Thanks to my friends from Tiux...

My kind friends over at Tiux Compression socks asked me if I would mind testing out their socks and writing up about them.
I finally got a chance to test them out as today was the first day since I got them where it is not 100% humidity and 100 degrees outside. Something about knee high length black socks in the peak summer heat just doesn't sound smart.

Back to the socks- These arrived unbelievably quick after I told the rep my size and color preference. The packaging was so neat and fancy- very nice presentation. I opted for black because my goal use for these is to use them for OCR races- and I figured the black would last a lot longer.

The fit: Initially when I put these on I had a lot of extra material that I did not know whether I should let bunch at the top or the bottom.

Once I started running, it seemed to just distribute well on its own- Maybe I could size down to XS from S- but I worry those may be too tight.

I ran a track workout session in them today- 1 mile warm up, 800 x 4 with 400 recovery in between and a 2 mile cool down- Legs felt great, circulation felt great, and I kept them on for about 40 minutes after.

I look forward to using these often, and will need to get myself another pair- These are highly recommended - Check this company out- AND you can get a 10% discount off the already very reasonable cost....

TIUX COMPRESSION SOCKS

Equality for ALL.

I'm not going to jump on the soap box and do the typical "I'm gay and proud" lecture. Not at all. BUT today- There is a reason for me to express my thoughts.

Today is HUGE for all same sex relationships, because FINALLY a law cannot stop 2 people who love each other from being legally married.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/26/politics/supreme-court-same-sex-marriage-ruling/index.html


So - that said. I am sure there are haters- But haters- you LOSE this time.
This isn't about the bible or religion, this is about what is right and what is fair. I am not going to start my church bashing session my any means- But what is funny to me is that "holy rollers" are SO against gays and shame them to death - meanwhile their leaders are molesting same sex CHILDREN. CHILDREN!!!!

Also, some people think same sex shouldn't be married because they should not be entitled to benefits. So someone PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE explain to me why my wife and I who BOTH work full time (and have since we were 16) - Can't receive benefits- but we have outstanding law abiding citizens who pop out a million children to collect a larger tax refund among the rest of the benefits they are getting on the free ride?

In other related venting- Here are some things that amuse me in my life from recent events:

1. At the airport, security noticed Lisa and I had the same last name - "are you guy's sisters?"
Because, if we aren't sisters- we must just coincidentally have the same last name, right??

2. The gyno visit- EVERY YEAR- are you on birth control?
Me: no- No children for me
Doctor: well, is your husband fixed?
Okay- As if I haven't already had "alternative lifestyle" marked in my folder like I am contagious- maybe I should have them slap a HUGE rainbow sticker on it, just for safe keeping?
And for the record, I didn't need birth control when I had a man either- that was my first clue to "jumping to the other side" so to speak.

3. Filling out 401k Form and I fill in Lisa as my beneficiary and the planner calls me to tell me I put someone other than my spouse on the beneficiary spot, and I need to have my spouse sign the consent that HE wasn't my beneficiary. I didn't even have words for that. Do you think I can't read a form?

When two people love each others , and it's pure- Let it be. This world is So full of hate. Same sex and heterosexual marriages are no different. Tired of the "well in a gay relationship this must be different" Besides our private parts being the same- NOTHING is different.

Hoping this change is one big step forward for ignorance, and for that I am grateful.

SOULCYCLE.

I have a few thoughts in regards to my first experience with soulcycle class.
I wanted to share and see what you guys think.

First, let me state I took my first class in Chestnut Hill. If you aren't familiar with the area this is a very wealthy outskirt of Boston.  This is relevant...

When I first walked in to SoulCycle I was very interested. Bright walls with bike tires that look like lemons all over the walls. A corner of apparel including some nice pieces made by lululemon (it was very difficult to walk past those...) The staff was super friendly and welcoming.

We got our shoes (sort of like getting bowling shoes, but not so gross) and headed to class.
Since we were waiting for the class before us to finish up we were all in the hallway. It's natural to look around and "people watch" if you will. Based off of this I wasn't a fan. What I noticed was a lot of people there for status more than the workout. It was like a giant lululemon advertisement- good thing I was in lulu!

Check this out:
SoulCycle Parody

So the class- It was dark. It was candle lit. It was HOT. I was nervous because I am rather claustrophobic. Once I stopped panicking- I was really able to get into it and enjoy it.
We had a super flamboyant instructor who has incredible. He made this class feel like spin, upper body workout, yoga, and a therapy session all in one. He was so motivating and said so many things that really stuck with me throughout the class. He had great music, high energy- and I will admit I am a little sore today. I left that class SATURATED in sweat, and happy.

I used the showers in the facility which were 10 stars. Loaded with shampoo, conditioner, body wash, even q-tips, razors and bandaids. I mean they had EVERYTHING.

