Which cities will I be Rockin' & Rollin' through in 2015?

Recently I was asked: "What goes into your decision to choose a particular race to participate in?"

Well, I would say my Top Five criteria would be:

1) Bling ... race swag in general can be considered!

2) Location ... especially if I'm considering a destination race (aka racecation)!

3) Post-race celebration ... aka beer selection (from race itself or the city)!

4) Friends ... who can I potentially run with or hang out with at the run! Oh and who will let me crash on their couch to save $$$! ;)

5) Race Atmosphere ... including race organizers, entertainment during the race, etc!

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So which race series fills each of my criteria?

The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series, which is why I am honored to be an official ambassador for the race for the second-straight year. Heeyy-oo to my fellow #RockNBlog members.

I've been participating in RnR races since I rekindled the love of running after back surgery in 2011.

You're probably wondering which cities I've Rocked and Rolled through. Well I'm happy to share. ;) If you click on the year below, you will be taken directly to the recap for that race.

*Brooklyn (10k) - 2013 - a one time race

*Chicago (Half) - 2011 and 2012

*Los Angeles (Half) - 2013

*Nashville (Full) - 2014

*New Orleans (Half) - 2014

*Philadelphia (Half) - 2013 - where I set my current Half PR (1:44:12)

*Providence (Half) - 2012 and 2013 - no longer in existence :(

*Savannah (Full) - 2012 - where I set my current Full PR (3:58:49)

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Wow! I have really taken advantage of the RnR Series to see some of the best cities in the US.

So where will 2015 take me?

*San Diego - May 30-31 - for the 5k and the Full

*Philadelphia - October 31 - possibly. This is still a wild card. I would love to return to the city of my PR if $$ can work out!

*Brooklyn - October 10 - for the all-new half marathon!!!

*Savannah - November 7-8 - for the Full and the 5k. Excited to try and go for a new marathon PR! The city was absolutely a BLAST when we went in 2012 and I can't wait to go back.

***

If you are thinking about signing up for a Rock 'n' Roll race, be sure to use my discount code to help save some $$ for the post-race beer! ;)

And now the big question... which city will I see you in during the 2015 season?

Dani Dishes: Health & Boston Marathon Updates

On this episode of #DaniDishes, it's time to update everyone on my health, as well as Boston Marathon training & fundraising!!

Keepin' Focused: Cutting A Run Short, Rockin' & Rollin' with Meb & Being Sick

Getting sick was inevitable. The wife has been sick with something for over a week and it was only time that I would catch it!

It just happened to take place when I was having a deload week for marathon training.

What is a "deload" week? Well it's when someone wiser and smarter tells you to take the training down a peg to help your body recover. Thank goodness I have John, the Tedy's Team coach, to be that person in my life. After posting 44.6 miles the previous week - in part because of the Glass Slipper Challenge plus 5k in Disney - it was time to dial the training back.

So this past week I took a step back, reduced the miles and added in some additional swimming and biking.

And you know what? The body felt amazing!! I did all of my runs on the treadmill to make sure I didn't push the pace. Something that inevitably happens when I run outside. I just get so excited to run. :P

Sunday, March 1: 90 min bike trainer session and 5k run Monday, March 2: 5k run and 50-minute Spin class Tuesday, March 3: 2 mile run and 1.1 mile swim Wednesday, March 4: 2 mile run Thursday, March 5: 1.8 mile run Friday, March 6: 30 min bike trainer session and 3 mile run Saturday, March 7: 5 mile run

I was aiming for 10 miles today, but the body felt otherwise. I saw John at the first water stop and he nicely told me to cut the run, turn around and get home to bed.

I knew he was right, but it was still hard to do. The sun was shining and since I had pulled back the training this week the legs were ready to get out and face Heartbreak Hill. Breathing however was wicked difficult and it was time to play it safe. Especially with an 18-miler on the schedule for next Saturday.

But the run couldn't end without a nice mid-run bathroom photo. Thanks for the mirror Holiday Inn in Brookline. :P

I begrudgingly texted the wife to come pick me up and we headed to CVS to pick up some more meds and tissues.

So now I am tucked into bed and trying to figure out how to do this whole "resting" thing. Anyone have ideas?

I'm thinking some Disney movies are a must... but which one to start with?

And doing some more research on the Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon I'll be doing in May.

I'm psyched to pick up a special Finisher's Jacket after the run...

... and possibly hanging out with fellow Boston Marathon Finisher Meb.

