Well well well, look who it is... ME!
Been a long time, I think almost two years actually, since I've written here.
Today's won't be long, just a note mostly to myself.
Tomorrow 2/22/2016 is the kickoff to me being healthy again.
I've had a rough couple months personally and fell very off track. But some of the challenges that I faced recently were health-related with someone very close to me; and that should've been my wake up call!
Instead, I got busy with taking care of said-person, my company merged with another company, I went on a cruise, I had family in town... and I stopped making time for myself & used excuses for why my diet was so terrible.
But no more!
I have a pool party meeting in Miami for work on April (yes... really). So I figure that's as good a goal as any (of course aside from regaining my health) to get started with now.
I have so many supporters, as the gym I belong to is paid for by my work so a ton of my co-workers go so I know I can tag along with them whenever I need that extra push... and it'll be fun to see my 5:30am crew at the gym again.
I'm also planning to start running again... might even look for a 5k in March or April to sign up for for extra commitment.
I even ran 2 miles today!
Go me!
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Sunday, August 10, 2014
100 Days of Sweat: Day 49
Me again, back with another update on my 100 Days of Sweat Challenge.
I've used 2 of my 5 allotted rest days. BUT I'm almost halfway so I feel pretty good about it.
Day 29: Slash
Day 30: Slash
Day 31: Slash
Day 32: Slash
Day 33: Jiu Jitsu
Day 34: Walked 4 miles (Travel Day to Denver. Explored the city after arriving.)
Day 35: 1.17 mile run, 11:16 (On the track at the hotel roof.)
Day 36: Walked 2 miles (Denver: walking to & from the office.)
Day 37: Walked 2 miles (Denver: walking to & from the office.)
Day 38: REST (1 of 5.)
Day 39: Slash
Day 40: Jiu Jitsu
Day 41: Pilates
Day 42: Yoga through the Roku
Day 43: Slash
Day 44: Slash
Day 45: Abs workout at home
Day 46: Slash
Day 47: Slash
Day 48: REST (2 of 5.)
Day 49: Run 2 miles, 23:40 (hot, humid, muggy and I wasn't properly hydrated.)
I've used 2 of my 5 allotted rest days. BUT I'm almost halfway so I feel pretty good about it.
Day 29: Slash
Day 30: Slash
Day 31: Slash
Day 32: Slash
Day 33: Jiu Jitsu
Day 34: Walked 4 miles (Travel Day to Denver. Explored the city after arriving.)
Day 35: 1.17 mile run, 11:16 (On the track at the hotel roof.)
Day 36: Walked 2 miles (Denver: walking to & from the office.)
Day 37: Walked 2 miles (Denver: walking to & from the office.)
Day 38: REST (1 of 5.)
Day 39: Slash
Day 40: Jiu Jitsu
Day 41: Pilates
Day 42: Yoga through the Roku
Day 43: Slash
Day 44: Slash
Day 45: Abs workout at home
Day 46: Slash
Day 47: Slash
Day 48: REST (2 of 5.)
Day 49: Run 2 miles, 23:40 (hot, humid, muggy and I wasn't properly hydrated.)
Sunday, July 20, 2014
100 Days of Sweat: Day 28
Wooooo! I'm more than a quarter of the way through my 100 days. Is it bad that this is easier than my #100happydays pic-a-day challenge?!
Day 21: Walked ~4 miles (travel day)
Day 22: 1.72 mile run, 18:04
Day 23: 1.25 mile run, 13:07 (travel day)
Day 24: Slash
Day 25: Slash
Day 26: Jiu Jitsu
Day 27: Pilates
Day 28: 1.53 mile run, 16:12
My flight left early on Sunday so I didn't have time to do anything before my arrival in Baltimore. I landed & went to the hotel but my room wasn't ready. So I changed into shorts & flip flops (perhaps a mistake.) and stored my luggage at the hotel.
I walked down to the Inner Harbor from my Harbor East hotel location. Such a gorgeous walk along the water. I found a place with crab cakes (naturally) and enjoyed some lunch while making plans for the World Cup game.
Next, I walked to Fells Point from the Harbor to meet up with an old former co-worker from Zimmerman. I got to Fells quite a while before she was ready to arrive so I walked around some more. I love this area. Cobblestone streets, shops, restaurants and festivals throughout AND right on the water.
I met up with my friend & one of her co-workers at Koopers. I had already eaten but looked like they serve a delicious brunch! (plus it was packed; always a good sign.)
I had forgotten the World Cup final game started at 3, not 4. So I had to rush out of there, head back to the hotel with hopes that I could shower because it was HOT walking all over town all afternoon. Unfortunately my room wasn't ready yet. So instead I hopped in a cab to go to Midtown BBQ in Mt Vernon in Baltimore to meet up with another fellow Agora employee who I've traveled with in Nicaragua & the most recent conference in Vegas.
I showed up & met some other fellow Agora employees. The bar was really into the game which always makes watching it more fun. After the game, the group of us wandered to Brewer's Art Bar because I had never been & was told I needed to experience it. Since everything in Baltimore is in old buildings, it was in the basement of a brownstone... really neat.
After I caught a cab back to Harbor East & met up with the co-workers from my Florida office who I was staying at the hotel with and we hung out at the bar across the street from our hotel for a while.
The next morning I was awake at 3:30 and couldn't get back to sleep. I watched TV, started some work around 4;30 waiting for the sun to come up, then I hit the pavement & ran along the Harbor. Always one of my favorite runs. The next morning was another early one, even though we were up late with co-workers just talking & hanging out. Always nice to see people that you communicate with daily but are 1000 miles away.
The 2nd morning I ran the other way towards Fells Point though & did a quick loop.
I am proud of myself for managing to keep up with my quest even during my business trip. I'm off to Denver on Saturday. That's a tougher flight so we'll see how I hold up!
And just for fun, here are some pics of our offices in Baltimore, just because I think they're so unique & beautiful. They're also in old brownstones.
Day 21: Walked ~4 miles (travel day)
Day 22: 1.72 mile run, 18:04
Day 23: 1.25 mile run, 13:07 (travel day)
Day 24: Slash
Day 25: Slash
Day 26: Jiu Jitsu
Day 27: Pilates
Day 28: 1.53 mile run, 16:12
My flight left early on Sunday so I didn't have time to do anything before my arrival in Baltimore. I landed & went to the hotel but my room wasn't ready. So I changed into shorts & flip flops (perhaps a mistake.) and stored my luggage at the hotel.
 |
| View of the Harbor from the Visitors Center |
Next, I walked to Fells Point from the Harbor to meet up with an old former co-worker from Zimmerman. I got to Fells quite a while before she was ready to arrive so I walked around some more. I love this area. Cobblestone streets, shops, restaurants and festivals throughout AND right on the water.
 |
| Fells Point |
I had forgotten the World Cup final game started at 3, not 4. So I had to rush out of there, head back to the hotel with hopes that I could shower because it was HOT walking all over town all afternoon. Unfortunately my room wasn't ready yet. So instead I hopped in a cab to go to Midtown BBQ in Mt Vernon in Baltimore to meet up with another fellow Agora employee who I've traveled with in Nicaragua & the most recent conference in Vegas.
I showed up & met some other fellow Agora employees. The bar was really into the game which always makes watching it more fun. After the game, the group of us wandered to Brewer's Art Bar because I had never been & was told I needed to experience it. Since everything in Baltimore is in old buildings, it was in the basement of a brownstone... really neat.
After I caught a cab back to Harbor East & met up with the co-workers from my Florida office who I was staying at the hotel with and we hung out at the bar across the street from our hotel for a while.
The next morning I was awake at 3:30 and couldn't get back to sleep. I watched TV, started some work around 4;30 waiting for the sun to come up, then I hit the pavement & ran along the Harbor. Always one of my favorite runs. The next morning was another early one, even though we were up late with co-workers just talking & hanging out. Always nice to see people that you communicate with daily but are 1000 miles away.
The 2nd morning I ran the other way towards Fells Point though & did a quick loop.
I am proud of myself for managing to keep up with my quest even during my business trip. I'm off to Denver on Saturday. That's a tougher flight so we'll see how I hold up!
And just for fun, here are some pics of our offices in Baltimore, just because I think they're so unique & beautiful. They're also in old brownstones.
