I Know This Much Is True

*Some parents take seven-eight year old soccer way to seriously. I'm so thankful that my son's team is laid back, yes they'd like to win more, but a nice group of children and parents is better than a win any day of the week!

*Patience is a virtue. Life can't be rushed, actually nothing should be rushed, a little push here and there maybe but things happens for a reason, so Deanna, have some patience's!

*Bridesmaids, the movie is hilarious. I've watched it five times in the last four days. It makes me laugh out loud, and I love that! Laughing is good!

*Doing one thing every day that makes you happy is a great life lesson, working on it.

Are You A Space Invader?

I’ve recently notice that a majority of the general public violates a complete stranger’s personal space. Whatever happened to personal space? These space invaders have no concept of it; remember Seinfeld’s close talker, well, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. These space invaders are everywhere at the gym, in the supermarket, at the ATM machine, they take over your personal space, and it’s annoying! These people are natural space invaders, and have to be clueless! Or maybe they really don’t really care.

When I was at spin class the other day, the studio was basically empty, out of 45 bikes, 20 were empty. I choose a bike that was in the second to last row (its studio seating, so nice!) fifth bike in, there were two seats to my left and three to my right that were empty, as well as almost two empty rows of bikes behind me. Two minutes after I got situated on my bike, a fellow spinner chose the bike right next to me, really? Is that necessary? Do I need to sweat on you?

At Stop & Shop on Sunday, as I was packing my groceries, ya know helping a sister out because dude she doesn’t need to do it all; when I was asked to pay the woman behind me was right in front of the little card thingy. Really? You need to be that close, step back bitch I need my space! I actually had to say “excuse me” wherein she backed up a half an inch I felt her breathing on my neck when I was entering in my secret code. Is there any privacy? Now I have to change my secret code because she basically entered it for me.

I ran to Petco the other night, two minutes before it was closing. The parking lot was empty. I literally threw my car into a spot which was empty, thankfully cause I would of hit a car they way I was driving. I was in and out of Petco within ten minutes, when I got to my car I tried to hop in but couldn’t, a car had pulled in right next to my hot little mini-van? The lot was empty. Really? I had about a inch to open my door and squeeze in. Do you know what it feels like to smush two double d boobs into a car with about an inch of room? The car door could barely opened and my boobs, well let’s just say I don’t need a mammogram this year. HELLO? There were at LEAST 50 free spots, must you wedge your car right next to mine. Must you?

Today, when I went to the bathroom at work, I was thrilled that there was no one in any of the three stalls I choose the last stall in the bathroom leaving first two stalls as you enter the bathroom wide open, wide open. As I closed the door to do my business a co-worker entered the stall right next to me. Right next to me. Isn’t there a general rule of thumb that you never take the stall next to someone unless you’re in dire need? Did I really need to hear her tinkle?

Am I missing something? Maybe it’s me? Maybe I need more space than the average person? Could that be possible? Or is the real problem I’m not as much as a people person as I think I am!?

I Hope...

It's common knowledge around the blogging community that if a blogger is stumped for blog content, or we're lazy, we bloggers pumped out a list. Well, people, this week I've was stumped for content, okay, I was lazy.


Here is a list of things that I hope for...


* I hope...for torrential down pour on Sunday so my sons soccer game is cancelled. Yes, I do. Bad mommy. I know. I don't want to sit at a game chasing a four year old in the rain. Because they make eight year olds play in the rain as if they are playing in the World Cup. Enough already.

* I hope...that one day I'll find balance in all areas of my life. 

* I hope...that tonight when I have some drinks that I have the wisdom to pace myself.

* I hope...for World Peace. Because this fighting all over the World is bull shit and not necessary. I'm a lover not a fighter.

* I hope...that my sons, my family, my gorgeous nieces and nephews stay healthy, and if their health is in anyway compromised, I hope for a quick, painless recovery.

* I hope...that one day my sons will actually pick up their crap without my husband and I screaming bloody murder 24/7.

* I hope...that one day my husband and I can take a tropical vacation.

* I hope...one day I can see that 2:00 hour half marathon.

* I hope...that my friends and I stay as close as ever, we've been through it all and then   some. 

* I hope...that one day all the asshats in this world realize that they are asshats and stop being asshats.

