Run for Fun

GAME ON!

2012-02-24T05:11:00.000-08:00

Today is a new day. Today is Friday. Yesterday, was what it was, but that is in the past. All I know is what is in front of me at this moment and staying in this moment is safe and manageable. Today is a new day and today I woke up with a new sense of hope, motivation, and determination. Maybe it was the wonderful comments, tweets, e-mails, and texts I got yesterday (thank you so so much from the bottom of my heart you have no idea what it meant to me), the trip to the mikveh, a very special Facebook message I got this morning from a wonderful mother, a cohort of strong women that I have found battling the same issue, OR maybe it was watching the Hunger Games Trailer for the 10th time that really stuck with me (Dear Robin, why have we not bought tickets yet).

Whatever it is today, I am back to being the strong, "Challenge Queen" that I know that I am. A very good friend reminded me this week of who I am. She explained that when life throws my challenges I step up to them. Something clicks for me and I just do it, full on. What others may struggle with. I grin my teeth and bear it.

A year or two ago, I was faced with such a situation. And it kind of went like what happened yesterday. When I was told that I needed to face my challenge and that it was for my own good, that yes I would have to make scarifies but ultimately I would be happier and healthier, I cried. Even though I wanted to be happy and healthy, the idea of this challenge was preposterous to me. I could not do it. I would not do it. So I cried, I felt sorry for myself, I fought and then I talked to friends, found comfort in family, and faced my fears. Again and again I looked challenges and stumbling blocks in the eye and told them to go to HELL! While at my support group this week, I was questioned on how did I do this. Being asked this question was so humbling. It made me feel so good. I realized how much I had been through and how much I have accomplished.

Don't mess with me, seriously. I take these Amazing Mazes down like no other

Today, I remember those challenges. I remember how when I was told to stop exercising that I did. Something in me then clicked. I knew what I wanted and needed to do and the stars aligned to allow me to do so. I was very very lucky, but I was also very strong and took to my challenge like the "Challenge Queen" my friends have since dubbed me.

I have had my "woe is me time" and while I am not saying this will never come again (stay tuned Monday for my next appointment), but now I am ready to face life, the world, and whatever it has to throw out me. I have a bracelet I use for challenges like this is has on it the words

Wisdom, Faith, Tranquility

For my earlier challenges, Aaron and I thought this was most appropriate. If you take just the initials, can you read between the lines. In the past, while trying to be peaceful, I was also taking my anger, using it to my advantage and making it determination. Something along the lines of this situation. While I am trying to relax, be hopeful, and accept, I am also determined. Determined. Determined - WTF Infertility. W.T.F! I am not taking this lying down so be ready for a battle. And I am going to win in one way or another. Because we will have a child. It may not be tomorrow or a year from now or two years from now. It may be biologically ours or not but either way we will have a child that we will love and care for.

So it is Friday and I am calling GAME ON! So come on Mr. Amenorrhea (with your very hard to spell, still have to Google name) try me. You think that adding a few pounds and taking away my running is going to break me, well then you have underestimated me.

It is Friday. It is a day to smile. Leave me a message, tell me how you are determined, how you preserve or why you are smiling today.

Running and Hypothalamic Amenorrhea - Admitting Defeat

2012-02-23T04:28:00.000-08:00

Honestly, I was not going to post to you all today. In my fits of sadness, anger, and disappointed I had pretty much resolved to take a 3 year old mentality to this whole situation and put on a very extravagant pity party which included not contacting anyone until someone, anyone actually knocked on my door and asked me if I was okay. Yes, I pretty much waited for a phone call or text message or email last night because I expected people to magically know I was suffering and to come to my aid. Real big Steph, I know. Honestly, it is probably better that no one came knocking because I was not too much fun to be around. Poor Aaron he is getting the brunt of my "pleasant" behavior.

I would like to tell you that this morning I have a renewed sense of hope and determination, but that is not entirely true. I do feel better than yesterday and almost ready to face the world again. However my outlook is still pretty poor and I feel very sad, angry, frustrated, and stubborn all at the same time. Beautiful right? And while I could pretend otherwise, I have decided to be as "real" and true to myself on this blog as possible so unfortunately, you are all getting the good, the bad, and the ugly, and today it is ugly.

Can you guess what brought all these wonderful feelings and such a "happy" Stephanie out to play? It is not so hard to figure out that yesterday's doctor's visit was not as successful as I had hoped it to be. Going in, we were hoping that my follicles had gotten to a point where they would be ready to ovulate. We had shot in hand ready for the battle. No go. No shot to stimulate ovulation for me, not even close. My largest follicle was 13, we need it to be at least 20 and my uterine lining was 3, you need a minimum of 6 or 7 to hold a baby.

My doctor asked me about my changes in food and exercise and was none to please to hear that I ran 13 miles this weekend. She explained to me that I really need to run no more than 10 miles in a week 5 miles at a time, not get too hot (how you not get hot by running is beyond me), and have to keep getting the cholesterol needed for hormones to build up. Fun? How do you get healthy - gain weight, eat more, exercise less. Joy. The more and more I read these scholarly articles and websites, they explain that hypothalamic amenorrhea occurs due to a combination of stress, weight loss, and/or exercise that ultimately blocks gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) important for that whole ovulation thing. Women are told to eat more, exercise less, and may or may not need to go with some rounds of hormones like Clomid.

So where does this all leave me? My doctor explained that there is a chance that my follicles will still grow. They have the ability to grow 2 mm per day so we are going back on Monday to see if by some amazing chance they did. I am not hopeful. She said they could also shrink, stay stagnant, or grow a little but not enough. My guess is they will shrink, we will try Clomid for another month or so with no success and then move on. I told you I was not in the most happy of moods. I am probably losing followers by the dozen but at least blogging is still therapeutic, right?

Until then, my doctor wants to make sure I am cutting down on the exercise and continuing to eat lots of fats and proteins. I emailed her this morning but honestly right now I am almost resolved to do no exercise until my appointment and see if that helps. It is only a five day experiment of sorts so I am kind of like why not. Today I feel so defeated and worn down that I am not even in the mood. Since I officially cannot workout to the point of getting "hot" and I cannot run more than 5 miles, I have absolutely zero training aspirations so what is the point or harm in taking the days minus my sanity. I used to run to stay in shape but clearly it is looking more and more like I need to pack on the pounds so that is out the window. And while yes I run for fun, much of this fun is through training, goals, and chatting with friends and I am not seeing much joy in 3 miles alone on the treadmill right now at all. In all, like I said, I feel alone and without purpose.

I know I can turn this whole post into positives. I can say that my follicles were only 8 last time and now they are 13. That I have a major purpose and goal in not exercising or exercising less. That this is not forever and just for right now. I get it, I can say all of those things and eventually I will. I know. But right now, I am sad and I am angry and I am defeated and sometimes I kind of just need to ride those waves of emotion for a little while longer until I come out on the other end.

I hope I have not lost too many of you in my "woe is me" post. Not so fun, I know. Hopefully, tomorrow will be a brighter day.

Hope & Bondi Band Review and Sweepstakes

2012-02-22T05:48:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is the BIG day with a visit to the doctor to see if the Clomid has worked at all. I am trying to not get too excited, but ultimately I cannot not be too excited so I am just letting myself feel hopeful and excited and then if I have to deal with disappointment, then I will deal with disappointment.

Thus lets do something fun, upbeat, and hopeful....a Review and Sweepstakes!

It is no secret that I love me some Bondi Bands. From the moment I started using them, I knew I could never ever go back. I have tried to go without them when I am at the gym sometimes - a light elliptical training or maybe weight training - but honestly, I just feel naked without them. Ok, maybe not naked, but absolutely not happy because like I said

Once you go Bondi Band, you really never go back.

So what is so great about them? I feel a list coming on....

a) they totally complete the outfit (just kidding...sorta) and I can sport my blog logo at the same time!;

this all matches, right?

b) they hold back my ever growing hair (dear hair, please please please be long enough to cut for Locks of Love, I am ready to go back to short hair now);

c) they catch all my wonderful sweatiness and keep it out of my eyes and more importantly my eyes; and

Not looking too happy but at least there is no sweat in my eyes

d) they keep my ears warm (seriously these things can be ear warmers).

When I first started wearing Bondi Bands, I really was worried that they would slip out of my hair or would not stay in place. This has never really been a problem. Sure I have had to make a few adjustments now and again but overall they stay exactly where I place them. Initially, I was also worried that they were just going to really annoy me. I have a ton of neck problems that often results in pain behind my ears so I was worried that the placement of the band would feel heavy and irritating. Again, never the case. They do not bother me in the least, it is like they are not even there.

I generally do not fold my Bondi Bands. Some people like to fold them in half so the band is not so big and you can absolutely do that, but it just was never for me. I am all about showing off all of my Bondi Band. Just what works for me. You can also wear the Bondi Band under a hat or a helmet. I wanted to try out the helmet, but I don't own a bike or a helmet. I did try using the Bondi Band with my hoodie and that was not as good. In that case, for me, the Bondi Band fell off twice, but I was also using a full face mask and I think it kept getting stuck to the Velcro from the mask, so I am not sure I would use this combo again.

So there you have it. Short and sweet. Bondi Bands are just pretty darn awesome and I do not really have anything bad to say about the product in the least.

Even better Bondi Band has offered to allow one of you a chance to win your own. You will get a Heavy Sweat Wicking Bondi Band and can even provide your top two choices of styles. While there can only be one winner, everyone can utilize the 10% coupon code that Bondi Band has provided. At purchase, just use the code

runforfun

OFFICIAL RULES

TERMS AND CONDITIONS - FOR A BONDI BAND

Basics: To enter the sweepstakes for a Heavy Wicking Bondi Band please just leave a comment on this post, meaning the post that announced the sweepstake. The comment does not have to be anything in particular. It will be used so that your name can be entered into the sweepstakes as facilitated by Random.Org. There is NO PURCHASE NECESSARY or any other type of consideration that must be given to enter this sweepstakes. By entering a comment, you are entering in the sweepstakes and are thus agreeing to the full terms and conditions outlined here.

Eligibility Requirements: To enter this sweepstake you must be over 18 years of age and a United States citizen. Other restrictions apply. You can enter by simply leaving a comment on this blog, NO PURCHASE or other consideration is neceessary. You cannot enter by any other means.

Duration and deadlines: This sweepstakes starts on Wednesday February 22, 2012 at 5 a.m. and will go to Wednesday February 29, 2012 at 5:00 a.m. Winner will be announced by Friday March 2, 2012 at 8 p.m. and will be announced through this blog - Runforfun-stephanie.blogspot.com. A winner has one week from the announcement of the winner to claim the prize or else a new winner will be chosen (Sunday March 11th after 8 p.m.) . All prizes will be awarded. Thus if the winner does not come forward, a new winner will be chosen.

Prize Description: There will be one winner and he or she will receive a Heavy Sweat Wicking Bondi Band valued at $8.00

Running on Clomid

2012-02-21T04:58:00.000-08:00

Ok, ok, I know I promised to write about something else and I really was going to do a Bondi Band review today but those things take time and I have about 20 minutes to write this blog, jump in the shower, and be at work on time. No problem.

The past week I have been enjoying the fun filled experience of taking Clomid, a hormone that basically is supposed to help your body prepare for ovulation. When I asked my doctor about side effects, as I have heard different things from different people, I got everything from some people feel nothing to some people have an extreme form of PMS. You can experience hot flashes, bloating, mood swings, and cramps. I figured, given my experience on Provera, I would easily get lucky on the bloating. And without fail just hours after taking it, I began to feel as if I were a "Beached Whale."

Beached Whale means don't leave the couch and watch as much "How I Met Your Mother" as possible

I think you have to take all of this in stride. All the things that I have experienced thus far in the past few days could or could not be related to Clomid. On Wednesday and Thursday, I was so bloated after I ate and drank that I could hardly move. On Friday, I had an emotional breakdown over whether we should have chicken for dinner. On Saturday, I had a crappy run, albeit I did have wonderful company, so it was not all that bad. And on Sunday and Monday I had these intense lower back pains which I have decided means that something must be working in my body somewhere. But all these things could all just be me - I have been known to be indecisive about dinner and I was tired from work, bloating could have been in my mind or overeating, and back pain could be from a strain of sorts. I do not really know. Some of my friends tell me it is absolutely the Clomid; others say it might also be a little bit psychological. I will never know, but it is just how I feel and that is O.K. Aaron and I are working really hard on me just accepting my feelings. I cannot feel "bad" or guilty for feeling them, it just is and that is that.

All this could just be a result of too much challah...but there is no such thing as too much challah, seriously.

The weirdest part of all though has to be the running. I have never been a huge believer in this whole mind-body connection. But in the past few weeks, watching my running combined with the Clomid, I am starting to get the feeling that a) my body is telling me something and b) Clomid and running are not friends. I tried Googling Running & Clomid and got some information about how you can run while on Clomid but I was kind of looking for more answers about why my body has come to a screeching halt. Since about a month ago, my running has taken a significant plummet. I know I am actively trying to slow down, but it is like my body is three steps ahead of my mind. Things that used to be easy are now hard. I cannot push my legs to get up to my normal fast speed. I just do not have it in me - I do not know if I do not have the energy or the drive, but something is just off when I go to get on the elliptical or go out for a run. I can work up a glisten of a sweat but fun beat red faces that I like to sport are few and far between. I am watching my speed diminish and lets just a 13 mile run at a comfortable pace was nearly impossible.

Yesterday, my very wise friend Jen told me that it really was the medicine. It amazes me that a little pill can really make that much of a difference, but apparently it can. This made it a little easier on me. Additionally, I am truly starting to feel that my body is accepting what my mind cannot. My body knows I need to slow down and is doing it for me whether I like it or not. I am not going to lie. This is not easy. I am so used to getting out there, pushing hard, and doing my best. It is difficult to comprehend that my best for now is a new all time slow for me. Combined with the fact that I am getting added rest days and am sitting around a ton more, it is easy to begin to feel negative towards my body. And it is and would be all too easy. So I am not allowing it. I am reframing the situation and marveling at the fact that my body knows what it has to do to get healthy and be able to support a baby. This is something I want and my body is essentially helping it along so I can go kicking or screaming or I can join forces with my body and rock this whole pregnancy thing. No Big Deal.

Run, Walk, Crawl Finish.

Regardless of whether you are trying to get pregnant, dealing with injury, or just going through a phase in your running where you feel you "should" be faster, stronger, etc., I challenge you to be gentle with yourself, to trust that your body knows best, and to reframe. It is so so easy to be hard on yourself, to be mean to yourself. But this is never called for. So I will try today and the next day to continue to be gentle and work with, not against, my body.

How do you be gentle with yourself when you need to slow down?

When You Are Not Running...

2012-02-20T06:46:00.000-08:00

Not running can be very very hard on a runner. Not to offend anyone, but I am not sure others who are not a slave to running totally get it (actually those who do not run are the sane ones and we are all probably just a tad crazy or addicts, or at least I am). Many people who do not run, simply cannot understand why it is such a big deal for me to tone down the running or workouts, take more rest days, and just relax. Many people would jump at the chance to sit around and be lazy. A license to not worry about being dragged to the gym, to just be and have all this free time to do whatever you want. But what if the thing you want to do is the thing you are not supposed to do? Then it become a bit more difficult....

While I am still running and working out, it has been dramatically reduced. I did run long Saturday, but during the week a racked in a total of 2 miles. Maybe that is why trying 13 on Saturday was not so pretty. Otherwise, last week, minus Saturday, I logged a total of 1 hour of sweat time, if you want to call it that. I am not sure what the future weeks will bring. If I will continue along this schedule or further reduce my Saturday runs. I just cannot tell at this moment and that is O.K for now. I am just taking it moment by moment.

When my other friends are injured and cannot run, I always sympathize with them and then push them to enjoy the things that they cannot while training - time with friends and family, lunch dates, relaxation, etc. I realize that this is a lot easier said than done when you are an addict. The first time I gave up running for a few months to allow my body to recoup it was HARD. Looking at others running made me really really sad. I was stir crazy. But it was also one of the happiest times in my life. My body was regaining strength and I was giving it the rest it needed to do that, no matter how much I believed it hurt. So here I am again watching others train for marathons and post fast and faster times while I wonder how I am STILL so hungry even with the reduced exercise and couch sitting. I thought this time around was going to be even harder as my love for running has increased exponentially, and while it has not been easy by any means, I am remembering to enjoy all the other things that I can do when I am not running for fun....

Yesterday was a perfect example of this. Earlier in the week, I set off to arrange some plans that I would have to look forward to on the weekend as my training took a backseat...

Nothing better than a good brunch....

Especially with good food and..

friends

Yesterday, I also woke up with an incessant need to work on our home. I told my father I was being all "homey" he replied "the word is nesting." Regardless, we enlisted our friends to help rearrange the furniture (isn't that the only polite thing to do when people come over, to put them to work?). After they left, we set apart adding some finishing touches which included a very important trip to Home Goods, a store that I have overlooked but is pretty freakin amazing...I stand corrected. Some very necessary buys resulted in our new living room...

After months of our living room's fire place not working and our T.V. Stand hiding it, I am pretty excited that we now cannot only see the fire place, but it works as well

We then moved onto the bathrooms. We added some new art, which I love. It kind of makes me want to go buy potpourri and decorate the bathroom more...

And then we Aaron set to work on the most important project of the day...

Yup, we ~~Aaron~~ installed toilet paper rods, we may or may not have been living without them for the last nine months, minor details (no judgment please). When I was 13, my father and I put together a desk. You know the ones that come in a million pieces? This desk was HUGE and took literally 4 hours to put together. He told me then when I found someone I wanted to marry, I would not be allowed to marry him unless he could do the same. I am certain Aaron would be up to the job, he rocks these tools, while I hold my ears and play on Twitter (my dad is shaking his head at me as reads this I know....)

All in all it was a wonderful relaxing weekend. Now if I could only get these back pains to subside (although I am ~~secretly~~ hoping they are a sure sign that something is working inside my body).

Have you ever had to scale back your running for a time? How do you keep sane?

Clomid Crazies

2012-02-17T05:23:00.000-08:00

Ok, so maybe I am not going crazy, just yet, but this title just stuck in my head and I was really excited to use it so there we go Clomid Crazies. A few days ago I was actually debating posting on this because I was starting to get the idea that maybe this is TMI....and maybe it is. However, during the week I got such wonderful emails, and PACKAGES from amazing bloggers and readers that how could I not post. Plus, even more importantly not only am I gaining support, but I feel as if I am also supporting others too. Thus, if all if this is TMI, I am sorry. I promise to come back next week with some fun sweepstakes that I have been meaning to - think iFitness Bondi Bands galore!

look what I came home to last night from Jenny. I swear bloggers are the most amazing people ever, this was a "Cheer Up" package, it did the trick ;)

So back to Clomid Crazies. On Monday, we got the blood tests back and we got good news. Mainly without getting all technical and stuff, the blood tests showed that I may indeed respond to Clomid. No guarantees of course, but potential. On Tuesday, (I like to act fast), we were in the office having an ultrasound to make sure that for some amazing reason that I was not pregnant already, I was not. So we set out making a plan to start Clomid instead.

