New Year’s 2012

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Happy New Year everyone! Oh this will definitely not be a post full of resolutions and remembrances of the year past. I used to make resolutions, well OK I made the same resolution year after year…to lose “the weight.” I stopped resolving to do that a few years ago and now January 1st passes for me just like any other day of the year. I almost always work New Year’s Eve because I like the holiday pay, there is always someone who doesn’t want to work it and my husband and I would just assume go out on any old regular weekend night. I’ve always been ok with a low key New Year’s Eve. I did the Times Square thing once in college and basically spent the entire time looking for a bathroom and a place to watch the ball drop. Unless you’re friends with Dick Clark and now Ryan Seacrest you might as well stay home and watch the ball drop because odds are you aren’t going to get close enough to see it. I did get to see Pitbull perform in the rocking NYE concert on TV before I left for work. What is it about that man and his music?! Whatever it is, it will be joining me throughout the marathon.

Since I am in the midst of a ridiculous self-induced stretch at work I am going to go to bed soon before heading back to the hospital tonight. Monday night is my last night of work and we leave for Florida on Wednesday. My husband and son are spending the day with my family and have graciously left me guilt free to enjoy the house to myself. My husband has ulterior motives though. My mom’s husband recently bought a new 3D television which is apparently killer for watching Sunday football. The Patriots are on today and my husband would rather not be interrupted by his tired wife who wants to go home and sleep. Who can blame him! I am equally as thrilled to have a little alone time something I almost never get since I’m still trying to get a lock on the inside of the bathroom. I have no privacy what so ever.

So what to do with all this free time? I went for my last long run of marathon training. It was supposed to be 8 miles but turned into 10 miles when I decided to explore a different neighborhood. Oops oh well. It was a stunning day for January 1st. I peeled off my sweatshirt and gloves before mile 2, it was that warm. The run was comfortable. I maintained a good pace and walked up the many hills I encountered. 

I just finished reading my favorite blogs and commenting. I love to comment on other blogs because almost always there is something in a post I can relate to or compels me to write words of motivation. I am still learning to navigate this blog world. I want to thank those of you who come by regularly to read my blog and also those of you who may have just found me. I don’t look at the statistics about how many people visit my blog so I am always floored when I get a comment. I love them. I read them all and try to acknowledge them in some way. I started this little blog to document my marathon training and my running progress. I honestly never imagined the support and motivation I would receive through blogging. 

I am so incredibly excited about the marathon next Sunday. It has been an unbelievable experience so far and I haven’t even run it. When I look back and realize how far I’ve come I am in awe of myself, my body and my determination. I was the girl in high school gym class who sat on the bleachers and refused to participate because I was afraid the other kids would laugh at me if I ran. A few years ago when I started running I seriously never thought I would be able to run and catch my breath. I struggled. Now I go out for an 8 mile run like it’s nothing. Somewhere throughout this process I grew to love and look forward to long runs. Even when I’m not training for a specific race I aim to do at least one double digit run a month. That will likely increase after the marathon because I’ve really grown to enjoy the time I get to spend running long distances. There will be more races, some local, some far and possibly one international this year. Marathon training didn’t burn me out rather it lit a fire under me to keep pushing myself beyond my comfort zone both with running and in other areas of my life.

I may not make resolutions but I definitely have running/fitness goals. I have found that training schedules work for me. They motivate me and keep me on track. It helps me to have a schedule to follow rather than just winging it each day. I’m less likely to skip a workout if I have it set on a calendar.

I haven’t really firmed up my goals as of today, but I have one definite goal. For the last two years I have run the Bridge of Flowers 10K in Shelburne Falls, MA. It is a challenging race with a killer set of hills from approximately mile 2-3. I love this race though. In 2010 I ran it in 1:07:36 and in 2011 I PR’d in 1:04:16. I was really proud of myself, but I know I can do even better. There will be lots of speed work to look forward to this spring.

  • My A+ goal is to finish the Bridge of Flowers 10K this year in just under 60 minutes so 59:59 would be acceptable!! 
  • My A goal is to come in under 1:04. 
  • My B goal is simply to PR. 

2011 was all about training for the Disney Marathon so in many ways my new year starts next Sunday hopefully sometime around 11 a.m.?!

Thank you so much for your support, kind words and motivation. Your comments and emails were truly appreciated. I hope you will keep visiting throughout 2012 because I have a feeling there will be more than just running going on here. 

