Dani Dishes 9-19-14
/After a two month hiatus Dani Dishes is BACK!! Let's get caught up on weight loss success, work life, balance and what is to come on Dani Dishes … I need your input!
*RECAP* VERT Big Bad Wolf 5-Mile Trail Race
/
It's not often you get to run or party with a wolf...
Okay okay so at Saturday's Big Bad Wolf 5-Mile Trail Race we didn't actually party or run WITH the wolves. BUT we looked at them. ;)
We made the 45-minute trek to Ipswich to rock the Wolf Hollow with my fellow Slumbrew Happy Soles. I love meeting new people and seeing familiar faces when the Happy Soles get together at a Cambridge 5k/VERT Race Series race.
After lots of hugs and laughs before the race even started, it was all of a sudden the 1 minute warning that the race was starting. Ohhh I am with all my friends to actually race THEN drink beer. Oops I sort of forgot about the running part. ;)
I finagled myself up to the Start Line and we were off. I had no expectations for the race. I was hoping to beat last year's time (40:38), but with the sore hamstring I didn't have my hopes up.
I started the race chatting with fellow Happy Sole Kate, who was also experiencing some pain in her hamstring area. So we swapped treatment ideas.
The first 1/4 of a mile or so is on the sidewalk as we head from the Start/party area to the field/trail portion of the race. The race is tight at the beginning, but really opens up once you enter the field.
Since I did this race last year, I knew the terrain. The race consists of two 2+ mile loops.
The Big Bad Wolf is a great into to trail running. The race is in a huge open field with some small inclines. It also features that uneven terrain that basically all trail races have. The kind of uneven footing that you feel in your ankles the next day.
But thankfully there aren't any huge inclines/hills that you will have to face.
I really would recommend it to all fitness levels/paces. There were runners, run/walkers and walkers on the course.
Mile 1: 8:02 Mile 2: 8:01
I was really shocked at the pace for the first two miles. I think I was excited to see so many fun folks out on the course. Also there were some STELLAR costumes out there. Folks who take part in this race series take the costume contest very seriously. ;)
Mid-run selfie
I made sure to slow it down this mile while doing the mid-run selfie and posting due to the uneven footing. I had a sprint tri the next day and REALLY didn't need to twist an ankle.
Mile 3: 8:17
On the second loop, I felt some pain in my right hamstring. NOOOO not both of them. Oh yes folks both of them. I tried to keep focused on being over halfway done. I promised myself I would stretch extra when the race ended.
The final loop was a little tough. Knowing how long you have left in a race can be pretty tough mentally. Anyone agree?
I really need to hand it to VERT for offering free race photos. Yay!
I was trying to give the photographer a "Hey there" hand gesture, but he caught me mid gesture so I just look awkward.
Mile 4: 8:14
Man was I happy when the Garmin buzzed for Mile 4. One mile to go. I wanted to stretch and enjoy a beer. :)
As we hit the pavement again, I knew I was in the home stretch. My Garmin buzzed before we hit the Finish Line for 5 miles.
Mile 5: 8:13
So my paces may be slightly off since the Garmin gave me 5.13 miles.
But either way the final time was 41:41. I was happy with the results even though I was almost a minute slower than the previous year. I finished 94th overall and 25th among females.
The Flagraiser IPA hit the spot post-race. I love seeing all my teammates come together after the race, checking in on each other and cheersing with a Slumbrew.
Once everyone had crossed, it was time for a group photo. Proud that our teammate Kristina said: "Now we chug ... 1 -2 -3" and this picture was born. :)
After our photo it was awards time.
Now our group never really has a shot at the team prizes ... except on this day.
Kate and Kat had brought two friends with them and welcomed them with open arms to the Slumbrew Happy Soles family. They just happened to be uber speedy. George (second from left) finished the race 3rd overall, while Craig (left) took the #1 spot overall.
These two speedsters helped land the Slumbrew Happy Soles in second place among the 12 teams.
Can you tell we were a TAD excited???
It was awesome seeing how excited the whole team was. We all took turns drinking out of the trophy.
Now we wait for the Slumbrew Taproom open so we can proudly display our trophy! :)
Once awards were handed out, it was time for the costume party and dance off. That's right this race has the complete package.
The wife and I had to duck out at this time as she had a hockey game. But it is always a joy racing with the Happy Soles.
