 2015 Boston Marathon team with Tedy's Team and I have a goal in mind:

I want to hit $21k raised!

***

Here's the latest opportunity to help... register for The Dani Ryan Holmes-Kirk 3rd Annual 30th Birthday (Virtual) 5k Run-Walk Ramble!!!

A virtual run-walk means you do the 5k (3.1 mile) “race” at your leisure during the month of September (anytime during the month)!!

Map out your own route, get your own friends together or jump on the old trusty treadmill/bike. Your call.

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!! 

Did you catch that folks? Raffle Prizes. Let's see who has jumped on board so far:

^A #Runner Shirt from the AMAZINGLY AWESOME Pavement Runner

^ A 1BandID - great Boston-based company, which is an ID that attaches right to your GPS watch or shoe

^ ENERGYBITS Sample Pack

^ 3-Pack of Perform Pain Reliever products (Roll-On, Spray and On-The-Go Singles)

^ WYCWYC Keychain thanks to Carla and Roni

^ One pair of ZENSAH Compression Leg Sleeves

^A New Balance 3Axis Pedometer

^ Runfellow "I Like Your Pace" T-Shirt (value $30)

^ A pair of Feetures Running socks (value $10.99)

*Remember list is still growing!*

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, where all proceeds go to Tedy's Team. If I make the 2015 Boston Marathon team, the fundraising goal is $5,400.

But wait... there's more!!

I have an anonymous donor who will match up to $1,200 raised by the Birthday 5k! Say whaa?? Heck yeah!

So if you are ready to help me Fight Stroke then check out the directions to sign up below!

***

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

1) Please register. (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 or walk or bike whenever you like during the month of September.

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

4) HAVE FUN!!

***

Finisher’s Medal

Download Your Race Bib Here!

***

Are you interested in getting in to the amazing raffle prizes? A $20 donation to Tedy's Team gains you 5 entries into the raffle!!

You can donate here.

***

Thank you all for continuing to support me and help raise awareness for Stroke. Please be sure you know the warning signs of a Stroke (courtesy American Stroke Association):

THINK YOU ARE HAVING A STROKE? CALL 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY!

F.A.S.T. is an easy way to remember the sudden signs of stroke. When you can spot the signs, you’ll know that you need to call 9-1-1 for help right away. F.A.S.T. is:

	Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven?
	Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
	Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like “The sky is blue.” Is the sentence repeated correctly?
	Time to call 9-1-1 – If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get the person to the hospital immediately. Check the time so you’ll know when the first symptoms appeared.

32 Sign Ups For The Birthday 5k/Raffle In Honor Of Turning 32?

The day is HERE ... I am now the big 3-2! I am actually pretty excited for it since my 30s have kicked serious booty. Now I cannot wait to see what happens next...

So how can you help me celebrate turning 32?

Donate to Tedy's Team and help me #FightStroke in honor of my #1 Stroke Hero - my gramma.

I am trying to raise the bar as last year on my birthday I raised $463 for Tedy's Team. Today I would love to have 32 sign-ups in honor of my 32nd birthday.

***

There are two ways you can participate:

1) The Dani Ryan Holmes-Kirk 3rd Annual 30th Birthday 5k Run-Walk Ramble

A $25 to Tedy's Team gains you entry to the virtual race, a printable bib, a Finisher's Medal and 7 entries into the raffle.

Sign up here!

2) Make a $20 donation to Tedy's Team and gain 5 entries into the raffle.

Donate here!

I have an anonymous donor who will match up to $1,200 raised by the Birthday 5k/raffle! Say whaa?? Heck yeah!

What does the raffle feature????

^A #Runner Shirt from the AMAZINGLY AWESOME Pavement Runner (value $25)

^ A 1BandID - great Boston-based company, which is an ID that attaches right to your GPS watch or shoe (value $19.99)

^ ENERGYBITS Sample Pack

^ 3-Pack of Perform Pain Reliever products (Roll-On, Spray and On-The-Go Singles)

^ WYCWYC Keychain thanks to Carla and Roni (value $16)

^ One pair of ZENSAH Compression Leg Sleeves (value $39.99)

^A New Balance 3Axis Pedometer (value $29.99)

^ Runfellow "I Like Your Pace" T-Shirt (value $30)

^ A pair of Feetures Running socks (value $10.99)

***

Will you be one of the 32? :)

Help Me Celebrate Turning 32 By Fighting Stroke

TOMORROW I will be turning the big 3-2! I am actually pretty excited for it since my 30s have kicked serious booty. Now I cannot wait to see what happens next...

