3/14/2.....then a Sweat Pink Virtual Run! YOGA!!!

What a weekend of fitness.....duathlon practice (US Coast Guard Duathlon, Bourne, MA coming up on 5/26), Sweat Pink Virtual Run (13.1/ www.lifeasarunningmom.blogspot.com ), and finished off with the continuation of the Yoga Challenge (www.runtothefinish.com ).

Who do I think I am? "Practicing" a duathlon then a half marathon the next day? My duathlon was 3/14/2. The legs were shaking for the 2 miles on the last leg but I got through it.

I wanted to be creative with my Chica bands (see sidebar) so I put the glitzy with the cupcakes. The cupcake one slipped off the back of my head and blew in the wind, but some guy ran after it for me and saved it!!!

I knew that I had the half marathon planned for this weekend too! So there I was on Mom's day...sweating my pink and powering in pink. Thankfully, I pulled through. It took me 2:14:59, and I am very happy about that. I was thinking of Elle over at Eat, Sail, Run, knowing she was running her first half (give her a cheer over at her blog). I know what it feels like and knew my mind would get me through. I was wiped out.

Back home, I continue to do some Yoga positions. I feel better because I'm able to hold the tree position longer. I like the Standing Bow, and I'm better at Downward Dog. Yoga is not for me but I'm trying.  I haven't been good about posting often....sorry Amanda (Runtothefinish).

Brian bought me a mom's day gift. He said I'm like a mother to many young children at school. I love bracelets, and I LOVE these bangles! Plus, I got a pair of drop earring made from recycled materials. Brian knows I love this cool shop on Main St., Hyannis, MA. It's called Red Fish Blue Fish.  He also got me a fun wallet with anchors on it. The brand is called the Sloane Ranger. He's trying to get me in sailing mode:)

Check out my first grader, sporting her Chica band which she earned for her hard work and doing her homework consistently!

And finally, here are my new socks earned from the week long, 2-a-day runs from Bayside Runner in Plymouth, MA (see sidebar). They are really comfortable (costly).

So that's a wrap.....hope all of you are happy and made it through Monday with no snags.

Sweat Pink/Yoga Challenge

Check out Erica's blog for this upcoming virtual run, May 12-13 in honor of mom's day. Options are 5K/10K/13.1half marathon

www.lifeasarunningmom.blogspot.com

YOGA...I lasted 10 minutes re-introducing my body to yoga. I basically couldn't hold the poses too long but I thought I would try to flow from one into the other. Jill's way:)

It felt good for 10 min trying the various yoga moves after doing a reverse brick....7.1 mile run; then 3 mile bike bike sprint. AND I DID IT IN THE RAIN!!!!!

I attempted the Tree....Downward Dog (ouch, my heel)....2 Warrior Poses and I think the other one is the Bow?? The Airplane (good for balance)???? Ya' think I can remember the names.....LOL.

Also today I learned from Suz (Cows and Lasers) that I won a bunch of Larabars from doing Team Ali's Virtual Run. I love those bars. Excited to get them in the mail:)

Finally, check out my Strong girls (when Rachel and Abby were little, we used to fool around about being "strong" girls....that girls CAN have muscles). So I coined the phrase with them, "Strong Girl", and we go into our bicep poses. Dad snapped a few poses, but this one absolutely cracks me up.

Friday Focus/Ali, Abby, and me

I absolutely love this badge! How true...and that's what I've been doing these past two weeks....the best I can. I haven't felt like blogging and truthfully, it wasn't important. Swimming has been consuming my brain. I'm plugging along, and drinking part of the pool and having chest pains of anxiety. Why? Once I get going, I really am fine. I'm stuck at 6-7 laps. I'm pooped. So I get out of the pool.  Is this a chore? Yeah, it feels like it. Do I really want to "tri"? I don't know....I just don't know. I must say however, I am so much better than I was last year, and I'm proud about THAT! I'm doing the best I can.

I'm running for Team Ali (Cows and Lasers/Suz and Allan). I remember as a teen doing the walk for March of Dimes. Also,  I think about my niece Abby (who is now 8), who was born with heart defects. She underwent 2 open heart surgeries her first year of life. She's thriving now, but when I babysit, I still worry if she over does it with running around, as she may turn blue. I recently recertified in CPR.  Therefore, I dedicate my swimming and uphill treadmill run to Ali, and tomorrow, it's for Abby, as she celebrates her first communion (plan to run 8). The badge above reminds me of Abby when she was in intensive care at Children's Hospital, Boston.  All I did was cry, and now I laugh and smile and hug her a lot.

Running continues and mileage reduces due to the swimming and biking. I'm registered for the US Coast Guard Duathlon on Memorial Day weekend in Bourne, MA. It will be my 2nd duathlon and that's enough of a challenge, but I love biking!!! Prior to that, I will run the Harpoon 5 miler for ALS. This will be my 3rd year. After losing my friend Fred to ALS, I fight running in this race....I run so that I'm so sick I want to vomit. I may not fight this time due to the duathlon the following weekend.

I love my Hippie Runner headbands that Brian bought me. I already shared my peace sign one in another post (with Tommie Copper shirt) and here is 2 more.
Coming up next post, I'll share a pic of Citlali and me with our purple glitzy chicabands!! This first grader totally deserved it, and she looks adorable!

I hope everyone has a great weekend and remember, do the best you can. All of us have capes, right? AND wings on our running sneaks:)


BTW.....remember how I spoke about my Wicked Wednesday's?? Well....it continues and it doesn't matter how much protein I take in in the morning. I'M HUNGRY!!!
So I started to eat a little bit throughout the day and that seems ok, but I still have a COOKIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Runners Truly ARE Amazing...We are ONE!

What can I say? What can WE say about ourselves as runners/athletes (and we are athletes)?
Nancy and I were overwhelmed with joy at the Saucony Event in Boston on Friday night. It truly WAS an inspirational event. No matter where we come from, who we are, all of us have a story....all of us have a connection to and an understanding why we run.  Running unites us.
Those moments when we have mental wounds...physical wounds.....we know there is hope and the possibility to overcome. And this event, made me mentally stronger, even if my body is "pooping" out, I still "have it" to carry on.
I used Saucony's code saying "Find Your Strong" back in the fall as my main heading. Now I'm going back to it AND I've added to it, thanks to the panel.

The panel: Bill Rodgers (Runner, Boston Marathon winner/Store Owner/Author/cancer survivor); Karen Smyers (Triathlete/World Champion, cancer survivor); Mark Herzlich (former BC football star, cancer survivor, and now NY Giants player); and Luis Escobar, best friend of ultra-marathoner Micah True (Caballo Blanco), who passed away a few weeks ago. Note how 3 out of the 4 are cancer survivors.....WOW.

We got backpacks and tee shirts at the event, plus drinks and apps. Nancy and I stopped at this great little neighborhood restaurant called Sibling Rivalry before we went in. We checked out the new Kinvera 3, which comes out in May...AWESOME. She was the photographer for the evening so you'll have to check her blog for pics from inside the event. Plus, she got to meet up with her FIT FLUENTIAL bloggers.

I do know she got a pic of Karen Smyers and me because I had to discuss triathlon "stuff". Good advice....for the swim...."Find a coping technique....switch strokes if you panic because the breathing is VERY important." She is SOOOO down to earth. Love it.

BTW: That is a cherry champagne drink with a cube of brown sugar at the bottom. YUM!

BOSTON MARATHON APRIL 16, 2012. My youngest brother Stuart is gearing up. His first marathon!! It is supposed to be hot but he is determined to get to the finish line. I'm very proud of him. I've run Boston twice and that's enough. Both times he was on Heartbreak Hill waiting for me. I'll be closer to the finish line for him.  Funny.....I remember when he was born, and I wished he was my sister not another brother!!!! (I already had 2 brothers...then HE comes along). LOL.  He's a great brother, son, father, and friend.

Jillie B's Jelly Bean and Jamestown run

March was Virtual race month....now April........

It started with Cherry Blossom 10 miler and the following week the Jamestown Bridge 10K (yes...I'm wearing a glittery Chica Band). Included in those runs, I ran The Jelly Bean (not to be confused with the Jillie Bean...ha ha).

 I signed up for the 4 events (no half marathon this time), then decided to only complete 3. I used my split times for the 10K and 5K. On Sunday, Brian and I dusted off our road bikes and rode on the Cape Cod Canal. OMG, the northwest wind was a killer but on the way back, a breeze. My fastest "spin" was just under 4 min pace, and I was very pleased with that.
 
You can just make out my reversible button wrap skirt, white with blue checks and solid blue on reverse side. It's my bargain from TJ Maxx with the other Tennis apparel.

Nancy, my brother Stu (running Boston Marathon on Monday...his FIRST!), and I ran for the second year, the Jamestown Bridge 10K. It truly is a great race and the weather this year was fabulous! Last year we had torrential rain and side swiping winds. Per usual, the maniacs that we are, persevered. The spread was better this year! We also got a technical shirt AND a mug!

Notice how I added the "Peeps"....yes I ate a few later. I can't help it!

BTW.....THANK YOU to Ali (and hubby) for Tommie Copper prize (so happy you picked my name for that comression shirt). It's the first time I won a blog prize, and it helped to be in a relay too for the Rw/S virtual run.
I got it yesterday and wore it just hanging out. It's very comfortable. Since I'm taking an extra rest day, I'll try out the shirt when I run in the morning.

My younger bro Stu. Really proud of him. He's running for Mass Eye and Ear hospital in Boston. I will be cheering him on the course.

Weather report......WARM!!!!

Mahhh...velous Monday/Race Recap

Ahhh....said in my heavy Boston accent....home today and it's mahhhhh-velous.

Prior to getting into corral (pic). While I waited for start gun, I decided to braid my hair:) Anyway, I looked up and down for Kyria (TravelSpot), but unfortunately we never connected (except lots of texting before and after). Well..... she ROCKED this race! Well done my young friend.

Back in hotel room....finished......

So here are the details:
Cherry Blossom Ten Miler in DC was absolutely fantastic! I seriously recommend this on your "to-do" list. The course was a loop/out and back and basically flat. It was said that there were close to 15,000 runners! I was only able to get my female results....2030/9699 total. 61/395 age group...not too shabby.  Miles and Time, according to Garmin 10.13/1:27:24 (8:38 pace)
               Miles and Time, according to C.B. 10/1:27:26 (8:45 pace...go figure)
The course was packed however you could manuever yourself or put up your elbows if necessary (considering I had one too many young group of runners trying to push me off).  A lot of hooting and hollering (why is this? REALLY????). Ok...so if you do it a few times out of excitement I get that, but the constant ranting...NOT! I just kept running as fast as I could to get away from these NOISE MAKERS! Don't they know they're ruining my concentration??? LOL

Expo purchases. Met Hailey from iFitness; Donna and others from Chica Bands. I mentioned "12 in 2012". Hailey new right away, then of course I mentioned Rome..."YOU'RE THE ONE IN THAT PIC!! WE LOVED IT!!!" Yes, I felt like a celeb. Brian was a proud "coach". Honestly for me, this smaller pouch, in REALLY red, is much better and comfortable.
Poor Donna wasn't familiar with our 12 in 2012 group, but now she does!!

I have to give a shout out to HIPPIE RUNNERS.....Brian liked the prices so I ended up with a few hippie headbands (like I really need a few more???).  But he knows, I do love the 60's even though I grew up in the 70's. He gave one to our Rome friend, Jackie, and there's still one for Nancy and Carrie if interested.

FUN Challenge. So yesterday I sent to Amanda to hysterical costume pics of my friend Carrie. How perfect that she should text pics after my race. I will have to get back to you on those pics 'cuz I don't have them downloaded. She's a cow in one (for an ice cream shop opening) and a sub sandwich in another. Carrie is a costume QUEEN!
Today's bit of laughter is all on Ali's blog Running w/ Spatulas. They are the pics from the virtual race photo contest. Brilliant! 

Next race is Sat. in Jamestown, RI......oy vey.....enough said.

Two Things Thursday/Ciao March:)

One: March was Virtual Races month, including a 7 day Warrior Challenge!
Two: I'm happy it's coming to a close:)

Hot tub...ahhhh:)

The best part of this month was that I started swimming again. Thrilled that I swam 8 lengths as my longest swim yet, I'll take that!!

I missed the Black Cat Ten miler, but it was fun to be a part of a few Virtual Races....Spring Fever, Move it Momma, and Running w/ Spatula's!!! So check it out...my photos from RWS. Brian made me a yummy capuccino too (his hot choc is the best though with his homemade marshmallows).


Brian asked me to locate the spatula in his kitchen, then he quizzed me on the uses of one (what does this tell you about me...not much in the kitchen).
Spatula....of course, I always think of the movie Stripes. Bill Murray and the kitchen scene with the Army MP gal while she's sitting on the stove. Then there's the hilarious British flick, Run Fat Boy Run. You have to see it!


I'm looking forward to April! School has been VERY busy, and I just want some nice weather and get back into my swimming groove. Due to last week's Bayside Runner warrior challenge (ended up with 36 miles!!!), running twice a day, I felt spent to swim.  Now this week I'm relaxing as I gear up for DC. We leave very early Sat, race Sunday, then home. Ifitness belt....packed.....chicaband purple glam.....packed.....funky outft (running shirt with animal print compression tights.....packed! FINALLY.....GO KENTUCKY WILDCATS!!! I got my MA degree there and had so much fun at the basketball games!!

Sunday April 1st in DC. I'm hoping to meet Kyria from TravelSpot!!

Jamestown 10K (RI) on April 7th, with my brother Stu, and Nancy (Living the Dream).

Thank you for your responses regarding my Wicked Wed. I really tried hard NOT to nosh yesterday, and I added more protein in my diet. Kari....you made a good point too. I tried to post a comment on your blog but your site wouldn't let me!

