This Life

Sometimes this life I get to live is just too much...too incredible...too, beyond what I ever thought it would be.

This week has been fun and exhausting and worth officially breaking my running streak for! Because of work I was gifted tickets to see Fuerza Bruta on Tue and Big Fish (I loved it, theater critics you are WRONG!)  last night which meant 2 days in the best city in the world.  Plus I got to ski on Sun, I lost 3 pounds (the 3 I had gained) and I get to hang with my friends and smile and ...you know, poop rainbows and unicorns. 

So without sounding ridiculous, I'm just happy.  Happiness comes easy to me, but there was a time where I was literally drowning in the life I created.  I was fat, I drank (wayyyy to much) smoked (waaaaaay too much) was negative all the time and was basically living life with my eyes closed. 

Today?  Today, I have changed all of that and then some.  I've talked about all of this before, so while it's redundant, I'm feeling too good not to share. 

My guess is that most readers are somewhat on a healthy life mission, because I for one was not reading about running when I was struggling through my early 20's. But just know that if life sucks, it can change. You don't have to get stuck in a rut, ever. 

Ok, so off my optimistic soap box, back to the reality which is a pile of work I have to get to.

Tonight, tonight is back to crossfit or a run.  Ahh, this life!

I'm in!

Breaking the Streak

I broke my streak! AHH! To be fair, I was up at 4:30, in the pouring rain, to go ski.  I think the new rule is run everyday except for ski trips, because realistically I can always get in one mile. 

I've managed daily crossfit and running and almost no bagels.  My nutritionist will be happy, hopefully. 

The goal was to consume no man made carbs (with the exception of Thanksgiving) to see a jump in weight loss and to cleanse me from what is seriously a full blown carb addition (I know! That sounds ridiculous, but it's true!!).  I failed, but I'm down I think 2 pounds (of the 3 I had gained back). 

Tomorrow I weigh in. 

And somehow this post went from my running streak to weight loss.  Sigh...

Let's Streak!

Last night was supposed to the Runners Edge Run the Night event but it got rained out so I went over to Crossfit. 

I was a little bummed, part of the event was trying on merchandise geared toward evening running and I have my eye on that new New Balance Beacon jacket.  It's a little pricey, so I wanted to test it out first. 

I was also bummed because I haven't really ran AT ALL since the marathon.  I ran about 9 miles week 0 and then was sooooo sick that I didn't run for a week and last week only managed a 3 miler.  It's good to recover, and I'm killing it at crossfit, but I was hoping for a good ol' group run to get me back in the swing of things. 

I'm contemplating the whole Runners World Holiday Streak.  It will be a challenge, but I think I may try. I have a good base, so injury isn't the issue. I guess running every day for a million days is freaking me out a little.  I'm on the fence but I'd like to at least TRY to do it. 

What do you think?  To streak or not to streak?

I'm Cold

We went from fairly normal/mild temps to full on February in a matter of a day!  NY what the heck happened!?

Yesterday was absolutely FRIGID! My parents and I went to the city to see the Radio City Christmas spectacular where I was by far the oldest kid there with their parents!  We go every few years and since I was given the tickets for free, we went.  The next time I go I better be (a) with child or (b) a grandmother.  I go for the Rockettes, the rest is a little too childish (still fun though).  My mom was a professional dancer, so it's always a treat for her.  Plus the theater is so grand and beautiful.

Ok, back to the cold...we basically froze walking from the theater to dinner (which was awful) to the car. Which made me think, how the heck am I going to train in this all winter! I can deal with the cold, but the wind was killer.  I may have to go back to the gym since I don't see Crossfit Cobalt investing in a treadmill anytime soon (pretty please!!).

I know this is a freak weather pattern, and I will eventually ease into the cold air.  But GAH! Awful.  The good news is that I have a ton of cold weather gear for running.  I'm also a fan of mixing my ski base layers into my running repertoire.  I may need to invest in a jacket, or just wear my Northface which is not as snug as I would like.  I'll figure it out.

On a side note, tomorrow I'm heading over to my local running store for a night trail run and pasta dinner after.  We will get to try out a bunch of new products geared for night running.  I'll post back with all of the details.

And last but not least, click here  (and leave me some love in the comments) for 15% off any US Spartan race!

Anyone a SPARTAN? Promo inside :)

I was recently contacted by my friends at the Spartan Race (I know, right??) to host a little giveaway.

For this blogger who just took a big time out I was super surprised and really grateful for the email. I have been wanting to get more connected with my blogging and my readers and really feel that this is an awesome fit! Also noted, I'm not getting compensated in anyway.  I think there is some blogging rule out there that says I must say this.