So how can you help me celebrate turning 32?

Donate to Tedy's Team and help me #FightStroke in honor of my #1 Stroke Hero - my gramma.

There are two ways you can participate:

1) The Dani Ryan Holmes-Kirk 3rd Annual 30th Birthday 5k Run-Walk Ramble

A $25 to Tedy's Team gains you entry to the virtual race, a printable bib, a Finisher's Medal and 7 entries into the raffle.

Sign up here!

2) Make a $20 donation to Tedy's Team and gain 5 entries into the raffle.

Donate here!

I have an anonymous donor who will match up to $1,200 raised by the Birthday 5k/raffle! Say whaa?? Heck yeah!

What does the raffle feature????

^A #Runner Shirt from the AMAZINGLY AWESOME Pavement Runner (value $25)

^ A 1BandID - great Boston-based company, which is an ID that attaches right to your GPS watch or shoe (value $19.99)

^ ENERGYBITS Sample Pack

^ 3-Pack of Perform Pain Reliever products (Roll-On, Spray and On-The-Go Singles)

^ WYCWYC Keychain thanks to Carla and Roni (value $16)

^ One pair of ZENSAH Compression Leg Sleeves (value $39.99)

^A New Balance 3Axis Pedometer (value $29.99)

^ Runfellow "I Like Your Pace" T-Shirt (value $30)

^ A pair of Feetures Running socks (value $10.99)

*Remember list is still growing!*

***

Are you going to help me celebrate AND #FightStroke?

Face It Friday: Accepting A Gain & Race Tracking 9/5/14

After seeing 157.4 on the scale last week for the first time in months, I may have celebrated a little too much ... I may have overindulged a little too much ... I may have had that extra beer. And you know what??

I am okay with that!

What? How? Why?

I knew it would be a big weekend as Labor Day meshed with my best friend and her family coming to visit meeting up with taper week (meaning less working out than normal).

It was the perfect storm.

So I vowed over the weekend to enjoy the moments, but track them all - good, bad or ugly.

And it did get ugly.

Now tracking this weekend didn't change any of my choices, but it allowed me to accept and own them.

Rather than beating myself up when the number hit a negative.

I checked in with myself and made sure the choices were worth it ... and they were!

Normally after a big weekend, I am right back on track on Monday, but with the holiday we decided to grill out so the points added up. I made that decision that morning and was happy I did.

I made sure to continue to weigh and measure and check off those Good Health Guidelines even when feeling a little off track.

But once Tuesday came around I was back to sticking to my Daily Points Target.

Instead of worrying about the negative number and throwing in an extra workout here or there, I stuck to my training plan. I know that this week leading up to the Half Ironman is about following my game plan rather than trying to get extra workouts in.

It is a fine balance sometimes between weight loss and training.

SO when I prepared to face the scale this morning, I expected a gain and would accept whatever the scale wanted to dish out.

I was fine with everything that happened over the week and was proud of the progress I made over the Summer leading up to the big race.

The scale read 158.3 this morning - up just 0.9 lb.

I will gladly take that since it could've been more.

My goal when recommitting to tracking/me on June 13 was to be in the 150s before the big race ... and I am!

I feel healthy, balanced, confident and thankful.

***

And now I turn my focus to race weekend.

The Pumpkinman Half Ironman is Sunday. My swim wave kicks off at 7:11am.

If you would like to track me, you can download the All Sports Events app on iPhone or Android.

* Select Upcoming Events

* Select Pumpkinman Triathlon

* Select Results

* Select Athlete Search

* Search for me (my bib # is 365) and click on Dani Holmes-Kirk

* Click on the heart in the right-hand corner to add me as a Favorite

***

I will be turning the big 3-2 on September 16! I am actually pretty excited for it since my 30s have kicked serious booty.

Now I cannot wait to see what happens next…

So how can you help me celebrate turning 32?

Donate to Tedy’s Team and help me #FightStroke in honor of my #1 Stroke Hero – my gramma.

There are two ways you can participate:

1) The Dani Ryan Holmes-Kirk 3rd Annual 30th Birthday 5k Run-Walk Ramble

A $25 to Tedy’s Team gains you entry to the virtual race, a printable bib, a Finisher’s Medal and 7 entries into the raffle.

Sign up here!

2) Make a $20 donation to Tedy’s Team and gain 5 entries into the raffle.

Donate here!

I have an anonymous donor who will match up to $1,200 raised by the Birthday 5k/raffle! Say whaa?? Heck yeah!

