What a Summer!

Am I blogger of the year or what??  It's been awhile since I have updated, and the funny thing is I constantly think of blog posts on the daily, I just never actually write them!

So summer...that's where I'll start. 

There was a breakup (again) and a make up and I think we are heading into another breakup, when will I learn???

But, but, but...ok, there is nothing more I can say about that.

Onto the fun stuff....I did A LOT! So here goes:

• I climbed a mountain in NJ with a meet up group, which took balls on my part  - I was newly single and I hate heights. It was fun, I probably won't do that again.
• Spartan race with my sales guys!
• Spectated IM Lake Placid
• I lost 10 pounds and was able to fit back into my white jeans. Can I get an AMEN!
• I decided on NOT running a fall marathon and got into tri's
• I placed in my division at Deep Pond. I placed again in my division at the Montauk Sprint
• I had a ton of fun open water swimming, jelly fish and all
• Hit up a ton of concerts, a Yankees game, the hamptons, upstate (tubing in Phonecia!!)

I'm sure there is a ton more, this was really a fun summer.

I'm loving the tri's - I may never run a marathon again, which sucks considering I'm a volunteer  away from my NYRR 9+1 for the 2015 NYC marathon. 


Up on the agenda:

Ski season!!!! Woot

And planning out next year.  I'm looking to do a half IM distance - maybe Lake George....Any suggestions??

DC Half Recap

What a could of weeks, I've been busy, busy with work, friends and just life.  It's been good.  I'm still sitting in the "hallway" but am learning to enjoy it more, and may even start decorating soon!

So way back on April 27th I ran the Nike DC Half.  I went into the lottery as a team (there were actually 2 teams) with a bunch of chicks I didn't really know (minus my 2 running buds) and hoped for the best. I wasn't really properly trained to do anything more than just run, I was sad and sort of meh.  The good news is that as soon as I took a little nap on the 'ol Amtrak I snapped right out of it! The sadness over the boy lifted, I bonded with the gals, and had a blast!  It's amazing what a little sleep can do!

On the Amtrak

As far as the race goes, I did better than expected: 2:12:15 - not too shabby!  I was really pleased with my mile splits which were all even for the most part.  I have had some major fluctuations in past races and was so happy to see that each mile was basically even.  I was able to kick it up for the last mile which made me happy.

So would I race this again?  Only if we got in as a team.  $175 is a lot, and I could care less about the Tiffany's necklace! The course while nice, was a little boring.  I was expecting to see the monuments and I think we only ran past the White House and the back of the Lincoln Memorial.  I would also plan to stay over 2 nights next time so I could get more sights in.  You just have too much to do the day before a race to really do anything else.  Nike did a nice job, I never felt too crowded on the course, but I was also in the 2nd corral, those in the back had a much different experience.  The expotique was a little cheesy, but that was to be expected.  Major props to the staff and volunteers.  I was also pleased to see a bunch of men on the course (I know, I know...).  They were fun to run with and seemed to enjoy the all women's theme!

  We also managed to make pyramids to happen.  We tend to do that a lot, doesn't everyone??

Woops, Forgot to post My Dec Recap!

Wow, December FLEW by!!!! 

In a nutshell...

Christmas, really awesome, lots of cool gifts exchanged and received (I love the giving part a little more though, seeing loved ones excited about a gift rocks).

NYE, it sort of sucked, which I think is normal. I'm always in a funky space, expectations out of control, me and the boy a little on edge....typical. I should add, the party we went to did not suck, in fact it was the perfect quiet night with friends.

Working out, hmm...let's see....I got in a few Crossfit sessions, I ran some miles, the longest being 8 miles in the snow in Central Park (amazing).  I went back to spin and embraced the 'mill. Oh and I placed first in the Athena category at the Ho Ho Ho run!  Not a PR, although I was only off by about 30 seconds which completely amazed me.

Weight, gained back those same damn 3 pounds.  I'm back to square one.  Nutritionist tomorrow.  Why do I suck at losing weight???? 

Random, Ranger game with front row (literally behind the bench) seats, executive suite. Pink concert with my dad, also up in the suites, a party with the coolest tri team around.

I'd say Dec was a hit!

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!

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...

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!

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! 

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!

Chicago Recap (A Million Days Late)

Sometimes I need some time to process....I feel like I'm still mulling over Chicago, the race, the tears... the everything.

To start, I had a 9 minute PR but I missed my 4:30 goal.  My official finish was 4:41:19 and I might still be a little disappointed.  I may have also cried when it was over, twice.  But, to be fair, I'm also really proud of myself and super grateful that I'm even able to run.

