Running to Health

Three Things & a giveaway winner!

2012-03-01T20:40:00.000-05:00

1. Yesterday I gobbled up the leapyear savings. I registered for not one, but 2 half marathons!

Aug 19, 2012

S & I had been debating this as a girls weekend away. Its 3 weeks before Pumpkinman 70.3, so it will be good to get a half marathon in. We saved $29, and spent only $61 on the race. Score!

October 13, 2012

Race price increased today, so I signed up yesterday for a sweet price of only $55 for the half marathon. If it weren't for Pumpkinman, I'd consider the full, but I know it will be too soon.

2. My green smoothie today was delicious, and I actually remembered to put greens inside! Grapefruit, oranges, kiwi, banana, spinach, a scoop of protein powder, and flax seeds. It made so much that I had enough for a morning snack and lunch. Its funny that I feel so satisfied and refreshed having this for lunch. I feel like maybe my old lunches were weighing me down.

3. We got snow. Not a ton, but enough to make driving a pain. I hate waking up early, cleaning off a car, and shoveling, all before getting to the gym. So I decided to have Kevin do a hearing test with me last night to see if you could hear me on the bike trainer downstairs while in the upstairs bedrooms. Lucky for me, there was no noise, and I was able to pound out 70 minutes in the morning while reading a magazine. I also counted points all day today. Yay!

The winner of the Immucell?

Lauren... at no blog I can find. I'm shooting you an email Lauren!

Who else is glad its Friday tomorrow?

Did you sign up for any races this week?

Sometimes Good intentions lead to Margaritas....

2012-02-29T07:37:00.000-05:00

So for day 2 of my smoothie detox...

I had my regular breakfast, minus the banana. This means 1 slice of organic whole wheat toast, 1 egg, 2 egg whites & spinach scrambled together with a little organic cheddar cheese. Green tea with Truvia on the side.

I made my lunch smoothie.

banana

apples

raspberries

1 scoop natural vanilla whey protein

chia seeds

I forgot to add the greens! I seriously was planning on adding some spinach in, but after I poured it into my glass, I realized the mistake. Too late. Taste test? YUM. problem? The consistency got thick & gooey after letting it sit until lunchtime. I think the culprit is the chia seeds, so I omitted them this morning when making today's.

My plan was to make a tomato based one for dinner, but I forgot about a coworkers going away party. Which lead to 3 of these..

Skinny Margaritas at least! Tequila, agave, lime juice.

I had only a half flatbread pizza @ Uno's with a side salad and a taste of a few appetizers. I felt less guilty of indulging a little after my healthy lunch I had.

Today we are scheduled to get a decent size snow storm, so yoga may be cancelled. I did make it to TRX this morning, and talked to my trainer about Girls on the Run, yay!

Do cocktails throw you off track?

How do you avoid temptations?

Food is not the enemy

2012-02-27T17:28:00.000-05:00

Source: letsmakeahealthiertomorrow.tumblr.com via Sam on Pinterest

Today I am working to get on the right track with healthy food. I'm going to put effort in making all that unhealthy food the enemy. Today I begin my green smoothie detox. A green smoothie is essentially a smoothie made with leafy greens, fruits, and water. They pack a huge nutritional punch, especially for people who have difficulty getting in their fruits & veggies. The roomie has decided to do it with me, so in yesterday in preparation we hit the store for our goods.

Took up almost the whole island!

Look at all the yummy food!

Bananas, apples, oranges, spinach, romaine lettuce, parsley, mangoes, pineapple, kiwi, cilantro, cucumbers, tomatoes, swiss chard, scallions, frozen berries. All to set the stage for my detox to better heath. It honestly all looked so good sitting there on the counter, I wanted to make one right then!

The morning's smoothie is..

1 cup frozen raspberries

1 cup frozen strawberries

2 bananas

2 cups collard greens

chia seeds

I planned on showing a picture of a delicious smoothie here, but disaster struck this morning. My blender started smoking, and smelling like something caught fire. In my morning rush, I drove to my mom's house for her blender, then rushed home to make mine & the roomie's smoothies. I left the house disaster, but armed with my breakfast & lunch smoothies.

Disaster in the kitchen!

How did it go?

Well, lets just say I am used to eating a protein packed breakfast. Eggs, egg whites, cheese. So by 10am, I was so lightheaded and nauseous I could barely focus. Thankfully a coworker had some goldfish crackers. At lunch, I ate a sandwich, then stopped at the store on the way home for a little more "real" food. I am still ridiculously nauseous.

My revised plan?

I will replace my lunch with a green smoothie, followed by a protein bar in the afternoon. I just can't go all in. At least I tried!

Looking forward to trying more smoothies!

Don't forget my immucell giveaway HERE, it ends TONIGHT!

Green Smoothie Detox

2012-02-26T07:47:00.000-05:00

I feel like I need a way to jump start eating cleaner & healthier. I've been struggling for awhile now, but just can't seem to get to a committed place. I think the hardest part is, its hard to stick to your healthy guns when you already feel gross & sluggish. Its like what the hell, Ill just eat this anyways.

I love fruits and vegetable. I've made a couple green smoothies in my time, but I have been thinking that this week, I will undergo a 3 day green smoothie detox. I've found a website for a 3 day Green Smoothie Detox, with recipes, and motivational support. Basically you have nothing but green smoothies for 3 days, although they have said that raw veggies or fruit for snacking is acceptable.

I'm thinking this may be the thing to get me on track, and clear my system of the junk I've been putting in it. Plus its only 3 days, and if for some reason I really feel like crap or am STARVING, I'll eat something. My back up plan is to replace a meal a day with a green smoothie.

Have you ever made green smoothies?

What's your favorite green smoothie recipe?

What do you think of a green smoothie detox?

Three Things Thursday!

