Tag Archive | friday Five

Friday Five – Why Do I Want to Run NYCM

Feb27

Friday Five Link-up with by Eat, Pray, Run DC, Mar on the Run, and You Signed Up for What?

Today’s Theme

It’s a Friday Free For All

So, I’m going with….

5 Reasons I want to run the NYC Marathon

I figure since I’m talking about my 9 plus 1 races so much and my quest to run it in 2016,

that maybe I should ponder why I want to do it in the first place.

1. It’s not easy to get into it and I do love a challenge. For your average runner like me to run the NYCM, you have two options. You can get in by raising money for charity or you can run the 9 plus 1 to qualify. I have chosen the 9 plus 1 therefore I will by running my 9 NYC Road Runner Races and volunteer at one event.

2. I drank the kool-aid! When listening and following your fellow MRTT Mama’s on their journey of running in 2014, I realized how amazing it would be to not just be cheering someone on but to actually experience it first hand. I am running many of these races with an amazing group of MRTT Mama’s and we are having fun! You know that I feel fun is important.

4. I think the way to show your children that they can do anything is to show them by example. If I can do anything I set my mind to (with in reason), they will know that they can too!

5. To be able to say,

“I ran the NYC Marathon!”

Now time for some puppy love

What are You Running in 2015 – Friday Five

Feb20

Yeah, I’m blogging today. It’s been a crazy week preparing and then getting a new puppy, but I didn’t want to miss the Friday Five Link-up with by Eat, Pray, Run DC, Mar on the Run, and You Signed Up for What?

Today’s Theme

Five Races to Run in 2015

This is a big year for me running wise. This is the year, I am actually plainning out my events. Yes, I will add some along the way as they come up, but I’ve got a lot that need to be planned out since I’m doing the 9 plus 1. That being said, there are some races that I am doing just for me!

Sandy Hood Triathlon, September 13

This one has special meaning as this is the race that got me off my behind and running. This will be my 3rd year now and I’m hoping that three times is the charm. Last year they added miles to the bike route and it kicked my behind. So this year I’m hoping to beat last years time as a whole. This one is on the bay, but in Sandy Hook National Park right along the beach.

Paine to Pain Trail Half Marathon, October 4

My running cohort did this last year and she said it was a really nice run. So why not? Plus fall is such a nice time to run the trails!

Superhero Halloween Half Marathon, October 18

Doesn’t the name say why I want to run it. This is a Superhero event and I ran one last year in May and it was a lot of fun. Besides, doesn’t it sound like fun. Costumes. Candy! Running with a group of MRTT ladies. Sounds perfect (except, of course the 13.1 miles:)

NYRR Ladies only Moore Half Marathon, April 19th

It’s my birthday and I think this is an awesome way to spend it. This one will also count for my 9 plus 1 program too. I’m still deciding if I’m going to push it and try to do it 2 hours as one of my goals for the years is to run a 2 hour half. What better way to say that I won’t feel 46 than running a half fast:):)

NY Scotland Run 10K, April 4

This just sounds like fun. I will use it as a training run and enjoy the bag pipes and festivities. Plus another one to count for my 9 plus 1 in NY.

What are you running in 2015?

Shameless Puppy Picture

Friday Five Love Fest!

Feb13

Love, Love, Love

(Admit it, you sang it or are singing it now)

Today we are celebrating Love with the Friday Five Link-up with by Eat, Pray, Run DC, Mar on the Run, and You Signed Up for What?

Let’s talk about the 5 things that I LOVE about running in a Tutu!

1. You can coordinate your whole outfit with your tutu and look stylish.

I met this stylish woman after the Runner’s World Half Marathon. She looked so stylish that I had to take a picture of her. Afterwards, I saw her on Runner’s World Instagram post and we now follow each other. Small World!!

2. This brings me to how when wearing a Tutu, you will be asked to take pictures with perfect strangers! This also happened to my and my tutu wearing friends at Greta’s Gallop Half last year.

We do not know the fun loving Boa wearing couple, but she is a breast cancer survivor visiting NY and wanted to take a picture with us. How could we say no?

3. When rocking a tutu, you may hear more than once during a race…..

Go Pink Tutu!

Love the Tutu!