This WILL NOT be a whiny post, even though I'm sort of blah about the whole race.   Don't get me wrong, it was fun and totally well organized, but it just lacked something for me.  Maybe I had too much build up going on?  Maybe I knew what to expect already having run a marathon?  Or maybe it was just no NYC Marathon? Because as we already know NY was the BEST day of my life!

To say that I wasn't and am still not bummed is an understatement.  I really wanted that 4:30 finish, I felt ready for it.  I had a lot of little missteps though that were part of it: I think I went out too fast (although I was only just under a sub 10 pace, I should have stuck with a 10:10 pace) with too few walking through water breaks, my garmin was not really working - I had a hard time catching satellite and when I finally did I lost it completely, I had to pee 3, yes 3 times and the last 2 times I had stage fright and couldn't go (WTF!!).

I will say though that I felt AMAZING the first 13 miles, around 14 I started to walk the water stops, not because I felt bad, more because I wanted to conserve energy, by 18 I felt like crap due to the bladder/stage fright issue.  I felt better around mile 22 even while  knowing how far off I was from my goal.  Mentally and physically I felt ok and tried to push those last few miles.  I wish I had the data to see my pace for the end! Damn satellites!  Was it a good race?  Absolutely!  Did I learn anything....absolutely!  I need to lose weight.  I know my 160# frame is holding me back from really hitting my potential. 

This whole training cycle was a tremendous learning experience.  I got through the heat, the tears and 3 20 milers!  I also proved to myself that I'm a runner.  That I want to continue running (remember, I'm a former fat, drinking, smoking, hanging out not even thinking abut running type of gal) and that I'm not too bad at it!

While I didn't quite recreate that best day ever feeling, I felt ok with the disappointment, Ok with my race...OK with the fact that I'm a 2x marathoner who has nothing but time to get better.  So while I cried for a minute, I also cried over the fact that I just finished something that took 16 weeks to prepare for - successfully!  I used to be afraid to set goals for fear of not reaching them, so maybe not running a 4:30 was the universe's way of letting me know that failure won't kill me? 

Happy Is....

Happy Wednesday! I'm officially 4 days away from 26.2 and I'm handling it all pretty well.  Surprisingly I'm not freaking out about my food, the fact that I'm bloated and have gained maybe 3 pounds or the fact that I haven't decided on my outfit yet.  Nope, none of that is affecting me.  I'm still blissfully happy about my weekend.

I had one of those amazing weekends where everything just went right.  My last long run of 8 miles was fast and perfect, the boy caught 2 HUGE tuna on his trip out to the canyon, I ran the Tunnels to Towers and had an amazing experience. Saw some college friends...the list goes on and on...

Dinner!

Running partner and I met up at the park and ran 7 of the 8 together, it was so great to get out there for our last run before the marathon.  She has seen me at my best and worst I'm so grateful to have her as my running buddy!  We cranked out a 9:30 pace which felt comfortable.  I'm still unsure of my pace plan, but I know 9:30 for 26.2 isn't happening!

Sunday I got up bright and early and met up with some friends to drive into Brooklyn for the Tunnel to Towers Run.  Without getting too into the deets, I have never really been interested in running this race, mainly because I have a hard time with anything 9/11.  I prefer to quietly reflect on that day and my experience (I worked close to the towers and saw the first plane hit, ran from burning buildings, ect...) and I knew from others that this race is a really emotional tribute to not only Steven Siller but all the lives lost, but when a friend had an extra bib I jumped on it and I'm so glad I did!

Battery Tunnel

I really feel like I saw humanity at it's best...30,000 people coming together, simply amazing.  I wouldn't really consider this a race, there are just too many people, no corrals, runners and walkers mixed in together, but that's part of the beauty of it, everyone together as one.  I witnessed wounded warriors running on prosthetic limbs for the first time, men and women running in full gear and grown men crying tears of happiness, an old man running (no matter how slow he was running!) with a sign on his back asking us to bear with him as he wanted his first 5k to be in honor of the fallen....no words!

Mike running in uniform...so awesome!!

I'm so glad I got out of my own way and decided to run.  It was hard, especially the sea of blue holding banners of fallen FDNY as we exited the tunnel, but it was also really uplifting.  Quite the paradox!