This is how I understand it (just in case anyone out there is wondering). The goal of Clomid is to make follicles in my ovaries grow. In order to ovulate your follicles need to be at least 22 mm. I have a lot of follicles, but the largest one is only 8 mm. My doctor tells me that the little ladies are really trying and that the weight gain might have helped it some, but we need more help. Thus, I will take Clomid for 5 days. We will start with half a tablet. This may be too much but they don't want to risk too many follicles growing at once, so they start low (I worry this will just be a repeat of when I was on Provera where we started low, nothing happened, upped the dosage, and still nothing happened - But I am trying to stay hopeful). This coming Wednesday, I go back to the doctor to see if a follicle has grown enough. If it has, they will give me a shot of HCG that is supposed to induce ovulation and then Aaron and I have about 48 hours of potential, what my doctor calls, "baby making time."

So simple and easy, right? HAH. There are a lot of things that have to fall into line such as my follicle growing, having only one follicle grow (too many and we can't do it), having the shot work, and then actually conceiving. So yea it is not just that easy but I am trying not to think like that and remain positive and hopeful. I am really excited to be doing something besides just sitting on my butt, literally (I have run 2 miles this) and gaining weight. And if this does not work, we still have other options which are promising as well.

Overall, my thoughts on taking Clomid. I consider this, just based on my own opinion, a hit or miss drug. It seems like for some people it works and for others it does not, unfortunately it seems like for too many it does not work. I have heard potential side effects include bloating, moodiness, and hot flashes, basically a severe form of PMS. I apparently love to hit the bloatiness category and just like with the Provera I feel like a beached whale. I am also a bit concerned, to be completely honest, that this bloating weight will stay with me like the Provera weight did but I am not letting that bother me too much.

This was a very technical, matter of fact blog post, I guess. So maybe just a few other thoughts. Over the past week, I have really tried to relax about this whole experience. Between having an extremely restful and relaxing weekend last weekend and trying the new Clomid and feeling like I am actually doing something, I feel a lot more "chilled out." I know this is important so I am going to try and continue that pattern this weekend. I am also just working on visualizing what I want and take a lot of time to just be peaceful and mindful, especially while at acupuncture (more on this later).

This is either my relaxed/bloated face or my "I just found out a fro yo place is coming in last than a week to a strip mall across the stress from my office" - you decide

I don't know if any of this will work. If running 15 v. 15.5 miles a week will help or if eating an extra handful of nuts each day will be the trigger that helps us have a baby. I just don't know. But I cannot worry about of things that I cannot control any longer. I will do what I can do for right now including Clomid, extra fats and proteins, moderate exercise, and acupuncture and let G-d take it from there. As Debbi reminded us "Que Sera Sera," "Whatever Will Be Will Be..."

Happy Friday! Have a wonderful relaxing weekend

Not Just One Mother - Remembering Debbi

2012-02-16T08:48:00.000-08:00

In my life, I have been very fortunate to not just have one but many mothers. Women that come into my life, who whether they know it or not, have a pivotal impact on me. One of these women is my mother-in-law, Debbi. While I was only blessed to spend five too short years with her, the impression she made on me will last a lifetime, if not more as I know the lessons she imparted onto me and my husband will be passed down to our children.

Debbi and I at my shower she helped plan

Today is Debbi's birthday and while she is no longer with us, I wanted to pause and take a moment to remember her. It seems that not a day goes by when I do not think of Debbi or am reminded of something she did or said, but on her birthday, I thought I would share a little bit more with you.

When I first met Aaron, I had no idea that I would be gaining a very large family as well. ~~It is not at all intimidating~~ It is just damn scary to meet his three other siblings as they act in their "wolf pack mentality" (as Debbi would say). But Debbi took me under her wing at once. And when I say this, I do not mean she coddled me. Instead, she treated me as her daughter - we had long talks on the phone, AIM (yes AIM), and at her house on the Cape. She imparted words of wisdom and taught me how to make challah and rugleach (all the necessities to being a Jewish wife and mother, of course). And when I was wrong, she told me. I did not get any special treatment. When I acted like a child, she treated me like one giving me a full reprimand of shouting and all, which today just makes me laugh and smile fondly.

Picking out my wedding dress, all smiles

That was just who Debbi was. She was a mother to her four children but to so many more as well. She was a nursery school teacher teaching to low income children, most of whom came into her classroom not speaking a word of English and while she did not know their language, all of the children spoke English by the time they left her She cherished her family above all else. They were her pride and joy and I am honored that she let me be a part of that group.

So today I remember the little things. Debbi...

- driving me two hours to get my hair and makeup tested for my wedding, just because;

- being able to pick out the head piece for my wedding among hundreds when I was overwhelmed;

- yelling at Aaron to put me on the phone before we had ever even met so she could tell me how to dress for an impromptu dinner;

- hurdling us all into the car to go to brunch at the Cape because if we waited just one more second for me to change out of my workout clothes, we would be caught in the line;

- telling me never to name my child just Debbi because she did not like that name, "No Debbis" she said and reminding me that when I am pregnant to promise to just step on the scale backwards (she knew I was a bit crazy).

Passover Seder. Sure it is a really important holiday but that does not mean we can't dress up and have fun

Aaron and I reenacting the plaques

These are not the most monumental occasions; I could talk about those - graduations, birthdays, or weddings. But that is not what Debbi was about. It was the little things - sharing a book, teaching me how to knit, going shopping, etc. that I remember most and that come into my head time and time again...

This morning Aaron sat for over a good two hours playing video games. I asked if he would still be there when I got home to which he responded "No I will have beaten the game by then." Aaron I said, what would your mother say. He responded she would say "Oooo Aaron" in the certain sing-song voice that only those who knew her can now hear. I told him, I was thinking the exact same thing....

I hope you have all been as blessed as I to have a Debbi in your life. I challenge you to take a moment and remember him or her now.

If you are reading this and knew Debbi, she some stories with me. If not, share some other stories of people you love. You can also go visit Debbi anytime and remember. She blogged about her journey here and I am thankful I have that to cherish always and to show my future children.

One of my favorite memories is Debbi and my aunts and sisters-in-laws throwing me this shower...

The Hunger Games & Valentine's Day

2012-02-15T10:33:00.001-08:00

Hi all, remember me? I know that I usually post every day but Ihave missed the past two days. Work has been pretty busy, and while that could be the reason I have not been blogging it is not. I blog at home, so where have I been? I mainly blame my absence on this

*Source

I am fairly late to the games, no pun intended. I am probably the last person ever to read this book, but if for some crazy unknown reason you have not read this book yet, stop whatever you are doing and go get it. You are seriously doing yourself a disservice by not reading this book. Do NOT go to the movie first, I beg you, read the book!

So in actuality, I am not reading the book. I am actually listening to it on audiotape. I usually get audiotapes for when I have to run alone (which is actually pretty incredible, definitely don't knock it until you try it). Yet, I decided to get an audiobook for Hunger Games and not just for running because I have a lot of trouble holding books due to neck pain. I am so glad I did. It allows me to "read" on the go like at Physical Therapy this morning (sorry Aaron, I know you wanted to chat but I had to listen to Katniss's plans to destroy and steal all of the Careers' food by the pond). It also allows me to take long relaxing baths while listening to my book - my new favorite hobby.

The other reason I have been MIA is Valentine's Day, of course. A few weeks ago Aaron asked me what I wanted to do for Valentine's Day. This is a change because I am a HUGE planner (could you ever guess) and usually I have our plans set way in advance. This year, however, I am no longer so in love with restaurants and all that jazz and just wanted to stay home and have a picnic by our fireplace complete with pizza (I have such advanced taste buds). The only issue is our fireplace, which is gas, has not worked since we moved in in May. I made it abundantly clear to Aaron, by dropping some "subtle" hints that if the fireplace was not working by Valentine's Day I would be less than thrilled. I think he got the idea and by Monday this was me:

My very own fireplace!!

I did not expect or want much else. Yesterday, I went about my day and managed to get into a sizable fight with Aaron over nonsense logistics on the way home. I sure felt like a fool though because when I got home, I opened up the fridge to this...

Yes, a homemade edible arrangement. I love Edible Arrangements but they never have watermelon in the winter so Aaron went and made his own! He went to the store and found great watermelon as well as a picnic basket for our picnic. I proceeded to then make the best looking pizza yet and we dined on pizza and fruit.

In my world, pizza is its own food group

Aaron is lying on a heated blanket, the best way to picnic!

If that was not enough, I got another surprise. Robin stopped by on her way home to drop off these...

Yes Robin made these. They almost look too good to eat, almost...

Robin is an amazing baker. Her cookies are incredible! Thanks Robin! I could not have asked for a better Valentine's Day.

How do you all spend your holiday? Have you read Hunger Games yet?

Garmin Free is the Way to Be - Letting Go & Relaxing

2012-02-12T14:17:00.000-08:00

Friday was my scheduled rest day. Friday I ran 13 miles. I cannot tell you how long this 13 miles took me or what pace I went or if I stopped at 12.99 or 13.01. All I know is that Friday instead of resting, I ran 13 miles and had a blast.

Credit Aaron, took the picture while rollerblading

It is no secret that I have been struggling both physically and emotionally. I have been stressing a great deal about what is the "right" thing to do to get my period back and what that might mean for my day-to-day life, my running, and most importantly my family and my future. People have been incredibly supportive and have offered wise words, advise, and comfort. But I have continued to struggle with ensuring that I am doing the "right" thing, eating the "right" food, and exercising the "right" allotted amount. All of this becomes more stressful as I cannot expect to see results immediately and have no idea if I am helping the situation. All I can really see is that my pants feel tighter, my stomach hurts a lot, and that each pregnancy test that my doctors make me take before another test is negative.

Most importantly people have told me to relax. To not judge myself or worry if I am making the "right" decision. With all of the above, you can see how it can be hard to just relax. I am used to being in control. I wanted to be a lawyer, I went to law school, I studied hard, I became a lawyer. I wanted a house, we looked around, we bought a house. But this, this is not something really in control. I have been even more judgmental about myself for wanting this control and wanting to do the right thing and not wanting to slow down, especially with my running.

Ultimately, though, I knew I needed a break. I will be getting the blood tests back next week and until then there is not much I can do. Until then, I have been pushing myself to be gentle, to relax, to enjoy myself, and to start turning my mind to change. That was my goal for this weekend and considering it took a good amount of energy to get out of my nice relax bath to write this post, I feel I have accomplished it. This weekend I ran, I indulged in ice-cream and wine, I slept 11 hours, I did not leave the house for the day. This weekend I relaxed.

This relaxation idea had been stewing all week. I have been stressed, anxious, and have been having trouble concentrating. Thus, on Thursday when XLMIC started to put challenges into my head, I knew it was time to take her up on them. She challenged me to find 5 moments of joy in the next 24 hours and to write them down. They could also be workout focused. If I had something on my workout agenda that I did not want to do, she pushed me to just do something else and not follow the plan. To really just RUN FOR FUN. Both challenges seemed difficult at the time, especially since Friday was supposed to be a rest day. But as my close friend has reminded me time and time again, I am the QUEEN of challenges and before I knew it I had more than 5 moments of joy.

The really eye opening experience, however, was Friday when, after work was over for the day, I headed out for my long run. A long run was not on the schedule for Friday. I did not have much time on my hands but it was beautiful out and although I was tired from a long day at work and it was almost dark, I could not help myself especially since my husband said he would join me.

We started out together. Aaron had to run two miles. He wanted to run the second mile at a 9 minute pace which is just about right, maybe even too fast, for a long run, so I said I would join him for that and then he would cool down and I would continue on. He would then catch up to me on his rollerblades.

Two Thumbs up for Rollerblades

By the time Aaron caught up to me, I was not happy. I was slugging along at a slower pace than I wanted and ready to quit. It was at that point I remembered XLMIC's challenge and decided the hell with it. I took off the Garmin and told Aaron to take us to 13 miles and to never tell me the pace or the time.

From that moment on, I was in heaven. We chatted, we stopped to drink and eat Shotbloks, we sung songs and blew kisses (ok only me), and we had a blast. I felt strong, I felt confident about my run, I felt good.

I do not know the pace of this run. If it was fast or if it was slow, but it felt strong and speedy. Could it have been really slow? Sure. But for that day, for me, it was perfect.

And now, I am kind of starting to get it. Relaxing and reducing intensity, if that is necessary, is like this long run. It is going out there and running and enjoying myself without numbers. I can do this on a long run or on a speed day - to just go out and listen to my body for the day and see what I can do, to not be dictated by numbers.

I am not going to lie. This still scares me even now the thought of doing this on the elliptical tomorrow makes my heart beat quickly in an anxious sort of way. I like the comfort of the Garmin and the help it provides me in knowing I am hitting my paces. I used to think there was something wrong with that. That is was not ok to be competitive. However, my good friend was able to show me that that is not wrong, that is just how I am and how many runners are. I like knowing the numbers; I like having goals and completing them; I like racing and there is nothing wrong with that. But right now I have another goal and I need to focus on that for now.

Anyone that can put up with you when studying for the bar exam and come out the other side is a friend for life, clearly.

So if I need to reduce intensity, I will. I will run by the way my body feels each day and be gentle with it. Fast will be relative to the day and not the time on a treadmill or a watch. Fo I love this idea? No. Am I totally, 100% excited about it? No. Do I need you all to remind of the fact that this is ok and just a different type of reason? Yes! And if this is the course I have to take, I will and I will keep coming back to my wonderful, Garmin Free Long Run which showed me truly how to Run for Fun.

Garmin Free is the Way to Be (Thanks Jenny!)

Ok time to go back to fuzzy pants and Hunger Games. Enjoy your week!

Have you ever gone Garmin free?

Running Slump & Five Moments of Joy

2012-02-09T16:44:00.000-08:00

First a winnner!! Kelly at Running Kellometers is our winner. Congrats Kelly! Send me an email please!

I would like to tell you that my plan from yesterday went well and that I had the best run ever because I took it slow and everything fell into place. Well, I did take it slow, but everything did not fall into place. Instead, the run yet again went like this:

Start, commence huffing and puffing. Stop. Catch Breath. Start again a little slower. Legs feeling sluggish. Stop again. Start again a little slower. And on we went until we got to 4 miles. It was not pretty...

Of course, I did not take it well. Commence massive text messaging to Robin as soon as I completed to workout and a lot of use of the word:

FAIL!

So for what seems like the millionth time in the last few weeks, I need to reassess. After talking with Robin, we both agreed that my body might be telling me a thing or two. Maybe that I am exhausted or sick we thought? But I feel ok. More likely that I am emotionally spent, tired, and overwhelmed. Yup, that sounds about right. I realized today that is has been 3 weeks since I first went to the doctor and he told me to "sit on my butt and eat french fries." Since then, my life has been through for a loop. Can you tell from my crazy blog entries lately? I promise to be a bit more upbeat tomorrow and actually get around to my 11 Things Post, I promise.

Today, I spent a good amount of time talking to this wise lady and we had a little blogger therapy where all signs again pointed to the need for me to RELAX, SLOW DOWN, & BE POSITIVE. This has been so hard for me. I want a GRAND plan. I want to be in control. But I also really really want a baby. So I guess I really do need to relax and slow down. In again comes the question of whether the crazy emotions and poor runs are telling me that I am still doing too much. If a strict training plan with hard workouts are still too hard to get where I need to be. There remains many unanswered questions and things I cannot control and honestly I hate that.

Ultimately, I am still not sure what I am going to do and where I am going with this and that kills me. For right now though I am taking this time to contemplate and reflect. When my tests comes back, my doctor and I can make a better plan and I might have to make some big decisions involving running yet again.

But for right now, I will take some wise advice and for the next 24 hours find 5 moments of joy and write them down and relish in them. I will continue to contemplate my options but I will work hard to not let it consume me. I will strive to relax and be positive...

Do you ever stop to think about moments of joy? How do you relax and let go of control? What do you do if you are in a running slump?

I am a Stubborn Runner

2012-02-08T17:44:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, I am a "Stubborn Runner."

I do not like when things don't go my way...

I would like to tell you all that I am a good little runner. That I take my mistakes and learn from them easily. That when I sit down to look at what went right and what went wrong, in my latest run, that I take the "what went wrong part" and work on changing it and improving it. But alas, I am a Stubborn Runner and apparently that is not what us stubborn runners like to do. Instead, we contemplate the run, assess what went right and what went wrong and then proceed on doing the exact same thing the next time instead of trying to make changes.

Case in point, the last two treadmill hills workouts I have run, have been less than stellar. Last Thursday, I did 4 miles with three hills. I wanted to break 30 minutes. End result was more like 31 and change. My stomach hurt all during this run and I had to keep jumping off the treadmill and resting. Afterwards, I thought about why my stomach was so upset. Maybe it did not like the granola bar I ate right before I went on the treadmill, although I often eat granola bars right before I run and/or maybe I was going too fast.
Fast forward to Tuesday, 3 miles 3 hills on the treadmill. Same situation - bad stomach pains and a lot of starting and stopping. Instead of under 22 minutes my time was 22:42 and that is being generous.

Maybe I should just stick to the natural runner's food groups before a run - you know, ice-cream and sprinkles and the like

I have been contemplating these runs a great deal. Thinking that it would be wise for me to change my eating patterns and/or slow down. I would like to go outside and give that a whirl (because I think I do better outside) but honestly there is something about the dark and cold mornings that I just don't do. Instead, I like to wait until the very last second and sleep as much as I can and then hop out of bed and cram in some quick miles before scurrying to work. But if I am going to just stick with the treadmill, something has got to change. I know this and I have been battling with it all week. Ideally, I need to get through tomorrow's 4 mile treadmill run with 3 hills WITHOUT STOPPING. I have run 26.2 miles without stopping, I can run 4! But lately on the treadmill I cannot seem to do this. This means only one thing to me. I need to slow down!

The idea of slowing down on these lower milage runs is hard on me and on my pride. I want to do my best every time I run and work as hard as possible thus it is very difficult for me to force myself to go slower. However, I know based on the past two runs slower might be my faster for right now. I also know that there are other important goals besides just having my fastest run. Right now my goal needs to be to get through a run without stopping and with no stomach pains.

So tomorrow, I will promise to start slower. I will start at a 7:53 pace and assess how I feel. If it feels really good, I will kick it up one notch. If it feels bad, I will kick it down. If I feel just ok, I will just keep it at the 7:53 and go from there. I WILL NOT STOP! That has to be the goal for tomorrow and one I have to accept. As for the tummy pains, I might try a half of banana tomorrow morning instead but we shall see how I feel when I wake up..

So that's it. Here is to becoming less of a stubborn runner.....

Are you a stubborn runner? Any good advice from one runner to the next?

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday Amenorrhea Style

2012-02-07T18:12:00.000-08:00

Warning: If you are a bit faint at heart or squeamish, there is a bit more needle/medical talk in this post...

Stephanie - One; Amenorrhea - Zero!

Yay for long day being over

So today I went for a fun day long fun day of blood tests. Generally this should have been a fairly simple procedure. The doctor told me beforehand that I would be incredibly bored and that it would be a long, but easy day. They would draw blood every 10 minutes but it would not really be noticeable as done through a IV line or whatever you call it. I brought all necessary supplies to keep me busy - laptop, books, coloring books (yes coloring books, no judgment), and of course an Aaron.

Never go anywhere without an Aaron.