I appreciate all the help!!!

***

Do you beat yourself up when you over indulge or do you practice self forgiveness?

Monday Musings (a day late): Labor Day Weekend Fun & Beer

I hope you all like pictures!! :) I have a ton from this long weekend and a cute toddle. Let's dig right in!

Friday started off with a bang. A great weigh-in (oh hey 157.4) and my longest bike ride to date (56.29).

Once the hardest work of my weekend was out of the way I was ready to enjoy the people in my life and the awesome weather on the docket.

Okay just kidding. I had some blog work to get done before the fun could start.

My wife actually got out of work early so we took the opportunity to get together for a little Sangria date at Papagayo at Assembly Row.

It is sooo nice having the shops/restaurants at Assembly Row open up here in Somerville ... especially since it is across the street from our house. ;)

We called it an easy low-key evening as we had a packed Saturday planned.

Well Saturday wasn't all fun action planned.

I started by walking to my Weight Watchers meeting. Proud of myself for attending 11 of the 12 meetings this summer. It feels so nice to be back with my member hat on and it has really led to my success this summer.

After my meeting I walked home to get to work. I had some blog work to get done, while the wife was working on a side project she took on.

Before taking on our busy Saturday afternoon, I convinced the wife to bike along me while I knocked out a 4.6 mile run.

It really does help pass the time and is extra QT time to have her there.

With the day's workout in the books, it was Saturday afternoon time.

Lunch with a side of Baxter Stowaway IPA at John Brewer Tavern (Malden).

Can I tell you that grocery shopping is a little bit easier after a beer? ;)

After grocery shopping, the rest of the day was filled with giving our apartment a deep clean before our guest were to arrive the next day. No one said the Saturday was going to be 100% fun.

We enjoyed the Weight Watchers Grilled Tequila, Citrus and Jalapeno Chicken with broccoli and wine for dinner. It was delicious!! I highly recommend it.

After a tiring afternoon of cleaning, Netflix was on the agenda for the evening.

Sunday morning called for an early wake-up so I could get my swim workout done before my best friend and her family arrived.

The workout wasn't the best, but I gave it my all and was happy I got up early to do it.

After a quick stop at Dunkin Donuts on the way home, it was time to prepare for the cutest 2 year old on the planet.

The best friend wanted to get a quick run in when she got there so we walked the significant others and 2 year old down to the park so we could get our run in.

Running is always better with a friend.

Joanna really enjoyed the water jets at the park. Oh and of course she figured out how to use the jets before the adults with her. ;)

Once everyone did a quick costume change/clean-up, it was time to head out to Night Shift Brewery (Everett, MA).

It was a great location. We each tried the flight of 4 beers (4oz each) for $8. Thanks to Untappd (Friend Me). I recorded my samples: Art #29 - JavaPine, Morph (8/19/14), Trifecta and Whirlpool.

Big thanks to Night Shift Taproom for being open on a Sunday!!

The BFF and her family had another engagement for dinner so the wife and I enjoyed some BLTs with real bacon (our once a month treat)! We had apple cured bacon and it was delicious.

When they got back from dinner, it was game time. We tried out the wife's card game Poop (similar to UNO) before switching to the trusty Apples to Apples.

Now thankfully they are as old as I am and were down for a early bedtime (aka before 11pm). Yes I am that cool. :P

Usually the little lady will wake up around 6:30/7, but on this day she and the rest of us slept until 8am, which was late for everyone in the house. It was kind of glorious.

We wanted to make the most of our time together before they had to leave in the early afternoon to get back to Maine.

So we loaded the troops up in sunblock and headed over to the Assembly Row playground.

I mean is she not the cutest thing ever?

Following a little too much time in the Sun, we headed over to the Lego Store so Joanna the wife could buy a toy.

The Wife (hoodie) and I

I will commend the wife on picking out Lego "us" to take on adventures. I just need to find a beer mug for mine like my friend Dacia!!

It was finally time to head home and start getting our grill on for lunch.

What a busy "rest day," huh?

The wife did a great job grilling out some steak tips, chicken, corn on the cob, green beans and squash. A great well-balanced lunch with friends.

We worked with Joanna on cheering "Go Aunt Dani!" as she will be on-site for my race on Sunday. Yup, I will have the cutest spectator out there.

Before I knew it it was time for my favorite family out of Maine to head home. Luckily I will see them next week, but it is always hard to say goodbye.

