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Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Mamavation Monday

I never know what to write on my Mamavation Monday posts. My life isn't very exciting. When I was training for the triathlon, I had lots to share and keep on track. This month is hard because there is so much going on. I really need to get my Wii Fit set up and use that during the Munchkin's nap time.

Maybe one day my life and house will be organized and I can do things without feeling guilty that I'm not taking care of the house. I struggle with a lot of guilt that I should be taking care of everyone else before I take care of myself. I know it's a Mom thing. When I win the lottery one day (positive thinking), I can have someone else organize everything and then not feel guilty.

In good news, I won an XBox console with a Kinect! Burger King was giving them away last month and I found there was a way to get free game codes. It was one of the last days of the giveaway and I won one. I'm so excited!!! Hopefully someone will get me the Dance or Your Shape video. They are on my Amazon wish list. Now I just need a PS 3 and I'll be all set with my gaming. Since I'm such a gamer *sarcasm*.

Happy Chanukah to all my MOTs! Enjoy your latkes and applesauce. Next year there will be sweet potato pancakes!

Monday, November 22, 2010

I'm back - Mamavation Monday

After a brief blogging vacation break, I'm back. Life has been crazy, but I think that it is getting back to normal. Or, at least I'm learning how to cope.

There is a new exercising love in my life - Pilates. I take a class on Wednesday morning (mat not machine) and it is some of the hardest exercising I've ever done. I was so sore for 4 days after my first class. I want more! So many people have said that pilates changes the shape of your body. I've only taken 3 classes and I can totally see that happening. It stretches you out and makes you stand taller. I think I might have to pick up a DVD to do it a few times a week at home. Any suggestions?

As a little girl, I loved ballet. I took it for a few years, along with other dance styles. I think I may sign up for an adult ballet class. Dancers have such amazing bodies and maybe I can imagine myself having that type of body while I am doing a pliƩ. I guess I like exercises that make you control your muscles and movement.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Enjoy your turkey. Gobble Gobble.

MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV.

SISTA OF THE WEEK: Congrats Heather (@notdiyheather) for being SOTW two times now!!! Woo hoo!

BLOGGING CARNIVAL: Thanks to @subwayfreshbuzz for sponsoring this week's blogging carnival, along with being such a great supporter of Mamavation in general. I would like to make my Commit to Fit pledge to sign up for an ongoing ballet class.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Getting back on the horse - Mamavation Monday

I've fallen off the wagon. The wagon left me 5 miles ago.

I finished the triathlon and now I have to get back to life and everything I've neglected the past few months (cleaning the house, organizing, laundry, etc). I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with all I have to do, but I know I'll get it done in time. Also, the Munchkin is having health issues. He's had lots of doctor appointments and is going to need surgery. He's got a hernia, among other things. He'll be okay, but it's stressful and I'm a stress eater.

While getting my life back in order, I have been neglecting my body and exercise. I need to find the balance. I've also been neglecting Twitter and the Sistahood. I'm so truly sorry about that.

I'm done with being lazy and I'm getting back on the wagon! I can work out 3 days a week when Munchkin is in school and I'm sure I can fit another work out in one night a week. My brother gave me his Wii Fit and I can't wait to try it.

Slow and steady wins the race!



MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV.


SISTA OF THE WEEK: Go April of @GAFlygirl for being the Sista of the Week!

BLOGGING CARNIVAL: Thank you to SUBWAY for sponsoring the Blogging Carnival! I can't wait to see Jared and the Commit to Fit Campaign in the NYC Marathon!

Monday, September 27, 2010

TRI-umphant

The first time I went running to start my triathlon training, I came home and told my husband that I didn't think I could do this. I've never tried running and didn't really like doing it. I barely ran 2 miles that day and I just felt defeated. My husband said (and I will never forget this), "Somebody has to come in last." I didn't want to hear something like that, but it's true. And, even the last place person finishes. It just may take them longer than everyone else. But that's okay. It doesn't matter if you are 1st, 549th or in 1,200th place. You can still say that you finished the race.
 
