Hi,

Hope you’re enjoying the weekend and Happy Halloween!

Thursday, on my lunch break I went to REI to get the Garmin Forerunner 220 but ended up getting the 25 instead. It was $30 cheaper and had everything I needed so I opted to use the difference to purchase membership to REI. It is a one time cost of $20 and you get 10% off everything in the store and online forever. Seemed like a win-win. I used money that I got from my folks for my birthday.

still in birthday celebration mode

still in birthday celebration mode

Oh and while I was on my lunch break this bus passed me by…

Time to get my amazing on apparently

Time to get my amazing on apparently

Then after work I stopped at Dicks Sporting Goods in search of a light colored v-neck tech tee that I could put my name on for the marathon.

My view on my commute home Thursday night.

My view on my commute home Thursday night.

I know they say not to wear anything new on race day so I plan on wearing it over another shirt. I found this day glow yellow Nike shirt and it was on sale for $10! SCORE. Then I went to the craft store to buy some iron-on letters. They’re black with sparkles in them. I put my name on the front and some special tribute initials on the back.

Say my name!

Say my name!

Abbie Z: an angel running with me

Abbie Z: an angel running with me

The initials are of a beautiful young girl who’s life ended earlier this year as a result of a tragic accident. She was crossing the street with her friend when they were struck by a car. I went to high school with her dad and learned through Facebook about her passing. While I never met her I can’t stop thinking about her. I’m heartbroken for her family. I see photos of her with the biggest smile you could imagine. I can’t bring her physical life back and I can’t heal her family’s grief but I wanted to remember her in a special way. I always choose to make my marathon miles as meaningful as possible. Abbie Z: You’ll be my wings tomorrow. 

So many people to remember during this 26.2.

Aside from Abbie, I will be thinking of Meggan Janota who has been gone exactly 1 year (10/30/14). I met her during the Dicks Sporting Goods Every Runner Has a Reason photo shoot in South Carolina that I got to be a part of back in February of 2013. I also met Leah there too. And yesterday, I got to see her again at the NYC Marathon Expo!

me and leah and a cool and inspiring backdrop

me and leah and a cool and inspiring backdrop

Her guy is running on Sunday and she’s here to support him. She’s in the process of some major knee repair so if you can keep her in your thoughts and send her some well wishes I’m sure she’d be thrilled.

Then there’s my friend Susan’s mom, Elaine’s mom, Tara’s dad, Elvia’s mom, and a former coworker Louise.

There’s no better way to change my mindset in those later miles when I feel I’m hitting a wall than to remind myself how lucky I am to be able to run. It’s a privilege.

I didn’t really stay too long at the expo. Once I got my number and shirt and spent a few minutes talking with Leah and her guy I left and headed home.

The woman I asked to take this pic said i should pose like that. It's kinda weird but hey I listen to directions =)

The woman I asked to take this pic said i should pose like that. It’s kinda weird but hey I listen to directions =)

Today I took Duncan to the woods for a little walk and photo shoot. I was in the middle of snapping away when he saw a squirrel and started chasing it. There was a creek but so many leaves had fallen on the water that he must have not realized it was water and he fell in. Poor boy had to swim back out and was so embarrased. He’s not a fan of getting wet.

Before falling in the creek

Before falling in the creek

Ma!!!! I got wet.

and after….Ma!!!! I got wet.

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some of the gorgeous foliage in the woods today

After coming home and bathing the doodle I went for a short 2 miler just to test my new watch and phone pouch. All systems go!

Then it was off to Panera Bread to buy dinner for tonight and for tomorrow night when I finally get home from the marathon.

2 steak and cheese panini sandwiches, 1 chicken salad sandwich, some creamy tomato soup and lots of bread and chips. Plus my FREE birthday cookie! I'm all ready for the RUNger post race =)

2 steak and cheese panini sandwiches, 1 chicken salad sandwich, some creamy tomato soup and lots of bread and chips. Plus my FREE birthday cookie! I’m all ready for the RUNger post race =)

So I’ve laid out all my gear and now I’m just going to hydrate and watch the World Series until bed time. Let’s Go Mets!

the gear!

the gear!

See you on the other side of marathon #7!

Happy Monday…well it’s sorta late so I’ll also say Happy Tuesday too..