2012-02-23T21:04:00.000-05:00

1. I am feeling sluggish, chubby, and gross. I seriously need to get in shape with this whole nutrition thing. My body is revolting at the extra food I am giving it, and it isn't pretty. Where is my discipline and willpower? I'm considering something green to get me back on the right path... more on that tomorrow.

2. I had a hot stone massage tonight. I totally forgot I had booked my free upgrade until I had gotten there. Luckily my massage therapist knows how bad my legs are, so she mixed it up with some deep tissue. Super relaxing, I'm ready for bed.

Not me! Pic courtesy of google images

3. I've been thinking a lot about my blog lately. Switching to wordpress, or having my brother help me branch out on my own (he's a computer graphic wizard). I've been thinking about what I want it to look like, what I want the contents to be like. It seems so overwhelming! I am very challenged in this area, so I hope my brother can successfully help guide me in the right direction.

Ever had a hot stone massage?

What would like to see my blog look like?

What kind of things would you like to hear from my blog?

Any advice to offer on changing around my blog?

Don't forget my Immucell giveaway HERE ends 2/27

(Long Overdue) My Brother's Goofy Race & a Half Race Report

2012-02-22T06:46:00.000-05:00

Sorry it took me so long to post this! I know several of you asked to read my brother's recap of the races, here is the short & sweet of it.

This has been a long time coming. All the blood, sweat, and yes even tears have finally paid off.

It was almost a year ago when I decided I wanted to run the Goofy’s Race and a half Challenge. What’s that? It’s when you run the Disney World half-marathon on Saturday, followed by the Disney World full-marathon on sunday. 39.3 miles in 2 days.

Am I crazy?

Let me answer your question with a question: am I a runner?

When I decided this would be my goal over the last year, I immediately enlisted the help of my coach Sara Bernard (http://runninginpink.com) to help coach me through the process. Her words to me were along the lines of “You’re nuts, but if you really want it, I’ll coach you” and “You should really do a 26.2 first so you understand what it takes.”

Unfortunately I’d injure myself trying to do barefoot running too quickly and had to delay my first marathon which was scheduled for July, to October. I was heartbroken, but worse, I was starting to burn out. In August I just didn’t think I could run anymore. With the help of my amazing girlfriend, Annette, I managed to keep myself from falling apart and make it to Hartford.

Hartford was amazing. One of the best races of my life. For a full recap, check out my post on my sister’s blog (Couch Potato to Marathoner). I had never been in more pain from running in my life, but it was totally worth it. I was a marathoner (and earned my post-race beers)!

Now my training shifted focus to Disney. Finally, what I’d been waiting for, for as long as I can remember. It was finally coming. After a week break (no running allowed said Coach Sara!!), I was burning and ready to go! I started my back-to-back long runs and off I went. Nothing would get between me and my goal. I would train like never before, I would do whatever it took. I’ve never wanted something so bad in my entire life.

Not only did I get stronger, faster, but my recovery shot through the roof. I could run back-to-back with no pain, no weakness. I felt like I was becoming invincible. Eventually during my training runs I capped out at 13 and 20 miles back-to-back. At this point I knew I was ready, and my taper started.

1/8/2012 – The Disney Half-Marathon. Oh you cruel heartless thing. I had ran the same course 2 years prior and had never been more miserable in my entire life. I’d say this picture accurately describes how things went this time…

Easy, almost effortless. Oh, and I still managed a new PR of 2:23:50, a nearly 14 minute improvement over my old PR. This was at a comfortable pace I could have run for another 20+ miles, but I needed to save my strength for day 2. I finished the race and waited for my family. My mom had been running the race too in her first half-marathon. I was so proud of her. We hugged, she cried, I cried. “I did it Jay” she said. That was enough to make me break down.

The rest of the day I relaxed and mentally prepared for the 26.2 to come the next day (oh and I ate an entire medium pizza). My sister, poor kid, had been sick. She was worried about the race. She’d been feeling sick lately and I told her I’d run with her to make sure she finished. It was the least I could do for her, after she did the same for me two years ago in the 2010 Disney World Half-Marathon. She was worried about messing up her time, I told her, my time didn’t matter, there will be other races, and making sure she finishes is more important.

The race was very difficult for her. She felt ill nearly the entire race, and we had to stop a couple times for her stomach issues. Remember runners, rule #1, nothing new on race day (except stuff like my silly Goofy hat, the power-aide did not agree with her stomach). We chugged along and I felt great the whole time, pacing her out, telling her to shut up and conserve energy. Eventually towards the end my calves started getting a little tight, but not too bad overall. For the full race recap (she did a fantastic job), check it out over on her blog.

(home stretch!!)

While at Disney and on our celebratory cruise, I also had the chance to read “Born to Run”. Whilst running my races that weekend, it struck me, I had a huge smile on my face; I love running. The problem with running for many, is that they’ve forgotten how to love running. We were, in may ways, born to run, and it just feels so natural, but many have been conditioned to think of running as punishment, and that is truly unfortunate. While on the cruise, Coach Sara told me I could do anything I wanted to do.

I ran.

Not only did I run, but I ran about 10 miles total that week, doing laps on a cruise boat. I was just as happy running those laps as I am when I hit the Charles River during the Spring.

It’s funny because we were never a super athletic, or even healthy family. Now we’re a family of healthy runners, and even better, marathoners.

Are you listening?

2012-02-21T18:18:00.000-05:00

In my Immucell giveaway (HERE), I asked you to share how you stay injury free on my facebook page. So far, I have only one, but it really made me think.

How many of us ignore the aches, pains, and troubles we have while training? guilty! I ignored that knee pain last October while pushing through the Hartford Half, and dealt with it all marathon training. My knee has been feeling better lately, but still paining me here and there.

