Friend Makin' Monday: My Community

Happy Birthday Week to Me! My birthday is on Wednesday, and my plans of going to the beach may not happen, due to pending rain. =/ I must be the only person crazy enough to workout on my birthday though, since I'm planning on going to spin class. Hey, I have to justify my annual baby back ribs and brownie sundae somehow, right? ;-) Anyway, on to this week's Friend Makin' Monday post!

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here at: www.alltheweigh.com, so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

My Community

1. Where were you born? Did you grow up there? I've lived in New Jersey my whole life, but moved from Elizabeth to Middletown when I was 11.

2. Tell us about your favorite spot in your city. The local bayside beach that's a block from my house.

3. Do you volunteer for any organizations? If so, will you tell us about it? I don't. =(

4. Tell us about your favorite local restaurant. My favorite area restaurant is in one of the other local towns (Red Bank). It's called Surf Taco, and has awesome food (Teriyaki chicken taco FTW!) and is very reasonably priced.

5. Has your city ever experienced tragedy?  If so, how did it recover? Hurricane Sandy hit parts of my town hard. My area was fine, but others weren't so lucky. I still see rebuilding even after nine months.

6. Share at least one unique thing about your neighborhood. I'm a block from the beach. Doesn't get better than that.

7. If you could do one small thing to change your community, what would you do? Create adult fitness programs in the community! I feel like everything is aimed for kids!

8. The Powerball is currently up to 400 million dollars. Would you move to a different place if you won? I would move to a different part of town, mostly for a bigger house with a pool, but I would stay in Jersey for sure. I can't imagine living anywhere else.

Now it’s your turn to answer this week’s questions! Don’t forget to come back and link up in the comments! Happy Monday!

Foodie Pen Pals: July 2013

I was supposed to write this yesterday, but I lost motivation to do much of anything after work. Blah. So, here is my Foodie Pen Pals post for July!

My box for July comes from Sierra of C'Mon Fatso. After exchanging e-mails, I had all this waiting for me on a hot weekday afternoon.

As you can see, most of it was chocolate, which sadly melted on its way to me. =( However, thanks to my refrigerator, it hardened up soon enough, and I was able to enjoy it!

Full breakdown of the box:

• Cinnamon almonds. Otherwise known as the best non-chocolate treat ever.
• Nutella on the go. I love hazelnuts, but have never been a big fan of Nutella. Guess I like my hazelnuts and chocolate separate.
• Bug Bites Organic Chocolate (Milk and Dark). Perfect size for when a craving strikes. Or when you want to make a s'more. ;-)
• Peanut Butter and Co. packets in Smooth and Dark Chocolate. I love the Dark Chocolate, and you can never go wrong with creamy.
• Chocolove Milk Chocolate. You can never go wrong with milk chocolate. Ever.
• Chocolove Toffee and Almond in Milk Chocolate. Another delicious treat.
• TCHO Pure Notes Dark Chocolate with subtle "Nutty" notes. The "Nutty" actually has hints of espresso with roasted nut undertones. Chocolate and coffee? LOVE!
• A copy of Julie and Julia. I loved the movie, but never got to read the book. Guess I have no excuse anymore, right? ;-)

For more information about Foodie Pen Pals, and how you can sign up for August, be sure to check out Lindsay's page over at The Lean Green Bean! Happy eating! =)

Friend Makin' Mondays: Ten Things That Make Me Happy

Crazy week this week! I actually had a 37 hour week (picked up a total of nine hours-WIN!), plus put in my usual 8 hours in the gym, including trying a new class (Centergy, which is basically yoga and Pilates in one class) and went to a party for work! Whew! Thankfully, I get a break, as I'm off tomorrow. Heading to the gym in a bit, but first, a Friend Makin' Monday post!

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

10 Things That Make Me Happy

1) My two and a half month old nephew Hayden. I seriously love this little guy to bits. =)

2) Working out, especially kickboxing and spinning. 

3) Sparkly Soul headbands. I own 13, and am still adding to my collection!

4) The Good Wife. Seriously, if you have not watched this show, get the DVD's and start watching from the beginning. Best show on network TV.

5) Fro-yo. I have a horrible sweet tooth, even after losing over 90 pounds. I keep it in check though! Just one treat a week.

6) Baked potato soup. I work at Panera, and we serve it twice a week. However, anytime I go out to another restaurant and if they have baked potato soup, I will order it for sure!

7) The Fitblog/Fitbloggin' community! I went to the conference for the first time in 2012, and just felt so welcome from the moment I arrived. I was heartbroken when I couldn't go this year (a $9/hour job only goes so far), but the awesome Susan at FoodFoodBodyBody (Twitter @FoodieMcBody) was willing to send postcards to those who weren't able to attend this year's conference. Of course, I wanted one! It was such a sweet idea!

8) Music of just about any kind. I'm not a huge fan of rap or heavy metal, and am not the biggest country lover, but I dig just about anything else. Lately, I've been on a classic rock kick.

