No, I didn’t get a boob job, I earned a medal for completing my first half marathon!
Details coming soon. Promise!
Hello! How was everyone’s Tuesday? I was pretty psyched that it was forecasted to be 80 degrees and sunny in the Boston area. I was up and ready to go so early today! Having my lunch packed the night before and a fun math lesson to do with my fifth graders did wonders for my motivation to get out of bed today.
After school I came home, did some blogging, cleaned up the house and waited for Ali to stop in so we could head to Avalon Crossfit Bootcamp at 5:30. I have been taking Marc’s bootcamp class for a while now and really do enjoy the format and his instructing style.
Today we got to go outside to enjoy the weather (with everyone else in Charlestown
). I have begun to realize that a lot of the outdoor WOD/classes are going to involve running, which I am OK with for the most part. I am not very fast but hopefully that can be something that comes with more 400m runs.
Today my legs were extremely tired: my calves are tight and my hamstrings burn when I walk up the stairs. After class today I decided that I need to put anymore Crossfit classes on hold until after the race Sunday. No sense in pushing through to get in a workout, over-doing it can lead to injury. Part of it is definitely because this weekend I ran twice (4.5 miles Saturday and 5 miles Sunday).
Bootcamp Warm-Up
Bootcamp WOD (Crossfit Benchmark workout modified to work outside)
AMRAP in 20 minutes: I did 5 full rounds and a 6th round with the running and ledge jumps
They always say not to try anything new on race day, and while I know they are talking about wearing a new pair of sneakers or eating a new food, I am going to extend that into trying out a brand new playlist. Now, I know what you are thinking: massive, bloody blisters and pooping your pants are pretty severe consequences compared to simply not liking a song- and I totally agree. But if music motivates you to run, keeps you going, and pumps you up the way it does me then having a carefully built playlist will make any run seem more enjoyable and add to your racing experience.
Here are my tips to making a killer race-day playlist:
1) Consider why you are running.
2) Scope out some new music on the radio.
Good morning peeps!
I woke up a lot earlier than normal today so I have the luxury to post before I leave for school. It would be great if I could get up in time to do this every day, and while it may be a possibility this summer, or maybe even next school year, it is just a random occurrance for this year.
Breakfast today is a Van’s waffle sandwich with chunky peanut butter and a half a banana. I had run out of waffles and was eating bagels for breakfast until today. I enjoy bagels on special occassions like staff breakfasts or on vacation but I don’t personally care for them every morning so I am happy I stocked up on waffles.
I don’t eat breakfast until I have my coffee and settled myself into school for the day.
On Sunday I ran the Harpoon 5-Miler to benefit the Angel Fund. It was a few weeks earlier than it had been in the past. They actually changed the first-come-first-register policy that had me scrambling like a lunatic to get to a computer when registration opened to try to get a spot (the same process that you go through when trying to get concert tickets). Last year I actually got put on the wait list and eventually ended up getting a number. PHEW. This year registration was a lottery and they encouraged groups of friends to sign up as 6-packs (get it). I liked this idea because it really encouraged teams to create names (and t-shirts/costumes). Our team was split into three 6-packs and we were the “Ultimate Beer Runners”. I got shirts printed up by my friend Bodner and they came out awesome! You can design the shirts online and he will print them! Check his company out here.
Before heading to the race I laid out all my stuff the night before to be sure I was all set to go in the morning. I packed flip flops (which I didn’t end up bringing), my number, my t-shirt, etc. I also ate a blueberry Clif Bar for breakfast.
My number was 3909.
When we met everyone at the brewery I gave shirts out and we headed out 0.25 mies to the start line. There were so many people we actually started behind the “walkers” sign. Good thing timing began when you crossed that “start” line (not that I wasn’t running for time or anything, I actually didn’t wear my Garmin). I ended up finishing in just about 46ish minutes, which put me in a really good mindset for next Sunday’s race. I felt great running, though I wish I had used the bathroom before beginning the run. Mo and I kept pace together and chatted the whole time, which seemed to make the time pass much faster. We actually ended up missing the first water stop because we weren’t paying attention!