Sunday, I participated in my first high endurance event, an Olympic distance Triathlon - swim 9/10 mile, bike 25 miles, run 6.2 miles. I would have never decided to do something so huge, but it was for such a good cause. I was part of Team in Training (TNT) and raised funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I've had 4 very close family members die from blood cancers so this was very personal for me.

Three months ago, I could barely swim.

Three months ago, I never thought I could get on a bike and ride 25 miles.

Three months ago, who wants to run 6 miles? Not me.

Well, I DID IT!! I've been training for 3 months and there were so many times I wanted to give up, but I didn't. When I started my training, I had no idea what I was getting myself in to. I'm not very athletic and I'm overweight. I worked out a few days a week at the gym, but didn't really push myself. I knew I could do more but didn't know how to get there. I truly believe that if I can do this, anyone can. Really, anyone can. Don't shake your head and think, "not me" because I know you can do it. You just need a support system. Every time I came home and told my husband I didn't think I could do this, he was always there with a hug and supportive word. During the bike portion, I called my husband and said I needed to hear a "Go Mommy Go" from him and my son. It lifted my spirits and kept me going.

The race was difficult, don't get me wrong, but the anticipation of it was much worse than the actual event. It helped that I had completed all the portions of the race on their respective routes. I didn't have any surprises and knew what I was up against. The Team In Training coaches and mentors were fantastic! If you are even thinking about doing any type of high endurance event, I would highly recommend going through Team In Training. Everyone is so supportive and they over train you for the event. You are so ready and pumped up. During the race, I kept thinking about all the people that had enough faith in me that they donated to TNT in my name. I didn't want to let them down, so I kept going.

I'll write a whole post about the actual race. I do have to share that when I was coming in from the bike ride, I got to the transition area and was so shocked to see my brother there. He came up from DC to surprise me. Let me tell you, I was surprised! After the race, we were all at my house, just hanging out and my brother went to take out the recycling. Someone rang the doorbell, I opened the door and my mom was there. She came out from California to support me. What a great family I have!

During the bike ride, they had signs on the big hills to keep you motivated. My favorite sign was "Pain is temporary, but quitting is permanent." That will stay with me forever.

Here are a few pictures from the race:





If anyone is thinking about doing a high endurance event and has any questions, please feel free to contact me. I would be more than happy to tell you about my experience (good and bad).

GO TEAM! 

Mamavation:

MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV.

SISTA OF THE WEEK:
Go Joanna (
@way2gomom) for being the Sista of the Week! 


Can't wait to see Pete Cohen tonight on Mamavation TV. He's so amazing and motivational!

Monday, September 20, 2010

6 Days with so many nerves! - Mamavation Monday

6 days to go and I'm so nervous! 6 days until I compete in an Olympic Triathlon. 6 days and all my training will come into play.

6 DAYS!


I'm totally freaking out, but so excited for how far I've come in 3 months. I never imagined that I would be able to just hop on my bike and go for a 25-mile ride. It's been 15 years since I've owned a bike. And, I can now go in the water and feel comfortable. I know how to swim. I'm not very fast, but I can swim!

My biggest concern is not finishing the bike portion in time and getting pulled off the road. I know it's a possibility, but I'm still going to try. The race leader said we would still be able to come back and finish the running portion. I'm in it to finish!

This week, we are supposed to taper our training. I'm going to still do my swimming, biking and running, but not at the same intensity. Hydration and sleep are very important before the race. Lots of sleep and water, but not at the same time.

For those who don't know, this is my first high endurance event. I'm doing it as a member of Team In Training and raising funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I've had 3 very close family members die from blood cancers so this is very personal for me. I would never try to attempt a Triathlon as my first event if I weren't doing it for charity.

Go Team!


MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV.