9) Clothes! I think this automatically comes with weight loss, but I still love shopping for new clothes. I'm planning on buying a pair of Lululemon capris either this week or next week as a birthday/90 pound loss present to myself. Expensive yes, but so worth the hard work!

10) Iced coffee. More specifically, iced lattes. My personal fav? Starbucks Skinny Vanilla.

Now it’s your turn to answer this week’s questions!  Take time to get to know someone new this week, leave a few comments and come back and link up in the comments at All the Weigh! Happy Monday, friends!

Friend Makin' Mondays: Let's Talk About TV

Hi, all! What's Monday to most is (usually) Friday to me! I'm off work for the next two days, and plan on chillin, with my usual spin tomorrow night, of course. ;-) Anyway, I saw the FMM this week was TV, and since I am a TV fanatic, I just had to take part!

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

Let’s Talk About TV

1.  Share your current “Must-See” TV shows.  Summer shows: Necessary Roughness, Rizzoli and Isles, and Perception. Fall shows: The Good Wife, Glee, Parks and Rec, and Downton Abbey.

2.  Do you prefer reality shows or sitcoms?  Sitcoms, but The Amazing Race trumps just about anything.

3. Who is your favorite talk show host? Conan O' Brian.

4. Which network(s) do you turn to for news?  MSNBC. If I can watch it, I love Rachel Maddow's show on there.

5. Do you have Tivo or DVR?  If so, which programs do you have set to record? I hijacked the one DVR in the house. I record Days of our Lives, General Hospital, New Girl, and any other programs as I want to (mostly late night shows for a certain guest).

6. Have you ever started watching a show simply because you heard so much about it on social media?  If so, which one did you watch?  Downton Abbey. I would see tweets about it, and last summer blasted through two seasons on Hulu. Yes, the wait to January eventually drove me crazy too.

7. List any TV series that you own on DVD.  I own way too many partial seasons on disc (mostly shows still airing). Complete series I own though are 30 Rock, The Golden Girls, Pushing Daisies, The West Wing, and Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.

8.  Do you have a subscription to Netflix, Hulu, etc? I have a Hulu account, mostly to watch One Life to Live now that it's airing again! 

9.  If you could star in a TV show that already exists, which one would you choose?  So many to choose! My top choice would have to be The Good Wife though. Best cast in all of primetime right now.

10.  If you could bring back one TV show that is no longer on the air, which one would you choose?  Studio 60. When NBC cancelled it, I felt like the finale was too open. There was so much more they could have done if given another season.

Friend Makin' Mondays: Foodie Questions

Happy Monday, everyone! After a crazy day at work, I went to an awesome cardio kickboxing class! I left the gym feeling happy and about 700 calories lighter!

Anyway, since it's Monday, here's another Friend Makin' Monday post!

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

Foodie Questions

1. Do you make grocery lists? I don't make my own, but my mom makes one for the house, and I just add to it.

2.  Do you have a routine when shopping in your favorite grocery store?  Start in the produce section and work my way around.

3.  What is your favorite seasoning? Cinnamon sugar

4.  What is the healthiest food in your fridge right now?  Greek yogurt with cornflakes and some sort of nuts.

5.  What is the most unhealthy food in your fridge now?  Vanilla Frappuccino light bottles. I do ration them though. ;-)

6. What is the most exotic produce you’ve ever had? I haven't had anything exotic.

7. Tell us about your favorite local restaurant.  I love this place called Surf Taco. It's a small chain in my area, and it's Mexican with a Cali twist. They have an amazing teriyaki chicken taco!

8.  What kind of pasta do you prefer (regular, whole wheat, etc.?) Whole wheat. It's gotten to the point where I cook whole wheat pasta on the nights my family has regular.

9. If you could make one food calorie-free for an entire week, which food would you choose?  That's easy. Baby back ribs. I used to eat them all the time, now I save them for my birthday dinner each year.

10.  If you had to choose would you rather give up french fries or chocolate?  French fries. I can't go without my post-workout chocolate milk!

Now it’s your turn to answer this week’s questions.  I’d really like to grow FMM so look for some fun changes in the coming weeks!  And don’t forget to come back and link up in the comments!  Happy Monday, darlings!

Friend Makin' Mondays: Easy Answers

HUGE milestone this week! I FINALLY hit my 90 pound weight loss on Friday! Only nine pounds to goal! 

Anyway, I wanted to post something a little light, so I decided to do a Friend Makin' Monday post! =)

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

 Easy Answers

1.  Are you a planner, or do you prefer to see where the moment takes you?  I am such a planner! I like to know what's coming. 

2.  How often do you blog?  I've been horrible lately! I lately have only been posting when I do Foodie Pen Pals and the occasional Friend Makin' Monday post, but life has been too crazy for me to post regularly. I hope to fix this soon!

3.  Do you color your hair?  Yes. I started getting highlights about two years ago, and have gotten them once or twice a year since.

