John Mayer, here I come! (Your questions answered, part 2!)

A while back, I had you ask me questions, and I'm still working on the answers! Here's round 2!

Penny @ Pink Hat Runner asked...

What is your favorite distance to run?

I would have to say the half marathon. It takes discipline and hard work to train to get there, and I feel so accomplished when I'm finished! (the bling doesn't hurt either!)

Out of all the races you've done, which was your favorite so far?

I have 2 races for different reasons. First one is Disney Half Marathon 2010, where I managed to convince my brother & 2 friends to run with me, and another friend to run the marathon. We had a bunch of friends come along as spectators too & had a blast. The race itself was not so good because of the weather, but it was awesome to help my brother finish his first half. I also love that you wear your bling around Disney until you go home, makes you feel like a Rockstar!

Horrible pic I know!! But it was such a big moment for us!

My other favorite would be Rock N Roll New Orleans. The race course was flat & I hit a PR, running with one of my best friends for her first half marathon finish. The post party was fun & the city of New Orleans was a blast afterwards. I wore my medal around town here too haha

What is your favorite place to eat?

Great question! My absolute favorite is the Goten, a japanese Hibachi restaurant in Sunderland, MA. They have noodles instead of fried rice & always put on a great show. I have a bunch of other loves too... Eastside Grill in Northampton (gorgonzola garlic bread), Villa Napoletana in East Longmeadow, Max's Tavern in Springfield, The Federal in Agawam. YUM!

Wells @ My Story... Chapter 2 asked...

If you could have a final meal, what would it be?

wow, what a hard question! Pick just one?? I would say a favorite meal I get at EastSide Grill. Probably gorgonzola garlic bread to start, followed by the blackened scallops with mashed sweet potatoes or their delicious risotto. For dessert a Canoli or fabulous cupcake. Now I'm getting hungry!

How did you decide the name for your blog?

I was trying desperately to come up with a catchy phrase. I thought about why I was running... to get in better shape and overall health. I'm still not wild about the title, but it works for now!

If you could have 3 pieces of gym/workout equipment for your home, what would it be?

My number one would be the TRX, no questions asked. I LOOOOVE that thing, and have been seriously considering buying one, but I don't feel like I have a good place to put it. 

My number 2 would be a lap pool. I hate getting up early and fighting for a lane at the pool. It would be nice to train/swim laps whenever I wanted.

Lastly, I think I would go with Bosu ball. They're a ton of fun for getting some great core work in!

If you could have dinner with 3 famous people (alive or dead), who would you select to dine with?

I know most of you will probably laugh at my first one... Britney Spears. I am a huge fan and would love to gossip and girl talk with her. John Mayer, since I am in love with him. Jacoby Elsbury, since he is my Red Sox boyfriend!

John Mayer's gap ad <3

Do you prefer books or movies?

Tricky question. I love books, but now with limited time on my hands a movie is easier to get through. I am not a huge fan of books that turn into movies. I feel like so much of the story gets lost or the details changed (The Something Borrowed star was a chubby girl in the book, not some cute skinny girl!). For books I love John Grisham and Chick Lit, and movies I like girly movies, comedies and horror flicks.

Would you ever consider doing an international race? If so, what location(s) would be most appealing?

I would definitely consider an international race, but I would be nervous not speaking the language!! How would I understand the race directions, where to go, etc. I think I would only do it as part of a group going for that specific reason. To nix that whole language thing, I would definitely do the Caribbean, I was considering Puerto Rico for the Diva Half, since most people speak English there too.

Thanks for listening! Part 3 will follow eventually...

Missed part 1? Check it out HERE

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7 Links Post!

Karen from Just Me & My Running Shoes picked me to create a blog post of “My 7 links”!   

THE GOAL 

To unite bloggers (from all sectors) in a joint endeavor to share lessons learned and create a bank of long but not forgotten blog posts that deserve to see the light of day again.

THE RULES 

1) Blogger is nominated to take part

2) Blogger publishes his/her 7 links on his/her blog – 1 link for each category.

