This past weekend I enjoyed some time with my fav ladies while my hubby went out-of-town for a boys weekend. On Friday, I swung by Pacers in Old Town to pick up my packet for the Nike Women’s Half Marathon. Afterward, my friends and I had a low-key night where we ordered a few pizzas and enjoyed some red vino. (Amazing)
1 glass a day?
On Saturday, I crawled out of bed to go to AwesomeCon. It was totally as awesome as it sounds. Only downside was that it was insanely crowded. Who knew there were so many totally awesome people in DC?
Inside the Tardis Photo Booth!!! Justine on the Left and Me on the right
On Saturday evening, I headed over to my parent’s house in the burbs of Maryland with my cat Maggie, to have dinner and do a training run with my mom on Sunday. (And really… why not?)
The fun began on Sunday when we decided to go for our training run. I used this as an opportunity to test out my race outfit for the Frederick Half Marathon, where I will be wearing a running skirt for the first time. The unexpected twist in events came when my younger sister decided she was joining us.
WHAT?
This is a girl that I have been trying to get running since we ran the Cherry Blossom 5K together in 2008 and she kicked my butt. After that race I got way more into running (again since High School) and she got way less. So when she decided she’d like to go with us, I got excited. Could my very first running buddy want to do more races with her big sister? Naturally, I took that one small act and started picturing running marathons together in matching outfits. (I’m warped.)
Yep. This would work.
We made it half a mile before she was getting antsy. Womp Womp. So my mother decides that if E (my sister) can make it to the local specialty running store Fleet Feet Gaithersburg, she can get brand new running sneakers. Did I forget to mention the store is 4.25 miles away?
So she makes it to a mile. Then says she’s done and she’ll be turning around to stroll home. We high-five her and let her know she did a great job and we’ll see her at home. So my mom and I keep going. She’s doing a power walk and I’m doing a semi tempo run where I’m running ahead and jogging back to walk with her. It was working. Then I notice a highlighter yellow walker about 50 meters back… IT’s E! She’s still going. So we wave and keep trucking along. Then at 2.5 miles she catches back up to us! And utters only one phrase, “I want my shoes!”
See Disney has all kinds of real life application
After E caught back up with us, she continued to power walk with my mom, while I ran back and forth. According to my mother’s GPS, Fleet Feet was 4.25 miles from the house. E did it!!! At the store, they got fitted for new shoes. I guess feet are genetic cause each ended up with a Brooks or New Balance like ME!!
Younger sister on the left and my mom on the right. Great Job ladies!!
We ended the training run with quick stop to Whole Foods to pick up items to make chili for dinner and try out their new line of fresh juices!
YUM!!!
How was your weekend? Did you squeeze in a run? Did you have a race? Spend any time with family or friends? Have you ever gone to a Comic Book Convention?
Training has been rough and by rough I mean slow and by slow I mean…. Well you get my point. After the RnR USA last month my knee has been acting up. I’ve incorporated more yoga, started an intimate relationship with my foam roller, and have taken advantage of cardio machines at the gym. However, with back-to-back races right around the corner, I need to manage my expectations and begin my race prep!
Ahh So Many Miles!
My overall end goal for 2014 is actually in the fall. These races in the spring are mostly with friends and family. So I decided my goal has become finishing. I usually have a time goal, but I’m going to try something new. I’m just going to have some fun. I know that I can run/move 13.1 miles and even 26.2 miles and I have remained very active despite some knee issues, therefore I know that I can do it. I just may not be going as fast as I would like.
Well kind of….
This week to prep for the Nike Women’s Half Marathon in Washington DC, I have lots of stretching, short easy runs, and even a massage on deck for next week. (It’s spa week here in DC!)
Let’s talk about how fantastic this is!!
Nike Women’s Half Marathon is also super exciting because I will be running my besties! (yeah I said besties and I’m 26. What?) This will be the first time we will all run a race together. Each of us has at least one half marathon under our belt so I’d say we’re ready to conquer DC.