Unfortunately, things did not go so well. Apparently, I don't like to give up blood a.k.a my blood "flow" was slow and would stop. This ultimately meant that they had to keep trying different veins in my arms we started with the right, then went to the left, back to the right, twice on the left, again on the right, and then finally on the left (I am serious this was a 2 hour ordeal). They had to "massage" (a.k.a push down hard on my arm) and manipulate the needles to get any blood. It was not pretty and to add to the fun they kept putting band aides over the spots and ripping them off. It was crazy painful (but I am fine now Grandma, I promise, don't worry!).

Not so happy (look my feet almost touch the floor...right)

All the research fellows wanted me to give up. They kept telling me that we did not have to do this study and that I could go home. But I knew that this study also meant a lot for our treatment plan. The results from this study would help us know what was the best route to take in my treatment. These blood samples would measures the pulses of my hormones and tell us where to go next instead of having to go with the "Guess and Check Method," which might take months. Thus I was determined to get this done no matter what. This led us to lots of needle pricking and "fun needle in the hand day" (I will spare you the picture). In other words, they ended up drawing blood from a vein in my hand and putting in a saline IV to keep me very hydrated. They also made me keep my arm propped and straight, my legs up, and put hot packs on my hands and arms, all in hopes of keeping the blood flowing - fun.

Thought instead I would show you how to get to the bathroom with an IV in your hand

So that's that. Stephanie - One; Amenorrhea - Zero. We got the tests done and hopefully, even though we missed a lot of blood samples, it should be enough to get a good sample and help us make a plan. We should know more next week.

By the way, big thanks to all the wonderful blogger support today especially Jenny with her rocking Twitter jokes keeping me smiling. Also my friend Janette who came to visit and texted me throughout to make me smile. Thanks ladies!

But as hard as today was. It reminded me of something that I almost forgot in the past two weeks -

I AM STRONG! I WILL GET THROUGH THIS!

I WILL PRESERVE!

How do you stay strong and preserve when things get tough?

Sometimes all you need is a run - Super 5K

2012-02-05T18:01:00.000-08:00

So as you may have noticed, yesterday was not an easy day. I have been working hard to be gentle with myself and mindful. To not worry so much about what I should be doing or what the best thing is to do for my body and just take it one step at a time.

Today, I did the best thing possible to distract myself, I ran and not just any run but a 5k. No better way to take your mind off of tough topics by running a race with friends and family including some of my favorite people Janine, Robin, and Aaron.

Janine pretty much had the coolest skirt ever, my Team Sparkle Shirt did not stand a chance

My new favorite picture! It took 8 years but I knew I would make Aaron a runner.

I was pretty nervous about this race. Friday's four miles was less than stellar with tons of starting and stopping and all weekend I had been a bit down on my body feeling bloated and that none of my clothes fit quite right. So I went into this race extremely nervous and not excited in the least. I felt that there was no way my body could push hard given how I had been feeling lately and how emotionally draining this whole experience has been thus far.

But have you ever wondered how is it that your legs just know its race day and get really excited during the beginning of a race? My legs always have RLS, better known as "Race Leg Syndrome." Even when I think I don't have a run in me, my legs perk right up: "What there is a race they say? Ok we are ready to go even if the rest of you is not."

Today was no exception. Despite my fears, when the gun went off, my legs were itching to run. I was ~~pleasantly surprised~~ shocked when I felt so good and looked at my watch and read 6:34 and 6:40 during the first half of a mile. What can I say? I get too excited, even when I know those numbers are by no means sustainable for me. The same thing happens every time. I look down, know I am going too fast but feel good so just go with instead of slowing down and being smart. Before the race, I spoke with Robin about this and what her 5K strategy was. She was mentioned that she always just tries to start hard and finish hard with 5ks because you never know if you start too easy you still might not have the ability to push it later. I worry about this too but I know that I really need to start slower next time.

Anyway, I knew I was in trouble after the first mile (7:08ish - way too fast) when I could still see Robin as we turned a corner, although it was really uplifting being able to see my running buddy out there running strong! Mile 2 still felt O.K. - 7:11. And then the fun started and by fun I mean I wanted to puke and be done with this thing. I pushed myself hard even though I did not have much left. I told myself that despite the fact that I felt I was bloated, gaining weight, and/or had no idea what was happening with my body, I could still be a strong runner. I quieted my voice that said running was now "bad" for me and told myself not to leave anything out on the course recalling how last time I wish I had just had a few more fast strides left in me. Yet, like a pro I rocked the positive split clocking the third mile at 7:29 and the last .10 at 7:20, oh when will I learn.

This is my, "I want to puke face" if you were wondering...

I did my best, alas it was not good enough for a PR. Missed it by 13 seconds, but I can't really complain. For feeling so off and nervous, I am pretty proud of this run. And I am not even too upset that this awesome mom in a running stroller killed it and beat me bad because I am staying positive and hoping that that will be me one day (P.S. Robin, didn't you know that we will be adding a third running buddy to our weekly runs one day lol).

Am I little disappointed I did not PR? Yes, but this race is still just what I needed. It showed me what I should already know that I am strong and powerful and will continue to be a runner and Run for Fun.

See, Run for Fun!! P.S Don't we kind of look alike? I think so anyways..

The best part of this race was being with my friends and Aaron. Janine PR'd and Robin managed to get a medal. But ladies, sorry, the winner to me is Aaron who rocked a one minute PR.

Here they come - Robin helped encourage Aaron to the finish (P.S. look at Robin's awesome running posture, I am jealous).

Tuesday is all day testing day, wish me luck, next time you hear from me that is where I will be.

How do you strategize for a 5k? Do you worry about not starting hard for these races?

Reliquishing Control - Amenorrhea Update

2012-02-04T11:53:00.000-08:00

Have you entered my CEP Compression Sweepstakes here or checked out my audition post here?

Did you know that blogging is actually just a cheaper version of therapy? It is ~~kind of~~ exactly like journaling, except for the fact that everyone else reads it (minor detail, right?) So here is hoping that I get in a good therapy session with this post. Tomorrow, I promise I will talk about running, ok? Deal.

These past few days I have been working on acceptance, and it has not been easy in the least. Whether it is running or "real life," I am just a little Type A, can you tell? I want to be able to control everything! If there is a problem, I want to be told how to fix it and then I can simply take the steps to do so. In law school, this was problematic. I wanted my professors to give me exact answers, they could not. They would try to tell me to see the forest instead of the trees, but I was just so darn fixated on those trees; they are important too, right? That is kind of what this journey has been like thus far. I want to control everything, I want answers, I want to know if I do X, Y, and Z, then everything will fall into place, but I cannot know that and that is really really hard.

But I still made it through Law School, so I can make it through this, right?

So let's back up. As I mentioned previously, my nutritionist and I spoke about decreasing the workouts and increasing food intake by about 200 calories. I thought that was going to be easy and so far the workout decrease has been fine. The food increase has been surprisingly hard. It should be easy, but, in all honesty, it has not been. I find myself fixated on the right foods to eat and reexamining my diet at every turn. Am I eating too many carbs? Do I need more dairy fats? Just more healthy fats? How much proteins?

Nutella or Peanut Butter, you tell me.

This is exhausting and while I hope to meet with my nutritionist this week, I know that part of all these thoughts are just symptoms masking my anxiety and that I have to deal with the real issues. On top of all of this is the underlying comments and opinions that people have said. Some say I am at a healthy weight and do not need to gain countered with those that think I do need to gain is troubling. And to put the cherry on the sundae, this week none of my clothes seem to be fitting right and are much more snug. I have been off Provera for three weeks and only a minor increase in food for one week, it just seems...weird. I feel uncomfortable and uncertain in my body.

O.k. enough of the brain dump now an actual update (feel free to skim). I went to a new Reproductive Endocrinologist yesterday and I loved her. She was so wonderful and spoke to us for a long time wanting to know everything about me and my history. I am really excited to work with her. But what exactly does she think and what is exactly the issue is, she is not sure yet. When I asked her if she thought my plan of decrease exercise increase food was a good one that would help, she said she was not sure since I had never tried that before. She sent us for an ultrasound and to meet her associate who we would work closely with (who btw thought my weight was fine and to give the cardio a rest).

Now, the way I understand it (and I really don't), there could be two issues I could be dealing with here that are causing me not to ovulate and not get my period (and don't quote me on this, I was never a big Bio fan). The first could be the issue of Hypothalamic Amenorrhea without going into too much detail; it is mainly an issue with the hypothalamus in my brain not producing any or enough of the hormones needed for ovulation. This is often treated through changing lifestyle factors - exercise and potentially weight gain. The other, and my knowledge is weak here, has to do with polycystic ovaries (but not the syndrome). The associate doing the ultrasound told us this information. It is all a bit fuzzy but my main take away was that about 25% of women have this and we could likely get me to ovulate with Clomid (a drug used to induce ovulation). But right now overall, no actual plan has been set. First on Tuesday, I am going to have have this all day test where they draw my blood every 10 minutes and that will tell them a ton more of how we should proceed. Apparently, what this really means is on Tuesday I will be stuck in a chair for 10 hours and am free to Tweet, read blogs, catch up on Daily Mile etc., so make sure to keep me company please!

So there you have it, all the technical stuff. But for me it all comes back to the fact that I have NO control here. I do not really have any complete answers and don't know if what I am doing will work. Put this on top of the random weight and bloating issues and it is unsettling, to say the least.

I really like control. Just ask Brenna who is cool enough to race in pink tights!

Today, I am working hard on acceptance. I am working to relinquish control. I am working on being happy. This is hard stuff. It has made me a bit sad. But writing can be therapy right? So, I am resolving to take on a challenge for the rest of the afternoon. I am going to fake it until I make it and I am going to try and give myself a few hours off to just enjoy myself and let the process be what it is. I trust my doctors and my team and I need to relax. So for now that is what I am going to try and do just that. No more weeping at this moment it is time to go enjoy the weekend and relinquish the control I want to have.

I like to let go by cuddling on the couch...how else?

How do you let get? Happy Weekend All!

(Blogger) Stranger Danger & CEP Compression Sweepstakes

2012-02-02T05:22:00.000-08:00

The winner of our Chobani Sweepstakes is Amy. Amy please email me by next Thursday to secure your prize. Congrats and thanks for playing everyone. Good news if you did not win, today is a new day new sweepstakes.

Btw, have you checked out my audition post? Go give it some love please :)

Often when I sit around a table of non-blogging friends and tell them about my blogging adventures and meet ups, I get blank stares. If I tell them, I went to Philly on a whim to meet and stay with bloggers I had never met before but had invited me on a whim or that I met one of my favorite friends ever off Twitter, they loo at me if I am crazy.

Sure I will come to Philly, especially if you run 11 miles with me and then feed me (Thanks Mary!)

In fact, I believe the words were "Stranger Danger, Steph" (you know who you are that said that, I love you don't worry, I hear you). Or I might just get faces of disbelief and questions like, so you met this girl off the Internet? Yup, I say with a smile and just shake my head because I know, to them, it sounds, well crazy. But aren't we all a little bit crazy...

Not me I am not crazy, nope

Now, don't worry Mammy (a.k.a Grandma). It is not that I am not being safe. I heed the "Stranger Danger" tales that you taught me as a little girl as we skated with Fisher Price Roller Skates. I make sure to meet new people in public places and that I bring a friend along for the first encounter. I don't publicly announce where I will be and when on the Internet and I take all the precautions that are needed when meeting new people.

Yet regardless of all this talk about "Stranger Danger" and disbelief that I meet my friends on the Internet, it is hands down my favorite part about being a blogger. The love, support, and friendship that has developed out of blogging has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Where else can

I find someone to call in Las Vegas when you randomly end up in the Emergency Room (Thanks Jill! P.S. Send me that picture of us stat!)

or show up for breakfast in my PJs with people who were strangers moments ago (Thanks for not mentioning that Meghann, Monica, & Anne)

find a lady will agree to dress up in crazy outfits with me (Thanks Robin!) and

even further find someone who does not know me in the least but won't leave me behind in the last second of the race (repeat this weekend, please Meaghan?)

I don't know where I would be with these and some many other wonderful people that I have "met" this past year, thank you! This week has once again shown me that bloggers and readers are top notch. A week ago today, I came home from the doctor after getting "the news" and I did not call my best friend or my parents (although I love you guys), instead I e-mailed Jen. Why? Because I knew she would get it. Because of her open and honest blogging, I knew I had somewhere to turn, and even though she had a new baby on her hands, she took the time to calm me down and email back and forth with me all night. Yup, never met her, never had more of a brief online conversation with her, and here a complete stranger calmed my fears and spoke with me like we were sisters. That is the power of blogging. Thanks Jen! Throughout the week, you have continued to show me that bloggers and readers alike can offer incredible advice and support and I am so thankful for all of you. Constant emails, tweets, messages, comments have made this process that much easier. Thank you. The hardest part of writing this is not mentioning all the people who have been absolutely wonderful, I promise I am thinking of you all right now.

So as a thank you, how about a break from all the crazies that is this week and let's enjoy a Review and Sweepstakes for CEP Compression Gear, because honestly, who doesn't love some compression.

CEP was nice enough to let me review their shorts and socks and also to giveaway a pair of shorts as well. Valued at $99.99, I would say this is a pretty good deal and one to take advantage of.

Easily put, CEP Compression Gear is what I live for after a long run (and a short run too). There is NO other way to go, believe me, I have tried. After a long run, I come home and prance around trying to stretch, ice, foam roll, and fuel. But after all of that is over, I put on my Compression Socks and Shorts and honestly keep them on for a good, oh, two days. I even sleep in the socks. Why? Because they allow me to recover faster, feel better, and get right back into training.

I never pass up a chance to wear compression

If something hurts, I rock the compression and like magic almost it feels so much better. If my IT Band is hating me, I rock the compression and goodbye Mr. IT Band (knock on wood). If my ankle is yelling at me, you guessed it, Compression and all is well. But even if nothing hurts, I still always put on my Compression right after my long run and wait for the magic to occur because without fail I feel better, and by the next day, I am ready to face the next training session. Even on days where I did not long run, but I just feel off, I will sport the compression gear and once again, like magic, I feel a whole lot better. Last week, I decided, eh I don't need compression. BIG MISTAKE! It took me two days to recover from my long run. I was sore and tight. It was not pretty. I had not felt that way in a loong time. The reason? Compression! Also, although I don't usually, you can run and train in these puppies too and they provide added support and stability.

So have you figured out that I am a fan of CEP Compression yet? But why CEP over other brands? Some little things that I like that set them apart, specifically about the shorts, include: a zipper pocket in the back of the shorts and no long elastic ties as the waist - they just pull up and fit perfectly and I don't have to worry how to deal with long strings. But overall the reason I love both the socks and shorts the most (besides the fact that my socks are pink) is because they give me the support I need to recover and feel great. They feel snug, as compression should, but not too tight. They don't make me overheat and I can wear them under my clothing. Overall, they feel just right.

Compression is appropriate at all points and times

Ok but if you want to get a little more technical. Here are the cool things you can learn about compression: they allow for more energy, stamina and performance; improve blood circulation; muscle and joint stabilization; and improved coordination. They also have a cooling effect, are breathable, have moisture management, seamless, and quick drying.

Do you want these more than anything yet? You should! So here we go how to win as always lets make this easy - just leave me a comment.

In the meantime, regardless of the Sweepstakes, I would love to hear from all of you, do you have any wonderful blogger friendship support stories to share?

OFFICIAL RULES

TERMS AND CONDITIONS - FOR CEP COMPRESSION SHORTS (full terms here)

Basics: To enter the sweepstakes for a sample case of CEP Compression Shorts please just leave a comment on this post, meaning the post that announced the sweepstake. The comment does not have to be anything in particular. It will be used so that your name can be entered into the sweepstakes as facilitated by Random.Org. There is NO PURCHASE NECESSARY or any other type of consideration that must be given to enter this sweepstakes. By entering a comment, you are entering in the sweepstakes and are thus agreeing to the full terms and conditions outlined here.

Duration and deadlines: This sweepstakes starts on Thursday February 2, 2012 at 8:30 a.m. and will go to Thursday February 9, 2012 at 8:30 a.m. Winner will be announced by Friday February 10, 2012 at 8 p.m. and will be announced through this blog - Runforfun-stephanie.blogspot.com. A winner has one week from the announcement of the winner to claim the prize or else a new winner will be chosen (Sunday February 12th after 8 p.m.) . All prizes will be awarded. Thus if the winner does not come forward, a new winner will be chosen.

Prize Description: There will be one winner and they will receive CEP Running Shorts valued at 99.99

Audition Post - When You Run for the Right Reasons

2012-02-02T05:14:00.000-08:00

This year, I have been lucky enough to become a Fit Fluential Ambassador. This is an audition post to see if anyone out there might be interested in having me write for them. I hope everyone enjoys getting to know a little big more about me. Thanks for stopping by.

Hi there, I am Stephanie and I blog over at Run for Fun and I would love the opportunity to write for your company. Your commitment to fitness, health, nutrition, and happiness parallel my own; we could not be a better fit. Together, I believe that we can attract more readers who will return to your website and magazine as you offer them real advice from real people who value health, fitness, and happiness and who are having a blast living life to the fullest!

Hi I am Steph and I Run for Fun!

Sometimes my husband even joins in with me!

Now, it is one thing to make grand statements of additional readers and supporters, but it is another thing to explain why and actually show you what makes me unique. To do this, I have to share with you a little bit of my story and then how I envision us working together.

Run for Fun was born last April when I was about to give up. Yes, there I said it. After I had proclaimed my disgust for running, after I said there was no need to wakeup every day and push myself harder and harder, and after I had decided that this whole running thing was not for me and it did not make me happy, I turned around and created an actual website entitled “Run for Fun.” Why? Because running and exercising were no longer fun. It had become something I had to do in the morning. I had to run because I needed to stay skinny; I had to run because I wanted to eat that extra bowl of ice-cream; and I had to run because that is what everyone expected and what my Type A personality told me to do. Yet, all of those hads and shoulds got me nowhere. They caused me to hate running and make me want to give up.

When running is not fun, it can look like this L

But changing your attitude and mindset, running can become this!

It was at this point that I realized things needed to change and fast; that my running and whole outlook on health and nutrition was wrong. So I began to run for the Three Fs – Fun, Fitness, and Friends. And when running became focused on the Three Fs things fell into line. I began to run because I wanted to. I looked forward to toeing the line at races, weekend long runs with friends, and enjoying the epic “Runner’s High.” It was not just about being skinny or eating an extra bowl of ice-cream but about being healthy. It was about training for a goal and looking to the future knowing that I was strong, healthy, and capable of doing anything. It was, in short, one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I became empowered. I became alive.

Flying high on life!

It took me a long time to get there. In fact, for years I struggled with healthy eating. It was not easy and it took me a long time to turn my life around. But today, I run for the right reasons and live a life full of happiness and health. Too many women and men, as well, struggle to get to this point. They go to the gym because they have to; they run because it keeps them “skinny” or because they want that extra slice a of pizza. Ultimately, they end up hating it. They fall off the bandwagon because it is not FUN. It is not something they want to do but something they have to do. For too many, simple exercise might become something they despise or even worse an obsession that leads to disordered thoughts, eating, and exercise. I empathize with your readers and grasp how hard truly being “healthy” and honest with yourself can be and how easy it is too hate the whole process or even yourself!

