a favorite day

For the past 15yrs, one of my favorite days of the year is a "holiday" I never knew existed before moving to the northeast. That's because it isn't a thing outside Massachusetts. Patriot's Day - the day Paul Revere warned "the British are coming, the British are coming!"

Lexington and Concord go all out with re-enactments VERY early in the morning and further celebrations throughout the day. Boston and the surrounding area celebrate with a marathon. Not just a marathon, but The Marathon.

In years past, I've attended and watched runners cross that famous finish line. I've cheered from my own home as racers (elites and average, everyday runners) slogged through the difficult miles. And in 2012, I got the chance to be one of those runners.

I will tell you - everything they say about this race is true. It's not just hype, it's all for real. There is no other marathon like it. And after the tragedy in 2013, there may be even more reverence and excitement and pride at this race.

If I'm being 100% honest, I would like to run this again someday...

For now, I'm focused on what's next: Shipyard Maine Coast Half Marathon on May 14th. I ran the full back in 2014 and absolutely loved it - so I'm excited to be participating in the half in just a few weeks.

And I'm not just running for myself. I'm running in support of women suffering from fistula to get the care and help they need - surgery, aftercare, and emotional support. I'm running specifically with Hope for our Sisters, an organization founded and run by my friend, Brooke.

It costs about $600 for a woman to receive a surgery to repair the damage to her body - and that's how much I'd like to raise. Would you consider a donation? Every little bit helps.

Here's my personal fundraising page.

Thank you!

running for hope

A couple of years ago, I ran the Maine Coast Marathon. I loved this small race and the mostly coast-lined course. I've never run the same marathon twice so I didn't think I'd ever get back to this course... Recently though a friend of mine asked if I'd like to run the (newly named) Shipyard Maine Coast Half Marathon with her and a few other friends in support of a great ministry. I'm always looking to run with friends - and I love being able to support causes I believe in - so obviously I said yes!

So on May 14th, I'll be heading back up to the beautiful Maine coast to run/race my very favorite distance: 13.1mi. I can't wait to tackle this course again with some running buddies!

Like I mentioned above, I'll be running for Hope For Our Sisters and would love to raise at least $500. Here's a little about what HFOS does:

We advocate for women and girls suffering from fistula by sharing their stories and raising support for the effective treatment and prevention of this hope-destroying condition. We partner with doctors, foundations, and others committed to caring for these women and girls and bringing an end to fistula. Our goal is for hope to be renewed in each woman and girl’s heart.

Take a moment to find out more about Hope For Our Sisters, and consider donating via my fundraising page here!

Thanks for your support!

i defer

This spring has been full of good weeks and not-so-good weeks. In regards to training, the not-so-good weeks outweigh the good ones. I've been battling sicknesses, over-tiredness, and busyness. It's led to a less than stellar training cycle.

Last night (while trying to fall asleep in between coughing fits), I realized that I am not going to make it to the starting line of Vermont City as prepared as I want to be when attempting the marathon distance. So I made the call today to defer my registration to next spring.

It's a hard decision to come to, but I think it's for the best. I want to feel strong when I toe that starting line, not like I've limped toward it. I'm going to settle on making it to the starting line of a few half marathons instead. Which, let's be honest...13.1mi is the most fun distance for a race.

Anyway, just for fun, here are some pics from some of the good training weeks:

rain + wind = a fun, wet run

wakefield is beautiful in springtime.

happily completed 9 miles!

insanity workouts kick my butt!

day twenty three

On day eleven, I went to my local YMCA to use up the second of three guest passes. I went in for a total body sculpt class and it was awesome. It didn't feel super tough, but I knew I was getting a good workout. And I love being in a class with other people - helps me try just *that* much harder. We did a lot of squats and lunges, plenty of arm work, and focused on abs during the last 10min of the class. It really made me seriously consider signing up...still thinking that over, though. At the end of class, the instructor casually mentioned that zumba was up next in that room, and I love zumba! So, I stayed and did that too. So much fun, but man, I was beat by the end of it.

Day thirteen, I logged 4mi - I think it was a loop around the lake, but I'm not entirely sure. I didn't write down in my log where I ran so quite possibly it may have been at the gym? Who knows. The important piece here is that it's done. Right? Right.


Days fourteen through twenty one are the lost days. I lost my mojo, momentum, and any kind of motivation. I spent the frigid-est, windiest winter weekend we've had on the cape, holed up in an old house with a bunch of friends. There was NO way I was going to run in negative temps, never mind the windchill. I have nothing to prove to myself or anyone else. :) And then I came down with a head cold. I treated myself with lots of sleep and plenty of rest.


It worked. The cold is gone, and I'm back on track! Day twenty two (yesterday), I picked back up on the training schedule with a whopping 8mi. I was working at REI all day with customers coming in raving about the sunshine and 60deg temps, by the time my shift was up I couldn't wait to get out and get my miles in. Felt so good to log a nice log run, never mind that most of it was in the dark...

And a few more dark miles were put in the books tonight! A little bit chillier than last night, but still in the 40's (and still in a pair of capris). I took my phone along, which I never do, to show you that Lake Quannapowitt is just as pretty at night as it is during the day. I love running here!

So, I think I've got some mojo, momentum, and motivation back and I'm looking forward to some seriously good workouts this week. Stay tuned...

day ten

Just when I was hoping winter was over and we would squeak out without much snow... We've had two snow storms in the last few days. I don't mind the snow so much but I don't love the treadmill. And when you HAVE to get runs in, sometimes that's the only way to do it!

I needed to get my long run in and didn't have a chance to do that this weekend. Saturday and Sunday were full - I worked at REI both days. I had planned to take some personal time from work this am to finally get my 6mi in, however it worked out that my office closed for the day today. Wahoo!

It was either get up early (after staying up late to watch the Superbowl) and run before the storm hits, or suck it up and run at the gym. I chose sleeping in and running at the gym. :)

So, before the storm got too bad, I headed off to Planet Fitness and hopped on a treadmill. I put on some good tunes and zoned in. And truth be told, it wasn't that bad. I ran 6.28mi in 60min. And now I don't feel too bad about being lazy the rest of the day!

Remember in the last post, I said I was going to hit the gym for 4-5mi on the treadmill? Yeah, well, I did (just over 4mi) and this picture is why. This was on my way home from the gym, along the lake. Lots of snow, lots of wind. It sure is pretty, but I don't have any desire to run in it! 

Here's the recap since the last post:

Day Seven: 4.1mi 

Day Eight: (does 8hrs working retail count as training?)

Day Nine: (how about working 6hrs + 2hrs of volunteering with 50 kids?)

Day Ten: 6.28mi

day seven

As of very early this morning, I've lived in the Boston area for 15 years! Time really flies when you're really having fun. I have loved living here (most of the time) and have built some amazing relationships. I'm close to two of my favorite things: beaches and mountains. There are lots of areas to run, bike, walk, etc. Moving here was one of the hardest and very best things I've ever done. And I'm so happy to still be here. I can't say I'll be here for 15 more years - but who knows?!

Here's a quick recap of the past few days of workouts:

Day Three: at home balance ball workout + 20min of yoga

Day Four: rest (and a 15hr work day)

Day Five: Tae Bo workout (found it on youtube - Billy Blanks has aged a bit...)

Day Six: 45 min kickboxing class (see pic) that kicked my butt and helped me get out a little aggression! ;) A friend teaches it and she was a great instructor. The first class is free, if any one out there wants to join me sometime. It's so fun to try new things.

Day Seven: I'll be heading to the gym for a treadmill workout tonight. Hopefully getting in 4-5mi, getting ready for a "long" run this weekend.

day two

Two posts in two days?! Don't get used to it... I ran up into Reading today, skipping the typical around the lake loop. Gave me a different view and some elevation changes, too. The lake is pretty flat so to get any sort of hills into my training, I have to get creative with my routes.

What's notable about today? The weather. Sunny and 50+ degrees in January...um, yes please and thank you very much. Couldn't have asked for a better day two training run. 3.75mi locked in!

day one

Have I mentioned I recently registered for a marathon? If you're counting, this will be number 8. Wahoo! In four months from today, I'll (hopefully) be checking off another state I've run a marathon in. So far, it's 7 marathons and 7 states - we'll see how long I can keep that up!

Today was training day number one. 5 miles? Check.

I've been finding it very hard to find motivation to start and continue training for this race. So I figured, I have this blog and perhaps I should use it for some accountability. Starting today, we'll count up to marathon day, May 29th. I won't post every day, but I'll keep the count going. We've got 113 days until the photo a day countdown.

Along the way there will be mundane training runs, some cross training, perhaps some food pictures, and even a couple of other races. Looking forward to another marathon journey with you!

it's fun

The preparation for a midday, cold weather run doesn't have to be serious. In fact, it rarely is with these two!

With the sun shining and the temp in the high 30's/low 40's it was a perfect day to hit the Minuteman Bikeway for a few miles at lunch time. We ran just over 4mi.

We all, for one reason or another, haven't been running as consistently as we'd like to so we are of similar mindsets: we're starting from scratch. No expectations, no demands on ourselves. Just go out and run and try to have fun, too. We've got that last part down.

duh, food

After many years of training, about two years ago I finally got it. What's it? Well, the fact that it's not just about getting the miles in and the workouts in and the crosstraining in (that crosstraining lesson sure took a while...), but it's also about the nutrition. And everyone reading says, "Duh, Angela."

For too long I relished in the mindset of eating what I wanted because I was training for a marathon (or whatever I was training for at the time). I enjoyed that! I love food! I love bagels and pasta and chips and cheeseburgers and ice cream. Oh, I love ice cream.

clockwise from top right: breakfast (eggs, sweet potatoes, broccoli and coffee),
dinner (roasted chicken, sauteed veggies, and yucca fries from Whole Foods),
a post-workout snack and a pre-workout snack, and lunch (chocolate chili over
spaghetti squash and more coffee). Not pictured: lots of water!

So after a year of sporadic workouts and a race thrown in here or there, I've seemed to gained a few more pounds than I'd have liked to. And now that it's a new year, I figure why not start now. (But I firmly hold to the belief that turning the calendar to a new year does not mean anything...it's just another day. Any day of any month of any year can be the start of something.)

I plan to take pictures of all the food I consume to hold myself accountable to eating well. I did pretty well on day one, if I do say so myself. :) I'll be following closely to the rules of the Whole 30 (cutting out sugar, grains, dairy, beans, and alcohol) for an undetermined amount of time. I say that because I hope I'll have some motivation to continue eating this way as much as possible. Some people love it, some hate it - for me, it works in helping me feel more like me. I feel less bloated, less brain fog, and just feel better all around. Something else might work for you!

Don't worry, I won't flood the blog with food pictures everyday, the pics are more for my own accountability. But if I happen to make something especially tasty, I'll let you know.

Here's to a new year (new month, new day!) of taking care of our bodies and minds. Cheers!

winter is here

It has been a relatively warm winter so far. In fact, it was nearly 70deg on Christmas Day! It looks like that weather is behind us and we have some cold days ahead...

Tonight was my second run in as many days. This is good news because I haven't been running consistently since, oh, I don't know: November of 2014?! I've been very bad. With a marathon only 5mo away, I need to get a base back so I can build up my mileage. Which means braving whatever weather comes our way!

As I drove home from work, I was monitoring the temp in my car, deciding to either run outside or go to the gym. When I arrived home, my car registered 24deg. I thought, "Sure, with the right layering, that sounds just fine." But what I neglected to take into account was the windchill. Whoops.

The first half of the run was really, really cold and into the wind. The second half on the pretty side of the lake wasn't nearly as bad, running with the wind. I got just over 4mi in on this brisk evening.

I always feel a little BA when I run in weather like this. Makes me feel like my workout was that much more worth it. I'm sure I'll have more runs this winter that are just that much more worth it...

it's been a year...

...and what a year it's been! Here are just a few highlights:

In May, I had surgery to remove half of my thyroid. The other half is functioning just fine without the need for medication - small miracles! My parents came out while I was recuperating and we did as much stuff as we could, with me needing a lot of sleep and rest time.

In July, I hosted VBS at my church in Wilmington. Over 100 kids, a silly side kick and fun experiments. It's one of my favorite weeks every year!

