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.

2014, A year in Racing is winding down....

I'm going to take 31 races I participated in, and condense them as much as possible.
Here it is, 2014 !

Hyannis Half Marathon, Hyannis MA: Ran my best half time since 2011 - First large race with members from Tri State running. We lucked out with amazing weather- I think it was about 60- In February!

Tri State Chows Down Post Race

 

Stus 30k, Clinton, MA: This race absolutely kicks my ass every time. Without fail. The subtle rolling hills don't seem so bad when you are running, but you pay for it after. I believe I took a full week off after this one! Ouch- But I ran it under my goal time, Had fun- and beat Cohen in the last couple seconds- that made the entire close to 3 hours worthwhile ;)

Cohen, Myself & Melissa

Hartford Marathon's O'Putnam, 5k, Putnam, CT: One of my favorite local 5ks. Run it, then bounce around the pubs downtown. Had a great run, Placed second in my age group ! Scored a sweet mug.

Shamrock Shuffle, Winchendon, MA: This is a 5 mile race I travel out to Winchendon, MA to do. My godparents live out there, so I can run a race, and have a nice visit :) There was some crazy fast girls there this year, managed to place third in my age category and PR in the distance! 

Boston Tune Up 15k , Upton, MA: I landed from my vaca in Florida late, and got home about 1am. I was up after a few hours sleep and on my way to this race. I was pleasantly surprised with my performance, and will be back next year. Challenging course, personalized bibs, and the food after this race was incredible. INCREDIBLE.

Tri State Running

Boston Marathon: Redemption. I came to finish what I couldn't in 2013. I had the best day, AND got a PR. I do not like marathons, this was #8- and finally I didn't totally want to die after I finished. Learned from all my mistakes prior, and had a great winter training with friends. This will be it for marathons for me for a while, and I am happy it ended on a good note. That marathon was special in so many ways. Grateful for the opportunity.

Jog with Judy 5k, Woodstock, CT: One of my favorite annual races. This is in memory of a teacher who was killed a few years back while running. This event was something my mother (a retired teacher ) found for me, and I have done it ever since. She usually goes, too- which makes it extra special. I placed 1st in age and was super close to a PR.

Cox Half Marathon, Providence, RI: This is one of those runs I have done for years now. This year it kind of hit me that I was bored with the course. Not the best I have done, nor the worst. The weather was nice and I got to see some good friends - the medal always has an anchor - and I think that's what brings me back :) 

Dudley Beach 5k, Dudley, MA: Local Yocal 5k, which actually turned out to be like 2.7 miles. I knew there was no way I ran a 5k in 19 minutes. The thought was nice, but the reality was that wasn't possible that day. I was 4th woman overall which I was content with. Very hilly course. Might be a one and done :) 

Bone Frog Challenge, Charlemont, MA: This was a first timer. Course was out in the Berkshires on thunder mountain. The weather was gorgeous. The course was very difficult. The most difficult course I have done (at this point). The course was not short person friendly- at all. Luckily about 2-2.5 miles in I met a guy who was about 6'4/ I stuck with him til the finish. He helped me with some of the most what seemed impossible obstacles I had ever seen. I knew his entire life story, just not his name- go figure! Anyways I ended up placing in the top of my age group and qualifying for the world championships. Pretty cool! I also couldn't walk right for a week.

My tall friends leg is up in the left corner of this pic :)

Krit Classic, Andover, MA: Another one of my favorite 5ks. This one is in Memory of a girl named Krit who died tragically from a bicycle accident. Her birthday was 6.6.82, and mine is 6.4.82- My friends also call me Krit- so there is something special about this race. I feel like I knew her. Its a rather large race for a 5k (usually 1500 people) and it is always held on my birthday weekend. Tradition! 

Heartbreak Hill "Hat Trick" Series, Newton, MA: This was held the second weekend in June when it just so happened to be about 90 degrees both days. Saturday we did a 5k, then a 10k. Sunday we did a half marathon. I stayed in a hotel with 3 friends, and a good sized group from Tri State showed at this race. We had a lot of fun even with the heat. I was pleasantly surprised with my finishing times, and happy with all the memories made that weekend.

I call this one Jim and his bitches.

Foam Fest, Haverhill, MA:  A dead breed unfortunately, But still a load of fun. Was an annual thing for 2 years with some friends. Just a fun no stress obstacle run. I actually took a digger on the trail at this one! 

Spartan Sprint Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT: First spartan of the season. FAVORITE race series. This was an interesting course which started and ended in the parking lot, and the guts of the race was in the woods of the indian reservation. While the terrain was relatively flat- the obstacles still had a challenge to them. It was a warm day, but a GREAT race, and I look forward to this one again. The beers at Margaritaville after weren't too bad either!

Leonide 4.9 Fourth of July Race:  What a shit show this race is. That's the appeal. It is always hot as hell. But what keeps the crowd? The post race "show" . Picture a VFW club that smells like Butts, bar is bumping at 9am, and the best part? the table FULL of nonsense that gets raffled off by random draw. Who doesn't want to leave a race with a case of soda, or a pack of TP? This year I left with a bottle of "whoop ass" some classy hot sauce. The announcer of the raffle is about 100 years old. You can't miss this one and I think its about 8 bucks to run.

these prizes, though...