Recently, even though I eat and exercise well, I was diagnosed with Amenorrhea. I have chosen to be open and honest about this on my blog in hopes of helping others. My husband and I value starting a family. In order to do that, I will work to understand a new meaning of health, once again, by adjusting my exercise and eating routines. It is not easy and it is not the conventional norm of eat less, exercise more, but it is yet another version of health. By sharing, I hope to educate, help, and support others through their journeys as well.

Together, I believe we can move past these distorted media stereotypes, that we can help your readers fall in love with fitness, nutrition, and health. We can teach them to enjoy nutrition and exercise for the right reasons as well as honor and be proud of their bodies. To know that it is ok to eat ice-cream sometimes and have yogurt and whole grain cereal other times. To try new sports because they want to as well as take a rest day if that is what their body needs. To learn, balance in their lives.

Homemade Pizza – a must have!

We we can put a fresh mindset into your viewership. One that shows that health, fitness, and nutrition are a way of life; it is not something you should do but something you want to do. We can show them that it is fun and how to make it something you enjoy and look forward to when you wake up each morning. We can give them fresh ideas and the motivation they need to allow them to Run for Fun or do any sort of exercise! Through articles, videos, Q&As, recipes, top 10 lists, and more we will empower your readers like never before. Today, I am alive; I am a strong, motivated healthy runner. I want to provide this to your readership. If given the chance, I will work with your readers to bring health, nutrition, and fitness into their lives for the right reasons. To empower them and to give them a chance to live!

Marathon Finisher 2011!

I Can Tell Everyone In the World But I Can't Tell You....

2012-01-31T17:25:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much again for being so supportive! I really need the smiling moments these days. Speaking of which if you want to smile, read this . If you are like me and forever long to live a life like Jody Sawyer from Center Stage you will love this (Thank you to Ali for posting this link, amazing!)

One day Jody Sawyer, one day..

Source

So I have gone from last week's not being able to even spell Amenorrhea (I kind of still have to sound it out and like to spell it "Ameoherra," if I am being honest) to talking about it the topic A LOT! So much so that I will probably lose 10 followers for every time I mention the word Amennorrhea. Yup there goes another one. But it kind of happens to be the topic of the day or in this case the week. I promise to have some fun Sweepstakes in the next day or two to lighten the mood. Nothing like Compression Gear to make people smile, right?

Everyone looks their best in compression right?

So while I have been talking up a bit storm to strangers on the Internet about all things personal, there is still one very important person left to tell about my uhh situation. It is funny while some of you I have never even met or spoke to before Monday's post, this person I have seen at least once a week for the past three years of my life. I guess it is easier to tell "strangers" (although we are not really strangers, are we) all the intimate details of your personal life than those who you admire, look up to, and are close with. But regardless of how hard this may be or the fact that there is a part of me that hopes the problem is a Thyroid issue (not likely but stay tuned), tomorrow morning I will head into P.T and talk to my P.T/Coach. I envision the conversation going something like this

Me: So we have good news and bad news, the good news is that I had the most amazing 13 mile run ever on Sunday followed by some pretty kick ass 4-mile repeats Tuesday. The bad news is now I have to tell you all about my personal girl life issues and be all awkward because if I want to have a baby, I have to get my period and to get my period I have to eat more and cut out a day of our training and our MARATHON!!
PT: Uhhhhh...Commence Running to the hills to get away from this crazy woman who wants to tell me way too much information.

That's me, Crazy Woman, I am the one in the cool monkey fuzzy pants

Ok, that is my worst fear and I am absolutely not giving my P.T. enough credit. My rational mind knows this will not be his reaction. In fact, about a year and a half ago, I created a much more awkward situation for him when I deferred Marine Corps Marathon and took a 2 month hiatus from training to work on my emotional and physical health. At that time, I was sooo scared to admit all this to him, worried he would be angry or upset with me, that we would never work together. In short, I blew the whole thing out of proportion and was shocked and overwelming touched when his response was:

You are an amazing runner. The way you moved from a 10K to a half and your speed is amazing. You have the ability to be a great marathoner if you want that and I will be here for you when you want it. Come back to me when you are ready whether six months or two years from now. And then he gave me a hug.

Seriously?!?! I clearly have the most amazing coach in the world. It is almost 2 years post this discussion and I still remember it like yesterday. It got me through; it stuck with me; it was one of the most amazing things that anyone had ever said to me.

So for tomorrow, I am hoping for an encore. Is that really too much to ask? ;) Regardless, I have got to man up and do it. It has taken me a while but I have found that you get nowhere without being honest to yourself and your providers. It would be unfair for me not to tell him, for both him and I. So even though my face might get a little red during my "I don't get my period speech" (kind of like when you watch sex scenes with your parents) tomorrow I am going to bite the bullet and explain to my P.T. what is going on.

In the meantime, the Thyroid issue. Some fellow bloggers (thank you!) have brought to my attention, through their own experiences, that they have been misdiagnosed or mistreated for Amenorrhea. They did not need to slow down or gain weight, but rather it was Mr. Thyroid that was causing the problems and they just needed medicine. While it seems unlikely, to me, that this could be my problem, I am going to my PCP tomorrow, and thus I have already emailed her telling her she MUST give me this test (apparently I know best). Even if my blood work says my Thyroid is fine, I have to get a cheek swab test to make the actual determination. So what the hell? I am always game for the good old cheek swab.

In other news, I am hoping that my PCP can help me find a new doctor or at least a second opinion or person to talk to. I have gotten some recommendations for different OB-GYNs and Reproductive Endocrinologists (RE) but I am not sure where to go first. I would really like to go to this woman recommended by my nutritionist but she is booking into July. Great, real helpful. When I spoke to the secretary about the waiting list, she pretty much equated getting in to see this doctor to the chances of me getting a spot in the lottery for the NYC Marathon.

Although I have gotten into Falmouth Road Race two years in a row, so you never know (except for the fact that I totally just jinxed myself). P.S. Once upon a time I did not know you could make a wardrobe out of running gear and wore this outfit every time I ran - yes I did laundry every day.

Further to even get on the list, I need to book an appointment. So July 6, Dr. H and I have an appointment, so useful. I am going to continue my search for a doctor combination (OB-GYN and RE) that "gets me." While many have warned me that a new doctor will say the same thing, I need a doctor that is going to be more compassionate and understanding. Hopefully my PCP and I can talk through some options.

And if two doctors in one day is not enough, tomorrow also starts Acupuncture. I was originally going for my neck but now also for this whole "period thing."

Gosh, I am exhausted just thinking about all of this. So thats it, one day, three doctors, maybe some answers?!?

Do you ever find it hard to open up to the ones you are closest with? Have you ever tried acupuncture?

Amenorrhea Part II - Hard Choices

2012-01-30T16:52:00.000-08:00

Thank you everyone for your wonderful supportive comments. I promise to respond soon. It really meant so much to me. Ok back to it..

The decisions that I made yesterday were not easy ones. They are unsettling, in some ways, difficult in others, and exciting in yet other ways. The choice to give up my May Marathon was not easy. The commitment to eat more with the potential to gain weight has been less than fun and the fact that I have to give up some of my beloved running just plain well sucks. But here we are Day 2 and I am still alive.

So how did this decision come to be? Well, before I even went to the doctor, I had an inkling he was going to tell me gain weight and reduce exercise, especially running because everyone always seems to go after the running. Why is that?!? However, regardless of my "inkling" I was not at all prepared for the cut the exercise in HALF and gain 10 lbs "prescription." It seemed so counter intuitive to me - that all the things that are suppose to be "good for you" just became bad for me. This is how the conversation went:

Doctor: How much do you run?
Me: Well, not as much as others, I run 3 times a week, cross train 3 times a week.
Doctor: Can't you just do less like 30 minutes instead of an hour
Me: Institute noise that sounds of like ehhhh and look down
Doctor: How much do you run on weekends?
Me: 2 hours-ish
Doctor: Can't you do an hour?
Me: If I go faster.....Can't we just start with the increase in food and then go to the running?
Doctor: Yes but if it does not work, we will take out the running and we will see that I was right
Me: Yes, but if eliminating the running and increasing the food does not work, we will see I am right.

Clearly, the doctor and I did not see eye to eye. Additionally, I knew this relationship was not going to work for me necessarily. I generally need someone who "gets" me and who can hold my hand a little bit more, especially when things are tough. I am also still not convinced that this is an all or nothing thing. So I did a little research and talked to more people.

Unfortunately, regardless of anyway you slice it, everyone seems to agree that I need to at least cut some exercise and eat a bit more. To make the decision to this was not easy. I wrestled with it over the past four days, I made Pros and Cons lists, I talked to more people, and I considered my priorities. I went from being just plain PISSED off that this was happening to me to feeling an enormous amount of pressure. I felt that even though my husband and I were in this together it was ultimately my decision. Would I gain weight and reduce training in hopes of getting us closer to having a baby or would I put it off to be a smaller size and run another marathon? I also felt extremely worried and self conscious. I stressed that I would gain a ton of weight and none of my clothes would fit and everyone would talk about all my weight gain. I worried that I would give up what I love to have a baby and resent this fact. Further I stressed about that I would give it all up and this potential solution would not actually work. I was scared that I would lose blogging if I was not training for a marathon and lose my training partner as well.

Not everyone understood. Why not just give up the running? No big deal right? Just gain a few pounds, no one will know, right? Some got it, but others just didn't....

Why people can't understand that this is me having fun is totally beyond me...

So I went through the motions - the sadness, the fear, the anger, and then ultimately the Acceptance. I realized that while I love running so much and that while I wanted to run a May Marathon, I could live without it. That there would be other marathons and that I could find other ways to support my love of running. That I could adapt and find ways to keep enjoying running as well as blogging for that matter. My running partner and I talked and she was totally awesome suggesting that we could run whatever I could on Sundays and she would pace me to a "wicked" fast half marathon come May and then we could go cheer on our speedy friend. That even though we could not run 15 miles together, we could do 6 or 8 miles or whatever I am allowed and then go for breakfast and she would be able to refuel from a hard workout and I could just, well, eat my 200 extra calories and enjoy!

Fruit Loops here I come

I talked to my family and made the decision to be open about this topic on my blog. To allow the experience to help me put a more personal spin on my blog. It does not mean that the running talk is going away (don't worry) but that I can share more with you all and I am really excited about that.

As per the weight, we will see. Somehow letting others know that I have to be eating more makes it easier. I am not actually proud of that fact because I know the theory is that I am glad people know because they won't think "I am out of control." This is something I am admitting but NOT something I think is the healthy frame of mind. I am working towards being ok with the weight and food intake because that is what I need! That is what my future baby needs and I want to do everything in my power to prepare my body to be ready for a baby.

So there you have it. These were hard choices. They make me sad and, at the same time, happy, but hopefully they will make me stronger (and strong enough to have a period).

In the meantime, I keep trying to convince Aaron into a puppy, you know, for practice. He does not seem to be so agreeable. I guess one of us has to be the responsible one here..

Too cute!!! This is Aaron's goldie from childhood, Jazz. She got to live out her years on a farm (literally) we miss her a lot now that she is no longer with us :(

Have you ever had to make tough choices? How do you do it?

The Truth - Ameno What?! Amenorrhea

2012-01-29T17:17:00.000-08:00

Disclaimer: As you may have guessed from recent posts, some personal things have been going on in my life that I have not been 100% forthcoming with. I always debate how much I want to share on this blog, and lately, I could be sharing more than I have. After much consideration, I decided that it might be helpful for me and hopefully you all to open up a little more. Not sure where this will take my blog but we will just give it a go and see what you all think and if it works. I hope you will stick with me...

With great runs (and great running partners, husbands, and providers) comes, great clarity.

Luckily for me, I am blessed today with all of those things, which could not have come at a better time because I really needed all of these things to come together to make some big decisions. Today's run and conversations before, during, and after have led to some BIG decisions, as they often do (it is something about running that just brings those wise thoughts or crazy spouts of energy). I am not sure where these decisions will lead, if they will change as we go, or if they will stay the same, but for this moment this is where we are at (and by tomorrow I may even be somewhere else, stay tuned).

The Big Decisions of 2012

Big Decision # 1 - I will not be running the NJ Marathon, if possible, I will do the half. Sigh.

I love marathons, there will always be another marathon.

Big Decision # 2 - I will increase my calorie intake by 200 calories a day, if not more.

White Chocolate French Toast here I come!

Big Decision # 3 - I will cut back training to 4 cardio sessions a week and 1 strength training sessions followed by two full days of rest (or a day of full rest and a day of Stretch, Flow, & Relaxation Yoga).

Me and my elliptical. Will you miss me? I promise to visit.

Now the explanation, and like I said, we are getting a little more personal here. I hope it can benefit us all. While Aaron and I are still very young, we have hopes of starting a family in the near future. We have been together for 8 years and are ready to add an addition to our home. The only problem being is to add that someone, namely a baby, you need to get pregnant. To get pregnant, generally, you need to get your period. I am not pregnant and I am not getting my period. This is, as you would guess, problematic.

No Aaron not that kind of baby, close though.

Let's back up and give you the whole story. Until July, I was on the pill and getting regular periods, most likely due to the Pill. The combination of hormones in the Pill, estrogen and progesterone, allowed me to have regular monthly periods, keeping me healthy and my bones protected. In July, I went off the Pill and have not had my period since.

My doctor told me to wait, that some women take up to 3 months to re-regulate. I waited, but nothing happened. While this was ideal for marathon training, it was not so great for baby world. After the marathon, I went back to my doctor and we tried another hormone, Provera - a hormone meant to essentially "jump start" your body into having a period. Again, no luck.

Thursday, I saw a Reproductive Endocrinologist. In a very blunt and scientific manner, he looked at my labs and told me that I should stop exercising and sit on the couch and eat french fries (and yes that is what he said). I was diagnosed with exactly what I thought I would be diagnosed with - Secondary Amenorrhea.

SecondaryAmenorrhea occurs when a woman who was previously menstruating stops menstruating. It is, in essence, an absence of a period. While some might rejoice in this, it is not a good thing and it can have negative consequences if not treated.

Clearly, regardless of the "baby factor" we are taking this very seriously. It is not something to play around with. In comes the dilemma, what causes it and how to treat it. There are a number of opinions and causes. Some causes include natural ones, hormonal imbalances and structural issues. None of these fit me as far as we can tell. What does, however, fit me is these other "lifestyle causes" including stress, low body weight, and excessive exercise (maybe, it is debatable if this is actually a cause).

The "prescription" from my doctor, as noted, was to gain weight (10 lbs) and drastically reduce my exercise. But not every doctor subscribes to this theory. My nutritionist, Nancy Clark, argues that it is not the marathons but the caloric deficit that is problematic. In essence, my body does not have the calories it needs to sustain life or a period and do all that I am doing. Increase the calories, reduce some exercise, and see results.

Thursday night when I came home from the doctor, I was fairly distraught. The idea of just gaining 10 lbs and cutting out almost all exercise seemed a little much for me to handle. After doing some further research (thanks Google) and talking with Nancy, it seems that there are other options. Yet even further I feel the need to discuss with more doctors and get more opinions on which is the correct route to go for me.

In the past few days, I have talked with a lot of friends and professionals. I have ridden a bit of an emotional roller coaster and I have made the above decisions. However, getting to these decisions was not easy. In some respects, after gathering more information, these decisions may change again...But for now, let's start here, with how I came to this decision....

To Be Continued...

Have you had any experience with Amenorrhea? Do you struggle to decide how much to share if you blog?

*Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. I am not providing advice as a professional but sharing my story.

What Defines You As A Runner?

2012-01-28T14:51:00.000-08:00

Over the past few days, I have had the unplanned "opportunity" to take a step back and look at my running and reflect. To understand what is important to me, what I want out of running, and what makes me a runner. In many aspects of my life, I do this often, but with running, I generally just GO, GO, GO!!

See... GO GO GO!!!

There is always another race, another training plan, another PR to tackle. It is, in short, addicting. Don't get me wrong, I love it. I love so many things about running minus those very painful moments...

Really running, I do love you, can't you tell?

But like it or not conversations and suggestions led me to think about how much I value running and what makes me a runner. Long story short, for the immediate future anyway, we decided that it might be a good idea for me to tweak my training just a tad. I generally take one rest a day week. For a little while, however, I am going to experiment with taking one full rest day a week and one rest or Stretch, Flow and relaxation day a week. The hope being that this extra day will allow my body to recover more, for me to feel a bit less stressed, to help with that whole weight gain thing (more this week if I am feeling all sharing is caring like), and hopefully to even enjoy the benefits of yoga and rest. After all, as people keep telling me I "Run for Fun," right?

We run for fun in this family, can't you tell?!?

When this was first suggested to me, I actually jumped at the chance, probably because the other options were cut your training in half (clearly one day v. half, I will take the one day). And I am still pretty O.K. with this option, it is reasonable, sensible, and, hopefully, a step in the right direction, for me anyways. Yet, the more it ruminated with me, the more I started to think about whether this made me less of a Runner, less of an Athlete. In my mind, I went over and over my training plan thinking about which day I would cut and which day would "hurt" me the least. What would happen if I only got 2 days of running in instead of 3 or 2 days of cross-training instead of 3? Would all be ruined? Am I any less of an athlete if I choose to take that extra day while so many around me double up on workouts with a bike and then a swim; or a run and then cross training; and here I am twiddling my run. The comparison game is a very VERY slippery slope and one that is not healthy nor one I wish to venture down.

For instance, I choose not to compare my height to Aaron's, I will always lose.

Ultimately, while these "evil" ideas try to invade my thoughts, I know better and am stronger than such thoughts. Maybe one less training day a week will hurt my speed and endurance, or maybe it will help. Maybe the extra day will ward off injury and some Stretch and Flow yoga will help me stay limber (now I just need the perfect DVD to accomplish this). Honestly, I don't know the answers to these questions and like any wonderful Type A Runner that scares the crap out me. What, I can't control it, I can't control everything?!? Apparently, that is not how the world works...

Or maybe I can control everything, I am a marathoner after all..

Seriously, whether I like it or not, I am going to have to learn to be O.K. with the fact that I cannot control everything. In the meantime, I have to remember a valuable lesson:

A runner is not defined by how many miles you log in a week;

Nor by how fast you are, how long you go, or how much training you do.

The Simple Act of Running Makes You a Runner!

You Run Therefore YOU ARE A RUNNER!

I am a runner. I define myself as one and no one can take that away from me but myself. If I call myself a runner, then I am one. If I choose not to, then I am not for that moment. But for now, I AM a runner and no amount of miles, training sessions, speed, or lack thereof will take that away from me!

How do you define yourself as a runner? Any good Stretch and Flow Yoga DVDs for me?

A Numbers Game - The Time to Gain

2012-01-26T18:14:00.000-08:00

Remember when I wrote all about how I avoid scales and numbers? Oh when was that, like three days ago? Yup! Remember how I told you all that I don't know what I weigh and am happy about that? No need to have a scale for me. I am very happy not knowing.

Here I am just a few days ago the foam roller and I blissfully unaware

Well apparently, my doctor did not get the message when I said I would rather not know my weight or maybe he chooses not to read my blog (I don't know how that could ever happen especially with a Chobani Sweepstakes occurring ) because in the course of our discussion today my weight and the number attached to it came up multiple times. Yup, fun for me, so enjoyable to now know a number I have been purposefully avoiding ever so well for many many months. And guess who seems to have been right about gaining? This gal. Apparently it seems a new medication I have been taking added a good 5 lbs to my waist line in about 20 days. Yay medicine! Yay knowing my weight for the first time in over a year and a half.

