Goodbye 2014!

I'm not too sure how I feel about ending the year and talking about it. Yet here I am. Maybe because I feel like I need to. Or maybe because I want to see what was happening this year. I'm not really sure. 

Here's what went down in 2014!

Total Races:

 21

Virtual Runs: 

3

1 mile: 

1

5k:

6

5 mile: 

1

10k: 

3

6.5 mile: 

1

7 mile: 

1

10 mile: 

1

Half Marathon: 

6

Marathon: 

1

Challenges: 

3

 (BAA Distance Medley, Runner's World Hat Trick, Triple Threat Half Marathon Challenge)

PRs: 

5k (30:58), 

10k (1:09:40), 

Marathon (6:05:57)

I PR'd in all the major categories except for the half marathon (which I came pretty damn close to). 

Do I have any goals for 2015? I'd like to get a half marathon PR (I'm looking at you Zooma Half!) and I'd like to break a 30 minute 5k. 

Are these crazy goals? Nope. 

Can I accomplish these goals? Hell yes I can!

I leave for Disney in a few days. I'm ready to take on the Dopey Challenge. (As ready as I can be at least!) 

2015 I'm coming for you!

Last Run of 2014!

On Saturday, 12.13.14, I went up to Newburyport, MA to participate in the Ladies Night Out Run, Wine, and Chocolate Event. Danielle had mentioned this race to me at the BAA Half and got me interested. Somehow I talked my cousin into signing up for the run as well and from the moment she picked me up she was saying she hated me. As we got closer to Newburyport we noticed that it looked dark. The weather wasn't showing anything, but it started to snow. (Like big flakes of snow!) I wasn't too worried (I did hear something about hate again though).

We arrived in Newburyport and easily found a spot to park right near the start/finish line. Bib pick-up was inside Nicholson Hall. This was also where the after party took place. We got to stay inside and use a real bathroom and stay warm until the start. Just before 3 pm we were ushered outside for the run. We had been told that the race would be un-timed, but there would be a clock at the start/finish. I remember the clock showing :30 when we crossed the start. My cousin and I stayed with Danielle the entire run. My ankle gave out on me right after we crossed the start line, but I could keep going. While running I could tell that I've been lazy. (Nothing like your body reminded you what you'd like to forget.) My calves tightened up, but felt better as I kept going. My ankle did start to hurt a little, but I could deal with it. We crossed the finish line somewhere between 33 and 34 minutes. I can't remember the finish time to save my life, but I did look. After you crossed the finish line you received a red carnation (unless you were the first one to finish than you received roses). Once you got back inside Nicholson Hall you received a wine glass with a piece of chocolate. The party felt really crowded, even though the only people that were allowed in were the participants. We stayed for just a minute and didn't indulge in the wine or appetizers or even the chocolate fountain afterwards. I had a Christmas party to go to in Plymouth so we made our way back to the South Shore. Would I do this run again? I would, but only with someone else.

What else is going on? Besides working and the holiday, not too much. Preparing for Disney and the Dopey Challenge. Starting to build my race schedule for next year!

I signed up tonight for the Black Cat 10M & 20M. I'll be doing the 10 miler. If I was doing a spring marathon than the 20 miler may have worked, but 10 miles is enough! The run benefits the Allie's Scholarship Fund. Allie had gotten killed crossing the street at the age of 15. You can read more about the scholarship by clicking the link.







There is another race that I always wanted to take part in. It seemed fun and different. There were rumors that the race was over in 2014. Then it appeared on a list for 2015. The rumors started that 2015 would be the final year of the race. Sadly the race will not happen after 2015. I am super excited to say that I will be taking part in the final running of the Expedition Everest Challenge!

This is a night run in the Animal Kingdom park in Disney World. Animal Kingdom closes early so to be there at night is really cool. Not only is this a 5k, but also a scavenger hunt and an obstacle course! After you hunt for the yeti on the course you are let into a post-race party! I will be running this as a team with my friend Carrick. Might as well visit Disney for the first time and do the last running of this great race! This is the race that usually is open to register until almost race day. This year was different though. In just over an hour the race sold out! 

