Discount Code/Link Round-Up: Products & Races I Love!

I am lucky enough to partner with some AMAZING products and races. Now I'm able to pay it forward by offering you fine folks some sweet discounts!! So let's get right to it!

PRODUCTS

Sparkly Soul headbands

Use code DANIRUNSBOSTON between 3/23-30 and receive 10% off your order. PLUS 10% of your order will be donated BACK to my 2015 Boston Marathon fundraising efforts to Fight Stroke with Tedy's Team.

^There is also a special Tedy's Team headband, where 10% of those orders also come back to my fundraising efforts!! So you should clearly check that band out too!

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Momentum Jewelry 

Use THIS LINK to receive 10% off your order.

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ENERGYBits

What are ENERGYbits you may ask?

Made from 100% organicallly grown spirulina algae and loaded with 40 nutrients, ENERGYbits® algae tabs have the highest concentration of protein in the world (64%) all for just one calorie per tab. Endorsed by the United Nations as the most nutritious food on earth, spirulina algae has been a favorite of Olympic gold medalists for decades and is a super food in every sense of the word, delivering instant and enduring energy to your brain and body.

Use code WEIGHTOFFMYSHOULDERS to receive 25% off your order!

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RACES

Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series

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Max Performance Triathlon Series

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

Escape the Cape Triathlon on June 13

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

Use code: WOMSESCAPE15 (expires May 2)

Title IX Women Only Sprint Triathlon on September 13

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

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ZOOMA Women's Race Series (Cape Cod)

Race has a Half Marathon and 10k option and takes place September 16.

Use my discount code DANI15 for 10% off.

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Happy Shopping and Registering! :)

Face It Friday: Fighting To Positive, Breaking Even & Losing While Marathon Training

Did you know that you can train for a marathon and still lose weight? It's true! I'm living proof! :) Since we kicked off marathon training at the beginning of December I am happy to report I am down 7.8 lbs. Wahoo!

How do I do it?

Well I don't do anything crazy or out of the norm. I keep everything balanced and in check with my Weight Watchers tracking. Hey, if it ain't broke don't fix it. I find I need to use more of my extra Points (WPs and APs) to make sure my body fuels enough to train and shed weight.

Tracking allows me to keep the RUNGRY HORRORS at bay and give me a rude wake-up call when I pull out the excuse of:

Well I ran today I can have lots of XXXXXX.

Anyone else get that way?

Well the thing about always training for long distances is my body has a HIGH baseline on the Activelink. Soooo a 3 mile run isn't what it used to be on old Activity Point barometer. You feel me?

With tracking and the Good Health Guidelines I try to keep my splurges in check. To be 100% honest (as I always am with you folks), my week starts on Friday and I tend to be in the negative by Monday morning. That means I go through DPT, WPs and any APs earned.

I then spend Monday-Thursday trying my best to earn enough APs to get back into the positive.

Is this ideal? Hellz No.

BUT I find that it allows me to indulge when I want to with friends (which tends to be on the weekend) and bring it back on track during the weekdays (when I am more boring).

NOW I always listen to my body. Fueling for the race is my highest priority so I do track everything I eat during runs/workouts.

I could cut out wine, beer and fries and be set, but that isn't what I am about. And hey! I didn't lose the 83 pounds to give those up completely. That's just not how MY plan works.

So last week I had the big shocking loss which meant I FULLY expected a huge gain this week to balance it out. I mean I was sick last week so I figured that had to be it.

Well I ended up breaking even on the scale. Weighed in again at 152.

Still my lowest weight since 6th grade.

This past weekend was challenging as I was feeling healthier so I did more socializing. This meant I was in the hole Points-wise by Monday morning. So for accountability I posted my tracker each day to Facebook and Twitter for support. I didn't even care if anyone commented on it. I had to put it out there for me.

And it worked!

How about that? I even went out and splurged on St. Patrick's Day with my friend and fellow WW Leader Susan.

And there was some estimating! I didn't bring my travel food scale to the bar so we both did the best we could to put something in!

So going back to weekly weigh-ins and sharing more with friends and social media has helped me shed about 8 lbs in 2015.

For awhile I tried just weighing in once a month (minimum requirement as a WW Employee and Lifetime Member), but it didn't work for me. I wasn't keeping the balance and consistency I needed.

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Pro Tip: When I need a little self-confidence boost during the day, I'll randomly set an alarm with a motivating message! Perks up my mood and puts a smile on my face!!

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Have you ever had to fight out of the negative during a Weight Watchers week?

