Runs of 2012

Since last year I sucked at blogging I guess I should give you some updates on what I did between August and January...

With the exception of running, it wasn't much.  I did finally find a bootcamp down here, I've been going since October, It's not Next Level, but it will do, I'm still getting used to it.

Unfortunately my nutrition slipped.  I wasn't eating as healthy as I liked.  For the most part it wasn't awful, but it wasn't something I felt proud of.  Every time I said I was going to buckle down and eat clean I wound up giving in again.  It kinda sucks when everyone around you is telling you it's ok to have this or that. It's weird because even though I know that eating clean and healthy is something to be proud of, but I almost felt like certain people were judging me for not eating the junk food sometimes. I don't know I guess it is hard to explain, I don't even really understand myself.  Maybe it just feels like people like to see you fail...Whatever! Anyways, I was eating more crap (especially sugar) than I wanted to, and then the holidays started and I guess I just gave up trying.    But the holidays are over, it's a new year, and it is time to be strong again!



But besides that, I did get a lot of runs in, which I'm super pumped about!


You already know I did the Boilermaker 5k in July and the Warrior Dash in August(See first post). Here are pics from those:

Sprinting to the finish...
Photo Courtesy of WKTV

Leaping fire at Warrior Dash
Photo courtesy of Warrior Dash

In September I did the Color Me Rad 5k in Albany.  That was awesome!! If you want to do a run (not timed) and don't know where to start, I suggest giving their website a look! The idea is you wear white, and along the race volunteers color you and by the end you are head-to-toe covered in color!

I went with my sis and a friend from Next Level and one of her friends.  Here is our before pictures:

Next Level Strong!

And After!

All looking pretty rad!
Pic courtesy of Color Me Rad

My fav picture of my Sis and I
Pic Courtesy of Color Me Rad

In October I did my 1st 10k!! I honestly didn't know if I could do it! Because not only was it my first 10k, but I didn't train for it and it was the first race I did that I didn't have my friends or family running it with me.  I did it here in Jersey.  It was the Terri Roemer Paramus Run.  I am so happy I was able to do it! And I had a good time to, i finished in 1:11:46.  Not bad for my first one!

Heading to my 1st 10k

The following weekend I went home and did another run with my sister and some friends from Next Level.  It was the Skeleton Run.

In case you can't tell, it was freezing, and raining.  And what was supposed to be a trail run turned into a mud run... But it was still fun!

The weekend after that, my friend Christie came down and we did another run in New Jersey.  It was the Hobooken 5k.  For this one we got to go in costume, Can you guess what we were??

We were The Price is Right Contestants!! it was a lot of fun, and the run was beautiful along the water with the NYC skyline as a backdrop.  2 days later Hurricane Sandy hit and Hoboken was underwater.

I think that everything, if not I'll update you again...now off to bootcamp!

Can't wait to get started on races for 2013...I've got a lot planned!

Gotta have goals!

The one thing I have learned through out this whole process is that I have to set goals.  Whether it is to lose 5 pounds, or to not eat chocolate for a week (something I still struggle with constantly), I need to have something that I can strive for.  I need to have something to push for, as my motivation.

My goal at the start of the year was to start running.  That was a huge deal for me!! I have always hated running! When I was in high school and we had to run the mile, I used to get out of it because I had knee problems.  Now I really did have problems with my knee (I blame the 15 years of dancing) but I could have at least tried, but I didn't, I just got myself out of it.  I was always the kid that chose the least strenuous 'sport' to play in gym. 

So this spring I started running.  I started out by using the Couch to 5k program, but then just started running on my own.  I found that I had a lot more stamina than I thought I would from working out at Next Level.  I knew that I wouldn't get myself to keep running with out a goal (especially once I moved to Jersey), so I signed up for 2 5ks! I ran my first 5k in July; Utica, NY's Boilermaker Road Race. It was my first 5k, I'm not very happy with my time (38:11), but it's something to work on. 

Sprinting to the finish!!

Photo Courtesy of WKTV New Channel 2

I just wanted my finishers pin! 

I am so happy to say that I ran it! I want to improve on my time next year, and then someday I would like to be able to run the 15k...that's a goal I need to work towards.  

I ran my second 5k, and the one that I was most excited for (and nervous about), this weekend.  I ran in the Warrior Dash in Windham, NY! What is the Warrior Dash, you may ask? Well, they describe it as a run "where 12 obstacles from hell await you along this 3.20 mile course" and I think that's a pretty accurate description.  With one thing left out...they don't tell you that it is up a ski mountain! And when I say up, I mean reallllly far up, and steep!! There was a huge group of us from Next Level that went and ran together.

Photo Credit- Cyndi St. James

Have the huge group made it a lot of fun.  I stuck with my friend Christie for the run, and I won't lie that first half mile sucked! But once we started getting to the obstacles, we started to forget about the hill, and then it started going back down.  It was so much fun! I can't wait to do it again.  My goal for next year is to do 3!  I  wasn't running it for time, I just wanted to finish without killing myself.  But next time I'd like to try and push myself more.  But I made it and got my medal!

Here's some of our dirty group at the finish and my sis and I with our shirts, medals and viking hats:

Photo Credit- Cyndi St. James

Sister Warriors!

It was a fantastic weekend, and I am so happy to say that I finished 2 5k's (and I'm registered for 2 more this year!)

Now I just need to set some new goals...I'm thinking of working my way up to be able to run the Boilermaker 15k by 2014, so maybe some 10ks for 2013. Plus, I want to run at least 2, if possible 3, Warrior Dashes in 2013, plus the Mighty Run (more on that later).  The other thing I've thought about training for is to do a triathlon sprint....gotta look into that and figure out some training.

Remember to set those goals and push till you achieve them! You can accomplish anything you set your mind to!!

Me, David and Kristen
Next Level Strong
Beast Mode!