Oh I know you all know I'm honored to be running my 3rd Boston with Tedy's Team this year, but you may not have heard of this guy Meb. He finishes just a tad before me. ;) Okay okay! He finishes and has enough time to grab a shower, eat lunch and run another marathon before I finish. But we both cross the same Finish Line!

Can't wait to get a great high-five from him in the MEB Zone in San Diego.

***

Alright alright I will go rest. But first a few sweet/funny moments from this past week!

Woo! Pretty excited to be recognized for my selfie skills...

Hahahaha!!! Anyone relate?

:)

***

How do you handle being sick?

Face It Friday: Negative Points, A Loss & Another Lesson

Prior to my Thursday 8am Weight Watchers meeting at the Boston Center, I was chatting with one of the members before she got on the scale. She shared how she faces the scale each week no matter what. As she simply stated:

The number will be the same whether I step on the scale or not.

<<Light Bulb Moment>>

I've heard this before. Heck I've even said it to other members. But for some reason in that moment it hit home.

I had been wavering on facing the scale this morning and that moment pushed me on to the scale today.

Why didn't I want to get on the scale? Well it could be something about being wwaaay into the negative.

Yes to the tune of -115!

Now I know from personal experience that I can be very in the negative and still lose weight. But this week I just didn't want to see a gain. It had been a very emotional week and I thought seeing a gain might put me in a bad head space... like the previous week's gain had.

BUT I had to pull up my big girl panties undies sparkle skirt and get on the scale anyway. I had to show the scale that I wouldn't be defined by any stupid three-digit number.

And you know what! I lost 1 pound.

Yay! Well that was a nice surprise.

Now I'm still up 2.2 lbs for the past month, BUT I am back in my free Lifetime range.

Time to buckle down and refocus. I am working through my funk and hoping to curb the emotional eating that is resulting from it.

Ironic since this week's WW topic was emotional eating. It's like WW knew I needed this week for my own personal journey. Thank you WW.

While February wasn't my best month in recent history food-wise, I AM proud of the many streaks that I was able to keep in tact.

I owe big props to the Simple Habits app for keeping me motivated. Yes a stupid app keeps me going. I get super excited every time I can check off another accomplishment.

***

Lesson From This Week (that I have relearned for the 1,000th time): Tracking Honest Tracking Works!

Even if you are in the negative and upset with yourself, push past that feeling and track it. Owning the choices really will help you move past the guilt faster and make it easier to get back on track! I promise.

***

This week's #NSV (Non-Scale Victory): Bridesmaid Dress Edition... 2008 vs 2009 vs 2015!

On Saturday I was wicked nervous to go with my cousin to try on the bridesmaid dress for her upcoming wedding (8/8). Internal fear struck of not fitting into the options they had. Who could blame me the only other weddings I was in I had to buy a size 22 (left) and 18/20 (center).

But we went and I slowly put on the sample (size 12) and it was too big!! They actually had to add clips to the back to get it to stay up. So I was actually told to buy a size 10! Well my bust line and hips measured a 10, but my waist was a 12/14 (hello excess skin), but she went with the 10.

Aaahhhh?!?! Me!! Yes me! I can't even put into words the feelings that took over my whole being! Okay I can - it was so much PRIDE!! Now to use that feeling and that dress as motivation to continue crushing my goals!

***

Did you face the scale this Friday?

*Update Time* Boston Marathon, Ragnar Relay, ZOOMA & Rock 'n' Roll Marathons

Oh I'm sorry did I somehow sign up for three marathons in a year for the second-year in a row... ummm that would be a big yes! **Note: it may've been four, but I was a big reject from NYC lottery! :P

How does this happen?

I mean seriously! Who took over my body and started type type typing my info?

Okay okay. I take full responsibility for my actions... this time!

So where to start? Well I think chronological order makes most sense to me.

***

Boston Marathon ... T-minus 47 days!

Excuse me while I freak out!! 47 days? I remember when it was 100. Heck I remember when I was applying to run for the third year with Tedy's Team!

Let's sloooowww the time train down. Okay?

Well training for Boston has been interesting to say the least. There has been a tad bit of snow here in Boston - in case you live under a rock and didn't hear. A tad bit of snow = over 100 inches.

While I've been making the most of it and running outside as much as possible, it still is tiring to constantly be slipping, sliding and trying to find a piece of street or sidewalk to run on.

I have been focusing this year on trying to keep my weight down this year and hope for a better result than last year.

I officially set my goal for Boston in this lovely little vlog post. I would still LOVE to see that happen, but am being realistic with how this winter has been.