Saturday, July 12, 2014
100 Days of Sweat: Day 20
I'm already 1/5 of the way through this Challenge! But tomorrow is trip 1 of 3 that falls within these 100 days. And the hotel doesn't have a gym in the building, you have to use the gym down the street. AND it's looking like rain so my original plan to just wander around & explore the city and log some miles may not be able to work.
Here's what I've done since I last left off.
Day 15: Slash
Day 16: Slash
Day 17: Jiu Jitsu
Day 18: Slash
Day 19: Slash & Jiu Jitsu
Day 20: Pilates
Feeling great after pilates this morning. Now it's off to meet a sorority sister who's in town for coffee, then Brunch with the girls.
Until next time... wish me luck!
(and I'm sorry for the lack of pictures. Allison suggested adding to the challenge & take a pic each day again. But I don't bring my phone into Slash or to Jiu Jitsu so it's been impossible. But I know , I know... what's a blog without pictures?! BORING.)
Here's what I've done since I last left off.
Day 15: Slash
Day 16: Slash
Day 17: Jiu Jitsu
Day 18: Slash
Day 19: Slash & Jiu Jitsu
Day 20: Pilates
Feeling great after pilates this morning. Now it's off to meet a sorority sister who's in town for coffee, then Brunch with the girls.
Until next time... wish me luck!
(and I'm sorry for the lack of pictures. Allison suggested adding to the challenge & take a pic each day again. But I don't bring my phone into Slash or to Jiu Jitsu so it's been impossible. But I know , I know... what's a blog without pictures?! BORING.)
Sunday, July 6, 2014
100 Days of Sweat
I'm trying to start a "100 Days of Sweat" challenge. Not publicly (besides this post that I think 2 people will read. :) announcing it but at least keeping track here of what my workouts are, in addition to my normal workout calendar I keep printed out at home.
I think I will allow myself somewhere between 5-10 "days off" during this challenge. That seems fair.
Here's my progress so far.
Day 1 (June 23) - Slash
Day 2 (June 24) - Slash
Day 3 (June 25) - Slash and Jiu Jitsu
Day 4 (June 26) - Slash
Day 5 (June 27) - Jiu Jitsu
Day 6 (June 28) - Pilates
Day 7 (June 29) - 2.5 mile run (27:55)
Day 8 (June 30) - Slash
Day 9 (July 1) - Slash
Day 10 (July 2) - Slash and Jiu Jitsu
Day 11 (July 3) - Slash
Day 12 (July 4) - 2.95 mile run (33:35)
Day 13 (July 5) - Pilates
Day 14 (July 6) - 2.0 mile run (21:17)
Slash will certainly be most of my workouts. And I'm okay with that! Here's to hoping I see some results too.
I'm traveling to Baltimore next week and Denver later this month... those ones will be tricky!
I think I will allow myself somewhere between 5-10 "days off" during this challenge. That seems fair.
Here's my progress so far.
Day 1 (June 23) - Slash
Day 2 (June 24) - Slash
Day 3 (June 25) - Slash and Jiu Jitsu
Day 4 (June 26) - Slash
Day 5 (June 27) - Jiu Jitsu
Day 6 (June 28) - Pilates
Day 7 (June 29) - 2.5 mile run (27:55)
Day 8 (June 30) - Slash
Day 9 (July 1) - Slash
Day 10 (July 2) - Slash and Jiu Jitsu
Day 11 (July 3) - Slash
Day 12 (July 4) - 2.95 mile run (33:35)
Day 13 (July 5) - Pilates
Day 14 (July 6) - 2.0 mile run (21:17)
Slash will certainly be most of my workouts. And I'm okay with that! Here's to hoping I see some results too.
I'm traveling to Baltimore next week and Denver later this month... those ones will be tricky!
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Honda Classic 5K - January 18, 2014
Whew I can't believe that I haven't posted anything on the blog since my last race. I certainly was on a high from it for a while!
I initially wasn't going to run it... It was further away than I'd normally like and more expensive than most. But my friends convinced me and I figured it was a good thing to experience; being able to run through a National PGA Golf Course.
We got there ridiculously early which I like. My friend Mel's work was one of the sponsors so a bunch of her co-workers were there too and I was able to meet some of them. Made for a very social morning.
We lined up at the start, and I was thankful that there was a starting line that would officially start our chip when we crossed the Start rather than when the gun goes off.
Kim and I start off together through the initial part of the race which wound through the parking lot then we kind of got separated. Once the race took its turn to start onto the Golf Course, it was a whole new ball game.
My usual training runs have NO hills, however... as you know... golf courses have all kinds of little ups and downs. This was certainly reflected on the Golf Cart path that we were running on.
This was also my 1st race running with my Garmin. I was always very surprised when looking down at my watch and saw I was flying at about a 9:20-ish pace. That's way faster than I usually go but I was feeling so good.
The scenery was definitely helpful... And when we passed the putting green, everyone stopped & cheered for us which was really fun and motivating. I'm sure the 60-something-degree morning played a HUGE part into my success too.
I kept passing people and knew I was going to finish strong. There were 2 pretty steep hills (Kim had told me about 1 on our way to the race but they added another this year... RIGHT before the finish line. That's just mean!).
As I came down the last hill, I could see the finish line & the clock and knew I was going to be able to get my sub-30 time once again (finally.) I checked my Garmin and verified that indeed I had done it.
I waited at the finish line to cheer in Kim & Melissa... then we all went over to the breakfast. Just for fun, on our way to the table with our food, I swung by the print outs of everyone's time & where they placed.
I couldn't believe it! I was listed as finishing 2nd in my age group, my first time ever placing in a race!
For a race that I didn't even want to ... It certainly turned out great! I will definitely be running this one again next year, if for the course alone. (And I gotta admit... now I may even watch the Honda Classic Golf Tournament now that I've been ON that Green... and I hate watching golf - except for Rory of course.)
Results:
Time: 29:08 (a whole 3 minutes faster than my 5K in Dec)
9:24/mile pace
2 out of 10 in my age group
Overall: 191 out of 363
I initially wasn't going to run it... It was further away than I'd normally like and more expensive than most. But my friends convinced me and I figured it was a good thing to experience; being able to run through a National PGA Golf Course.
 |
| Can you ask for a more beautiful course?! |
We got there ridiculously early which I like. My friend Mel's work was one of the sponsors so a bunch of her co-workers were there too and I was able to meet some of them. Made for a very social morning.
We lined up at the start, and I was thankful that there was a starting line that would officially start our chip when we crossed the Start rather than when the gun goes off.
Kim and I start off together through the initial part of the race which wound through the parking lot then we kind of got separated. Once the race took its turn to start onto the Golf Course, it was a whole new ball game.
My usual training runs have NO hills, however... as you know... golf courses have all kinds of little ups and downs. This was certainly reflected on the Golf Cart path that we were running on.
This was also my 1st race running with my Garmin. I was always very surprised when looking down at my watch and saw I was flying at about a 9:20-ish pace. That's way faster than I usually go but I was feeling so good.
The scenery was definitely helpful... And when we passed the putting green, everyone stopped & cheered for us which was really fun and motivating. I'm sure the 60-something-degree morning played a HUGE part into my success too.
I kept passing people and knew I was going to finish strong. There were 2 pretty steep hills (Kim had told me about 1 on our way to the race but they added another this year... RIGHT before the finish line. That's just mean!).
As I came down the last hill, I could see the finish line & the clock and knew I was going to be able to get my sub-30 time once again (finally.) I checked my Garmin and verified that indeed I had done it.
I waited at the finish line to cheer in Kim & Melissa... then we all went over to the breakfast. Just for fun, on our way to the table with our food, I swung by the print outs of everyone's time & where they placed.
I couldn't believe it! I was listed as finishing 2nd in my age group, my first time ever placing in a race!
 |
| Posing with my Finishers Medal & my 2nd Place medal. :) |
For a race that I didn't even want to ... It certainly turned out great! I will definitely be running this one again next year, if for the course alone. (And I gotta admit... now I may even watch the Honda Classic Golf Tournament now that I've been ON that Green... and I hate watching golf - except for Rory of course.)
 |
| The 3 of us, post-race |
Results:
Time: 29:08 (a whole 3 minutes faster than my 5K in Dec)
9:24/mile pace
2 out of 10 in my age group
Overall: 191 out of 363
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Quick Recap: 2013
I had been working to get this posted yesterday but figured... why rush it? January 1 can still be a time to reflect on the past year, and THEN resume looking forward and setting (or adjusting) my goals for the new year.