At bootcamp Friday, we did a million TRX leg work including killer saw lunges

TRX saw lunges

My ass cheeks literally hurt so bad saturday and sunday that sitting on a toilet seat or hard chair was torture. I ignored the aches and pains, and went ahead with my schedule 8 mile run sunday. Which, by the way, was the first outdoor run and longest run since the marathon.

With my achy legs, my pace was slow, and my knee was painful. I needed to stop and stretch and walk a little to ease the pain. My legs felt like lead after, now my quads and hamstrings were feeling it too.

This morning I was planning on a 6 mile treadmill run, but my legs are still killing me. So I took Pattie's advice and listened to my body. I still got my butt up, but I did the elliptical and took my time stretching afterwards. Today I had a coworker do some trigger point and massage, and I have a hot date with the foam roller tonight.

What else should I listen to my body for?

The foods I eat

The intensity of my workouts

The sleep I need

The stress I need to relieve

Do you listen to your body?

Immucell Review & Giveaway!

2012-02-20T18:41:00.001-05:00

Do you want healthy joints & skin?

A while back, Neocell gave me the opportunity to try 2 different products.

Collagen Sport Whey Isolate Complex

Immucell Collagen Type 2

They sent these over to me when I was trying to nurse my knee pain away before the Disney Marathon. The Collagen Sport came in chocolate or vanilla, and the stats all looked great. I won't go into great detail, because unfortunately I couldn't handle the taste. Despite trying it several different ways (with milk, or water I couldn't drink it. Blended with peanut butter and banana was the only way I could handle it). I know there are several bloggers who have tried it and loved it, but it was a no go for me. To read other's reviews check them out @ Women's Endurance Gear, Blonde Ponytail, I'm a Sleeper Baker, See Mom Run Far. Please check out their reviews, since I feel like I can't give it a fair review.

What I was wicked excited about, was the Immucell Collagen Type 2.

Since I'd been having unrelenting right knee pain, Jean @ Neocell encouraged me to try the Immucell to help me rehydrate my joints.

• Ideal for those individuals suffering from joint issues and degenerative joint diseases
• High bioavailability with anti-inflammatory and pain modulating effects
• Aids in replenishment of body’s most abundant structural protein
• Supports collagen type 2 found in joints
• Assists in the maintenance and rebuilding of cartilage bones, joints and surrounding tissue
• Lubricates eyes and skin improving moisture levels, and joints promoting mobility

The directions say to take 4-6 capsules daily with Orange Juice or a Vitamin C drink, preferably in the morning on an empty stomach & wait 20 minutes before eating.

yay! No Knee pain!

Every day for weeks leading up to the marathon, I took my Immucell. You all remember that race day I had no knee pain at all.

I'm certainly not saying that the Immucell was the only thing to help my knee pain. If you remember from my race report (HERE), I spent a lot of the marathon walking due to sickness. But I will tell you the knee felt great even in the weeks following the marathon, only to now be getting worse again since not taking it for 6 weeks or so.

From their website:

ImmuCell® Collagen Type 2 is a food sourced supplement that holds a high concentration of joint-saving nutrients including hyaluronic acid (HA), glucosamine, and high levels of chondroitin, the major components of joint cartilage. These necessary elements support and maintain healthy joints and repair the damage that causes pain and swelling associated with arthritis. Chondroitin also acts as an anti-inflammatory compound and pain modulator without the negative side effects of non-steroidal medicines while enhancing the synthesis of cartilage and HA. Supplementing with ImmuCell® Collagen Type 2 focuses on the regenerating effects for skin and connective tissue health.

Life Extension magazine had an article in their February 2012 edition... (see the full story HERE)Conventional medical wisdom has long held that rheumatoid arthritis results from an autoimmune attack on joints, while osteoarthritis was thought to result from age-related “wear-and-tear.”
For the first time, a team of researchers2 at Stanford University has demonstrated that this is not true!
It turns out that osteoarthritis is accompanied by the same pathological, pro-inflammatory immune factors involved in rheumatoid arthritis. Even more compelling was their finding that, if treatment is initiated before symptoms manifest, osteoarthritis may be entirely prevented.

If you read further in the article you'll see that Collagen supplements (including those contained in Immucell), fit that category. So, even if you are experiencing no joint pain, you may be able to prevent arthritis with supplementation.

My knee pain returning has convinced me to visit Amazon to replenish my stock.

You can buy a bottle with 120 capsules for about $17 HERE.

Want to Win some of your own to try?

Neocell has generously offered a bottle of Immucell Collagen Type 2 to one lucky winner!

How to Win

please leave a separate comment for each entry

1. Be or become a follower of my blog

2. Follow NeoCell on facebook HERE & tell them Running to Health sent you!

3. Like me on facebook HERE & tell me your best tip for staying injury free.

4. Spread the word! Blog, twitter, facebook (1 for each)

contest ends 2/27 @ midnight EST.

Good luck!

Fitting In

2012-02-17T20:36:00.000-05:00

Source: snotm.com via Julie on Pinterest

To me, fitting in is an important part of life.

When I first started running, I felt like I didn't fit in, but after more training and racing, I finally feel like I belong in the running community. With triathlon, I still feel like I'm finding my place.

You may not guess, but I have a hard time fitting in with new groups of people. I tried joining up with the local triathlon club, the Cyclonauts, but I felt way out of my league. I tried riding with the bike shop's girls riding group, which was better, but I didn't feel 100% at. When I first started working out at Bia Fitness, I felt like I didn't belong either.

When everyone in a group already knows each other, I feel like the odd man out. I feel unwanted, or like I just don't fit in. I know that its not true, but I just have such a big fear of not being liked, that I freak out a little in my head.