SISTA OF THE WEEK: And a BIG congratulations to Pamela M. Kramer of @PamelaMKramer for being the Sista of the Week!

Thanks to Subway for sponsoring this week's blogging carnival at Mamavation. I love the veggie sandwiches! They were my go-to-meal when I was pregnant!

Monday, September 6, 2010

20 Days To Go - Mamavation Monday

20 days until the Triathlon.

Yesterday, I went on my first big ride with the Team In Training Group. I rode 22 miles in about 3 hours, with lots and lots of hills on the ride. It was very difficult and I wanted to give up a few times (only in my head, never out loud), but we were on open roads and I had no way to get back to my car so I was stuck. After the race, I found out that if you are not finished with the bike portion of the race by 10:30, they pull you from the course and you are disqualified. I knew they opened the streets to traffic at 10:30, but I just thought you would ride with the cars. The first part of the triathlon is the swim (9/10 mile), then you jump on your bikes (25 miles) and then come back for the run (6.2 miles). If I start my swim at 7:30, I'll finish at about 8:30ish. I will then have 2 hours to complete the bike ride. I don't know if I can do it in 2 hours. One of the coaches told me I could defer my race entry until next year and then just train really hard until then. But I don't want to wait. I've been working so hard on this and I want to at least try. I would feel like a quitter if I didn't at least try and get as far as I can in the race. Maybe even cross the finish line!!

Tonight, I have an open swim. There will be lots and lots of swimming, riding and running to do over the next 3 weeks.

Based on the recommendation of the Sista Of The Week, @GretaBlau (Congrats, congrats!!!), I'm going to do a bike ride every other day. I'm going to do some long rides, but also do some work on the hills. We've got some big ones right around our apartment building so I can do it after the Munchkin goes to bed and not have to worry about riding at night and cars.

I am totally freaked out about the Triathlon, but still going to give it my all (and then some). We're going to Maine in October so I'll just keep thinking about the trip as my reward for all my hard work!

My fitness goals are pretty consistent until the Triathlon:

1. Early morning run at least 2 or 3 days.
2. Eat more protein and complex carbohydrates.
3. Drink lots of water. It's hot out there!
4. Do 1 brick. Bike ride for at least 2 hours and then run/walk for 3 miles.

For those who don't know, this is my first high endurance event. I'm doing it as a member of Team In Training and raising funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I've had 3 very close family members die from blood cancers so this is very personal for me. I would never try to attempt a Triathlon as my first event if I weren't doing it for charity.

Thank you to Chef's Requested for sponsoring this week's Blogging Carnival! Can't wait to try you out.

Monday, August 30, 2010

27 Days To Go

27 days until the Triathlon. EEEEKKKK!

I can't believe it is so close. I'm so nervous and excited. Tonight was amazing for me and my training. I swam 1 mile in the open water. Did you hear/see that? ONE MILE! This is huge for me! I didn't give up and kept going. I was the last person in, but I don't care. Three months ago, I could barely swim. I basically did the swim portion of the race and I wasn't dead after it.

I've been getting up early and running/walking before my husband needs to go to work. I need to get back into doing it 3 times a week. Now I need to alternate running and bike riding. I'll get it all done.

My fitness goals will be pretty consistent until the Triathlon:

1. Early morning run at least 2 or 3 days.
2. Eat more protein and complex carbohydrates.
3. Drink lots of water. It's hot out there!
4. Do 1 brick. Bike ride for at least an hour (preferably more) and then run/walk for 3 miles.

For those who don't know, this is my first high endurance event. I'm doing it as a member of Team In Training and raising funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I've had 3 very close family members die from blood cancers so this is very personal for me. I would never try to attempt a Triathlon as my first event if I weren't doing it for charity.

GO TEAM!!

Sunday, August 22, 2010

5 weeks to go!