I spent the entire weekend with Mr SOTSS and it was such a treat!

Happiness is...

Happiness is…

It’s rare we have 2 solid days that are completely just for us to do whatever, whenever.I actually arrived at Mr. SOTSS’s house on Friday night after work and was in the middle of what I can now diagnose (per Google of course) as a spasm of the Piriformis =)  Weak pelvis/hips ladies and gents! The Piriformis is a pelvis stablizer and it makes sense since my hips/core are weak and my lower back has been bothering me that my Piriformis has been working hard at stablizing the pelvis. The whole kinetic chain thing! I used heat, ice and wine to alleviate the pain as best I could. Saturday morning I wasn’t anywhere near able to run but at least Mr. SOTSS got to run. He ran 8 miles with his loyal pooch Chester. It was cool and drizzly which allowed Chester the opportunity for the full 8. Since I couldn’t run, I walked Duncan into town to drop a card in the mailbox and then I tried to bike ride.
bikeSuccess! I hadn’t been on my bike since last fall. I kept it in the easier gear and just pedaled around Mr SOTSS’ neighborhood for about 30 minutes.
Then I came back and found this video on YouTube showing how to use a tennis ball to work out the spasm.
(The piriformis is right in the meaty part of your glute and sits on the sciatic nerve which is why it can be so painful) I have to say that within a few hours of doing the tennis ball trigger point massage and the pidgeon stretch I felt so much better!
Saturday night we cooked dinner together and then went to see Ted2. Cooking together was so lovely.
Fajitaless chicken

Fajitaless chicken

The movie Ted2 was really funny. I am 12 and get a kick out of teddy bears that curse. =)
Movie essentials

Movie essentials

Sunday morning we went on a hike with our dog hiking meetup group. And then we all had lunch together. It was raining but the trees protected us from most of the drops. So we got to enjoy the sounds of a downpour but only felt a drizzle.
It's like I'm wearing a raincoat dress. Not my best look!

It’s like I’m wearing a raincoat dress. Not my best look!

Always.on.the.go!

Always.on.the.go!

dirty doodle

dirty doodle

I looked up and took this picture. Only got one raindrop on my face

I looked up and took this picture. Only got one raindrop on my face

Sporting my Pro Compression leggings. I really love them

Sporting my Pro Compression leggings. I really love them

It was awesome! In the evening we made dinner together again. He did the outside grilling and I did the indoor sautéing.

We split the work. He did the outside grilling and I did the indoor sautéing

Grilled asparagus, chicken, salmon and sauteed eggplant and squash

After dinner we all just did a whole lotta lounging…
pile of paws

pile of paws

His tag matches the patio furniture so nicely

His tag matches the patio furniture so nicely

Chester was my heating pad on Friday night. Thanks buddy.

Chester was my heating pad on Friday night. Thanks buddy.

And then I had to go home. BOO! Well, I hope to run a little bit toward the end of the week and over the holiday weekend.

Oh and guess what? I won a Pro Compression sweepstakes/contest thingy held by Ali On The Run. I scored myself these awesome compression sleeves.

What's better than Pro Compression Calf Sleeves? Free Pro Compression Calf Sleeves!

What’s better than Pro Compression Calf Sleeves? Free Pro Compression Calf Sleeves!

Yup! It was a truly wonderful weekend. And now I’ve gotta get back to my work. I’m back to freelancing full time and boy oh boy am I busy right now. Have a great week!

Do you wear compression gear?

Did it rain at all for you this weekend?

Do you like to grill?

I was given a pair of these free of charge. I’m sharing my thoughts (and a discount promo code!) with you. All opinions are my own. While the leggings were given to me I am not being compensated to write this review.

RBX legging

RBX Active Digital Camo Legging

Last Friday, I took advantage of my day off and headed out for a run in the late morning—my favorite. It was a beautiful day and I had just received a package a few days earlier containing a pair of leggings—the RBX Active Digital Camo Leggings (you can view the entire collection here)

The big story here I think has to do with affordability. These leggings only cost $29.99. Plus, if you use the discount promo code: Active25 you’ll get a 25% discount (good through 7/31/15). You’ll also get free shipping for purchases over $50  (after the coupon deduction).