My how we’ve changed! fyi… I’m the bride in that pic 🙂 and the short one in the oh so stylish white beret
We have a big girlie weekend planned. Amy will be flying in from CO, where her high altitude training has made her fast, like lightning. I imagine she’ll be like the Flash on the course. Justine and Christine are also locals like me! Once Amy lands on Friday afternoon, the 4 of us have plans to hit the expotique their word not mine followed by dinner. Yum! Then Saturday we will be grabbing a bite to eat and heading over to Old Town Alexandria to hit the Lilly store and see about getting some manicures. (From experience, getting a pedicure the day before the race, isn’t wise. My blisters had blisters.) Once we wrap up in Old Town we’re heading over to the new Tanger Outlets at the National Harbor to give all our money to the Nike and Under Armour Outlets.
Overall, the phrase I’m excited seems like a HUGE understatement. This weekend, I’ll be checking out AwesomeCon and logging in some training miles with my mom and sister as we prepare for Zooma on May 31st. (oh so many races!)
Do you have any upcoming races? Do you ever run races with friends or family? What’s your favorite half marathon (I’m always looking for new races)? Do you ever run races for fun or is do you always have a time goal?
Today marks the one year anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombing. A day that is forever marked by the heinous atrocity that took place. As a community runners are strong, supportive and emotionally invested in the well-being of their kin. It’s a bond that seems implausible until you feel it yourself.
I myself do not personally know anyone effected, nor am I from Boston. But the actions that took place that day shook the community as a whole. One year later, the inspiring stories of the brave survivors, selfless rescue workers, and bystanders that became heroes continue to amaze me.
Today, I urge you to remember the tragedy that occurred but to also become inspired. Inspired by those who have risen from this unforeseen attack and provided the rest of us with hope. Hope that even in the darkest of times and the bleakest of situations, people can overcome and persevere.
Below is a video from the Dear World: Boston Marathon. Today we remember the events that occurred on April 15, 2014 and today #WeWillRun.
Dear World, a love letter from Boston marathon bombing survivors. from Dear World on Vimeo.
So I’m addicted. To Peeps. No really. I ate them for breakfast yesterday. This is not the food of champions people. However, they are absolutely delicious, there is no denying that. It turns out one of the perks of being an adult includes getting to eat peeps for breakfast.
But let’s get back to reality shall we? Last weekend, I was in Miami for about 36 hrs. It may have been exactly 36 hours, now that I think about it. Any who, I’m the kind of person who actually enjoys flying and traveling. I love it. Not even a lite fondling by security gets me down. There’s only one thing I don’t like about traveling and that’s when you are running late to your flight.
True Story
Naturally, I left work late, because I am also addicted to my job. I think they call that being a workaholic…. But by the time I got home grabbed my stuff and got out the door I was running late. Here’s the problem. I was walking to the metro (DC’s subway) which would then take me to airport. So thus began my epic sprint while carrying what was definitely way too much for a 36 hour trip. (For context my home to job is 20 min/4ish miles and the airport is in between.)
So I get off the metro ready to hop on a plane only to find out that Terminal A is way off in the distance. Here’s where the real running begins. You know that insane person you see in an airport sprinting through the terminal… well on Friday at DCA that was me!
You ready for my favorite part of the story? When I arrive at the jetblue counter ready to check my bag (yes I still check bags, my hair doesn’t just happen)… The Flight is Delayed!!! YEP! DELAYED!
I thought he was joking.
Turns out this was not a joke. So a casually wiped the ridiculous amount of sweat off my face and thew my hair into a top knot. While I caught my breath and made my way over to security for my Federal sponsored feel up session.
I eventually made it to Miami and enjoyed the nuptials. Yours truly was a bridesmaid and hubby was a groomsman. We lived in Miami for 3 years & only moved back up to DC in June, so we were having some major deja vu moments.
Overall the wedding was lovely and we had a great time. Due to the heat I was not feeling the drinking. So instead I was the designated driver. Which I think shocked everyone at the wedding who’d ever met me. Spoiler Alert: I can be a lush sometimes.
I know. It’s true though.
Tomorrow I plan on running 8 miles on the Mt. Vernon Trail and taking advantage of the Cherry Blossoms here in DC. This will be the furthest I’ve run since RnR USA last month. I do my best to listen to my body and my knee has been screaming at me to cool it and take a rest. I’ve been doing more yoga, machines, & general knee exercises for strength training. Nike Half and Frederick Half are in the coming weeks so I’m using tomorrow to judge how I intend on tacking these upcoming races.