I'm excited to see what 2015 has in store for me!

Happy Black Friday?

I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving. I had a pretty low key day and was in bed early to get to work early this morning for Black Friday. (The good thing about getting in early is leaving early!) The day wasn't awful.

I haven't really done too much since the marathon a few weeks ago so I was excited to do the Hingham Turkey Trot yesterday. It was a nice route that started at Hingham High School and went into Wompatuck State Park before heading back to the school. I felt in the zone and was fine just taking my time. It wasn't my fastest 5k, but it wasn't my slowest either. I really enjoyed ending the run on the track and then walking around it before exciting. I would do this race in the future for sure. (I'd show some pictures, but I didn't take any! I just enjoyed my time running.)

I signed up for a run in Salem. On March 21 I will be running the Nutty Irish 5k Cocoa Run. There will be hot chocolate (in flavors) at the end. If you are over 21 you can also add liquor into your cocoa. For pre-registering you receiving texting gloves. You also have the option to get a souvenir mug as well. I'm excited to spend more time around Massachusetts running in the upcoming year.

NYC Marathon

I woke up at around 4 am on Sunday. I was tired. It was kind of cold. The clocks had changed. (Had they changed!?! I hope they changed!) I could hear the wind. (Freaking wind!) I took a quick shower to wake up and get a little warm. I needed to be at Central Park South by 6 am to catch the bus. The bus to Staten Island!

Walking through Times Square was so weird at 5 am. There were runners going in all different directions to get get their transportation to the start. I was told that it didn't matter which bus I got on so I hoped on the bus in front of me and in about 15 minutes we started to move. I fell asleep on the bus for a few minutes and before I knew it we were on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge! We got off the bus just after 7 am and I made my way through security and found the charity village. Once there we were met with strong winds. We stayed as warm as possible while waiting for our waves to be called. I was in wave 4. I wasn't starting the marathon until 10:55 am. The 4 hours actually went by pretty quickly. Suddenly our wave was called. I made my way to the green corral and lined up by the letter D.

Party wave!!!!

All the sudden the beginning of the marathons was happening! The first 2 miles were on the bridge. I was on the lower level of the bridge which blocked the GPS signal to my watch. I wasn't too concerned with it except I couldn't quite use my pace bracelet. The wind on the bridge was CRAZY! I was literally getting pushed towards the median! 

Start line!

Fort Wadsworth with Manhattan in the back!

Once off the bridge we were in Brooklyn. (I happen to love Brooklyn and was excited to run through it!) I took everything in while running and just appreciated everyone who was out there supporting the runners. I tried to find a friend around mile 8, but didn't see him.



I remember mile 8 a little too well. I was really feeling it at that point. I think that I just hadn't eaten enough while I was waiting, but who knows. My pace was dropping and hard. I knew that I could only do my best and kept pushing through. I was excited when I got to the Queensboro Bridge because I knew that I was going to finish. Nate also surprised me at the end of the bridge. I wasn't expecting to see him out on the course so I was excited. I remember telling him I just wanted to be done and that everything was hurting. First Ave seemed like forever. It is a straight shot and you can just see for miles. This made it hard to keep positive and moving in general.

When I got back into Manhattan I got my groove back. I was able to keep a better pace and up with my intervals. I can remember seeing Central Park in the distance and feeling like it took forever to get there.
Once I got into the park it was a wonderful feeling of knowing I was going to be done soon!

Soon I could see the finish line. Then I saw the tracking map and ran over it. When I looked up at the finish banner I saw it change to "Thank You, Charity Runners!" It seemed fitting for sure. I checked the app and saw that I finished in 6:05:57.

You are so welcome!

I walked up got my medal and started to cry. Why did I cry? I was happy. I was happy to be done. I was happy to have made it. I was happy that the hardest thing I've ever done was over. I was happy to get out of the wind and cold. (I didn't know that it would take me over an hour to get back to the hotel. Who decided all of this walking pre- and post-race was worth it!?!) I was crying out of relief. I just needed to cry. Then I cried because I couldn't get my bottle of water open. Then the flip top didn't open enough and that really pushed me from annoyed to pissed. I could have just grabbed water off of my belt, but I'm too stubborn for that. Finally I got my finishers poncho and it was the best thing ever! It is so warm! (I can wear it now that I'm home on the reg right?)