At the end of July, my mom's side of the family met in northern Michigan for our bi-annual family reunion. Seeing family I hadn't seen in at least 12 years? Definitely a highlight. Oh, and a few solid days on the lake was time well spent.

I earned a delicious beer in October running a Mudderella race with a couple friends for charity. It was cold, windy, and fun! I also took a day off to go up to the White Mountains of NH for some solo hiking. This was one of the hardest, and yet most rewarding hikes I've ever done. There's nothing like getting outside to rejuvenate one's spirits!

Thanksgiving morning I ran the annual Feaster Five race with a few of my favorites. Lots of time spent with good friends and remembering to be grateful for all my blessings. It was a good day!

And now Christmas is here, followed quickly by a new year. A year full of new possibilities, another marathon (yep, that's right!), and many more memories made with really great people.

Much love and Merry Christmas to you and yours.

christmas vacation

What did you do over Christmas vacation? I had my family in town for about nine days and we made the most of their time here! A trip to NYC, a day trip to the Northshore and Portland, ME, and an afternoon and evening spent in Boston. I joined my brother for a couple of runs while they were here...but apart from that, I've been taking some time off - and it's been great! I will admit that I am very much looking forward to getting back to training (and losing a few of these newly acquired pounds) in January.

A few pictures from our 24hrs in NYC: (clockwise from top left) 9/11 Memorial, NYSE decked out for the holidays, Grand Central Station, Times Square, and Rockefeller Center

Few random pictures from Boston: Celtics game, Faneuil Hall, Park Street, Boston Harbor, Boston at night

And just a few random shots, because why not?! 

Here are a couple other things I had small parts in during the Christmas season. Hope you enjoy them, and if you do please feel free to share them! 

I hope you had a very merry and joyous Christmas and wish you all the very best in 2015. 

xo - Angela

thankful

I'm thankful for a lot of things these days, especially dear friends and family, good food, beautiful skies, a fresh coat of snow, and a new 5mi PR. 

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!!

first time for everything

Yesterday, I went to my very first yoga class. I've been wanting to go for months but didn't want to go alone. I was having trouble coordinating my schedule with friends who have been going to yoga for a while. I was planning to hang out with a friend yesterday and she texted to see if going to a yoga class would interest me. Finally!

We went to Lexington Power Yoga, located in the town center. We arrived in plenty of time to get signed in, get all of the appropriate gear needed (mat, yogitoes, towel), and get our spots claimed in the studio. First impressions were very good. The ladies at the front desk were very friendly and helped me understand everything I needed. One of them was also the instructor of the class we were taking. The whole place was calmly lit and decorated, really clean, and aesthetically pleasing - minimal and neutral.

Upon walking into the room, I was met with a blast of hot, humid air. It takes a bit of getting used to, but once I was in the room for a few minutes, my body began adjusting to the change in temp. The instructor (Jen) came over and sat by me and explained how this whole yoga practice thing works. A lot about movement, but also about calming, breathing, and centering. I told her I was a runner and have been having a few issues with some tight IT bands, she rewarded me during the class with an awesome pose stretching out those specific muscles.

The room filled up and the class began. A lot of centering and breathing at the beginning but soon we were moving into poses and through them at a slow but steady pace. There is a lot of stretching involved, but to be sure it is a workout! I am sufficiently sore today. I was pleased to feel like I knew what I was doing thanks, in part, to Shaun T and his Insanity and T25 workout programs. He incorporates a lot of yoga moves into his stretching workouts and I was able to follow along and keep up and have good form for the majority of the class.

The last five minutes were spent in a relaxing pose (of your choice), a few more deep breaths, then a cooling down of the room. While I respect the practice of yoga and the view many people have on it, for me it was just a really great way to relax, stretch out, and work my muscles. I appreciated the way Jen led us through the class and helped us center ourselves and our spirits.