Couldn't be happier!

Aaron was with me at this visit and he said his heart sunk when he heard the doctor say my weight and prayed that I did not hear it. But I did. And I am actually here living to talk about it. Because you know what it was not that bad, even though it was 13 pounds heavier than I thought. Yup, I have literally been thinking I was 13 pounds lighter for the past 1.5 years.

Whateves, I still think I am pretty cute right?

And you know what? I don't care. It is just a number. It does not define me or who I am in the least. I still am in love with my body and proud of it. I am still going to move on with my day and the number will be what it will be.

That being all well and good. My doctor does want me to gain five pounds (yet to be determined if that is in addition to the "medicine weight" or if I just to replace one with the other). This is not so easy. I mean yes it is easy, I just have to eat all fun foods right? hehe.

Dear Aaron, please take me to the Cape right away for some Captain Frostys Yum!

But it is still a tall order first of which being will it effect my training and my running? Will people notice? Will people wonder and will my cute dresses still fit is second in the order of questions. I guess, though, I have to take a page from my own book here and remember it is only a number and it will not define me, that there is more to life and that if for right now I need to gain a few pounds that is ok too.

In the meantime, while I am accepting all this added weight, I would love to hear from you all. I know this is somewhat counter to what most healthy living bloggers are working on but have you ever had to gain some weight? How do you handle it? Does it effect your training?

The Three Rs - Responsibility, Running, and Relaxation

2012-01-25T18:12:00.000-08:00

Tonight after dinner, we sat on the couch watching TV and then Aaron had to go upstairs and finish work. This left me with a choice. To do the grown up thing and clean up all the dishes or to just leave it for tomorrow and say to hell with it, I am a grown up if I want to leave the dishes at the table (and by table I mean the coffee table) and go upstairs and blog and proceed to curl up in my big bed and watch yet another episode of Gossip Girl, then I damn well am going to do it (there were a lot of curse words in that sentence...oppps). So, with a sigh, I got up and, you guessed it, cleared the dishes. (Although sometimes if I am being honest those dishes wait till the next day - sorry Dad)!

This got me thinking about responsibility, running, and relaxation. Do I dare say the "Three Rs." I like to think I am pretty good with the responsibility and running part - although my husband may argue otherwise, but he better not if he knows what is good for him. I get up every day, get my training in, get to work, come home, deal with housework and do all the grownup things that need to be done. As per running, I may not be the fastest runner or the best out there, but I hold my own. It is that relaxing part that I was never so good at. The part that tells me "hey just throw caution to the wind and choose not to put the dishes away." That part of me that refuses to listen to the voice in my head when I just want to sleep an extra hour instead of going all the way to Boston at 5 a.m. for Physical Therapy. And that part of me that spent 14 hours a day studying for the bar exam. Yea, it is that part that is just not so good at the relaxation.

I got the whole running thing down, except when it lands me here. This is what happens when you don't relax or when you run 20 miles in 80 degrees...

In the past few years, I have gotten better with this whole relaxation piece. Just ask my husband, you know the guy, I beg each night to get my frozen yogurt pops from the fridge a mere 20 feet away. But things have been a bit crazy lately so the relaxation piece has taken a back seat to Mrs. Responsibility and even running as well (as clearly demonstrated by the jello legs of last week).

I could be responsible or I could act like a kid - you decide..

I just have a very hard time "doing nothing." Just being and enjoying. To just let paperwork go, to forget about the dishes, and to just rest. Ultimately, it builds up and it has been building. This week I am exhausted and I am not sure why. In comes, my goal and commitment for this post. Counter to everything that is the fast pace society that I live in, I am pledging to find time this weekend to just be. To relax. To let the laundry, the paperwork, and the dishes wait and to just enjoy a moment free of responsibility and even running and relax. We all need that sometimes...

And by relax I clearly mean make Fro-Yo. Did you know the best appliance in your kitchen is the ice-cream maker?

How do you balance the three Rs? Do you ever leave the dishes to the next day (don't make me feel bad here folks)?

The Fear of Weight Gain

2012-01-24T17:34:00.000-08:00

Have you checked out my Chobani Sweepstakes?

Yesterday, I put on my pants for work and they seemed a little....snug. Today, I put on a different pair of pants for work and again they felt a little...snug. If this had been me two years ago, it would have sent me into, to be honest, FREAK OUT MODE! I would have run to the scale to see if my brain was playing tricks on me, if the dry cleaner's had magically shrunk my pants (hmm...it is not like they are jeans), or if worst of all, I had actually put on a little weight.

Ok this has nothing to do with this post but it is like my new favorite picture so why not.

Instead, today, I jokingly said to Aaron that I guess I am gaining weight, laughed and brushed it off. I did not run to the scale and I did not obsess. In fact, I have not weighed myself in over 2 years (minus doctor's visits and I ask them not to tell me, it is a number and it does not define who I am or what my day is going to be like). I made the wise-minded decision that my body was once again fluctuating or that my mind was in fact playing tricks on me, and then I went on with my day, for the most part. At one point, I did let myself admit to Aaron and Robin, that no matter how much I have learned to respect my body and leave numbers alone, it is a bit scary to feel as if I have gained weight. Maybe it is the lack of control or the fear of growing larger and larger (again control), but the idea of it can be unsettling.

In today's world, it seems that all too often we are fixated by numbers and weight. Society and the media have taught us that to be healthy, happy, and beautiful you have to be TOO skinny. To fear weight gain like the plague and feel bad about ourselves if we are not the ideal body type. This conditioning has translated into an epidemic of skinny jeans, low calorie snack options, and fad diets. I am not saying that all of these things are bad - I have my so-called "skinny jeans" which come out for the right occasions, but it also makes me sad, sorta. Sure, it is good to have a handle on your health and with that comes a handle on your weight (meaning being a healthy weight for your body type), but at the same time it is sad that a number or particular body type can determine so much.

Today, I am proud that I could move on with my day and my life. That yes it did bother me a little but I did not freak out. I did not decide that I needed to run extra hard tomorrow or eat less or differently. Instead, I took it in stride as something to notice and be aware of. Maybe I have gained a few pounds, maybe I have not. I don't know. I do care, I am not going to lie, but I know that I am happy, healthy, and beautiful. I know that I can continue my day, my week, my month and see what happens. Maybe, I will need to reassess my exercise and diet, and maybe I won't. But overall, it will not dictate my life and I will not be a slave to numbers.

Still happy and healthy, pizza and all :)

I would love to know what you think. Do you freak out about numbers, scales, and weight? How do you move past it?

Is it Friday Yet & Chobani Review & Sweepstakes

2012-01-23T16:44:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately no winner came forward for VitalSox so there is a new winner "JenR." You have one week to email me to collect your prize please!

It is not even close to Friday and I am already exhausted. It is something about doing long runs on Sundays instead of Saturdays that leaves me down for the count. When my long runs are Saturdays, I have Sunday to recouperate (e.g., an hour of ellitpical, followed by endless errands, followed by time on the couch with TV if I am lucky). But with Sunday long runs, it just does not seem that way.

But like it or not, it is not Friday, it is only Monday (or Tuesday depending upon when you are reading this) so we need a little bounce in our step and honestly, the thing that has been getting me going lately or putting a bounce in my step is Chobani. This is not a ploy, and no, I am not kidding. How in the world can you not get giddy when a sample case of these shows up at your doorstep?!?

One sure way to beat the Monday blues is for a case of this to show up at your door. One way not to beat the blues is to leave your Chobani in the fridge at work and not get to have it when you get home (good thing I have extras!)

Yup, Chobani was nice enough to let me sample and review all these wonderful flavors and giveaway a case to you all as well. But as nice as they were to do so and even though I had a whole wonderful case at home, I could not resist buying MORE Chobani at the store that same day (the sample packs don't have the new flavors in them yet, sorry). I am pretty sure Aaron might kill me for the amount of yogurt I stocked in our fridge but I could not help myself).

Can you really blame me? I had the chance to sample all three new flavors I had to go for it!

Believe it or not, if you had asked me three years ago, I had never heard of Chobani or Greek Yogurt. In fact, if you tried to get me to eat yogurt I would have said unless it is frozen yogurt, forget it! I really did not understand the appeal of yogurt. Up until 2 years ago, I would have told you that I only liked "Danon Fit & Light No Carb, No Sugar" Yogurt - seriously Steph?!? Now I am all about the carbs hehe.

But something magical happened one day in the past year or so, I discovered Chobani and it was life changing. I am not even kidding, it was really a life altering event for me. It turned me on to all different kinds of yogurts and now I can say I am proud to be a yogurt fanatic and will easily and happily have yogurt, especially Chobani, as part of every meal if it were up to me (and I don't even know all the cool cooking tricks that others know; apparently you can make breads, dips, cheesecake from Chobani, who knew?!?). While I would like to make Chobani part of every meal, it generally appears at breakfast or lunch for me. I love Chobani and Go Lean Crunch with a piece of fruit or Chobani and Granola.

It may seem boring to you, but don't knock it until you try it...oh sooo good!

I can't get enough of this stuff plus it keeps me satiated and content. Nutritionally, it is pretty awesome too - you get tons of protein for not too much fat and calories. I am not one to obsess over the amount of fat and calories in something, but this seems to be a good balance.

And of course, it is wildly tast. Out of the flavors that were in the sample pack (including Mango, Plain, Vanilla, Lemon, Pineapple, Honey, Pomegranate, Black Cherry, Blueberry, Strawberry, & Peach) my top three favorites have to be Mango & Pineapple (tied) and Black Cherry third which is saying something because I don't generally like cherries or cherry ice-cream. I don't even like Shirley Temples! Although I have to admit, I have not tried all the flavors yet. Even though I want to, I tend to get sucked back into having my favorites over and over again. Out of the new flavors that I sampled (not in the Sample Pack) I liked Passion Fruit the best followed by Blood Orange and then Apple Cinnamon. Do you sense a pattern here? I really like the sweet options.

So if you have never tried Chobani before (and if you have not, do not wait to win this Sweepstakes, get to the store right now and eat Chobani as if your life depended upon it) or if you believe you don't like yogurt let me try to explain to you the magic that is Chobani. Chobani is a greek yogurt so it is thicker than most yogurts. For their fruit flavors, they have fruit pieces mixed in with the Chobani. It does not taste "fake" or "processed." Rather, the added fruit is a wonderful addition to the yogurt giving it flavor and a nice sweet taste. Chobani goes wonderfully with cereal and other crunchy goodies or you can just go for it and add chocolate chips to the mix! Any way you spin it, it is amazing and worth giving it a try!!

Ok, so like I said Chobani is giving you the opportunity to win a Sample Pack! All you need to do is comment on this post and you will be entered in the Sweepstakes to win the Sample Pack (lucky you, I am already jealous).

OFFICIAL RULES

TERMS AND CONDITIONS - FOR CHOBANI
Full Terms and Conditions here

Basics: To enter the sweepstakes for Chobani sample pack please just leave a comment on this post, meaning the post that announced the sweepstake. The comment does not have to be anything in particular. It will be used so that your name can be entered into the sweepstakes as facilitated by Random.Org. There is NO PURCHASE NECESSARY or any other type of consideration that must be given to enter this sweepstakes. By entering a comment, you are entering in the sweepstakes and are thus agreeing to the full terms and conditions outlined here.

Duration and deadlines: This sweepstakes starts on Monday January 23, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. and will go to Monday January 30, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. Winner will be announced by Wednesday February 1, 2012 at 8 p.m. and will be announced through this blog - Runforfun-stephanie.blogspot.com. A winner has one week from the announcement of the winner to claim the prize or else a new winner will be chosen (Friday February 10th after 8 p.m.) . All prizes will be awarded. Thus if the winner does not come forward, a new winner will be chosen.

Prize Description: There will be one winner and they will receive Sample Case of Chobani.

Disclaimer: This sweepstakes is being held in the United States and is open to United States citizens, making it under federal and all 50 U.S. states law and jurisdiction. The sweepstakes is VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. The writer of this blog is not liable or responsible for any lost or broken items and is held harmless. She is also not liable or responsible for any injuries or problems that occur from using the item won in this sweepstake.

Wellness Day & Coupon Codes

2012-01-22T17:08:00.000-08:00

I have to admit I am a little bit behind on this post, about 2 weeks behind in fact, but better late than never? It took me a while to get all the pictures together and my ducks in a row but I wanted to make sure this post still got up. So here it goes...

For the past six months, I have been working on an event for my Temple's Sisterhood. It started out small and conservative. But like most things I do, it got BIG fast! Before I knew it, the idea of a Wellness Fair went from a simple Sunday afternoon with members of the Sisterhood to inviting anyone and everyone and having almost 50 sponsors! How did this happen? Easy, I am a runner and when someone suggested the idea of having a few wellness speakers come in, I immediately thought, why not make this like a race expo? And the rest was history...

The goodies just kept rolling in...

Before I knew it, we had an awesome swag bag valuing over $200 with $100 for Accelerated Fitness, two weeks free pilates and yoga at Endurance Pilates and Yoga, samples from Pretzels Crisps and Pop Chips, an Everstride Anti-Chafe Stick, 10% Tommie Copper gear, discounts on Bondi Bands, 3 Sessions as One2One Body Scapes, and more!! It got pretty intense.

There were 100 bags to pack!

But the bags are packed!

And we are ready to go!

Besides the bags, the vendors started to appear too (well, appear meaning I was, like Aaron likes to say, "adorably persusasive"). By the time the day arrived, we had so many different vendors including Indulgence Day Spa and Philip Ciampa Salon, Eastern Sun Acupuncture, Whole Foods Market Woburn, personal trainers from Form and Center Fitness, Mui Chiropractor & Wellness Center, yoga instructor from Yoga by the Green, Fitness Centers like Gymnasium and more!

So two Sundays ago, the big day, the day I had planned for so long arrived! From 1-4p.m. on January 8th, the Wellness Day went off without a hitch. We had over 200 people come and participate. They received a free Swag Bag, got to enjoy free massages, sample nutritious items from Pretzel Crisps, Whole Foods, Pop Chips, and Stonyfield Farms, and hear from all different speakers. They also got the chance to win items from CEP Compression, Road ID, Bondi Band, Sugoi, Code Blue, Vitalsox, Greater Boston Running Company, Juice Plus+, and more. Finally, there were nurses taking blood pressure, Physical Therapists doing balance tests, and mid-wives discussing birthing and other topics. It was pretty fantastic.

The day went by quick but it seemed like everyone had a great time. It personally left me exhausted for oh a good two weeks, I am still recuperating (thus the very long time it took to post this post).

But now that the dust has settled I am taking a step back and enjoy some freedom. The Wellness Day was tons of fun but it was tons of work and I am enjoying, hopefully, a few weeks of rest and recuperation.

Until the next big event, I may or may not be agreeing to work on a big blogger meet up for the Boston Marathon, I am sure some of these sponsors would be game right guys? :)

In the meantime, we still have some awesome things for you all, even if you could not be at the event.

Go to EverStride and use FunRun as a coupon code to get 25%
Go to BondiBand and use RunforFun as a coupon code to get 10%
Go to VitalSox and use RS1BL1TS to get $10

All of these products are amazing and worth adding to your list of "must haves"

I just want to take a chance now to thank all of our sponsors for the Wellness Day. I could not have done it without them. They have been nothing short of amazing and they are worth checking it out for sure! I can't wait to work with them again!

Happy Monday folks! Have you ever planned a big event? Would you be up for a big blogger/reader Boston Marathon meetup?

Our sponsors included:

Whole Foods Market Woburn, Lexington Fitness Club, Lexington Running Company, Pretzel Crisps, Code Blue, Bondi Band, EverStride, Skin Sake, One2One BodyScapes Fitness, Tommie Copper , Peanut Butter & Company, Yasso Pops, Hint Water,
VitalSox, Stuffitts, Tribe Hummus, CEP Compression, SUGOI, Juice Plus+, Attune Foods, Form & Center Fitness, Brenna Q., LMT, Eastern Sun Acupuncture, Gymnasium, Amy Sonnanstine, BS RN, Pop Chips, Families for Depression Awareness, Winchester Hospital, Jewish Birth Network, Esther H, MPH, Certified Nurse Midwife, Women’s Health Associates, Newton Wellesley Hospital, Certified Birthing From Mentor Within, Alison D., Lahey Clinic, Gynecologist, Yoga By the Green, Endurance Pilates & Yoga, Down Under Yoga, Mayyim Hayyim, Sharsheret, Road ID, Stonyfield Farms, Allan Azoff’s Martial Arts Academy, JP Licks, Zyrra - The Bra Experience, Heidi L, Ph.D, ATR-BC , Mui Chiropractic & Wellness Center, FORCE, Forte Fitness & Physical Therapy, Janette Z. L., MS, CGC - MGH, Ctr, for Cancer Risk Assessment, Henry Oliveras Shiatsu Massage, Qigong & Tai Chi , Indulgence Day Spa & Philip Ciampa Salon, Accelerated Fitness

A Poem to Mrs. IT Band

2012-01-21T14:52:00.000-08:00

Oh Dear Mrs. IT Band

Oh dear Mrs. IT Band,

You never liked when I ran.

You told me pretty loudly,

How running long distances made you rowdy.

I tried to be very nice,

And give you lots of ice.

But dear old Mrs. IT Band,

You were still never a fan.

For a while you went away,

And let me play.

But now you want to show me whose boss,

And put up a fight like Randy Moss.

I do not like to play your games,

I do not have to time and this is pretty lame.

So dear Mrs. IT,

Please calm down and come around!

Do you sense a theme here? Yup, my wonderful Mrs. IT Band has come out to play. I am not excited to see my old friend. We have spent many races and training runs fighting together and unfortunately, she usually wins. Back in 2009, I suffered from IT Band pain and then again in 2011. It was not pretty....

All smiles?

Thursday morning after my treadmill run I felt a ping at the top of my hip. I knew that ping. It felt tight. It felt like Mrs. IT Band wanted to come out and play. I have been rocking compression gear, ice, Aleve, and foam rolling ever since. I even tried KT Tape, but oddly enough that seemed to make it worse. I have been getting up and stretching as much as possible. It is not crazy painful (although I have not tried running on it yet), it just feels tight. Once I get up and move around and stretch it, it loosens up, but I just don't know what to think or frankly what to do (even though I have been here twice before). Part of me believes I am making a mountain out of a mole hill and the other part is screaming at me to WATCH OUT (Mrs. IT Band can be very very sneaky).

Becoming Best of Friends with My Foam Roller

Tomorrow I have 12 miles on tap. I want to go outside. I know my PT would say go for it. He would not stop me in the least as seen from the past two rounds of IT Band Pain. He mainly just has me power through it, work through the exercises, and move on and I do move on eventually...

The PT & I one week later after the crying picture (see above). Came back to place 3rd in my age group for a 5-miler - powering through..

But I am still unsure about tomorrow morning - do I go outside and enjoy the frigid air with my awesome running buddy, do I hit the treadmill, do I do nothing?

I hate being in these positions and cannot believe I am here again. I am hoping that this is just a fluke. I am hoping to ride the wave. But it never seems to be that simple for me.

