Face It Friday: Feelin' It 12/12/14

I've been at this weight loss game since birth. I was born over 10 lbs. Yes destined to be a Weight Watchers member from day one. It's been over 5 years since I walked into my first WW meeting and almost 3 since I moved to the other side of the scale as a Leader.

So why hasn't it gotten any easier?

Oh I know!

Because for me this whole weight loss and healthy living journey is more emotional/mental than physical. It is more than eating the right foods and portioning out my snacks. It is about dealing with the WHY I turn to food when happy/sad/angry/bored/you name it! And that is why for me this will be a life-long journey to take control of those inner demons.

But I continue to win as long as I keep trying.

After a little gain last week, I was determined to right the ship this week. I went into my week wicked motivated by my amazing Weight Watchers members. I let that motivation and inspiration pour over and be ever present in the front of my mind.

And for maybe the second time this year, I came out of the week in the positive. That is right folks. You read it here. I had points left over.

Now that the shock is wearing off. I can tell you it was an proud feeling. I merely wanted to prove to myself that it could be done.

***

There were some realizations this week:

^ Cut alcohol down to 3 drinks this week and only on one specified day (following the Santa Hustle half marathon) That was tough. So I replaced with a nightly hot cocoa from the Keurig (2PPV). Now quite the same, but still a way for me to sit back, reflect and end the evening.

^ Earned 90+ Activity Points for the first time in almost two months. PLUS I hit 1,000 miles for 2014 last night (12/11)!! <<Raise the roof>>

^ Weighed, measured, tracked and OWNED a 17-point snack attack that occurred Monday Night. Accepting what happened allowed me to more easily get right back on track the next morning instead of letting the guilt hang over me. Which would've led to further bad choices.

^ Shared my slip-ups with my members and readers allowing me to again release the guilt.

^ Did my weekly walk with my friend and fellow WW Leader Susan. Now this is a weekly occurrence but on Tuesday it was downpouring so instead of canceling we came up with a plan B. We walked the floors of Macy's (leaving our CCs behind) for almost an hour. So we got our weekly check-in, which I so desperately rely on now!

^ Asking myself "How am I feeling right now?" before I eat something. Most of the time for me my choices are driven by emotions rather than actual hunger. This pause to check in with myself and my emotions can catch a slip before it happens.

^ I do make a difference in my members lives. I received a sweet gift from a member on Wednesday and it totally touched my heart and has left a huge smile on my face all week long.

^ Overall feeling better, more in control and happier. I felt so blah the past couple months and I am happy to report slowly, but surely that is starting to turn around. :)

***

Tomorrow marks the beginning of Boston Marathon training with Tedy's Team (donate here). I wanted to go into the training feeling good about myself and my weight ... as I did for the Half Ironman back in September. I am proud to report that I am. I still have work to do. 1.2 to lose to be back in Lifetime range and 3.2 to go to be back at goal. But I am closer than I was back in June and have more resolve now.

I cannot believe I am beginning training for my 7th marathon. When did that happen? I never thought I would run 1/4 of a mile let alone set out to CHOOSE to run 26.2... for fun!! :P

***

Do you stop to check in with your emotions before making a food choice?

Join The Slumbrew Happy Soles For American Fresh's Free Monthly 5k

Does beer motivate you to work out? Are you looking for other like-minded runners/walkers? Also known as beer runners! ;)

Well you have come to the right place!

The Slumbrew Happy Soles are a group of fun-loving folks who run, run-walk or walk to the Finish Beer Line! :) The Happy Soles love to participate in the entire Cambridge 5k series as well as many other local road and trail races.

For those that don't know Slumbrew is an awesome brewery out of Somerville, MA. Slumbrew recently opened a brewhouse at Assembly Row in Somerville, known as Assembly Fresh and have been gracious enough to offer a fun and free monthly 5k from this hot new spot.

The route is along the Mystic River and around the Assembly Row outlets. It is mainly on the bike path and involves crossing very few streets near the outlets.

We hosted our first fun run on November 30 and are looking to make this a monthly thing come 2015! The brains behind Slumbrew, Caitlin and Jeff, are stepping up the fun run game!! In addition to offering water and bag check for all participants, there will be some sweet post-run/walk snacks.

Oh and plenty of beer on tap to purchase.

Mmmm beer.

Oh sorry got distracted by the gloriousness of the Porter Square Porter above. (My personal favorite!)

After a great run or walk - where alllll paces are welcomed and encouraged to come out - there is time to catch up and make new friends over a beer.

We had an amazing turnout at our first 5k on November 30 and met a ton of new Happy Soles!

Itching to get out and meet these AWESOME Happy Soles? I know you are! You can catch the crew at the next monthly 5k on January 11 at 11am.

Looking for a way to remember this great event - feel free to RSVP to our Facebook event here or join our Facebook group.

***

Will I see you on January 11?

Dani Dishes: Laziness vs. Recovery

On this week's #DaniDishes, I am banishing the immediate thought of laziness and replacing it with recovery!  