How was your week? Are you running a race this weekend or training for one? Have you also done an epic sprint through the airport? What’s your favorite candy that you just can’t get enough of?
It’s Friday so let’s chat! This week has been insane! I’m actually glad it’s over and tonight I catch a flight to MIAMI! So let’s jump right in!
1. Tomorrow my cousin is marrying and amazing girl in Miami. I am so excited to be going to their wedding and honored that I get to be part of their big day! My hubby and I are in the wedding party. Therefore this week has been spent, getting hair done (update… I’m a brunette now) , nails, and breaking in shoes!
So this is pretty much me at weddings. #NoShame
2. Gel Mani’s – Where have you been all my life? I’m one of those people who love pedicures and hate manicures. Yeah, that’s a thing. Sometimes I can be a bit awkward…. no surprise there. But I’ve always wondered where I should be looking during my mani. Not to mention that I am the person who smudges their nails on the way our then chips them at home. In short… I can be a real mess.
pedicure… yes puh-lease! source
3. Bani Bands – I usually wear a hat/visor when I exercise. Since I’ve been trying some new apparel recently, I figured why not give headbands a try too. Well Active GearUp (or as I like to call it Sporty RueLaLa) had Bani Bands on sale. So I ordered a few. I’ve only worn them at the gym so far, but I love them. They’re a great alternative to the visor and come in lots of fun colors (even sparkles)!
4. It’s FLIP FLOP Time! I’m fortunate enough to work in a Flip Flop/jeans friendly office. Which makes race recovery awesome! But it’s starting to feel more like spring in DC and to me that means flip flop season!
See the dark nail polish… it’s to cover my runner’s toes! Also can you tell which toe nails aren’t there?
5. FREE 2014 Remy’s World Calendar! – This mini Runner’s World Calendar is too funny! Around the new year I printed it out, cut each month out and tacked it to my cube wall. It provides year round motivation and truthfully makes me laugh each month.
We’re all guilty of this pose.
Do you ever do the Runner’s Pose? Do you get down at Weddings too? Have you broken out your flip flops yet? Do you know any other amazing tricks like gel mani’s that the world should know about?
Anyone is the DC metro area knows how gross the weather was this past weekend. Truly gross. I finally understand the meaning of wintry mix. Since I’m trying to go easy on myself those 5 miles I planned for Sunday were not going to happen in sleet, rain, hail, & snow. It’s almost like the weather doesn’t realize I have other plans!
Dear Weather, I should be trying but hail frightens me!
So I ran to the gym. What else is a girl to do? And almost got hit by a car because I live across from a Costco. Yes, that’s right to go to my gym I walk through a Costco Parking lot, a metro stop, and a large shopping mall, otherwise I will get hypothermia from the cold. It’s like my own version of the amazing race but lasts only .7 miles. (So maybe I’m a little dramatic, but at least this way I’m dry.) There’s a perfectly lovely sidewalk path to take when the weather isn’t simulating what is must be like North of the Wall.
Who me overly dramatic?!?! Oh you must have met me
Once as the gym, I noticed something…. it was pretty empty. I had the pick of machines. It was borderline overwhelming. Which do I choose? So naturally I picked them all. Yep, I made my own mini circuit. I started with the cross trainer. That’s what I call the elliptical with no arms. I prefer to hold myself up and pump my arms while engaging my core. Then I did the rowing machine. I love this because it feels like a game to me. The rowing machine does not feel like exercise, until I can feel my arms hurting. After those cardio elements, I threw in a series of leg weights that included leg press, 2 types of leg curls, lunges, and the 2 hip Abductor/Adductor machines.
Day after… everything hurts, in a good way?
Overall, it was a perfect gym workout on a rainy ugly day. While I felt sluggish getting to the gym, I was glad that I got my workout in after I was finished.
What did you do over the weekend? Was is rainy, sleety, snowy gross where you live? What’s your favorite pieces of equipment at the gym? Or do you totally hate gyms?