While I have never done an "adventure" race, or muddy thingy, I have always been interested in the Spartan Race.  The sprint races are not as hardcore as say a Tough Mudder, but still killer enough that I feel like I need to train my booty off (literally). Plus they have a ton of races in my region which makes even more appealing. 

Even cooler?  NBC Sports is hosting the Reebok Spartan Beast World Championship on Dec 7th, so if you are unsure about exactly what a Spartan race is all about you should check that out!  I also love this video, totally got me AMPED up! 

Has anyone ever done a Spartan race?  What do you think, I'm a marathoner who does a little Crossfit on the side, I'm guessing it's time to ramp up my CF to get ready! Any tips?


Leave a comment below to send me some love! In exchange, here is a code for 15% off of any 2013-2104 Reebok Spartan Race in the continental US!

Winter "What's Next" Plan

I'm trying to figure out my what's next plan which is both fun and a little scary. The fun part is hanging with friends, getting my run on.  The scary, well, I'm not sure it's scary, but I really want to challenge myself this winter and see where it takes me - the goal?  A 2 hour half!

For the fun:

December 8
Northport Tough Cookie Trail Race - trails AND cookies?  I'm in.

December 21
Ho Ho Ho Run - I'll be running with a friend who is just getting back into running.  While I'd love to go all out and see what I can do, I will probably hang back with my bud.  Maybe wear a costume? 

Jan 18
Sayville Running Company 10 Mile Run to the Brewery - love this race! Ran it last year and had a blast, the after party is as awesome as you would imagine.  Beer, food, bands.  Tons of fun. Also looking to PR here!!

Jan 26
Fred Lebow Manhattan Half - 2 freezing cold loops around Central Park....last year it got snowed out (or was it the year before?) and turned into a fun run, I got my 9+1 credit so I was a happy camper.  Looking to have fun and not freeze to death.


For the Scary:

If I get in, I want to PR my half at the NYC Half Marathon On March 17th. I'd like to see a BIG PR, which means I have to throw down BIG training - speed work, hills, weight loss, you name it, I have to do it.  The Goal - to knock off 7 minutes for a 2 hour half. Same goes for the Nike Women's Half. this one is also a lottery...crossing fingers I get into both!

If I don't get into either race, I will have the BK half and the LI half  to race (which is another post for another day, but I may run the full).  I always PR in BK, so that may be the race!

I'm excited for the winter, I always run, but I never train, I just log miles to keep in shape.  My biggest challenge will be running and skiing.  I LIVE for ski season and tend to head up north at least every other weekend.  I also don't belong to a traditional gym, I'm not sure it's a necessary expense since I'm also Crossfitting.  That may have to change though.

Possibly, and this is a long shot but I'd like to run the Reebok Spartan Race. 

Ahh, goals, how I love you! I have always billed myself as a lazy athlete - I'm going to make sure to take the lazy part out...I'm ready!

NYCM Phone Dump

I'm not really a taking pics while running type of gal, but I did manage to get a few before and after race shots.  Warning, I look OLD.  Like woa wrinkles, but really, I was just dehydrated...

I was also lucky enough to have my boyfriend and best gal there with me! They got a GREAT shot of me feeling awesome at mile 19.  I'm still amazed that I felt as strong as I did!

Verrazano Bridge, I ran the bottom which was fine by me, it was windy!

Mile 19!

My Toms SAVED my feet after!

Day after glow (selfie fo life!)

Holy Headcold!

I have always heard to rest and rehydrate, even take extra vitamins after a marathon as our immune systems are usually a little shot.  Well I rested, took an emergenC and tried to drink a lot of water, and guess what?  I'm sooooo sick!

This didn't happen after my last 2 marathons, so why now?  I'm guessing because I never really got over my last cold which attacked me 2 weeks before the race.  Total bummer but what can you do?  I went to my doc, am on meds, slept a ton and now just hoping for the best!  I miss running!

NYCM

I'm coming out of blogger retirement (or self imposed timeout) to jot down my marathon thoughts :)

Sooo NYCM was in a word AMAZING.  I didn't PR (that was done in Chicago last year) but I had a course PR which I'll take!  It was a cold (but then got warm, then cold again), windy day - but no excuses, I ran the race I was supposed to run.  I felt happy, strong and confident the entire time.  Nothing major happened, I ran, I high fived, I contemplated life.  When it was all said and done I finished in 4:50:33, not my 4:3x:xx that I was hoping for, but I can always do that next time.  Best part was having my boy and forever friend out on the course cheering me on.  That was the icing to an already top 10 day.  Oh, the roses at the end of the race didn't hurt either!