I've been working out at Bia Fitness for about 9 months now. When I first started, I vaguely knew a few people from my gym. I still felt uncomfortable. I didn't chat with anyone before or after class like some of the others did. I didn't have a partner ready to go when I needed one. But over these past 9 months, I'm starting to feel like I fit in. I talk with people about races, or running. People ask me how my training or racing is going. I've had people to partner with. Then the biggest turning point for me, was this morning when one of the girls asked me if I wanted to join her and a few people to run on tuesday mornings.

I know to some of you, it may not seem like a big deal.

Being asked to join the running group just made me feel like I belonged.

I warned her I was slow, and she said, "Oh no big deal, we just go out to have fun."

I guess I learned a couple things.

#1 You may need to stick around through the initial awkwardness until you feel like you fit in.

#2 If you still don't feel like you belong, then maybe its not the right place.

I honestly don't think I gave the Cyclonauts or Competitive Edge group a fair chance last year. This year, I definitely plan on trying a little harder to make some new friends and fit in. It may be a little uncomfortable at first, but my hope is that it will lead me to being a better runner & triathlete.

Do you have a tough time fitting in or do you love new groups and people?

Whats on my summer agenda!

2012-02-15T20:11:00.002-05:00

My race schedule for the summer is starting to come together...

The Sheriff Sprint Tri 4/29

Shamrock Duathlon 5/20 5K run, 18 mile bike, 5K run

(I'm working on getting Kevin to sign up with me for this one!)

Litchfield Hills Olympic Triathlon 6/24

and then....

Pumpkin head Half Iron 9/9

I officially signed up today!!

Most likely I will have a couple sprint races or 5Ks or maybe even a half marathon or 2 scheduled in there as well. I'm getting excited about the upcoming season, I even renewed my USAT license and signed up to attend the Multisport Conference in Boston (its FREE!). Interested in joining me? Check it out HERE.

How are your summer race plans coming?

Which is exactly why I need to get back on track with my workouts and nutrition.

I know, I know.

I've said this a million times in the last couple weeks, but this time I REALLY mean it!

I'm going to eat clean.

I'm going to count points.

I'm going to to get my workouts in.

(after tonight's skipped yoga class)

(And the ice cream I just ate)

I'm going to run outdoors sunday, no mater how cold it is.

Please.

Hold me accountable.

Learning to Swim

2012-02-14T07:31:00.001-05:00

So, I decided against the nutritionist.

I do know what I should be eating.

I know the foods that my body feels best with.

I now need to focus on eating those foods, and staying on track.

Instead, I decided to spend the money on swimming lessons.

My friends have been laughing at me,

"Don't you know how to swim?"

I do, but I want to swim better. I read the total immersion book, but since I can't watch myself swim, I had no clue what I needed to work on, so I found a total immersion coach who is located literally 5 minutes from my house.

She started by videotaping me underwater and on the surface. I discovered that my legs go a little crazy trying to keep my stability in the water. She said my stroke is a little disconnected, but I should pick it up easily. We went through a few drills to work on, and we'll follow up with another lesson soon.

check out one of my videos....

I think my money is much better spent here.

Have you ever taken swim lessons?

or running or cycling lessons?

Tough Chik Tuesday

2012-02-07T21:04:00.000-05:00

Did you know I was on Team Tough Chik?

This team is full of a group of AMAZING women who are inspiring, encouraging, and totally kick ass!

I'm going to try hard to get in answers to our weekly Tough Chik Question!

This week's question:

Despite our best efforts, we are not the perfect runner. We sleep in. We eat too much or too little. We under train. We over train. We eschew cross training. The list goes on. What I want to know is: what running rule(s) are you guilty of breaking?

Yikes.

Which ones aren't I guilty of.

Too many cocktails....

girls night out

Eating too much...

ice cream sandwiches at Magic Kingdom

Skipping workouts in favor of more sleep...

my cozy bed during the blackout

I have been better about consistency with training, but I would have to say that is my #1 guilt. Training for RnR Providence last summer I was on target running wise, but skimped on the swimming & biking which impacted my triathlon performance. For marathon training, I missed long runs or had to end early due to extreme pain or weather. I felt underprepared. I do NOT want to feel this way for my 70.3, so I am making a plan. I am aiming to stick to the plan, like I did for RnR Providence. I want to turn this guilt into a strength.

NO MORE UNDERTRAINING!

What are you guilty of?

Nutritionist?

2012-02-06T16:33:00.000-05:00

Today I had a day off.

I had a million things I wanted to get done.

I managed to complete my entire to-do list, minus 1 this weekend.

run.

Today I planned on getting out for a beautiful 50 degree run.

Completing a training plan for the next 6-8 weeks, cleaning the bathroom, doing laundry & going grocery shopping, I decided would give me more peace of mind than a run. So I did miss it. But I did manage to get a lot done, and that beautiful new training plan has a run scheduled for tomorrow.

Yesterday, I started my morning with a trip to Bia Fitness to listen to a nutritionist speak. Tanya Hart @ Root Wellness + Nutrition, gave a great talk on diet myths and answered our many questions. I loved a lot of the things she had to say...

How important it is to eat as close to the earth as possible

Each person has different nutrition needs

That cravings are your body's way of calling out for a nutrient

That hormones & additives in foods affect how we feel, lose weight, and our energy levels.

Pretty much all of what she said is spot on with what I already believe in, but am not great at practicing. As I think about my weightloss (slow) and how I want to be for 70.3 (fit, fast, toned!), I think its a great idea. Not to mention, she did offer a great promotion to those of us who went to the session.

50% of initial consultation & 20% off package pricing.

Even with those discounts, I still consider it pricey. I know how important it is to fuel my body. I feel like if I'm properly fueled, I'll perform better. Then will the money be worth it? As Tanya told me in an email (we've exchanged a few back/forth), "The tools and resources you receive from this work, are yours to use for the rest of your life"

So now I'm trying to decide...

no meeting

initial meeting (<$90)

12 week commitment (<$700, I think before the discount)

decisions. decisions.