After crossing the finish line and finding our teammates we headed to the beer line. Every runner got 2 free beer tickets with registration, and if you are a friend of Harpoon (which I am) you get an extra beer.
I had a few Harpoon Whites through the course of the day.
I also ate a TON of Cape Cod chip samples. The salt and vinegar are sooooo good that I actually bought a bag yesterday to bring with my lunch for the week. Good marketing Cape Cod Chips
Though it got quite chilly once the sweat started drying and the sun went in I hung out with Amy and Mo for a couple of hours post-race.
I left the brewery around 1 and when I got home I was DYING to take a nap. I had woken up with a headache that played hide and seek on me throughout the whole race. I drank a ton of water before lying down and it seemed to help. When I woke up (headache free) Jack surprised me with a pizza from Santarpios. It is no Reginas but it hit the spot. I actually was SO hungry I had 4 slices.
Today is going to be 80 degrees and I am thinking that means Bootcamp will be held outside. I am actually wearing a dress to work today because I have a feeling my classroom is going to feel very sticky. My hair is actually already frizzing.
Happy Tuesday!
~L
Happy Pizza Monday friends! I hope you all remembered that Pizza Monday gives you a reason to get out of bed after the weekend flies by!
I went food shopping after school today and picked up everything I needed.
Alexa Brand potatoes: parmesan and garlic flavor. They are thick potatoes, less like a french fry, more like a roasted potato. The seasoning was very tasty. These babies are filling!
Salad: 50/50 Spring Mix and spinach, carrots, cucumbers, croutons, Newman’s Own Balsamic vinaigrette.
Pizza: Crust (Pillsbury roll out refrigerated), sauce (Contidina), pizza (cheddar/mozzarella mix).
I LOVED the Pillsbury dough because it was quick and easy. All you have to do is grease the pan with Pam and stretch the dough to fit the cookie sheet. It was way less messy than whipping out the flour and rolling-pin.
I spread some olive oil over the dough and cook it about 10 minutes to let the dough cook a bit before putting the sauce and cheese on. Then you really only need to cook the pizza in the oven until the cheese melts.
The result was extra crispy but soft crust. It was definitely Jack’s favorite so far.
With dinner I drank my newest obsession: Powerade Zero Strawberry. I got a sample yesterday at the Harpoon 5-Miler (I will be writing about that later) and I couldn’t wait to get some more. It was the first thing in my cart at the store today. It tastes just like strawberry jello when it is in liquid form.
Before I had dinner I went to my usual Monday night class at Avalon Crossfit. Marc was subbing for John tonight which was cool because I usually didn’t see him until Bootcamp on Tuesdays. The original WOD was supposed to include 800m runs on the track outside, but since it is raining, they changed it up and kept us indoors. I was pretty sure it would be inside but I was kinda wishing to go out.
Warm-Up:
By last Thursday it took about all I had to give to NOT have pizza. By the time I headed to Avalon Crossfit’s “Kettle bells, Abs, and More” class I thought I had pretty much made it through the day scott-free. Ali met me at class and when she mentioned going to Regina’s I knew that I lost my battle with the Pizza-Gods.
With my mind on pizza I made it through the hottest, sweatiest class ever. I think it was Birkrahm Kettle bells. I hadn’t lifted a single weight and was already sweating profousely.
Warm-Up:
What up Wednesday? I am so glad you are over, but before I get to you I got to revisit Tuesday.
Yesterday I woke up to more rain and my toe was still sore. I can’t believe that I kicked the couch and hurt my toe so bad I had to wear flip-flops to school. I was slow-moving I’ll tell ya! My day was pretty uneventful because all I did was work and come home. No Crossfit, no nothing. In a way the rainy week and stupid toe situation worked out perfectly. Who wants to go back out into the cold and rain after they finally got home and warmed up?