One thing I will say - and this is for everyone....always be happy with your effort.  You ran a marathon.  Never feel like you have to make an excuse for your time (I tripped and ended up in medic, I took an extra long dump) we will see in your splits that it didn't happen.  Be proud of what you ran.  The majority of people in this world were on the couch.  Not us, we were out running our asses off. So be a good sport and don't make up a story.  #tacky

So what's next?  I'm signed up for the brewery 10 miler, maybe the NYRR Manhattan half, I'm in the lottery for the NYC half and lots of crossfit.  I need to focus on some other things to keep running as awesome as it is.  No burnout for this gal!

TTFN

I love blogging, even though I'm not good at it. 

I've never been super consistent, but I've loved every second of it!

For now I'm hanging up my blogger hat.  I will update occasionally so I have some type of log of any races, memorable training ect. cuz well, I basically don't keep that info anywhere else.

I will still read your blogs...probably obsessively...

In the meantime,  I'm switching gears over at tumblr.

http://accidentaladult36.tumblr.com/

Thanks for visiting and commenting and basically reading what I've put out there.  We are a cool bunch us bloggers!

2 Loops!

Yesterday's Selden Hills run was in a word, AMAZING!  The "team" (which is in quotes because we really aren't a team, just a bunch of crazy hill runners) threw out a challenge: 3 loops, and the crew accepted!

I have talked about the hills before, but basically it's a 10k course of the hilliest hills around (seriously).  Long Island is relatively flat, there are some neighborhoods that are hillier than others, but nothing compares to the Selden Hills. 

Ok, so the challenge was to run 3 loops, I ran 2 because my training only called for 13 so I didn't want to push it, plus I'm slightly wounded (note: graphic wound shot).   I felt really great, strong even...and of course winded.  Some of these babies are STEEP!  This group is notoriously fast so I was at the back of the pack.  The first loop took a little over an hour, the second a little longer, but not by much (I'll update the times when I get home, gotta check the garmin).  I ran the second loop backwards with a new friend so that we could catch the speed demons coming back, great strategy as we got to see Will finish his 3rd loop (this guy is a machine). 

I love this run, I wish I worked closer because I would be up there weekly, for now though I'm going to try and get up there on the weekends.

Here is Sue and I at the finish - you have to slap the pole when your done (twss)...tradition!

Holy Road Rash

Wow, road rash is no joke.  I have had some spills resulting and scrapes and bruises, but this is just wild.  According to running partner I didn't just fall, I skidded across the sidewalk which explains the horrific road rash I now have.  I'm still in shock over the swelling and pain, I even went to urgent care which is pretty big, I'm cheap and I hate to go to the doc when it's not really necessary. Luckily there was no break (which I considered mainly because I couldn't really put too much weight on my leg).

I'll spare you the pics, although I did post one yesterday, but it's just ugly. I picked up some Tegaderm to dress the wound with as I've read really great things, plus I like how it's like saran wrap and not gauze which hurts like a mother when I have to change it.  Aside from the constant pain, I'm having a hard time sleeping, every time I move I wake up.  I really feel for cyclists and bikers who have gotten into accidents with a substantial portion of their bodies injured. 

I'll stop complaining now, because really, it's bad, but not that bad, at least not anymore :) No need to call me a waaammmmbulance.

So this put a little detour in my midweek plan, but I hope to get out there Sun for my long and maybe even to crossfit tomorrow.  Right now the plan is to run the Selden Hills for a double.  There is a group going out for a triple which is just insane - 18 miles of all steep hills.  It will be a fun day with some new and old friends. 

Next week starts up a new cycle.  The goal here on out is to 1. not injure myself and 2. get all my miles in.  No slacking!

#runningfail

I like using hashtags, I liked them before they were cool...

Ok, so #runningfail....I have tripped while running twice in the last two weeks.  This mornings fall was particulary awful as it was on concrete and I'm pretty jacked up.  Last weeks fall, while dramatic, was down at the docks and on wood so not that bad.

Here is a pic which truly does not do the damage justice.  I am crazy swollen and can barely walk.  I'm thinking that I should have gone home after I fell, instead we ran 4 pretty speedy miles. #runningwin.

Confession

I have a confession...I'm enjoying Crossfit so much that I don't want to run, like ever.  I need to get my running mojo back considering I start NYCM training next week.  Gulp.

I'm still shocked by how much I'm enjoying the CF...it's like I've had some cosmic shift.  It also helps that I love the new box, and the owners, and the, well, everything.  It's not elitist, they are actually normally people.  With anything there are cliques, people that have been friends awhile, but this place just makes you feel welcomed.  I'm even thinking about participating in one of their league nights...I know, who am I??