*RECAP* Jingle Bell Half 2014

You never know what the weather gods will throw at you when you sign up for a race in New England in December. But once again I rolled the dice with New Hampshire's Jingle Bell Half on December 6 (Race #51 of the year).

On a wild and crazy Friday night, I spent time working on my Jingle Bell Half outfit. It always calms me the night before a run to focus on what I will wear rather than the miles themselves.

The Jingle Bell Half would be my third-Christmas themed race of the year and I didn't want to duplicate. BUT we had heard that there was a potential for both rain and snow the day of the race so a game time decision on an outfit would be necessary.

Additionally we would be traveling to the race day of and how long it would take to get there seemed varied based on traffic. Therefore the alarm was set for 5:45am so I could check how long it would really take. With google maps telling me 39 minutes, I'd be able to go back to sleep for 45 min! Woo! :)

When the alarm went off for a second time, I checked the weather to make a final outfit decision. The weather app was calling for rain, cold and wind... umm YAY? ;)

We piled into the car, stopped at Dunkin' Donuts for the wife and hit the road.

The roads in New Hampshire were slick as it had snowed then rained so the police and race director would be making a call on the race - on time, delay or postpone - at 8am. We pulled into the parking lot of the Atkinson Country Club and Resort at 7:57am.

As we walked into the Country Club and down the stairs to bib pick-up, the announcement about the race going on ON TIME rang over the loudspeaker. Yahoo.

Bib and t-shirt pick-up was a breeze and we headed back to the car to warm up and drop off my t-shirt. We were able to park RIGHT outside of the Country Club, which was awesome.

Around 8:30am, we headed back inside so I could use a real bathroom and avoid a port-o-pottie. The lines were long, but really I had nothing else to do and preferred waiting inside in a line than outside at a port-o-pottie.

Just after 8:50am, I kissed the wife goodbye and headed outside. The Country Club let spectators hang out inside while we ran and the wife was very appreciative.

When I almost slipped on the way to the Start, I made the decision to take this race easy as Boston Marathon training would be starting in exactly one week and I don't have time to get injured (okay injured further) before that.

Now the Start line wasn't the most impressive one I have seen, but it served the purpose. :) The race director once again went over where water stops and port-o-potties and just after 9am we were off.

I wasn't feeling it. I didn't want to run in the cold and rain, but I had a discussion with myself during Mile 1. There was a lot of look how lucky you are to run, you were given a complimentary entry (thanks again Club LOCO) and you will love it once you are in it. Of course I was right and the other part of me quit the bitchin'!

I knew from the email that the race starts on a downhill goes to rolling hill and recommended keeping some umph in the tank for the final two miles.

The cool thing is the race would take place in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

The race did in fact start on a serious downhill, which reminded me of the Boston Marathon start.

I noticed right away I was going too fast and needed to tail it back.

Mile 1: 8:09 Mile 2: 8:11

As I mentioned the roads were slippery and covered in slush so I took the turns and downhills especially easy. I was too scared of falling and inuring myself.

We took a right onto Hovey Meadow Road and the start of the rolling hills. We were winding our way through some really quaint New Hampshire neighborhoods. It was nice getting lost in the houses and nature rather than the pace or miles.

Mile 3: 8:39 Mile 4: 8:36

I was also 100% caught up in costume envy. Before the race the wife turned to me and said "You are seriously outdone today." 1) Ouch and 2) I wasn't bringing my A-game I know.

This woman was!

Her shirt said: I Am Tall (For An Elf)

I was also wicked jealous of runner Pam. I don't know who she is, but she had quite a cheering section at one point. About 6-7 people under a tent in a driveway with music and a light-up sign. I mean A+ to that group.

Mile 5: 8:30

I hadn't looked at the course beforehand (shocker), but knowing there were rolling hills. I tried to take advantage of the flats and downs as much as possible.

Plus the scenery was pretty eye-catching.

Mile 6: 8:17

During Mile 7, we crossed over to Massachusetts. Oh hey home state! :P

Mile 7: 8:12

Just after the Mile 7 water stop, I opted to take a walk break to refuel with part of my KIND Snacks bar - dark chocolate & sea salt. This year I have really played around with fueling options for me and like using 1/2 a KIND bar pre-race and the other 1/4 or 1/2 during the race. This has been working pretty well during my recent half marathons. Might keep that plan going. :)

I appreciated the guy holding a "Make 8 Great" sign during this mile. It was my slowest mile by far, but I made the most of my walk break during it.

Mile 8: 9:27

The snow that had fallen earlier wasn't helping road conditions, but it was making some pretty scenic views.

As we hit Mile 9, I started playing the mind games. Okay four miles left, you can do that. Pretend the first 9 didn't happen. Haha!

My legs were tired from the rolling hills and I was ready to be done. I find miles 8-10 of a half are the toughest for me especially when running alone. I was super jealous of all the people around me running with a partner and I was out there just with my music.

Mile 9: 8:31

During Mile 10, we crossed back into New Hampshire.