Friday posts have just become my day of the week to say what’s on my mind. Whether it’s chapstick, races, or a new workout technique I’m trying, I like to just purge my thoughts. So here goes another round of Friday Favorites…
1. Running with my family! That’s right, my family! My mom and 2 sisters just signed up for their very first half marathon (No boys allowed!) . We will be running the Zooma Annapolis Half Marathon on May 31st. To Prep, I’m running a 10K with my mom on May 18th. The crazy thing is that I didn’t make them sign up for this. It was my mother’s idea. I’m stoked and cannot wait to be there with them as they cross that finish line for the first time! It’s very exciting! (Can you tell I’m excited?!? Look at all these exclamation marks I’m using!)
Finally! Coordinated family costumes just like my mother use to dress us in!! I see lots of glitter in our future!
2. Race-cation Planning – I’m a planner. I plan trips that are a year away. With 2 confirmed race-cations on the horizon, I need to make sure we are using our time to the fullest. Hubby and I are officially doing the BolderBOULDER on Memorial Day. It was touch and go, but plane tickets are booked and time off is approved, so it looks like I’ll be testing out that high altitude running thing after all. I hear they have oxygen bars so that’s something.
I want to meet these people and become BFFs
AND we just booked our hotel for Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon in November. RockyMtnPearls did not want to have adjoining rooms… the nerve! We settled for nearby at the Caribbean Beach Resort. Yes, I know November is far away, but one of the hotels is already booked (for the normal priced rooms) the evening of the race. It seems that I’m not the only crazy planner out there.
When in Disney! High Five for everyone!
3. Nature Valley Breakfast Biscuits – Nature Valley was kind enough to send me a sample of their new Blueberry flavored breakfast biscuit. Well for lack of a better word I’m obsessed. They’re delicious, filling, and don’t upset my stomach. (Expect a full review next week after I test one out pre-long run)
#YUM
4. Sparkle Skirts/Running Skirts – Call me crazy. I have never run a long distance race in shorts or a skirt for that matter without capris or tights underneath. I am extremely body conscious. However, I was inspired after seeing many women at the RnR USA wearing such fun and comfortable looking running skirts to try out the craze. I just ordered my first sparkle skirt and running skirt earlier today. I’m really excited to try them both out and I’ll be sure to report back. This is definitely out of my comfort zone. The skirts remind me a bit of tap dancing costumes I had growing up which , kind of makes me like them more…. (I question my life choices)
Yes, I want to wear a glitter skirt to the BolderBOULDER
5. MCM! I got into the lottery for the Marine Corps Marathon. Life works out perfectly sometimes. Seriously. After the RnR USA Half Marathon my knee has been acting up a bit. If I had to run a trail run to get in to MCM, I could have been doing more harm then good. For those of you who remember the trail run I’m referring to is the MCM qualifier that I was bitterly shut out of. Next time I should remind myself that everything happens for a reason. That being said, I cannot wait to #RunWithTheMarines! (oh and hubby got in too! It was a very lucky day in our household).
Could only for the gif from new Wonka Movie. Eh… still applies. I feel like I got a Golden Ticket
How was your week? Any fun news? Did any of the race lotteries work in your favor? How far out do you like to plan travel?
I woke up this morning to a huge stirring in the running community. The April edition of the popular female fitness magazine, SELF was hot off the presses. Within the magazine they published a BS Meter (list…) regarding what’s hot or lame. FYI: SELF Magazine considers running with tutus lame.
That’s right Regina George… Lame….
That’s not even the worst part! SELF Magazine used an image of 2 women wearing superhero inspired tutus on their BS Meter to drive the point home.
The exact images used courtesy of the Facebook Page of Glam Runner source
SELF Magazine certainly did not check their facts on this list. The runner on the right in the Wonder Woman inspired outfit is Monika Allen, a Cancer Survivor, who makes running tutus to benefit charity. That’s right. Not only was she in the middle of Chemo while this photo was taken but she donates proceeds from the tutus she sells to the well know charity Girls on the Run, which promotes healthy activities and running to grade school children.
Anyone who has the courage to run marathons while raising money for charity WHILE undergoing chemotherapy is not lame. They are inspirational. Sorry SELF magazine. You are wrong.
Not sure why, but I kept thinking of this… Nobody puts tutus in a corner!
That’s me on the right in a tutu at Disney during the Princess Half Marathon 2013. My friend Christine on the left is a Coach for Girls on the Run at the elementary school where she teaches.