I feel as though if there was a SoulCycle closer to home, I would frequent it. The price point I honestly think is high ($30 a class!) but it would be worth the occasional splurge- especially if it is doing your MIND AND BODY so much good. Kudos to James L. who led an amazing class.

I'm still kind of bummed I didn't buy the lululemon jacket that said SOUL on the back.

When you believe in yourself , amazing things happen.

I had a rough week last week in my own mind. A few tabata workouts caused me so much soreness my weekend long run felt so trying that I finished doubting why I even run. The 8:41 pace we held for ten miles felt more like 12 minute miles with bricks on my feet.

It's normal to have bad runs but something about this one just crushed any confidence I had.

I couldn't be more grateful for my tri state running family who knocked some sense in to me and made me realize I am not a bad runner and that these things happen. Pick myself up- and carry on.

Last year I ran the cox half marathon. I've run it for the past several years but something about last year really burnt me. I ran a 1:56. Now that by no means is a bad time but when in 2011 I was around 1:46-1:49 consistently I wondered how I could slow down that much. I felt okay during the race I thought. So why didn't I do better ? Here's why: 1. I take out too fast. A half isn't a 5k. It's hard not to take off and fly but let's be practical. There's 13.1 miles to hold this. 2. I OBSESS over my watch. I look down and if my pace is slow I speed up and burn out early. If it's fast I tell myself I'm not capable of that pace and slow down. It's a lose lose situation. I know even in years I've done 1:49-1:52 range in providence the last three miles were a struggle.

I know mind over matter is huge but I don't think before this weekend I truly got why.
I ran the same two races this past weekend I've run the past 7 years. Here's what changed.

Saturday's 5k - no watch. No music. Just focus (on gasping for air LOL) I felt more relaxed and I honestly thought I was slower than usual. I finish- see the clock- boom. PR. First 5k PR since 2011. I got in the moment. I enjoyed it. And I focused on my stride and everything else I need to focus on instead of a watch face.

But the game changer ? Sunday's half.
I had music. I can't go that long without it. I do weird mind games like 2 songs per mile. Anyways- no watch. I started up near the front with the temptation to fly there , but I wasn't there to take off hard. I was up there to avoid getting stuck and weaving.
For the first time in my half marathon career - I started conservatively. No mile markers had clocks- I had no clue what I was holding. What I did know- I wasn't struggling. I wasn't tired. And I was having FUN. That was my purpose Sunday. Wasn't aiming for any time. Well here comes mile 10. The 1:45 pace leader comes right up behind me. I think he usually passes me by mile 3. It's mile 10. I feel great where i usually start to fade , and 1:45 finish is right behind me ? Okay. With a 5k to go I had two thoughts in my head. 1. Slow down a little who cares , I could slow down significantly and still break 1:50. OR ... I could believe in myself and believe in how good I felt and turn it up. I thought about it climbing up the last big hill. At this time 1:45 was a hair ahead of me.
My decision was made at the top. Go. With less than a 5k left and legs that still wanted to work it was the obvious answer.
Finish line photos haven't been released yet but I hope to god there's a pic of my face when I saw 1:43:49 as my finish.

Wait , that really happened ?

Never tell yourself you can't. Because you're capable of more than you credit yourself for.
So blessed for the support I have in my life ❤️

New Happenings!

Well, it's been busy so I figured I would throw out some updates!

New ambassador status: Fitfluential, Honey Stinger, BurnThis

Very excited to partner with them all!




I ran in quite a few races in March.

March 1 Was Stu's 30k relay race. The past 3 years I have run the entire course as a prep for the Boston Marathon. This year that was not necessary so I ran half as a relay with my friend Jesse. My goal was to run the 9.6 miles of hills in under 8:00 pace- I did this with a 7:57 pace. Was a great day all around, unfortunately I caught a virus and was sick for a few days following- NEVER fun, but it gave my body a rest it probably needed after the run streak in February.

March 15th I ran in the O'Putnam Courthouse 5k which is put on my Hartford Marathon Events. It was a very cold day, but the rain held off- I placed 1st in my age group with a time of 23:17


March 19th-23rd I was in Florida. I stayed with my favorite aunt in the world. After the winter we have had in New England, it was GREAT to get some heat. Met up with my friend Caitlyn and we ran the Strawberry Classic together in Tampa. I ran the 15k distance, finished with a huge PR and second place in my division. The trophy is kinda creepy but awesome nonetheless!


March 28th I ended up doing a somewhat local Easter 5k on a whim. It was snowing AND raining and luckily not too cold- was very raw and very wet. I was able to manage being second female, and breaking 23 min for the first time in a few months. Placed first in my age. I am learning that a 2-3 mile warm up prior to a 5k is the ticket.


Well, that's the news. Next up is Spartan Beast on April 18th. I am as prepared as It's going to get. I am looking forward to it. Stay tuned, there will be a big spread on that experience.