What are your thoughts?

Have you ever seen a nutritionist?

and I almost forgot!

The winner of the 3rd Trop50 Spa Week $50 giftcard is...

Trish @ Begin Again and Again and Again!

Trish, I grabbed your email from your blogger profile & sent it along already for you!

Brancott Wines

2012-02-06T15:28:00.000-05:00

With my love of cocktails, I thought I'd share something fun I came across...

Brancott Estate, a winery based out of New Zealand, just created and launched their free "World's Most Curious Bottle" app and are putting QR codes on all of their wine bottles. You can use the app to scan the code printed on the label with your phone's camera to get food pairing suggestions and more information on things like the aroma, which is great when you're on the go and don't have time to research what wine you want to have with dinner. There are 14 unique experience ranging from taking a tour of Brancott Estate Winery to making music on your phone.

Imagine running late home for dinner, hit the local package store and scan a bottle to see if it pairs up with whats on the menu for the night. Or learn more about where the wine comes from, and how its made, or how to do a proper tasting.

Download the App for Android HERE

Download the Iphone App HERE

Happy wine drinking!

Top 10 February Workout Songs!

2012-02-05T08:48:00.006-05:00

Enjoy this month's list of top workout songs from Chris @ RunHundred.com

This month's top 10 is full of little surprises. Jay Sean and Nicki Minaj's "2012" actually came out months ago. But, the new year (and an apt title) have given it a second wind. Also, Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera got a hip-hop makeover, courtesy of Mac Miller. Outasight got their first taste of chart success. And, Adele turned in a performance so forceful that most folks didn't seem to mind that the song's more of a ballad than a traditional workout jam.

Here's the full list, according to votes placed at Run Hundred--the web's most popular workout music site.

1. Flo Rida - Good Feeling (Jaywalker Remix) - 127 BPM

2. Jay Sean & Nicki Minaj - 2012 (It Ain't The End) - 126 BPM

3. Cobra Starship & Sabi - You Make Me Feel... (Felix Leiter Remix) - 127 BPM

4. Beatfreakz - Somebody's Watching Me - 129 BPM

5. Katy Perry - The One That Got Away (R3hab Club Remix) - 128

6. Train - Drive By - 123 BPM

7. Adele - Set Fire To The Rain - 109 BPM

8. Maroon 5, Christina Aguilera & Mac Miller - Moves Like Jagger (Remix) - 128 BPM

9. Outasight - Tonight Is The Night - 120 BPM

10. Selena Gomez & The Scene - Love You Like a Love Song (DJ Escape & Tony Coluccio Club Remix) - 130 BPM

To find more songs--and hear next month's contenders—folks can check out Run Hundred's database of workout songs. Visitors can browse the song selections there by genre, tempo, and era—to find the music that best fits with their particular workout routine.

Contact:
Chris Lawhorn
Run Hundred
http://www.RunHundred.com

The Act of Change

2012-02-04T08:47:00.000-05:00

source: google images

I stand up for myself.

I give out my ideas or opinions.

I make it a point to tell others that complaining doesn't change things, actions do.

Unfortunately, when it came to my work, I wasn't taking my own advice. Yesterday that changed. I stood up for myself. I am working to make things change for myself and my coworkers. Its scary, and nerve-racking. But I'm happy that we're finally making the change we need to.

In my endurance sport world, this means that I need to make some changes. Time passing by will not make me lose weight, or be a better swimmer. I need to take action to make those things happen. I need to get in the pool, jump on the bike, watch my food intake.

What are some things you need to take action to change?

My change for this weekend?

Trainer ride this morning

Work on my 70.3 training plan

A trip to Lululemon to shop away frustrations (and get some gorgeous new gear)

Run tomorrow

Meeting at Bia Fitness with a nutritionist

Swimming tomorrow with a friend

Whats your weekend look like?

No more excuses

2012-02-01T07:36:00.000-05:00

Source: Uploaded by user via Jennifer on Pinterest

The past few weeks, I've found a lot of excuses.

To be honest, my running has been lacking. I knew I wanted to take a short break after the marathon to let my knee feel completely better. But it's obvious that now I'm just being a slacker. I haven't been running much, the treadmill is boring me to death. With all the talk of half ironman, you would think I'd be running, biking & swimming enthusiastically right now. I've been riding more, haven't gotten in the pool, and haven't done a run over 4 miles.

Did I forget I have a half marathon on St. Patty's Day?

I don't want to beat myself up too much. I have been getting to TRX & Bootcamp. I have been running short distances (and having a pain free knee). I have been getting trainer rides in on the bike. I have started a new Yoga class. The truth is, planning for races takes time. Research on the race, training strategies, looking for clubs, coaches, and support to get me to the end of 70.3 is a lot.

I have been very thankful to the girls on Team Tough Chik. They have sent me training plans, and offered encouragement and advice. I have a friend from PT school who is going to help me ease into the triathlon club. I have another friend, Barbie (we did our first Tri together), who is helping me get my ass in the pool Sunday, while I help her get her butt moving after having her baby. I'm so thankful to all the wonderful support systems I have.

Seriously.

I need to stop making excuses.

I need to make time for a long run this weekend.

How do you stop making excuses?

Are you curious at who won the 2nd $50 Spa Week giftcard from Trop50?

Lisa @ Up, down, touch the ground!

email me at sgrigely at hotmail dot com to claim your prize!

My first 70.3 revealed!

2012-01-31T07:06:00.001-05:00

I am excited to announce.....

My first 70.3 will be...

September 9, 2012

The pumpkinhead in South Berwick, Maine!

I know, this one wasn't even on my list!

But the more I thought about an ocean swim, the more nervous I got.