I'm not sleeping. I'm just laying, in a poncho.

There were 50, 564 finishers.
And I was one of them!

It hit me today (which is Wednesday the 5th) that I finished the NYC Marathon. Did I finish? Yes. Did I finish in under 6 hours? No, but the wind was a wench so I can let that go. Maybe one day I'll complete a marathon in 5:30 (which was my goal pace). Honestly I'm fine never doing a marathon again. Given the opportunity, sure I'll do it.

As of right now at 8 pm on Wednesday November 5 I have raised $3,685 for Children's Hospital! There is a few more donations coming through so I should have at least $3,700! I can't believe I got that much money for such a wonderful cause! If you didn't get an opportunity to donate or would like to donate again you can do so right here!

NYC Marathon Expo!

I was planning on writing this post about the whole weekend, but honestly I'm just tired. So lets focus on one day at a time!

On Saturday Nate & I boarded a train to head to NYC. I was able to check-in to our hotel the day before online which was awesome because our room was ready before we even got to NYC! We decided to check-in first and then head over to the expo. When we got to NYC it was raining, but I was okay with it. After we dropped our stuff in the room we headed over to the Javits Center to get my bib.

Our hotel had some pretty awesome pumpkins in the lobby!

I was surprisingly not scared or nervous or anything. I felt calm when I got to NYC. The first thing we did when we got into the Javits Center was pick up my bib and my bag for the start village. I got my bib scanned to make sure the B-Tags were working so people could actually track me on Sunday. (They were working perfectly!) We exited into the ASICS area and I picked out a shirt. I kept away from anywhere that could show the medal. I wanted to keep it a surprise. We walked through our the expo and I grabbed a Sparkly Soul headband. I also got to meet Katherine Switzer!  If you don't know who she is you should! She was the first registered woman to run the Boston Marathon! (You know when woman weren't allowed to run!) She signed her book and took pictures with everyone. She was so nice and was rooting for us. We left the expo shortly after to go relax and grab dinner. I did have an early day and a marathon to run!

I'll leave you with some pictures to tie you over until I get to my NYC Marathon post!

#RunNewYork

This is the headband I chose to wear during the marathon.

Who doesn't get a picture with the course map!?!

I'd never be this close to a finish line tape ever again!

Katherine Switzer & I!

It's Almost Time!

Tomorrow I leave for New York City.

I'm excited. I'm scared. I'm excited. I'm freaking out!

I admitted last night that this was the scariest thing I was going to do. Forget running Dopey in January, I am freaking out about 1 race! ("It's a televised event! It makes sense you're scared!" Words from a friend.)

Wednesday night we had our team dinner. It was Maggiano's in Boston. It was really good. I got to hear a little bit more about the NYC Marathon and talk about Disney!

I am packed to go.

I have my pick up info, my charity band to get into the area on Staten Island, my singlet.

I'm as ready as I'll ever be. 

Now I need the rest of me to understand that too.

2 days from now I will be running through one of the best cities in the world!

While relaxing last night on Facebook, I saw a post from the Devil's Chase 6.66 Miler that caught my eye. I was going to sign up for this race this year, but for no reason at all I didn't sign up. Next years race is being held ON HALLOWEEN! They had a special price until midnight tonight tonight (Halloween) to pay $30 for the entry. Of course I signed up, but an even crazier sign up happened when Carrick signed up! He has one year to start running. I'm so excited for him! Looks like we'll be spending another Halloween up in Salem!

Meanwhile for the rest of 2014 I still have to sign up for a Thanksgiving Day run. I'm looking at one in Hingham or maybe I'll just end up in Plymouth again! Not 100% sure still, but I need to figure it out and then get Nate moving. (And also convince him that he will not die during a 3 mile run!)

I did get my cousin to sign up for a 5k in December in Newburyport. (I have to convince her that she'll be fine too. What is with the people I know!?!) The event is called Ladies Night Out. Throughout the year there are a few of these runs on the North Shore and in New Hampshire. This is a ladies only run and a few of my team mates from TNT will also be there. We're going to have fun and I said she could have my wine. (Not drinking will let you give that away!)