This past week, however, proved trying. I did a 16-mile training run on Saturday with my teammate and friend Page and it was BAD. I felt off and tired the whole run. I was supposed to do 18, but called it a day at 16. The coach for Tedy's Team suggested I take it back this week and try to rest the legs. It was the best news I could've heard and I have been enjoying more time on the bike and in the pool. :)

I am proud to announce that I have raised $6,840 to help Fight Stroke with Tedy's Team. This brings my three-year fundraising total to $22,415 in honor of my Stroke Heroes - my grandparents, my father-in-law and so many others affected by Stroke.

I know that any version of me can show up on race day so I have learned to have different levels of goals for a race and make sure the #1 goal is: Have Fun!! :)

***

Ragnar Relay ... T-minus 65 days!

Again whhaa?? Time is creepin' up on me!

Since my current focus is on the Boston Marathon, I am not sure yet how to transition to Ragnar training once the marathon is over. I think my current run streak (#WOMSStreak - 131 days) is helping me out with that thought of running on tired legs.

I do think I will have to work on some double run days after the marathon to see what it's like to put in some serious miles on tired legs.

Either way I know I am in for a pretty sweet experience.

Now to start thinking about what fun outfit I will rock... :)

***

Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon ... T-minus 88 days!

I am PUMPED for this race! There are going to be just so many of my favorite bloggers in the world in town for the weekend...

... AND I get to run the marathon with my girl Sarah from Mom Running On Empty and her husband Rob. Woo hoo!!!

The pair is looking to PR and shooting for a 4:30. I'm excited to play #1 cheerleader and leader of the conversation if they need a distraction/pick-me-up!!

***

ZOOMA Cape Cod Half ... T-minus 206 days!

My game plan for this may have changed. My current half PR (1:44:12) will soon be invalid to register with for Disney races (needs to be within 2 years). THIS means I need a new PR or a 1:4x to help secure my spot in the first corral for 2016 Disney races.

Originally I was going to try to help a friend PR at this event, but now I may need to work on PRing there myself. I did post a 1:47 at ZOOMA in 2013 so a 1:4x is possible on the course.

Lots to think about over the summer in terms of that!

Want to run your own ZOOMA race? Use my discount code below for 10% off.

***

Rock 'n' Roll Savannah Marathon ... T-minus 248 days!

This has been a recent add to the race schedule as I am hoping to set a new shiny PR on the course. I set my current PR (and only sub-4 marathon finish) at this race in 2012.

I am hoping to come up with a great training plan to make this dream a reality.

Savannah is one kick ass city and I am excited to rock and roll right through it!

***

If you want to join me at the Rock 'n' Roll races (or a different one), please use my discount code to save some money... for extra adult beverages!

***

There are other fun races on the schedule, but these are the major distances I have as of now. I am toying with the idea of adding another half in order to possibly PR.

GAH so many races so little $$$$.

***

Do you have a goal race for 2015?

Dani Dishes: Verbal Diarrhea (Disney, Life, Negativity)

On this episode of #DaniDishes, I'm letting go of the mish mash of things that have been weighing down my mind recently: good, bad and indifferent.

Make sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! :)

And My Fall 2015 Marathon Will Be...

... drum roll please? C'mon folks! Someone give me a little National Lampoon Christmas Vacation drum roll action!

Ahhh I crack myself up.

Aaannnyywwwhoo!

I will be proudly representing Team Chocolate Milk while tackling my ninth full marathon in...

Are you getting excited?

On the edge of your seat?

Wondering what I will say next?

Well without further adieu the location is...

Savannah!! 

That's right! I am happily returning to the scene of my second full marathon (November 2012) and location where I set my current PR and recorded my (so far) only sub-4 marathon.

At this point, I will be shooting to PR once again in Savannah as I feel like I am a stronger runner three years later.

However I will say I was pretty proud of my decently even splits back in 2012. I know the end I lost steam, the weather turned hot (uncharacteristically warm that weekend) and I was in my own head.

***

NOW I am currently still in the lottery for NYC Marathon (November 1) so if I get in to that it may refocus my goals for Savannah, but for now I would like to focus on another sub-4 there.

The course is nice and flat!!

PLUS Savannah was an amazing city to explore.