3) Blogger nominates up to 5 more bloggers to take part.

4) These bloggers publish their 7 links and nominate another 5 more bloggers1

5) And so it goes on

So, here we go! P.s. this was a difficult task!

Most Beautiful Post:

After reading the Long Run by Matt Long, I gained more appreciation for the struggle my patient's face daily. I thought about how this applies to me and my training in Why Rehab is Worth it.

Most Popular Post:

I'm not sure how to tell what is my most popular post since my giveaways are obviously the most popular! My best guess is my Rock N Roll New Orleans Half Marathon Race Report. I had a great time in the Big Easy & got a fabulous PR too!




Most Controversial Post:

The wicked HOTT plumber. Kevin saw this post and was instantly mad and thought I was in love with him. Even after the roomie went out on a date with the plumber, Kevin still thought I had my eye on him.


Most Helpful Post:

In October, my friend A was getting ready to run the Niagra Falls Half Marathon, when she was found to have a DVT & several pulmonary embolisms 2 weeks before the race. She spent 3 days in the hospital, and was unable to run until November! I made this post in her honor to educate others on how to spot a blood clot before its too late.


Post Whose Success Surprised Me:

Turns out that everyone loves REI, much more than I thought!








Post That Didn’t Get the Attention it Deserved:

I know Tornados to some people out in the Midwest are used to Tornados, but us New Englanders do NOT expect that kind of weather. I was surprised that not too many people commented or checked this post out! The destruction from the Springfield Tornado was and still is devastating, and unbelievable that it happened.

Post You are Most Proud of:

After completing my first triathlon only 5 months after bunion surgery at Danskin in Webster. I cried crossing the finish line, and was more proud of myself that I could have imagined. A triathlon was something I always had wanted to complete, and I'm so happy that I was able to reach that goal and find a new love besides running.

Now I get to nominate my 5 bloggers! I hope I don't pick any repeats!
1. Meg @ Watch MeGo Run
2. Adam @ The Boring Runner
3. Amanda @ Run to the Finish
4.Kari @ Running Ricig
5. Tricia @ Endurance Isn't Only Physical

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Rock N Roll Mardi Gras Race Report

Race Expo

Fabulous. The Expo was rockin. Killer music & TONS of vendors. The only bad thing? The goody bags weren't consistently packed, so they contents varied a lot from bag to bag. Shelley and I didn't get all the same freebies & flyers. Otherwise it was a blast. After bib & T-shirt pick up, we headed to the race merchandise to stock up...

Shelley's gear!

I ended up buying a pair of capris to wear race day, as well as a long-sleeve technical T & half zip top. We spent over $150, so we were awarded Brooks VIP Potty passes (more on that later). Then we headed out to check out the rest of the vendors. A glamour band, and new tshirt for the race, and a stop by a few other booths, including...

Dan & Jackie from Biggest Loser!!

Did anyone watch the orange team on the Biggest Loser a few years back with mother/son team Jackie & Dan!? I did, and was excited to meet them and ask about life on the ranch. They are busy running 20 half marathons this year to raise money & awareness for Reach Out For Life. 

Race Day

The hotel was a quick walk away from the race start area. Shelley and I met near the Casino and walked over. By the start, they had an area set up with pre-race food. Bananas, snicker's marathon bars, water, cytomax, I was impressed, I've never been to a race with pre-race food. There was a huge area of porta-potties, but we had our VIP potty pass...

The VIP potty pass

Flushing toilets, running water, mirrors, sport beans, lotion, sunscreen. What a nice treat instead of a pre-race porta-potty! The corrals were set up with clear easy to read signs, and even porta-potties in the race corrals!

corral potties

We were back in corral 15, so we didn't cross the start until about 7:20ish with the wave start. Off we went! The miles ticked by easy, Shelley and I were cruising along thanks to a super flat course and interesting people and places to look at. We decided against wearing music for the race, and I was happy since there was a lot of on course entertainment. There were also a lot of cheering groups all dressed up, and some people with creative signs along the route. We were killing our times the first 6 miles, and slowed down a little by mile 7 & 8. Mile 9 we saw Kevin & Caitlin and they captured a good shot of us, still smiling!