Mile 10: 8:04

I cannot tell you what happened with that pace in Mile 10. I think I was wicked excited to get to the hot chocolate and chocolate station that would be happening during Mile 11.

Yes I grabbed my piece of Lindt chocolate (I didn't see the hot cocoa anywhere) and asked the kid handing them out to take a selfie with me. Kid was a natural. He was in position before I could even turn my camera around to selfie mode.

I decided to wait to eat the chocolate after how my stomach felt during the Santa Hustle Half.

Visions of the race email were whizzing through my head: save umph for the last two miles. Well they were upon me so it was time to buckle down and get to the Finish.

Oh hey incline I hadn't had enough of you yet. :P

Mile 11: 8:39

I wanted the climbing to be over... but there was more in store for us. I just kept thinking: Beer, Beer, Beer! I mentioned that to the guy next to me and it didn't seem to motivate him as much as me.

As we approached the Mile 12 marker, I thought the road looked familiar. Well it should've been as we were running on it at the beginning of the race. Yes I am slow on the uptake sometimes.

Mile 12: 9:05

Rough Mile 12 as you can see.

I focused on one foot in front of the other. I wanted to stop and just sit, but I had come too far. I knew it was all mental since my body kept moving forward.

We made our way back onto the Atkinson Country Club grounds and I could hear the Finish announcer.

Mile 13: 8:27

I gave it everything I had to get across the Finish Line in one piece. ;)

Final Time: 1:51:37.2

Good for 278th out of 887 overall and 36th out of 177 in my division.

How cool is this medal? It is real wood, made in Vermont and doubles as a Christmas Tree ornament! :)

I grabbed my medal/ornament, heat sheet and water and headed back into the Resort to meet up with Tori. Oh and grab my free post-race beer of course.

I haven't been so happy to sit down in a warm room in ages. The race offered participants free Smuttynose Bouncy House IPA, Hot Chocolate, Stonyfield Yogurt and soup. Pretty sweet spread in my opinion.

I warmed up, enjoyed my beer then headed out to make the trek back home.

Overall, the race was indeed fun and really challenging at the same time. The rain pouring down starting in the middle of the race was tough and the hills were felt. The volunteers and police were great and I made sure to thank each as I passed by. Having the Grand Ballroom at the resort was the perfect place to hide pre-race and spread out post-race.

Would I do this race again? Absolutely!!

***

Does the time of year make you weary of signing up for road races?

Announcement: I'm Joining She Runs Boston in 2015!

Hollah!

I am wicked excited to make a little Friday afternoon announcement...

I am going to be joining the ladies of She Runs Boston starting in April 2015!

Who the heck is She Runs Boston you may be asking????

Well....

Are you a Boston area lady runner?

Have you been looking for a new running buddy? Or two? Or 10?

Do you need some extra accountability to get out at least once a week and log some miles?

Is having fun during a run a priority?

Then She Runs Boston (Facebook and Twitter) will be for you!

She Runs Boston, formerly known as Boston LUNA Chix, will be running out of the Athleta on Newbury Street on Tuesday nights at 6:30pm. The group will meet in the back of the Athleta store, where there is a bathroom to use, a water fountain and a place to store your bag during the run (yes someone is watching it while you are out on the town).

You may be worried about not finding someone in their pace at a group run – not a problem here at She Runs Boston. The group will run the gamut of paces. There are speedsters, run/walk method, middle-of-the-packers, back-of-the-packers, folks that like to take pictures while running, selfies, etc.

Also She Runs Boston has a no drop policy so a sweep will stay with the final participants on both distances.

There will be two distance options - 3 of 4 miles - and you can choose whichever you want.

So make sure you follow She Runs Boston on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to speed on all the details.

Oh and I think I forgot to add that I will be one of the lucky ladies helping to LEAD these weekly runs! WOO!

I look forward to running with you in April! :)

Face It Friday: Rut Needs To Be Snapped 12/5/14

What is happening? A phrase I have uttered to myself countless mornings recently.

I was cruising this summer. After the unhappy and ego crushing weight gain of the late winter (24 lbs to be exact), I kicked it in to high gear over the summer and shed 20 of the 24 lbs. Feeling good and within 2.4 lbs of goal, I competed in and completed my first Half Ironman.

Then the rails went off. It wasn't as if I threw Weight Watchers out the window. It was just the focus from the Summer and having the race to train for was gone.

Obviously I race a lot and am still active, but the activity level dipped from the Summer and I have been fighting to regain that drive ever since.

So in October and November I felt stuck. It was turning into more of a mental battle of wants/desires and pure laziness. I know when I am off plan it is only because I am feeling lazy. Which really grinds my gears.

See skipped weigh-ins! Never a good sign. I know I am feeling "off" when that happens since normally I face the scale no matter what.

Every Friday I would wake up with renewed energy and a fresh feeling of the new week ahead.

But inevitably I would let the weekend indulge creep into the week. Again nothing too wild and crazy, but a little more lax with the portions than I wanted.

Additionally, I could see the frequent trips to the grocery store dwindling which led to more snacking and ordering out. Neither of which needed to happen.