Here’s to an amazing 2012!!

 

 

Friday fun facts: post Christmas

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1. From 12/23/11 to 1/3/11 I will work 11 out of those 12 nights. As a nurse it’s easy to pick up extra shifts over the holidays. It sounded like a good idea back in November.

2. Last night was my 1 night off. I put Carlos to bed at 6:45 (yes he goes to bed that early!) and I was in bed by 7!

3. I leave for Florida in exactly 5 days.

4. The weather looks fantastic for marathon day. A high of 72 degrees and sunny.

5. I’m writing this on my iPhone because my computer is having a sleep over at the Apple store tonight. Fun! Well not so much. My beloved MacBook is suffering from the severe slows since I upgraded to the new Lion operating system. Sadly a clean install is being performed. Let’s just say I’m apprehensive about the whole thing.

6. My Christmas tree came down on 12/27.

7. I dislike how I feel after indulging in way too many sweets over the holiday and beyond. I’m done now and moving on.

8. I am in taper mode of marathon training and I miss running a lot. Weird I know. I will write more on this later. I just read a great article and realized that I have gone about tapering all wrong.

9. I am trying to use up everything in our refrigerator before we go. Pasta with broccoli and cherry tomatoes tonight.

10. I am running a marathon in 8 days! Me!!

Marathon Training Week 23

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After months of training the taper has begun and I hate it. I understand and value the importance of tapering mileage as the marathon nears. However, it couldn’t come at a worse time…Christmas! A treat here, a treat there, freaking treats are everywhere. Why can’t I just be one of those people who can walk right by cookies, candy and desserts without a second thought? Well I’m not and therefore felt like I had to do a little more than what my training schedule called for.

Date

Scheduled Run

Actual Workout
Sunday, 12/18/11 Rest Day Rest Day

 
Monday, 12/19/11 3 Mile Run 3 Mile Run

 
Tuesday, 12/20/11 Rest Day 4 Miles (The weather was nice and I had a little time when my husband came home from work.)

 
Wednesday, 12/21/11 5 Mile Run 5 Mile Run

 
Thursday, 12/22/11 Rest Day 40 minute run around home without my Garmin so not sure about the mileage

 
Friday, 12/23/11 2 Mile Run 5 Mile Run

 
Saturday, 12/24/11 Christmas Eve – no set plan 5 Mile Run at the gym; 30 minutes of strength training

 

A few of the runs felt sluggish. Yes the funk continues. I just wasn’t feeling the running this week. Could it be the crap I’ve been eating? I think so. This week I will be running my last double digit run and I will be cleaning up my diet. I also hope to finally get some new music to revive my running playlist in preparation for the marathon. Despite my blasé attitude today I am actually really excited about the marathon and our upcoming trip to Florida.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!

Best of running 2011

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I saw this on Stephanie’s blog Running to Health and I really love the idea of summarizing the highlights in my first full year as a “runner.” The questions come from Miss Zippy a new to me blog, but one I look forward to reading.

  • Best race experience? I think my best race experience this year would have to be my most recent half marathon in November. I had planned to do the 5k but when I broke my rib in September I didn’t bother signing up for the race. Just two days before the race I was feeling great and since my training plan called for 13 miles I thought I would go for it and do the Monson half marathon instead. It was a tough hilly course but the challenge of it made the finish even more sweet. It was my slowest half but considering where I had been just weeks before it was without a doubt the most gratifying race.
  • Best run? The 22 mile run a few weeks ago has been my best and longest run yet. It pushed me beyond my comfort zone and made me think twice about ever saying “I can’t!”
  • Best new piece of gear? I would have to say that my Garmin continues to be my favorite piece of running gear. I’m no longer stuck running around a track or calculating mileage in my car before a run.
  • Best piece of running advice you received? Do not compare yourself to others. Run within yourself and for yourself first.
  • Most inspirational runner? From the day my son took his first steps at 10 months old he was off and running. I knew I needed to get in shape and do something to keep up with him. Enter running! My son continues to inspire me to become a better, healthier person. I am also inspired by my younger cousin who has run a number of marathons and coaches for Team in Training.
  • If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, what would they be? Amazing in motion! Cheesy I know but true.

Happy Holidays everyone!

FMM: Have You Ever?

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I should probably rename this to Friend Makin’ Tuesday because I am in the habit of posting my Marathon Training weekly recap on Mondays. However, I like the change of pace that the question and answer format offers. It also lets me talk about something other than running. If you want to join in too answer the questions on your blog and then paste a link in the comments over on Kenlie’s blog All the Weigh.