With the heat rising and our guests gone, we spent the rest of Monday hiding in the air conditioned bedroom enjoying the Sherlock Holmes show on the BBC thanks to Netflix. Have you seen that show? It only has 3 episodes per season, but each is like a mini movie. They are amazing works of art and directed by the director of Dr. Who.

Overall I had one exhausting weekend with less workouts than I had been used to since this weekend kicked off taper week for the Half Ironman.

***

Since this was a long weekend, I allowed the #drinkend to include Monday. Here are the brews I enjoyed:

Foley Brothers - Native IPA (highly recommend this!)

Left Hand Brewering 400 Pound Monkey

Ignore foam - Berkshire Brewing Company Black IPA - Brewer's Series #1

Coronado Brewing Company - Sock Knocker (bought based on logo, but sooo good)

Left Hand Brewing - Wake Up Dead (5 out of 5 stars)

***

Finally I turn 32 2 weeks from today and would love to have you celebrate with me by helping me #FightStroke!! Find out more info here. :) There is a sweeeet raffle involved.

***

Did you ring in Labor Day with friends or family?

Face It Friday: Snack It, Track It & Bike Ride Milestone 8/29/14

Good, Bad, Ugly I have been a tracking fool since June 13 and it feels awesome. Now the topic this week was about Giving Ourselves A Break and being nicer to ourselves. It also touched on allowing ourselves to take a day off from Weight Watchers.

I don't mean have a field day with food or pretend that margaritas are zero points (ohhh if only). What I mean is take the pressure we put on ourselves (or I know I do) off for just a day.

A mental break if you will.

I think that is coming my way.

As I said I have been guestimating, tracking, writing now for over 2 months and sometimes there are times when I want to just throw my hands up, drop my iPhone and run away.

It can happen.

I am thinking this tiny break may come during my birthday week. Again I would still be doing my normal stuff, but maybe just put the tracker away and see if I can survive and stay in control without it.

Now I am not sure that this will really happen, but we will see. I am giving myself that option.

Through tracking I am realizing that Friday is my worst day of the week. It's obvious why. It is weigh-in day. I become extra vigilant on Wednesday and Thursday to give myself the best shot going into the weigh-in so sometimes being so worried on those days gets me ready to break free on Friday.

Now I eat the same things every Wednesday and Thursday and am never hungry or depriving myself. It is just some extra pressure I put on myself. Always happens before weigh-in.

As a result I am all wound up and ready to pop on Friday.

This is something I am recognizing thanks to tracking and going to work on in the future.

Now I was worried about Friday's weigh-in. My period was looming and I had a small incident with pizza on Tuesday night (3 slices = 22 pts). But the incident was worth it, I tracked it and moved on. The pizza was damn good. Plus I had swum 2.5 miles that day, which wasn't too shabby!!

But the scale was kind.

Down 2.1 lbs - WOO!!

I am now .4 away from being back in the free LT range (153-157), 2.4 lbs from being back at goal (155) and 4 lbs from my lowest weight in my adult life (153.4 - seen just twice).

But tracking every Bite Lick and Taste keeps me accountable even though I have ended up in the negative 5 of the last 8 weeks, but have lost in 7 of those 8 weeks.

A fellow WW Leader and Friend thinks I may be over-estimating my foods on the weekend and not ending up as badly in the negative as I think.

Either way it is getting me to move more during the week to try and undo some of the damage.

I know I sound like a broken record, but it really does pay off to own the choices, mark it down and see that negative number. It usually shocks me back to reality.

It also makes me really enjoy the indulgences since they are turning back into a once a month treat.

Plus, going back to meetings has also helped put myself back to the top of my To Do List. :)

***

Besides having a good number on the scale, I had a bike milestone.

I completed my 56-mile training ride yesterday (which is why the blog post is delayed).

I really didn't enjoy a moment of it, but had to get it done for the Half Ironman on September 7. Maybe a love or even like of biking will happen at some point, but it hasn't happened yet.

While I didn't enjoy it all that much, I am proud of myself for pushing through the mental barriers and getting it DONE.

***

ALSO, I opened registration for The Dani Ryan Holmes-Kirk 3rd Annual 30th Birthday 5k Run-Walk Ramble to Fight Stroke!!

Did you see the raffle prize list is growing?

New Balance 3Axis Pedometer
ENERGYbits Sample Pack
Zensah compression sleeves
Perform Pain Relief Sample Pack
1BandID
#Runner shirt from PavementRunner
What You Can When You Can Keychain

Please sign up today!

***

Do you track no matter how ugly it gets?