Then I talked with a friend from PT school who races with the cycling/triathlon club in my area (I rode with them once, remember my post HERE). After talking with her about the course (lake swim, mostly flat bike/run), the post race party (Turkey Dinner, Shipyard Pumpkin beer), and the swag (participant T, finisher T & finisher medal), I was sold. Especially on the beer.

So now that I have my focus race, it's time to start planning the summer out with races. I'm planning a few sprints and one Olympic to get me closer to that 70.3 goal. My first orders of business are getting my butt to the pool and starting a base plan for training.

Words of wisdom welcome!

Oh... and the LARABAR winner is...

Jenn @ Jenn's Adventures!

email me at sgrigely at hotmail dot com to claim your prize.

Trop50 'Mocktail' Time! (and giveaway #3)

2012-01-30T16:40:00.000-05:00

I love a good cocktail, in case you haven't noticed...

However, I have seriously been trying to lose weight. Unfortunately that means I need to cut down on cocktails, or be a little more creative on how I make them. So when I started learning about Trop50, I was wicked excited to see a list of Trop50 'mocktails', which can easily turn into cocktails.

The list of recipes looked fabulous...

Lemon Berry Mojito

Orange Popsicle

Tropical Chiller

Very Berry Cosmo

Apple Snap-Tini

Check out the recipes - Mocktail Recipes

We decided to go with the Very Berry Cosmo

1/2 cup Trop50 Pomegranate Blueberry

1/4 cup frozen unsweetened strawberries

2 Tablespoons Naked Juice 100% coconut water

Blend Trop50 with strawberries about 10 seconds until smooth. Pour into a martini glass and stir in coconut water. 1.5 ounces vodka optional.

Nutrition Highlights: Each Trop50 mock-cosmo has 3 times fewer calories and 26 grams less sugar (about 6.5 teaspoons!) than a mock-cosmo made with Stirrings Cosmo Mix. Additionally, our version contains fiber from real fruit and 70% of your daily vitamin C!

Nutrition Info (6-ounce cosmo): 40 calories, 0g fat, 0g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 12g carbohydrates, 1g fiber, 8g sugar, 0g protein, 70% vitamin C, 310mg potassium, 1.5mg vitamin E.

Stirrings Cosmo Mix (6-ounce): 120 calories, 0g fat, 0g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 0mg sodium, 34g carbohydrates, 0g fiber, 34g sugar, 0g protein.

After dinner, my roommate & I decided to whip some up as a low cal dessert!

We snuggled up on the couch to enjoy...

They were delish!!

I know the vodka would make it the perfect real cocktail with plenty of flavor. The disclaimer in the recipe link does say to calculate about 97 calories in for alcohol. Our Trop50 'mocktails' will now be a nightly special in the house. We can't wait to try more of the flavors and recipes, YUM!

Trop50 wants to give away one last $50 Spa Week giftcard!

How to Win

Please leave a separate comment for each

1. Be or become a follower of my blog

2. Like Running to Health on facebook HERE and tell me which 'mocktail' you'd make

3. Like Trop50 on facebook HERE to tell them your True Resolution

4. Spread the word (blog, twitter, facebook)

disclaimer: The prize is provided by Trop50. I was given a free bottle of Trop50 for this review.

Enter until 2/1/12 Good Luck!

My 11 Things

2012-01-30T07:27:00.000-05:00

I was tagged for 11 things by Michelle @ Running with Attitude & Nicole @ Running While Mommy

I'm pretty sure almost everyone in blogger world has answered this.

I'm just going to do the 11 random things & answer the questions.

Random Things

1. I have the same thing for breakfast everyday. 1 egg with egg whites scrambled with spinach and cheddar cheese. 1 piece of whole wheat toast & a banana.

2. My favorite movies are Love Actually, Dodgeball, Office Space.

3. I played flute and piccolo in the high school band, and sang in the chorus.

4. I never ran more than 2 laps in hugh school and complained the whole time.

5. I was a cheerleader for 13 years.

6. I have a biological sister thats 11 years younger than me, and an adopted one that 17 years younger.

7. I love to travel. I have to go away for at least 2, week long trips a year or else I get super cranky. This is accompanied by 2-4 weekend trips a year as well.

8. For my mom's 60th birthday, I'm planning on taking her on a Mediterranean Cruise.

9. I try to eat mostly organic and avoid processed food & HFCS.

10. My favorite household chore is laundry

11. I've been with Kevin for over 7 years, and engaged for almost 3 years.

MIchelle's Questions

Favorite quote or saying (not from a movie)? "Whether you think you can, or think you can't, you're right."

Favorite movie quote? "Love Actually, is all around"

3 dinner guests -who would they be? (Can be dead or alive) John Mayer, Britney Spears, Tina Fey

Favorite indulgence? Ice cream, chocolate...

Favorite Cocktail (or beer or wine)? Flirtinis or Pomegranate Martinis, a little red wine

Favorite book from childhood? Where the Red Fern Grows

Have you traveled abroad? Where? London x2, multiple Caribbean & mexico trips

Beyond running, what's your favorite hobby? Vacationing

What 3 things do you have to have in the morning? Breakfast, chapstick, gummy vitamins

What 3 things do you have to have when you head to bed? chapstick, earplugs, mouthpiece to keep me from grinding my teeth

What's your biggest pet peeve? Leaving an empty toilet paper on a roll, not thanking someone when its well deserved.