4. If you had to choose between running or riding a bike, which one would you choose? Running! I'm only a bike rider in the gym. ;-)

5.  Have you ever traveled outside of your home country?  No

6.  Do you like weddings?  Do the ones in movies count?

7.  What is your favorite guilty pleasure on TV?  South Park. Stupid but hilarious. Not to mention there's a character named Butters.

8.  Are you good at math?  No way. I got more C's in math classes than anything else.

9.  What is the last movie you watched?  National Lampoon's Vacation on TV yesterday. Clark Griswold punching the Walley head still cracks me up!

10.  Share five adjectives that your friends would use to describe you.  Inspirational, determined, kind, friendly, adorable

Bonus:  Did you celebrate Independence Day?  If so, what did you do? I went to the gym, saw Despicable Me 2, and hung out with my parents.

Now it’s your turn to answer this week’s questions.  Don’t forget to link up at All the Weigh, and say hi to someone new this week.  Happy Monday, lovies!  =)

Union Beach 5K (Union Beach, NJ)

It's hard to believe that it's been just over a week since I ran my fifth 5K! Life has been crazy in more ways than one (but that's another post), so I'm just now getting to write the recap for this race!


If it wasn't for Hurricane Sandy back in October, this race probably wouldn't have happened. Union Beach was one of the harder hit areas when the hurricane hit the Jersey Shore, and there are still signs of rebuilding. This race was a fundraiser for hurricane relief, as well as showing that the town (and its people) aren't going anywhere.

As soon as I saw this race on the Jersey Shore Running Club page, I was sold.

Heat and humidity seemed to be the story of the training cycle, and race morning was no exception. I woke up at 7:00 that morning, and the humidity was about 85-90 percent. Nonetheless, I was still going for the PR.

Once I got to the race site, it was the usual walking around, staying loose and hydrated before lining up for the start. I also took a few moments to remember the real reason for the race: Restore the Shore and staying U.B. Strong!

Soon enough, it was lineup time. There were no timing chips, so there was no start mat, just two Jersey Strong flags as the start banners. I stood in about the middle of the pack. This was a BAD idea, and soon enough, I will learn this lesson. There were almost 600 runners, and as a result, a crowded start.

Next thing I knew, we were off! My fifth 5K was underway!

My adrenaline level must have been a little too high at the start. I completed my first mile around 10:25, my fastest mile ever! Again, I started too fast, which seems to be a lesson I never learned, despite having this experience at every race I've done. 

Oh, and on another note, I saw Cassie, my kickboxing instructor, and a Union Beach resident (one of the lucky ones who didn't see much damage to her residence) about a half mile in. "Born to Be Wild" by Steppenwolf was playing at this point. I wonder if this is supposed to mean anything...lol. ;-)

Anyway, once that fast first mile ended, the humidity started to take its toll on me. My second mile was about two minutes slower than my first, and the thought of a PR was slipping away. At that point, I told myself that no matter what, this was a dream just two years ago, and that no matter what time I finished, it would still be a finish!

My third mile felt a little faster, but still slow. The last stretch of the race was on a (paved) trail, and since it was the end of the race, the trail felt endless, of course.

But soon enough, I found enough strength in me to sprint out the last few yards, and felt great crossing the finish line! I knew I didn't get the PR, but still felt strong, given the humidity that had slapped me in the face that morning. 

I got my official time a few hours later. Since there were no timing chips (my only complaint about this race), everyone had the same start time. From the official start to finish, I came in at 36:47, just about 2:00 short of a PR. If conditions were perfect, I would have gotten it, but given the humidity, I was pleased with that time. I also realized that I'm still rebuilding my running this year as well. 

Overall, this race was amazing. For an inaugural event, it was super organized, which was surprising in a good way. It also amazed me that almost 600 runners came out for this, which shows just how much impact this small town has on the "Restore the Shore" movement. Again, my one complaint was the lack of timing chips. If there were chips, I may have gone further back in the pack, but I made the best of it. The course was fast and flat, so if this race happens again next year, I plan on running it again!

Friend Makin' Mondays: How Do You Celebrate?

It's been awhile since I blogged (busy life, both good and bad, but that's another post), but I saw this Friend Makin' Monday topic, and I just had to post on this one!

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

How Do You Celebrate?

1. When is your birthday?  August 7, just less than two months away!

2.  Do you like to celebrate it or do you prefer to keep it quiet? A little of both. I definitely do something around the time of my birthday, but sometimes the day is quiet.  

3. Have you ever had a surprise party?  No, but I would love one. Only problem is people being in the same place during the summer!

4. What sign are you?  Does it represent you well?  I'm a Leo. My sign fits me well. Plus, I love lions!

5.  Do you tell the truth about your age?  Yes, I’m 27, and people are shocked at that (like my 17 and 18 year old co-workers)

6.  Share your best birthday memory. 25 in Atlantic City.

7.  Share a few item that could be on your birthday wishlist.  Kindle Fire HD, gift cards to practically any clothing store in the world, Downton Abbey season 3 DVD, and a Garmin Forerunner.