This is definitely a place I'd like to come back to when I have the time (and money - it's not cheap). And I would recommend it to anyone who has been wanting to try yoga, hot or otherwise. The studio is very clean and those I met were really friendly. I'll have to try and make it back before the end of the year, any one want to join me? :)

the clothes

In all my years of running, cross-training, insanity, t25, yoga, etc, I have found there is not much that makes a good workout go bad than ill-fitting clothes. You know, when you have to stop in the middle of your squat progression because your pants are falling down. Or when you have to keep adjusting your tank because it won't stop riding up. Or when you just want to go into a workout feeling confident and liking the outfit you have on because you know you look good. Ladies, don't tell me you don't *sometimes* want to look cute while doing your workout... I know I do. :)

Well, I have found a website that ships quality, well-fitting, cute! clothing to my house for a good price. It's called Fabletics - and it started with a partnership between the creators of JustFab and Kate Hudson; yes, the actress. "An exciting new collaboration between actress Kate Hudson and the founders of JustFab, Fabletics delivers high-performance athletic wear at an affordable price. Fabletics apparel focuses on fit, function and style, offering complete, coordinated Outfits for your workout and beyond. All of our high-quality apparel and accessories are designed in sunny Los Angeles."

A few months ago, I saw an ad for this company on Facebook (to my shame, I clicked on the ad...) and what I found were really great workout outfits. After becoming a member, I could get three pieces for only $25. I got a reeeeeeeeally comfortable pair of royal blue leggings, a sports bra, and a tank. Since then, I've received a few more items that I absolutely love. This is what I say when I pull stuff out of the shipping bag and try them on - "I love this." "I love THIS." "This. I love this."

The reason I'm telling you about this is because perhaps you've been on the hunt for some awesome workout gear that doubles as generally cute, sporty clothing. I highly suggest you check out this website. And if you decide to order some things and become a member, let 'em know I told you so by using this link to sign up. You're welcome in advance. :)

The Fabletics cropped leggings below are one of my latest purchases, along with a breezy t-shirt worn for my double T25 workout this am. Cute, functional, and stays in place. (Yes, they are all selfies...)

Time to go workout!!

the wall

I'm not really a collector of stuff. I have some angel figurines from over the years. And I have a few Hummels my parents have given me. But I can't say that I actually collect something. However, I do keep things. :) Especially when it comes to my running stuff. I guess I'm sort of sentimental that way. I still, at times, can't believe that this running thing is something I enjoy and continue to do!

What types of things do I keep?

1. Medals. I have every medal I've ever received. Whether it was for a 5K (some of them give out medals, I don't know why) or a marathon. I keep them. Most of my medals are tucked away, but the marathon medals are where I can see them everyday.

2. Bibs. I have (almost) every bib I've ever worn. I used to write the date and my time on the back (and have an Excel spreadsheet) but I haven't done that in years. I keep them with the thought that someday I'll move into a permanent home and I can somehow decorate with them. Or turn them into coasters... In any case, I have 'em. (Perhaps I should add the marathon bibs to the wall below?)

3. Posters. If the race I'm doing happens to have a poster they have created just for the occasion, I will pick it up. Even if it means searching the expo high and low and asking multiple volunteers, as was the case at NYC. It started with Chicago and now I have 4 posters from my 7 marathons. And just like the medals, I look at them everyday.

4. Shirts. I don't keep all of these, by any stretch. Some are just plain ugly and I either give them away or use them as throw away shirts at other races. And some are old and out of the rotation, so those are given away, as well. There are some that I love: Route One 5K from all the years (this year's was super bright yellow so it's great for dark runs, but these have all fit well and are cozy cotton), Black Cat 10mi, Chicago Nike DriFit (I purchased this one so I guess it doesn't really count, but I really like it...), Tufts 10K for Women (I have run this race *just* for the shirt).

5. Various and sundry items. There are some random things I've received at races: pint glasses (you bet I keep those!), programs, gloves, hats, etc.

If you run races, do you keep anything or do you cycle stuff out after a few years? What do you do with your medals?

nyc marathon weekend recap

I never know how to begin these race recaps...There's so much I want to say, but only so much I know you'll be interested in. :) 

Let me start with Friday. Erin and I headed to the Javits Center in the morning and by the time we got there, there was already a line. We waiting for about 45min or so before being let in. Once we got inside, it was madness! There were SO many people. Everything was pretty well marked so I knew just where to go. Also, there were so many helpful volunteers available for any questions runners may have. I easily got my bib and shirt then made my way to the Asics (main sponsor) area to pick up a jacket. Most marathons I have my shirt and my bib...but Boston and NYC are special so I spent a little more. 