But I am not here to post excuses, but to work through WHY this little cycle has been happening. Why THIS year.

See that is the problem. This marks my third year of being at goal and a Lifetime member and the first real time I have struggled. The first real time I have put on more than say 5 lbs.

As the inner demons in my brain continue to battle about whether I am worth this struggle and this fight, the topic to the meeting this week shut them down for a brief time. Ahh inner peace... if even for a week.

The topic this week is about creating a Losing List. Here is my losing list from last year. Hearing why my members started their weight loss and healthy living journeys started to chip away at the "rut" feeling that had been weighing me down.

Additionally, it was hearing myself share the story out loud of buying my first belt after never wearing one because I would only wear stretchy pants so I could avoid buying the size 20 pants - that something clicked. I could feel the excitement I felt that day. The feeling of pride that still bursts every time I wear the dress with that darn belt.

It reminded me that life is hard, but we can choose our hard. Being overweight was hard. Losing weight was hard. Maintaining weight loss is hard. But which hard is worth it to me? It is definitely Door #3!

So when I tell my members that them letting me be a part of their journey changes my life on a weekly basis, I am NOT lying. Thank you members and friends and readers for picking me up when I am down ... even if you don't realize it!

OH and while cleaning last Friday night, we found my original weight record book. Ohhhhh talk about motivation!

***

Today marks almost one-consecutive month of tracking (12/7 will be one month) and I am getting my groove back.

I am going to continue to fight to get back to goal, but my personal goal has always been 15X.

Now the tracking piece is in place, I need to still work on that activity. While I did earn 84 APs this week - which is still outstanding - it is not to the level I was this summer. So I need to brainstorm how to find my workout groove again. Thankfully marathon training officially starts 12/13 and I am hoping that that will spark whatever light I need.

***

How do you work through a weight loss or fitness rut?

Ugly Sweater Run "Boston" Recap

Whhhyyyy do certain organizations claim their race is in a certain city when it is miles/hours away? Now I know that Boston is the major city in Massachusetts - Thank you Thank you! <<takes bow>> - but WHY must races lie to the participants about where the race is actually happening. Massachusetts residents know where Boston is and where say Brockton is (35 min South if no traffic) so just be honest with the people paying to take part in your race.

<<End Rant>>

This rant was fueled by the Ugly Sweater Run, which I took part in on Saturday, November 29.

Now I had the joy of winning a free entry through Sue Parke's blog. Thanks again lady! So neither the wife nor I paid the participate in the Ugly Sweater Run... and I am wicked happy about that after the experience we had. My wife ended up getting free entry after one of the other winners couldn't attend.

In case you aren't near a calendar, the race was on the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend. The day prior - Black Friday - I realized I had nothing to wear for said Ugly Sweater Run ... and promptly freaked. I don't like to miss an opportunity for a great theme. So the wife and I walked across the street to Assembly Row to try out luck at KMart. Well we found a cute snowman vest for $9 that we thought we could ugly up. After waiting in what felt like lines for hours (it was the afternoon of Black Friday) we headed to Christmas Tree Shops to get some Christmas decorations for the vest. Well it was there that I spotted it. An amazing tree skirt ($10) that I could turn into an ugly sweater with some safety pins. DONE AND DONE! :)

With a successful shopping trip, it was time to head home and put the whole ensemble together.

Now the race had sent out zero emails about the run so it wasn't until that night that I learned 1) they did have early pick up but only on Black Friday at the Arsenal Mall (a mall on Black Friday, really?) and 2) we would have to pay $10 for parking (Whhaaa??). The race was being held at the Brockton Fairgrounds, which had a ton of open space for parking so not sure why the charge.

The race was at Noon and we needed to pick up our packets so we headed out around 10:15am so we could hit Dunks first. I don't normally drink coffee before a run, but I knew this one was un-timed so I wouldn't be racing racing this one. We arrived, paid our $10 and parked with the masses. It was a chilly chilly morning! Brr... We opted to quickly run through packet pick-up and hide in the car for as long as possible. ;)

I loved the hat and bag they gave out at the race. Oh and a temporary mustache tattoo. Ha. Creative and different, which I appreciate.

The wife was going to be walking the race with our friends Beth and Aimee so we finally left the warm car just after 11:30 to find the crew. There was a great crowd on sight with awesome ugly sweaters! I felt underdressed compared to some. There were adults, kids, strollers and dogs. It truly was a family affair which was awesome and a great benefit of un-timed races. It takes some o the "pressure" off the race especially for first-timers. :)

The Start Area/party space featured some cornhole/bags/whatever you want to call it. The Start Line was right next to the Finish Line.

We made our way through the inflatable Christmas tree forest to the start corral. I left Tori with Beth and Aimee and tried to sneak my way up as close to the front as I could. The group would be let off in waves.

Now I had no idea what the course would be. After the race I looked up what they posted online. Here it is:

Yes a little confusing, but we basically did laps around the Brockton Fair Grounds.