I usually wear black leggings or capris so I wasn’t sure how I’d like the pattern but I ended up liking them a lot. Mine are gray with glowing green accents but it comes in a few other colors too.

My favorite part of these is the waistband. It’s flattering and stayed up even without a drawstring of any kind. There’s also a pocket in the top of the waistband to store a key or money.

wide waistband and secret pocket

wide waistband and secret pocket

And best of all I finally have bottoms to match my super bright NJ Marathon finisher’s shirt =)

The fabric is light so I’d say these are best for warmer weather outdoor running and indoor sports and gym classes. I’ve only worn them once for just 3 miles so I’ll post back soon to let you know how they’ve held up (I’ll do this before the discount code expires though!)

IMG_5525

Just having fun with a self timer app

FullSizeRender 10

first 3 miles in patterned tights!

They are machine washable, sweat wicking and have flat lock seams to prevent chafing.

IMG_5516

Sizes range S-M-L-XL fitting 4/6, 6/8. 8/10, 12-14. I am wearing the Medium (6/8) and they fit true to size. I’m short (5′ 3″) so if you’re taller you can expect them to be a bit more like capris.

Do you wear patterned shorts, capris or leggings or are you more of a solid black kinda person?

 

I have so much to talk about and I thought i should break this post up into chunks. First Let’s talk about my unnecessary rollercoaster ride process to my decision on whether to run the Brooklyn Half tomorrow.

EVERYTHING BUT THE MEDAL

Wednesday afternoon, on my lunch hour I took the subway from my office in Manhattan to Pier 2 at Brooklyn Bridge Park where the Brooklyn Half “Pre-Party” (expo) was being held.

This is my stop!

This is my stop!

But seriously...

But seriously…

I wanted to pick up my race bib and t-shirt regardless of what my final decision on running would be. For one, I paid a good amount of money for registration including the tech shirt….

Because i need another race shirt

Because i need another race shirt

plus, i love that it was being held at such a scenic spot in Brooklyn where the views of lower Manhattan are just breathtaking. For whatever reason this race has become a large event with runners from all over and they made sure to tailor the pre-party for the out-of-towners and also highlight some of Brooklyn’s unique eats and music. I love when my hometown (while I live in the neighboring borough of Staten Island, I was born in Brooklyn) can be shared with others.

Sally selfie

Sally selfie

let the "pre-party" begin

let the “pre-party” begin

bk-half-preparty2

A tree grows in Brooklyn

A tree grows in Brooklyn

Yesterday morning, I drove to physical therapy for my shoulder and i was still wrestling with the whole Brooklyn Half situation. How could I possibly be in jeopardy of having to drop out of running this half marathon due to injury 2 years in a row???!!!! And for the same (overuse) injury! After 6 weeks of knee-hab here I was dealing with my ankle demons.

I shut down my mind and focused on the exercises they had me do for my shoulder. Unfortunately due to insurance reasons this was my last session. Crazy since I’m nowhere near healed. But I know the exercises i need to do and will continue to do them 2x a week at home. And maybe Mr. SOTSS can pinch hit for the shoulder massage part. =)

But as soon as I left PT, my mind was racing again….literally! I know I can physically run 13.1 miles on Saturday which is what’s been making it so hard to make that final decision. It’s what i’m risking in the long run. I’m pretty sure it would leave me with a longer road to recovery. My ankle tendonitis is mild at the moment. But this could be just too much for those tendons to handle and I know it took 4 months to heal last year when it was severe. I don’t want to lose 4 months again. Especially after I just experienced being sidelined for the knee.

And I am running a 5k on Sunday with Mr. SOTSS and his daughters and I definitely don’t want to jeopardize that in any way. So really It’s my pride that’s really has been standing in the way here. But I made the final decision just hours ago that I won’t be running. And you know what? It’s not the end of the world. And the silver lining is that I get to be a supporter/spectator this time. I had lots of practice being a spectator last year at the Spring Lake 5, Jersey Shore Half and NYC Marathon. I’ll be waiting at the finish line to cheer as my running peeps cross and then I’ll hang out with them after and help celebrate their finish. I miss them! Plus, my running peep Elvia is also needing to sit this race out so we’re going to meet to run/walk just a couple of miles while we wait for the rest of the crew. YAY!