***

My marathons update:

1. September 24, 2006 – Clarence De Mar – 5:59:27

2. November 3, 2012 – Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah – 3:58:49

3. April 15, 2013 – 117th Boston Marathon – 4:04:08

4. January 12, 2014 – Walt Disney World Marathon – 4:45:57

5. April 21, 2014 – 118th Boston Marathon – 5:31:18

6. April 26, 2014 – Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville – 4:42:12

7. April 20, 2015 – 119th Boston Marathon – TBD

8. May 31, 2015 – Rock 'n' Roll San Diego – TBD

9. November 7, 2015 – Rock 'n' Roll Savannah – TBD

***

Have you rocked and rolled your way through Savannah?

My First Run Disney Princess Weekend: #PrincessTweetup, Course Maps & Costume Sneak Peek

I am loving and hating that Princess weekend is mere days away.

How could I be hating this amazing news as Boston is up to 85 inches of snow in the past three weeks?

Well it means my vacations and Run Disney races will already be over for 2015. :P

The wife and I traveled to Disneyland for the first time in January for the inaugural Star Wars race weekend. It was a BLAST!

This would be stop 1 on our first Coast 2 Coast adventure.

Now we head to Disney on Thursday (!!!!!) for the Princess weekend.

I will be completing all three races (shocking I know) - 5k, 10k and Half - while the wife will be going for the #GlassSlipperChallenge (10k and Half).

So on Sunday I will be able to take a pic with all 9 of my Run Disney medals from 2015! Hollah! Boy I cannot wait for that Castle pic. :)

But I am getting ahead of myself.

For those that don't know the Princess race weekend will be our 4th Run Disney weekend. I know - many folks feel like I have done dozens of them, but I guess that means I just talk about them a lot? ;)

I did Disney Half 2013, Dopey Challenge 2014, Star Wars 2015 and now Princess 2015. I think we have our eyes set on Star Wars and Wine and Dine for 2016. Again getting ahead of myself.

We will be heading to Disney from February 19-24. It was actually cheaper for us to stay at Disney an extra night than try and take a flight home after the half (Sunday) or on Monday. Cheaper meaning hotel + park ticket + dogs in the Pooch hotel additional night < Flying home Sunday or Monday. Crazy! So yes spending the extra time in the warmth at Disney was a no-brainer. :)

Am I right?

We have our hotel (Saratoga Springs), magic bands, park hopper passes, dining reservations and Fastpasses locked and loaded!

Dining Reservations (for dinner unless noted otherwise):

Thursday - Raglan Road Irish Pub (Downtown Disney) Friday - Hollywood Brown Derby (Hollywood Studios) Saturday - Sci-Fi Dine-In Theatre (Hollywood Studios) Sunday - Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano (Hollywood Studios) Monday - 'Ohana (character breakfast - Polynesian Resort) & Coral Reef (Epcot)

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EXPO

Pending flights we plan on hitting up the Expo on Thursday! I don't have any "must-haves" this time around besides a Glass Slipper Challenge magnet for my fridge. I would love the jacket, but if Star Wars Expo was any indiction - it will be long gone by the time I get there.

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#PrincessTweetup

Now in addition to checking out the parks and running 22.4 magical miles, I will also be co-hosting a meetup/tweetup. Complete with prizes.

My good friend Kat from KatrinaElle.com lives in the area and while she isn't running she was more than happy to team up and share some hugs, high-fives and laughs with me anyway! Oh and everyone that attends as well. ;)

So be sure to join us Saturday, Feb 21 from 1-3 at the carousel at Downtown Disney.

Make sure you are there... or you won't be there and you won't be having as much fun! :P

Oh oh oh and you don't HAVE to have twitter or be running the races to attend. This is an opportunity for all social media friends to meet in person.

***

Course Maps

While I am not one to normally look at course maps ahead of time (why take the surprise out of it ;)) I do like to check out what parks the races will go through.

5k/10k

Half

I am looking forward to seeing which characters they bring out for Princess. I know during Marathon weekend there was a whole variety of Disney characters, while Star Wars was solely Star Wars characters.

I've searched the web and stalked friends' photos and it looks like they have princesses and villians, as well as staple Disney characters (Mickey, Minnie, etc) dressed up to match the theme.

Ahhhh yay!! Character stops are one of my favorite pars of the Disney races.

I am very excited to once again be in Corral A for all 3 races so I am once again charging myself with stopping at every character stop no matter the line. :)

***

Costume Sneak Peak

I think this is the portion everyone has been waiting for. We know my wife brings it when it comes to costume making. Now we are a tad behind on construction due to those pesky blizzards, but I have some sneak peeks for you all.

You know I love you guys.

Now I won't say what the costumes are, but will let you leave comments with your guesses. :)

5k

10k

Half

Anyone have any guesses???? :)

***

Ahh okay typing this all up has made me even MORE excited! I am thrilled to check out another Run Disney weekend.