Can I tell you how excited I will be on September 27th? I will wake up in the morning and the triathlon will be over. I won't spend all my time obsessing over how fast I swim, bike and run. I'll be able to do different workouts. Best of all, I won't feel guilty if I miss a workout one day. Of course I'll still be exercising, but I won't be on a strict schedule of what exercise, # of times per week and for how long.

I've been feeling really stressed this week because I started really looking at the Westchester Triathlon website, especially this page. Apparently, the elite athletes will be finished with their 9/10 of a mile swim in 18 minutes. 18 minutes!!! Some people will be finishing the whole thing in less than 2 hours. I will only be a few minutes into my bike ride at that point. Obviously I know I'm not an elite athlete (and no where near that level), but it is still very intimidating. I just keep reminding myself that I'm in it to finish. I figure with no problems, it will take me between 4-4.5 hours to finish. I still can't believe I'm doing an athletic event for that amount of time. That reminds me, I have to make my spa appointment for the next day. For Mother's Day, I got the super-duper-major spa package from my husband. I think I deserve to use it after the Tri!

I have another open water swim on Monday night. I didn't get to go last weekend due to the thunderstorms. You can find me at Rye beach for the next 4 Mondays!

For this week, I need to keep running. The early morning runs have worked out really well. I'm going to try to keep doing it 2-3x a week.

My fitness goals will be pretty consistent until the Triathlon:

1. Early morning run at least 2 or 3 days.
2. Eat more protein and complex carbohydrates.
3. Drink lots of water. It's hot out there!
4. Do 1 brick. Bike ride for at least an hour (preferably more) and then run/walk for 3 miles.

I wonder how many calories I will burn during the triathlon...

ETA: This is my first high endurance event. I'm doing it as a member of Team In Training and raising fund for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I've had 3 very close family members die from blood cancers so this is very personal for me. I would never try to attempt a Triathlon as my first event if I weren't doing it for charity.

My Team In Training page is here.

GO TEAM!!!


MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV.

SISTA OF THE WEEK: Congratulations to Shawnee Halligan @ShawneeH for being the Sista of the Week! Way to go.

A big thank you to this week's sponsor, Earth Footwear! I have a pair of suede clogs that I adore and wear all the time during the winter. And, I love that they are so earth friendly! I would love another pair that I can wear year round, or maybe a cute pair of boots.

Monday, August 9, 2010

Mamavation Monday! 7 weeks to go!

I guess this is my first official Mamavation Monday post.

I've actually fallen off the wagon in my training (and blogging), but I'm getting right back on it. This week was really big for me because I had my first open swim (swimming in open water as opposed to a pool). It was a timed swim so you would swim as far as you can for 25 minutes and then head back to the beach. I got to swim with my new wetsuit, which I actually like. Seeing the big Team In Training logo on my chest helps inspire me to keep going. I'm not that strong of a swimmer to begin with so it was very difficult for me. I was swimming against the current so I was swimming and not going anywhere. But, I didn't give up. I was one of the last swimmers, but that's okay. Everyone told me the first open swim is the hardest. I'm going out again tonight for another open swim. I'll be there every Monday night until the Tri.

In other news, I was able to put on my favorite summer capris that haven't fit in a long time. Yay me! I don't own a scale so I'm really judging my weight loss on how my clothes fit.

I've got 7 weeks until the tri. It's GO time. Gotta start doubling up my workouts (2 per day). I'm going to wake up early and get a run or bike ride in before Munchkin wakes up and Mr. Fix-It goes to work at 8am. I did it this morning and it wasn't so bad. I hit the snooze a couple times, but it was the first day.

Goals for this week:
1. Early morning run at least 3 days.
2. Eat more. I realize I haven't been eating enough to help with my muscle development and energy levels.
3. Drink lots of water. It's hot out there!
4. Do 1 brick.
5. Tweet more. It's just hard because Munchkin is in camp and I'm not in front of a computer all the time. I do read most things, just don't get to respond.

I can't wait to see everyone tonight on Mamavation TV!

MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV.