I went into 2013 wanting to run more 5K's than ever before. Initially I wanted to try to do one a month, but that just isn't feasible in the South Florida heat. Even the races I chose to do not in the dead of summer proved to be very warm.
Though I can't exactly say that I started off too strong with my goal because somehow I wound up not even being able to fit in a race in January!
Then I took off on February.
February:
5 Guys Burger & Fries 5K
32:16
10:25/mile pace
4th out of 11 in my age group
128th out of 234 overall
This was the first race I've ever ran completely alone. No fellow runners and I didn't even have anyone at the finish line waiting for me. I was disappointed that I came in 4th; I could've placed! (Still waiting for that day to come.) But was proud of myself for getting out there & conquering it alone.
March:
Fast & Furriest 5K
29:00
9:29/mile pace
8th out of 15 in my age group
83rd out of 180 overall
This was a fun race; I got to travel over to the west coast of Florida to visit Ali & Matt, friends from Stetson University. We ALL managed to PR in the race which was pretty sweet. I still am confused how I managed to pull out a 29:00 and obliterate any time I've ever ran a 5K in.
April:
Heroes in Recovery 6K
36:22
9:47/mile pace
8th out of 38 in my age group
119th out of 470 overall
I was excited for this race since it was a strange distance. I didn't eat so very well the night before (excuses, excuses...) and when initially crossing that finish line I was hoping to see a better time. But after calculating it out and seeing my pace was still under 10 minutes/mile, I really wasn't upset with this time. I had my dad & Dan waiting for me at the finish line, too! It was a nice course through a park about 20-25 minutes south of the house. Ran by some lakes, horses grazing, an old rail road track... I'd love to run through there again!
May:
Eric Patrie Firefighter 5K
30:28
9:50/mile pace
20th out of 52 in my age group
172nd out of 408 overall
This was a fun race and on a course I know pretty well: A1A. Out & back, flat. Kim ran it, too! It was HOT. Dan had to pour water on me upon completion of this race. Once again, that sub-30 has alluded me but I kept my pace below 10 minutes. (Really didn't realize how many races I did do that in till writing this post!)
June:
Tutu 2 Miler
Not timed
This was just a fun race that Dan, Melissa, Kim and I all ran together. It was a couple of "firsts". It was Dan's first race (though it wasn't timed with chips, I still consider it a race.), and it was also my first evening race. And let me tell you; I won't be signing up for any more evening races any time soon.
I'm sure this being at the end of June didn't help anything, but it was ridiculously hot! It was fun just to be silly, wearing our tutu's and running with friends though.
September:
Jeff Annas Firefighter 5K
30:00
9:40/mile pace
29th out of 88 in my age group
519th out of 1128 overall
Yes, heartbreaking to see the sub-30 time once again THAT close. But I was actually surprised I was even this fast. Again, I didn't eat very smart the night before and it was a warm morning out. Though I really can't say much because some of the firefighters ran in their full fire-proof gear (and still beat me!) I really have to respect them. I think this was the biggest race I've ever participated in which made it really fun. It was a great atmosphere and a mostly shaded course anyway.
October:
AVDA Race for the Cure 5K
30:08
9:43/mile pace
7th out of 27 in my age group
168th out of 445 overall
My first ever 5K (back in 2009) was the AVDA race so I was kind of excited to run this race again. I finished in 32:26 back in 2009 so yay me for beating that! This is the same course as the Firefighter one in May: along A1A. Some of the trainers from Slash Fitness also came to this race so it was really fun to see other familiar faces along the course as well as at the finish line (plus my dad there cheering me on.)
Also since stopping domestic abuse is my sorority's philanthropy, the local alumni chapter had a group together so I met up with a couple of them to say hi & meet some sisters prior to the race. However, I ran on my own for the actual race portion.
December:
It's a Wonderful Run 5K
32:10
10:23/mile pace
7th out of 9 in my age group
142nd out of 274 overall
This was a last minute decision and I'm really not sure what's to explain why the drastic change in my time. It was stupid humid out (of course a cold front came through that evening.) I really enjoyed the race route though. Took some back sidewalks so you're away from the road a bit. My friend Jon won the entire thing with a time of 15:37 and broke the record for the course.
All in all, this year I was pretty physically fit. I keep a calendar each month and mark down my workouts each day and put X's through the days I skip. I HATE seeing the X's and I've found this method really helps motivate me to continue working out. I've been loyal to Slash Fitness and couldn't imagine NOT going there now. It has improved my endurance and certainly my strength (mentally and physically).
Here's to an even stronger 2014!
5 Guys Burger & Fries 5K
32:16
10:25/mile pace
4th out of 11 in my age group
128th out of 234 overall
This was the first race I've ever ran completely alone. No fellow runners and I didn't even have anyone at the finish line waiting for me. I was disappointed that I came in 4th; I could've placed! (Still waiting for that day to come.) But was proud of myself for getting out there & conquering it alone.
March:
Fast & Furriest 5K
29:00
9:29/mile pace
8th out of 15 in my age group
83rd out of 180 overall
 |
| Ali and I being strong! |
April:
Heroes in Recovery 6K
36:22
9:47/mile pace
8th out of 38 in my age group
119th out of 470 overall
I was excited for this race since it was a strange distance. I didn't eat so very well the night before (excuses, excuses...) and when initially crossing that finish line I was hoping to see a better time. But after calculating it out and seeing my pace was still under 10 minutes/mile, I really wasn't upset with this time. I had my dad & Dan waiting for me at the finish line, too! It was a nice course through a park about 20-25 minutes south of the house. Ran by some lakes, horses grazing, an old rail road track... I'd love to run through there again!
May:
Eric Patrie Firefighter 5K
30:28
9:50/mile pace
20th out of 52 in my age group
172nd out of 408 overall
 |
| Hi! |
 |
| Kim and me |
June:
Tutu 2 Miler
Not timed
This was just a fun race that Dan, Melissa, Kim and I all ran together. It was a couple of "firsts". It was Dan's first race (though it wasn't timed with chips, I still consider it a race.), and it was also my first evening race. And let me tell you; I won't be signing up for any more evening races any time soon.
I'm sure this being at the end of June didn't help anything, but it was ridiculously hot! It was fun just to be silly, wearing our tutu's and running with friends though.
September:
Jeff Annas Firefighter 5K
30:00
9:40/mile pace
29th out of 88 in my age group
519th out of 1128 overall
Yes, heartbreaking to see the sub-30 time once again THAT close. But I was actually surprised I was even this fast. Again, I didn't eat very smart the night before and it was a warm morning out. Though I really can't say much because some of the firefighters ran in their full fire-proof gear (and still beat me!) I really have to respect them. I think this was the biggest race I've ever participated in which made it really fun. It was a great atmosphere and a mostly shaded course anyway.
 |
| Finding my own little spot in the crowd! |
 |
| Cooling off in the ice chair after the race |
October:
AVDA Race for the Cure 5K
30:08
9:43/mile pace
7th out of 27 in my age group
168th out of 445 overall
My first ever 5K (back in 2009) was the AVDA race so I was kind of excited to run this race again. I finished in 32:26 back in 2009 so yay me for beating that! This is the same course as the Firefighter one in May: along A1A. Some of the trainers from Slash Fitness also came to this race so it was really fun to see other familiar faces along the course as well as at the finish line (plus my dad there cheering me on.)
Also since stopping domestic abuse is my sorority's philanthropy, the local alumni chapter had a group together so I met up with a couple of them to say hi & meet some sisters prior to the race. However, I ran on my own for the actual race portion.
 |
| Passing through! |
It's a Wonderful Run 5K
32:10
10:23/mile pace
7th out of 9 in my age group
142nd out of 274 overall
This was a last minute decision and I'm really not sure what's to explain why the drastic change in my time. It was stupid humid out (of course a cold front came through that evening.) I really enjoyed the race route though. Took some back sidewalks so you're away from the road a bit. My friend Jon won the entire thing with a time of 15:37 and broke the record for the course.
All in all, this year I was pretty physically fit. I keep a calendar each month and mark down my workouts each day and put X's through the days I skip. I HATE seeing the X's and I've found this method really helps motivate me to continue working out. I've been loyal to Slash Fitness and couldn't imagine NOT going there now. It has improved my endurance and certainly my strength (mentally and physically).