8.  What is your favorite kind of cake? Oreo or Snickers cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory. A VERY rare treat for me.

9.  If you could be anywhere on your next birthday, where would you be? Tough call. Either on the beach or NYC. I'll probably end up at the gym in the morning though at least. ;-)

10.  Do you make a wish when you blow out the candles?  Of course. =)

2013 Spring Into Summer 5K Training: Week 8

Totally forgot to put this up on Sunday night! This last week and a half flew by! I can't believe it's been almost a week since my 5K! As I headed into the final stretch, I took it easy, but still had a solid week!

Monday: REST

Tuesday: Weights/Spin/Core

900 calorie burn in just over 90 minutes on the bike. Awesome.

Wednesday: 20 minutes elliptical/Core

Recovery run on the elliptical, plus a core class. Nothing fancy.

Thursday: 2.47 mile run

My final training run, and this one ended up being a shakeout. At first I was disappointed with the pace (12:13/mile), but I think I needed a slower run. It also didn't help that I wasn't fully focused either.

Friday: REST

Saturday: Spring Into Summer 5K!

Sunday: REST

I could not have asked for the final week to go any better than it did. Even though I didn't get the PR I was chasing (read the race recap), it still turned out to be an awesome race! I can't wait to see what's next!

2013 Spring Into Summer 5K (Middletown, NJ)

This was a race I wasn't sure would happen.

After I injured my knee back in August, I did a lot of soul searching, and seriously questioned whether or not I would run in 2013.

When the e-mail for this race popped up back in December, I knew right away that it screamed "comeback." After about two months of indecisiveness, I took the plunge and signed up. I spent those two months training and wondering if I made the right decision.

This morning, I knew I did.

The day started like most race days do. 6:30 wake up, breakfast, and checking my social media platforms. About an hour later, I was off to the race site!

Once I got there, it was a lot of walking around staying loose until lineup. Like last year, they ran the one mile race before the 5K. Watching the little kids run had to be the cutest thing ever. If only I started running when I was that little...

Not too long after that, it was time to lineup for the 5K. Two months and around 40 miles of training came down to one 3.1 mile run. If nerves didn't kick in before, they sure did just before the gun went off!

Next thing I knew, it was go time! My fourth 5K was underway.

I ran with my phone, as I did while I was training. I had my playlist uploaded on there and I was using RunKeeper to track my distance as best as possible. However, unlike training, I shut off the audio cues. They drove me crazy during training runs, and I didn't need or want any more stress.

I hit the first mile in just under 11:00. Like last year, I started a little too fast and this ended up being my fastest mile. Oh well. Something to work on for future races, I guess!

The second mile was the toughest, mentally and physically. I hit this one about 30 seconds slower than my first. Still, I was pushing for the PR.

Somehow, I went even slower on the third mile. I guess the fast first mile kicked me in the ass. That one was slightly slower until the last tenth.

I BOLTED that last tenth of a mile. I wanted to finish strong, and I felt that way crossing the finish line! My first three races I felt more relief than strength, but this year, I felt so strong and amazing!

When I stopped RunKeeper just after crossing, I ended that at 35:02, but it had a distance of 3.19 miles. I then realized that it was A LOT of zig-zagging, especially for the first half mile or so. Still, considering just six weeks ago I ran that exact distance 4:38 slower than today, I was VERY happy with that. I knew that no matter what the official time said, I had beat my Red Bank time from almost a year ago. In short, REDEMPTION AT LAST!!

I got my official time about four hours later. Clock time had me at 35:45, chip time at 34:57. Two seconds short of a PR, but I was still very happy with that time. I ran with my heart, gave it my all, and believed in myself at last!

About six weeks ago, I said I was done with running. Now, I am thinking otherwise. Granted, I won't make like last year and sign up for two more races in a seven week span, but I will leave the door open. If I see an opportunity and feel up to it, I might take advantage of it. Who knows? The road is long, and I'm not done yet!

Thank you everyone for supporting me throughout these last two months! Even this morning, as I was seeing tweets/Facebook posts on my phone this morning, it meant the world to me! 

Spring Into Summer 5K Goals

In just less than 10 hours, I will be running my fourth 5K, and first in almost a year and my first post-injury race. While my training has had its ups and downs, I'm feeling strong going into tomorrow. Yet, there's still a little part of me that will be wondering if all that training was enough.

I have one main goal in mind tomorrow: Redemption.

I am running my first race since the heartbreak in Red Bank last June, and my first since I got hurt in August. While the whole "As long as you finish" thing is something that I KNOW I can do, I not only want to finish, I want to beat the time from last June (35:51).

Still, I do have some other hopes for this race:

1) Finish. Yes, I know I've done longer in training, but anything can happen, and I want to be able to complete the race.

2) Finish between 34:56-35:50. This would not put me in PR range, but would beat my Red Bank time.

3) PR-34:30-34:55. Based on most training runs, this looks realistic. I would need to maintain a 11:06-11:15 mile. I would totally take that!