Shelley left, me right!

Around mile 10, I really started feeling it. I slowed down quite a bit taking short walk breaks when I needed it. Mile 12, I started getting overheated. I shed my arm sleeves, but kept running out of fluids, and could feel my heart rate getting to high. I had to stop to refill water, but I still ran out before mile 13. A little after mile 12 I let Shelley go ahead and finish, and I did what I could to finish strong and managed to speed up a little for the last mile. I hit the finish line with an official finish time of 2:25:56, a new PR!!

Here's my Garmin split!

Post race was fun, my legs were incredibly sore, so we laid out in the sun to stretch out for a while. Eventually I headed to the beer tent to grab my free beers, Shelley got a sandwich, and we listened to a little music before heading back. The band was so-so, not really a Bowling for Soup fan, so we headed out early. The shuttle buses back downtown were speedy! We barely waited to get on one, then lucky us, it dropped us off right near our hotel! (big change for the wait at Disney last year for a shuttle)! 

Overall I loved the race, definitely my favorite half I've done so far! Did I mention Shelley and I signed up for RnR Providence at the Expo since they had a $15 off coupon code? I can't wait until the next RnR race, they really know how to throw a party! And the Medal was pretty bad ass too!

Were you at the race? What did you think?

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Livin' it up in the Big Easy!

Wednesday night as we flew into Hartford and saw the snow coating the ground, I almost started crying. We had a blast in New Orleans, mostly from the warm weather and non stop drinking, but the race was pretty kick ass too. I'll have my race recap to follow, but I wanted to start off with an overview of the entire trip.

We got in pretty late to New Orleans, and were tired from traveling, so friday night was lame low key. Straight to bed once we were able to have the maintenance crew from the hotel disconnect our fire alarm that kept chirping. 

Saturday was Expo day! 

We had a blast, I'll give more details in my race report including my semi-celebrity meet up!

Then we headed to lunch...

We saw a cathedral on the way for Beignets...

and even though we missed out on meeting Elizabeth, we scored some delicious treats.

We had a bad dinner at the Crazy Lobster (which ironically was out of lobster), then stopped at the convenience store by our hotel on the way back for gatorade for race day. We also found 4 Loko, which is outlawed in Massachusetts (obviously Kevin went back to get some after the race).

The race was amazing! My favorite so far. Well organized and supported, I was wicked impressed!

Don't worry, my official race report will follow later today!

Shelley and I totally killed it and had an awesome time.

Can you see that gorgeous sky? It was a beautiful day...

After some relaxing, we went to dinner at Cafe Giovanni's which was the most delicious meal of our trip. Then we headed out on the search for hand grenades.

We found them, and they were delicious! After a couple of those, and my drinks at dinner, my legs weren't feeling as sore!

Saw this on the way home.... Never knew CVS sold booze!?

Monday we walked to Magazine street to Varsity Sports to get my medal engraved. I couldn't resist and bought a new pair of running shorts. We did a little shopping before Shelley & Caitlin left for home, then Kevin and I went to get ready for our Valentine's day dinner.

We went to Dragos, and had lobster (yum!), then headed over to Bourban for a few cocktails. Tuesday we went on a tour of Mardi Gras world, where they make many of the floats for the Mardi Gras parades.

One of the finished floats for this year

A lindsey lohan, paris hilton themed float design for this year

After, Kevin and I decided to make our own bar tour. We picked out 6 different bars to go to that had some history behind them, and classic drinks. At each one, we got a drink (or 2) and read about the history of the bar from our iphone. Our spots included:

1. Napolean House

2. Muriel's

3. Pat O'Brian's

4. The Bombay Club

5. Old Absinthe House

6. Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop

We had everything from Pimm's cups, whiskey sours with egg whites, hurricanes, mint juleps, absinthe,  and obituary cocktails.