Welp, that is it tonight? All you wonderful runners out there I could use some good running advice!

What Do You Wear Underneath Your Clothes & EverStride Coupon & Discount Code!

2012-01-19T17:59:00.000-08:00

Every morning, you may wake up and consider what to wear for the day. You may think about what outfit matches what boots or jewelry, what will keep you warm, what will look sexy, or even what in the world you have clean. Sure, I think all of that, but more importantly, I think, what can I wear that will cover up my compression gear. Yes, you heard me, which tall boots, which sweat pants, which jeans will allow me to rock Compression Shorts and Socks with no one being the wiser.

Case in point. Today, I knew that my IT Band was not so happy after a hilly, speedy run. I knew it needed extra support and I also knew that my ankle and legs could use some increased attention too. There was only one answer to this problem - compression! Only barrier, I do not believe it is generally appropriate to sport compression gear when going to Temple, work, dinners etc. Although my fashion sense begs to differ, I am not sure the world is ready for the "Snazzy Stylings of Stephanie" (yes I thought long and hard about getting those "S words" in).

Why People are Against this Fashion Trend is completely beyond me...

So instead, I go for Plan B a.k.a. Covert Op. - What Can I Wear to Cover Up the fact that I am wearing tight shorts and hot pink socks?

After a long run and on a weekend, it is easy. I believe that all bets are off on weekends and that it is perfectly acceptable to go out in sweats (that is sexy right?). In fact, I may or may not have ventured to the Supermarket and Fresh City in this outfit more than once...

You can wear this outfit out, right?

On weekends, it is considered cool to hang out in corn mazes and rock compression

But on weekdays and more proper outings, I have to get creative. So if you are looking for ways to cover up those necessary undergarments here are some tips:

How to Hide Your Dirty Little Secret a.k.a. Compression Gear

1) Tall Boots. These babies rock at covering up compression socks. Only problem is if you are short like me the compression socks might be too tall and you may need to fold the socks down to get away with it

2) Long Skirts that are a tad too big. In this way you can cover up the compression shorts and not feel like you are gasping for air. The tight skirts will reveal it all so avoid those.

Or just wear short skirts or funky Santa socks, this could pass at a fancy dinner, right?

3) Leave the stockings at home. I make this mistake all the time. If you have the socks and shorts on you are going to be warm enough. With stockings, you are just going to be too hot and sweaty. It is not fun, trust me, leave the stockings at home.

No stockings needed in this hot pink fun outfit

4) A-Line Dresses. These can also work to mask compression shorts and you can pair them with tall boots if you need the socks too. But again tight dresses will give your secret away so opt for the less form fitting option here.

The perfect A-Line Dress to cover compression gear...ok even I have my limits or do I...

In other news, if you are not fascinated with hiding your compression gear on a daily basis like me maybe you are more intrigued about mastering the art of actually get that tight gear on in the first place, but that is a story for another day. Instead, I will leave you with this. Have you ever heard of EverStride? It is a company that specializes in making anti-chafe sticks, face defense creams, foot creams (for blisters etc.) and other must have products for athletes. I reviewed their products here.

Anyway, in my opinion, they are absolutely the way to go and have offered a nice promo for me to pass on to all of you - a 25% discount on all Ever Stride Products through this Coupon Code.

To take advantage of this 25% coupon code just visit EverStride's website here and at check out put in the coupon code:

FunRun

That is all for now. Wishing you all a Happy Friday and if you want, tell me how do you wear or hide your compression gear?

Jello Legs & The Should Voice

2012-01-18T18:02:00.000-08:00

This week I have jello legs. Yup, thats right, I have legs full of jello a.k.a jello legs. It began on Sunday after a quite hilly difficult 10 miles through Central Park. Coming back from that I knew I had pushed my body to the brink and right after a pretty exhausting cold no less. The next day we spent in the car traveling and my legs were tired yet I made it a priority to get an hour of a elliptical done that night. My legs felt weightless...very very tired, but they made it and thanks to the wonders that are compression socks my legs allowed me to give them a serious beating only hours later when I did a speedy 5 mile run. Fast forward to this morning, yet another tired 5 a.m. wake up and even more exhausted legs. No matter I told myself and to PT I went climbing on the StairMaster for some ugly rounds of circuit intervals. And they were ugly!! My quads tingled, my breathing was heavy, and every bit of me screamed

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

Compression Socks - My Hero!

So, I listened, well sort of anyway. I adjusted the Stairmaster and allowed myself to go just a little bit slower. Yet, I still did it and my legs still feel a bit like jello and I am still just a bit exhausted from all the events of the past week, so much so that I may or may not be heading to bed after writing this at 9 p.m.

What is a girl to do with these jello legs? What do they mean and how do I proceed with them? In my mind, I should not be suffering from jello legs. There are so many other bloggers and runners running so many more miles and there legs or just fine the "evil part" of my mind says. I should be able to power through. I should have no problem with 4 miles (with 3 hills) tomorrow, when so many others are doing so much more day in and day out. Come on Steph, man up, the "should" voice says.

But honestly folks, I am not sure if I have it in me tomorrow. I don't know if these jello legs will hold up for a speedy, hilly 4 miles or 4 miles at all. It has been a while since I have felt this exhausted and my legs this wobbly. So what now? Take a rest day? Take it slow? Yes, maybe I should. There is that word again - should. I should take a rest day; I should be able to do a speedy 4 miles tomorrow; my legs should not feel like jello.

So what am I going to do? Nothing. I am going to stop "shoulding," take my tired self to bed, and wake up tomorrow morning and go with the flow, see what my legs will allow me to do and be thankful for that.

Do your legs ever feel like jello, what do you do with jello legs and how do you stop the "Should" voice?

When I get jello legs, I like to put on fuzzy pants and a dri-fit shirt and pretend I am begin productive

Putting Running First & Never Regretting a Workout

2012-01-17T18:53:00.000-08:00

There are some runners who yearn to run. They can't wait to get it in, morning, noon, or night they are willing and ready, chomping at the bit to run. That is not me. I love running and all the benefits that comes with it. I have come to look forward to many of my workouts whether it be fun long run conversations with friends or catching up with a Netflix Episode of Felicity (thank you Netflix for letting me enjoying the whole series of Felicity while I workout). However, there are those days when I am not necessarily looking forward to my run or elliptical workout. When I would rather stay in my warm bed and sleep for a few extra minutes, than go sweat (or right now freeze) for hours on end. As the winter months continue onward and I wake up to cold, dark mornings, this yearning to stay in bed becomes even greater. Yet, for the most part, I never give in to this yearning even when that little voice is screaming at me, telling me just five more minutes of sleep. Because in the end, minus injury, illness, or some other unforeseen dilemma, I...

NEVER REGRET A WORKOUT

What I do regret is skipping a workout - sleeping in (when I don't need to), sitting on the couch and watching TV when I could watch TV while ellipticaling, or throwing my whole day and internal clock off because I decided to hit the snooze button instead of completing the training for the day. Thus when it comes down to it, I make running a priority in my life each and every day, no if, ands,or, buts about it. If it is on my training schedule, minus illness or some other unforeseen event, I am there. Vacations, holidays, trips, big events - they all happen and so does my workout. If it means a 4:30 a.m. wakeup or a 9 p.m. run, then that is what it takes and I will get it done.

Sweaty smiles post workout..

Very little things in my life receive that priority (now granted I am not a parent or have as many responsibilities as others so take this with what you will. It is just not possible for everyone, I totally get it).

Besides this guy of course..

Work projects, errands, phone calls etc. all are important and must be completed but if they don't happen on one particular day, no matter. It will get done, maybe tomorrow. The same philosophy does not apply to my training. Each day is an opportunity to work out and train and push harder and it is important to me that this happens.

All of this got me thinking why? Why is it that running goes to the top of the list? Why is it that yesterday after a 10 hour trip home the first thing I did when I got there was bound upstairs to rock an elliptical hour long session while my husband graciously took care of the house? Why when I felt the need to sleep in this morning that I made myself get out of bed and run 5 miles? Many things are important in my life, but why and how can this one always win out day in and day out.

At one point in time, the answer was weight loss or weight maintenance. For many this still is the reason and it is a great reason and can be really helpful. But in the past couple of years, my reasons for running have changed to a general need for fitness, fun, and friends. Having this mindset and knowing that I am doing this to be healthy, to tackle and complete goals allows me to keep at it - to push harder, get faster, and make certain that my workout is complete for the day.

So this morning when I did not think I had anything left, when my legs felt like mush, and I worried over how my ankle felt, I jumped on the treadmill put on Felicity and made running my priority once again. I did not regret it negative splitting the run and ending with a smile on my face ready to tackle the day. It was a good workout and I was proud of it. Even if it had been a hard, tough run and one that I had hated, I still would have been glad that I did it and more ready and willing to get my day going.

So there you have it. Each day, I make a choice. A choice to put me first. To run for my mental and physical well being and to have a blast while doing it.

How and why do you make your choice to run/workout?

I am a Cold Weather Runner

2012-01-16T17:13:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! Guess who's back? We've had a really busy few weeks and I decided to give Steph the night off and give myself a chance to tell my side of the "Central Park Escapade."

As I said in my introductory post, Ice Hockey is my true passion. I learned to skate when I was three on an outdoor rink built by my dad and started playing youth hockey at the age of four. Needless to say, I'm well acquainted with cold weather and over the years, have developed what Steph likes to refer to as one of my "super powers" - The Electric Blanket. I'm always warm. Years of playing a sport on a frozen sheet of ice in the dead of winter will do that to you. While professional arenas do a decent job of isolating the cold to the ice surface, most local arenas don't have the resources to do this. The worst have to be the rinks I refer to as converted barns - previously outdoor rinks with sheet metal walls that have no insulation and don't fully seal the rink off from the elements. Trust me when I say nothing feels worse than putting on wet pads when it's -10 degrees outside and feeling your hair freeze over as you play.

Note: that's not really me, but it sure felt like it. Steph refused to document the event - that's a shocker!

Off the ice, I wore Birkenstocks throughout high school and most of college regardless of the weather (yes, even snow). This started because my schools (both located in the Northeast) blasted the heat once the temperature dropped below 50 degrees and in order to not feel like I was going to pass out, I needed a way to regulate my temperature and feel comfortable. So I dressed appropriately for the temperature inside and coped with the temperature outside.

Couldn't find a picture of me in sandals (I'm camera shy). To make up for it, check out this bruise I got from a slap shot a few years back! $20 bill used for scale.

Long story short, I'm rarely cold and can even heat the area around me, whether it's the steam coming off me when I stop exercising or warming up the bed for Steph before we go to sleep. Unfortunately, my weakness is heat, when I have trouble breathing and staying properly hydrated. Nothing is more embarrassing than taking a shower at the gym, walking outside to go to the office, and instantly feeling the need to shower again.

When I've had my outdoor runs, I've worn nothing more than shorts, compression socks, an Under Armour heat gear undershirt, and a t-shirt. I tried a wool cap and had to take it off because I was too warm; it was in the 30s. Yesterday's run was no different. Equipped with my "cold gear," I set out to do my run and was able to do as well as I did because I was cooled off by the freezing temperatures. If I got too hot, I just spread my fingers apart to disperse the heat. At the end of the run, I noticed that my hands were pink and brittle and my forearms were frozen. No big deal, except for the fact that Steph still had an hour left in her run and I had to find her somewhere in Central Park! As my workout became a cool down, I got colder and colder to the point that after taking off my shirt to shower, I noticed my upper body was bright red and almost frostbitten!

The before image. Yes, I wore the Crazy Bitch shirt on my run and got a compliment or two on it.

... and I wouldn't change it for the world! Hopefully, I'll be able to survive the Summer!

Anyone else out there have a crazy cold weather story or a suggestion for superhero and/or superpower name?

I am a Fair Weather Runner

2012-01-15T20:28:00.000-08:00

I am going to let you all in on a little secret. I am not a hardcore runner. I would like to say I am, I really do try to be. But I am, alas, somewhat of a wimp. I like running in the perfect conditions. You know a beautiful fall day where you happily shuffle down a trail with the leaves changing and your hair blowing in the wind and not a care in the world.

Did you know I have a little obsession with the Fall and leaves...

What I am not a fan of is running in the rain, snow, heat, or cold. Ok, I know I know, what kind of runner am I? But I am getting better...I promise. This past training cycle I faced my fears and learned that the rain was manageable at times, the heat was ok, and that 35 degree weather is actually perfect for shorts and a long sleeve tee-shirt.

Today, however, I may have been a little bit out of my league. With this...

It was exciting to hit 10 degrees, we started at 5 degrees

When I saw this predicted forecast Saturday morning, I wanted to ditch my BIG plans of running with Michele in Central Park and just hit the treadmill for 10 miles a day early and get it done with. If it had not been for my run date with Michele, I probably would have. However, I could not pass up the opportunity to run with her. Plus Aaron also committed to run his 3 miles in Central Park as well and promptly told me to man up about this whole weather thing, so I did not really have a choice.

Thus early this morning Aaron and I made the trip from Boston to NYC. Unfortunately, Michele's adorable son was sick and she could not make it for our run date(feel better little guy!). At this point, I was left with no choice. I had to get in my 10 mile run and there was nothing else to do but face my fears. I honestly did not believe I could do it. Even when I started running, even while running I did not think I would make it. But with Aaron's "encouraging" words I knew I had no choice, I had to Man Up and get outside - single digits or not.

And guess what? It was not bad at all. I never felt cold!! Not once. Aaron and I had the goal of creating almost a "Stephanie Bubble" between me and the outside world and it only took 5 stores to complete the task but it was a pretty darn good bubble. The outfit consisted of running tights, three shirts (Under Armor base layer, Brooks Thermal Layer, Brooks running hoodie), Ski Gloves, and hand warmers.

I have a million layers on. Aaron is wearing shorts, no gloves, not hat.

But what took the cake was this guy...

Robin and Colleen had turned me on to this fellow a few weeks ago and I have looking for one ever since. A late night shopping trip with Robin last night finally found one and I am so so thankful for it. Having this mask took care of my breathing problem so that my lungs never burned. Additionally, it provided added warmth and protection from the cold and wind, it was as if I did not even know it was cold outside and for me that is saying a lot! Combine this with my huge ass ski gloves and I was in heaven. I am happy to report that I was never too warm but felt just right. However, it was not all fun and games in the mask. It was actually kind of wet and slobbery. TMI? Sorry! Also while I was shielded from the cold, it SUCKED running with all of that gear. It was just hard to move. I guess it will take some getting used to.

Ultimately, I made it. I got out there and I did it. I still can't believe it. Watch out winter, turns out I am not such a wimp after all. However, Mr. Winter, given the choice, I would take Fall any day of the week.

LEAVES!!!

Did you embrace the cold this weekend? How do you handle all the gear you need for running in such freezing, cold conditions?

Home Sick for the Marathon

2012-01-14T18:46:00.000-08:00

Remember when I did this...

Post Marine Corps - sorry this picture never gets old :)

That was officially over 2 months ago. Since then, the furthest I have run is when I bumped into this dude running along the Strip at Night.

Did you know this is the post of recycled pictures?

Otherwise, I have been having a blast running 5Ks and enjoying a very hectic paced life.

A family affair :)

Today, however, as I sat in awe of the Olympic Trials, I felt homesick. Homesick for running a marathon or more specifically marathon training. Sure, during marathon training, I may or may not have grimaced when I checked the weather forecast and saw 80 degree heat and then shivered through an ice bath. I may or may not have wanted to give up or cry uncle at points. But all in all it was one of the most amazing, wonderful experiences of my life.

Marathon Training makes me feel like I am on top of the world (and allows me to wear these hip outfits everywhere)

And now, two months post marathon, coming off of my first weekend where I do not have a fun 5K to participate in, I have this yearning in me. A yearning to..

- Consider 10 miles a "short" run (instead of the longest run I have seen in about a month);
-Shot Bloks and Gels to be part of my regular diet;
-Legs that are screaming at me because I pressed them to the limits on my long run;
-Long Runs that involved fun conversation with this lady instead of speedy miles where talking is not really an option; and
-And of course the below

Marathon Ice-cream, what else?

So what is a gal to do when she misses marathon training so dearly? Go back to it of course!!

Now, my training plans tend to be conservative and NJ Marathon is not until the beginning of May so I do have time before full training begins. But with spring marathons on the horizon I am gearing up to get back into the swing of things. I am working on my base miles and trying new things because ready or not NJ I am coming for you!

But for now, I will just try to weather the cold tomorrow for a fun, freezing 10 miles with this rockstar!

Did you know that I secretly (actually not so secretly) fear the cold?

Do you get homesick for the marathon? Do you fear the cold? Any good advice of me?

Should You Exercise When You Are Sick? & Sweepstakes Winners

2012-01-12T06:34:00.000-08:00

Well, we are on to Day Two here of the Cold of 2012. Ok, it really is not that bad. I am feeling better than I was yesterday, but today I actually have to get up and go to work and act all normal and it is quickly reminding me that better does not equal 100%.

Anyway, back to the topic at hand: Running/Working out & Sickness.

With sickness brings up the age old question of exercise.

Should I exercise when I am sick?

I don't know about all of you, but every time I am sick I struggle with this question. Do I run, cross train, workout etc. when I am not feeling so well? Since I am a morning girl, the questions always start the night before and go something like this:

Me: *cough* *sniffle* Can I workout tomorrow?

Husband: We will see how you feel in the morning

Me: But what if I don't feel better

Husband: We will see how you feel in the morning

Apparently, this conversation never gets old because I like to have it every time I get sick. Last night however it went something like this.

Me: *cough* *sniffle* Can I workout tomorrow?

Husband: We will see how you feel in the morning

Me: I think if I don't feel well I might just sleep

Husband: SHOCK

Fast forward to this morning. I had a hill workout of 4 miles on tap. To do it and get to work on time, it meant a 5 a.m. wake up call. The alarm went off, Aaron tried to get me up. I told him lets try at 6. At 6, he nudged me again telling me, rightfully so, that I always say the hardest part is getting going and that I need to try, but instead I did something of a whimper and slept for another hour.

So yea, that is right, two days in a row I have forgone the exercise routine in the name of rest. And this got me thinking. I have always been one to exercise through illness. Spouting some lines about how I feel better when I work out and how a good sweat will do me good etc. Yet, all the while knowing that I probably just need to

SLOW DOWN

Chicken Soup and Challah is how I slow down (thankfully Aaron woke up early yesterday to make me some)

If I am being honest, there are many times when I said these exact same lines, go to the gym while sick, get on the treadmill and start whimpering and make my husband take me home while shaking my head at myself - I should have just stayed in bed. Or the times when I make it through the workout, feel great, only to feel like utter crap 20 minutes later.

So what is the truth about working out/running while sick? Is it really a good idea to do so? Are we really just kidding ourselves, telling ourselves it is a good idea because we are scared that missing a workout or two or three will hinder our training, or gasp, make us gain weight (especially if we are just loading on the extra food, like I do, when I am sick).

To find out the answers, I went straight to the source - GOOGLE, of course.

