New Year Resolutions

Whew..Sigh of relief.  The holidays are over.  I had a great Christmas, but I'm glad that the holiday craze has subsided so I can really focus on my training and diet come the new year.  I don't typically make New Years resolutions, and this year will be no different; I like to call them goals instead.  Of course, my goals include sticking to training, but I also want to have fun doing it, so that's a big goal of mine - to enjoy every second.

Tomorrow is a big day!  I will be running my longest run yet, 6.2 miles at the First Run in Lowell, MA.  I'm starting to get nervous but confident that my training and preparation will pay off.  Last week I ran my longest run so far, a little under 4 miles in 40 minutes.  It may seem insignificant compared to the 26.2 I'll be running in less than 4 months, but I'm so proud of that becuase I'm right on track with my training program.  When I started this 10 weeks ago, I could finish a 5K, but after 5 minutes of running, I had to walk before I could start running again.  Now I can run 40 minutes with no stopping! 

Before the College closed for Holiday break, I got cards from some of the students in the Keys to Degrees program.  It was a great reminder that I'm not just running for myself, but for all the parents who are working so hard to get a great education to better their children's lives. Whenever I feel like I just can't do it anymore, their words will keep me going!  Here are a few of the cards I received..  Wish me luck tomorrow!  I'll post my results as soon as possible!

 

Just keep running...

mimi Xo

'Tis the Season

It's that time of year again; time spent with family and friends, last minute Christmas shopping, and a host of other reasons I haven't posted for quite some time now.  I am actually posting during my lunch hour today - that's how much time I DO NOT have lately! 

Training has been going really well so far!  I can't believe that this week marks the 8th week of training already...only 18 more weeks to go.  My plan this week is to run for 25 minutes each day for four days.  The days of the walk/run are over!  I'm actually really excited about this - I'm really looking forward to doing the longer runs so I can explore more of the trails around the Danvers/Topsfield area. 

This past weekend the Keys to Degrees program held their annual holiday party and they were gracious enough to invite myself and the rest of the marathon team. 



The 2013 Keys to Degrees Marathon Team!



It was really great to hear all of the thank you's from the parents in the program however I should be thanking them.  They are so hardworking and dedicated to their children, school work, etc. It was amazing to see all of the children's faces light up as they opened gifts. 

so glad I could be part of their holiday celebration!

I really do love the holidays and especially this year because it will be our first Christmas in the new house!  I am attempting my first party at the new house and will be having a holiday open house/housewarming party after Christmas.  It should be really fun!

Our tree awaiting Santa's arrival

Tonight marks the start of my third MBA course here at Endicott.  So I probably should finish my reading for tonight - all of a sudden I've become a procrastinator!  Yikes.  Until next time...

Just keep running...

 mimi Xo



The Holiday Craze has Begun!

I haven't had the time to write lately - I've been super busy!  I had this past week off which has been so great - much needed.  So here is my week in a nutshell...

Brett and I did not go on our honeymoon after the wedding due to house buying, money and lack of vaca time.  We originally said we were going to take our trip in December, but since we bought the house this summer, we decided to wait until March.  We couldn't decide on where in the world we wanted to go so we decided like any civil couple would - we picked our location from a hat!  We put in 5 locations we'd be more than happy to visit and chose the winner.  Our options were..St. Martin, Turks & Caicos, Costa Rica, Anguilla and Antigua.  The winner was...drum roll please...Turks & Caicos!!  So we went onto expedia (where I have always planned my vacas and never had an issue) and chose this amazing resort...

Photo courtesy of Windsongresort.com

 

O-M-G I want to be there right now..we are super excited!  I think we're going to pick all of our vacations from a hat now on - I think it adds to the whole adventure aspect - don't ya think?!

 

My mom and I spent our Monday painting the front and side door of our house - it looks great!  Almost as good as professionals - we still always talk about opening our own painting/home decorating company someday.  I will post pictures soon (I promise!) of all the house projects we've been doing.  Brett completed an amazing front walkway this past weekend with recycled slate pieces with my brother and stepdad's help! 

 

I spent my Tuesday at my favorite spa getting pampered with a facial and my first professional massage - it was amazing as always.  With all of the running I've been doing, my muscles needed it!