The highlight of my Tuesday afternoon (knowing I had time to kill until Glee) was picking up Chelsea Handler’s new book, “Lies that Chelsea Handler Told Me”. I also got a grande skinny vanilla latte. I have read her other 2 and 1/2 books (the half was “Chelsea, Chelsea Bang Bang which I could NOT finish!) and they were a huge source of amusement for many friends and family. I have been DYING for this new book to come out!
Amazon.com describes the author(s) of the book:
“Friends, family members, and co-workers of Chelsea Handler, who are happy to write a new book for Chelsea to promote since she’s feeling too lazy to write one herself.”
It is a collection of stories about the shenanigans and pranks Chelsea has pulled on her unassuming family and friends. I have read the first two chapters and they (especially the second one) are so funny! I can’t wait to read the rest!
Basically my Tuesday night was spent reading and Gleeing. I won’t talk too much about the episode, in case you didn’t see it yet, but I will say that I was sobbing at one point! Sue Sylvester’s softer side was nice to see for a change.
What did you think of last night’s episode? Anyone else ball your eyes out??
____________________________
Today I was happy to wake up to realize that I could wear shoes again! The toe still feels a little tender, and at this point I may be acting a bit dramatic, but I am running Harpoon’s 5 Miler on Sunday and I really want it to feel 100% by then!
Lunch today was left overs from diner last night: BBQ chicken and long-grain wild rice. It was actually better cold the second day than it was last night!
After getting home from school I prepped dinner quickly and changed for Avalon Crossfit. Tonight I wore one of my new Sweaty Bands. I really liked the blue with pink polka-dots and how it was thicker than the others. It actually kept all of the hair out of my face. I love all the Sweaty Bands but if I am to ever buy more I will definitely be buying the thick band!
I loved two things most about tonight’s Avalon Crossfit class.
1) They moved John’s class from 6:30 to 6 p.m. I love going a half hour early and getting out a half hour earlier.
2) Modifications! While modifications are always suggested and demonstrated, it seems like Avalon Crossfit is really making an effort to help us all listen to our bodies and know all the options available to us. They have posted a list of modifications for anyone who feels like they need them. This came in perfectly for me tonight because I wasn’t sure how my toe would react to burpees (the thought of jumping out and landing on the tips of my toes was not appealing).
STRENGTH:
4 x15 ring rows
4 x 15 thrusters (45lbs)
I only had time to do 3 sets. The thrusters were challenging for me because my wrists aren’t super flexible and holding the bar in the way we have to makes them sore! I was happy I could get through 3 sets of the thrusters with a 45 lb bar but kind of wish I would tried the prescribed 65lb for women.
WOD: “Meaghan” modified
*Note- I did this last week “regular” and today with modifications for my toes. I think my time of 6 minutes-ish was the same
21-15-9 reps
I am glad I made it to class tonight. I am the kind of person who could use the weather and a small injury as an excuse to take a while off from working out. The problem with that is that I really do enjoy it, and it keeps me sane. I also like to keep in routine and feel like I am missing something when I don’t go. Everyone was sore today from Monday’s WOD and I was jealous! Remember back in high school when you stayed home sick and would have to call your friend that night to see what you missed? Same feeling!
Dinner tonight was home-made mac & cheese made with 8oz Velveeta Cheese (I’m a classy lady) and some cubes of pepper jack. On top I crumbled a few Ritz crackers. Super quick and easy.
I am also drinking a mock-tail because I have no wine in the house. Wine makes the most sense on a Wednesday because it really gets you over the hump. Tonight I went for blueberry seltzer water, in a wine glass of course!
What book are you currently reading?? As summer gets closer I am trying to build up my book list!
~L
s
OK Bostonians, you ready for this week? It will definitely try all of our patience with a forecast that looks like this:






Boy do weekends fly by in the blink of an eye! My Monday isn’t off to a great start (and now that it is almost 6 pm I can consider the day a total wash) so I’d love to recap my busy but fun weekend.