Here's to an even stronger 2014!
Sunday, December 15, 2013
It's a Wonderful Run 5k - December 15, 2013
Whoaaaa, another post from me?!
You know it.
I decided very last minute (like... on Friday) to sign up for a local 5K, which was today.
One of my friends, who's kiiiind of a big deal in the running community, was running it and I've been wanting to run a race that he's in for a while.
It was a small race which I LOVE. It gave me a little bit of hope that perhaps I could place. But more on that later.
I got there about an hour before Start Time. I should've listened to Jon when he told me that it was a small race because I certainly didn't have to be there that early. So I had a lot of time to stretch and stand around.
The race was well organized. It was held at a Catholic high school, they had mass beforehand but I had actually arrived too late to partake in that. We did say Our Father before the race itself and then all recited the Pledge of Allegiance. No national anthem, no big speech, and an on-time start: can you beat that? I don't think so!
I hydrated really well the day before my race knowing how hot & humid it'd be, but I dont think that nutritionally I really did that well. Last night Dan was at work and I had popcorn as an afternoon snack then just cereal for dinner. (he's the cook in the relationship)
Started out feeling really strong and even throughout the whole thing I thought I was holding a decent pace. Small race but didn't feel like I was really being passed by many and I felt strong. Little tired on mile 3, but Ali's voice "why would you ever stop on the last mile?" rang in my head and I pushed myself.
Plus, I knew Jon was going to shoot for a sub-16 min finish and then run the route again as a cool down so I HAD to be sure that I'd finish before he finished his 'next round.'
I don't have a Garmin and I had the notifications turned off on my Nike+ so I had no idea what kind of pace I was going and usually that helps me. But when I came down the final stretch and saw the clock say "32" ... I have to admit that I was disappointed in myself.
I went to the cafeteria where they were posting the results to see if Jon had broken the record for the race which was his goal, and he had! He ran 15:37, a 5:02/mile pace. And upon talking to him later, he was even disappointed! If it had been cooler he thinks he could've been sub-5/mile. Guess it goes to show that no one's ever truly pleased with what they do; there's always room for improvement.
I checked out my results as soon as they were posted. 7th in my age group... if only i had been 6 months earlier and fell into the 30 year old age group; i would've placed 3rd and earned my first award! But alas... didn't happen.
Since I've been out of practice with blogging, I hate to admit that I forgot to take ANY pics!
Results:
Time: 32:10
10:23/mile pace
7 out of 9 in my age group
Overall: 142 out of 274
Results
*Note: There was no start mat, so times were gun time, not chip time. So mayyyybe I was sub-32?! Let's hope.
You know it.
I decided very last minute (like... on Friday) to sign up for a local 5K, which was today.
One of my friends, who's kiiiind of a big deal in the running community, was running it and I've been wanting to run a race that he's in for a while.
It was a small race which I LOVE. It gave me a little bit of hope that perhaps I could place. But more on that later.
I got there about an hour before Start Time. I should've listened to Jon when he told me that it was a small race because I certainly didn't have to be there that early. So I had a lot of time to stretch and stand around.
The race was well organized. It was held at a Catholic high school, they had mass beforehand but I had actually arrived too late to partake in that. We did say Our Father before the race itself and then all recited the Pledge of Allegiance. No national anthem, no big speech, and an on-time start: can you beat that? I don't think so!
I hydrated really well the day before my race knowing how hot & humid it'd be, but I dont think that nutritionally I really did that well. Last night Dan was at work and I had popcorn as an afternoon snack then just cereal for dinner. (he's the cook in the relationship)
Started out feeling really strong and even throughout the whole thing I thought I was holding a decent pace. Small race but didn't feel like I was really being passed by many and I felt strong. Little tired on mile 3, but Ali's voice "why would you ever stop on the last mile?" rang in my head and I pushed myself.
Plus, I knew Jon was going to shoot for a sub-16 min finish and then run the route again as a cool down so I HAD to be sure that I'd finish before he finished his 'next round.'
I don't have a Garmin and I had the notifications turned off on my Nike+ so I had no idea what kind of pace I was going and usually that helps me. But when I came down the final stretch and saw the clock say "32" ... I have to admit that I was disappointed in myself.
I went to the cafeteria where they were posting the results to see if Jon had broken the record for the race which was his goal, and he had! He ran 15:37, a 5:02/mile pace. And upon talking to him later, he was even disappointed! If it had been cooler he thinks he could've been sub-5/mile. Guess it goes to show that no one's ever truly pleased with what they do; there's always room for improvement.
I checked out my results as soon as they were posted. 7th in my age group... if only i had been 6 months earlier and fell into the 30 year old age group; i would've placed 3rd and earned my first award! But alas... didn't happen.
Since I've been out of practice with blogging, I hate to admit that I forgot to take ANY pics!
Results:
Time: 32:10
10:23/mile pace
7 out of 9 in my age group
Overall: 142 out of 274
Results
*Note: There was no start mat, so times were gun time, not chip time. So mayyyybe I was sub-32?! Let's hope.
Nicaragua / Rancho Santana, Nov 2013
Lo siento for my more-than-month-long hiatus from the blogging world. Did you miss me? Yeah yeah yeah. Sure ya did.
The trip to Nicaragua was part of a work Mobile Symposium for reps from each division of Agora to meet together off-site to discuss how we can better reach our customers via mobile. Not only did I leave with a ton of takeaways for my division to implement... I made so many connections and got to talk to so many people within Agora that that in itself was rewarding.
Agora purchased a plot of land in Nicaragua and has been developing it into a residential community. You should check it out: Rancho Santana. Highly recommend it; for vacation or investment opportunity.
I shared a condo located walking distance to the Clubhouse with a fellow co-worker from my division as well as with another guy from Agora HQ. They were the best and I really lucked out to be "stuck" with them for the time I was.
Sure, we had meetings Mon-Weds from 8:30 to 3:30-4ish. But we also could sign up for activities at 7:30am and afternoon. I was able to take some hikes... surf lessons (private in fact, no one else showed up. AND we spoke in Spanish the whole time; awesome practice!), kayaking (also quite an experience... it was in more of a "Muddy creek" and the guide couldn't come with us because we were over capacity. It was me and 3 guys and let's just say it was a bonding experience... while it was smelly, dirty, and trashy DURING the trip... that's the kind of stuff that makes the best memories, right?!).
In the one morning I didn't have any planned activities (due to a scheduling conflict actually), I took a walk by myself from my condo to the "main road" and saw the horse stable... It IS a ranch afterall! The grounds were absolutely beautiful. Plus we were there right at the tail end of rainy season... And while it DID rain each afternoon it really only made the grounds that much more beautiful.
One of the hikes I took in the afternoon was the Lava Shelf Walk. During low tide, you're able to walk along the hardened lava which is right up against the Pacific. We were walking along here right at sunset and it was too pretty to be able to truly capture it in pics.
During our hike to Playa Escondida, we were unable to see any monkeys. This was day #1 so we were all so excited to see as much as we could (though that never really faded during the whole trip)... so our guide had a car pick us up, take us off the ranch and to a local restaurant that has 2 monkeys on site. I even got to feed them a banana!
Of course, the sunsets were to die for.
While I didn't get any running in... and I ate a LOT, I was still able to do the hikes and surfing and stay active. I would love to go back to Rancho Santana with a group of friends. It really is affordable if you go there with a group.
I only have my job to thank for this amazing opportunity.
The trip to Nicaragua was part of a work Mobile Symposium for reps from each division of Agora to meet together off-site to discuss how we can better reach our customers via mobile. Not only did I leave with a ton of takeaways for my division to implement... I made so many connections and got to talk to so many people within Agora that that in itself was rewarding.
Agora purchased a plot of land in Nicaragua and has been developing it into a residential community. You should check it out: Rancho Santana. Highly recommend it; for vacation or investment opportunity.
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| View from clubhouse to the Pacific |
Sure, we had meetings Mon-Weds from 8:30 to 3:30-4ish. But we also could sign up for activities at 7:30am and afternoon. I was able to take some hikes... surf lessons (private in fact, no one else showed up. AND we spoke in Spanish the whole time; awesome practice!), kayaking (also quite an experience... it was in more of a "Muddy creek" and the guide couldn't come with us because we were over capacity. It was me and 3 guys and let's just say it was a bonding experience... while it was smelly, dirty, and trashy DURING the trip... that's the kind of stuff that makes the best memories, right?!).