With my pre-party experience, race spectating and post race celebration basically I’ll have everything but the medal. =)
This brings me to my next share…

PERMISSION FOR LONG SET BACKS

It started back in Sept. 2013. I trained to run 5 half marathons in 5 days.

Half marathon Day 4: Montana

Half marathon #4 of 5: Montana

Yes, I trained hard for that. I ran 65 miles in 5 days in the week of those races. I had never run as much as I did that fall….and then came the NYC Marathon that November followed by a cold and snowy winter that I battled to keep my training going for the NJ Marathon in April of 2014. I did lots of speedwork on a treadmill mainly because the snow forced me indoors and treadmills bore me. So the speed intervals kept me focused. This all proved out as i set a HUGE PR in the 1/2 marathon last March (in the pouring rain) in Philadelphia and then another HUGE PR at the NJ Marathon. I also set a 5k PR in that time as well.

Setting my marathon PR at the NJ Marathon

Setting my marathon PR at the NJ Marathon

After setting a 13.1 PR in the pouring rain

After setting a 13.1 PR in the pouring rain

Breaking 5 hours for a course PR at the NYC Marathon

Breaking 5 hours for a course PR at the NYC Marathon

So when I think about all my injuries….the ankle, the knee, the hip, the hamstring, and non-running related but definitely draining the shoulder it makes sense that i’m still suffering (also, i’ve been poor about the preventative stuff like strength training and stretching).

And so I have given myself permission for these set backs to take a while longer to recover from.

Permission that 2015 just isn’t going to be a stellar year for my physical running capabilities.

Permission to let it be the year I learn a whole lot about the importance of the 10 percent rule and strength training.

Permission to stick to (and rekindle the joys of) short 2 and 3 mile runs a whenever I feel up to it instead of double digit long runs and a religious schedule.

Permission that planks just can’t happen until my shoulder is feeling stronger.

Permission to take multiple trips to bring in the groceries while my arm isn’t 100 percent.

Permission to accept that this is temporary. And temporary doesn’t have to mean a week or a month. This could be an entire year of working toward getting back to where I was.

But the biggest permission slip here is still new for me. I’ve been in a relationship now with Mr. SOTSS for a year now (side note: We went out last night for dinner to celebrate one year since our first date and I even got flowers =)

a year together.

a year together.

The last thing I want to do is whine about my injuries and not being able to run blah blah blah….but I’ve given myself permission to do it anyway (within reason!). He’s a great listener and as a runner himself he gets it. He understands that missing out on a run can impact so many things and like a catch 22 I don’t want to become irritable for not running and then take it out on him. Gosh I’m such an adult these days! I’m so grateful and lucky to have hjm as my biggest fan and to be supportive.

OTHER STUFF:

Yesterday I ran an easy 2-ish miles in my new Lululemon shorts that I bought last weekend when shopping with my niece. Let me just say that I LOVE them!

lulu-shorts1

the waist sits just below the belly button and felt very comfortable on me

Love how the boring compression short turns into what looks like stockings. It's a pretty feminine detail and let's be honest....hot summer runs require breathability.

Love how the boring compression short turns into what looks like stockings. It’s a pretty feminine detail and let’s be honest….hot summer runs require breathability.

lulu3

No creeping! No chafing! #WINWIN

The first time I’ve had a pair of shorts just fit without riding up or needing to be layered over compression shorts. I’m going to be blunt….I have a lot of thigh-age. I don’t hate my legs but I know that they rub and I chafe easily. I also know that most running shorts creep up and look pretty unflattering. So usually i’ll put a pair of compression shorts underneath. These came with an already attached pair of tight fitting shorts but they are so light.

I met my friend for a walk later on in the day and we came across this cute lil frog.

froggie

froggie

This morning I took Duncan to the vet for a checkup. He got a clean bill of health. We celebrated with a walk in the park.

Tranquility

Tranquility

The left side of my face felt like being camera shy.

The left side of my face felt like being camera shy.

Waiting nervously at the vet.

Waiting nervously at the vet.

Do you have a pet? 

Favorite running shorts?

Anyone running a race this weekend?

Anyone going to be at the Brooklyn Half?