Pimm's Cup

Absinthe

wicked strong

Needless to stay, after that and a couple grenades & a slice of pizza, we ended the night with Kareoke at the Cat's Meow. A little Ke$a and Carrie Underwood for me, then I was ready for bed at 2am.

Thursday morning we did last minute shopping and packing before heading home. I miss the warm weather already! I do however, need to stop drinking & get my eating back on track since the Disney Princess half is 10 days away!

We had a fabulous time in New Orleans, who knows, maybe we'll make it back there again someday!

Today is your last chance to enter my Gu giveaway HERE!

 

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What I'm looking forward to...

Rock N Roll New Orleans is practically here!

I leave tomorrow night & I couldn't be more excited!

Here's a list of what I'm looking forward to....

1. Less post-race soreness: This is the best trained I've ever been for a race. I've done all my long runs, and handled them well. I know that I won't be so sore after the race I'll be unable to squat on a toilet for 3 days.

2. Warmer weather: High 50s, low 60s for the entire trip. Race day will be 63 degrees. Sounds like heaven.

3. A visit to a new city: Part of why I love destination races it to see somewhere I haven't been before or visit somewhere I love. I can't wait to see what New Orleans is all about.

4. Eating the food: I've heard a lot of good things about the food in New Orleans...yummm!

5. Meeting new people: I'm excited to meet up with a few fellow bloggers who are heading to the race too!

6. My first half marathon post surgery: I'm so happy that I'll be able to run with out the pain I felt in my foot the last half I ran. 

7. Helping Shelley to the end: Can't wait to help my long run partner finish her first half marathon!

8. Romantic getaway: Kevin and I need a getaway! It will be nice to have a few days to enjoy being together and away from everything after the race since we'll be there until wednesday.

9. Race Expo: I love checking out the booths! All the gear & gadgets, I love to check them all out. I'm hoping to meet a few people from the companies I've worked with over the past few months.

10. A possible PR? who knows, with all the training I've been doing, and Shelley to help me push it through the end, and a pretty much flat course, maybe I'll make a new PR!

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Enough already....

Last night I saw this on facebook & thought it was a joke

Of course I am in Springfield, right where the 20-25 band borders the 15-20. 

Whaaaaaat???

I know this is a Boston station, but even the local ones are saying 12-18. 

Every storm we've had this winter has been on the high end or more than predicted. I am beyond sick of this, thankfully I am in countdown mode to New Orleans (10 days)! I think I will be ok to make it to the gym in the morning tomorrow, but wednesday will be a washout. I'll get run #1 of the week in tomorrow.

Today I did skip the gym. I'm sore from that 12 miles yesterday & I got a crappy nights sleep. My goal is to do a little Ab work after I make some dinner. Turkey Chili is the menu for tonight.

I may have forgot to mention, my college roomate who came up with the plan to run the RnR New Orleans Half has a stress fracture in her foot & Isn't running now, boooo! Thank goodness my longrun partner Shelley is coming!

Don't forget my Nathan's hydration belt giveaway HERE ends 2/3!

Stay warm & snow free if you can!

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Getting back...

10 inches. of ridiculous snow. My reindeer is officially buried.

 Friday. Saturday. Tuesday. Wednesday. More snow.

Thank god I leave for New Orleans in 2 weeks. 55-70 degrees and no snow sounds like heaven.

I got my confirmation/final instruction email today! So excited for the race!

I haven't run all week, but hopefully will be able to tomorrow, or just get through my long run sunday.

Today was better food wise, and I even managed a 20 min bike trainer ride while dinner was in the oven. Jillian's Quinoa stuffed peppers, YUM!

This weekend is a busy one. Red Sox tickets go on sale saturday, and we have a time share spiel to go to. I have a birthday dinner for a friend that night, and a long run the next morning. I will behave and avoid the margaritas to prepare for my last 12 miler before race day.

Don't forget to enter my Nathan hydration pack giveaway HERE! It ends 2/3

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