FMM: Have You Ever?

1. …traveled outside of your home country?  If so, where?  I have lived in both Mexico and Mozambique. I’ve traveled to Niagra Falls and Quebec City, Canada. While living in Mozambique I visited Swaziland and South Africa. A couple of years ago we went on a very relaxing vacation to the Dominican Republic. This past September for our 10 year wedding anniversary my husband and I celebrated in Bermuda. I love to travel. This year we are hoping to visit Montreal and Portugal along with some U.S. destinations.

2. …performed on stage in front of at least 1,000 people? If so, share some details!  Oh my goodness never. I could never!

3. …watched an episode of Jersey Shore?  No I haven’t, but I hear it’s a hoot.

4. …baked a cake from scratch?  If so, what’s your specialty?  I have baked cakes from scratch though it’s been a while. My specialty is copying the wonderful recipes I find on food blogs.

5. …worked in a grocery store?  Yes I worked in a small food market when I was 15 years old. It was walking distance from my house.

6. …dated someone who was your best friend first?  No, but I would consider my husband my best friend.

7. …made a difference in someone’s life during Christmas?  Other than my son’s life (said with sarcasm). I’m not sure about this. I hope in some small way I made someone’s hospital stay a little more bearable on Christmas.

8. …been on TV?  Yes my swearing in ceremony for Peace Corps in Mozambique was televised and at the last minute my soon to be site mate had an attack of stage fright so I had to get up and read the speech in Portuguese that she was supposed to do. I was petrified too, but I felt so awful for her I just had to help her. Fortunately no one in Mozambique knew who I was at the time and they probably couldn’t understand me anyway since I had only recently learned Portuguese!

9. …had cosmetic surgery? No.

10. …learned a second language?  If so, what else do you speak? I speak Portuguese, much better now than when I gave that speech! I spoke Spanish but now it comes out sounding an awful lot like Portuguese. However, I’m still able to communicate with Spanish speaking patients which is extremely helpful where I work. They always seem grateful that I’m making an effort. I also speak enough of my husband’s first language, Shangana, to get around on my own in southern Mozambique. I understand more than I speak though I often don’t let on that I do and sometimes I surprise people when I know exactly what they just said. It’s fun and my accent always gets me a few laughs, but the Mozambicans love when I say anything in Shangana.

Marathon Training Week 22

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Things are really winding down with my marathon training yet I wasn’t quite ready to slow down. For the most part I stuck with the mileage I had on my calendar but you’ll see that on Friday I added some miles to my scheduled run. Honestly I just felt like running more that day so I went with it. I try to do active things on my rest day that aren’t forced or too strenuous. I also like to make sure Carlos and I get outside together. So here is the week in review.

Date

Scheduled Run

Actual Workout
Sunday, 12/11/11 4 Mile Run 4 Mile Run

 
Monday, 12/12/11 3 Mile Run 3 miles at the gym in just under 30 minutes; upper and lower body strength training for 45 minutes

 
Tuesday, 12/13/11 Rest Day Rest Day (does Christmas shopping count as a workout because it sure felt like one?!)

 
Wednesday, 12/14/11 5 Mile Run 5 Mile Run

 
Thursday, 12/15/11 Rest Day Rest Day (Carlos and I went to the college track for over an hour. He rode his scooter while I walked. I think we did about 2 miles.)

 
Friday, 12/16/11 3 Mile Run 8.5 Mile Run

 
Saturday, 12/17/11 8 Mile Run 8 Mile Run

 

It was a strange week for me. I wrote many a blog post in my head but never got around to actually typing them. For no apparent reason I felt very emotional (nope not pregnant or PMSing). I seriously started crying on at least two of my runs. Nothing outrageous just a few tear bursts but it’s never happened before. Weird?! OK maybe not so weird given these things that might have contributed to my eruption of emotions like the holidays, my baby turning 5 years old, marathon training tapering, a very upsetting situation at work when I went to assist with a patient on another unit, the excess of food always around this time of year, my snug pants and a few other things that probably only upset me because I can be very sensitive.

It felt good to cry a bit. I’m starting this week with a plan and a refrigerator full of vegetables. I’ve decided to loosely follow my marathon training plan and just go with how I feel combined with lots of stretching, a couple days of strength training and Wii dancing!