Thanksgiving was spent with great family and friends!  We first went to Brett's dad's home for dinner and my aunt's for dessert.  I even ran in the morning so I didn't feel as guilty about all of the delicious food I ate.  I was in awe of Brett's dad's home decorated for the holidays...it looked so great!

Mark and Sandy's beautiful home, our Thanksgiving dinner destination.

 



The rest of my week off was spent decorating for the holidays, a much needed hot yoga sesh, and anything else I could think of to occupy my time so I didn't have to write my paper due this week - oops! 

Week 5 of training is DONE!  I'm really proud of myself for sticking with it thus far; this is the longest amount of time I've stuck with any training program.  This week consisted of running/walking 35 minutes.  I started out at 3 miles and ended the week with a super fun trail run that ended up being about 4 miles!  While running the Danvers Rail Trail, I came to the realization that in order for me to stick with my training, I have to mix up my run routes.  I tend to do the same run day after day but it gets super boring, super quick. 

The trail was so much fun to run, it was like an adventure - I kept saying to myself, "I wonder what's beyond this corner!"  It was so peaceful and I wasn't thinking about how much further I had to go - I wanted to keep going!  Maybe a trail marathon is in my future??  OK I won't go that far yet, completing a marathon on paved roads is my first goal. 

A portion of the Danvers Rail Trail called the "Swampwalk".  I made it the entrance but didn't have time (or energy) to take the 1.3 mile treck.  I'll have to tackle this guy when my longer runs come up!

 

So tomorrow will be back to work - hopefully I've gotten enough rest this week, because with the fall semester ending and the holidays coming up, I'm going to need all the energy I can get!!  Until next time...

 

Just keep running...

mimi Xo





 

 



Friend or Foe: Indoor Track Training?

I think I may have found my best ally during cold and icy winter evenings - the indoor track at Endicott College.  This week the Northeast was hit with another strong storm - this time a nor'easter.  I wanted to stay on track (no pun intended!) with my training so I thought I'd do one of my workouts indoors.  Plus I am petrified of runnning when it's icy out - I guess every runner takes a digger now and again, but I'd rather not take any chances this early in my training.  But the question is - is track training really adventageous?

Friend or foe: the indoor track?  photo courtesy of endicott.edu

Since I've begun my training, I have received so many great tips from seasoned runners.  I love picking people's brains to hear what has worked (and more importantly, what has not).  Some of the of the best tips I've heard so far:

• Stick to the training program; when it says rest, REST!
• I'm a huge fan of power hot yoga, so I was pumped to hear that yoga is super helpful while training.
• One of the problems I've come across in the past is not knowing how to stretch properly for my runs; dynamic stretching should be done before runs and static stretching after runs.  GREAT ADVICE!

I've also heard that track training is helpful when training - I had to find out if this was true, so in true nerd fashion, I did some research - here's 6 reasons why track training is helpful:

1. The high intensity of track training makes the body burn calories even after your workout is over which results in quicker weight loss (I could get used to that!)
2. I noticed that I tended to run a lot faster than normal on the track, pushing myself to sprint some laps and take it a bit slower on others.  Ultimately, this builds strength in muscles you don't necessarily use in outdoor runs.
3. This type of training can take minutes off my mile if I do it often enough.
4. The faster pace makes the heart stronger, delivers more oxygen to the muscles and helps muscles use the oxygen more efficiently - increasing stamina.
5. Stronger muscles = longer runs.
6. Stronger muscles + longer runs + slimmer me = same miles with less effort! (All information found on runnersworld.com).

I'm going to try to run as much as possible outside, but it's great to know I have a beneficial alternative for days with less than ideal weather conditions!

Week 3 of training is DONE - I'm up to 2 miles in 25 minutes!  Hoping my continued training will get me down to 10 minute miles.

On to week four where I'll be on a 30 minute walk/run plan!

 

Just keep running...

mimi Xo

Daylight Savings Time - Why?!

When did fall pass and winter begin?  Today.  I was all for daylight savings time yesterday when I gained one hour of sleep after a somewhat late night that may or may not have included a martini (or two!).  But today, I was not feeling it.  I got out of work at 5 this afternoon and it was pitch black!  I feel like I missed the entire day - this is going to be a long winter...

 

My espresso martini from one of Brett and I's favorite new restaurants for drinks and dessert!