The after part was fun, TONS of food from local restaurants - pulled pork, burgers, ribs, pizza, soup and that's only half of it. We didn't stay for the after party, but I did get a pic with Rudy Guillani which was really awesome, for those who don't know Rudy was the Mayor of NYC and really carried us through 9/11.  I would definitely run this again!!

Rudy!!!

So with that, I'm going to try not to stress and enjoy my last few days of taper before I kill Chicago!!!

When Life Gets Tough

This week has been a tough one.  A friend passed away, it's been raining and crazy humid, I ate a ton and feel gross and I really have not gotten in a good run this week.

Sat was supposed to be a 16 miler but I headed out at 1:00 and it was so hot that I really only managed to bang out 10.  Monday I took an AMAZING Real Ryder spin class, Tue was a 4 miler on the 'mill (was supposed to be a 9 miler) and yesterday I ate and cried (work lunch, then work dinner then a wake then picking plates at the diner after).

Losing friends is tough, especially  young ones, especially when it could have been avoided. Nothing more to say about that.  RH will be missed.

A few missed or switched around runs won't kill my marathon.  I have been spot on with my long runs and the plan is to run the 16 this weekend instead of the perscribed 9 to get me back on track. A few shortened mid week runs also won't kill my marathon.  Saying fuck this training will, so I won't do that.  A little less than 5 weeks left!

But back to the title of this post...When life gets tough I need to remember the good stuff, remember to pray, reach out and not for cookies or bread or peanut M&M's, but to my gals who keep me going. To remember that I am a former fat girl who drank and smoked and never dreamed that a marathon (or 2) would be something I would want to do or COULD do.  To remember that today is a new day, that I can start over at any time....

So I'm taking the lessons of this week and reminding myself that I still ran, still managed to eat veggies among the other crap, still managed to get my work done, still managed a 4 miler on the mill and am alive, happy and free.  Who has it better than me :)

My Feet Hurt

This morning I got up and my feet hurt, not bad, but enough to make me scratch my head considering I haven't even run long yet.  Tue was a 9 miler, Weds spin class and last night I ran 7 with old running partner.  My sneakers are too new, maybe the last 10 weeks have finally caught up to my feet? Who knows.

Last night was tough, we ran 7 miles at a pretty steady 9:40 pace.  We chatted the whole time and the air quality sucked so naturally my breathing felt off.  I used to love running in the heat, not the case this year!  I'm not part of the whole "I can't wait for fall and pumpkin everything" bandwagon, I love the summer, maybe too much, but my running is craving fall temps and no humidity.

So back to my feet, I think I'll try and get the boy to give me a foot massage tonight. Sarcasm at it's finest...  He does not understand why I run, he also doesn't understand why I'm not super skinny when all I do is run, but then I neither do I. According to science, marathoners usually gain weight when training, that's why I'm thrilled to say I'm down 8 pounds!

35

This past weekend was my 35th birthday.

35

Wow.

So there are days that I'm ok with everything in my life, then there are days that I wish some small stuff would change, then there are days like last week when I felt like WTF is wrong with me and how the hell am I 35 already!!!!!!!

When I turned 25 I had a typical quarter life crisis which led me to completely turn my life around by 26.  It was amazing and I'm grateful.  I've made tons of changes and truly am a better person (cliche!). I gave up booze, then butts, gained a bunch of weight, started running, s-l-o-w-l-y lost some weight then really began to run.  By 30 I was feeling good, looking good but I was single and lonely.  I stayed single for what felt like forever until I met the boy.  We just celebrated 2 years (although you could say not in a row as there has been some breakups along the way). And now I'm feeling like OK, now what?

Gulp.

I think this is what a midlife crisis feels like, except I think a midlife crisis happens when you hit 50 not 35.

In true midlife crisis fashion, I'm playing around with going back to school, something I previously had no desire to do.  I'm thinking about a certificate program at FIT.  Nothing too strenuous, more along the lines of fun and something to get me out of my bubble.  I'm also thinking about a tri (kidding, still no desire!!).

I'm not sure what the future holds, but I do know that it's out of my control (so deep) and I'm just here to enjoy the ride, so that's what I'm going to try and do!

Cheers to 35!

Giving It My All

I'm sort of a half-asser when it comes to things, I will cut corners, procrastinate....waste time on FB. Little by slowly though I have begun to reverse that part of my personality.  I wouldn't say I'm becoming your typical type-a, perfectionist Virgo (I mean, I am on the cusp) but I'm getting there and it feels pretty good!