So if you are in the Boston area and interested in trying trail racing? Use the Big Bad Wolf race as a jumping off point. If you don't want to drive to Ipswich, you can always use the commuter rail to catch the free race shuttle.
***
Have you ever thought about trail racing?
Monday Musings (a day late): Labor Day Weekend Fun & Beer
/I hope you all like pictures!! :) I have a ton from this long weekend and a cute toddle. Let's dig right in!
Friday started off with a bang. A great weigh-in (oh hey 157.4) and my longest bike ride to date (56.29).
Once the hardest work of my weekend was out of the way I was ready to enjoy the people in my life and the awesome weather on the docket.
Okay just kidding. I had some blog work to get done before the fun could start.
My wife actually got out of work early so we took the opportunity to get together for a little Sangria date at Papagayo at Assembly Row.
It is sooo nice having the shops/restaurants at Assembly Row open up here in Somerville ... especially since it is across the street from our house. ;)
We called it an easy low-key evening as we had a packed Saturday planned.
Well Saturday wasn't all fun action planned.
I started by walking to my Weight Watchers meeting. Proud of myself for attending 11 of the 12 meetings this summer. It feels so nice to be back with my member hat on and it has really led to my success this summer.
After my meeting I walked home to get to work. I had some blog work to get done, while the wife was working on a side project she took on.
Before taking on our busy Saturday afternoon, I convinced the wife to bike along me while I knocked out a 4.6 mile run.
It really does help pass the time and is extra QT time to have her there.
With the day's workout in the books, it was Saturday afternoon time.
Lunch with a side of Baxter Stowaway IPA at John Brewer Tavern (Malden).
Can I tell you that grocery shopping is a little bit easier after a beer? ;)
After grocery shopping, the rest of the day was filled with giving our apartment a deep clean before our guest were to arrive the next day. No one said the Saturday was going to be 100% fun.
We enjoyed the Weight Watchers Grilled Tequila, Citrus and Jalapeno Chicken with broccoli and wine for dinner. It was delicious!! I highly recommend it.
After a tiring afternoon of cleaning, Netflix was on the agenda for the evening.
Sunday morning called for an early wake-up so I could get my swim workout done before my best friend and her family arrived.
The workout wasn't the best, but I gave it my all and was happy I got up early to do it.
After a quick stop at Dunkin Donuts on the way home, it was time to prepare for the cutest 2 year old on the planet.
The best friend wanted to get a quick run in when she got there so we walked the significant others and 2 year old down to the park so we could get our run in.
Running is always better with a friend.
Joanna really enjoyed the water jets at the park. Oh and of course she figured out how to use the jets before the adults with her. ;)
Once everyone did a quick costume change/clean-up, it was time to head out to Night Shift Brewery (Everett, MA).
It was a great location. We each tried the flight of 4 beers (4oz each) for $8. Thanks to Untappd (Friend Me). I recorded my samples: Art #29 - JavaPine, Morph (8/19/14), Trifecta and Whirlpool.
Big thanks to Night Shift Taproom for being open on a Sunday!!
The BFF and her family had another engagement for dinner so the wife and I enjoyed some BLTs with real bacon (our once a month treat)! We had apple cured bacon and it was delicious.
When they got back from dinner, it was game time. We tried out the wife's card game Poop (similar to UNO) before switching to the trusty Apples to Apples.
Now thankfully they are as old as I am and were down for a early bedtime (aka before 11pm). Yes I am that cool. :P
Usually the little lady will wake up around 6:30/7, but on this day she and the rest of us slept until 8am, which was late for everyone in the house. It was kind of glorious.
We wanted to make the most of our time together before they had to leave in the early afternoon to get back to Maine.
So we loaded the troops up in sunblock and headed over to the Assembly Row playground.
I mean is she not the cutest thing ever?
Following a little too much time in the Sun, we headed over to the Lego Store so Joanna the wife could buy a toy.
The Wife (hoodie) and I
I will commend the wife on picking out Lego "us" to take on adventures. I just need to find a beer mug for mine like my friend Dacia!!
It was finally time to head home and start getting our grill on for lunch.
What a busy "rest day," huh?
The wife did a great job grilling out some steak tips, chicken, corn on the cob, green beans and squash. A great well-balanced lunch with friends.