Almost there Tutu!

or any such phrase that will incorporate your tutu into it.

You may stand out a little more in the crowd too:)

4. I also feel that wearing a tutu helps to bring my A game to a race. Why? Because if you are going to be brave/crazy enough to wear a tutu, you have to be willing to back it up.

5. Last but not least…..

It’s fun!!!!!!

Life should be fun. Running should be fun. Unless you are a competitive runner, you should enjoy each and every race. Life is too short not to have fun. If wearing a tutu is something you have secretly wanted to do, do it. Besides when else as an adult can you wear a tutu (crazy hat or costume) without people thinking you should be locked up? If I start wearing it to school pick-up or around town, then I should talk to someone. But to have fun with my BRF (Best running friends), I will always choose a tutu:)

Have you run in a Tutu?

Do you now want to run in a Tutu?

Friday 5 – Fitness Snapshots

Feb6

Danger, Will Robertson, Danger!

(Am I the only one old enough to remember where that came from?)

Anyway consider yourself warned!

Today’s Friday 5 hosted by Eat, Pray, Run DC, Mar on the Run, and You Signed Up for What?

Now, it would have been helpful to me to look ahead to see what today’s post was going to be about and then I could have taken actual snapshots during the week. Since I didn’t do that, I am going to just go with 5 Fitness Snapshots.

1. This photo goes way back. Back to before I even signed up for my first race. This goes back to the beginning of this fitness journey. This is from the Bootcamp class I started that gave me the courage to sign up for my first Triathlon. This was the beginning….

2. This is the bike that I bought to ride in my first Triathlon. I thought I was going to be one and done, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. I am promising to train with it more this year when the roads clear and spring comes. It is a great low impact leg workout and I do need to get more comfortable in the saddle.

3. This is a scary, scary picture, but it is hard to look both perky and good after a 90 minute session of Bikram Yoga in a 116 degree room. I don’t know if I would enjoy yoga as much without the heat and knowing me, probably not. I like the intensity that the heat gives the yoga. I’ve also promised to do yoga more this year as I need more balance and flexibility in my life and body:)

4. Strength training. Although I am sadly resigned to temporarily giving up the intensity of Crossfit, this does not mean that I will give up working with weights. There is something to be said for pumping iron and if you’ve never tried it you should. My goal is to lift weights at least twice a week.

5. This is an obvious one….. Running. This year I’m focusing on time which means that these legs and feet are going to have to push it to their limits. It will be an amazing adventure to see how far they can take me.

What did you do this week?

Friday Five – Favorite Indoor Workouts

Jan30

Friday Five link-up hosted by Eat, Pray, Run DC, Mar on the Run, and You Signed Up for What?

Today’s topic

Five Favorite Indoor Workouts

Now, you know I’ve been struggling to come up with my routine. I think I’m getting there and these are the five that will stay in the mix.

Bikram Hot Yoga

Love, Love, Love it! I’m not sure that I would love the Yoga without the heat. I guess that is how you know that I am not a true Yogi which is something that I never claimed to be. I am actually not very flexible at all either. I’m hoping that will come with time as I can’t do many of the poses properly, but it doesn’t stop me from trying. One day I may even be able to do Dhanurasana (#19) Maybe the same day that I can pronounce it, I will also be able to reach my ankles.

Swimming

This is on my list of things to get back to on my rest days from running. It is low impact, but still an amazing workout. Plus since one of my goals is to have a better swim time in my September Triathlon, I really need to get going. I want to get comfortable enough in my swim that when I do go out in the bay, I don’t have my normal panic attack and end up doing the backstroke. Although I’m not sure swim class will help with that as it is more a panic attack from not being in the pool.

Strength Training

As you know, I’ve made the decision to cut Crossfit out of my routine. It was a hard decision that I still wonder if it was the right one. But as much as I love it, it doesn’t go with my goals for the year. That being said, I am not giving up on weight training as I really think it was good for my running too. All studies show how beneficial it is to women for not just their weight, but the bone density and many other things. So don’t be afraid to pick up a weight.

Here is me doing my favorite lift – The Deadlift

Spin Classes

I couldn’t just get on a bike inside and ride. If I did, I would go at a leisure pace and not push myself. Therefore, Spin Classes are perfect. Great low impact workout for the legs. There is also some talk that it is great cross-training for runners. I can believe it as it is all legs! You are going full throttle building leg muscles but non of the impact of a run. Plus with the way you push up the “hills” in class it is a great interval training.