4) PR-34:00-34:29. I would need to run below 11:00/mile. I can do it, but it's been inconsistent. Still, if I feel it tomorrow, I'm going for it!

5) PR-below 34:00. Hey, a girl can dream, right? ;-)

I just want to thank everyone for all the love and support going into tomorrow. You guys are the best! Just for that, I'm leaving you with a special treat: Flat Tracy, who is ready to ROCK tomorrow! =D

Foodie Pen Pals: April 2013

Hi, everybody! It's the end of the month, which means Foodie Pen Pals reveal day!

My box this month comes from Kathy, who, believe it or not, was my first Foodie Pen Pal recipient! Small world, huh? ;-)

Anyway, I got my box and it was full of nuts (literally). All of it was Trader Joe's stuff, which was awesome since I really can't get to the one in my area. 

• Cashew Pieces. Yummy!
• Mixed Nuts with Peanuts. The bag had (besides peanuts) almonds, pecans, and Brazil nuts. Can't go wrong here!
• Candied Pecans. One word: Amazing!
• Sunflower Seeds. I was never really a fan of them, but these were good.

For more information about Foodie Pen Pals (and about how you can sign up for May), check out Lindsay's page over at The Lean Green Bean! =D

2013 Spring Into Summer 5K Training: Week 7

My focus on this week was recovery, which worked well in the beginning, but not so much toward the end. I just listened to my body and ran when it felt good.

Monday: Core + 20 minutes elliptical

Definitely an active recovery day. I did a quick 20 minutes on the elliptical, focusing on maintaining a lower heart rate while staying in motion. After that, I did a core class.

Tuesday: Spin (90 minutes) + Core

Usual Tuesday night routine. I wasn't feeling it at first, but I stuck with it!

Wednesday: REST

Thursday: REST

Friday: 2.67 mile run.

This run had "shakeout" written all over it. Pace was slow (11:54/mile), but at least I ran negative splits, which is something I want to accomplish on race day!

Saturday: Weights + Spin + Core

Only a 60 minute spin on Saturday morning, but I still made every second count! I lifted before, and did a core class after.

Sunday: 2 mile run

This run was unplanned, but it was so nice out yesterday, that I couldn't say no to a run! So I went out for a quick two miles. Pace was about what I want on race day (11:22/mile), but without negative splits. I guess consistency will be the name of the game this week.

Officially in race week! Five days to go, and I couldn't be more excited! I have been waiting for this moment for almost a year, partially for redemption from June, and partially to get back to a race!

2013 Spring Into Summer 5K Training Week 6

Six weeks down, two to go, and I'm feeling stronger than ever! =D 

Monday: Core + Kick

Monday's core was not one for beginners! My instructor was testing the October release, and it is definitely an advanced one! As often as I've done core classes, I still felt lost with this one! Kick was tough as well, but I din't feel as lost. Still a solid hour and change of training though.

Tuesday: Spin + Core

My shoulder was sore from kick on Monday, so I didn't get any lifting in like I usually do on Tuesdays. I just did my usual spin and core.

Wednesday: REST

Thursday: 3.51 mile run

This run was planned, but the distance was not. It was one of those where I started, and sort of underestimated the distance. So I ran about a mile more than I planned. Oops. Let's just say I was feeling this one for awhile...

Friday: REST

Saturday: REST

Sunday: 2 mile run

Well, this one was a little over two miles. My pace overall was 11:14/mile! I just wanted to let out some adrenaline, and that I did! If I can maintain this, I see myself PR'ing my 5K! 

Overall, I'm happy with this week! Yes, I slacked in the strength training area, but I didn't want to aggravate my shoulder. With less than two weeks to go, I don't want to risk injury of any kind! It's crunch time now, and I'm taking this coming week as active recovery before I hit the final stretch. We'll see how well it goes.

2013 Spring Into Summer 5K Training Week 5

Solid week of training with almost no pain! With just less than three weeks to race day, this is AWESOME!!

Monday: REST

Tuesday: Core + 2.15 mile run

I had a Tuesday off for the first time in ages. I went to the gym in the morning for that core class. I followed that with a 2.15 mile run on the treadmill. I completed that in 30 minutes, and felt strong, but slow. Proof that I hate treadmills. =P

Wednesday: 2.71 mile run

I try not to run on consecutive days, but since I was unsure when I would get another chance to, I decided to go for it. Right choice indeed. I completed this one in 32:05 (11:50/mile). Consistently maintaining a sub 12:00/mile now! Huge for my confidence.

Thursday: Weights + Spin + Core

I skipped Tuesday spin since I had to get the cleats on my spin shoes replaced (but that's another post), plus I knew I was going on Saturday. So, I went to the Thursday class instead. Class was the same as the Saturday before (test release), but with my new shoes. It felt weird, but awesome at the same time. I did weights before and core after.

Friday: REST

Saturday: Weights + Spin + Core

Different spin class than Thursday, but it was still awesome! The format got changed (ten tracks as opposed to just nine), but honestly, I feel like that made the class go faster! I also did my usual weights and core.