We worked with Joanna on cheering "Go Aunt Dani!" as she will be on-site for my race on Sunday. Yup, I will have the cutest spectator out there.
Before I knew it it was time for my favorite family out of Maine to head home. Luckily I will see them next week, but it is always hard to say goodbye.
With the heat rising and our guests gone, we spent the rest of Monday hiding in the air conditioned bedroom enjoying the Sherlock Holmes show on the BBC thanks to Netflix. Have you seen that show? It only has 3 episodes per season, but each is like a mini movie. They are amazing works of art and directed by the director of Dr. Who.
Overall I had one exhausting weekend with less workouts than I had been used to since this weekend kicked off taper week for the Half Ironman.
***
Since this was a long weekend, I allowed the #drinkend to include Monday. Here are the brews I enjoyed:
Foley Brothers - Native IPA (highly recommend this!)
Left Hand Brewering 400 Pound Monkey
Ignore foam - Berkshire Brewing Company Black IPA - Brewer's Series #1
Coronado Brewing Company - Sock Knocker (bought based on logo, but sooo good)
Left Hand Brewing - Wake Up Dead (5 out of 5 stars)
***
Finally I turn 32 2 weeks from today and would love to have you celebrate with me by helping me #FightStroke!! Find out more info here. :) There is a sweeeet raffle involved.
***
Did you ring in Labor Day with friends or family?
RACE RECAP: 2nd Annual Race To The Row 5k
/How many races do you participate in that take place across the street from your house? Oh is that next to none?
Yeah I feel you on that...
... except when the Race To The Row 5k comes around!
That's right. It takes the wife about 5 minutes (more if there is a stop at Dunkin' Donuts for her) to get to the Start Area of the Race To The Row 5k, which is at the new Assembly Row area in Somerville, MA.
When the inaugural race took part last year, the Assembly Row area was still under construction so the race course lacked a lot of visual beauty. But with Assembly Row in full effect this year, I was ready to enjoy the beautiful new buildings and shots of the Mystic River.
Since the race didn't start until 9:30, I was 1) able to sleep in and 2) could do bib check day of. Woo!
We decided to leave the house just after 8:30 to stop at Dunkins and give us enough time to chat with friends before the Kids Race would start at 9:15.
There were a lot of great local businesses set up near bib pick-up and day of registration.
Somerville's own Runfellow gear
Runfellow also hosts a Tuesday night run club, which changes venues each week, but always takes place in the Somerville-Cambridge area.
b Positive Project out of South Boston
After browsing the booths, we made sure to get a good spot for the Kids Race. It was just about a 1/4 mile and each participant received an adorable Finisher's Medal. (Side Note: I really wish I had entered ;P)
My favorite was this tiny tiny boy with a big Superman cape on. I really wanted to borrow it from him, but he seemed attached to it.
Once the kids and their parents cleared the Start Area, it was time to line up.
I had no idea what kind of time to expect. My body was tired from the workouts the day prior - 1.5 mile swim, 30 mile bike and 5k run - so I didn't expect a PR.
I actually PRed at this race the previous year pulling a 21:59.2... yeah that wouldn't happen again. But I was ready to give it all I had.
The Sun was out and ready to shine out on the pretty shadeless course.
Now the Somerville Road Runners, the group organizing the race, had changed the course from the year prior. We would now be doing 2 loops, which was intriguing.
As we lined up, I distracted myself by chatting with a fellow Nike Run & Walk Club and Somerville resident, Ben. He was coming off an injury so also unsure what sort of race he would have.
The goal as always was to enjoy the run ... and hurry to the beer! ;)
The horn went off and it was a blaze of color in front of me. I tried to keep myself in my own groove and not worry about the folks around me. Which is always easier said than done at the beginning of a race for me.
Since I am working on racing without music in prep for the Half Ironman, I spent most of the race listening to my own breathing and the breathing of the folks around me. Ouch! Not the best soundtrack for a run.
BUT there was a slight out and back portion of the race so I could cheer for my friends after rounding the first turn. YES! I love being able to do that. Plus, I could marvel at the lead pack. Man those guys were flying!!
Mile 1: 7:29
I may or may not have picked a couple near me after that first mile and set a goal to get ahead of them at some point in the next mile. Sometimes it is a fun game to play and a way to push yourself in a race.