Tedy's Team Group Run: 12 Miles (3/21/15)

I've been slacking in the weekly long run updates. I know you are all losing sleep over these so I apologize for calling you all insomnia by constantly hitting refresh on the blog and not seeing an update. Please know you can always follow my adventures on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! ;)

The past two weeks have been trying as I was sick with bronchitis. This resulted in being sent home from March 7's 10-mile run after 5 miles and tackling last week's 18-miler on my treadmill.

I took the 18 miler in 5 separate chunks on the treadmill. 4 sets of 4 miles and 1 set of 2 miles. I did this for a couple of reasons: 1) I would be BORED if I tried to run for almost three hours on the treadmill consecutively and 2) With bronchitis still looming I wanted to check on my health in between each set. I set out to run with 18 as the goal, but made sure to let the body dictate what would actually happen. I was proud to see if hold up for all 18.

So this week I really looked forward of getting back outside for the 12-mile long run with Tedy's Team. With some problems with my contacts this week, I had to run in my glasses, which I am not a fan of. Pair glasses with snowfall lead to a grumpy me pre-run. I was really hoping the grumpiness would cease once I started running, but unfortunately it was still lingering.

Mile 1: 8:48

The grumpiness went to the next level when my Garmin stopped locating satellites just after mile 1. Ummm I was outside in the street and not near a bridge or anything so I was perplexed. I kept running and the mile total didn't budge. I decided to stop, text the wife my annoyance and shut the Garmin off. Thankfully when it turned back on it was back to functioning.

So I soldiered on.

I tried to put it all into perspective and remember why I was running to begin with. Each attempt to turn the mood around was squashed. Hey sometimes you just have those days/runs.

Mile 2: 8:55 Mile 3: 8:47

The plan for the day was an out and back on Heartbreak Hill. This would be my first hill work in two weeks thanks to that bronchitis. And let's just say I was feeling it. Which is why...

#RunningMakesMeFEEL ... HUMBLED!

Oh boy! I felt like I had never run a hill before. And we were running Heartbreak backwards first which meant it was mainly downhill. Oof!

Mile 4: 9:07 Mile 5: 8:24 Mile 6: 8:27

At the halfway mark, I stopped and chatted with the Tedy's Team coach about my training and goals for Boston. It was great to catch up, but I realized I needed to stop talking and start running back! I didn't need to just sit out and talk with the snowfall increasing.

The snow was more of a hail situation. My glasses were completely fogged over and covered so I tried to run little spurts without them (when safe). But the hail was stinging my eyes. Again nothing that would make the world stop spinning, but frustrating when trying to focus on not slipping on the snow and being able to actually see the road.

So my return running Heartbreak the normal way was tough, but I was too busy worrying about everything else that I didn't really pay attention at all to pace or how I was really feeling on the hill. Good thing? Yes in this instance. All of a sudden I snapped out of the "focus on the ground mode," looked up and realized I had made it over the worst part. Woo! It would be all smooth sailing after that. High five to myself! And yes I really did high-five myself at the top. You know, because I'm cool like that. :P

Mile 7: 8:30 Mile 8: 8:19 Mile 9: 8:07

Not really sure where the speed came from today. It could be from being cooped up inside on the treadmill for the past couple of weeks or just the anger/grumpiness. But either way I felt good the entire run.

And then there were cupcakes. That's right! Margaret from Tedy's Team had leftover homemade cupcakes from her family's fundraiser the night before. Some folks thanked her and asked for one post-run.

Me? I dug right in to a chocolate/salted caramel cupcake.

It was AWESOME!! I immediately put it in my Weight Watchers tracker and moved on. Worth it? Absolutely. Plus how many people can say they ate a cupcake mid run?

The final three miles of the run was more of the same with a fight between hail, fogged glasses and stingy eyes. You just have to roll with the punches. BUT it did take my mind off the run itself.

Note to self: Never wear glasses during a snow run again!!

Mile 10: 8:23 Mile 11: 8:10 Mile 12: 8:09

Well it looks like that cupcake was good fuel for the final 2.5 miles of the run. Huh? ;)

I ended my run right at Dunkin Donuts and enjoyed an iced coffee while waiting for the wife to pick me up.

So yes the run made me feel humbled and grateful! While it wasn't the run I wanted, I am thankful to be healthy enough to run.

Plus this extended my run streak (#WOMSStreak) to 148 days! Cah-razy!!

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Now I pushed through a tough run, how about a special donation to Tedy's Team?? My three-year fundraising total is at: $22,585.

Let's try to round that number up to $23k with a donation here - $415 to go. :)

You can also purchase a special Tedy's Team Sparkly Soul headband ($17) & 10% of the purchase also goes to my fundraising campaign!!