Sunday: 2.63 mile run

I broke an 11:00 mile! Okay, barely (10:58), but I still did it! I felt incredibly strong during this outing, and feel myself coming back to where I was last year! I completed this one in 30:09 (11:29/mile pace), putting me within seconds of the pace when I PR'd my 5K last year (11:26/mile). 

As the race gets closer, the weather finally broke, my adrenaline is surging, and my confidence is stronger than ever! I'm right where I want to be, and with 19 days to go, this is a beautiful thing!

2013 Spring Into Summer 5K Training Week 4

Note to self: DO NOT wait until Tuesday to post the previous week's training log...

As I'm going through training, I have found that three days of running is still a little too much on my body. I find that two days a week still allows me to push myself and not worry about going overboard. On that note, I'm finding my confidence at just about the right time too with just less than four weeks to go!

Monday: 2.54 mile run

I admit, I'm still working on getting speed back, and this run was not my best with a pace of 12:40/mile, but I gave it my all, and that's what counts, right? ;-)

Tuesday: Spin (90 minutes) + Core

Usual Tuesday night routine. 786 calories burned just during spin. Awesome feeling. =D

Wednesday: Weights + Core + 20 minutes Elliptical

I was off work Wednesday, so I took advantage of the day and went to core in the morning (only time my gym has it on Wednesdays =P), and did weights before followed by a quick 20 minute round on the elliptical.

Thursday: REST

Friday: REST

Saturday: Weights + Spin + Core

Spin was BRUTAL on Saturday morning! My instructor was testing the October release, and it was mostly standing climbs! Awesome workout for sure! I also did my usual weights and core as well.

Sunday: 2.56 mile run

This run was much needed, both mentally and physically. Rough day at work, and all I wanted to do was run. Of course, my RunKeeper wasn't working, so I used MapMyRun. According to that, I completed 2.6 miles in just over 30 minutes (11:43/mile). If that is accurate (and I felt like it was), I am within striking distance of my goal pace (11:30/mile)! This was a huge boost for my confidence! =D

Last week was awesome! For the first time in a long time, I felt so strong, both in the gym and on the pavement! With just less than four weeks to go, I am peaking at the right time! =D

Foodie Pen Pals: March 2013

I know Foodie Pen Pals reveal day was Monday, but sadly, I forgot about it until about 9:30 last night, when I was to tired to write anything coherent. So here is my reveal!

My box from March comes from Nichole, who is also a Jersey girl!

Here's what I got:

• Cinnamon pita chips. Can't go wrong here!
• Maple butter. Never tried it, so I can't wait to crack the jar open!
• Caramel Shortbread. Sticky and sweet, but totally delicious!

Nichole actually gave me the recipe for the shortbread. If I ever have time, I plan on making it myself! It was that good!

To see what I sent, check out Adrienne's blog over at "My Journal. My Eat, Pray, Love Journey!" For more on how to become a Foodie Pen Pal (and even to sign up for April), check out Lindsay's page "The Lean Green Bean!" =)

2013 Spring Into Summer 5K Training: Week 3

Hi, everybody! Happy April, and most importantly, Happy Opening Day for all us baseball fans! =)

Anyway, I forgot to post last week's training log last night, so here it is!

Monday: Strength Training + Core + Kick

The weather was not cooperating for the run I was originally planning on, so off to the gym I went for Monday night kick. Before kick, I lifted for about 20 minutes and did a 30 minute core class.

Tuesday: Spin (75 minutes) + Core

I got a little less time on the bike than I was originally planning on, but I still rocked it! I also did a core class after. 

Wednesday: REST

Thursday: 2.68 mile run

I knew it would be too dark to run after I got home from work on Thursday night, so I woke up early and ran before work! Pace was slow (36:26 total, averaging 13:37/mile), but I felt strong and ready to face the world! Or at least the customers at work. ;-)

Friday: REST

Saturday: 3.19 mile run

This run was planned, but the time and distance were not. I ended up running the furthest I have in nearly a year, and my pace was improved from my last couple of runs (39:40, averaging 12:26/mile). While it's not where I WANT to be, I think this is where I SHOULD be, and now I know I can complete the distance again!

Sunday: REST

HUGE improvements in the last two weeks! It was just two weeks ago that I was barely able to complete a 2.91 mile run in 40 minutes! On Saturday, I completed a 5K, plus 0.9 miles in less than that! My cross-training has been awesome too! With just less than five weeks until race day, I have a feeling I will keep improving, as long as I don't go over the edge!

Have a great week!

2013 Spring Into Summer 5K Training: Week 2

This week was not a good week at all. Only one run this week, and three days of working out in total. I had a crazy week at work, and when I wasn't working, my body was telling me to rest, and I listened. Anyway, here's a recap of the week:

Monday: 2.4 mile run (AM) + 30 Day Shred Level 3 (PM)

Only run this week (FAIL!), and it was so-so. I ran the same distance as I did on Sunday, but the pace was about 30 seconds a mile slower. Conditions were a little less than favorable on Monday though (about 15 degrees colder with heavier wind). I wasn't feeling the gym, so I popped in my 30 Day Shred disc, and still got my ass kicked on Level 3. Worth it though!