Race Recap

More/Fitness Magazine Half Marathon



Start Of The Race

I completed my 6th Half Marathon on Sunday. It was a gorgeous day to run, partly cloudly, about 60 degrees in New York's Central Park. The run was two loops around the park that included a few monster hills, as well as the notorious "Cat Hill"; which I have to tell you wasn't as bad as the long winding hill right after, Cat Hill was steep but really had nothing compared to the bad boy that came next. 

This is my third time doing this race, I was very leery about it because doing two loops bored me in the past, but this year I loved it. I also loved the fact that it was all women, becuase it's very supportive, being in Central Park is incredible too because the crowds were really fantastic, so inspiring. 

Overall, the race was great, but for my individual performance, I was disappointed.

Let's start with the postivies about this race. Mentally, I never gave up on myself, the last two half marathons I physically and mentally bonked at mile 8, this race, I fought to the finish. It helped that right before I left for the race, I received an email from Ultra Marathoner Amy Palmiero Winters (we are working on a story together) that said "Remember......all you can do is give your best for that day. And if you get tired remind yourself it is just a feeling, so get over it!!!!!!!"  Throughout the race, I kept repeating this phrase to myself. I also dedicated my 13.1 miles to someone very dear to me that is battling breast cancer, so that helped me cross the finish line as well, because clearly this two hour++ battle is nothing compared to what she is going through.


Like My Do It Yourself Shorts? Class Act.

During the entire race, I never felt that any mile was particular hard, my legs felt strong the entire race, I am in virtually NO pain on Sunday, Monday or today. What disappointed me so much is the fact that I trained hard, and didn't achieve my goal. I am so inconsistent, and it bothers me. I crossed the finish line in tears because I didn't get the 2:18 that I wanted. 2:38 that stung. 

My ultimate goal is a 2:00 half marathon. I am determined to get there.  I'm not sure if I'm chasing a pipe dream of a 2:00 hour half, but I'll try. I can't give up on myself. With that being said, I am not signing up for any other endurance races until I shed the weight that I put on. I may be naive but I truly feel the extra 15 pounds is making this harder, and losing this weight is going to be my focus until the summer. I don't mind paying the higher race entry fee if it means I can perform stronger, and enjoy the race more.

Now, let's look at these inconsistent splits, my oh my!

Race Splits:
Mile 1:   17.25  (walked to the starting line that was far!!)
Mile 2:   10.34
Mile 3:   10:16
Mile 4:    9:48
Mile 5:   11:15
Mile 6:   11:41
Mile 7:   10:49
Mile 8:   10:25
Mile 9:   12:02
Mile 10: 11:47
Mile 11: 12:31
Mile 12: 13:08
Mile 13: 13:11

Please! Right? I'm giving myself a few days off - of everything, I just can't deal with myself right now and I have to figure out a plan that will work for me. I know what I need to do nutrionally, I have to figure out the strength training, cross training and core. I'm thinking P90x. Any thoughts? I will continue to run, because I do love it. And I promise I'm jumping back into the game by tomorrow, I just need to wallow in a bagel, or fries, depending on my mood, but I'm leaning towards the fries. Salty goodness is what's calling my name. 

What's In Your Purse?

By Deanna

The other day as I was frantically looking through my bag for my phone I really wished I had my masters in archeology because the random finds in my bag were priceless. I never knew what I was lugging around, I, of course, blame my children, but some of the items, well, if I blamed them I think we'd have some major issues. 


Take a look at my finds:

I have no idea why any of these random items are in my bag, why would I lug around this crap, no wonder my shoulder hurts. Do I really need a tennis ball and a bar of soap? I shower every day. How the hell did that get in there? Really?

So what are you lugging around?

The Final Countdown

By Deanna

Half Marathon Training, Week 8

Week 8? What? Really? Imagine my surprise when I looked at my training plan, and I was off a week. So typical. I miscalculated the weeks and I will only be training for 9 weeks for this half marathon which should have been 10 weeks.  If I didn't feel prepared I'd probably be a complete mess, but I'm as prepared as I will ever be. It was another good training week, I felt strong, I am really looking forward to this half, which is six days away! My only concern is that I have a dentist appointment the Saturday before the race. What the hell was I thinking? I can't cancel it either, so silly of me! I think I'll be okay, what are your thoughts?

Monday: Speed work, ran 3 miles  

Tuesday: Ran/walked 1 mile,  squats, lunges, arm presses, core, and swam 1700 yards!

Wednesday: Lazy ass!