Three Things Thursday: Paint Nite, Boston Marathon Text Updates & A Thank You

Three Things Thursday? Hollah! Okay okay just using the alliteration as an excuse to post about three random thoughts in the same space. Not sure why I need alliteration to make that happen, but I'm going with it. I mean technically this is my blog and I can put whatever topics I want in the same post and no one can do anything about it. So there. So maybe I will. Okay. Here I go.

Wow! Not sure what sort of tangent I took there... but I digress!

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My friends and I are hitting up a local Paint Night on Sunday and I am stoked! Now I am no artist as I proved last Spring when I attended the Paint Bar for my friend's birthday. The Paint Bar is a studio on Newbury Street that solely hosts Paint parties.

But I tried. And I had a blast with folks and drank some yummy wine. Sooo overall it was a big win!

This time we are going to JJ Grimsby and Co (a restaurant) in Stoneham through the mobile company Paint Nite ($25 per person through Living Social). There are about 10 of us going show it should be a great time. If nothing else there will be a lot of laughs.

Our picture is titled: CHERRY BLOSSOM BRANCHES

And looks like something I can work with. :) I'll be sure to take progress pictures along the way so I can turn it into a nice Flipogram. ;)

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Do you want to receive text message updates during my 2015 Boston Marathon run? If so,

Text 26786 (my bib number) to 234567

and you will be set!!!

GOAL? No med tent visits!! I don't want to share any med tent selfies this year!

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I wanted to take a moment to thank each of you that watched my #DaniDishes vlog this week (which you can watch here). I always kept my dealings with depression under lock and key until I was one day faced by friends who had caught on to me. Well they started to notice that I was wearing bracelets on my wrists to hide the cutting. I thank them (they know who they are) for helping turn the first page towards dealing with depression and cutting.

Now it is a long and winding road, but as I said I see a light at the end of the tunnel. I thank all of you for helping me find that. I thank this blog for giving me a place to share those feelings instead of hiding them deep inside or shoving them down further with food.

So thank you again for watching, texting, writing emails, sending DMs and just being there in general - even if you didn't physically reach out.

And remember you are not alone!

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How was that for a mish mash of topics? ;)

Order Your Tedy's Team Sparkly Soul Headband TODAY!

I love Tedy’s Team. I love Sparkly Soul.

And now I love that Sparkly Soul is helping me support Tedy’s Team!

How you may ask?

With a special Tedy’s Team headband!

YAY!!!

How awesome is that?

It has OFFICIALLY hit the Sparkly Soul website and be $17 each.

ORDER HERE

^^10% of each Tedy’s Team headband purchased from 3/17-4/20 will go to my fundraising effort for the Boston Marathon.

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ORDER HERE!

Dani Dishes: Depression & A Light At The End Of The Tunnel

On this episode of #DaniDishes, I'm talking about a realization I had this week about my battle with depression.

*Announcement* I Am A Momentum Jewelry Ambassador!

Ahhh I am WICKED excited to announce that I have been named a Momentum Jewelry Ambassador!!

WWWOOOOOO!!!!

Okay can you tell I'm pumped? ;)

Momentum Jewelry is a small women-owned business which produces all of their products in the USA. Momentum offers foot notes, wrap bracelets, suede cuffs, necklaces, headbands and earrings. These ladies are blending the fitness and fashion worlds seamlessly.

With endless possibilities of sayings for the wrap bracelets I felt overwhelmed when I picked out my first bracelet last year, but knew I wanted to go with a custom saying. But what custom saying would push me though a workout or pick me up during a tough emotional moment.

Yeah I’m kind of obvious. But this blog – this little slice of the internet – has changed my life in more ways than you can imagine. Thinking about sharing my life, workouts and adventures with all of you gives me a huge pick-me-up when feeling own and out. So I knew it was the perfect choice.

The above wrap is the oval motivational wrap with custom saying and teal wrap – value $25. A Motivational wrap without custom saying is $20. But with my newfound arm candy my feet were feeling pretty lonely. Momentum Jewelry offers a single foot note ($10) or a pair ($17).

Sweet, right? In addition to great products filled with passion and love, Momentum believes in the importance of instilling a healthy lifestyle at an early age. So:

5% of our profits are donated to the national effort, Action for Healthy Kids. Founded in 2002, Action for Healthy Kids works with schools to fight the national epidemic of childhood obesity by teaching kids to live healthy, active lives. Learn more at www.actionforhealthykids.org

Pretty awesome!!

But wait... there's more!

As an ambassador I am able to offer all of you amazing folks a 10% discount when you use THIS LINK! heck yeah!