Must remember to take more spin classes.

Kettle Bell Workout

If you don’t have a kettle bell, get one. It’s something that doesn’t take up a lot of room in your house. You can leave it sit in the corner of your closet or in my case, my workout stuff corner. Don’t have time for a full workout? Want to add something extra on a short run day? There are so many things that you can do with it to target so many different muscles. Can you tell I love mine? I need to use it more as it really does pack a punch. Don’t believe me. Then just give it a try.

I guess it is good that I’ve thought about all of these great indoor things that I should be doing more of because we are entering a really, really, really cold front. Plus my YMCA catalog just came. So I think it is time to add some of these things back into my routine.

What is your favorite indoor workout?

Friday Five Free For All

Dec19

I love participating in the Friday Five link-up hosted by Eat, Pray, Run DC, Mar on the Run, and You Signed Up for What?

I think since we are literally days away from my favorite Holiday, that I need to do a Christmas themed post. There will be enough time throughout the year to talk running:)

So off we go.

Friday Five: Five Favorite Christmas Things

1. Favorite Christmas Memory as a child – I’m going to go WAY, WAY, WAY back here to when I was a little girl. I’m guessing that I was probably in first or second grade. It was a time that my mother did not have a lot of money and I’m stretching that as she had absolutely NO money. She was divorced and doing what she had to do to get by. From the memory, I do know that she was involved with my now Step-Father of 30 years but I was young so that is all I know. Anyway……..

I remember waking up to the sound of Christmas music which would not have been possible because we did not own a radio. I was convinced that it was Santa! So I followed the music past the tree which to my delight had many presents under it. I then followed the music into the dinning room where my now step-father was setting up a stereo for my mother and tuning it to Christmas music. I remember him turning and shushing me, wishing me a Merry Christmas and telling me to go back to bed. I don’t even remember being disappointing that he wasn’t Santa and he was only taking credit for setting up the stereo.

2. Favorite Christmas Cookie – This is a hard one as I do love cookies. But the favorite Christmas Cookie must be the traditional Sugar Cookie. I think it’s not even so much about the taste. Although they are very yummy! It is about remember making them with my family growing up and making them with my own kids. It is not Christmas without a table full of sprinkles!

3. Favorite Christmas Decoration – The Christmas Tree!!!! This may be why I do have three trees in my house which might not be crazy if I lived in a big house, but I don’t by any stretch of the imagination. Unless, of course, you concider a 3 bedroom ranch big? But I love my trees!!

Basement Tree with all the ornaments the boys have made over the years

Window Tree – just because it’s pretty and I like the way the house looks with a tree in the window

Real Tree – This has all the Hallmark ornaments and such

4. Favorite Christmas Movie – I actually am going to pick two here because it really is a tie.

The first one is Ziggy’s Christmas Gift. A short heartwarming story that my sister and I love to watch together at Christmas.

and the somewhat depressing but classic

I love this movie as it is a reminder how important even the smallest acts of kindness can be and how important each and everyone of us is in the world.

5. Favorite Overall Thing about Christmas – How this is the one time of year that no matter what is going on, the family gets together. As the Grinch said best…

Wishing everyone a Very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a Wonderful New Year!

Friday Five – Five Favorite Winter Activities

Dec12

It’s time for another Friday Five!

Thanks to Mar on the Run, You Signed Up for What?, and Eat, Pray, Run DC for hosting. This weeks topic is 5 Reasons to Love Winter.

I love winter. I really do. It’s not so much that I love winter activities, because I am not a skier. Although I do take the kids occasionally ice skating, it is a rare enough activities to call it a treat. So this is a great post idea because it will make me think of why do I really love winter.

1. Snow Days!

I love a good snow day. I mean a day where there is so much snow that all activities are cancelled and the whole family has to stay home. As the boys get older with all their activities this is a nice change of pace. We usually have a fire going. I might even whip up some cookies and more than likely we will watch a movie.

Love it!