Last night I had a 6 mile speedwork run on the schedule.  In lives past I would just run 6 miles, dismissing the speedwork part. Or I would head for the hills, (not these hills) which to me counts and definitely shows progress but last night I decided to give it my all.  Never mind that giving it my all was still a few miles short...point is, I banged out the speedwork and I'm really proud of myself!

The prescribed plan was 6 miles, including warmup with 3 x 1600 in 8:47 w/800 jogs and a cool down. This seemed hard, I hate hard.  I knew I had to do the speedwork part, but 1600's!!?!?!  Yes, Liz, 1600's. I was super pressed for time as I had a date with my parents for a ball game which was a Father's Day gift so I had to get creative and figure out what would benifit me the most....so 1600's it was.

I ran a half mile to the track (warmup) then dove right in to the hard stuff. I hit my numbers, with an average pace of 8:41 but I am now the new positive split queen.  First mile was 8:22 with a quick jog to my water bottle then right back at it for I think a second mile of 8:30 followed by another quick jog to my water bottle followed by a much slower 3rd mile which was closer to 8:48.  I followed all of that with a half mile slow jog around the track and walked home.

It was hard, I was breathing like a freak and scared the really freaky guy out there with my loud wheezing/gasping thing but I did it.  It would have been so much easier for me to just run 4 miles and call it a day, but I tackled the hard stuff, I gave it my all and I finished stronger and prouder than when I first started.

If I want to meet my marathon goals (4:20 - 4:30 finish) then I have to do work, give it my all and not cut corners!  The cool thing is I'm getting there, progress not perfection!


Also....speedwork, 1 word or 2?  :)

Mizuno Mezamashii - Say What?

I'm a sucker for good marketing, I'm a marketer my profession so when a campaign interests me I tend to get all excited.  Interestingly enough I haven't blogged much about work stuff, or advertising I like...I mainly bore you guys with running/food/boy stuff. 

I recently came across the Mizuno Mezamashii Run Project which at first confused me, but then I actually paid attention and got pretty into it.  Definetly check it out and sign up, it's free and if you get chosen you get free shoes...how cool is that?? 

I'm secretly hoping I get chosen, I need new sneaks, my Asics aren't cutting it anymore and I've wanted to try Mizuno's for awhile now (shameless plug...pick me!!!!!).

Anyway, back to the weirdly named project - it's all about brilliant running, or that one run that makes you say THANK YOU BABY JESUS, I HEART RUNNING.  (yes, all in caps, just like that).  We've all had those runs, the ones that make you really, really love getting up at the crack of dawn, in the heat, snow, rain, ice, ect, just to log a few miles.  The one run that carries you through a tough week....I love those and OMG I NEED a brilliant run this weekend!  I'm looking at another super hot 14 miler and I'm scared....95 degrees and high humidity....again!  But I'll push though, I'm a runner!

Running Renegade

I'm admitting guilt on this here blog  - I ran my first race ever last week without paying. 

At first I felt really bad about it, then I didn't (ok, not as bad as I initially felt, I do have some morals).

I didn't take water, cleaned up after myself, was polite and courteous. I even cleaned up after another messy runner. So while I didn't use any resources, I still feel a little yucky about it...

So the reason for the Renegade Run (I prefer renegade to bandit, sounds waaay cooler) was basic laziness, I missed the deadline to sign up and I really wanted to run.  Plain and simple. Plus, this wasn't a charity run so I wasn't taking money away from a good cause.

Am I going to runners hell?

A Day In The Life

I love all the dorky DITL posts that have been popping up for awhile now.  I love to see how people live on the daily...hello voyeur (errr stalker). 

Anyway, here is a typical DITL of yours truly -

7:10 Hit snooze

7:20: Up and at 'em...brush teeth and hit the shower, done in 10, do hair and makeup, re-blow out bangs like 10 times, damn you cowlick that just appeared out of NOWHERE! Weight myself , throw clothes on. Feed Olive Marie.

Olive Marie = beast

8:00: Make breakfast which these days has been a protein shake, grab my lunch and a frozen waffle for later.

8:10: In the car and ready to tackle Long Island traffic (or in my case mostly no traffic, thank you god!)

Lame car shot! With straight hair!

 8:30: Walk in to work say hi to the staff, pop in to say hi to boss head to the "West Wing" which is the marketing area (err hallway, where my cube, yes cube..uggh! is).

West Wing - this is where marketing magic happens. Office coming soon, or I'm walking...

8:30 - 8:45: Gab with my work BFF about what's going on/what went on, usually the boy and her wedding planning.