The MC counted us down from 10 and Wave 1 was off. I just wanted to see how long the race was since it was being tagged as "approximately 3.1 miles." As I went under the Start arch, I started my Garmin.

We were off through the muddy Fair Grounds. It was like running through an uneven field. I didn't know it would be an offroading type race. ;) I should've worn an older pair of running shoes, but you live and learn.

As we came off the grass during Mile 1, we transitioned to paved road. When we went to pavement, I thought we would be heading out into the city streets ... nope! We continued in the Fair Grounds. It was at this time I finally put two and two together that the entire race would be happening within the Fair Grounds. Interesting.

Oh reindeer.

I couldn't pass up a selfie! The sign right before the inflatable reindeers said "Reindeer Crossing." Wicked cute.

Just passed the reindeers was the first water and hot cocoa stop.

I definitely took the time to stop and enjoy some hot cocoa.

Now you don't have to worry, I didn't burn my mouth - it wasn't really "hot" cocoa by the time we got to drink it. ;) But I enjoyed the thought.

Mile 1: 8:50

It was just after Mile 1 that I realized there was no way we could hit 3.1 miles within this Fair Ground.

We continued weaving through the Fair Grounds and along the parking lot.

I can't pass up a chance to get a good pic with the photographers... and The Ugly Sweater Run did provide free race photos, which was pretty sweet.

I wish I had pulled up my sock, but the tree skirt makes one sweet poncho!

Mile 2: 7:59

The benefit of weaving through such a small space was being able to see all the other participants and their kick ass costumes! Also hearing some of them contemplating whether the course would hit 3 miles or not. :P

Before I knew it, we were coming down the Finish Line chute.

I hit my Garmin just after the Finish at 2.50 miles. I could see the girls around me debating whether they would just go run through the parking lot until they hit 3.1 exactly.

I thought about it for a hot second and instead went to pick up my free post-race beer. :P

I was wicked happy to see the post-race beer was Sam Adams!

It was a tough choice, but I opted for Octoberfest! :)

I enjoyed my post-race beer, while cheering on others and waiting for my girls to finish.

I even spotted my friend Derly! That is one SWEET Ugly Sweater lady. :)

By the time the ladies finished, the beer line was wrapping around the Finish Area. The wife opted to skip the beer line and head out to find food. We snapped a quick group pic and headed out.

I was disappointed in how long the beer line had gotten. I hate when not all race participants have the same experience. You know what I mean?

We bundled back into the car, stopped at Dunks and headed home.

Overall I was disappointed in the Ugly Sweater Run. I really expected a better course - more scenic maybe - and a race actually in Boston. I entered the giveaway because it said Boston not Brockton.

I hope a good amount of money was raised for Save the Children.

The website claimed the following: "A closed course full of Hot Chocolate aide stations, snow blowers, and the biggest Santa inflatable around will await you."

There was 1 hot chocolate station, no snow blowers and one inflatable Santa near the Start... that was it.

I'm not sure if they misplaced some of their equipment or what, but I expected more Christmasy stuff or stuff in general during the race.

It did look like folks were having a lot of fun and hey I can make any race fun, but I just expected more from the organization with what they had written on the website.

Would I do it again? I would need to know how much of the money is going to charity before weighing in with a decision.

***

Have you ever done The Ugly Sweater Run?

Gobble Gobble Gobble 4-Miler Recap

Turkey Trot dread!

For years growing up my mom and I would bundle in the car early on a holiday to go cheer my dad on at some race or another. Ugh! So early and so cold. Why would ANYONE do this by choice.

Fast forward to Thanksgiving 2014 and I am bounding out of bed to run my third-straight Turkey Trot race.

Ohhhh how times change when you catch the running bug. :P

On Thanksgiving, I happily woke up at 7am to get in a little stretching, foam rolling and biking (darn hurt left hamstring) before my friend Heather was set to pick me up for the race.

We would be running the Gobble Gobble Gobble 4-Miler together in Somerville, MA for the second year. :)

I made sure to lay out #FlatDani the night before so I wouldn't leave anything at home when I inevitably rushed out of the house.

Heather had picked up our bib the day before at Marathon Sports so she had the bib and t-shirt with her. Yes I made sure to leave myself a post-it note as a reminder.

Love when we get a long-sleeved shirt as the swag.

Race was set to start at 9am so Heather picked me up at 8:30. Ahh I love races in my town. :)

Her husband dropped us off so we could avoid any parking hiccups as well. Score!

We arrived at 8:43 and headed straight to the Start Area. There isn't a specific start line it was more of a Start Area. The race was chip timed, but it went with the "mass start." This means everyone's Start Time was based on when the Gun went off NOT when you crossed the "start line."

Since this is a great local race I saw a ton of people I knew. Yay!

Slumbrew Happy Soles in the house

My awesome Weight Watchers member Melissa who was running her second official race and first 4-miler!