Will you be at Run Disney Princess Weekend? Have you done it before? What can you share with this newbie Princess?

The Refresh, Revive, Remix Celebration at Athleta Newbury Street

Running clothes... Snacks... Champagne... Massages... You had me at - well - all of that!!

I had the honor of attending the Refresh, Revive, Remix Celebration Party at Athleta Newbury Street with my friend Susan from Lifestyle of a Fashionista.

Susan and I arrived at Athleta ready to get our shop on. Now I am not one to normally enjoy shopping - okay I rarely enjoy shopping - but with the entire Athleta store at my disposal... my attitude changed. It's like Athleta After Dark.

In addition to the amenities, Athleta would be giving us a sneak peek at their new arrivals.

Before we started trying on clothes, we took a lap around to meet some of the great companies in attendance.

First up was a stop for some snacks from b.good and a little champagne.

Cocobeet is Boston's original organic juice bar (online delivery available, store coming soon).

Bringing fresh cold-pressed juices, superfood smoothies, raw vegan fare, and detox juice cleanses to the Boston community. Our ingredients reflect our healthy values: organic, raw, vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, non-HPP, and locally sourced.

Since I was already drinking my water, I opted to bring a couple of hint water bottles home with me. The watermelon water was tasty!

Since I had to postpone my massage earlier in the week, I was happy to take advantage of the free chair massage from the Joint Venture physical therapists. Oh boy it was a treat. Yes 10 minutes was all my upper body needed. Okay it could've taken an hour if available, but I appreciated 10 minutes. :)

Finally we chatted with Cassie from Beautycounter.

Beautycounter is an up-and-coming skincare line. Thankfully Susan is the fashion blogger so I let her take the lead with this convo. ;) I know nothing about makeup.

After making the rounds, it was time to try on some of the amazing clothes available.

I wanted this entire ensemble... including the abs! Apparently abs sold separately? #Rude :P

While I wanted to try everything on, I tried to be realistic in what I brought into the dressing room.

Up First? Floral Fade Sonar Capri ($74, size medium)

The super-sleek, wicking capri with compression fabric to give you a flattering fit for every run and training session.

Oh boy did I immediately fall in love with these. I knew as soon as I put them on that they would be coming home with me. The wide waistband on the capris limit slipping or riding down while running - which I really appreciate.

Rear pocket to stash my key/ID. Machine washable AND dry!

I tried on the green tank as well, but wasn't a fan. Style: Mesh Chi Tank ($44, size large)

Second Up? Gel Chaturanga™ Capri ($64, size medium)

A spliced-in gel print adds flash to your workouts in our favorite Chat style.

I really wanted to like these pants, but I didn't feel "it" when I slipped them on. They felt fine, but not enough for me to bring them home.

I thought the design would make me feel wide or self-conscious, but that wasn't it.

They had the wide waistband, hidden key pocket and are rated UPF 50+ - all amazing.

NOW if these were to randomly show up at my house, I would not send them away. ;)

Third Up? Sting Be Free Tight (on sale $59.99, size medium)

Now these pants are WAAAYYY out of my comfort zone! I'm not one to normally pick up such a bold-color pant.

But they had me at pockets!! Yes these pants offer pockets on the side that can hold my phone and fuel.

They are mid-rise, which is something I like in my running tights since they don't tend to ride down like other pants. They are lightweight, sleek and stretchy - all pluses.

I also love that most Athleta pants also have the mesh inserts for ventilation.

Now when I first put these on I thought they were super baggy and was really confused why they were bunching at the end. Yeah I had put on a Large. Once I went down a size to the medium they fit like a glove and the bunching was gone.

Thanks to some convincing from Susan these also made it into my cart.

***

The last time I attended an Athleta After Hours event I walked away with three pairs of pants. Sooo going home with two was an improvement for my wallet. :P

I highly recommend that everyone check out their closest Athleta or Athleta.com. (They do have plus sizes available on their website) I really like the durability of their clothing AND their dedication to empowering women through their Power to the She movement.

Yes it is still a little pricey, but you get your money's worth.

PLUS, if you feel good while running or working out, you perform better and are more apt to keep the movement going. So splurge! ;)

***

Have you tapped in to the #PowerToTheShe at Athleta?

Dani Dishes: Changing My Mind

On this episode of #DaniDishes, I'm admitting I was wrong about run streaking. I changed my mind and watch why!

Previous Post mentioned in video!