As we hit the end of the first loop, I waved to the wife, gave Jillian (creator of Runfellow) a high-five (pictured above) and checked in with the body. I was hot and I could tell the legs were slowing down.
I picked myself up by posting my halfway mark selfie to the interwebs before bearing down and finishing off the race.
Not one of my finest mid-run selfies
At least with the double loop you know when the Finish is coming.
Mile 2: 7:38
Now I never actually saw the Mile 2 marker, but when my Garmin buzzed I tried to dig deep and give it everything I could for the final mile.
I was back-and-forth with a couple of girls during Mile 2 so I kept them in my sights during the final mile.
I can't tell you how many times I repeated to myself Beer Beer Beer during that last stretch.
The volunteers did a great job directing and cheering on the runners.
I definitely won over the water stop with my Sparkle Skirt! ;)
Oddly enough not so many comments on the BEER socks, which surprised me.
Oh and yes these were thoughts during the final 1/2 mile of the run.
Mile 3: 7:40
Just get me to the BEER!
Final Finish: 23:46
Sweet. I was definitely happy with that. The quads felt good and the left hamstring was a bearable dull pain. ;) Baby steps.
According to the results I finished 79th overall and 10th in my division. Yeah! I never end up in Top 10 of my division.
After crossing the Finish Line, I headed right into the post-race party for some food and beer.
Thanks to Harpoon Brewery and J.P. Licks
I can't pass on mint chocolate chip ice cream at 10am.
Oh and Ernesto's pizza - great crust!
The post-race party was treated to the musical stylings of the IT Band.
It was a great vibe and always fun hanging out with my fellow Slumbrew Happy Soles.
The Race To The Row 5k is such a great local race and I cannot wait to see the race flourish over the years.
I will see you at the 3rd Annual race in 2015.
***
Did you Race To The Row? What was your favorite part?
Monday Musings: Weekend of Workouts & Wedding Wonder
/Weekends this summer have been full of workouts, laughs, love, friends and family ...but not a ton of rest! So you can imagine this past weekend was right along those same lines. ;) My wife actually got up early on Sunday to get her 4 mile run in before we walked over to my 5k race and she quipped later that day: "Wow, I don't know how you do this getting up early to workout thing all the time."
It made me smile to myself. Now she appreciates the early mornings I put in so that we can have more time to spend together. :)
Sunday marked just two weeks until the Pumpkinman Half Ironman. Wow September 7 will be here before I know it. This weekend I needed to really buckle down and focus.
The workouts started bright and early Friday after a great weigh-in. Did you hear I am happily back in the 150s?
My goal on Friday was to get 4 hours in on the bike, but that didn't happen. Between a Recycle Studio Spin workout and a bike tide out to Bedford from Somerville - I spent about 3 hours in the saddle.
But I still haven't gotten 56 miles in on the bike and I need to do that before the race just to show myself I can do it. So guess what is on the docket for this upcoming week?
The bike is so mental for me. My body knows it can do it, but the mind gets nervous and overwhelmed. Time to shut the brain down.
The rest of the Friday called for relaxation and blogging. Isn't that what all the cool kids do on a Friday night? :)
I had an early morning on Saturday. I wanted to hit up the 8am Weight Watchers meeting and claim my Ace Your Summer Challenge bling for having attended 10 of the last 11 weeks of meetings. Woo!
It is such a nice and welcoming group. I am happy to attend their meetings and occasionally sub before I return to long run Saturdays this Fall.
I was smiling from ear to ear as members of the group talked about the fun they had attending the Nike Run & Walk Club that I have been helping to host. They talked about feeling welcome without thought of pace or fitness level. Exactly the kind of group I have been trying to create. :)
Full of motivation and inspiration, I headed to the pool to get my 1.2 mile time trial swim done.
During the entire swim I felt strong and like I could keep swimming for days. :) I guess that training is paying off. :P It was a great morning in the pool full of entertainment from the kids' swim classes going on on the opposite side of the pool from me.
Once I was out of the pool, I had to race home, quickly change and head to my cousin's wedding dress appointment. How cute are the cards our friend Lauren made to judge the dresses?
They are so my cousin. :)
Since I never did the wedding dress shopping thing myself (maybe some day), it was a complete learning experience. It really is a live version of Say Yes To The Dress. My cousin found a style she liked, but didn't say yes to a dress at the first location.
My cousin & I working the duck lips
She inevitably found her dress at appointment #2 of the day, which I wasn't able to make.
While my Saturday afternoons were canceled last minute, I wouldn't waste the time by getting in my BRICK workout with my #1 supporter the wife by my side.
She humored me while I blabbered on about nothing for two hours on the bike trainer and then jumped on her bike while I knocked out a quick 5k (26:34) to shake the legs out.
She also listened to me curse out the wind for blowing in my face for the entire run. Not sure I could've said: "Are you serious wind?" any more than I did. Haha.
We decided to cook in on Saturday night and enjoy a lovely meal outside in the backyard, while the pups played.
Please note: it is the wife who is drinking Pumpkin beer in August. #TheShame
The wife made Skinnytaste's Weeknight Skillet Sazon Chicken Tenders and it was delicious!! We paired it with our once a month treat of yellow rice (yum) and steamed broccoli.
After a fantastic dinner outside, we finally watched Muppets Most Wanted. It was cute but not nearly as good as the Muppet Movie from 2011.
Now while the wife got up early on Sunday to run I slept in until 7:15am - woah! Late I know. ;) But it was great to lounge around and snuggle some pups until she came home.
The Race To The Row 5k I was running on Sunday didn't start until 9:30am AND was located across the street from my house which meant a late departure time. Boy I wish all of my races were that close.
It was a fun morning with lots of friends. I will post a recap of that race shortly.
I wasn't sure how my body would handle the race since I had done a 1.5 mile swim, 30 mile bike and 5k run the day before.
But as you can see it was pretty speedy. I ended up 79th overall and 10th in my division. Woo! I never reach the top 10 in my division so that was exciting.
Following the race I had a couple of hours of downtime before we headed to a wedding celebration for my friend Nicole and her partner Melsen. It was a lovely afternoon in Brookline with friends.
They had a great spread and a make your own burritos area, which totally was up the wife's alley. I ate most of the large salad they had available. :P
Our crew has gotten older and maybe more mature? Okay not at all more mature, but it was fun to come together to celebrate love and friendship.
With a busy weekend in the books, it was great to come home and just vet out for the rest of the evening.
I went to bed Sunday night with a happy heart, a complete Weight Watchers food tracker and renewed energy for the week ahead.
***
Since we know I am - for now - just enjoying adult beverages on the weekend, here are a couple of the local brews I tried:
Tap Brewing Company (Haverhill, MA)
Both were full of hoppy goodness...
***
Two other notes for this week:
1) I have a $10 off discount code for the Max Performance Buzzards Bay Sprint Triathlon on September 14.
Use code: WOMSBUZZ14 (code expires Friday, August 29)
2) I am holding a giveaway for a free entry into the inaugural South Shore Half Marathon in Norwell, MA on November 2.
Feel free to enter here.
***
How did you stay active this weekend?
#Giveaway: 3 Free Entries to take on the Big Bad Wolf
/Annddddd the winners ARE:
Because Eddie O is such an awesome race director he is letting me give away not 3 but 5 entries to the race! WOOHOO!!
Thank you to everyone that entered. You can still register for the race! I hope to see you all there.
***
Who's afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?
Okay what if I say the Big Bad Wolf is ACTUALLY a 5-mile trail race in Ipswich, Mass?
Don't worry there aren't any actual wolves or animals involved in the running of this race - just fun, trails, friends, laughs, and beer!! Well there might be a wolf or two on sight because...
The Second Annual Big Bad Wolf 5-Mile Trail Race will take place on Saturday, September 13 at Noon at the Wolf Hollow, a wolf sanctuary, in Ipswich, Mass.
Registration includes a great VERT shirt + free food & beer at the after-party (sponsored by Notch, Slumbrew, Downeast Cider & Ipswich Ale).
That's right folks! Like all Cambridge 5k and VERT Races there will be an EPIC post-race party after the 5-mile trail race with a dance-off and great brews from four local breweries.
Slumbrew Happy Soles love a good post-race party
Oh and there may be a costume contest too...
Run in your best wolf or wolf related running costume and you could win a great prize in our post-race costume contest!
Now Ipswich may seem like a trek from Boston, but it really isn't. With a Noon start for the race, you won't have to wake up early to grab the commuter rail. Eddie O, race director extraordinaire, also has a free shuttle set up from the commuter rail to the race start.
If you are nervous to check out your first 5-mile race or first trail run, the Big Bad Wolf is a great way to break into either! There is a great support system amongst runners, volunteers and spectators.
The course map is a loop so you never feel alone and see familiar faces all along the route.
Here's a description of the course:
Fast & flat course over grass fields and dirt roads. The course starts & finishes @ Wolf Hollow and follows the Maplecroft Trail from Essex Road to Argilla Road and back. The course is well marked with signs and course marshalls. There is a water stop near the halfway point (polo field).
There are some slight inclines on the course, but nothing too strenuous like other trail runs might have. It truly is a course for all fitness levels.
I can't wait to take on Big Bad Wolf for a second year with the Slumbrew Happy Soles.
So now that I have you psyched up for the trail race and party of 2014, it's time to make it even better...
I am giving away not 1 but 3 entries!
Sayy wwhhaaa??? Raise the roof! Woo Woo!
I know.
So here's how to enter.
The giveaway will run from Thursday August 14 (2pm ET) through Friday August 22 (10am ET)!
The winner will be selected and announced on Friday!
Join Me Weekly At Nike Run AND Walk Club at Assembly Row
/Are you in the Somerville area? Have you been looking to get extra accountability to get out and run or walk?
Then look no farther than the Nike Run AND Walk Club every Wednesday night at 6:30pm at Assembly Row.
What a sweet looking crew right? :)
Each Wednesday the group tackles a 5k loop near the Assembly Row area in Somerville. The entire course is on a bike path so there are no street crossings. There is also a water fountain available twice on the first half of the course.
The group offers pacers for those running, run-walking or strictly walking.
ALL PACES ARE WELCOME!!
As I like to say no person is left behind.
One week I had the pleasure of pacing the group and made sure each person had a great time complete with high fives along the way.
Following the 5k, which starts and ends at the Nike Factory Store, Nike offers water and granola bars to refuel.
Once Slumbrew's American Fresh opens up at Assembly Row, I know I will be heading over there for a beer or two. ;)
My fellow Slumbrew Happy Soles and I! #SportTheFort
There is also free parking and at some point in the fall the orange line stop at Assembly Row should open, but Assembly Row is easily accessible via the orange line stops at Sullivan and Wellington.
So if you are a runner, run-walker or walker and want to meet some new workout buddies then join us each Wednesday at 6:30pm at Nike Factory Store at Assembly Row! :)
***
Will I see you one Wednesday?
Monday Musings: Forced Rest, #IceBucketChallenge, A Wedding & Beer
/Mondays can be seen in one of two ways: the start to a week of endless possibilities or the worst thing in the world as the opening to the work week.
Let's make this Monday our b&%ch! ;)
I love using Monday as a time to reassess the previous week and come up with a game plan for the next seven days. But also to celebrate the good times. :)
This past week was full of ups and downs.
Let's get the downs out of the way ... quad injury! :(
On Thursday morning I received a shooting pain through my right quad. It was scary and was paralyzing (mainly from fear). The pain happened while I was stepping out of my house on the front steps. I am very lucky that the wife was there to calm me down and help me get past that first step.
After talking with my doctor/PT friends, it was dictated to take rest days. Eek! No I didn't want to especially with a sprint tri on Sunday. Well I listened to their advice.
Do you want your own Run All Day shirt from PavementRunner - order here!
Since then it has been a steady stream of icing, foam rolling, Zensah compression shorts, stretching and adhering to doctor's orders. It has been tough. Taking a DNS (Did Not Start) at the tri was frustrating, upsetting and difficult, but I know I need to be 100% for the Half Ironman on September 7 and a race now isn't worth risking that.
Ace Bandages + Compression Shorts = One Sexy Look
Thankfully each day the quads seem a little better and I am hoping I am on the upswing.
Now while I am having a hard time with the rest, I think the pups are really enjoying it.
Once again my nurse Laney sleeping on the job.
***
Now it was a tough eating weekend wise. I let some emotional eating in after the unexpected gain on the scale Friday. But really I had some cravings and I filled them. But my stomach let me know that I filled too many at one time. It was a little gut check that I needed. I was right back on track today and feeling good and more in control.
Go me!
***
On Friday, I was challenged by my cousin Jen to take part in the #IceBucketChallenge to raise awareness for ALS. Luckily I had an ice bath on the agenda any way so it was a good segway. :P
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***
As we know I have been keeping my craft beer drinking to the weekends the past couple of months so let me share the finds from this past weekend...
Lefty's Brewing Company out of Greenfield, MA
The wife and I obviously love Slumbrew, which is out of my hometown, so I couldn't wait to get my hands on the latest brew... and it was worth the wait! Delicious and how could you not enjoy it with the description:
Fresh air and the aromatic essence of Calypso, Ella and Pacific Jade hops fill the air and lighten our hearts while this golden ale lightens our mood.
Somerville's own Slumbrew Island Day
***
The highlight of the week was my uncle's wedding in Western Mass. I even got to show the wife some of my favorite spots in Hampden, MA, including this lunch spot from my childhood. Mmmm french fries!
It was a gorgeous day Saturday for a beautiful wedding.
I was also able to spend the day with my Gramma, my Stroke Hero. She is the reason I am part of Tedy's Team and raise the money to #FightStroke! :)
It was a great day with family ... and I don't think anyone figured out that I was wearing compression shorts and ACE bandages under my dress. ;)
***
I would LOOOOVVEEE your daily vote in the following two Got Chocolate Milk contests… each ends on August 15!
Chocolate Milk Contest
^I have finally broken in to the Top Three!!! 1st prize is valued just over $5k, 2nd prize just under $1,900 and 3rd prize around $775. Holy cow they are sweet.
and
Team Chocolate Milk
^The prize? $500 in sponsorship money, which I will use to fund my first Ragnar Relay experience, new training gear and free race entries. Each time you vote $1 is donated to the Challenged Athletes Foundation. How awesome is that?
Thank you all so much!!!
***
What did you learn from this past week?
Monday Musings: Relaxing Weekend, Team Chocolate Milk Voting & Fit Plus Wear Review
/Weekends make the weekdays bearable, right? Then whhhyyy must they zoom by? Each and every time! But I am thankful for whatever time I can have with family and friends. :) It is such a blessing to have the time to be with them.
So how did this past weekend look?
***
Let's start with the workouts:
Friday - a tough tough run, which ended with a mini meltdown. I must remember that the bad runs make the good runs even better. :0)
Saturday - a ego-boosting swim ... I felt great and was excited for the longest-consecutive swim in training!
Sunday - a 3-hour training bike ride ... I did it all by myself and wished the entire time I was out running. :P Maybe someday I will learn to love the bike.
I am thankful that this upcoming week is a "recovery week" on the training plan, which means workouts are a little less intense and I might have a full on rest day! Yay! :)
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For the past 7-8 weeks, I have been saving my beer and wine for the weekend - aka #DrinkEnd! Here are the two delicious brews I enjoyed this weekend.
Somerville's own Pretty Things Beer
Port Brewing Mongo IPA out of my Old Port Half mug
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Unfortunately the wife injured her back on Sunday morning during a run so we had a low-key rest of the weekend. Really the weekend as a whole was pretty low-key outside of the workouts and I kinda loved it. Such a rare sight for us to not be running from event to event. I know so popular right? Haha. JK. :0)
But Saturday we did make it over to Assembly Row to check out Assembled and Pet Palooza. It was overcast and rainy, but seeing the pups compete was worth it. :)
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Final three random thoughts/asks from the weekend:
1) I would LOOOOVVEEE your daily vote in the following two Got Chocolate Milk contests... each ends on August 15!
Chocolate Milk Contest
^I am currently in fourth place (by a lot I know), but the top three vote getters secure the prizes. 1st prize is valued just over $5k, 2nd prize just under $1,900 and 3rd prize around $775. Holy cow they are sweet.
and
Team Chocolate Milk
^The prize? $500 in sponsorship money, which I will use to fund my first Ragnar Relay experience, new training gear and free race entries. Each time you vote $1 is donated to the Challenged Athletes Foundation. How awesome is that?
Thank you all so much!!!
2) There are just 6 spots left in the F.A.S.T. (Fighting Against Stroke Together) Virtual 5k/10k run/walk/bike!! Registration ends August 10... :)
3) Thanks to my friend Larisa from 0to26point2 I was able to test out the Fit Plus Wear Sound Solution compression capris (Value $88).
I love that the Fit Plus Wear company is led by a power duo of two female athletes and moms. They want to reach every woman and offer sizes from XXS-3XL. I am wearing size Medium in the picture below.
These moisture wicking and antimicrobial slimming compression capri pants offer a revolutionary way to carry your cell phone or MP3 device while you workout! Equipped with a sweat-proof, bounce proof, fall proof pocket you now can walk or workout hands free and worry free! It’s our Sound Solution- a pocket with a plus!
If you want to check out these awesome pants, use code 2HE90CGR5Y4U at checkout.
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Oh oh oh one more thing ;) I guest posted over at my boy Nathan's blog - The Fotographing Fat Kid - about my Top Threeve Weight Loss Lessons. Check it out!
Now back to my regularly scheduled Monday ... where did I put that training plan? :P
A Saturday At Assembly Row: #Assembled & #PetPalooza
/How much do you love shopping? Aren't puppies just the cutest things you've ever seen?
Do you love spending a Saturday in Somerville with your family and friends?
Well, next Saturday you have free you should head to #Assembled at Assembly Row (11am-4pm)!
If you are a Boston area resident and HAVEN'T checked out Assembled then you are missing out.
The Handmade Arts Market at Assembly Row showcases arts and crafts by local Somerville artists, Etsy artists, and some of New England’s top creative talents! Visit the market every Saturday, now through September 13 for an ever changing selection of local art ranging from soaps and candles to gifts and prints.
Totally cool, right? Well it is.
I'm pretty lucky that Assembled is a mere 5-7 minute walk from my house. Hollah!
So we tend to frequent the local arts market with our pups and Dunkin' Donuts coffee in hand.
This weekend's Assembled featured some pretty amazing jewelers.
Yes I walked away with these 3 gorgeous bracelets for $10 total from Chappy Girls Jewelry.
I tried to get the wife to buy a bow, but she wouldn't bite.
But they are wicked cute! ;)
Then I came across the Swiss Bakers tent with mouth-watering homemade pretzels. Ohhh it took all my will to resist. So instead I decided to treat the pups...
... we picked up a little variety pack for them ($10 value) from Brownie's Barkery out of Maine. Let me just tell you the pups appreciated my sacrifice! ;)
After walking and checking out the 10 or so tents that made up Assembled, it was lunch time for the wife. Tough choices for her as always. With three food trucks to pick from, she went with...
She dined on the rice bowl with coconut-braised chicken (extra meat) which came to $8.50 and smelled amazing!! I had my grapes in my backpack so I made sure to have something, while drooling over the choices at the trucks. ;)
After grabbing her food and our purchases, we headed over to an Assembly Row special for the weekend - Pet Palooza. Pet Palooza was a two-day family-friendly event with pet-centric events including demos, training seminars, pet adoptions, and DockDog’s Northeast Regional Championship Competition.
Despite the rain, there was a great crowd on hand to watch the Dock Dogs competition.
We made it JUST in time to see a round of Extreme Vertical.
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This was INSANE. Dogs were jumping off the dock to knock off the bumper toy hanging from magnets off of the adjustable arm. While we were there the arm rose from 4'7" from 5'10"!! Can you freakin' believe that? These dogs were jumping off the dog to knock a toy down that was higher than me. It was awesome to watch.
After taking in part of the competition (which had different types of jumping all day long), we walked through the Pet Palooza, which featured local dog trainers, dog snack companies, a dog masseuse, a portable dog groomer and of course rescues. Oh was it tough to leave without adopting another dog, but our wallets were happy. :)
It was a great afternoon despite the weather. Folks that attend the Pet Palooza on Sunday (August 4) were met with much better weather.
But as we headed out we had to stop by the Slumbrew booth as they were handing out frisbees and other swag to attendees. Boy I can't wait until American Fresh opens up at Assembly Row and I can have a nice draft Slumbrew Porter Square Porter after a nice 5k run with the Nike Run Club (Wednesdays at 6:30pm).
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So if you are ever in the Somerville hood on a Saturday between 11-4 before September 13, come check out Assembled. You never know which local artist will be there... :)