Wicked Wednesday....Wicked Warrior (Bayside Runner)

 This week I began the March Winter Warrior 13 mi challenge sponsored by Bayside Runner in Plymouth, MA (see sidebar, check it out). I did the Jan Warrior Challenge when I had to run everyday for the month (at least 1 mi), which I did successfully. I ended the month with 124.10 miles!

This challenge is to run twice a day from Monday to Sunday. We have to run at least 3 miles (so one has to be 1 mile the other 2), but the runs have to be spaced in 6 hrs. We have 1 "rest" day when we can run once, (i.e. 3 mi at one time). Anyway, as of today my body is tired because I am trying to run fast. I've already run 13.6 miles. However, at 6:30 this morn, I JOGGED 1.2 mi....OMG....my legs were whipped! WHY??

Spatula Virtual Run will finish out March and have to wait til next week with fresh legs. 
Cherry Blossom Ten Miler, Jamestown 10K, and The Jelly Bean virtual.....all coming up for April.

It's hard to believe 2 weeks ago I dressed like this to run. The weather in Boston has been in the 60's and the past few days, we've hit 70. I love wearing that New York shirt, "Run the Bridges". The marathon seems like ages ago.

ON ANOTHER SUBJECT:

Why is it when Wed. rolls around I am STARVING!? For some reason, Wed. is my wicked day for noshing (picking at sweets, snacks, etc). I actually call it my "Sh*tty Stuff Day". I've been better at protein/carbo loading in the morn, but it's not good enough.

Any suggestions??
I do give myself a treat everyday, but Wed., whoaaaa.....I'm BAD!!! So what if I run extra and do that bike ride, I have to figure out a way that I can decrease that craving for extra snacks/sweets (so I ate two munchkins today and 4 mint Girl Scout cookies and a few Hershey Kisses). I've enjoyed some of your smoothie recipes (Elle, Nancy, and Ali), but it isn't cutting it for me. 

I'm pooped....HA! HA!

Bring on the Chica's! Tomorrow: Bayside Runner/March Warrior

Haven't been a good blogger lately, so what have I been up to? Getting my "Chica On". I still love the cheetah one (or is it leopard...I'm so bad). It hit 72 degrees today!!  Below, check out some of my new ones I purchsed. I actually took the Luck of the Irish one and reversed it (below)! I love that deep green. I wore the Luck of the Irish (freebie) out for a relaxing jog:), then I reversed it and wore out for breakfast (a waffle with fruit).

I shared with Sarah from Chica Bands that I'm a teacher. If you look closely, she wrote me a message that means the world to me.  A few of my little ones' love the glitter head band so I decided that one of them, who is working VERY hard will "win" it. This particular student (first grader) is very kind, does her homework, is a terrific reader, and head bands are part of her HEAD:) She wears them daily! Due to Sara (and Meg's) kindness, they included an extra glitter one to give to my student so I wouldn't have to give away one of mine.  Now that's a great business!!

Here's the reversal....cool eh?

Here's me in grade 2 (after my Fri lunch run).

Before my run....yes I am still in my shirt (ABOVE), but I literally SPRINTED (we only have 30 min). The weather was awesome, and I knew I could be a few minutes late (and didn't want to be). I just didn't eat.


THIS WEEK:
- Bayside Runner, Plymouth, MA- March Warrior Challenge
www.baysiderunner.com
- Running with Spatulas Virtual Run...10K; 5K Team

# 3 for 12 in 2012....2 Virtual races instead of Black Cat 10.

I just couldn't get myself out of bed Sunday morning to go to Salem (not far from my apt). I needed to sleep and simply hang in my bed, drink coffee, and read. Ok so I read up on triathlon training and wrote in my "I Believe" journal. I made my decision.....NO GUILT! I'll use the Jamie's Birthday 3.4 run and Rissa's Spring Fever 10K as my #3 race for 12 in 2012.

As you can see I goofed on the Birthday bib. Jamie and I had a good chuckle. Thanks for being a good sport. You're still a youngster, and I do hope you had a nice day.

Once I felt rearing to run, I gathered up my clothes and set up my ifitness belt (see sidebar sponsor link.....see photo below) and headed out the door. It was COLD and WINDY, but once I got going in my seaside neighborhood, I was fine. No chica's for these runs but I did order a few new ones with a free one to boot! I was happy to have the ifitness single pouch belt. My neighbor asked me about it as she loves to travel!

Favorite hat from my first race in Jan.

Here's the time breakdown: 3.5 (ran .10 for good luck) / 32.22:14, and the Spring Fever 10K...a little slower.....1:00:04. Do you think I REALLY stopped there??? I finished up with a few more steps to make it to 12.2 miles. And so today I am nursing my hamstring, because yesterday's run(s) would not have been the same if I didn't incorporate some hills!!! Finally, let me say thank you to some new names I see on my follower list!