Do you ever run in something for fun? What inspires you? Have you run in a tutu before?
There’s common phrase heard by many runners, “Yoga is great for runners, but running is bad for yoga.” Well I think there may actually be something to the saying.
Let’s talk about how cute this place is
Today I tried out a new yoga studio, called Mind the Mat in the up-and-coming Del Ray district of Alexandria, VA. It was an illuminating experience. Instead of doing a normal yoga class, I convinced my friend Christine to join me in a 2.5 hour Yoga for Runners and Athletes Clinic.
Running has made my muscles so tight and I will admit as a former dancer my flexibility has suffered. From time-to-time I dabble with yoga. It can be very relaxing and a great form of exercise. After last Saturday’s knee popping issue I realized that I should be incorporating more strengthening and cross training exercises in to my routine. So when I found this clinic I jumped (or Namaste’d…) at the chance.
The studio is located on 3 floors. Each floor is a unique yoga studio with a different vibe. Our class was located in the very top floor, in what would be the hot yoga studio. Thankfully this class was not hot.
If this room was hot, I would have died.
We started by doing roll call. When checking each student in we all shared what our more serious ailments are. Most people had lower back, hip, calf, or knee issues. (sounds like most runners right?) Then we moved on to poses that can be more troublesome for runners. Our instructor called out positions that would be more difficult and demonstrated modifications. She allowed us to try them out and showed us helpful modifications based on individual issues. Some of these positions included Runner Lunge, Lizard, Warrior I, Warrior II, Garland Pose, Baby Cobra, & Cobra Pose. ( I may have googled these later, don’t be impressed).
These modifications were mind blowing! No really! After yoga I’m usually in some kind of intense soreness or pain. We actually used the blocks and straps. People there is no shame in using the foam blocks. It’s all about maximizing the stretch for each individual. There is no ego in yoga. It was more apparent in this class due to the wide range of athletes with unique physical ailments.Maybe it was because we knew there was nothing to prove to one another, but while in the class it was amazing to see people asking questions and trying different variations of poses.
In case you were wondering… triangle. I think… I don’t know I had trouble with it. (Oh and this is not me….) source
After our Q & A/modifications review we went in to an open flow session that was still very open. In the flow session we did many of the Vinyasa flow poses, In the class, the instructor came around and adjusted our positions. This was beneficial for 2 reasons. She was able to adjust our positions to the correct form AND she was aware of any previous physical issues. Therefore, she helped with needed modifications. For example, I needed some help with my reverse triangle due to my knee issue. She fixed my hips and showed me how to place the block using “spider fingers” to properly align my body.
Overall the class was fantastic. I plan on going back to check out a regular class and get a more thorough look at all the studios. It’s hard to base my entire opinion on a clinic class, but I have a good feeling that I’m going enjoy Mind the Mat’s other classes.
Do you Mind the Mat?
Quote of the day: “Breathe, there’s no need to suffer. There is enough suffering in the world.”
Check out all these classes!
It’s Friday and time for another addition of Friday Favorites! Today will be short because I have been taking it easy and icing my knee all week. Hopefully, this little break with help with some needed healing after last Saturday’s Half Marathon.
1. Spring! – It’s finally here! I don’t know about you, but I already started looking through my summer clothes and taking out sandals. Then I remembered it’s still 40 degrees and I’m getting a little ahead of myself. Any who, I see that light (literally) at the end of the tunnel and I want to jump up and down with joy because spring is here!
Spring means it’s almost SUMMER!
2.) MCM – I got into the Marine Corps Marathon and Hubby did too! YAY! Marathons for everybody! Someone remind me next October about how excited I am right now!
Insert girly excitement screams here!
3.) Foam Roller – The foam roller and ice packs have become my new bff’s this week. Post race this is my routine, it’s like we get back together then break up again once I feel human again. On top of that I found some great strengthening exercises from Massachusetts General and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. The exercises remind me of what I was doing in physical therapy. Hopefully, these work for my knee and I become the Incredible Hulk without the green side effects.
What have you been up to this week? Any fun plans this weekend? Have you been all over the race lotteries too (NYC next week, MCM last week, and Chicago opened this week)? Do you foam roll too?
BikeRunBake 