After the expo we headed back to Jersey City in time to catch Erin's oldest in her school's Halloween parade. She was the cutest Piggy Ballerina Fairy I have ever seen. :) That evening we went trick or treating with the kids then hung out on the stoop with neighbors handing out candy to the later crowd of kids. It was a fun night and totally different from my neighborhood where we get about 10 kids, maximum. 

Saturday was scheduled to be a total rest day - and it was! The weather was nasty so I'm glad we didn't have any thing planned, just hanging out with the kids and getting things ready for Sunday. That included setting out all of the things I was planning to wear, getting my name taped onto my shirt, packing my start village bag, and my post-race bag. Once all that was taken care of, I climbed into bed around 9:30pm, which was actually 8:30pm due to the time change! With the alarm going off at 5:30am the next morning, I didn't feel bad about going to bed so early at all.

Sunday morning dawned cold, partly clear, and WINDY. I had planned for the cold and thankfully felt prepared for the wind as well. I showed up at the start village (along with 50,500 other runners) with plenty of time to find a bagel, coffee, water, and bathrooms. I thought that the expo was busy, the start village was even busier! People from all over the world come to run NYC, so it was cool to be sitting there listening to all the different languages around me. Once the earlier waves started heading out to the corrals, the crowds thinned out and it was easier to move around. 

As each wave began, two cannons were fired. All those left in the start village knew to look up towards the bridge to see the runners getting their race started. Despite the cold (and numb toes), I was pretty relaxed, just ready to get running. And dreading just a bit taking off all my warm layers...

Promptly at 10:45, the cannons for my wave went off and we wound our way through the start corral at Fort Wadsworth. The starting line is right at the foot of the Verrazano Bridge and the first mile and a half are on the bridge. The wind was ridiculous but the view and the energy was spectacular. I tried to take it all in while focusing on maintaining a steady pace. 

Next up was Brooklyn. I loved running through Brooklyn! So many different neighborhoods. And the crowds here were the BEST. I ran along the side of the course so people would see my name and cheer for me - and holy cow, they sure did! Spectating a marathon is a sport in itself, and these guys were the best. Brooklyn went on for about 11miles or so, they flew by so quickly that when we got to the halfway point (in Queens) I couldn't believe it. My favorite two signs I saw in Brooklyn were: "If Donna Martin can graduate from high school, you can do this." The best part about this sign was it was a young dude with a completely straight face holding it up. The other sign was: "It's just a 10K with a 20mi warm up." I got a little chuckle from that. 

We were only in Queens for about a mile and a half before heading up (and I do mean up) and over the Queensboro bridge. Really cool views of Manhattan and the river. That took us to First Ave where we headed north to the Bronx. I don't remember a lot about this section...just that once it was finished, we'd be back in Manhattan, heading down Fifth Ave and Central Park and the finish line. So, up until this point I had tried to acknowledge most of the spectators who cheered my name - with eye contact, a smile, wave of the hand - but by the time I hit mile 22, I was just trying to focus on reaching the finish line. So when I heard my name being called over and over, I didn't look right away but when I did, I saw John and Karla standing in the crowd!! I was so excited to see them (as you can see by the photo below)! :)

The rest of the marathon was awesome. Central Park is beautiful (what I remember taking in...) and the finish line was exhilarating. We all shuffled along, picking up our medals, our heat sheets, and our recovery bags before being released to either leave the park or pick up our baggage. I was never happier to put on a pair of sweatpants than I was that day! I walked two more blocks before meeting Erin and Wayne who gave me the biggest hugs and made me finally cry (happens at some point during each marathon experience...). We hit the subway and headed to dinner at The Grey Dog in Chelsea (good beer, really good burgers).

Overall, this was an amazing experience. The volunteers were incredible. The crowds were one of a kind. Even the police officers and firefighters were cheering us on as they worked the race. The whole thing was so smooth and fun and such an experience. It's a tough but incredibly rewarding course. Thanks, NYC, for such a memorable day!

countdown to nyc - final photo!

DONE.

countdown to nyc #7

This is for all the random strangers I'll see on the streets of NYC tomorrow.