With awesome motivation in my heart, it was time to get the party started. Heather had to take a lot of the summer/fall off due to injury so she was setting the pace for the morning. My goal was to keep her moving forward. :)

Since I was too busy talking, I didn't realize that the race was off. Since there wasn't an actual marked Start Line I just started the Garmin where I thought it was. :P

We thought the weather would be MUCH colder than it was - real feel was expected to be 14 - but we really lucked out. Pretty morning and not nearly as chilly. I was happy I opted out of my vest when I got out of the car.

I love running through my hometown because at every corner there are fun memories to relive. Plus it is always fun to catch-up with a friend while running.

It was great focusing on Heather and her race since it took my mind off of anything else.

Mile 1: 10:23

As we passed through Ball Square, we saw our friend and fellow Happy Sole Lori. Great briefly catching up with her and getting her thoughts on the Ugly Sweater Run that I would be running a couple of days later.

Heather remembered me lying to her about the hills the previous year so I kept it real this time around. ;) Heather was feeling the heat as she overlayered so we took a break after a water stop to take off at least one layer to try and cool her off.

Mile 2: 11:02

It was great seeing so many folks out getting activity in before enjoying their Thanksgiving meals. 4 miles is better than none, right?

So many families were out being active together. And let me tell you people were bringing their A game in the costume department. I felt like I seriously slacked, but I thought it would be colder than it was.

We hit our final major hill on Central Street and Heather owned it. We both buckled down and powered up that sucker. It wasn't pretty, but it got OWNED. Plus the Mile 3 marker was just after the work was done.

Mile 3: 10:14

We were in the home stretch. The final mile down Summer Street featured a brief incline then went downhill to the Finish. I mean you can't ask for a better way to finish than on the down. Am I right?

I kept reminding Heather that coffee would meet her at the Finish. Oh yeah that put a little pep in her step. :) Now she wanted Starbucks, but because of my shirt I had to make sure we went to Dunkin'.

As we passed the VFW outside of Davis, we gave it everything we had in the tank.

Ouch! Need to work on my "I am almost done" face. Eek!

Mile 4: 10:15

Now my Garmin put us at 4.05 and a 42:24 Finish Time, but as I mentioned the Somerville Road Runners were working on a "mass start." Therefore, our official time was 43:09 - good for 1,605 out of 2,405 overall, 785 out of 1,334 females and 296 out of 486 in division.

I am listing both Finish times for my own record. :)

We beelined it for the Dunkin Donuts to get some iced coffees to celebrate before being picked back up by Heather's husband.

It was a great morning with a good friend. I loved running through Somerville and am happy to make the Gobble Gobble Gobble 4-Miler a tradition. Plus the race benefits Project Soup and Somerville Track PAC.

Also SUPER excited that Melissa finished the race and ran the entire thing - her main goal!! I was beaming when she shared that. :)

***

Do you have a Turkey Trot tradition?

*RECAP* Inaugural Santa Hustle New England Half

SANTA ... I know him!!!

Yes I gave the Santa Hustle Race Series a second try.

When did I first run into it (slow cap) you may ask? In December 2011 in Chicago, I did the Santa Hustle 5k.

It was not my favorite race at the time.

BUT, when I heard about the inaugural Santa Hustle New England race my hopes for a different sort of race were lifted higher.

Why?

Because they would be offering a 5k AND half marathon option. Woo! I figured the half marathon would be more spacious than the 5k and possibly offer more candy! :P

So when offered a complimentary race entry by the organizers, I jumped at the chance and signed me and the BFF up right away.

(Note: while I did receive complimentary entry - all thought and opinions are my own ... ain't nobody got time for lyin'!)

The race was taking place in South Portland, which I hadn't explored as much in the past so I was exited to run through it with my BFF.

We knocked out packet pick-up on Saturday and grabbed our santa hat, santa beard and dri-fit hoodie. The race organizers wanted the participants to wear all of it for the race, but I knew I wouldn't be comfortable in that garb for 13.1 miles. I opted to break out my Santa Hustle shirt from 2011 so I could sort of blend in. ;)

If I had done the 5k I would've been fine dressing up, but 30 minutes in it vs. 2 hours is huge. Am I right? My friend opted to wear the hoodie.

I requested a men's medium sweatshirt when registering for the race, but when I opened my bag I had a women's medium. Ummm... nope! Definitely not fitting. It was like a fat guy in a little coat type incident. Not fun. So I tucked it away and planned on attempting to exchange on race morning.

When the alarm BLARED off at 5am, the chill in the air was fierce. Oh right it was late November in Maine. Yeah it was freakin' cold. Yay! Womp.

We bundled up in the car at 6am and headed out to the Start Area. I will give the race credit for using The Maine Mall parking lot as their Start/Finish area as it gave PLENTY of parking spaces for the participants and spectators. We were one parking row away from the festivities. Woo!

I was able to exchange my sweatshirt for a Women's Large and we headed back to the car to try and keep warm til the 7am start time.

Just after 6:30, we begrudgingly got out of the car and into the cold to start our race prep. :P The race had a ton of port-o-potties so the line wasn't too bad.

Plus we had this cute reindeer to chat with...