Nicole's Questions

Sara courtesy of google

1. What is your favorite band? John Mayer for sure.
2. Who is your biggest inspiration? Team Hoyt is my #1, followed by Sara Reinertsen
3. Can you remember your last dream? Was it good? I always have interesting dreams, usually I want to keep sleeping so I can see what happens next. Its always like a movie.
4. What is your favorite book? most recently 17 Hours to Glory
5. What is your best childhood memory? Living in Fort Meyers, FL for the winters with my family. Cookouts for christmas, beach days every day, dolphins, sun, sand.
6. Do you have any regrets? I regret learning at a young age that food = comfort. It has taken me sooo long to work through it, and I'm still not there yet.
7. What is your most prized possession? My wall of race bling. I know if I lost all those medals I'd cry. Each one tells a different story and means so much to me!
8. What were you doing the last time you really had a good laugh? Last night out to dinner with my best work girlies. I love those girls!
9. What movie can you watch over and over again? Love Actually
10. Do you go to church? yes. Although we haven't been in awhile. Marathon training got a little in the way.
11. How is your day so far? I drank too much Saturday night, and went to bed too late. I wasted the day sleeping in, eating breakfast, lounging, blogging, and not running. Whoops!

Hope you enjoyed reading!

Trop50 True Resolutions and Spa Giveaway #2!

2012-01-29T12:59:00.001-05:00

Trop50 True Resolutions

Behind every New Year’s resolution is a secret motivation. Do you really want to lose weight to feel healthier or is it really to fit into that a-MAY-zing dress that’ll make your ex do a double take? This year, Trop50 True Resolutions celebrates the real reasons behind New Year’s resolutions. There’s no reason to sugarcoat the truth, only reasons to be your fabulous self!

Share your secret motivation and you’ll earn a coupon for $1 off Trop50 for yourself and 50¢ off coupons for up to 50 of your friends. You can even submit incognito with a fierce disguise. Bonus: Whether you submit a resolution or not, you can also enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win a $1000 gift card.

My biggest resolution/goal?

To be healthy and happy throughout the new year.

Time is Running out to Enter the Trop50 True Resolutions!

and...

We have giveaway #2 for a $50 SpaWeek giftcard to give away courtesy of Trop50!

How to win

please leave a separate comment for each entry

1. Be a follower of my blog

2. Go to Trop50 True Resolutions on facebook HERE & share your resolution

3. Share the giveaway! (twitter, blog facebook)

disclaimer: The prize is provided by Trop50. I was given a free bottle of Trop50 in exchange for this posting.

enter by 1/31 at midnight

Need more time!

2012-01-28T07:12:00.000-05:00

Do you ever feel like there are not enough hours in the day?

This week, I've been feeling it even more so.

I need more time for working out, race planning, blogging, spending time with family/friends, catching up on TV, and unfortunately working.

I'm so sorry that I've fallen crazy behind reading all of your blogs.

I promise to post more exciting and fun things soon (hopefully this weekend!)

Today I'm working and going out for a friend's birthday. So little time for working out/blogging. I promise to try on Sunday!

The winner of the $50 Spa giftcard from Trop50 is Jill R!

Jill, email me at sgrigely at hotmail dot com to claim your prize.

If you didn't win, don't worry, we'll have 2 more giveaways for Trop50 giftcards coming soon.

Hope everyone racing (especially Tinkerbell... I AM JEALOUS!), has a great weekend racing!

Mileage vs Time

2012-01-25T07:33:00.000-05:00

As I keep thinking about 70.3, I've started looking into training plans. (Not to mention have crossed a couple potential races off the list and added a couple on). One thing I hate about all the training plans, is that they are based on time, not miles.

In all my running training, I've always trained in miles. I like to know I'll be able to cover the distance that will be demanded of me. Especially since I'm a slower biker/runner, if I only do the time listed on a training plan, I feel like I won't get the miles in. If I have a mile goal, I don't rush to get them done to fit it in a timeframe, so I'm not worrying too much about speed. My main focus is getting ready to tackle ALL 70.3 miles.

I remember when I started training for my first triathlon, I had trouble finding a sprint plan in miles. Then last year, I followed an Olympic plan to keep my mileage up and found one with some effort. For the 70.3 though, I'm having a HELL of a time finding a plan in miles. Some of my Tough Chik teammates have offered me training plans, advice, and suggestions of books to read. As of right now, they all focus on time, which leads me to consider hiring a coach or making my own plan myself basing it off the time goals.

What are your thoughts on training plans in miles vs time?

Now with that new training plan I come up with, I feel like I need a better Garmin for swim purposes. Although I can't convince myself its a necessity yet because of the outrageous price.

How beautiful.

The new 910xt.

Not only does it work in the water, its useful in pool or open water. It counts strokes, distance, stroke type, efficiency. Running & Biking are great as usual, and the new version should work with my 405 Heart rate monitor, so I can get the cheaper version to start with. The size looks smaller than the 305.

Swoon.

For now, I'll keep dreaming.

Do your swim/bike/run with a Garmin?

Have you seen/tried the new Garmin?

Don't forget my giveaways!!

LARABAR ends 1/29 HERE

Trop50 $50 giftcard for Spa Services ends 1/26 HERE

Trop50 True Resolutions and Spa Giveaway!

2012-01-23T20:06:00.001-05:00

What is Trop50?

Maybe you've seen those funny commercials with 30 Rock's Jane Krakowski.

Trop50 is a lot of things.

Its 50%less sugar & calories than regular juice

It has no artificial sweeteners, instead uses a Stevia based sweetener.

Its only 50 calories a glass.

It contains a full day's worth of Vitamin C.

It comes in a ton of flavors. Orange (no pulp, some pulp, calcium & vitamin D), farmstand apple, pomegranate blueberry, pineapple mango, lemonade and raspberry lemonade.

Its a great source of potassium and antioxidants.

Want to give Trop50 a try?

Visit them on facebook HERE for a $1 coupon for yourself, and 50 cent coupons for friends.

While you're there, enter your TrueResolution to win a $1,000 giftcard!

Plus....

Trop50 wants to spoil my readers with a $50 Spa & Wellness Giftcard by Spa Week!