Run with the Beavers, Chepachet, RI:  First timer here. 10 Mile trail run. I must have nearly broke my ankle 100 times and learned VERY fast to keep my eyes on the ground at all times. Great run with a bottle of beer at the finish. Likely to return especially since its so close to home.

Gansett Summer Festival 5k, Easton, MA: Went to run this 5k instead of the half as my friend Melissa whom I had met through instagram was running the half. I was all set with the half, especially since I assumed it'd be 100 degrees, but wanted to meet Melissa. It was SO HOT. Glad I just did the 5k. Came in 4th (that's the worst!) and spent the day drinking beers and sunning myself before I got to see Melissa to finish her half :)

Craft Brew Races, Providence, Providence, RI: Fun 5k with a beer tasting after. The race ended up being short, about 2.8. This race also started about 45 minutes late. Between that and the short course- I was a bit aggravated as this wasn't one of the cheaper races. Thank goodness for all the beer after to make me soon forget. Found some amazing new beers, and fell in love with Crooked Current Brewery out of Pawtucket. If you havent tried their beer , and you are somewhat local- make the trip!

Spartan Sprint Amesbury, Amesbury, MA: I get this idea to sign up elite so I can start early and not be stuck behind people like I was at Mohegan Sun. AWESOME plan since this year they upped their game for elites. Sure you can start early and move smoothly, but can you do double the weights? I swear I am still having nightmares of the bucket brigade that nearly ended my life. I ended up with a pretty awesome finishing time, and only moderately beat up!

Elite Heat Start

What felt like the end of my life

Brooklyn Fair 5k, Brooklyn, CT: Local summer fair holds this race before the fair opens. Figured since I would be at the fair eating crap why not race first. Great great run, came in first in age :)

Spartan Super, Vernon NJ: Wasn't lucky for this one. Had a terrible head cold, woke up with my period (sorry for TMI), and it was legit 90 degrees out with 80 percent humidity with crazy storms coming. I luckily did rather well at this race considering, and beat the bad storms. Was only paused for about 10 minutes about 100 feet from the finish because of lightning. Had a long time friend accompany me and it made for a really fun day.

Second Chance Animal Shelter 10K, East Brookfield, MA: I have always wanted to find some races for animal rescue proceeds .I raised money and got a nice hoodie. The race day was cold and windy but it was a nice course. I got the dreaded 4th place again at this one. I didnt really care though- I was happy to be supporting a good cause. I also met Toto the tornado cat. He survived a bad tornado in mass and the family who adopted him wrote a book about it (childrens book) and had the cat at the race, had books for purchase, and all proceeds benefitted the shelter.

Spartan Beast World Championships, Killington VT: Ouch. Can I just write that? Over 8 hours of mental AND physical toughness. I ran (or rather crawled) this with my good friend Jose. Was a lot harder than we anticipated and the course was flooded with people so it was so hard to move. It was so cold out- close to 35 at the top of the mountain, and the water we submerged ourselves in was 49 degrees. we paid to do this! we had big plans of partying after , but instead we had hot soup at panera, i drank a beer in the shower and then slept like a log. I really hurt for days after this one. 

Pretty much our faces the entire day.

Bradys Mission 5k, Webster, MA: Local 5k for a young boy who survived cancer. First time EVER being first female to finish. Great run. I was battling noseeum bites from my honeymoon in St. Thomas, and who knows- maybe that helped me move faster?

BAA Half Marathon, Boston , MA: Ventured to this one solo. Cold day but made for a great run. Not a PR but a decent time, and the race was good. It consisted a bunch of out and backs which isn't my favorite but it still seemed to go by pretty fast. Nice medals, too :)

Bay Path Animal Rescue 5k, Hopkinton, MA:  Another shorty. I think 2.7 on this one. Again- good cause- so who cares. Was first girl in age and first female not running with a dog. Had a great pace going and had a nice lunch at Bills after with good friends.

Thompson Turkey Trot, Thompson, CT:  This is mostly a trail run. I knocked 2 minutes off of last years time, and placed second in age group. 

Spartan Sprint Fenway, Boston, MA:  FAVORITE spartan. Its also the easiest, but the atmosphere is so fun, Stairs, stairs and more stairs. Always fun with great friends and a trip to lululemon to top off the day :-P I finished 5th in my age group and 15th female out of over 700. My overall status was top 3 percent!

Green Monstah

Ric Buxton 5k, West Boylston, MA: Old faithful. Always a small 5k, but similar to fourth of July this one ends with a table of fun prizes. Another fun part of this, the winners get what I like to call a dad sweatshirt. No hood- and always a horrendous color. This year my first place finish scored me a mustard yellow dad sweatshirt. BOOM.

Start of the Ric Buxton 5k

Well that's that. Looking forward to what 2015 has in store. Going to try some new events and really mix things up a little. Of course will still attend the regulars. Thanks for reading, and mostly looking at pictures. That's the best part of any reading, photos!

Cheers to 2015, friends!

xo Peanuts