2. Hot Chocolate

Now I admit that I do love a good cup of Hot chocolate and I mean GOOD. There is nothing better to me than having a cup of Hot Chocolate while snuggled up under a blanket. I will also admit to making my own marshmallows to take this treat up to the next level and my waistline up to the next size:( Boo.

3. A fire.

No need to explain:)

4. Bikram Yoga.

As much as I enjoy yoga, there really isn’t enough time to do it all. As I’ve said before, you can’t do it all as much as you might want to. But I hope this winter to get back to it as I really did enjoy it even if I found that I am not that flexible or have that much balance. I guess that will come with more practice. There is something to be said though for Bikram Yoga on a cold winter morning to warm you right up.

5. Cooking hearty family meals.

Yes, I’m a baker by trade (not really, but I do try), but I do love to make hearty meals that just don’t taste right on warmer days. Things like lazagna, beef stews, chili, homemade bread and what ever else I come across in my Food Network magazine. Case in point this week, I made a big pot of beef stew. I added some Sam Adams Logger to it and it gave it such a warm wintery flavor that could not be resisted.

Now it’s time to jump over to see what everyone else loves about Winter.

Why do you Love winter?

Do you hate it?

These are a Few of My Favorite Things

Dec5

Once again I am linking up with Eat, Pray, Run DC, You Signed Up for What? and Mar on the Run for another fun Friday Five. Yeah for Friday!!!

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things

No these aren’t my favorite things although, I do like them. I bet you started singing this song too when you heard the title of the post or is that just me? Don’t tell me:)

Anyway, it is hard to narrow down my favorite things. So I’m going to cheat and take my kids and hubby out of the obvious choice of my favorite things. I hope for everyone’s sake it’s the obvious choice for them too. Although, since they are people and not things, maybe they shouldn’t be in this category anyway.

So off we go…..

Christmas – I love, love, love Christmas. Anyone who knows me personally knows this to be so. I love everything about it. From the whole Reason for the Season to the Christmas countdown. I love Christmas cookies, watching Christmas movies, decorating the house for Christmas, and the whole craziness of this time of year. Love it!

Case in point, I usually have 3 Christmas trees in my house.

The first tree is the basement tree which holds all the ornaments my kids have made over the year. The second tree is my window tree that I get to decorate by myself. The third tree is our real tree which we will get this weekend. This is the tree that Santa leaves his presents under and is decorated with Hallmark and old family ornaments that can not be replaced.

Coffee – I would be remiss if I did not include coffee on my list. That being said, I think my feeling for coffee may even be stronger than including it on my favorite things list.

I-Phone – I don’t know how I made it through most of my life without it. It has all my contact information, many pictures, and I may leave home without American Express, but I do not leave home without my phone

Twilight – Ok, don’t judge me. I admit it. I love the Twilight series. I’m a romantic at heart. Although I will admit that I like the books better than the movies as I think some of the storyline gets lost in the film version.

Running Mama’s – I love my local MRTT group. I love the comradery of it. How we build each other up. How we help each other out. And most of all, how we understand our compulsion to run which many of my non running friends do not get. It’s nice to have a place where you are understood. Everyone should have such a place. I’ve made some really great friends through this group and it really has gotten me where I am today and inspires me to go further!

So these are a few of my favorite things and

When I’m feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don’t feel so bad

What are your favorite things?

One Hot Mama!

Nov14

I must admit that I am one Hot Running Mama!

Unfortunately for me, I am Hot as in I heat up as I run

and

not Hot as in “Wow look at that Mama run:)”

This makes running in the cold difficult for me as I want to dress appropriately, but I also don’t want to give myself heat stroke.

What to do?

What do do?

Well first I’m going to link up for Cold Weather Running Tip Friday Five

through You signed up for what, Eat Pray Run DC

and Mar on the Run!

Then I’m going to plan my cold running strategy.

Last year I will admit, I was a bit of a baby when it came running in the snow and cold.

Not like one of my awesome running on a streak, more motivated than anyone I know, Running Mama’s!

Case in point

This is a woman who knows how to dress and run in anything.

Proven by the fact that she is almost at a year of her running streak without missing a day.

She’s more reliable than the Mailman!

Me, not so much.

But seeing as I’ve already signed up to do a half in Central Park in January, I better get it together.

What I do know is that I’m going to need to go shopping!