I have a few last minute things to do before leaving tomorrow, but I'm going to enjoy my Halloween. It is my favorite holiday after all!

It's just a bunch of hocus pocus!

NYC Marathon Training Week 16

This week had some big wins in it. Let's take a look.

Monday: Tufts Health Plan 10k for Women

Tuesday: 3 mile walk

Wednesday: 5 mile walk 45 minutes of yoga

Thursday: Rest

Friday: 3 mile walk

Saturday: 3 mile walk

Sunday: Cause 4 Paws 5k, 1.02 mile walk

I wrote about how I PR'd on Monday in last weeks recap so I'll leave it out of this recap. I am still super excited about that. I took the week easy after running the half followed by the 10k. I do not have time for injuries now. Plus I was doing my last race before the marathon on Sunday.

The Cause 4 Paws 5k is in it's 6th year and benefits the Quincy Animal Shelter.

This is where my second 5k took place (also my first one outside of Disney) back in 2011. I was so excited to have done the run in 34:47! That was my 5k PR until I ran it last year in 2013. I did the run in 31:47! My ultimate goal for a 5k is sub-30 minutes. (Someday I will get it there!) Yesterday ended up being colder than it has been lately and crazy windy. Nate also had the day off so he was coming to "cheer me on" (I think he was really coming to look at all the cute dogs that were there!) Our friend Christopher also came and signed up when we got to the parking lot where the race started. (The same Christopher who ran Boston last year after qualifying!) We also met up with our friends, Lindsay and Greg. (Greg came in 2nd this year!) I ran with Christopher for almost a mile and a half before telling him to go on his way. My first mile was 9:09 and I was dying! He is so much faster than I am. My second mile came in at 9:57 which was still faster than normal for me. (Could I really meet a sub-30 5k today!?!) My right shin started to hurt, but I was also getting a side stitch on my right side. I could push through it I kept telling myself. At one point close to the end I felt my side and had to stop and walk. I did beat my PR and wasn't expecting to do as well as I did.

I'm also 70% of the way to hit my goal for the NYC Marathon! If you can help please do so here!

Week 15 Recap and Questionnaire

Week 15 has come and gone and it was great! 

Monday: 2 mile walk
Tuesday: 4.64 mile walk in Salem
Wednesday: Rest
Thursday: 6.73 mile walk in Boston
Friday: 4 mile walk
Saturday: 4 mile walk
Sunday: BAA Half and 5 mile walk

I took a couple of vacation days last week so that I could relax. I guess going to Salem and Boston was "relaxing" (or at least for me it is!) Carrick's brother lives in Salem so got to see him and his family while also sightseeing. I enjoy the history of Salem so it's fun to walk around. We visited the Witch House and the Salem Wax Museum. 

Everyone should go to the Samantha statue!

On Thursday I went into Boston with Nate. We went to the aquarium and to the Museum of Fine Arts. We like to go to the aquarium and see the animals. It's always fun and one of the first things we did together. 

Have you ever seen a sea dragon? 

There's a new Goya exhibit that is open at the MFA that I was looking forward to seeing so we went there afterwards. It was really good. It was really large and well put together. 

The Hollywood Glamour exhibit

On Sunday I participated in the BAA Half. This was the third and final race in the Distance Medley. Nate came with me to spectate the race and after we parted ways I bumped into Danielle. Danielle ran the Nike Women's Half DC with me last year. She's preparing for a marathon in a couple weeks so we ran together. I introduced her to the run/walk method. It was great running with someone. It made the race go by fast. My right knee started to give me some issues, but I finished. I finished in 2:43 exactly. 

Distance Medley Finisher!

Between the half and walking to the train and back to Nate's apartment we logged about an extra 5 miles! I ran the Tufts Health Plan 10k for Women today to help gain a few extra miles for my last long run before the NYC Marathon. This was a wonderful race! I've always heard about this race, but never had a chance to do it until this year. It was well organized with plenty of activities for all. My knee was feeling better, but I didn't want to push my body after yesterday so I just did what I could. I kept to my intervals and just went with it. The course was part of the Run to Remember course so I was comfortable. The best part was crossing the finish line with Joan Benoit Samuelson at the end to congratulate all the finishers. (If you don't know who Joan is you should go here and check her out.)  I finished in 1:09:40, a 2:06 PR! There may have been a tear or two at the end. I would do this run again and suggest it to anyone and everyone (even men!)

View of Boston across the Charles River.

Nice fall foliage!

I usually spend one day a week reading all the running blogs I follow. I saw this post on Happy Fit Mama earlier today and thought it might be fun to fill this out too. 

1. What are you wearing? Yoga pants and a green long sleeve shirt.

2. Ever been in love? Yes

3. Ever had a terrible breakup? Yeah

4. How tall are you? 5’5″

5. How much do you weigh? I'm not 100% sure lately. Last time I looked I wasn't exactly too happy.

6. Any tattoos? I have quiet a few. Both of my feet are tattooed, both my ankles, my leg, my knee (where my running tattoo resides!), my finger, the back of my neck, a few on my hips, two on my back, my shoulder, and both my sides. (I tend to forget at least one or two of them. So I could be missing something now.)

7. Any piercings? My ears are pierced, my belly button (for about 12-13 years. Whoa!), and my nose twice.

8. OTP (one true pair, favorite fictional couple)? Haley and Nathan on One Tree Hill.

9. Favorite show? Buffy for sure.

10. Favorite bands? I can't choose favorite music. I never could. It changes by the minute.

11. Something you miss? Warmth. I'm currently under 3 blankets.

12. Favorite song? This is up there with favorite band. I do love "Vogue" by Madonna though!

13. How old are you? 27

14. Zodiac sign? Gemini

15. Quality you look for in a partner? Understanding.

16. Favorite Quote? "Be brave. Live."-Buffy

17. Favorite actor? Oh boy…Hmm. I'm not even sure.

18. Favorite color? Black. 

19. Loud music or soft? I good in between. It also depends on what I'm doing.

20. Where do you go when you’re sad? I tend to stay in bed.

21. How long does it take you to shower? I try to keep it to 10-15 minutes, but when I'm cold I refuse to leave.

22. How long does it take you to get ready in the morning? Usually a few minutes. I'm pretty low key.

23. Ever been in a physical fight? Not really.

24. Turn on? That look that makes you feel wanted.

25. Turn off? Smoking.

26. The reason I started blogging? I wanted to talk about my running and my fundraising with Team in Training.

27. Fear? Spiders.

28. Last thing that made you cry? That 10k PR!

29. Last time you said you loved someone? Probably sometime this morning.

30. Meaning behind the name of your blog? My Life on the Lam sounded too mobster.

31. Last book you read? #Girlboss by Sophia Amoruso. 

32. The book you’re currently reading? I'm trying to finishing The Shining by Stephen King and City of Bones by Cassandra Clare.

33. Last show you watched? I'm currently watching Gotham.

34. Last person you talked to? Nate

35. The relationship between you and the person you last texted? My friend Chris who is also a co-worker.

36. Favorite food? Ice cream and french fries.

37. Place you want to visit? Everywhere. I want to see the world!

38. Last place you were? I was at work for a few minutes. For a trip, I was in Disney World.

39. Do you have a crush? I tend to like Nate a lot.

40. Last time you kissed someone? About an hour ago.

41. Last time you were insulted? The other day.

42. Favorite flavor of sweet? I love sweet things. Like all of them. 

43. What instruments do you play? Flute

44. Favorite piece of jewelry? I have a key necklace I'm pretty fond of.

45. Last sport you played? That's a joke. I run. That's what I do.

46. Last song you sang? I think it was "Break Free" by Ariana Grande. 

47. Favorite chat up line? I'm pretty shy, so I don't really chat people up.

48. Have you ever used it? Uh….the quiet thing works.

49. Last time you hung out with anyone? Right now. We're watching Gotham.

50. Who should answer these questions next? Anyone and everyone!

Training Update Week 14

With just under a month away I'm feeling nervous for the marathon. I'm feeling like I'm letting myself down or something. I do not like the marathon distance. It is a job on it's own and it doesn't pay me so it takes the backseat. I want to love it, but I just don't. It actually makes me dislike running. As I say this, I know that I will finish this marathon. I actually read earlier today that May ran the NYC Marathon in 2011. I saw her finish time was just under 7 hours, like 6:59. Now my Disney Marathon was 6:50:03. So I know that I can do it. This will be a test, but I know that I'll be okay. I'm not promising my training has been great, but I'm doing what I can. That's the best that I can do. So let's look at last week.

Monday: 4.69 miles walk/hike in the White Mountains

Tuesday: Rest

Wednesday: Rest

Thursday: 4.51 miles on treadmill, 15 minute stretching

Friday: Rest

Saturday: 4.64 miles

Sunday: Upper body work

On Monday I went up to New Hampshire with my friend Carrick to Flume Gorge. We've never been so it was a good adventure for the both of us. We had a good time up in New Hampshire. I would run up the hills which he did not approve of, but I always waited at the top. (I'm pretty sure after this picture was taken I ran back up to the trail.)

A covered bridge!

On Saturday I had a fundraising event so I didn't really go out to run. I relaxed before hand and walked a little bit. (Hey, going to Target counts as walking right?) My sister sells Thirty-One bags and so we held a fundraiser. If you'd like to order anything you can by clicking the link above. It will direct you into my party. You can start Christmas shopping early while helping kids in need!

My upper body workout consisted of what you may ask? I spent my entire shift at work getting shipments ready. Yes 8 full hours of moving boxes here to there and back over here. It's a lot I promise. If I didn't take a lunch break, I probably would have been there for 9 hours prepping for Monday. 

I've done a few things this week that are fun, but I'll talk about it next week!

Until then, I'm anxiously awaiting the BAA Half. This is my third race for the Distance Medley. I can hope for a PR, but I'm okay just finishing. That will always be my number goal for any distance I run, finishing. 

I'm coming back for round 2!

I ran this race last year at 2:33:21, maybe I'll do a little better this year? Who knows. Finishing is staying #1.

After this half I have a 5k coming up on October 19th, the Cause 4 Paws 5k!

This will be the 3rd time doing this 5k. It's a nice run with a bitch of a hill in the middle. I just have to remember, what goes up must come down! This 5k currently holds my 5k PR. I want to break 30 minutes so bad, but I'm not expecting it right now. Someday it will happen, it is not the time. 

With the NYC Marathon coming up quickly (like 24 days), remember why I'm running! If you could donate any amount you can do so here!

A Wedding, a Run, and a Dead Bunny

Week 13 of training has come and gone. I'm in the final stretch before the marathon! 

I got in a run earlier in the week. It was good to get back out there after being sick the week before. 

On Friday I spent my day running around. I had to go to the mall to grab a few things for Saturday. From the mall I made my way to the Sea Crest Beach Hotel to get my bib for the Zooma Cape Cod Half Marathon. When I got there I heard "There's a dead bunny over there!" What an impression right? I didn't want to check out a poor dead bunny so I went inside to get my bib. After getting my bib I got a few necklace charms from Scott James Jewelry. 

From the Sea Crest I had to get over to Waverly Oaks Golf Club for my cousin's wedding.  It was a beautiful day for the wedding. After spending time with my family I knew I had to get back to Falmouth. Luckily my boyfriend is from there so we could stay at his parent's house which is right down the street from the Sea Crest.

I got up early on Saturday to make sure I wasn't rushing to make my 7:30 am start time. It was a little chilly in the morning, but not bad at all. I knew it was going to be a perfect day to run.

Perfect day for a run!

I secretly was hoping for a PR during this run. I also knew that over this year my running hasn't been great. I try to not beat myself up about this, but I do sometimes. I also knew that not running for the past week made it hard for me to assess where I truly was. So I was going into the race with the secret hope to PR, but being okay with whatever happened. 

Once the race started I had no idea where the 2:30 pacer was. I accepted early on that I wasn't going to see a 3 in my time. I was taking in the scenery while I ran and didn't worry about my time.

There were great views of the water throughout this run!

Not far from mile 3 there was a woman who had fallen/tripped/something. I'm not sure what exactly happened, but there were police & EMTs helping her. After I turned around at mile 3 she was being loaded into an ambulance. I hope she's okay. As I kept going I saw the 2:30 pacer. I put myself into the mindset that I had in Providence where I PR'd last year. I kept her just close enough that if I pushed myself I could catch up to her. Somehow I ended up in front of her! I stayed in front of her for a lot of the race. I didn't want to get too excited or jinx this. Eventually she did pass me again. I was feeling pretty tired the last 2.5-3 miles. I was so close to the end when I had to walk for a few seconds. Thankfully "Firework" by Katy Perry came on my phone and pushed me to the finish! I finished in 2:30:54. It may not be a PR, but it was so much better than the rest of my year has been. I'm proud of myself for that.

After the race I got a water, a banana, and my medal. I met up with my boyfriend and we walked down to the beach. I spent a little time standing in the ocean to help sooth sore spots and it felt great! After having a "ice bath" I signed up for the race next year! I'll come back in 2015 and maybe I'll great 2:30 again. Who knows but I am excited. 

Nature's "ice bath"

Swag

Right after the race I went back to my boyfriend's house to shower before running off to a fundraiser my sister was putting on for Children's Hospital. She did a wonderful job and we can't wait to do it again next year. With all of the food and over 90 raffles everyone had a great time!

Speaking of Children's Hospital, I'm still fundraising for the NYC Marathon! (Did I mention it's 5 weeks away!) If you want to help a wonderful cause you can do so here!

Week 12 Training Recap

Week 12 involved absolutely no running. I know what do I mean no running!?! I caught the cold that was going around and took the time to get better. I still got in almost 15 miles (probably over because I was still at work moving around without tracking my steps) of walking in during the week. I'm still kind of feeling the cold lingering, but I feel so much better this week. I just got back from a 3 mile run which felt great. (Besides the pain in my right knee, it was great.) I'm behind in my long runs for NY, but I'm going to do whatever I can do to keep myself injury and sickness free. If I do that, I can do a marathon.

This Saturday is the Zooma Run Cape Cod. I feel like I signed up forever ago! (It was actually about 3 months ago.) This run came up fast. I'm looking forward to getting my butt out there and doing my best. (As much as I'd love to PR, doing my best and having fun needs to be #1!)

We also have a great fundraiser happening on Saturday that my sister is putting on in memory of my dad's friend who passed away last year. There will be a poker run and raffles with all donations going to Boston's Children Hospital. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone after I run and raising money for a great hospital.

I'm also giving away a $20 Starbucks gift card for every $5 donation I receive until the end of Friday night!


If you would like to donate, but can not attend the fundraiser you can do so here.

NYC Marathon Training

I honestly have no idea what week just past. I do know that I didn't do my long run…again. Maybe that's why I'm not even looking at my schedule right now typing this. I've been really tired. It's like my day off comes around and I just can't get out of bed. We've had an overnight again and an early morning meeting. I'm gonna try to get my long run in this week for sure. I'm not sure how to make my running schedule fit into my work schedule, but I'm gonna try my best. Luckily I spend a lot of time standing and going back and forth at work. This at least keeps my legs use to going long periods of time with movement.

World Suicide Prevention Day 2014

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. With the recent death of Robin Williams, it seems like everyone wants to talk about suicide prevention. This is good, but I thought why didn't anyone want to talk about it before? We seem to be embarrassed by mental health issue and no one wants to talk about it. I deal with anxiety and depression and until more recently I've always been embarrassed by it. Why? I don't know if I can even tell you. I have been pretty silent about them. Once I opened up to someone I felt better. I can tell you that it is scary to speak out. People can be very judgmental. Every single person reading this (even me while I type this) has judged someone at some point. I'm going to make an effort to not judge anyone. You never know what someone is going through.

This year the non-profit organization To Write Love on Her Arms is using the campaign "No One Else Can Play Your Part" to bring awareness to National Suicide Prevention Week (September 8-14) and to World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10). They want people to tell their stories. Every person's story is different and they want everyone to be honest with their story.

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TWLOHA

I've known about this organization for years. It started in 2006 after founder Jamie Tworkowski wrote a blog post about his friends struggle with depression, self-injury, and addiction. This story spread throughout MySpace (remember MySpace!?) and a lot of bands started to wear their t-shirts. Now it's 2014 and people have a place to find help if they need it without being judged. They have plenty of ways that you can get involved to help spread the vision. 

During one of my favorite songs by Christina Perri is called "I Believe". She wrote this song for TWLOHA's Heavy and Light Tour. I'm going to leave you with the video from one of the nights she played it.

If you or someone you know is struggling and needs help please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK(8255).

NYC Marathon Training Week 10

Week 10 of training has come and gone! (Just like August.) Whoa!

This past week was much better than the previous weeks. This helped my confidence a lot.

Monday: Rest
Tuesday: 6.01 miles
Wednesday: 1 hour of yoga
Thursday: .5 miles walk, a lot of lifting at work
Friday: 5 miles, walk at beach
Saturday: Rest
Sunday: 9.12 miles, 4.68 mile walk


On Friday I  got to hang out with Nate. We went to White Horse Beach during the day. (You know where there was a shark and everyone freaked out.) We got to just relax on a day off which was nice. That night we went to the Museum of Fine Arts for First Friday. Every first Friday of the month they are open from 6:30-9:30 pm. This does require a ticket ($25 or free for members), but there is dancing, drinks, tapas, and meeting new people. We spent our night walking through the different exhibits and enjoying some art.

Checking out the Shinique Smith exhibit

On Sunday I got up and ran 9 miles. This was the first time I've felt good about running in a while. It was exactly what I needed. Then I drove to meet up with with my friends to drive to Provincetown. I've never really traveled on the Cape so this was a first time to go down there. We had a nice time walking around before we drove back home. 

Look at how big these flowers are!

This pole is usually under water.

When we got back to my friend's house we took a walk down to the beach (the same beach I was at on Friday) and up to Manomet Point. This added up the miles for me which I needed.















I'm hoping to hit the half way mark this week with my fundraising. I need to raise $125 to do so. I think that I can do it! If you would like to help out a wonderful cause you can do so here.

Week 9 Recap

Remember I said that the weeks weren't looking so great? They still aren't. Last week was rough. I was so emotionally and physically burnt out that it took it's toll. Then we entered into some sort of crazy weather pattern that is making it super humid.

Monday: Rest

Tuesday: 4 mile walk

Wednesday: 5.03 miles

Thursday: 30 minutes of yoga

Friday: Rest

Saturday: 3 miles

Sunday: Rest

I had planned on doing 7 miles after work on Saturday, but by the time I left it was so hot and humid I knew I couldn't do it. I'm hoping that this week will be better. My first run of the week was hard. It was pretty humid and I felt really slow. I've been beating myself up over it, but I'm trying to just accept that at least I'm getting out there and doing it. This does make me nervous for NYC, but hopefully I'll be ok.

NYC Marathon Training Week 8

I'm a couple days late with my check-in, but my brain was barely working the past few days. Last week was rough. I did more cross-training, but not enough running. I've been burnt out from the Tax-Free Weekend and the work that has been going on. This is how my week looked.

Monday: Rest

Tuesday: 5 miles

Wednesday: 1 hour Full body workout with 5 lb weights

Thursday: 4.07 miles on track

Friday: Rest

Saturday: 4 miles

Sunday: Rest

I was suppose to do 12 miles on Saturday and could barely get through 4. I remember feeling beyond frustrated and annoyed. I thought maybe that I could make up a few miles on Sunday, but I had worked almost a 12 hour day. I'm moving on from last week and gave myself Monday and Tuesday of this week off to relax and try to get all the anger and frustration out of my system from the past couple of weeks. There are better things to worry about right?

I've hit the 40% goal of my fundraising as well. (Well it should be more, but it seems there was a flub in the system the end of last week. That should be fixed shortly.) So as of right now at 10:49 am I have hit  $1,400! I want to hit the $1,500 mark by September 1. I think we can do it. If you can donate you can do so here.