With 10 minutes to go, we shivered our way over to the Start Corral.

I thought the race directors had done the pace markers just for me...

... oh I am not meant to be up here at the front? My bad. Let me shuffle on back to my proper corral.

As the half marathoners were shivering in the Start Corral, the announcer kept pushing the start back. It was it's original 7am then 7:04 then 2 more minutes. C'mon dude. We were cold.

We then learned that they wanted to catch the start on live tv for the local ABC affiliate so the start would be 7:15am. C'mon? The 5kers were supposed to start 15 min after us so they could've been the live shot.

But we waited and I am sure the 6 people awake at 7:15am on a Sunday watching the news loved the shot. <<note sarcasm>>

I crossed the Start line, started the Garmin and promptly couldn't feel my feet while running. Awesome. The BFF and I were debating how long it would take to start feeling our appendages. I KNEW we would start out too fast for what we were aiming for because we were just trying to warm up... and I was right.

Our goal was to have fun, eat candy, enjoy one of our last races together and finish in sub-2.

Mile 1: 8:14

During Mile 2 on Running Hill Road, we passed a Weight Watchers center. Yes I had to snap a pic.

Taking the pic also helped distract me from my desperate need to hit the port-o-pottie.

Mile 2: 8:14

Mile 2 marker offered a water stop AND a port-o-pottie. YAY! Now he run could continue. Phew.

Just after exiting the port-o-pottie we headed up our first hill. But at the top we were rewarded with our first candy stop!

I started jogging and trying to eat the mini m&ms, but knew that would be disastrous. So we opted to walk and snack.

We were in an office park (Sable Oaks Drive) I would say, which featured two separate out and back loops. At some point there must've been a lack of guidance because people were running towards us on both sides of the road. There weren't any cones in the middle to indicate as you came up the hill you should stay to the left so instead people were coming up the hill and moving to their right. Does that make sense?

Mile 3: 9:39

I figured out the error when my Garmin buzzed for the Mile 3 marker and we were across the road from it. Thankfully the folks behind us had started to see the error of the earlier participants and they corrected the course themselves. So we really took m&ms from the Mile 3 station rather than the Mile 2 station. They were across the road from each other so easy to see the mix-up.

As we headed out of the tiny office lot, we did one more quick hilly out and back before retracing our steps to get back to Running Hill Road.

Mile 4: 8:27

Once back on Running Hill Road, we spotted Buddy The Elf

and asked for a quick selfie.

After shouting "I hope you find your dad," the BFF and I continued on the journey.

Mile 5: 8:21

We ran back over the Maine Turnpike, the local cops helped usher us across Maine Mall Road so we could continue the race in the shoulder of the road on the right hand side. Luckily the shoulder of the road is an emergency lane so it was pretty wide and we weren't in the middle of traffic.

Mile 6: 8:13

We got so excited to see a banner thinking it was a candy stop... nope just water! Womp womp!

I made a point of stopping at every water stop to keep myself hydrated. You know how easy it is to forget to do that when it is cold out!!

Just after the 10k mark, we crossed over to run alongside the Portland Airport. In case you are wondering, not scenic. You can see I am lacking in the scenery pics from this race because it wasn't very pretty, but rather industrial.

As we made our way down the nice and flat Airport Plaza Road, the lead runner came running towards us. I wasn't sure which side of the emergency lane to run on since there weren't any cones. It seemed again the participants were making their own game time decisions on which side to use. Luckily the street wasn't too busy at the time we were running so I wasn't so worried about being hit.

Mile 7: 8:34

With another water stop that we thought was candy, we took a right on to Westbrook St and were finally in a little neighborhood. There weren't any spectators out unfortunately and no music along the course so it was pretty quiet.

A volunteer tried to stop a woman from driving through the course, but she blatantly ignored him and zipped right in front of us. Thanks for listening jerk! Harumph.

I read the race would be having Christmas music along the course, but I didn't hear any... until we started approaching the Mile 8 marker.

Mile 8: 8:44

YES! The prize for tackling yet another hill (Brickhill Ave) would be COOKIES!!

We took this as a chance to walk and eat - again no need to choke on a cookie during a race. ;) I haven't typed that ever in a race recap.

We finished the trip around the Cul de Sac and headed back down Brickwell Ave.

Mile 9: 8:56

Since this was the third out and back of the race, we once again retraced our steps to head back along the airport.

We emerged back at the main intersection and headed left on Western Ave.

Mile 10: 8:34

The temps were rising and the sun was blaring. At this point in the race, I really wanted to steal someone's sunglasses and toss off my Under Armour. But I battled through. I know I know I am a warrior. ;)

There was a barely noticeable incline all along Western Ave. If in a car I wouldn't notice it, but of course running I did. This may be where I got a little whiny.

I was ready to be done and I was disappointed in the lack of Christmas music and candy on the course. I thought there would be more of both.

As we made our way down Western, we were once again in the emergency lane of the street. Not very scenic, but thankfully there were orange cones to our left so drivers knew what was going on.