...but instead of curling up on my couch with my first hot chocolate of the season (which I really wanted to do!), something amazing happened; I changed out of my work clothes and bundled up in my running gear to brave the chilly evening.  And once I got going, I felt good.  I've never run in the dark and it was surprisingly very relaxing. 

In the past when I would train for a 5K, I'd find an excuse not to run on days like today.  So I'm really proud of myself that I didn't listen to that little voice in my head and completed a little over one and a half miles.  Today marks the beginning of week 3 of training!

Just keep running...

mimi Xo 

It's Official!

So I didn't want to write another post until I knew for sure - but now it's official!  I've received a bib number for the 2013 Boston Marathon!  Endicott College, my employer, received 3 bibs for the Marathon through a partnership with John Hancock.  The College's community received an email inviting all staff and faculty members the opportunity to have one of the bibs.  I figured I had nothing to lose; it's always been on my bucket list and when would I get another opportunity?  So I went to the meeting and my name was the last one picked!  It was meant to be. 

Endicott College - my office is in the building on the right!

Part of my challenge includes raising money to benefit the Keys to Degrees program, a program that puts a baccalaureate degree within reach for a young single parent who seeks a better life. I'm so honored to fundraise to help these students at Endicott.  Now I really have to put my butt in gear and start training! 

I began training in anticipation of getting a bib and I've just completed my second week of training and feel pretty great with my progress so far.  I have been following my running plan and today I ran about 1.6 miles.  I've been telling all of my friends and family and so far I've received great support!  There are some who question whether I'll be able to complete the grueling 26.2 miles, but in my heart I know my commitment and dedication will pull me through. 

This week I'll be registering for the race and will post a link to my fundraising page!

Just keep running...

mimi Xo 

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog and my first post.  I have been meaning to create this for a while, at the suggestion of my friend amanda in progress.  So here it is! 

I was talking with my mom before writing my first post and she posed the question, "How do you have the time to make a blog? And how do you make a blog?"  Great question mom, my answer is I'm not sure yet, but here goes! 

This past year has been quite a whirlwind - I have spent the last year and a half planning my wedding and in April I married the love of my life.  One of my greatest passions is event planning so I was so honored and thrilled to plan my own wedding. 

Newlyweds!

I thought after the wedding I would have some down time - but boy was I wrong.  After the wedding we purchased our first home together and have been working on it ever since!   I have turned into an official weekend warrior.  We bought out home based on the first rule of real estate thumb- location, location, location! We absolutely love our new neighborhood but the house was in need of some serious TLC.  (I'll chronicle all of our progress in a later posting...stay tuned!)

 

Us as happy new homeowners

 

Once fall began, I started taking MBA courses at the beautiful, seaside college that is also my place of employment.  It's a lot more difficult getting back into the swing of writing papers and homework, but I love learning and very happy to be doing it again.

 

Now to the real reason I'm beginning this blog...

 

About two years ago, I began running...for enjoyment.  I know, I know - this was a foreign thought to me as well.  I liked working out but never loved it.  I joined my high school track team and lasted about a week after I realized I would have to train for long distances, even if I just wanted to do the short distances that I so loved.  Until I met my husband (sorry hunny!) I never had to work out - I was always in pretty good shape.  But once I became happy and comfortable in the relationship, I feel like my body took the brunt of it. 

 



Running in a relay half marathon with my team "Party of Five" - I'm in the middle, early 2012

 

 

I have been doing some 5Ks here and there Will Run for Beer Race Series and North Shore Cancer Walk/Run but have been searching for a real opportunity to kick it up a notch and truly commit myself to running.  An email began circulating at the college where I work that offered a great opportunity to its employees - the chance to get a bib number for the Boston Marathon!  So many thoughts began racing through my head;  do I have enough time?  Is it possible to train in a 6 month period for something so epic?  What if I sign up and don't succeed? 

 

 

After some thought, I've decided to go for it!  What do I have to lose?!  So I've done some research and have found a 26 week training program to get me started.  So today marks my first day of training.  I have a couple of injuries to contend with already (my knee and a pulled muscle in my back) from yoga, but I'm determined to work through them!  I clocked about 1.3 miles today and feel pretty good about my first day. 

Just keep running...

mimi Xo