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| Hike down to Playa Escondida |
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| How gorgeous is this?! |
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| Perfectly timed wave crashing onto the Lava Shelf |
During our hike to Playa Escondida, we were unable to see any monkeys. This was day #1 so we were all so excited to see as much as we could (though that never really faded during the whole trip)... so our guide had a car pick us up, take us off the ranch and to a local restaurant that has 2 monkeys on site. I even got to feed them a banana!
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| Feeding a monkey! He jumped onto the pants of the guy in the yellow shirt so I was a liiiiittle apprehensive. |
Of course, the sunsets were to die for.
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| view from just outside our patio |
I only have my job to thank for this amazing opportunity.
Friday, November 1, 2013
AVDA 5K - Oct 12, 2013
Ugh I can't believe that I am just NOW writing this recap. That's just crazy. But, as the saying goes - better late than never, right?!
I was looking forward to this race for a few of reasons. First, the AVDA 5K was my first ever 5K. Second, this route is a very popular one for 5K's in Delray so I knew it well. Third, other local Alpha Chi's were running it, as were some of my trainers from Slash.
Dan had been working crazy hours so I left the house alone and let him sleep. My dad decided to come so I met him at the race. I then went over and introduced myself to the Alpha Chi's. One was even a cousin of a girl who was in my chapter at Stetson University!
The route is right along A1A which makes for a beautiful sunrise.
I saw 3 of my Slash trainers and it was really nice to know that they were there.
When it came time, I lined up at the start. I am a terrible racer because I always wind up too close to the start and I am definitely not even close to fast enough to be starting there.
I politely allowed myself to be on the right though so people could pass me. The race was both a 5K and a 10K. If you were doing the 10K, you simply did the route twice. The 5K was just an up & back on A1A.
Of course the trainers took off ahead, but it was really inspiring and pushed me when I'd see them after THEY did the U-Turn and they'd cheer me on.
I felt really good the whole time. I went in hoping to get another sub 30 but fell just short. I'm determined once it FINALLY cools down here, I can do it.
Crossing the finish line, I had my dad there & 2 of the trainers were nearby too so I swung over by them to congratulate them on finishing fast. (One guy got 1st place in the 10K in his age group!). They even made a comment to me that I wasn't even winded upon finishing. Must be Slash Fitness. ;)
Official Results:
Time: 30:08 (avg: 9:43/mile)
Overall place: 168 out of 445
Gender place: 78 out of 285
Age group: 7 out of 27
I was looking forward to this race for a few of reasons. First, the AVDA 5K was my first ever 5K. Second, this route is a very popular one for 5K's in Delray so I knew it well. Third, other local Alpha Chi's were running it, as were some of my trainers from Slash.
Dan had been working crazy hours so I left the house alone and let him sleep. My dad decided to come so I met him at the race. I then went over and introduced myself to the Alpha Chi's. One was even a cousin of a girl who was in my chapter at Stetson University!
The route is right along A1A which makes for a beautiful sunrise.
I saw 3 of my Slash trainers and it was really nice to know that they were there.
When it came time, I lined up at the start. I am a terrible racer because I always wind up too close to the start and I am definitely not even close to fast enough to be starting there.
I politely allowed myself to be on the right though so people could pass me. The race was both a 5K and a 10K. If you were doing the 10K, you simply did the route twice. The 5K was just an up & back on A1A.
Of course the trainers took off ahead, but it was really inspiring and pushed me when I'd see them after THEY did the U-Turn and they'd cheer me on.
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| hey, i'm smiling! |
I felt really good the whole time. I went in hoping to get another sub 30 but fell just short. I'm determined once it FINALLY cools down here, I can do it.
Crossing the finish line, I had my dad there & 2 of the trainers were nearby too so I swung over by them to congratulate them on finishing fast. (One guy got 1st place in the 10K in his age group!). They even made a comment to me that I wasn't even winded upon finishing. Must be Slash Fitness. ;)
Official Results:
Time: 30:08 (avg: 9:43/mile)
Overall place: 168 out of 445
Gender place: 78 out of 285
Age group: 7 out of 27
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Morning Cult
It's no secret that I'm a morning worker-outter. That feeling of being DONE with my workout by 6:15 is awesome. I feel awake by the time I even get to work. My metabolism gets jump started right at the beginning of the day. What's not to love? (And yes, my body now naturally wakes up at 4:55am. Not sure if I am liking that or not!)
But you know what? I'm not alone in my craziness!
Even when I was doing spinning at LA Fitness at 5:45am, it was always the same group of people at the gym at that hour.
Now, at Slash... it's our own little Morning Cult.
It's the same group of people each day. These people call me out on days I'm not there... Applaud me for showing up on Friday mornings at 5:30 (those are the hardest days for me to get there)...
Not to mention, it's welcoming to come in and see familiar faces and be able to say hi with a smile at 5:30 in the morning.
I mean we all have to be kind of crazy to be doing this, right? I guess I have to say that I enjoy the company. :)
But you know what? I'm not alone in my craziness!
Even when I was doing spinning at LA Fitness at 5:45am, it was always the same group of people at the gym at that hour.
Now, at Slash... it's our own little Morning Cult.
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| Look at the beautiful new Slash gym! |
It's the same group of people each day. These people call me out on days I'm not there... Applaud me for showing up on Friday mornings at 5:30 (those are the hardest days for me to get there)...
Not to mention, it's welcoming to come in and see familiar faces and be able to say hi with a smile at 5:30 in the morning.
I mean we all have to be kind of crazy to be doing this, right? I guess I have to say that I enjoy the company. :)
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| Hey look at me! Upper left pic in the red killin' those ropes! (pic courtesy of Slash) |
Friday, September 20, 2013
Fells Point, Baltimore, MD
I traveled to Baltimore, MD earlier this week for a 3-day Marketing Conference.
Turns out a lot of the topics covered were very similar to what I went to a couple of years ago, but was still nice to see people that I e-mail with constantly but either have never met in person, or rarely get to see.
I even got to chat with the Publisher of one of our Argentina Affiliates and also the Publisher of International Living, based in Ireland. Pretty cool, right? Oh, and can't leave out the other guy from another domestic affiliate who told us our product is terrible. Ohhhhhh, I let him know my thoughts on that. ("Why are we making more sales than you guys then?" :)
My hotel was right on the water and I had a gorgeous view of the harbor.
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| Panoramic pic of the view right outside my window. |
I brought 2 pairs of workout clothes, with some wishful thinking. The hotel had a gym but it was locked and I wasn't entirely sure how to get the passcode. (yes, I'm sure I could've asked the front desk.) And the book in the hotel room stated that the gym wasn't even in the hotel, but down the block. So I'm not sure.
So, instead I decided to venture outside! I had dinner with my cousin on Tuesday evening and she gave me some pointers as to what area was safe. There were so many running paths, sidewalks, along the water, down the old streets, it was so inviting.
I checked the temp when I woke up Wednesday morning and it was a beautiful 50 degrees. :) Glad I had brought capris and not just running shorts.
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| Could this sunrise be any more gorgeous? |
I started off running to the right as soon as I exited the hotel... The boardwalk soon turned into a brick sidewalk and wound around the wharf. I was able to see the Under Armour headquarters.. Domino building... so many boats.
The paths were bustling with runners which made me more motivated, plus it was a Wednesday morning! I can only imagine what it'd be like on a weekend morning.
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| I could take in this view during a run any day of the week! |
After the number of runners started to dwindle and my nice waterside sidewalk ended, I turned around, headed back towards the hotel but passed it and ran the other way for a little bit.
I was a little tight for time because I needed to get some work done before the next round of presentations started and I was out of luck for the day... So I could only get in about 1.7 miles.
But I gotta say... those miles felt GREAT. 50 degrees with very little humidity was exactly what I needed. I wish that I could've gone farther (while also knowing WHERE I was going!)
But still proud of myself for getting out there at all.
And of course we had to finish up the trip with the Crab Pretzel at BWI. :)
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| Cheesy, Crabby, Pretzel-y goodness! |
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Jeff Annas Firefighter Memorial 5K - Sept 14, 2013
My last few runs on the weekends have been pretty miserable. I blamed the heat (rightfully so.) Then I twinged my back. Then at Slash this past week my ankle bothered me. I still went to Jiu Jitsu Friday afternoon, worrying that I would mess up my back again.