Cheers!

February Run Streak comes to a close...

I am an avid Instagrammer. I love the support it has for a community of people that share similar interests and are seeking challenges and ideas. The run streak was not a new concept to me, in fact I have done it before. This month seemed different. And I am glad it's over tomorrow.

I have a few theories about running every day, and anyone who knows me knows I typically do NOT advocate running daily. Now, I am not going to get scientific and tell you what you should or should NOT do- but for me personally, running every day sucks. 

I started the month with excitement , like YEAH! lets do this. I was loving it. There were blizzards every weekend- it sort of created an adventure for me. I thought it was great to put on my "screw shoes" and run through 6 inches of unplowed streets. 

As the month kept going I felt less inspired and the times I had to be on the dreadmill , I would see people lifting weights and I was jealous. 

Don't get me wrong , I LOVE to run, but what makes my running strong is BALANCE. Days off from running are KEY for my body to recover properly- and absence makes the heart grow fonder, right? You take a day or 2 off, and you CRAVE the next run. 

I also believe in runs with purpose, versus "junk miles" When you run every day, its inevitable to not have junk miles. I think these are the most important runs: Hill repeats, Speed work (tempo, fartleks), Long run, and recovery run.  For me, lifting has eliminated junk mile days, and built up my strength. Prior to lifting being a strong component in my regiment, I was constantly injured- mostly IT band issue. Since I've been cross training, no injury. (knock on wood)

Anyways, it was fun, I will have 130 miles for the shortest month and snowiest month , but I look forward to more of a balanced schedule next month. Bring on March!

Here are some photos from all the fun. Thank god for my 4 long runs with Tri-State Running- 2 being 13.1's - One being a "virtual half" since Hyannis marathon weekend got canceled.

Superbowl Sunday Long Run (12.39 miles)

The first 13.1 of February 

Twelve mile long run

Our very own "virtual Hyannis" 13.1 

We were built to fall apart , Then fall back together

I was running Tuesday night with my friend Jose and it came up that it's usually interesting to find out why people started running. I don't want to say 100 percent of the time, but more often than not- running was stemmed from something negative. I think that is why running is so near and dear to me, I have watched it transform people- including myself.

I like to ask people what got them running. I've seen weight loss, recovering addicts, unhappy in relationship/marriage, mental health, eating disorder recovery, to be heart healthy, and many other things.

I'm sharing what got me started. For me,  it's a bit two fold, sort of I didn't know it was coming , but I was forcing it at the same time type of thing.

When I was a senior in high school , I started to have some serious body image issues. How I got that point is irrelevant to this story- just know that I was struggling.
I'm terrified of throwing up (thankfully) and I LOVE to eat, so what's a girl to do?
Start working out. Excessively.

It started with a LOT of sit ups - I had the 17 year old mentality that If I did 100 sit ups, I could look in the mirror and see results, and when I didn't- 100 more 100 more 100 more... until I got a hernia. womp womp..... well, 3 hernias later (within a 12 month period) I thought maybe its time to move on from the sit ups.

To the track I went. The dreadful high school track that I had to run the DREADED mile on in gym class. WHAT was I doing here? It took me an entire summer to build up to a mile non stop. I hated it. I ran laps listening to my "mixed tape" CD's that skipped every 30 seconds likely from my terrible running form.

As this grew on me, I started to run in my neighborhood to mix it up- and in 2003 I signed up for a triathlon- I think a week prior to it. Just a sprint, but it would by my first race EVER. First of all I thought of the half
mile swim in terms of driving.  I drove a half mile and thought, that ain't bad! I biked a lot as a kid- and they say if you haven't been on one in a while you don't forget so I figured that was cake. And the run, I'd crawl if I had to.
Race day? My thoughts of "it won't be that bad" became my hardest challenge. I wanted a 2 hour finish, and did 1:59:59. I fell in love with the finish line- the support- the happiness - the feeling of accomplishment, and I needed more.
I did that same race for 10 years with the most recent being 1:31 finish- Not too bad from where I started.

Since 2003 I have done many triathlons, 8 Marathons, 30+ half marathons, too many 5k, 10k, and 10 mile races to track, about 20 OCR races, and other random races. My first marathon changed my life. (Still so sorry for everyone who had to witness that day LOL)

People don't get it, why we run. Running started as a punishment, and I like to believe it ended up saving me. Running is my medication. Not only is it good for my mental health and my physical health, but it has brought to me some of my very BEST friends. When you run next to people for hours at a time, you learn more about those people than you ever expected to. This sport taught me how to accept success, how to handle failure, and many principles apply to my daily life. Commitment, determination, never giving up, good days, bad days, laughing, crying, winning, losing, LIVING.

I'm out of the woods.

My very first Marathon, Hartford 2008

One of the few reasons I love my running pals, don't take life too seriously.