SISTA OF THE WEEK: CONGRATS CONGRATS to Julie Mansfield @jamnsfld76 for being the Sista of the Week!

BLOGGING CARNIVAL: This week's blogging carnival is sponsored by Lori @gutimom as an Avon Representative. Here is all the swag she is giving away:

Cherry Blossom Naturals Set - $32 full retail value
Shower Gel, Body Lotion, Body Spray, Cosmetic Bag
Haiku Fragrance and Body Set - $49 full retail value
Shower Gel, Body Lotion, Shimmering Body Powder, Roll On Antiperspirant, Perfume
Foot Works Hodge Podge - $33 full retail value
Watermelon Foot Scrub, Spray Gel, Cooling Lotion; Original Conditioning Foot Soak, Exfoliating Bar Soap; Green Tea & Mint Exfoliating Scrub
Advance Techniques Professional Hair Care 2-IN-1 Healthy Shine Shampoo and Conditioner (Daily Results) - $4.00 full retail value
Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus - Expedition Insect Repellent with SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray Pump with Vitamin E (Gentle Breeze) - $14 full retail value
Magix Face Perfecter with SPF 20 (Clear) - $10 full retail value
Spafinder Callous Remover - $10 full retail value
Spafinder Gel Eye Mask - $10 full retail value

Thanks Lori! I still have my AVON raccoon hairbrush from when I was 4 and my mom was an AVON rep.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Mamavation!

Better late than never, I have decided to throw my hat in the ring and apply to be a Mamavation Mom. I want to help inspire other Moms (and anyone for that matter) take that first step to living a better and healthier life. I wasn't going to apply, but then at the gym tonight, I decided why not. I've taken my first steps in being healthier and living better, why can't I help others. Also, I need all the support I can get while training! You give what you get and I can give a lot.

What is Mamavation, you might ask? From the website:
Mamavation is a social experiment and weight loss campaign in social media with the goals of teaching moms healthy living lifestyle choices so they can share with their family. Mamavation is a two part campaign: (1) a virtual healthy living boot camp for two moms and (2) the home of the first virtual healthy living sorority in social media, the Sistahood.

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Getting better!

I didn't get a chance to go to the gym today so I decided to use my elliptical machine while the laundry was in the washer. I only had a small window before I had to put the laundry in the dryer, but a little is better than nothing.

I can feel my stamina and endurance increasing! Yay!!! It also helps me to listen to really good music that helps me get lost in the moment and not think about how long I've been exercising.

What do you like to listen to when you work out?

Training

I received my training schedule from Team In Training and I'm already 4 weeks behind. Oh well. I can only do what I can do. I'm not trying to finish the triathlon in a certain time...I just want to finish!

My goal is to workout every day. My wonderful husband has been very good about making sure he is home in time for me to go workout a few nights a week. I think I've worked out 5 times this week. It will get easier once the Munchkin is in camp starting next week. I'll have 3 days with 3 hours to train.

In a few weeks I might actually be able to go for a run with someone. Right now, I can't really keep up to well, but it will all get better in time. The triathlon is 3 months from today! 92 days to train.

I can do this!!!!

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Welcome!

I always thought I was a little crazy, but this seals the deal. I am signed up for the Team In Training Triathlon in Rye on September 26. I have secretly always wanted to participate in a Team In Training event, but never had the nerve. The opportunity arose and I knew if I didn't do it now, I would regret it.

Team In Training benefits The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, an organization that is trying to cure blood cancers. My father, grandfather and uncle died from complications of different blood cancers. I am doing this to honor their memory and do what I can to help eradicate this form of cancer.

I decided to blog about my journey through training and then completing the triathlon. This is going to be very difficult for me, but I know I can do it (with a lot of support). I know I wouldn't be able to do this without the support of my amazing husband.

Take a look at my fundraising page here.

If you are free, please come out the day of the race, either as a spectator or volunteer. It would be great to see you during and after the race!

My father and grandfather:   



















My uncle: