Leaving my comfort zone… one mile at a time.
Leaving my comfort zone ... one mile at a time.
O-M-freakkity freakin-G people! My first Ragnar Relay event is one week from today!!
Excuse me - wwhhaaa????
How did that happen?
I swear I just registered for this event and now it is a week away.
For those that may not know what the heck I am talking about, well let me bring you on up to speed!
What is Ragnar?
Read MoreWait you mean I had a weekend without a marathon to prep for or run? No long run to be had. Whatever will I do with myself? I'll do all the things and none of the things at the same time.
Does that even make sense to anyone? It made perfect sense in my head.
Let's see what the weekend held for me:
Read MoreOn this episode of Dani Dishes, I attempt to put into words the thousands of thoughts running through my head post marathon!
It's no secret that I love racing. I have the pleasure of traveling all over the country to take part in some of the coolest races in the country. But sometimes the best races are the local ones put on in your own backyard.
Well let me rephrase - some of the best races are in MY backyard!
Let's see what Somerville is offering this summer... shall we?
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The wife and I have done this race each year since we moved back to Somerville, which means 2015 will be our 4th year. Yes I am doing the Ragnar Relay Cape Cod that weekend, but traveling back in time for the race because I cannot miss it!
In the past 13 years, M.O.M.’s Run has raised over $106,000 benefiting the Claudia Adams Barr Program. A full 100% of the funds raised by M.O.M.'s Run benefits the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, widely recognized as one of the largest and most successful programs of its kind.
This morning is a family affair as they offer a Kids 0.1 Mile Run at 9:30 (nine years and under, $5), a 5k walk at 9:45 ($25, 30 after May 1) and a 5k run at 10:00 ($25, 30 after May 1).
Now in addition to an awesome race and atmosphere - complete with carnations given out to moms at the Finish Line - there is the post-race party!
The entire Davis Square restaurant scene gets involved in addition to Harpoon Brewery. Hello free food and beer. Count me in.
This is a must-do race on Mother's Day (5/10). Register here to join the wife and I for a good time.
^^Tank top to first 300 registrants!
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This race is legit AT THE END OF MY STREET on May 17th in Somerville, MA. I am less than 1/4 of a mile away. Thank YOU race gods! Thank YOU! The 19th Annual Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle is happening Sunday, May 18 at 9am.
The annual Herring Run and Paddle includes a 5K run/walk race, three paddling races (3, 9, and 12 miles), educational booths, children’s activities, and more. All events are held at the DCR Blessing of the Bay Boathouse in Somerville. The 5K course continues along the Mystic River bike path and through DCR Torbert MacDonald Park. There are no street crossings on this flat course.
You read that right. In addition to the 5k run, there are 3 paddle races (kayak or canoe) a person can take part in. You can run the 5k on its own, do any of the 3 paddle races on their own OR do the 5k and one of the paddle races as a combo. If you don’t have a canoe or kayak, you can rent on. I will only be running the 5k that morning ($25 registration fee).
As you can see all proceeds benefit the Mystic River Watershed Association.
If you want to join me for this 5k (you can register here) then join me for the Slumbrew Fun Run 5k at American Fresh that same morning at 11am!
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Amazing Race is coming back to Somerville.
Wait wait! That sounds misleading.
THE Amazing Race the show is not coming back to Somerville, but AN Amazing Race is.
The Somerville Road Runners are putting on the 3rd Annual Race To The Row 5k on August 23rd at 9:30am!
The race is a run or walk and is open to runners and families of all ages and abilities.
Additionally, there will be a Children’s Fun Run (age 9 and under) before the race with all kids getting a medal! Can I pretend to be an 8-year old? 
I love a medal.
I will say the Fun Run was adorable to watch pre-race last year.
But more about the 5k:
The Race to the Row will run through the Assembly Square District and along the Mystic River! All proceeds will benefit the East Somerville Main Streets program (funding East Somerville business visibility and bolstering the community at large) as well as Somerville TrackPAC (provides college scholarships for Somerville High School students).
After coming through the finish, runners will be guided back to the post-race party. Your post-race meal will be provided by Ernesto's Pizza. Quench your thirst with beer from Harpoon Brewery (21+ only). Other beverages will be provided as well. And dessert comes from another local favorite and one of our big sponsors, JP Licks, who is providing six different flavors of ice cream to choose from. Meanwhile enjoy the live music from The IT Band.
The first 300 registrants are guaranteed to receive a race t-shirt, and all paid registrants will get free food, drinks and dessert afterward! But all racers, volunteers and members of the cheering crowds can participate in the post-race festivities.
Want in on the fun? Register here ($25).
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So who will be signing up for this sweet Somerville hat trick of races? ;)
Motivation, Inspiration and Determination can be found everywhere you turn. So where did I find it this past week?
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We had our first She Runs Boston run of the season on Tuesday - out of Athleta on Newbury Street - and it was an awesome turnout! We had 40 amazing women join us for a 3 or 4 mile loop along the Charles River.
It was a beautiful night in Boston and it was a pleasure chatting with new friends. Some ladies had never run along the Charles before or with a group, while others were getting back into a groove after a harsh winter.
I had the pleasure of making sure both the 3-mile and 4-mile folks all made it back to Athleta. It was my honor to act as overall sweep for both runs. No lady left behind is our motto!!
I absolutely loved meeting new friends - especially some blog readers - and look forward to continued motivation from each weekly run!
Will I see you there next Tuesday? April 21 at 6:30pm at Athleta. Be there or be somewhere not as cool. ;)
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Have you heard of the Schneider Twins? Alex and Jamie Schneider are twin brothers who are both profoundly autistic.
Check out the trailer below for their book: Silent Running:Our Journey to the Finish Line with Autism
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If you are in Boston this weekend, keep an eye out for these amazing guys at the Boston Marathon Expo or race itself. I really hope to run into them and meet these inspirations!
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"So are you ready for Monday?" - the question I have been asked countless times over this past week
My response: "I sure hope so. Not much more I can do now." <<nervous laugh>>
I nervously laugh, but it is true. Any race prep that really matters has been done. If there was anything more I could've done, now is not the time to dwell on it.
The race nerves have invaded my body and will stay until well... probably until I cross the Finish Line! <<knocks on wood>> NO I am determined to cross that Finish Line baby!
Thankfully starting tomorrow (Friday) the weekend fun will begin and prove to be a necessary distraction from the race nerves. I cannot wait to hit up the Expo (Friday and Saturday), enjoy the BAA 5k with friends (Saturday), devour some pasta at the Tedy's Team pasta dinner (Saturday) and take part in a couple of free shakeout runs (Friday - ASICS, Sunday - Runner's World/Land's End).
But first it's time to work on some last minute outfit decisions... ;)
If you are still interested in tracking me Monday: text 26786 to 234567 for updates!
ALSO if you are running the BAA 5k - meet at 7:15am behind the t-shirt distribution tent for a fun low-key meet-up!!
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Where did you find motivation, inspiration or determination this week?
Happy Thirsty Thursday!!! Oh wait... wrong post!! ;) Haha. Oh I slay me.
Well with a weigh-in tomorrow morning and a night of personal coaching calls for Weight Watchers I will not be taking part in an adult Thirsty Thursday. So pass me the Dunks and water! :)
Let's get to the fun...
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1) Here a few discount codes for some of the races I love the most!
Save $12 on registration for the two triathlons that I will be participating in!!
Distance: 1/3 Mile Swim, 10 Mile Bike, 3.1 Mile Run
Use code: WOMSESCAPE15 (expires May 2)
Distance: 1/4 Mile Swim, 10 Mile Bike, 3.1 Mile Run Use code: WOMST915 (expires June 1)
Race has a Half Marathon and 10k option and takes place September 26.
Use my discount code DANI15 for 10% off.
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2) Have you taken part in the #RunningMakesMeFEEL campaign yet?
Newton Running is partnering with Timex to ask runners nationwide to express how running makes them feel by spelling out words with their run routes, launching a first-ever initiative on this scale.
Inspired by Newton’s new feel Campaign and an emerging trend among runners, The Run It, FEEL It, Spell It Challenge will encourage runners to track their run routes using GPS devices.
I finally tested out my new Timex watch yesterday! Can you tell what #RunningMakesMeFEEL? ;)
Runners will then submit GPS map screen grabs – and the words therein – through Twitter and Instagram using the hashtags #RunningMakesMeFeel and #promo to win prizes including:
The Run It, FEEL It, Spell It Challenge runs through May 1. The challenge is open to all runners and running enthusiasts in the U.S. To learn more about The Run It, FEEL It, Spell It Challenge visit Newton Running. Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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3) Have you heard about the latest partnership?? Sparkly Soul will now be sold at Athleta stores and online (12 specific colors)! Woo! Two of my favorite brands partnering together.
To celebrate this sparkly union, Sparkly Soul is celebrating with 12 days of giveaways - #12DaysOfAthleta - and today is Day 2! Head over to twitter, follow Sparkly Soul, use hashtag #SparklyAthleta and get in on the fun.
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Have a happy Friday Eve! ;0)
On this episode of #DaniDishes, we are talking about taper madness & some potential self-sabotage over recent weight loss success!
On Friday I started the weekend off with the best weigh-in I've had as an adult. I am happy to be down 66 pounds with Weight Watchers and over 80 from the highest recorded weight I have.
I needed this perspective as I went into the final long run of the training cycle for the marathon. I had such a horrendous race at Boston last year - from a running perspective. If you never heard what happened, feel free to catch up here.
This year has been different and I hope it results in a different outcome on race day... which is a mere two weeks away!
On Saturday I woke up with plenty of time to enjoy breakfast, change my entire planned outfit and head in town.
The forecast called for rain all morning so I tried out my new jacket from New Balance. BUT the forecast also said low 40s which meant I could test out the potential bottom part of my marathon outfit. Well the skirt and shorts at least. I've never worn shorts in a marathon so it will take some getting used to as I do not run with a fuel belt and generally shove my fuel in my shorts while I run. Classy, right? So this would be the test as I was bringing 2 KIND bars to use as fuel and my phone.
It was drizzling and overcast as I made my way in town to stretch and prep for the run. It would be my last team group run before the big day as next week I have my cousin's bridal shower on Saturday. Woo hoo!
While I was one of the first out the door thanks to my Garmin crapping the bed I was one of the last to leave. Womp womp! It took my Garmin forever to locate satellites which left me grumpy for the start of my run. I have a Garmin 310xt which is just over a year old.
After praying to the satellite gods, the Garmin finally picked up satellite and I was off.
The legs felt heavy as I made my way down Beacon St to Comm Ave where I would catch Heartbreak Hill. I was told to take the 12-miler "easy" and was hoping my legs would do the work for me. My brain wasn't in the mood to keep an eye on pace. I would be in a group run, but running alone. So I knew my mind would be occupied with 10,000 other thoughts I can ignore during the week when busy but come flooding out during a quiet run.
Mile 1: 9:31 Mile 2: 9:23 Mile 3: 9:24
Good work body! The legs were feeling really heavy at the start of the run and I second guessed my decision to hold off on the Zensah compression sleeves.
As I made my way up Heartbreak (the opposite way you run it during the marathon), I had a pick-me-up in my mood as I saw a ton of runners coming at me. It is always fun to see other folks out on the course preparing for the big day. Especially since most of the ones I see are parts of charity teams so they have team gear on so I can see who and why they are taking on this awesome feat.
I even had the chance to say HI to some friends.
Heartbreak Hill is a series of hills covering a 3-mile stretch, but even running it backwards I could tell when the biggest of the hills was ahead of me. Let me tell you it is a lot easier to run down that bad boy than up it. ;)
Hello there downhill. :P
Mile 4: 9:28 Mile 5: 8:50 Mile 6: 8:51
The Tedy's Team coach was waiting at the halfway mark with some much-needed water and Gatorade. It was good to catch up with John as he could tell I was having a tough week mentally. It was the time of the month the week before and I was feeling light-headed and woozy during some of my workouts. He let me know that it is okay and that yes it could be a result of my period. Which is what I was hoping to hear as I felt fine once it went away.
Also who knew when I started running or this blog that I would share so much about my period or attempting to pee while riding the bike during the Half Ironman. I mean things I never thought I would share is now normal. Or maybe you guys don't need this info, but I feel comfortable enough to share it. Either way - you are welcome!
Anywho he calmed me down and reassured me to trust in the training and that all would be okay. We made a plan to keep this week's mileage around 30 then down to 20-25 the week of the marathon. I never hit more than 50 miles in a week so I don't need a huge taper time like some of the other marathon folks.
After a quick KIND bar break - which by the way were holding up great in my shorts (I hide them in the front on my quads) and were proving to be a great choice for me fuel-wise.
I bid John adieu and started the trek back home. I was going to Maine after the run to see my BFF and her family so I was a little excited and I think it showed in the pace.
PLUS the big shiny orb in the sky - I think you call it a sun - made an appearance during the run and I was soaking it all in. Wicked happy I opted to wear my Sparkle Athletic visor!
Mile 7: 8:59 Mile 8: 8:32
I stopped at the spot outside of BC, where Heartbreak Hill officially ends, to film another quick video. Just a little different weather wise than the one Page and I had filmed the week prior during the 20-miler.
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It was nice to stop and take a moment to reflect back on the journey AND have some final words with Heartbreak before the big day. Yes I talked out loud to a road. That weird? ;)
Mile 9: 8:29
As I made my way back down Beacon to Kenmore. I tried to check in with my body. I know the pain in my hamstring that has been there since May won't be going away by race day. So I am just watching it to make sure it doesn't get any worse. I have been doing a lot of exercises nightly to try and strengthen the area around the hamstring as well as work on my core.
Now my core work was said to be a "joke" by a blog reader, but I can only do the best I can. My journey is different than everyone else's so I focus on that. My time or reps might be less than others and I may have to do modified push-ups, but I am doing it and making myself stronger. One day at a time.
But I digress... I have found that work helpful for me and I am feeling strong.
While having a mental debate with myself it was nice to pull up to see Margaret at the final water stop of the day.
Our weekly selfie taken care of it, it was nice to chat before finishing out the run.
Mile 10: 8:29
Now I obviously couldn't tell if you could see my singlet through the back of my New Balance jacket so I totally had Margaret take a pic of me running away so I could tell.
Verdict? Oh yeah!
With the niece on the brain, I headed back to Kenmore. Running the route week after week can seem tedious, but it really helps with the mental side of the marathon. You can feel the crowd every time I run down Beacon or Comm Ave. I immediately can go back to how I was feeling at that spot in 2013 or 2014.
And for now it is making sure I don't recreate what happened last year this year.
Mile 11: 8:25
But as I came towards Kenmore, I moved myself to the right side of the street to capture "that" sign as you head into the home stretch of the race. Kenmore marks just 1 more mile of the marathon.
Gorgeous enough for a selfie...
;)
Now I am hoping to feel as good as I did in that moment in that same spot on race day!
I finished up the run by snapping a few more pics of the kick ass New Balance marathon campaign. Seriously loving it...
... before ending my long run where I always do - Dunks! :)
Mile 12: 8:21
Soooo I definitely ended faster than I wanted to, but I was feeling good the whole way. The legs started waking up a few miles in (as you can also tell with the pace) and overall the body and fueling were strong. There was some lingering left hamstring pain, but I think it was from extra hill work earlier in the week.
I made sure to continue to foam roll 2-3 times a day to keep the body loose and I have been living in compression shorts, pants, socks or sleeves! I find is so helpful for blood circulation and recovery time.
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Since that was my final group run on the course, I would like to thank the Tedy's Team water stop crew as well as those of other charities and stores.
So many were out there week in and week out in the horrendous weather. I always say it is worse for volunteers since at least the runners are moving to stay warm.
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There will be just one final "long run" - 8-10 on Sunday - before the Big Show. I will set out to enjoy the day, the experience, the reason why I run Boston and let the time/pace go as it will. I have done the work now I just need to see what weather Boston wants to bring! :P
Thank you all again for following along on this journey. Somehow this is marathon #7 - Boston #3 with Tedy's Team - and I just keep signing up for more! ;)
On this episode of #DaniDishes, it's time to reflect back and recap the first quarter of 2015!
What the heck is She Runs Boston you may be asking???? Well….
Are you a Boston area lady runner?
Have you been looking for a new running buddy? Or two? Or 10?
Do you need some extra accountability to get out at least once a week and log some miles?
Is having fun during a run a priority?
Then She Runs Boston (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) will be for you!
She Runs Boston, formerly known as Boston LUNA Chix, will be running out of the Athleta on Newbury Street on Tuesday nights at 6:30pm - BEGINNING April 14. The group will meet in the back of the Athleta store, where there is a bathroom to use, a water fountain and a place to store your bag during the run (yes someone is watching it while you are out on the town).
You may be worried about not finding someone in their pace at a group run – not a problem here at She Runs Boston. The group will run the gamut of paces. There are speedsters, run/walk method, middle-of-the-packers, back-of-the-packers, folks that like to take pictures while running, selfies, etc.
Also She Runs Boston has a no drop policy so a sweep will stay with the final participants on both distances.
There will be two distance options – 3 of 4 miles – and you can choose whichever you want.
So let's meet the other eight ladies that will be leading these runs... shall we?
Since you read this blog so you know enough about me! ;) (For those that aren't normal readers, I'm Dani and SUPER excited to be a team lead!)
Why Did You Start Running: I wanted to run the JP Morgan Corporate Challenge with coworkers so I trained and fell in love with it. In 2009 I went from running a 5K to a marathon in a year! After a few setbacks with injuries, I haven't been running distance but I hope to get back to it later this year!
Most Enjoyable Distance To Race: 10K, just long enough to balance speed and distance and manageable training wise
Favorite Thing About She Runs Boston: It's a great group of women who run at various paces and we don't leave anyone behind, everyone feels comfortable running their own pace, knowing they will have a buddy!
Why Did You Start Running: I had just had ACL surgery, and everyone told me that I'd never be able to run pain-free. I took it as a challenge! 10 years, 3 marathons, 13 half marathons and countless other races later -- I think I've proved them all wrong!
Most Enjoyable Distance To Race: Half Marathon -- it's always a challenge, but training for it doesn't have to take over your entire life as it does with a marathon.
Favorite Thing About She Runs Boston: The people! It's so wonderful knowing that I have this amazing group of women for weekly runs. Some of my best friends are women I've met through this run group!
Why Did You Start Running: I started running in college, probably to make up for all the beer I was drinking. I will still run for beer today!
Favorite distance: 10K
Favorite thing about She Runs Boston: I've met some great people who share my interests.
Why Did You Start Running: When I first starting working out with a personal trainer, the trainer had me set some fitness goals. One of my goals was to run a 5k as I was not a runner. My first 5k was the St. Patrick's Day race in Davis Square in 2013. From there, I became addicted to running since I competed mostly with myself on distance and speed.
Favorite distance: I don't have a favorite distance as I use running to escape reality and just think. I have ran a couple 5k's and a 10k. I would like to run a half marathon this year.
Favorite thing about She Runs Boston: My favorite thing about She Runs Boston is meeting new ladies that run different paces and make sure no one is left behind.
Why Did You Start Running: 1. In college Honestly - to lose weight 2. I started calling myself a runner/racer after college when I no longer had field hockey and needed an outlet to compete and feel mentally and physically complete
Most Enjoyable Distance To Race: Half Marathon
Favorite Thing About She Runs Boston: My favorite thing about SRB is that I have weekly accountability because I know that there will be a group of awesome, motivated and really fun women who are taking their time to just show up and run - so why not push myself to get there and be present with them!
Why Did You Start Running: 1. After college- I was burned out from Swimming and I wanted to meet new people in my new city, Boston :) 2. I didn't think I was a good runner (swim coaches always told me I wasn't built to run). So I took it slowly and didn't care about times, just putting one foot in front of another. I was challenged to run a long-distance relay race (reach the beach) only weeks after I started running outside and after a creative "training day"- I determined I could at least try it. I did it and loved it!
Most Enjoyable Distance To Race: Half Marathon
Favorite Thing About She Runs Boston: My favorite thing about SRB is the collaborative, cooperative, peer (fun) pressure to get to the run, say hi, smile, and think about others while getting in a workout. It gets me OUT of my own head, and into having fun with great people.
Why Did You Start Running: I ran track and field in high school, but after college I needed an outlet for staying active. A friend of mine invited me to go running and after that I was hooked
Most Enjoyable Distance To Race: Half Marathon! Great distance and the training is manageable with a hectic schedule!
Favorite Thing About She Runs Boston: I love connecting with fabulous lady runners in the Boston area. Some of my closest friends have come from running with this team. I also love running with ladies who are new to the sport and discover that yes, they can CRUSH 3 Miles :)
Why Did You Start Running: My high school did not have girls varsity soccer team, so I started running cross-country in 10th grade to take the place of soccer; been running forward ever since.
Most Enjoyable Distance To Race: 10K
Favorite Thing About She Runs Boston: My favorite thing about SRB is the awesome group of women of all levels that I have meet over the past few years; bringing women together to stay active and encouraging others to get out and run or participate in any outdoor activity.
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My name is Dani and I am blogging out of the Boston Area. I started this blog in May of 2011 after suffering a back injury and subsequent back surgery in December 2011-January 2011. This space was to serve as a way for me to release the inner feelings I was carrying around and maybe help some other people going through similar situations: eating disorders, depression, weight loss and more.