July Goals

I haven't done a goals post in forever, mainly because I've barely been blogging and also because I never really keep up with my goals.  Awful, but true, but this being July 1st and all I feel highly motivated so here goes...

I'll lump them into categories:

Crossfit:
3x a week which will be easy, I have already planned it into my schedule and I really, really love this new box.

Master some crazy ass "move" - double unders maybe?  Or maybe a PR at my box jump (which is a measly 23 inches)

Running:
Get psyched up about marathon training.  I'm loving running, but not loving the thought of marathon training.  Last year I had a hell of a training cycle, hoping this year is better.  So the goal here is to keep positive - no negative thoughts!

Life:
Figure out this "it's complicated" relationship of mine.  Or not.  I waffle between over thinking and not caring.  Maybe find a balance?

Food:
J.C. Liz just get your shit together on this one! Ugg.  My pants don't fit, so the goal is to lose the 9 lbs I gained! (same story, different blog post).

These are basically no brainers, Oh and I want to create a vision board.  Cheers to a productive July!

Fairfield Half....or the Time I Seriously Tanked.

2:21:59.  Official time.  My PR and last race was 2:07:00 (Brooklyn).  Ouch.

All I can say was that this was one hell of a hot and hilly race.  And I do not care what those people in CT kept telling me, the new course was NOT FLAT!  I knew at mile 2ish when we charged up that monster hill that I was not on Long Island anymore. 

But you now what, I'm not disappointed (which I normally would be).  I knew going in that I probably was not going to hit my goal time of 2:05, I knew at mile 6 that I wanted this to be over, so I played it safe, dropped my pace, drank a ton of fluids and tried to have fun.  My one regret - not taking pictures (aside from the required cute pre-race pics with the girls).  This is a must run again for me, although the race directors should really consider starting this race at 7:00 - 8:30 is too late for a race that is in June...wayyyy to late. 

So for learning lessons - go back to running the Selden Hills.  Those hills would have prepared me for the race.  The dump which I have been running is good for my overall training/conditioning but does not justify a hill run.  Lose weight (duh, goes without saying).

Aside from the heat and hills, the course was beautiful and the spectators were AMAZING.  Seriously, I don't know what it is about CT, but they really come out to support their runners.  Back when I did the Stratton Faxon Hartford run a few years ago I felt the same way - full neighborhoods come out to support, plus there were bag pipers, bands, cute kids handing out Hershey kisses, a crazy lady chasing the course with a huge sign of Joey Fatone's head (OMG amazing).  Plus it seemed like at least one person on each block had their sprinklers blasting for the runners to get some much needed relief. 

Starting and ending on the beach was awesome too, as was the pizza which I couldn't stomach (I know, who am I?!?!?). I do wish they had more water at the beach - in fact I didn't see any.  Just iced tea, lemonade and fruit punch - which I threw up on the side of I95.  Ooops.

Next up - a bunch of random NYRR races, maybe a few of the summer runs.  Nothing big until the NYC marathon.  I'm looking forward to a little break between training cycles.  I'm going back to Crossfit and running and maybe even a little spin or yoga at my gym, but I'm not stressing over any of it.  It's summer and I want to enjoy and most importantly have fun!!

That Time I Went Back to Crossfit

I'm still not sure how this happened, but last night I found myself at a Crossfit box ready to do my first WOD in god, probably over a year (maybe longer?).  I certainly didn't cherry pick  - we did 7's.  It was hard, my hands split open, I scaled back like woa, but I did it.  Or almost did it, we had a 35 minute cutoff, I got through 6 rounds plus 11. 

I used to hate CF.  I quit CF and was not that sad about it.  I was always looking for my perfect fit, or something.  I never quite got the magic of the whole thing.  And frankly, I still don't, but I know that I want to get stronger and fitter and overall kick some ass so this is the cheapest way with the best bang that I could think of.  The only caveat is that I have to work it! I need to max out my weight, not take it too easy.  That was part of why I never saw results, I never gave it my all...and I hated it.  So this time?  I'm determined to love it.  I'm determined to work at it, I also want to feel a part of.  CF has an amazing community aspect to it, if you get involved.  So I'm going to get involved. 

The best part is that I have time - the new job is awesome and I get home in time to have a life.  Things with the boy are still on the fence, so for now, it's all abut me.  Crossfit, yoga and of course running.  All things I love and want to get better at.  All things that define who I am. 

I'll go back on Thurs and officially join.  I though that maybe I would go all over and find the perfect spot, but after one class, I think I have found it.  I'm excited.  Now I just need to invest in tape or gloves so I can shake hands and not worry about grossing anyone out!

When Time Flies

Hmm..I'm not even sure where to start,  so much has gone in the past few months....March was really a blur, April was more of the same and now I'm at the end of May!

For starters, Chris's dad passed away in April which was difficult and emotional and brought us closer, but ultimately pulled us apart.  We are at different places in our lives and I guess the jig was up - we both knew that it was time to part ways.  I wish I could say that it ended well, sadly, it did not, but it's a few weeks later and we are both OK and not wishing each other ill will (whew!).


I ran two half marathons, the Long Island (2:11) and Brooklyn (2:07) which was a PR for me!

I  made the decision to leave my current job after 6 months of temping (about to go perm) when an amazing offer came my way.  I'm crossing fingers that I made the right decision, but I know for sure that there is some life lesson in this so I'm just going with it!

I have been running, a lot, totally not at the gym and excited to no longer have a 1 hour commute each way to work! That commute was killing me...

Soooo what's next....not sure, but I'm excited to see what the summer brings my way!

I'm also running the Fairfield half the end of June and really home for a 2:05 or better! 

March?!!?

I'm not sure what to title this post, but my first thought was something like where has winter gone!?  I can't believe that tomorrow is March 1! I normally get all blah in February, but not this year, it just flew by.  I managed some great ski days, great dinners out with friends, some speed workouts on the treadmill and a few yoga classes.  I also gained some weight, but that's I guess normal for this time of year for a carbaholic like myself?  This is probably the time to remember my definition of insanity post...

Progress not perfection.

The last 2 weeks I have been in a much better exercise groove - a few morning workout outs which are getting easier and some strength.  I'm about to start formally getting in gear for a few half marathons I have coming up (still TBD, but most likely the Long Island Half in May and maybe the Suffolk County in March as well as Fairfield in (I think) June).

I haven't forgotten about my ultimate bikini goal, so in honor of March 1, I'm gonna go work it.

Tonight

Tonight I am going to kick ass in the gym.

I'm either going to spin or run  - hoping to spin but I may not make it home in time from my hour long commute....oy!

Then I am going to do Ashley's 35 minute full body workout which I'm pretty excited to bust out. 

Operation pre-season in full effect.

Full report tomorrow.

The Definition of Insanity...

...is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.  Yup, that about sums up my week in food!  Why do I make the choices I make when the better option is so much better?  When will I ever learn?  Sigh....

Operation "Get Moving" is taking effect pronto.  The now job and hours has really put a damper on my exercise routine.  I went from a 5 day a weeker to barely 3.  YIKES.  Mornings in the winter are tough, I keep promising myself that tomorrow will be different, but I end up sleeping in.  I guess I'm going to have to power through evening workouts or plan 2 days a week to work out near work. We have a little gym in the building and there is a Soul Cycle just down the LIE.  No matter what, I have to get my workouts in, I miss the feeling of a good sweat session! Or a brisk night run.  The truth is I'm afraid that I'll get to a point where I won't do anything, and that is not cool.  I can see how easy it is to slip back to old school ways, and for me that is super scary.

I need to be bikini ready this summer.  I have been saying that for probably forever and I'll be mad if I don't get there this year.  There I said it: BIKINI READY.  Goal of the year (err...Century?)

Ok, enough about that.

On a fun running note, I ran the Sayville Running Company 10 mile Run to the Brewery this past weekend.  Not a PR, but not a bad run either. I think I averaged a 9:56 pace, I felt great and was pretty happy with myself.  The last time I ran 10 was back in November so to be able to cover the distance was ease was pretty awesome. The after party was not too bad either! 

Not sure what is up next, aside from eating better and working out, but for now that should be enough!

I'm Not Dead

WOW.  It's been awhile.  Sorry about that!

Ok, where to start...

I needed a break after Chicago, then came Hurricane Sandy, then came the job search because I got the boot the Fri after Sandy, then came the job search that led to a job 2 weeks into unemployment then the holidays.

So, a lot has been going on.

But I've been reading a ton of blogs, just not commenting or writing.  I'm not even sure why exactly.  I guess I just needed a break.

I also ate a lot of cookies and saw a decrease in my running since I've been back to work and it's cold and dark out. 

Which means I'm successfully limiting my carbs - specifically no more bread and all things that I love.  I know, been there, done that.  But I seem to be making progress so wahoo to me.

What to expect now?  Hopefully some worthwhile posts, a few race recaps and the normal crap I post.

Feels good to be back!

Oh, and Happy New Years friends! And I promise to not post my resolutions or goals, at least for today :)