36&5

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Thirty six years ago today I received one of the best early Christmas gifts a 2 year old little girl can receive…a baby sister. She was like a real life baby doll. I wanted to take care of her, feed her and play with her. Our lives have taken us along very different paths sometimes close and other times very far apart both physically and emotionally. As time passes our bond as sisters has grown stronger. Traditionally it is the younger sister who looks up to the older sister. I have always looked up to my sister. I was horribly awkward during the teen years while my sister seemed to flow effortlessly amongst any group. She was smart, athletic, beautiful and stylish. Most importantly she was genuinely nice to everyone. Those qualities only enhance the responsible, independent, worldly woman she has become. I am honored and so very lucky to have such a wonderful sister.

Fast forward 31 years. Five years ago today I was in the hospital awaiting the birth of my first child. At 6:29 pm on December 17 my baby boy, Carlos, was born on my sister’s birthday. I was due on December 23, but kept praying I would have the baby on the 17th. It just seemed fitting to have my child on a family member’s birthday as I was born on my grandmother’s birthday.

I love that my sister and her only nephew share a special bond too. He changed our lives in many ways and brought so much joy to this month that begins with such sad memories for us. Carlos was just what we needed in our family. Words could never come close to expressing how much I adore him. These are the days I want time to stop so I can hold on to my baby boy before he is all grown up.

Today he was all little boy, giddy with excitement. Our day started at the crack of dawn. Finally at 6:30 we crept downstairs to give Carlos his gifts. We had everything set up last night. We gave him a Disney Cars table and chairs set (not very exciting I know!, but his previous set broke when Orlando decided to sit on the table and he really wanted another one. He was thrilled that this one featured the characters from Cars).

The real gift was the Wii. He recently played it at two of our friends’ homes so we knew he would like it. We never imagined his reaction. He loved it. He was so surprised and kept thanking us over and over telling us we are the “bestest” mom and dad ever! Needless to say I spent hours this morning riding Luigi around various tracks in Mario Kart. Fortunately new games were on their way later in the day.

Wii action

Krazy for Mario Kart

After hours of Wii I decided that as the mother of the birthday boy I too deserved a gift so I took some time to enjoy a nice 8 mile run on yet another gorgeous December day. From one mother to another I thank you Mother Nature. I did a slightly different route around home and it ended up being quite a hilly run with winds in my face for about half of it. I enjoyed the challenge though and actually made good time.

This evening we had family and good friends and their son over for pizza and cake to celebrate Carlos’ big day.

I couldn’t get a decent picture of Carlos blowing out the candle to save my life. His friend kept trying to blow out the candle too. It was a little crazy. This was the best I could do.

Carlos sitting with his Nonna and friend

My baby boy I mean big boy is sound asleep. I just went to check on him. I could sit and watch him sleep all day long. There is nothing more peaceful than a sleeping child or baby.  I am so blessed to have a beautiful, healthy son and a beautiful, healthy sister. So when people ask what was the best Christmas gift you ever got, it’s hard to imagine what could be better than the early Christmas gifts I received twice in my life on December 17th.

Marathon Training Week 21

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When I made out my marathon training schedule back in June I remember thinking how far away December seemed on the calendar. I wondered if I would be able to complete the longest run of my marathon training outdoors. Mother nature has certainly been showing her love to me. I’m still running almost every single run outside.

The big news of my training week is obviously my 22 mile long run. This is the longest distance I will run before the marathon. I ran it by myself as I have done nearly all of my runs. I ran a a relatively flat route because I wanted to get a feel for my pace and time because the Disney course is fairly flat.

I ran along the Norwottuck Rail Trail, a familiar bike trail that connects Northampton, Hadley and Amherst, MA, and continued onto a connecter trail that I had never been on before. There were people out scattered along the way. I ran 11 miles out which included two loops around Look Park in Northampton, MA and then the exact same route back. At least this way I was forced to finish what I had started!
I ran and ran and ran channeling my inner Forrest Gump. I only stopped to walk when I drank from my CamelBak or ate some Sharkies kids sports chews. These were new for me and I loved them. They reminded me of Sour Patch Kids only without the tartness. The website boasts the following facts about Sharkies chews:
  • USDA Certified Organic
  • 100% Vitamin C
  • No High Fructose Corn Syrup
  • No artificial dyes or flavors
  • No fat
  • Free of Wheat, Gluten & Nuts
I loved them. The only thing is the packaging is a bit big. I will probably empty them in a smaller plastic bag and carry them in my Spibelt. I also tried a Gu again. I had only tried one once before and hated it. I took an orange Gu at mile 18 and within minutes the tightness in my legs was noticeably less. I felt like I had a surge of energy and off I went. Those last 4 miles weren’t nearly as difficult as I imagined they would be. In fact all 22 miles were pretty incredible .

If I ever doubted my ability to run a marathon I don’t anymore. I knew that running to 22 miles was necessary for me to psychologically and physically feel ready for this marathon. This isn’t true for everyone training for a marathon. I think the most important thing is to do what feels right, be flexible and enjoy yourself.

Needless to say the long run altered my schedule for the remainder of the week. Here’s a look at how it went.

Date

Scheduled Run

Actual Workout
Sunday, 12/4/11 Rest Day 22 Mile Run
Monday, 12/5/11 4 Mile Run 30 minutes on Arc Trainer; upper body strength training
Tuesday, 12/6/11 Rest Day 5 Mile Run
Wednesday, 12/7/11 4 Mile Run 4.5 Mile Run
Thursday, 12/8/11 Rest Day 8 Mile Run
Friday, 12/9/11 4 Mile Run Rest Day
Saturday, 12/10/11 9 Mile Run 9 Mile Run

On Monday I was in absolutely no mood to run at all! So I didn’t. Instead I went to the gym. Tuesday was a scheduled rest day, but the weather was decent and my husband was home so I took off for an unplanned run and ended up going for 5 miles. Wednesday I ran my 8 and 9 mile runs around home. The route is quite hilly, but I was bounding up those hills with ease.

The other night at a party my friend announced that I was a runner and I would be running a maraton. I still feel funny when other people call me a runner. Somewhere in my head I think I am supposed to look differently in order to be considered a runner. The truth is that marathon or not I would have been out there running anyway because as Marion would say, it makes me feel awesome. Runners come in all shapes, sizes, colors, ages and levels of fitness. What matters most is that we are all out there running and doing something we love. I am a runner because I run, race or no race and it is awesome!

Sunday Ramblings

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1. We had two parties to go to this weekend and it was my weekend to work so I didn’t have a lot of time to get creative. There are two go to salads that I’m able to whip up fairly quickly for a party or get together. The first is one of my own concoctions. It’s simple, light and really quick and easy to make.

Broccoli Slaw Salad


1 bag of broccoli slaw

half a cup of Craisins

1/3 cup of crumbled goat cheese

1/4 cup of slivered almonds

mix with about 1/2 cup Poppy Seed dressing (any kind will do)

-The measurements are estimates. I never actually measure. I just eyeball it because it’s really up to what I have on hand. I’ve also added matchstick sliced apples or pears, peanuts instead of almonds and I’ve used a lemon vinaigrette dressing rather than poppy seed dressing though I prefer the poppy seed.

The other is Southwestern Black Bean Salad compliments of Gina at Skinnytaste. If you have never visited this website please do. It is a treasure chest of recipes complete with Weight Watcher points and nutritional stats not to mention the gorgeous photos that accompany each recipe. I get rave reviews every time I bring this salad somewhere and I am always asked to provide the recipe.

2. My favorite facial cleanser is Checks and Balances by Origins. I try to be economical and at $15 this product seems a little pricy to me. I didn’t buy it again after I ran out last time and I have missed it ever since. My face just doesn’t feel as squeaky clean with the other cleansers I tried. I received an email from Origins offering free shipping and 20% off so I ordered the cleanser. I’m so happy to have it back. Now I will say this stuff lasts forever and I probably only go through 2 tubes a year. I think my face is worthy of $30 a year!

3.  Mother Nature has been ridiculously awesome this December. I never imagined I would still be running outdoors at this point, but I am taking full advantage of the clear weather.

4.  I haven’t even started Christmas shopping unless you count the fact that I have Amazon.com open in another tab on my browser and I have three things in my cart. This month is going by way too fast.

5.  My baby is going to be 5 years old on Saturday. He was born on my sister’s birthday. For years she has been trying to convince us how horrible it is to have a December birthday especially one a week away from Christmas. I believe it now and ironically Scary Mommy did a fantastically funny post about this topic. She would like to declare March National Abstinence Month!

6. Only 23 days until the Disney Marathon! I received my bib number. It is 8503. It’s starting to feel real! And speaking of the marathon…I will be back tomorrow will a recap of my training last week. It was a great week.