Tuesday: Spin (90 minutes) + Weights + Core

Tuesdays have become my "Spin and a Half" nights. I had the same rush as I did last Tuesday, and the feeling was amazing! After the spin classes, I did a core class.

Wednesday/Thursday/Friday: REST

Wednesday and Friday's were planned, but Thursday's was not. Thursday was supposed to be a running day, but my body decided it didn't want to get up to go running before work. I took this a sign that I needed more rest, so I listened to this. Good thing I did. I ended up working back to back 11 hour shifts on Thursday and Friday. =P

Saturday: Weights + Spin + Core

I took Saturday off work to go to a family party in the afternoon, so I took the morning for myself and went to spin! I also did weights before the class, and did a core class after.

Sunday: REST

Another unplanned rest day. Everything caught up to me, and I just crashed when I got home from work this afternoon. Epic fail.

I take full accountability for not accomplishing everything I planned on this week. Yes, it was crazy, but I could have still gotten some sort of run out today. However, I have become better at listening to my body, and it was telling me to rest more this week. Six weeks to the race, and I honestly don't feel ready for it. However, six weeks is still a lot of time, and I believe I can make good progress in that time.

Have a good week, everyone!

Goodbye, Running

After letting this sink in for about two days, I finally decided to blog about it.

I'm leaving the sport of running after my 5K on May 4.

This decision was not an easy one at all. In fact, I was hoping that this race would spring my comeback to the sport after almost a year away. However, after a training run on Monday, I realized that the passion just isn't there like it was a year ago. It might be partially due to the knee, and partially because I've found so much else I love fitness-wise, but I'm just not into running like I was when I first started.

You may call me a quitter or say that I just didn't give myself a chance to come back. Honestly, I actually find myself stressed out over training for ONE 3.1 mile race and bored when I run. I'm actually glad I realized this now, when I'm training for a shorter distance rather than going further and making this discovery when I already paid for and started training for, say, a half-marathon. 

Over the last year, I have realized that not everything is for everyone. My body simply isn't built for running or cardio dance (as I found out the hard way). I have found my true fitness loves in cardio kickboxing and spinning, so I'll stick with those. I would rather invest my time and energy into my passion rather than pass it with something that feels more like a chore.

Maybe I'll revisit the sport, maybe not. Either way, I feel like I made the right decision, and have no regrets with at least giving myself the chance to try becoming a runner.

2013 Spring Into Summer 5K Training: Week 1

Hi, all! Last week was crazy, but I managed to get some solid training in! My knee did hit a sore spot on Friday, but after a few days rest, it was fine and I was able to get going again!

Monday: Core+Kick

Two weeks ago, I said I was going to give up kick until after my 5K. However, since I decided to postpone training for a week, I did my regular Monday doubleheader of core and kick. Totally worth it.

Tuesday: Strength Training+Spin (90 minutes)+Core

I got off of work at 4 on Tuesday, and didn't feel like going home before my spin class at 6, so I went to the gym to squeeze in some weight training before the class. Well, one spin class turned into a spin and a half, since my gym now offers a 30 minute spin. I was surging throughout the second class, and the momentum went with me into core!

Wednesday: REST

Only day off work, so I took the day off from exercise too.

Thursday: C25K Week 2, Day 1

First training run, and while it was windier than I thought it would be, I pushed through and ran 2.91 miles in 40:12 (13:48/mile). My first time running negative splits EVER! While my pace was not where I hoped it would be, I made improvements on my first post-injury run in February (2 miles in 30 minutes). I'll take it.

Friday: REST

My knee was giving me some issues, so I took an unplanned rest day.

Saturday: REST

Knee was feeling better, but I still took the extra rest day. Plus, I had laundry to do. What fun. =P

Sunday: C25K Week 2, Day 2.

Not windy at all outside, plus I wanted to let out some of the energy that had built up over the last two days! This run was 10 minutes shorter than Thursday's, but my pace was faster. I completed 2.43 miles in 30:02 (12:21/mile). Not all negative splits, but I was still happy with the pace. I also ran my fastest mile in nearly a year at 11:41! 

I have a feeling that if my knee wasn't bothering me, I could have done a second strength training session, and possibly gotten another run/cross-training session in. Still, despite that, and a six day work week, I'm very happy with my progress this week. The downside to not having a regular work schedule is having to figure out when to fit everything in! I think that as training goes on, I'll become better at that. 

Here's to an awesome second week!

2013 Spring Into Summer 5K Training Plan

Yes, my friends and readers! The comeback is FINALLY in motion!

Six and a half months since I got injured and nine months after my last (and heartbreaking) 5K, I am in training for my comeback race: the Spring Into Summer 5K on May 4! This was the race I trained so hard for last year, and it is the one where my current PR stands!