Overall, the answer seems to be

1) Listen to your body and

2) If you are going to exercise, make sure it is moderate and not intense

Also follow this rule of thumb

It is ok to moderately exercise if your symptoms are from the neck up (sniffles etc.) but hold off if from the neck down (e.g., chest cold etc.) *Source

Dr. Rick Kellerman from the American Academy of Family Physicians notes that people need to listen to their bodies. If they are sick, their body is telling them something. While it may be tempting to workout, it may actually prolong illness. He goes on to explain that it is a myth that you can sweat out germs and toxins. Although low levels of exercise may increase endorphins and provide benefit, intense workouts raise endorphins to high levels and can wear down the immune system.

Ok, ok I won't go run a marathon today...but maybe tomorrow

Ultimately, you are best off listening to your body. If you have mild symptoms, moderate exercise is probably ok. But make it moderate!!! And when you are feeling better remember to easy back into it - start off easy (e.g., cross train instead of run).

Today, you may categorize my symptoms as above the neck and mild. If you asked me two years ago, I would have absolutely worked out today. But rather, I listened to my body and rested. Hopefully, with the extra rest and nutrition I will be back before you know it.

Do you think it is wise to workout when you are sick? What do you do?

Note: I am not a professional, nor was this post intended to give advice. Rather information. See here for more information: Source 1; Source 2; Source 3

Last but not least, Sweepstakes Winners: If you did not win, more fun games next week and make sure to use the Vitalsox discount code: RS1BL1TS

For VitalSox -
Recovery Socks - Danielle Jenn, Penny
Arm Warmers: Leah K
Trivitals: Kelly 728, RunningfortheKitchen, &Debkershberg

For PopChips: Kelly

Down for the Count & Lessons Learned

2012-01-11T05:29:00.000-08:00

Well, it is official. I knew it was coming, you guessed it? I am…

SICK

Maybe it is regular cold sick or maybe brought on my pure exhaustion but however it happened I woke up yesterday at 1:00 a.m. with my eyes were tearing , my nose running, and my head feeling like a million pounds.

So clearly when I woke up yesterday, I ~~hit the snooze button and got all the rest I needed.~~ I pulled myself out of bed to do a 10-2-10 that was on the workout plan (10 mins elliptical – 2 miles running fast – 10 mins elliptical). Clearly, isn’t that what you are supposed to do when you are sick?

I knew this sudden bout of sickness was coming on because I just kept going going going. I was trying to do too much for the past, oh two months, ending with a ton of stuff in the past week or so and it was only a matter of time before my body ~~asked~~ begged me to slow down.

It was a busy crazy weekend, but well worth it!

Last week, I talked about knowing when to take a rest day even when it is not on the calendar, but when your body told you too. Yesterday was again a chance to learn and listen to my body. And honestly, I tried too. I thought that maybe a good sweat session would do me good because sometimes it really does help, I swear, and today, at least for a little while, it did.

Yet, by the end of the day yesterday, I was spent! I just wanted to curl up on the couch and give my body a time out because that is all it was really asking for. A few moments rest – to stop going, going, going, and to relax.

So this morning. I am wising up. I am listening. No extra activites, no emails (ok maybe a few), just plain rest for a day or so. Let my body get what it wants and needs – a recuperation period meaning sleep, no exercise, and lots of TV. No I did not run a marathon or train really really hard over the past couple of weeks but that does not mean my body is not thoroughly exhausted. So, ok, body I get it. You win (as you always do). I will rest up and get better real quick (I mean I do have a big weekend planned involving running with this snazzy NY lady).

Aaron is currently shopping to make some homemade chicken soup and woke up early to make some yummy challah, the best medicine for a cold

Do you ever over do it? How do you get back on track?

I Ran A Race Today....

2012-01-09T17:29:00.000-08:00

Have you ever used the following phrases...

I can use the elevator because I ran a race today

I can forgo doing the laundry and watch Gossip Girl on the couch because I ran a race today

I can have a cookie and frozen yogurt and pizza because I ran a race today.

Homemade Pizza? Yes, please!

This is potentially one of my favorite phrases on race day. It also happened to become one of our favorite catch phrases this weekend after our “Family 5k.” After Aaron, Meredith, and I were finished running a 5k this Saturday, I remarked how accomplished I generally feel after running a race. I want to wear my medal with pride and scream out to everyone

I RAN A RACE TODAY!

We love medals especially medals for 5ks :)

Meredith too remarked that when she ran her first race, she decided to take the rest of the day off. Because really, she ran a race and that was enough for one day.

Thus this became our motto for the day.

Should we have yummy cookies? Sure because we ran a race today

Should we go have fun in Boston? Sure because we ran a race today

Cousins Celebrating Saturday's 5k at Pinkberry

We even carried over the motto to my Wellness Day on Sunday.

Something to the effect of should I have two huge bowls of icecream tonight?

I no longer run to eat. Gone are those days. These days:

I eat to run.

Ok but sometimes I just like to eat, challah french toast yum!!!

But I feel no qualms or guilt with telling you all that I subscribe to the aforementioned mentality of "I Ran a Race Today." Running is hard work. It is not just that one time you go out there to a run a race but it is constant training, scarifies, and wonderful sweat sessions. It is not something everyone can do. Thus you have every right in the world to want to show off that medal, to have that extra spoonful of ice-cream and to relax on the couch. Because hey, You ran a race today!

What is your favorite phrase for "because I ran a race today..."

Lessons Learned: 5K Race Report

2012-01-07T15:28:00.000-08:00

Today, I ran my 5th race in 5 weeks. It was a 5K. The best part - it was a family affair Aaron and a bunch of my cousins ran it - Meredith, Brenna, Linda, and Zach.

I placed 4th in my age group. I PR'd by 25 seconds. And don't hate me but I feel disappointed. What is wrong with this picture?!?! I ran a race and had a great time with my family. It was 63° on January 7, and I PR'd and got 4th. Why should I be upset in the least? Hmmm...let's back up.

When I found out a few weeks ago that this race was taking place in the town next to mine and that my cousins would be running it, I could not say no. Even better my cousin from NJ, Meredith, who also has an amazing blog, said she would come too. So, I quickly signed up. The plan for the race was to go out strong finish stronger. And even better to run it with my 13 yr. old cousin, Zach. He recently told me that had run about a 6:40 mile at school, so I took a gamble and figured he could keep about a 7:20 pace. However, there was a part of me that worried he would not be able to handle it...he showed me, you win Zach!

Should have known that anyone who rocks this hairdo for my wedding would kill me in a race, sorry Zach.

The race was scheduled for 11 A.M. Did I mention how much I love local races? The race was literally down the street, meaning we left the house at 10 a.m. Score. At 10:45, I warmed up, rubbed Aaron's belly (my new good luck tradition, grabbed my cousin and went to the front of the line. Only to find out, the race was delayed to 11:15. To kill time, I re-did my race prep - went back to the bathroom, stretched some more, and lined up again. When we lined up the second time, I was a little nervous. We were at the front of the pack and there was some serious competition. I was actually worried we would be trampled.

But, with 5ks there is no time to worry. We were off in seconds. Well, my cousin was off. Zach zoomed across the start leaving me in the dust. I knew better, at least I thought I did, and let him go. I would catch up. Ultimately, by the end of the first mile I was just slightly behind Zach and feeling great. A woman with a stop watch noted one mile yelling 7 minutes and I was ecstatic. My breath was calm and my legs were fresh. I felt good. As we rounded the corner to turn towards home at 1.5 I could see Zach holding his sides, I caught up to him and gave him some advice, yelling at him to breathe out deep and push in and up on the side cramp. Then I kept going, but he would soon catch up.

Mile 2 came in at about 7:10. I started to feel drained. Zach was by my side again and I could tell he was tired too I. I told him we were doing great and had just done 2 miles in 14 minutes - CRAZY. It was around this time though that people started to pass me and I began to feel the side cramps and legs tiring. I tried to push myself but it did not seem to be happening. But I kept going. At Mile 2.75 there is a nice clip of a hill. And there was Zach again. He was huffing and puffing but holding strong. I said to him Zach we're going to finish this together LET'S GO! Apparently, he had other plans because he took off ahead of me. I swear if this kid was actually training to run he would be finishing in sub 19 - the last time he ran a 5K was oo two years ago. Zach, I am jealous of your speed

The last part of the race was a straight shot to the finish line with a clear view at the clock. As soon as I rounded the corner, I was all smiles. I was going to PR this race. But I was not going to beat Zach - he finished ahead of me at 22:20 and me 22:21.

You showed me Zach!

Needless to say, I was still overjoyed about the 25 second PR. I also thought I gained a new race buddy, but Zach is hanging up is running shoes for his hockey skates. One day Zach, one day. Meanwhile you rock and can pace me any day of the week.

All smiles coming to the end

After that, I waited for my other cousins and Aaron to come down the line. Brenna, Linda, and Meredith both did awesome. Brenna PR'd and Meredith, did her 1st 5K outside without stopping to walk! She's getting faster by the second.

Aaron also did awesome! He finished so so strong and I helped him finish. For the last shot to the finish line, I joined in yelling at him to race me. As he galloped across the finish line the announcer yelled

Here Comes Two Crazy Bitches

Aaron looking strong, do you see me as I pulled off to the side. Don't forget to order your own shirt.

He may have not PR'd but today he learned a huge lesson - a

PR does not always make a race a success.

Today he finished strong and stronger than last week and that is a major win.

So after that recap, why in the world am I disappointed? After learning that I missed third place by 2 seconds, I was bummed. I kept thinking that I could have pushed myself harder, but I am not sure where, I honestly don't remember much of that last mile to be honest. And it is so much easier to say this now than when I am running and about to throw up or pass out haha (not really Grandma don't worry). So I guess I will take some lessons instead from this race: try not to start out so fast, don't be in your head, and give it your all. I will wipe away disappointment and celebrate a win with the family! 5k I will see you next time, there will be a next time because I am going sub-22 just you wait and see.

Celebratory Pink Berry, of course!

Are you ever disappointed in yourself even when maybe you should not be? How do you move on? What lessons do you learn from it?

To Run or Not to Run

2012-01-05T16:03:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had the following internal debate with yourself?

Scene: Alarm sounds, you look over at the clock and groan
Self 1: Get up you have to run.
Self 2: Take a rest day, you don't have to run
Self 1: You have to run it is on your training schedule
Self 2: You never skip a run. It is ok, you know this is not going to be pretty. Be gentle, you are exhausted. It is ok to skip it
Self 1: That is what you think.

Deep in thought

Proceed to get up, have a crappy run, feel bad about it, and then feel exhausted for the remainder of the day.

That was me this morning. I went to bed and woke up exhausted. I knew I did not have much in me, but I also knew I had 3 miles on the calendar surrounded by some elliptical workouts. I wanted to blow it off. I felt run down and not ready to do anything that resembled speed. But instead I convinced myself that I should run and off I went. 23:19 minutes later I did not regret my decision but I was not proud of it either. Yes, I got my workout in and that is good and all, but would I have probably benefited more from a few more minutes of sleep or even just some time in front of the TV? Yup.

I am running, I am happy - right?

When I talked this over with Robin, she mentioned how not every run should be fast and that I probably could have done a recovery run today. My counter was that I had not run since pacing Aaron on Sunday, so I had not even had my one day of speed for the week (the other days were all cross training). You see, I will let you in on a little secret - I don't train like most runners. I don't do recovery runs, I don't run 4-5 days a week, and I don't have specific time targets for each run minus - fast, medium, and slow. Instead, the PT has me doing recovery, speed, and endurance elliptical workouts as well as PT/weight training along with 2-3 runs per week and all of this generally seems to work well for me and my body type.

Yet, today's run and subsequent conversation still made me think about the importance of listening to my body and slowing down and resting even when it is not scheduled!! I am the first person to take a rest day when it is on the schedule. But when runs are supposed to happen and when I am supposed to push, I try to push as hard as possible. Today, however, taught me something I already knew, if I am being honest -

Your body knows you best

I need to trust my body and listen to what it is telling me. My body loves to tell me to slow down with a cold. Case in point, I am always sick during or after big exams and I was sick right before MCM. This morning, I woke up feeling kind of off. I had hardly energy. My body was telling me something and I did not listen.

But did I truly learn my lesson? Only time will tell. Sunday I have 8 miles on tap before Wellness Day fesitives begin. I know I am supposed to run these at a pace that is a little slower than race pace - maybe 8:10ish. But I am resolving now to listen to my body. If I have to skip this run, I NEED to skip this run. If I have to make a slow recovery run, I will make it a slow recovery run. I WILL listen to my body. Blog accountability here, right?

Happy Friday! How do you listen to or honor your body?

Marathon Pump Up Party & Pop Chips Sweepstakes

2012-01-04T18:53:00.000-08:00

Admits all the craziness of this week, there was never a doubt in my mind that I would take the time to have a Marathon Pump Up Party with my favorite running buddy. Having now done so, I am so glad that I did!! Tonight, after work, I took the drive out to Robin's house for what I am now deciding is our

Traditional Marathon Pump Up Party

Pump Up Parties can and absolutely should include fun outfits (P.S. I am wearing Robin's snowman shirt, too cute, which I again forgot to bring back to her tonight - fail)

We were supposed to do one of these parties before Marine Corps Marathon f, but Robin wasn't feeling well, and I was being a marathon maniac germ-a-phob, so it did not happen. But tonight worked out perfectly, so Robin just letting you know that I am officially declaring this a tradition.

So, you ask what is a Marathon Pump Up Party? It varies depending upon how we feel and what we want to do, but it is mainly a chance for us to get together pre-marathon and de-stress, plan, and get each other excited about the events to come. Tonight was low key, but exactly what we both needed. It involved dinner with Robin's family and lots of girl talk a.k.a. running talk. I'm not sure how good of a running buddy I am because even though Robin is the one running and should be relaxing, I went to her house and she cooked and made a delicious meal. I did come bearing presents including Luna Bars, all different flavors of Nuun, and Chapstick, so we are even right?

Anyway, Robin made the best meal ever, I bet she is prepared for her marathon now after such a really y good dinner. To top it off, she made homemade frozen yogurt that ~~rivaled~~ was better than Pinkberry. She put Cabot Greek Yogurt in the ice-cream machine with sugar and vanilla. When it was ready, we topped it with fresh strawberries, dark and white chocolate chips, and sprinkles. YUM! I literally licked my plate clean. That is appropriate table manners, right? It is ok because we were eating it on the couch.

Ultimately, what more do you need to get pumped up for a marathon besides yummy food, good friends, and a lot of marathon talk! I know Robin is going to do awesome and represent our Running Buddy Team well. Go wish her luck - this is her 16th marathon in 5 years!

Robin is going to do great just like the time I told her to run fast in a 5k and she PR'd like woah!

Ok, time to talk SWEEPSTAKES. Remember I promised you two Sweepstakes this week in honor of Wellness Day? Well, it is time for Sweepstakes # 2, but have you entered Sweepstakes #1 yet?

Also before we do talk about the new sweepstakes, I have to announce the winner from the SUGOI Sweepstakes. It is Erin.

Erin, you have one week to collect your prize. Please send me an e-mail within the next week. If I do not hear from you, I will have to choose someone else.

On to today's Sweepstakes - POPCHIPS. I have never really given these things a chance, can you believe that? I tried them once and kind of demised them, so I was excited to get the opportunity to give them a real chance.

I have to warn you, I may be a little biased - Pop chips already has my vote as they are contributing to my Wellness Day by putting samples in the Swag Bag and having samples at the event itself. Nevertheless, I tried to be objective in my tasting.

Upon opening the package, I found what looked like a deflated rice cake. No matter, I did not waste any time and gobbled it right up. At first, I was not a huge fan. But after a few moments, I found myself wanting another and another. In fact, I could really go for some right now. Ultimately deciding that I did indeed like the taste. They are unique, but in a good way. I would recommend trying them out yourself. I had the Original Ones, and I would love to give the other flavors a go.

After sampling, I investigated Pop Chips a little further. The background story of how the company began really clicked with my experience of wanting to eat more and more of these little fun snacks. Apparently, the founds of the company wanted to find a chip that was neither unhealthy like friend potato chips (although I would contend potato chips are not unhealthy, but that is another story) or just baked. They loved to snack, but needed something besides fried chips or baked ones. Thus in comes the Popped Chips. Yup, Pop Chips are actually popped! And of course they did not stop at just Original Flavor, they have tons including BBQ, Sour Cream & Onion, Sea Salt, and Salt & Vinegar.

The nutrition on these things are amazing. They are all natural with 0 trans and saturated fats. You can have 23 of them 120 calories - pretty good bang for your buck if you ask me.

My overall opinion - ultimately maybe not my favorite snack food ever but will I grab these again? Yes. Do I want to try out the other flavors? You bet. Do I love the ingredients and nutrition facts? Yes sir.

Now is your chance to win a sampling of Pop Chips. A lucky winner will receive 12 sample bags of Pop Chips. And like always just leave a comment to enter.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR POP CHIPS SWEEPSTAKES

Check out the full Terms and Conditions here

Basics: To enter the sweepstakes for 12 Pop Chips sample bags please just leave a comment on this post, meaning the post that announced the sweepstake. The comment does not have to be anything in particular. It will be used so that your name can be entered into the sweepstakes as facilitated by Random.Org. There is NO PURCHASE NECESSARY or any other type of consideration that must be given to enter this sweepstakes. By entering a comment, you are entering in the sweepstakes and are thus agreeing to the full terms and conditions outlined here.

Contact information: When entering the sweepstakes, please provide a means for the writer of this blog to contact you when the sweepstakes has ended. You may choose to leave your blog address, twitter handle, email address, or any other means that you are comfortable with and provides a reasonable way for the writer of this blog to contact you. If you do not want, your contact information put in the comment field, you may e-mail the writer of this blog at 26.2runforfun@gmail.com. Your contact information will be used so that the writer of this blog may contact you if you win or if the retailer sponsoring the sweepstakes needs to contact you if you win.

Duration and deadlines: This sweepstakes starts on Wednesday January 4, 2012 at 10:00 p.m. and will go to Wednesday January 11, 2012 at 9:00 p.m. Winner will be announced by Thursday January 12, 2012 at 8 p.m. and will be announced through this blog - Runforfun-stephanie.blogspot.com. A winner has one week from the announcement of the winner to claim the prize or else a new winner will be chosen (Friday January 20, 2012 after 8 p.m.) . All prizes will be awarded. Thus if the winner does not come forward, a new winner will be chosen.

Prize Description: There will be one winner and they will receive 12 sample Pop Chips bag $10.20

Confession - My Google Reader Stresses Me Out!

2012-01-03T16:14:00.000-08:00

Have you entered my latest Sweepstakes here (T&C here)? Are you coming to my Wellness Day this Sunday?

I don't have a lot of time tonight, as you can tell I have been a little busy this week with this little crazy out of control Wellness Day. In fact, right now I'm writing this blogpost in between work, dinner, and my Sisterhood Board Meeting. My wonderful husband has been nice enough to make dinner so I can blog to you all - thank you Aaron - you are a man of many talents, running, cooking, you name it!

So anyway, today I was trying to take a break from Wellness Day Crazies and enjoy some of the blog posts that I have been that missing out as I run frantically around trying to get ready for the big day on Sunday. So you know how this story goes, I sat down at my computer, open the normal posts I liked to read, and then turned to my trustee Google Reader. That is where my wonderful little break turned stressful!

My Google Reader Was Out Of Control!!!

Blogs were everywhere and I could not find anything. I did not know which blog was which, it was a MESS! Not knowing where to turn, I tried to just start at the top and work my way day. That worked for oh, a moment - I came across blogs I had not read in a while, blogs that had moved, and just could not find the blogs I wanted.