All this, knowing I had a 5K I signed up for. I thought maybe it'd help me push through the bad runs. And it was for a cause that I love. I love supporting local Firefighters/Rescue Teams. I think if I could, I'd love to work in a fire station. Maybe not AS a first responder firefighter, but the whole thing just intrigues me. I even listen to Fire Rescue radio on scanner radio. :)
Anyway, Dan and I went to a Food Truck Invasion last night in Jupiter, FL. There were about 30 food trucks there, and it was amazing. At this point I had already given up on any hopes of PR in the Firefighter 5k. "It's too hot anyway." I told myself. Knowing that I can't perform my best.
I continued to consume a beer and eat a Crabby Cheese Melt. Not exactly the best pre-race dinner, eh?
We arrived at the race site around 6:45 for the 7:30 start time, even though I had already picked up my race packet. I just get really anxious about figuring out parking, starting line, etc. They had a bunch of fire trucks on display... Some firefighters were getting into their gear to RUN the 5K in their full firefighter get-up. (and let me tell you... I was passed by many of them on the course!)
This race had over 1100 runners and I THINK that may be the largest race I've been a part of.
The race was a fast & flat out and back course. The entire way out was in the shade and had some really nice big trees. At the first part of the turnaround, you were running right into the sun but then the road curved a bit and you were protected again by the trees.
I decided to turn off the mile notifications on my Nike Plus app so I wouldn't have any idea what kind of pace I was doing. I did this during my best-ever 5k and figured maybe there's something to it.
I crossed the finish line with the clock saying 30:11. I completely forgot to account for the time it took me to get to the starting line so I didn't realize for a while that my time was actually quicker than that.
Turns out I finished in 30:00.997.
I think if I had realized I was that close to breaking 30 again, I would've sprinted even harder. But I gotta say, for 'mentally giving up' on this race before I even started... I'm pretty proud of this time.
Results:
30:00.997
9:40/mile pace
Overall placement: 519 / 1128
Gender placement: 234 / 680
Age group placement: 29 / 88
All this, knowing I had a 5K I signed up for. I thought maybe it'd help me push through the bad runs. And it was for a cause that I love. I love supporting local Firefighters/Rescue Teams. I think if I could, I'd love to work in a fire station. Maybe not AS a first responder firefighter, but the whole thing just intrigues me. I even listen to Fire Rescue radio on scanner radio. :)
Anyway, Dan and I went to a Food Truck Invasion last night in Jupiter, FL. There were about 30 food trucks there, and it was amazing. At this point I had already given up on any hopes of PR in the Firefighter 5k. "It's too hot anyway." I told myself. Knowing that I can't perform my best.
I continued to consume a beer and eat a Crabby Cheese Melt. Not exactly the best pre-race dinner, eh?
We arrived at the race site around 6:45 for the 7:30 start time, even though I had already picked up my race packet. I just get really anxious about figuring out parking, starting line, etc. They had a bunch of fire trucks on display... Some firefighters were getting into their gear to RUN the 5K in their full firefighter get-up. (and let me tell you... I was passed by many of them on the course!)
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| firefighters in full gear ready for the race. |
This race had over 1100 runners and I THINK that may be the largest race I've been a part of.
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| pic of a part of the crowd at the starting line |
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| Getting excited to kick it off |
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| I'm off! |
I decided to turn off the mile notifications on my Nike Plus app so I wouldn't have any idea what kind of pace I was doing. I did this during my best-ever 5k and figured maybe there's something to it.
I crossed the finish line with the clock saying 30:11. I completely forgot to account for the time it took me to get to the starting line so I didn't realize for a while that my time was actually quicker than that.
Turns out I finished in 30:00.997.
I think if I had realized I was that close to breaking 30 again, I would've sprinted even harder. But I gotta say, for 'mentally giving up' on this race before I even started... I'm pretty proud of this time.
Results:
30:00.997
9:40/mile pace
Overall placement: 519 / 1128
Gender placement: 234 / 680
Age group placement: 29 / 88
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| Sitting in the "cool chairs" after the race (arms in some ice bags.) |
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Horrible Bad Awful Runs
This isn't a very inspiring post but just have to write about it...
I forced myself out for a quick run on Friday morning (because I overslept and missed 5:30am Slash which is what I had been planning to do.) and just did 2 miles, but I was miserable for every second of it. Even afterwards my knees, feet and ankles were sore and achy.
I even told my cousin that I regretted even going at all; which is a feeling I've never had before. She scolded me saying I should NEVER say that, and I should be proud of myself for getting out there at all.
Yesterday I went out for another run and knew when I set out that I was only going to do 2 miles because of how I had felt the day before and my body was still aching. When I hit the 1 mile mark, I was surprised my pace was under 10 minutes because I was feeling so sluggish.
But that helped push me through to speed it up even more for the 2nd mile.
I think I know what is causing the sluggish feeling during my runs...
1. heat and humidity (no matter what time i do)
2. dehydration
3. poor dieting the past fewdays
But it made me hesitant to even sign up for the 5K I wanted to do in the beginning of September. If it's still going to be crazy hot.. how am I going to make it 3.1 miles if I'm struggling with my 2 miles?
I'm sure in the next couple of weeks, I'll give in and sign up but... not feelin' it right now.
I forced myself out for a quick run on Friday morning (because I overslept and missed 5:30am Slash which is what I had been planning to do.) and just did 2 miles, but I was miserable for every second of it. Even afterwards my knees, feet and ankles were sore and achy.
I even told my cousin that I regretted even going at all; which is a feeling I've never had before. She scolded me saying I should NEVER say that, and I should be proud of myself for getting out there at all.
Yesterday I went out for another run and knew when I set out that I was only going to do 2 miles because of how I had felt the day before and my body was still aching. When I hit the 1 mile mark, I was surprised my pace was under 10 minutes because I was feeling so sluggish.
But that helped push me through to speed it up even more for the 2nd mile.
I think I know what is causing the sluggish feeling during my runs...
1. heat and humidity (no matter what time i do)
2. dehydration
3. poor dieting the past fewdays
But it made me hesitant to even sign up for the 5K I wanted to do in the beginning of September. If it's still going to be crazy hot.. how am I going to make it 3.1 miles if I'm struggling with my 2 miles?
I'm sure in the next couple of weeks, I'll give in and sign up but... not feelin' it right now.
Saturday, August 3, 2013
NL Batting Title?
I haven't done a baseball post in a longggg time and I vowed this blog would be both my working out and baseball. (Get Up, Get Out!)
I'd just like to quickly talk about Chris Johnson. I didn't know him directly but he went to Stetson at the same time I was there. We have quite a few mutual friends. When I heard he was coming to the Braves I was pretty excited. He had to fight to win over the 3rd base position from Juan Francisco. (who has since been traded.)
Dan and I were lucky enough to attend a lot of Spring Training games (as per usual!) and after one of the games Chris was signing baseballs so went over there. As he was signing mine, I said "Go Hatters!" .. he did a double take then smiled and said "That's right!" and another guy who was standing nearby also went to Stetson and was there seeing Chris play.
Anyway, he's been quite the shining star this year. I don't think anyone really expected it. And thanks to my weird loyalty because he was a Stetson student, too, I picked him up in my fantasy team. Boy, has that paid off! I just hope that he can keep up this momentum!
I'd just like to quickly talk about Chris Johnson. I didn't know him directly but he went to Stetson at the same time I was there. We have quite a few mutual friends. When I heard he was coming to the Braves I was pretty excited. He had to fight to win over the 3rd base position from Juan Francisco. (who has since been traded.)
Dan and I were lucky enough to attend a lot of Spring Training games (as per usual!) and after one of the games Chris was signing baseballs so went over there. As he was signing mine, I said "Go Hatters!" .. he did a double take then smiled and said "That's right!" and another guy who was standing nearby also went to Stetson and was there seeing Chris play.
Anyway, he's been quite the shining star this year. I don't think anyone really expected it. And thanks to my weird loyalty because he was a Stetson student, too, I picked him up in my fantasy team. Boy, has that paid off! I just hope that he can keep up this momentum!