I was going to start training earlier this week, but my work schedule is insane this week and I realized that I wouldn't be able to fully commit to the running. While it has been several months since I ran consistently, I did start running again back in January and logged a few runs in the last two months. I'm not entirely starting from scratch either, since I ran last year, but it's more about getting speed and stamina back. Still a work in progress, but I think that I should be back to where I was last year within seven weeks.

I have a training plan, but like life itself, nothing is set in stone. So, I'll just give you all the basics:

• Three days of running. I am going back to C25K, which is only three runs a week averaging 30 minutes at a time. Totally doable. =)
• One or two cardio cross-training days. I do at least one spin class a week, so that will stay. If I'm feeling up to it, and if the week allows, I will add another spin class or kickboxing (I seriously have a problem here. I can't stay away from kick!). If I'm not up to the second day of CT, I will take an extra rest day.
• Two or three core classes. They're only 30 minutes each, and core work is huge!
• Two strength training days. I've been doing two days on the weights a week lately, and it works for me. Don't fix what's not broken, right?
• Two rest days. This is a MUST! Honestly, I would love to be working out six days a week, but given that I do have a sensitive knee, I have to be careful, and two rest days are needed.

Whew! That's a lot for even me to take in! Still, I am going to put my heart and soul into this and make sure that my comeback race is everything I hope for it to be! Hopefully, I can even get some redemption for last June!

Are you currently training for anything this spring? Or making a comeback yourself?

Foodie Pen Pals: February 2013

After a four month hiatus (part of it due to the hurricane, part of it was me forgetting to sign up), I am back to participating in Foodie Pen Pals! =)

My box this month comes from Erica of Abbie and Erica's Coast to Coast Adventures! I told her that I like mostly sweet stuff, and she put together an awesome box!

Here's more about what's in the box:

• Cinnamon honey almonds. One word: YUM!
• Vegan oatmeal cookies. I actually liked these. I was never an oatmeal cookie fan, but these were awesome, and didn't taste vegan. =)
• Trader Joe's strawberry licorice. Can't go wrong with these!
• Salt and pepper dark chocolate. I admit, this tasted strange at first, but after a bite or two, I enjoyed it. 
• Chocolate quinoa bar. Yummy. =)
• Peanut butter and raspberry jelly bar. Another surprisingly delicious find!

I enjoyed my first box in four months and realized how much I enjoy this program! For more information about how you can become a Foodie Pen Pal, check out Lindsay's page over at The Lean Green Bean! If it wasn't for her, this program wouldn't exist! =D

In and Out of a Funk...

Hi, everyone! Long time, no write, I know. Fail on my part. Major fail.

Over the last couple of weeks, I've been in and out of a funk. Nothing bad, but just not feeling like my happy, bubbly self.

Part of it is work related, between not getting the promotion I was going for, and some horrible shifts where I was getting noticed for only what I was doing wrong. I'm honestly still working on not taking things personally, but on Thursday, I just sort of snapped. I think I had more than one nervous breakdown and spent a good chunk of the day ready to kill people. Did I get through the shift? Yes. Did I get fired? No. So, I did manage to keep my cool in a crazy day. Hey, it's a start.

At home, my dad's been in and out of the hospital for the last two or three months. He's been dealing with congestive heart failure, and one of the medications he was on was poisoning him. He also had to have leads on his pacemaker replaced, and change in meds for his heart rate too. It just sucks feeling so helpless in a situation like that. 

On a positive note, my little sister is expecting a baby boy in May! I'm going to be an aunt/godmother!

Honestly, I'm not feeling as excited as I should be though. Yes, I'm going to be an aunt/godmother, but at the same time, I'm starting to feel...invisible. Again. She always got the attention when we were kids, always got away with everything, and now it's happening all over again. Worst part? People who know both of us always ask me how SHE's doing. Not how I'm doing. Then again, I probably wouldn't be honest anyway, but it would still be nice to be asked. Call me selfish, stupid, whatever you want. I'm just putting it out there. I think I'll get over this sooner rather than later, but right now, I'm just not jumping for joy.

However, unlike the past, when I would eat to bury my pain, I have taken my fury out in the gym. Spin has become my go-to cardio workout now, since I can't do kick as much as I used to because of my knee. I always loved it since my first class in July, but now I love it more. I've also started planking, and it's amazing to see what the body is capable of if the mind is in the right place too. I got to a 6:02 plank on my hands after about a month or two. Since then, I decided to start doing forearm planks, and have made it to just over 2:00! I rock!

So while I'm riding this roller coaster of emotions, I have realized that not every day will be perfect, and in fact the bad days are almost a must to truly appreciate the good ones. I have also learned that while you don't necessarily control what gets handed to you, you can control how you handle it. In my case, I'm learning to be more vocal while also being less emotional. This is a learning process, and I believe that I will get there someday. But for now, I'm just taking life one day, and one step, at a time.