Most of the racers did the 5k so the half course was pretty spread out in terms of participants.

We took a quick right on to Gorham Road before hitting the Mile 11 marker and heading back into the shopping area.

Mile 11: 8:15

You know how many malls have surrounding businesses? That was the road we were on. Oh hey it's Home Depot. How exciting! Not. I didn't get a "I'm running in Maine" vibe at all from the course. I did learn about all the factories and box stores South Portland has to offer.

It was like we saw the light as we rounded a bend and saw the Candy sign.

Did you spot my shadow?

But I thought it would be candy canes... nope! More mini m&ms. Boo!

Now don't get me wrong I love a good m&m, but was hoping for some variety in the candy selection.

It was just after this point that we spotted our first photog of the morning and of course we entertained him with some leaps and jumps. ;)

As we approached the Mile 12 marker, we re-enetered the Maine Mall parking lot.

Mile 12: 8:50

We were so close yet so far away. My stomach was starting to reject the candy and cookie along the course and began acting up. I thought I was going to have to just sit in the fetal position and not finish the race. My BFF said we could walk and I said hell no. We needed to run faster so it could be over. I was in pain, but I wasn't about to stop.

We made our way around the outside of the mall and were finally approaching the Finish.

I do want to thank the 5k participants who waited around to cheer on the half marathoners.

Mile 13: 8:22

We opted for the jump across the Finish line as our photo opt... and it was perfect!

Official Time: 1:52:28

Woo! We hit our goals of eating candy, having fun, and sub-2. Mission accomplished.

Fun medal - check!

I decided to trade in the sweatshirt one final time to go from a Women's Medium to Women's Large to Women's X-Large. Finally it felt comfortable.

Since I couldn't get the live reindeer to do a selfie with me ... I went for the next best thing.

When there is an after party, we will be there. So the BFF and I dropped our stuff in the car and headed to Jimmy The Greeks. We went inside and were told there was no free post-race beer. Sad face. I thought when someone invited you to an after-party there would be at least one free beer... but no!

So there were some angry santas, but of course we were suckers and bought one any way.

The BFF's family and my wife joined us so we could do some post-race photo ops and raid the snacks!

***

Overall, the we gave the race a B-. I know I don't normally rate them with a grade, but the BFF and I had some time to discuss it post-race before our crew got there.

I thought for $60/65 registration for the half it was a great deal. I rarely get a sweatshirt for race swag... and I have been living in it since the race. The volunteers were amazing. Plus there were actual reindeers at the party.

I wish the race had more on-course entertainment, additional candy stops (even though my stomach my disagree) and prettier scenery. South Portland I learned had little to offer in terms of beauty.

Now this was an inaugural race so I know it is a learning experience so I give then the benefit of the doubt that they would improve it if they opt to return next year.

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Have you done a Santle Hustle race before?

TWOsday: Charity Edition

It's TWOsday! You all see what I did there? Gosh I am so witty. I should probably trademark this before EVERYONE starts using it. I mean now I see where the folks came up with Three Things Thursday and Five Things Friday. But mine is just to another level. Am I right? Anywho, let's get back to TWOsday! I wanted to share a couple of donation opportunities with you all.

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My friend Barry is taking part in the 2015 New England Classic 150 and 550 Tour De Cure bike ride. How awesome is that? I couldn't imagine riding that many days for that many miles. More power to ya Barry! He is fundraising to Stop Diabetes!

To help his fundraising efforts, he is raffling off a Garmin product, which he is purchasing himself.

Options are: 1. Garmin Edge Touring GPS Cycling Computer, with GPS and Maps 2. Garmin Forerunner 310XT Multi Sport GPS Training Device 3. Garmin Forerunner 220 GPS enabled running watch

Here's how to enter: For every $10 Donated, you get ONE chance to win For every $20 Donated, you get THREE chances to win For every $30 Donated you get FIVE chances to win For every $40 Donated you get SEVEN chances to win For every $50 Donated you get TEN chances to win!

Seems like a pretty SWEET deal to me. Head on over to his website to enter today!!

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Woo! Boston Marathon training with Tedy's Team begins on December 13! I cannot believe I have the honor to run my third-straight Boston to help #FightStroke! :)

I'm ecstatic to be $1,642 away from my first fundraising goal! ;) 

If you would like to help me reach my goal AND virtually share a mile with me on that day, a $20 donation to Tedy’s Team would make any mile you want yours!! Sound like a fun plan?

Let’s Do It!

Click here to donate today

Leave a blog comment letting me know which mile you would like to sponsor

Miles Available

1- 2- 3- 4- 5- 6- 7- Gregg Bard 8- 9- 10- 11- 12- 13- Samantha Avnet 14- 15- Mary Ellen Valverde 16- 17- 18- Sarah McDowell 19- 20- Dan Foley 21- 22- Barry Gagne 23- 24- 25- Angela Gillis 26- 26.2 For ME

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So if you are feeling in a giving mood today and want to help Stop Diabetes or Fight Stroke, we really appreciate it! :)