Thursday: Ran 8 miles, felt okay on this run. I did several long runs with my friend doing this race, and I determined that I enjoy running with someone, but I need my music too, for some reason my music puts me in my zone and I can regulate my breathing much easier than when I talk.

Friday: Ran 3 miles, RECOVERY RUN!

Saturday: Rest day!

Sunday: I hoped to get up and run on Easter, but the bunny held me hostage and forced me to eat jelly beans.

Taper continues this week, I'm looking forward to getting to bed at least a half and hour earlier each night starting tonight, so I am nice and rested come Sunday morning. 

Hope everyone has a GREAT week of running, and working out!

Happy Trails!

Are Your Children Spoiled?

By Deanna

At lunch the other day, a friend and I were discussing our families’ summer vacation plans. As we were going through the things we wanted to do, my friend causally said that her children were puzzled when she told them that her family vacations included long drives cross country in the family station wagon, crusty peanut butter sandwiches, stale potato chips, and warm iced tea from thermos as lunch. She followed up that her kids expect their vacations to be at Disney high-end resorts, sushi lunches, and the comforts of beach front Villas.

Without thinking I jumped down my friend’s throat and said “our children expect this because this is what we give to them”.

And so the discussion began.

I apologized for jumping down her throat, and I backed myself up with the fact that our children only know what they are exposed to - with everything in life. Whether it’s going to Disney every year, playing tennis or not knowing that Pringles existed; imagine that? Imagine my surprise the first time I tasted a Pringle after years of eating the basic brand chip, I feel deeply in love, still have the bruise on the back of head from falling over in ecstasy.

Nevertheless, my point is, we, as parents, are exposing our children to these wonderful “things” . And who cares, I don't think it's spoiling. Don’t we want our children to have the experiences we didn’t have? Don’t we want them to explore places that we weren’t exposed to? To grow? Learn? Expand their horizons? If I have the means to take my family to Dubai, stay in the lap of luxury with butler service, and have someone feed me grapes – than I’ll go for it!

But, and isn’t there always a BUT, but I’ll also teach my boys that we can do this because we work hard, that things in life do not come easy, and I won’t raise entitled spoiled brats. It’s my job as a parent to help them understand that we need to appreciate the things that we have, that we need to give back, that it doesn’t matter where you come from that each human being is valuable, and as special as the next.

I’m not sure if my friend expected such a debate over her cesar salad, I don’t know if she merely wanted to vent, or was just making conversation, what I do know is that she is raising beautiful loving thoughtful children, and it doesn’t matter if they go to Dubai or go camping, as long as there is love, respect, and kindness, that’s all that really matters, right?

Being Stubborn Paid Off

By Deanna

Half Marathon Training, Week 7

I did it! I did it! I did it!! This is the first half marathon training cycle (I've done five half marathons, this will be my sixth) that I accomplished over two long runs over 10 miles. Last week when I did the 11, I knew in my gut that I had to do the 12. I didn't have to, but it was already in my head, I was stubborn, and knew that if I didn't do it, I'd mentally break down. The 12 mile run I accomplished this week was purely for my mental health. And I am so glad I did it because I've never been this confident going into a half marathon - and not confident that I'll have a PR, confident that I'll actually ENJOY the race. I've trained on hills, I've done speed work, I've fit in some cross training and core, and I've conquered the endurance. I am ready.

Monday: Spinned 17 miles, swam for 25 minutes (about 700 yards) 

Tuesday:  Ran 4 miles, my fastest short run of this training cycle! So excited! 

Wednesday: Run/walk for 1.5 miles, swam for 20 minutes (about 700 yards)

Thursday: Ran 12 miles, felt fantastic the entire run! I ran with my friend who is doing the half with me, it was a slow and steady run, which felt awesome because I knew as I was running that I could go faster, and I could go harder. And that's all I needed. For me running is 90% mental, and 10% physical. I honestly believe you can train your body to do anything, it's training your mind that's harder.

Friday: Ran 3 miles, RECOVERY RUN!

Saturday: Rest day!

Sunday:  Today, I hope to get in some speed work at the track, and than a walk with my sister!!

I'm going to start to taper this week, the race is April 15th, so it's really one more week of training, my long run this week will be 8 miles or so, I will continue to schedule my  workouts, and cross train because it really is really working for me!

Hope everyone has a GREAT week of running, and working out!

Happy Trails!