So what are you waiting for??? Go get yours now! :)

Looking for a Triathlon welcoming all levels? Look no further than Max Out Race Series! *Discount Codes*

I dipped my toe into the world of triathlons in August 2013. I remember feeling 100% out of place at the first Sprint tri I did. There were some other newbies there, but for the most part it was Elite athletes... like actual US Olympic team members. Then there was me. The girl hoping to just survive and not fall off during the bike portion.

It wasn't really the welcome I wanted into the triathlon world. Since then I've been more careful when choosing which triathlons I take part in.

It was in 2014 that I found the Max Out Race Series and I felt at home.

I competed in the Buzzards Bay Sprint Tri in September 2014. It was an awesome experience. Not only was the race flat and fast, but it was super welcoming to participants of all levels. It was actually the week after my first Half Ironman and it was cool to see so many folks from that race at the Buzzards Bay tri as well.

What sets Max Out Race Series apart from other race series?

^ Excellent Goodie Bags - with comfy sublimated tech shirts (that you can actually train in :), logo race belts, transition towels and water bottles waiting for you at the finish line!

^ Chip Timing - Live Results posted on site & online so your family can track you while at home.  Results posted to your social media outlets.  Plus, we have searchable Results online so you can keep tabs on your competitors.

^ Post-race Food Festival - complimentary feast for all triathletes; hey, you’’ve earned it (delicious offerings such as pulled pork, veggie burgers, salad, grilled chicken rice/beans, coleslaw,  oven fired pizza and more!)

^ Commemorative Water Bottles - waiting for you at the finish line, emblazoned with the race logo – you’’ll want to hang onto to this one – it’s made by the experts at Specialized.

^ Certified Bike Mechanic (on site) - support for pre-race, on-course and post-race needs, courtesy of Spark Bike Run Sports in East Taunton, MA.

^ Inspiration Station - all supplies are provided for a family member or friend to create a fun sign to help you notice them and get inspired at the same time!

^ Charity Benefits - Max partnered with some great organizations, including the Alzheimer’’s Association, Water.org and other local charities.

^ Sponsor Giveaways - e.g. Xterra wetsuits, bike trainers, sunglasses, oh….did you hear about our Bike Giveaway?!

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So it's my pleasure to announce that I am partnering up with Max Out Race Series for the 2015 season and YOU win. How? By being able to save $12 on registration for the two triathlons that I will be participating in!!

Escape the Cape Triathlon on June 13

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

Use code: WOMSESCAPE15 (expires May 2)

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Title IX Women Only Sprint Triathlon on September 13

Distance: 1/4 Mile Swim, 10 Mile Bike, 3.1 Mile Run

Use code: WOMST915 (expires June 1)

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So who will be joining me at either the Escape the Cape and/or Title IX Women Only Triathlon?

Face It Friday: Shocking Weigh-In, Being Sick & Staying Mindful

I'd been feeling pretty rough - coughy, fatigued, etc - for about four days or so before I finally took the advice of my loved ones and headed to the Minute Clinic on Tuesday. It was there I received my diagnosis: bronchitis. Oof! With a diagnosis came meds. There really isn't any way to track my cough drops or meds in eTools so I just took what was needed and trusted the process.

Another side effect of being sick: limited activity. Now I was still moving since the doctor said it was helpful to breaking up the mucus, but not like I usually do. So far in 2015, I've averaged about 90-105 Activity Points per week.

This week? 63.

So I had no idea what to expect on the scale. I assumed I'd gain since that is what normally happens when I am sick.

I made the call that I would once again step on the scale no matter what.

Annnddd....

Say wha???

I was speechless! This is the lowest weight I have been since 6th grade. Yes junior high. My previous low with WW was 153.4, which happened twice.

Now I know there could be many factors into the weigh-in this week. But for now I am going to thank the Scale Gods and move right along.

Do I know if the scale will balance back out next week? Who knows. But worrying about future weigh-ins has never helped me in the past... so why start now?

I am going to bask in my ability to stay mindful with my food choices this week. Normally when sick I use it as an excuse to eat whatever I want because my "body needs it."

How did I check in to make sure my food cravings/desires were real or not?

I took a line from one of my WW members and asked myself:

Am I feeding my brain or my stomach?

This gave me the 10-15 seconds to realize that I really only wanted X because it sounded good NOT because it would help me get better. Thank you awareness!! :)

I also give a big ups to tracking, which also held me accountable during the week when I had more downtime than usual. Man when I am not working out I really have a lot of time to mindlessly eat! :P

So this upcoming week I will stay the course and keep doing what I'm doing!

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Do you track while you are sick?