How to Win

Please leave a separate comment for each

1. Be or become a follower of my blog

2. Visit The Trop50 True Resolutions on facebook HERE and share your resolution (and maybe a little Running to Health love!)

3. Visit Running to Health on facebook HERE, and tell me what your 2012 resolution (or goal) is.

4. Share this! Spread the word by blog, facebook, twitter daily(1 for each medium, each day. Please make sure to leave separate comments each day!)
disclaimer: I was given a free sample of Trop50 for this post and the prize is provided by Trop50.

Who doesn't want to win quality spa time? We can ALL use it as endurance athletes.

Giveaway will end 1/26 at midnight.

Good Luck!

And don't forget to check out my LARABAR giveaway HERE

My Mom's Disney Race Report!

2012-01-23T07:06:00.000-05:00

After all the love and support I heard from you guys about my mom finishing her race, I thought you might enjoy hearing her side of the story. Enjoy!

I DID IT! Although I constantly questioned my ability and sought reassurance from my kids, I am now a ½ Marathoner, having recently completed the Disney Half Marathon. This is my story of how I got here, a feat I never would have thought possible.

In just 2 ½ years, I lost my brother, dad, and mom. My parents lived until their late 80’s, but 3 ½ years ago, my brother Russ dropped dead of a massive heart attack. The paramedics said he never knew what hit him, and was gone before he hit the ground. He was classified as morbidly obese, had high blood pressure and cholesterol. He was only 56 years old, and had just moved back from Pennsylvania with his wife to help care for our elderly parents. I vowed not to let that happen to me. Unfortunately, working full time and being the primary caregiver for my parents took its toll on me both physically and emotionally.

My Mom pinned this to the back of her shirt race day

After I finally got over the passing of my mom last January and realized that I was now the age my brother was when he passed away, I asked Stephanie to help me make a plan to get more physically active. She and my son had been talking about the Disney Marathon for a while, and they suggested I train for the Half Marathon. I thought it was a bit ambitious. Actually I thought they were crazy.

In September, I joined the gym Stephanie belongs to and hired a trainer. I began following Jeff Galloway’s program from Run Disney, and was at the gym 6-7 days a week. I pushed myself to ensure I would finish the race in the time allotted, and trained with a walk/run method. I registered in October, and there was no turning back. I kept wondering if I could really do it. When I finally achieved 12.5 miles in my training I knew I could probably do it.

Then the cold came, leading to a sinus infection. But I still completed my 14 mile last big walk/run. The doctor said that’s what did it. Bronchitis/upper respiratory infection set in and I was floored. Out of work and in bed for 5 days. No strength or energy to do anything including my training. I began to panic. Stephanie and Jason assured me I’d be fine, but I wasn’t so sure. I finally went back to the gym on the afternoon of Christmas Eve, feeling better but not 100%. Guess I wasn’t being careful enough, because I popped my hamstring on the hamstring curl machine and nearly passed out. After lying down and icing it, I hobbled out when the dizziness passed. I called Stephanie and was hysterical because it was only 2 weeks until the race and I thought that was it. I got home and Jason rushed for the ice packs and ibuprofen. Stephanie checked it later because I was sure I tore my hamstring. So once again, no training as even walking was difficult. My sports doctor said there wasn’t a tear and my chiropractor helped as much as possible. Just as it started to feel better, I slipped and pulled it again.

I believe in the power of prayer and pray regularly, but now I really needed to believe it would get me through this. My plan had been to dedicate this race to my brother’s memory and I was determined. My niece said her dad would be the wind at my back. I decided that maybe this was a test of my faith to be able to complete the race with such a bad hamstring injury. I just had to believe that God and my brother would get me through it. I just wanted to finish, even if I was last.

The first 4 miles I walked with two really nice local women, and when they began to run I tried, but the pain was so intense. I thought that was it. I’d never make it and all my hard work would go down the drain. Then there was Stephanie, Kevin and Annette cheering me on. When Steph came out onto the course and hugged me, I cried. I knew I had to push through the pain. Several times I tried to run but just couldn’t. By now my hips were misaligned and my right leg was shorter than my left. I was a mess with another 8 miles to go. I turned up my ipod (a gift from Steph) and tried to get my pace up with the beat of the music. Although I couldn’t get to my usual pace, focusing on the music helped immensely. Once in a while I looked back and saw that there were a lot of people behind me which was reassuring. At one point, I would have sworn that my mom, dad, and brother were on the side of the road cheering me on. Thinking about them looking down on me and how proud they must be really helped give me the strength to finish.

Meeting my mom at mile 4.5

Around the 11 mile marker was when I knew I could do it. The two women I started out with came up from behind me, as they had stopped several times, and they reassured me that I was doing fine and I’d make it. They were so happy to see me as they thought that maybe I had dropped out. I wanted to run at least at the end, but by that time I was limping and just needed ice. The only stops I made during the entire race was for biofreeze, to help a runner who fell, and to stretch a couple of times.

I finished in 3:34:25, not the time I had originally hoped for, but all things considered, just happy I was able to finish. Before I left, my chiropractor had told me to drop out if I had to. I told him that wasn’t an option. There were times I thought I might have to, but I’m so glad I pushed myself, even though walking around the parks for the next few days was excruciating.

Mile 12, almost done!

As a parent, over the years I’ve been able to brag about and be proud of my three children. It was such an extraordinary feeling to have them be so proud of me. I want to thank my children, Stephanie, Jason and Jessica for all of their love, support, patience, encouragement and reassurance. I am one lucky mama. Also, thanks to Kevin and Annette (the rest of my cheering section), to my brother Russ for watching over me, and for answered prayers. I could never have done it without you all!!

Hope you enjoyed reading that as much as I did.

Love you mom!