Boo Hoo

Just kidding!

1. Proper Running Jacket!! – I need one that will be breathable, will keep me dry, and isn’t heavy. I think I may get it and wrap it up for myself for Christmas (but of course using it right up till Christmas Eve)!

2. Hat – Normally, I run with a bolder band and they do have some new winter ones that I will try; but it really is important to keep the head covered and the ears! Don’t forget the ears. Love my running hat with a slot for my pony tail too. It’s the little things that make me happy.

3. Chapstick – Yes, chapstick. Do you want to spend all winter with chapped lips? I don’t think so. Don’t forget to apply it before and during your runs.

4. Yatracks – Although, I bought them last year, I haven’t tried them yet; I know they will get a workout this year. It’s hard enough running with the roads clear, I don’t want to worry about falling in the snow/ice!

5. Layers, Layers, Layers – As I said, I’m a hot Mama, so I need to be able to cool off even when it’s cool outside. In the fall, I’ve discovered the joy of running in arm warmers. This way once I warm up, I can take them off while running and loop them into my belt. So not only layers, but layers you can easily take off and still run with unless you have a place to stash your running clothes on the fly. (although, I have mentioned to my friends that might just happen at their house:)

So now I’m off to see what everyone else is doing and get some more ideas how not to freeze my behind off this winter!

Friday Five: Staying on Track During the Holidays!

Nov7

So after yesterday’s post Is It Really Just a Number? Yes, it is; this is a timely Friday 5!

We’ve all either been working so hard or just starting out on our journey to get fit and healthy.

Then BAM

along come the Holiday’s!

First Thanksgiving which literally revolves around food.

(yes, this is cake)

Then for my family we are off to Christmas

which means

cookie exchanges

Gingerbread houses

Family and friend gatherings

New Year’s Celebrations.

Then BAM BAM BAM

The New Year’s guilt and getting back on track

BUT

what if there didn’t have to be any New Year’s Guilt?

What if we could still enjoy all our festivities while not finding that our clothes are shrinking.

That’s what today’s Friday Five is all about

5 ways to stay on track / healthy during the holidays

Now, I’m still trying to figure this out and I know that I won’t be perfect so

Maybe instead of meeting friends for lunch, we could meet for pedicures, shopping, or even a run. It’s about spending time with our friends not about the food.
Sign up for a local Turkey Tot, Jingle Fun Run or any sort of silly usually short race. They are not only fun, but it will also keep you motivated. I’ve also signed up for the Half Marathon for January. Yes, I’m going to freeze my butt off but I will have to keep running through the holiday’s to be ready for it and I won’t be alone! Grab a friend to join you.
Tweak your recipes to make them healthier. This is always a tough one, but there are ways to do it. It does take more planning, time and less processed food. Pintrest is a wonderful thing
Don’t drink your calories. For me I’m not even talking alcohol. I’m talking homemade hot chocolate with homemade marshmallows or Eggnog. I’m the only one in my house who likes Eggnog, therefore there is no reason for it to be in my fridge all month long. I vow when the container in my fridge is gone; I will not buy another one till I’m having company. I will also NOT make marshmallows until right before Christmas!
Life is short. Enjoy it which if for me means partaking in the food of the Holiday’s. So I’m going to go for it! Just don’t go for all of it. So when at cookie exchange, party, ect; I will eat. But to make sure that I’m not going over board, I will not nibble. I will make a small plate up thereby monitoring what I’m eating. It’s a lot easier to keep track of how many cookies I’ve had by making a plate up. To see the actual amount I will eat than haphazardly pick one by one up with no idea how many I’m actually eating. This strategy will work for any Holiday party too.

I do plan to enjoy my Holiday’s this year. I know that life is short and meant to be lived, so I am going to live it. That is one of the reasons that I work so hard. I do want my cake and eat it too! If I stay motivated, keep on track and maybe just tweak things just a little it will all work out. And if doesn’t that just means that I need to work out a little longer:)

Here’s hoping:)

For more ideas

check out the other blogs through

the Friday Five Link Up

hosted by DC area bloggers

Eat Pray Run DC, Mar on the Run and You Signed up for What?!!

The Accidentally Running Mama

Run, Bike, Swim and Have a Life!