8:45 - 9ish: Huddle with the team to plan our day, discuss new projects, ect.

9ish - 12: Drink lots of water, toast up frozen waffle around 10:30, check email, FB, blogs, work stuff.

12:00: Lunch is here! We often order in, we have a "perk" that if you work through lunch they pay. If I'm eating my own lunch I'm usually in the kitchen putting it all together (lately I've been eating Boca Spicy Chicken patty over salad with lemon juice, yum).

12:30 - 5: Work and work. Go through my to-do list, make calls to my sales team, work with freelancer on new co-op advertising, a few calls or an offsite with the ad agency to discuss whatever we have going on.  Facebook and blogs (sometimes for work purposes..teeheee).

5 - 5:30: Close up and go home, write to-do list, say goodby to staff.

5:30 - 6: Home! Brush teeth!

6 - 7: Quick run and a shower (or a class or a swim)

Typical running route

7 - 8: Eat dinner. 

Baked stuffed chicken, I'm a culinary genius!

8 - 9: Meeting, unless it's a Monday then I don't exercise (usually) and head to a 6:45

9 - 10: Chat with friends, maybe go online, make lunch for tomorrow, iron clothes for tomorrow

10ish: Head to bed where I obsessively check out what's for new/cool/interesting in the grocery items section at Amazon on my Kindle Fire (true obsession, it's so funny).

So yea, probably not too interesting, but that is a typical work day for me.

I do spice things up with the hill run on Weds, but pretty much that's how I roll.  Depending on the week the boy may be there, but for now let's just say we are togethr-ish, which means weekends mainly.

What about you? 

Oh April, Where Did You Go?

It's been quite the month, lots of stuff happened which led me to be a little quiet on the blogging front. But WOW, when I think about it, the month flew by!  I had a hefty list of goals to conquer and while I didn't make them all, I'm happy with the progress made.

First things first, I'm down about 5 pounds! FINALLY. 

Here is the story with that - stomach flu was the catalyst (yuck), I gave up caffeine (14 days!), decided to commit to working with a health coach (yay for accountability) and have really cleaned up my food (limiting all whites big time).

Hooray for me.

Ok, so the other goals...well let's just say I was crazy in my head, no yoga, didn't commit to a tri but I did kick a little ass at work, I ran the hills and got in one swim per week. Boom!

Ok May, here is is....

Continue to lose weight
Continue to kick work's ass
Stretch or get back to yoga, I'm waaaay too tight
Get on the bike
Smile more often
Keep up with my morning readings to help stay out of my head, feel my feelings about the breakup (woa sappy)

Tonight I'm back to the hills then a swim tomorrow then rest or light activity...Long Island Half is Sunday and while I'm using it as a training run, I don't want to have dead legs. I'm excited for this race, have never ran it and it's a biggie.  I'll rep my new "hills" team shirt and hopefuly kick some ass!

When Running Imitates Life

Last night I ran the Selden Hills which are my absolute new obsession and the best thing to happen to my running since I started running.  Basically we run 6 miles of the absolute largest hills that Long Island has to offer (or at least I think so). It's a total challenge and I'm hooked.  This group means business and they are SPEED DEMONS which basically means if I hang with them and run these hills I'll be kicking ass come summer/fall.  Hooraaaah!

This is a fast group and both times I have been in the back of the pack which is cool. Last night I was dead last and quite frankly a little nervous.  I had only done the course one other time so I wasn't sure of the exact route which basically meant I would: 1. have to somehow keep up or 2. get lost and figure out my way back.  I opted for #1.

So here I am trucking along, in the rain no less, but the cool thing was I kept going, one foot in front of the other.  I didn't stop and I didn't look back, I just kept at it.  It got me to thinking about the last year or so of my life and I was able to make some pretty cool parallels.  I have been looking back instead of trucking ahead, going in the wrong direction.  I have no regrets, but by not moving forward one step at a time I turned myself right round into that very relationship that just doesn't serve me well. We all have our course to take and for me that included another go around with the boy, which I needed...I now see so very clearly why this can't work and how much more I am worth and that I don't need to settle.  This was a settle, was there love, absolutely but there was also the battle of dealing with someone who has a lot of work to do.  I've been there, done that so I get it, I just don't have to live it. 

I'm grateful for a ton of things today, but I will always look back at last night and those hills and give a little shout out for being last and having to face some very real stuff.  Running is cool like that.  We work stuff out while logging miles, some good, some not so good, but I think we can all say that we feel better when it's done.