A few weeks ago, a similar event occurred. I was overwhelmed by Twitter, Daily Mile, Facebook, Google Reader, and all the other cool ways to stay in touch with your friends that you have never met. So Aaron suggested that I make folders in my Google Reader, one for each day of the week. I would only read the blogs for that day - Monday blogs on Monday, Tuesday blogs on Tuesday, etc. Sure, I would not get read every blog, every single day, but it let me keep up with many of them without getting completely and utterly overwhelmed. It also allowed me to continue going to the blogs I go to every day since I have those memorized anyway.

This seemed like a perfect plan to me. But fast forward to today and it did not seem to work as well as I had hoped. I guess my failure was twofold - one I was not honest with myself and two I was not organized enough. In terms of honesty, when I categorized the blogs, I felt unjustifiably guilty about deleting some blogs or told myself I would read some blogs eventually and put them in a folder instead of deleting them. This was a mistake. It was nothing against these blogs, it was not that I did not like them anymore, but things change, it happens - the blogger might have stopped blogging or we were just not as close or life happened. I apologize. Either way, I did not delete them and that was my first problem because it just led to me becoming overwhelmed down the line.

My second mistake was making a "catch all category." I had categories for every day of the week but also had a catch all category to read whenever. This was a mistake. There were too many blogs that ended up here, I would put new blogs in here, I could not find anything in this folder, and things got lost in the Google Reader. Sigh, I'm exhausted just writing this lease

Ultimately today I ended up feeling quite overwhelmed. I tried to read a few random blogs, but that did not work. Then I tried to go through my days of the week folders, but it was still too cluttered with blogs I no longer read or did not recognize. I eventually gave up and went back to Twitter - much more manageable, right?

Does anyone feel like this your Google Reader stresses you out? Considering, that the fire alarm just went off in my house, I know who is stressed out! Actually I just ran downstairs and Aaron is cooking up a storm he is woking stir fried vegetables, tofu, edamame, and making veggie egg rolls! I should be stressed out more often.

Okay, back to the point! What am I going to do about this Google Reader situation? Blogs are supposed be fun, like running! They are not supposed to be stressful, thus I am resolving to try to organize my system again. After the Wellness Day, when my life is back to normal, you know, before I take on some other big project, it is time for Spring Cleaning a.k.a. reorganize my Google Reader.

Steph and Aaron's Google Reader Organization Guide

1. Create folders
2. Label each folder a day of the week Monday through Sunday
3. Go through each blog in your Google Reader and be honest! Decide which ones you want to read and which ones you are no longer reading. For the ones, you are longer reading, delete them, unfortunately.
4. Place each blog in a day of the week. Decide which day of the week you have the most time to read blogs and put the majority of blogs in those folders.
5. Be easy on yourself and do not stress. If you can't keep up, don't freak out. Know they will be there tomorrow or the next day.
6. When you find a new blog that you like, put it in a "day of the week" folder, no catch all category.
7. Try to check in with your Google Reader ever regularly and do some "cleaning."

So there you have it folks, this may be a little controversial, but it is the best plan that I can think of for now that will make me a happy, less stressed, well organized blogger.

Am I alone out there? Does your Google Reader stress you out? Do you have any tips?

My Big Event & Vitalsox Compression Sweepstakes

2012-01-02T19:24:00.000-08:00

Thank you all for your wonderful comments on Aaron's post. He did an amazing job and it was an honor to to run with him, I see more runs in his future, and he is out to win, but more on that later. For now, we have to get down to business, because this is a very important, busy week!! No better way than to start off the first week of the year with an event this Sunday that I have been preparing for since July. It has been like preparing for a marathon. So while Robin runs a marathon this Sunday (go wish her luck), I will be taking on my own type of marathon event, well...sorta....

Ok this is totally my new favorite shirt - check out the store here

So what am I talking about?? Well have you noticed this new button on the side of my blog...

This button is for my Wellness Day that I am putting on this Sunday January 8th for anyone who wishes to attend at my temple in Lexington, Massachusetts.

Like many things, this event started out small, but it quickly grew and grew.

This used to be my office, now it is the landing zone for all things Wellness Day including...

this...

and this...

If you have not heard me go on and on about this Wellness Day yet, let me recap it quickly here. I modeled this day after a race expo because well, I'm a runner and why not. The day will go as follows: you will arrive at the event and receive a goodie bag free of coupons and samples including discounts for Vitalsox, Tommie Copper, an anti-chafe stick from Ever Stride, two weeks of classes as Endurance Pilates and Yoga, 2 day pass to Lexington Fitness Club, 15% discount at the Lexington Running Company, samples of Pretzel Crisps, Pop Chips, and Hint Water, discount cards for Bondi Bands, and much much more. During the event, you will have the chance to interact with over 25 different vendors including a nutritionist, yoga instructor, Pilates instructor, chiropractor, acupuncturist, midwife, genetic counselor, and more. Presentations and demos will take place throughout the day from Juice Pus+, Whole Foods Market Woburn, Personal Trainer, massage therapist, chinese medicine, to name a few.

I hope people in the area can attend. The cost is $5 and I think and hope it is going to be a blast. But if I am being honest, I am scared to death that no one comes, so please please come. I promise it will be fun!

I am currently still doing a Sweepstakes for Sugoi here (who will also be donating to the Wellness Day Raffle) and you still have until 9 p.m. on Tuesday January 3rd to enter but I wanted to start this Sweepstakes in honor of my Wellness Day. In fact, this week we will have two Sweepstakes from two great vendors at my Wellness Day.

Today, I want to introduce you to Vitalsox. I first found out about this company at the Marine Corps Marathon Expo and quickly fell in love with them. When I came across their booth, I could not help but stop in a) they had compression socks; b) they were pink; and c) they had Trivitals.

If you are wondering, these are Trivitals. They are compression sleeves from your ankle up to your knee

Before Marine Corps Marathon, I had never heard of Vitalsox, but I am so happy that I found them. They are actually an Italian company and I have always had lots of luck with Italian shoes so I knew I had to give them a chance. Once again, the Italians did not disappoint...they know how to do it right...

See I love Italy :)

To find out a little more about Vitalsox, I checked out their website. Here is what I found out:

Vitalsox® is a high-tech brand of socks and underwear made in Italy by Arcos S.p.A., a dynamic Italian producer of wear, underwear, socks and accessories for all kind of sports, work, leisure, fashion and healthcare. Vitalsox® socks are perfectly suited for sportsmen (for racing or recovery), for enthusiasts of court and open air sports, and are ideal as everyday high-quality socks. Made with the most advanced materials such as Silver DryStat™, and using Arcos’ patents on graduated compression, Vitalsox® products offer a unique sense of "feetness" (freshness, comfort and well being with an upmost sense of protection from external bacterial agents). Vitalsox® offers also a unique series of high-comfort travel and everyday underwear made of Silver DryStat™ and manufactured with seamless technology, characterized by the unique property of washing and drying extremely fast.

The more I read, the more I liked. It was like this company was catering to me. They offered everything I needed - arm warmers, recovery socks, running socks, performance socks, and Trivitals. Each item serves a different purpose and seems to work just right. For instance, right now, I am lounging in the recovery socks, which are perfect for stimulating blood circulation, getting oxygen to the muscles, and reducing lactic acid buildup. Tomorrow, I will switch to their running sock, which are perfect for running in. They do all the great things that my other socks do, ward off blisters, moisture wicking, but they also seem to just give that extra amount of support that I am constantly looking for in a basic short sock. I've also grown to love my arm warmers - they are moisture wicking, warm, and stylish, if you ask me.

I know this is a lot to take in, let me try to break it up a little more:

Recovery Socks: These socks are comfortable and they do the job in helping me recover quicker by increasing circulation, getting oxygen to the muscles, and providing the support I need for my ankles after a long run. my ankle. My biggest gripe, is that they are too long which is more a byproduct of me being short. I also feel that they are pretty tight at the top where the sock ends, I wish they was a little more give there. But all in all, I love them and plus did I mention they are only $35, super reasonable!!

I recover in my sweatpants (from my senior year in high school). What other way is there?

Trivital: I love these! Once I found the right size, I couldn't get enough of them. I wore them right after the marathon and right before the marathon. I love that I didn't have to have something over my toes but that I received the compression that I needed around my ankle. The hardest part about them was that they were too tight to begin with, but that seemed to be a sizing issue, which the company kindly helped me with. Once I got the right size, I was in heaven. If you have problems with your toes and blisters but you also want compression socks, these are definitely a fantastic solution.

You wear Trivitals under your PJs, right?

Arm warmers: I know, I have been rocking a lot of our warmers lately. I guess I'm kind of warming up to them in general. I really like these because they are super soft, really comfortable, and keep me warm. When I wore them however, once I was hot, I wanted them off, they felt kind of itchy and tight at the top of my arms. I left them on to test them out and they actually got better and were great with the dri-fit quality. When I took them off no chaffing, thanks to Everstride. There is not much more to ask for in an arm warmer.

I like being all matchie matchie it is fun :)

Yay for taking pictures of yourself pre-workout at 5 a.m.

So let's talk sweepstakes shall we? Vitalsox gave me a number of samples to give out. I have Recovery Socks (2 mediums); Trivitals (XS, M, L); Arm Warmer (M-L) to give away.

Regardless of whether you win, all this month you can go and buy your pair and use this discount code to get $10 off. The best part about this is that Vitalsox is so reasonably priced already that after this discount code you will pay $25 for a pair of Compression Socks - that is crazy!!!! Here is the code: RS1BL1TS. You can purchase them here.

Everyone coming to the Wellness Day will be getting one of these!

Like always, to enter to win, just leave me a comment. Here are so more specifics:

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR VITALSOX SWEEPSTAKES

Check out the full Terms and Conditions here

Basics: To enter the sweepstakes for Vitalsox recovery socks, Trivitals, and Arm warmers please just leave a comment on this post, meaning the post that announced the sweepstake. The comment does not have to be anything in particular. It will be used so that your name can be entered into the sweepstakes as facilitated by Random.Org. There is NO PURCHASE NECESSARY or any other type of consideration that must be given to enter this sweepstakes. By entering a comment, you are entering in the sweepstakes and are thus agreeing to the full terms and conditions outlined here.

Duration and deadlines: This sweepstakes starts on Monday January 2, 2012 at 10:00 p.m. and will go to Monday January 9, 2012 at 9:00 p.m. Winner will be announced by Thursday January 12, 2012 at 8 p.m. and will be announced through this blog - Runforfun-stephanie.blogspot.com. A winner has one week from the announcement of the winner to claim the prize or else a new winner will be chosen (Thursday January 19, 2012 after 8 p.m.) . All prizes will be awarded. Thus if the winner does not come forward, a new winner will be chosen.

Prize Description: There are multiple prizes for this Sweepstakes including a pair of recovery socks ($35) (2 winners), arm warmers ($20) (one winner), and trivitals ($28) (three winners).

Aaron's Followup - 5K Complete. I tolerate running!

2012-01-01T18:01:00.000-08:00

With a week to go before my first ever 5K, I went out for a pre-race tuneup compliments of my physical therapist - 10 minute walk, 15 minute run, 10 minute walk. Not only was it my first outdoor run in years, but it was also the longest I had run since I was in college. Who would run more than 1 mile at a time, right?

Shorts in 30 degrees? No sweat for a hockey player!

So off I went with my new playlist and proceeded to adhere to the game plan. The first 10 minutes of running was easier than in my previous post, but the last 5 was tough. Same issue as before - tired legs and poor conditioning. Somehow, I got through it and was about 3 minutes into the last leg when I realized that I had only 1/2 a mile to go before hitting the coveted 3.1 mile marker. With that, I threw out the rest of the walk and ran the rest of the way to complete an unofficial 5K in 39:34. To say I was gassed would be an understatement, but 39:34 was pretty damn good when I walked 15 minutes and never set out to finish a 5K when I started.

That day, I thought it over and decided that I could lower that time to 35 minutes. The problem, though, is that my plan required me to push that single running interval to 2 miles in 21 minutes followed by a short walking interval to recoup for a final push for the last 3/4 of a mile. No sweat! Unfortunately, my legs didn't feel as good over the next few days and I was all-around tired. New Year's Eve, the eve of the big race, I went to bed early. I needed every ounce of energy I could muster for the big day.

Disclaimer: photo documentation was highly lacking. That's the problem with having both you and your wife run a race together.

Steph and I woke up this morning, put on our new "Crazy Bitch" gear, and headed over to the race.

These came out much better than initially pictured. Plenty for sale here!

I was focused on my plan. Steph, on the other hand, went a bit crazy with excitement, even rubbing my belly for good luck (for the first time ever). The horn went off and we spent a minute or two wading through the crowd to get to the start line. I rarely feel claustrophobic but things were tight in there. Everything went off without a hitch, and we were on our way.

Thankfully, Steph decided to forgo this race and spent her time making sure I stuck to the plan. It was incredibly difficult to keep pace when we were getting passed by a ton of people. Regardless, things were going alright until I spotted a hill on the course! I hadn't done hill training before, so it felt like it'd be a huge challenge. Keeping Steph's mantra in mind, we passed people on the uphill and took it slow on the downhill. Eventually, we hit the first mile marker at about a 10:30 pace. Things were going well. I wasn't out of breath and my legs felt good. At one point, I had visions of me running the whole race without stopping.

Five or six minutes later, I had to push myself to complete the 2nd mile. I was huffing and puffing; my legs felt wobbly; and I wanted to stop because I was tired. For some reason, Steph thought it was the perfect time to take pictures! Somehow, I pushed through that wall and hit the 2nd mile marker in 21 minutes! I hit my goal exactly as I had set out to do. I could finally stop and recuperate before my final push.

Smile for the camera!

Within 2 minutes, my breathing stabilized and I was ready to run again. Steph and I kicked it up and started passing people left and right. I was going to make 35 minutes and do it with speed! Within 2 minutes, though, my legs were just too tired to keep up that pace and I was left with two speeds - slower run or walk. On several occasions, walking seemed like the better option, but Steph kept me going all the way to the finish. 33:04!

I was so exhausted, I barely noticed that someone was taking my picture as I crossed the finish line. I felt like crap and, according to Steph, looked like it too. I can't wait to see that picture. But I exceeded my expectations and was able to walk away from the race instead of riding in an ambulance.

The medal doubles as a wine stopper. Pretty sweet.

After cooling down, I told Steph that I have my eyes set on the Super 5K and any other race that has a "linemen" or "clydesdale" division. Her response - "I knew you'd be hooked!" I might not hate running as much as I did a few months ago, but at least now, I tolerate it!

Four finishers within 5 minutes. Not bad for sticking together.

Eleven Races for 2011

2011-12-30T18:31:00.000-08:00

Have you checked out my arm warmer review and sweepstakes here?

As this year officially comes to a close, there are many events and accomplishments to look back upon. Sure, we bought a house, spent our first full years at new jobs, joined a wonderful temple and community, and made some great friends. But clearly, the only real accomplishments I want to discuss are my running and my blogging, because, really, what else is there ...

OK, the other things are important too. But let's talk running.

In the beginning of August 2010, I fully intended to run my first marathon that October. For many reasons, that goal was not achieved. In fact, in mid-August, I put on my running shoes, went for a nine mile run, and then did not run again for over two months. That was extremely difficult to do and was not the least bit of fun. I vowed to make 2011 a better year, but it was not going to be easy. I needed to recondition my body and get back into running shape while honoring myself physically and mentally. Thus, my first official race was not until Memorial Day weekend. I would like to say that my debut was all that I intended it to be, but I think this picture says it all.

My IT band and I had a fight!

Good thing I have an amazing physical therapist, who whipped me right back into shape. Only two weeks later, I showed my IT band who's boss.

Remember this? It was the day I started to tolerate squirrels.

It should've been all good from there, but it became the summer of shoes.

Note: all of these were eventually returned.

As fate would have it, I inevitably went back to the shoes I've always worn just in time for my Garmin to fail as I stood at the starting line for the Falmouth Road Race.

Are we there yet?

No matter. Fall was quickly approaching and, with only three races under my belt and the big "M" yet to come, it was time to kick things into high gear. From then on, we rocked the race circuit. Starting out on the right foot by placing at a local 5K, I proceeded to carry that momentum through to a scorcher of a race across all of Long Beach Island. From there, I took on the wind of the Bay State half marathon to get ready for the big day in Washington DC.

Push it!

Soaking wet at LBI.

Start of the race. I'm way too happy here.

Three years in the making, it was finally my day to rock negative splits and throw caution to the wind. It was all I ever dreamed it would be and as I crossed the finish line, Liz asked me if I'd do it again. I screamed, "Hell Yeah!"

Oh hello, there, NJ Marathon! So glad I signed up for you today. I'll be seeing you in May.

After Marine Corps, I was officially hooked and what better way to recover from a big race than to run four more races to finish off the year.

Turkey Trot!

Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon!

Winter Classic!

Home for the Holidays Virtual 10K! Note how I'm wearing the same shirt two weeks in a row!

So there you have it folks. Eleven races in 2011! So let's kick off the new year right, starting with a New Year's Day run with my favorite guy!

What was your favorite race of 2011? How are you ringing in the new year?

From Selfish to Selfless Running

2011-12-29T18:57:00.000-08:00

Have you checked out the results of the Virtual 10K here as well as my Sugoi arm warmer sweepstakes here?

This Sunday I will begin the New Year right. For the first day of the year, I will, you guessed, it run a 5K. Except this 5K will be different than any race I have ever been in. This will be the first race I fully intend not to race on my own behalf. I hate to admit this, but in many ways running is a selfish sport for me. It can sometimes be all about me... ok, most of the time, it's all about me. Before a race, I have to pick a certain dinner that will agree with my stomach, I have to wake up at a certain time, and I have to be somewhere at a certain moment. I drag my selfless husband along and beg him to help me with my race day needs. He does so willingly. For the past three years, I have repeated this ritual multiple times.

Aaron supporting me at one my first races

Meanwhile, Aaron has enjoyed his own sporting activities in the form of hockey. He does this on his own time, never once asking me to lace up his skates or hold his water and change of clothes for after a game. Looking at this now, I can't say it's my proudest moment. I try to be a loving, supportive wife, but there is always room for improvement. Aaron has shown nothing but kindness and has been completely supportive of my running career.

Lots of love and kindness!

On Sunday, Aaron will begin his own running career and it is now my turn to step up to the plate, stop asking so much, and start giving back. Instead of worrying about my time goals for this race or whether my iPod has the perfect playlist, I will be focusing on him and his goals. I will attempt to do whatever he needs to kick ass and get across the finish line. On Sunday, I will wear the "I <3 MY CRAZY BITCH" shirt.

Insert shameless plug here

Now no one said this was going to be easy. It has been suggested by some of my favorite cousins that I will inevitably get separated from Aaron during the race because I will get too excited and competitive and want to see if maybe I can set a new PR for the new year. I don't think this is necessarily an easy thing to go into a race and know I won't be "racing" it. And I am not perfect. But ultimately, dare I say it, some things or some people are just more important than a shiny PR or running altogether for that matter.

So this Sunday, I will gladly put my husband first and cherish something new from running and racing - the opportunity to do something I love with the man I love.

Does anybody have any good tips for a first time pacer? Happy New Year!