Friday after school I headed for a run with Ali. We did a quick 3.5 miles from Charlestown to the North End and back. I was surprised at how easy running felt considering the fact I haven’t run at all the past couple weeks. Of course now that I feel like I could run this week’s weather in Boston does not look conducive to doing so (and I mangled my toed by karate-kicking my couch this am but we will get to that later).
After the run I got showered and changed and met up with Ali again to head to trivia night to benefit Charlestown Lacrosse with Avalon Crossfit. We had two teams competing against each other with the other tables. Over all my team “Avalon Crossfit 2″ came in second place! We missed first by one point. *pats on the back* It was a lot of fun and on the way out Ali snapped this picture of the two teams:
After trivia Ali and I headed to the Warren Tavern to chat over a few beers.
Saturday I woke up and met my friend Maureen to volunteer for a race. It was my first time volunteering and I had high hopes. When we got to the race site there were a few people setting up but no one was checking in volunteers and I had no idea what to do. Finally after 20 minutes or so of awkward standing around we helped put up a tent.
After that we had a bunch of waiting around to do. We grabbed a couple of t-shirts and helped out a bit, but ultimately decided to duck out early. I probably will stick to running races from now on
Lunch was at the Cheesecake Factory. I had 2 strawberry martinis. They are so delicious, completely refreshing, and made with fresh muddled strawberries (remember when i made them at home?).
I also started with a few pieces of their brown bread and a salad with balsamic vinegarette.
Pizza is always a good decision so that is what I got for my meal. BBQ chicken pizza with a side of ranch.
After having pizza for lunch Saturday I officially ate pizza 5 of the 7 days last week. Ooops. Well worth it, trust me.
Speaking of pizza, I can’t wait to tell you about my new reason to love Monday.
Stay tuned to hear about it!
~l
nji
“Gotta get down on Friday. Everybody’s looking forward to the weekend, weekend..”
That song was AH-mazing on Glee Tuesday. I can’t believe how decent they made the song that has gotten Rebecca Black such criticism! I mean, it’s still not a good song by any means, but it was a fun way to kick off prom, no?
I began my Friday by immediately turning my alarm off and then by proceeding to push the time I can stay in bed to 6:40. That is an all time late and I can’t believe it took me until May to take it that far!
Lucky for you (and thanks to my cool new iphone) I was able to take lots of food pics today. Using the phone I can email them and post them much easier than getting out my camera cord and such! Just in case you weren’t sure: I do NOT document everything I eat, just what I feel like taking pictures of during the day.
First stop was Dunk’s for an iced coffee.
Second stop was Luberto’s for a warm, fresh-from-the-oven blueberry muffin. The sugar on top added a sweet and pleasant crunch to every bite.
Lunch was left over pizza.
See the water in the background? It has been on my desk, unopened all week. Some days I don’t drink anything but a coffee in the morning and water at Crossfit. I know how important drinking water is but I just hate peeing all day and night!
Mid-moring Ali texted and asked if I’d like to go for a run when she got out of work. I wasn’t planning on running today (or doing anything for that matter) but the sun is actually out AND I am running a half marathon in two weeks. I guess a run at some point before then wouldn’t be such a bad idea. Also knowing that I will be having a few drinks tonight while we play trivia with other Avalon Crossfit members gives me some motivation to run before I drink.
When I got home I immediately tried to hydrate but pouring a big ol’ glass of purple G2 Gatorade.
I also dogged a Go Lean Crunchy! protein bar. The chocolate peanut flavor is bomb. I think I could eat 10 of them in one sitting!
After the run I am going to shower up and head to the Charlestown Lacrosse fundraiser. Like I said, I am volunteering to be on a trivia team to help Avalon Crossfit kick some butt. I hope all they ask questions about is pop culture
Tomorrow I am volunteering for my first race!
Later
~L