Saturday Morning Jog
I decided I wanted a change of scenery for my run this morning so I drove out to A1A (about 7 miles). However, there were a few factors working against me this morning. But I prevailed.
#1 - Dorian. Yes, as in the weak tropical storm off the coast of Melbourne, FL. I don't do well running in winds (or even a breeze.) I feel like it adds so much more work. Well, Dorian's outer bands are off our coast and there was still a breeze. And I wish I would've taken a picture of the flags I saw along the different points in my run because some times they'd be blowing west, then south, then east. It was kind of neat to see it following along the 'spin'.
#2 - Parking Meter start time. Back in the day I used to come to A1A just about every Saturday and/or Sunday to run. And I know for a fact that the meters didn't kick in until 8am. Well, now they start making you pay at 7am. I got there right at 7am. You know, in some cities, metered parking is free on the weekends! I decided I didn't want to risk it (didn't bring any quarters because I wasn't expecting to pay) so I drove about a half mile west to my office and parked there.
#3 - Intracoastal Bridge. Since I had to park at my work, I now had a (not a monstrous) bridge over the intracoastal to have to go over twice to get to A1A. Thankfully I was never there during its openings, that would've really messed up my rhythm. But let me tell you... Breeze + uphill isn't my fave. However, i did have negative splits in my last mile which is impressive since that bridge was tackled in the 3rd mile.
#4 - Pinched Nerve. Okay, well I'm not entirely sure that that's what it is. But something in my upper back has been bothering me at night the past 3 nights and yesterday during the day it started to kind of affect me. I probably should've listened to the voice in my head (and my trainer... if something hurts, don't force yourself.) and not ran. BUT it didn't bother me at all during the run. We'll see about the aftermath today.
I went 3 miles in 30:40. I probably could've gotten it done quicker but when I got back to the office my Nike Plus app hadn't told me 3 miles yet so I paused to unlock my phone and check to see how far off I was. I had another tenth of a mile so I ran up and down the block to meet my 3 mile mark but I did have to waste a little time stopping to assess the situation.
Despite all this, after my run I had 40 minutes until the first Slash session of the day. I almost stayed for it (it's a block away from my office), and I actually feel really guilty not going. Weird... I know. (but again, probably better until I see how my back feels after the run.)
Song that pushed me during the last bridge: Brian McCann's Walk Up song randomly came onto my playlist and that song always gets me going. Even at Slash. "All I Do is Win"
But you know what else I was thinking about on my run? (wow that animated gif of Mccann is very distracting haha) People who say "Oh I have an "easy 8 mile run today." HOW IS 8 MILES EVER EASY? Ok, I've never trained for a marathon or half marathon (started to train for a half, but once I started getting to about 6 miles I'd get really bad pains in my lower calf/soleus) so I get why at some point maybe 8 miles is easy. But anything over 4 miles to me is just crazy.
#1 - Dorian. Yes, as in the weak tropical storm off the coast of Melbourne, FL. I don't do well running in winds (or even a breeze.) I feel like it adds so much more work. Well, Dorian's outer bands are off our coast and there was still a breeze. And I wish I would've taken a picture of the flags I saw along the different points in my run because some times they'd be blowing west, then south, then east. It was kind of neat to see it following along the 'spin'.
#2 - Parking Meter start time. Back in the day I used to come to A1A just about every Saturday and/or Sunday to run. And I know for a fact that the meters didn't kick in until 8am. Well, now they start making you pay at 7am. I got there right at 7am. You know, in some cities, metered parking is free on the weekends! I decided I didn't want to risk it (didn't bring any quarters because I wasn't expecting to pay) so I drove about a half mile west to my office and parked there.
#3 - Intracoastal Bridge. Since I had to park at my work, I now had a (not a monstrous) bridge over the intracoastal to have to go over twice to get to A1A. Thankfully I was never there during its openings, that would've really messed up my rhythm. But let me tell you... Breeze + uphill isn't my fave. However, i did have negative splits in my last mile which is impressive since that bridge was tackled in the 3rd mile.
#4 - Pinched Nerve. Okay, well I'm not entirely sure that that's what it is. But something in my upper back has been bothering me at night the past 3 nights and yesterday during the day it started to kind of affect me. I probably should've listened to the voice in my head (and my trainer... if something hurts, don't force yourself.) and not ran. BUT it didn't bother me at all during the run. We'll see about the aftermath today.
I went 3 miles in 30:40. I probably could've gotten it done quicker but when I got back to the office my Nike Plus app hadn't told me 3 miles yet so I paused to unlock my phone and check to see how far off I was. I had another tenth of a mile so I ran up and down the block to meet my 3 mile mark but I did have to waste a little time stopping to assess the situation.
Despite all this, after my run I had 40 minutes until the first Slash session of the day. I almost stayed for it (it's a block away from my office), and I actually feel really guilty not going. Weird... I know. (but again, probably better until I see how my back feels after the run.)
Song that pushed me during the last bridge: Brian McCann's Walk Up song randomly came onto my playlist and that song always gets me going. Even at Slash. "All I Do is Win"
But you know what else I was thinking about on my run? (wow that animated gif of Mccann is very distracting haha) People who say "Oh I have an "easy 8 mile run today." HOW IS 8 MILES EVER EASY? Ok, I've never trained for a marathon or half marathon (started to train for a half, but once I started getting to about 6 miles I'd get really bad pains in my lower calf/soleus) so I get why at some point maybe 8 miles is easy. But anything over 4 miles to me is just crazy.
Saturday, July 27, 2013
No Excuses
This past week was a very busy week, we had the kickoff of our big campaign on Wednesday and I know that launches always mean very long hours and very little sleep.
But I was determined to not let it ruin my workout regimine, it just took a little adjusting and determination.
Each morning this week (with the exception of Friday), I was at the office by 7am the latest.
Here's how I still managed to get in all my workouts:
Monday: 12pm Slash workout
Tuesday: I got up early and got to the clubhouse treadmill at 5am for a very quick 2 miles. It wasn't a long workout, but the way I figured it... at least I did something, right? And it's a good thing because we skipped Jiu Jitsu at work due to so much work to be done for the launch.
Wednesday: LAUNCH DAY! I got barely 2 hours of sleep off and on the night before. 12pm came around and I had the choice to go to Slash or not. I knew it'd either energize me or completely wear me out and it'd be a huge mistake. BUT I WENT! And it did make me feel good and especially on such a stressful day. (and I didn't even really start to crash till about 4:30pm)
Thursday: 12pm Slash
Friday: Jiu jitsu at 12:30 with my co-workers.
So while I wasn't really able to do my normal early AM workouts, except Tuesday's quick run, I am still proud of myself for making an hour of time during this craziness to keep up my hard work!
But I was determined to not let it ruin my workout regimine, it just took a little adjusting and determination.
Each morning this week (with the exception of Friday), I was at the office by 7am the latest.
Here's how I still managed to get in all my workouts:
Monday: 12pm Slash workout
Tuesday: I got up early and got to the clubhouse treadmill at 5am for a very quick 2 miles. It wasn't a long workout, but the way I figured it... at least I did something, right? And it's a good thing because we skipped Jiu Jitsu at work due to so much work to be done for the launch.
Wednesday: LAUNCH DAY! I got barely 2 hours of sleep off and on the night before. 12pm came around and I had the choice to go to Slash or not. I knew it'd either energize me or completely wear me out and it'd be a huge mistake. BUT I WENT! And it did make me feel good and especially on such a stressful day. (and I didn't even really start to crash till about 4:30pm)
Thursday: 12pm Slash
Friday: Jiu jitsu at 12:30 with my co-workers.
So while I wasn't really able to do my normal early AM workouts, except Tuesday's quick run, I am still proud of myself for making an hour of time during this craziness to keep up my hard work!
Sunday, July 14, 2013
The Treadmill Phenomenon
Yesterday was a very, very rainy day here in South Florida. Dan and I had a nice morning together, but he had to go into work around 11am.
I did some major house cleaning which felt awesome, and then I was finally able to finish my book. (Which, by the way, was the perfect atmosphere for reading. I was curled up on the couch, lights dimmed, candle lit, and listening to the rain and rumbling thunder.)
There was a little tiny break in the downpour and I thought, "If I don't go now... I"ll never go." But then another little voice in my head said, "But it's sooo cozy in here! You haven't had a day off of work outs since the 1st of the month."
But the foreshadowing of that feeling AFTER I finished my workout won out and I drove myself over to the clubhouse.
I ended up running a 5K in 29:26. But this is when my "Treadmill Phenomenon" comes into play.
I am able to run SO FAST on a treadmill. I upped my speed at each mile and by the end I was running a 8-something mile.
I can't do this outside! I don't know if it's because of the air-conditioned controlled environment, the ability to manually choose my pace and stick with it or what. I used to hate the treadmill, why would I want to stare at a wall for that amount of time when I could be outside in the fresh air?!
But somehow, someway.... the treadmill is winning me over.
I did some major house cleaning which felt awesome, and then I was finally able to finish my book. (Which, by the way, was the perfect atmosphere for reading. I was curled up on the couch, lights dimmed, candle lit, and listening to the rain and rumbling thunder.)
There was a little tiny break in the downpour and I thought, "If I don't go now... I"ll never go." But then another little voice in my head said, "But it's sooo cozy in here! You haven't had a day off of work outs since the 1st of the month."
But the foreshadowing of that feeling AFTER I finished my workout won out and I drove myself over to the clubhouse.
I ended up running a 5K in 29:26. But this is when my "Treadmill Phenomenon" comes into play.
I am able to run SO FAST on a treadmill. I upped my speed at each mile and by the end I was running a 8-something mile.
I can't do this outside! I don't know if it's because of the air-conditioned controlled environment, the ability to manually choose my pace and stick with it or what. I used to hate the treadmill, why would I want to stare at a wall for that amount of time when I could be outside in the fresh air?!
But somehow, someway.... the treadmill is winning me over.
Friday, July 12, 2013
Boo Marlins
I took the day off from work on Wednesday to go to Marlins Park for the Braves/Marlins match up with my dad & Dan.
Both my dad & Dad made comments prior to us arriving alluding to the fact like, "Could you imagine if today's Kids Day at the park?"
Welllllll, it was.
And it was miserable.
We started out in our regular section, upper deck, first row in right field. It was fun watching a few of the Braves on the DL take batting practice (including my love Evan Gattis; he was hitting bombs!) And a few kids started filing in.
We decided to take a nice little walk around the park, but WOW. Kids Camps everywhere. Lines of kids throughout every section of the park. We had to switch seats about 4 times and finally found a section kids-free.
Now, don't get me wrong. I like kids. I like baseball. I understand it was probably a really fun event for them. But as a grumpy 29 year old, it was terrible. There were only about 6 sections in the park not filled with groups of kids in similar colored shirts.
Also makes us wonder how many of those kids get LOST during the game?!
To add insult to injury... the Braves lost.
Here's an image of a peaceful park before the kids. :)
Both my dad & Dad made comments prior to us arriving alluding to the fact like, "Could you imagine if today's Kids Day at the park?"
Welllllll, it was.
And it was miserable.
We started out in our regular section, upper deck, first row in right field. It was fun watching a few of the Braves on the DL take batting practice (including my love Evan Gattis; he was hitting bombs!) And a few kids started filing in.
We decided to take a nice little walk around the park, but WOW. Kids Camps everywhere. Lines of kids throughout every section of the park. We had to switch seats about 4 times and finally found a section kids-free.
Now, don't get me wrong. I like kids. I like baseball. I understand it was probably a really fun event for them. But as a grumpy 29 year old, it was terrible. There were only about 6 sections in the park not filled with groups of kids in similar colored shirts.
Also makes us wonder how many of those kids get LOST during the game?!
To add insult to injury... the Braves lost.
Here's an image of a peaceful park before the kids. :)
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Tutu 2 Miler - June 28, 2013
Two posts in two days, you lucky ducks!
I did my first "evening" race. Though it really wasn't a race. We didn't have bibs or anything. However, I'm really not a fan of the after-work races.
1. it's too hot (well, yes, it was June 28 in So Fla.)
2. my body isn't used to working out in the evening, i'm a morning worker outer.
3. i feel too rushed after work to get there. (i get really anxious about parking situations, check-ins, etc. before a run.)
But it was fun, AND it was Dan's first run!! We met up with a couple of our friends; Kim and Melissa. It was just a 2 mile run, and the proceeds went to benefit the Special Olympics.
We got there a little over an hour before the start. Melissa and Kim revealed the Braves tutu that they crafted for Dan (that was the deal: if they could find him a Braves tutu, he'd run this race. Done!)
It was really hot too. There was a contest for "best costume" ... we hoped that Dan's Braves tutu would be good enough, but some guy came in a complete Captain America costume (no clue how he did that without dying of heat exhaustion.), another guy had a Yankees jersey, baseball tutu & Yankees knee high socks, too. Guess Dan wasn't the only one influenced by baseball.
By the time the race was finally ready to start, I just had to kind of chuckle at the "start line." No one was really lined up or anything, where they usually are pretty serious about it in a timed bibbed race. But we were off!
Dan took off right away, and Kim and I fell into a groove running together for a while. The path went around a lake, then through the Downtown at the Gardens outdoor mall area. So we got to run through by the all the shops (and shoppers) and restaurants (and diners). It was really fun! People were cheering and everything. (I'm sure it was quite a sight to see these people running through in tutus!) The route was this loop twice. Dan ran his first mile in 7:28 then he walked and I walked with him for a while, we jogged off and on for the 2nd mile (soooo hot), and then race sprinted it out at the end. Hey, had to show him that's what you do in races to reach the finish line. He out ran me by a second though.
I don't even know what my "time" was, and I don't even care. It was fun and was great to be there with Dan for his first run! And he's even told me that he will do a 5K now!
Today I was re-inspired to go out running. I almost made the mistake of running outside around 3pm, but it started to rain. I texted Dan and he said, "why would you run outside at 3 in the afternoon?" And I realized I really WAS being stupid. So I went to my community gym and used the treadmill. I felt really good and made myself go faster each mile of the 3.1 mile run. I kind of think I could've even gone further.
And you know what else is odd? The treadmill was sort of facing a mirror. And I haven't been on a treadmill where you SEE yourself run since probably freshman year in high school. And it kind of HELPED me to run. Not sure if it was an inspiring thing or what, but it felt good!
I did my first "evening" race. Though it really wasn't a race. We didn't have bibs or anything. However, I'm really not a fan of the after-work races.
1. it's too hot (well, yes, it was June 28 in So Fla.)
2. my body isn't used to working out in the evening, i'm a morning worker outer.
3. i feel too rushed after work to get there. (i get really anxious about parking situations, check-ins, etc. before a run.)
But it was fun, AND it was Dan's first run!! We met up with a couple of our friends; Kim and Melissa. It was just a 2 mile run, and the proceeds went to benefit the Special Olympics.
We got there a little over an hour before the start. Melissa and Kim revealed the Braves tutu that they crafted for Dan (that was the deal: if they could find him a Braves tutu, he'd run this race. Done!)
 |
| he's pumped! |
By the time the race was finally ready to start, I just had to kind of chuckle at the "start line." No one was really lined up or anything, where they usually are pretty serious about it in a timed bibbed race. But we were off!
Dan took off right away, and Kim and I fell into a groove running together for a while. The path went around a lake, then through the Downtown at the Gardens outdoor mall area. So we got to run through by the all the shops (and shoppers) and restaurants (and diners). It was really fun! People were cheering and everything. (I'm sure it was quite a sight to see these people running through in tutus!) The route was this loop twice. Dan ran his first mile in 7:28 then he walked and I walked with him for a while, we jogged off and on for the 2nd mile (soooo hot), and then race sprinted it out at the end. Hey, had to show him that's what you do in races to reach the finish line. He out ran me by a second though.
I don't even know what my "time" was, and I don't even care. It was fun and was great to be there with Dan for his first run! And he's even told me that he will do a 5K now!
Today I was re-inspired to go out running. I almost made the mistake of running outside around 3pm, but it started to rain. I texted Dan and he said, "why would you run outside at 3 in the afternoon?" And I realized I really WAS being stupid. So I went to my community gym and used the treadmill. I felt really good and made myself go faster each mile of the 3.1 mile run. I kind of think I could've even gone further.
And you know what else is odd? The treadmill was sort of facing a mirror. And I haven't been on a treadmill where you SEE yourself run since probably freshman year in high school. And it kind of HELPED me to run. Not sure if it was an inspiring thing or what, but it felt good!
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