CDPHP Workforce Challenge.

Every year when I run this race I find myself complaining about it’s size and yet, I still sign up the following year… because it is a great tradition with co-workers! This year there were more restrictions and detours, not allowing runners to access the Concourse and even the street from stairwells we had previously been able to use. And because of these restrictions, even though there were less runners, it was definitely more hectic at the start. The photograph below was where I was standing when the race started…

We had to wait for all the runners and walkers to go by, travel down the stairs to the street, walk to the start and then frantically dodge the walkers until we could comfortably run, which didn’t happen until about a mile and a half up the hill and in the park.

This year I struggled more than usual, from what I think was due to the bass at the start. I recently found out that if a bass is strong enough, it will change the rhythm of my heart. Because we were still up top, right in front of the music, this became an issue. It seemed as if my body was struggling to adjust my heart rate once we got going, either that or it was just a bad running day for me. I was thankful for my co-worker of whom I was running with; she kept me going to the finish. We shaved off a minute from last year and have plans for next year to help us avoid the large crowds.

I would just like to shout out two of the many volunteers who made this run happen, Kim and her husband who I quickly saw handing out water at the finish. We were thrilled to get our shirts in a size small (we always get there too late) and to have a banana to lift our spirits. Run we will- another year in the books.

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our weekend.

The past three days have been beyond crazy busy. Friday night was TNO and after my double and the beau’s print party, we were up into the wee hours printing to prepare us for Saturday, because…

We were venders at the MOVE festival in downtown Albany Saturday. After hours of sitting in the freezing cold and explaining our services, we decided to grab some food (aka the most delicious cajun french fries at Bombers) and take a stroll. I rarely buy flowers anymore from storefronts but something inside of me told me to walk in… and when I did, there stood a great childhood friend of mine of whom I haven’t seen in a long time. We caught up, I got some beautiful ruby ranunculus and exchanged numbers. I was so happy the whole way home that I listened to my intuition.

Sunday we finally got the opportunity to sleep, read our books and went for a run on the bike path before brunch. Can I just say that it was absolutely gorgeous out? Because it was! And can I also boast that the beau ran a mile pain free? Because he did! I set out for three and felt great to see the negative splits; this whole exercise thing is finally starting to become habit once again.

Our walk to brunch was warm and longer than usual because I stopped frequently to admire all of the blooms downtown. The tree above reminds me of cotton candy and I could sit underneath it all day. But I couldn’t, I had errands to run. Kitty cat is restocked with food and litter, the store will soon have new prints hung on the brightly colored walls, a mini grill was purchased for the porch along with a bird feeder and a second planter for our broccoli and kale seedlings. A birthday dinner to top off the night and the beau is now already passed out in bed; resting up for his trip into the city tomorrow.

Although it was a packed weekend and very little was actually accomplished around the apartment (laundry, cooking, planting), I’m pretty appreciative of the time spent together. Hope you all had a wonderful weekend outside or at least with the one(s) you love. Stay happy my friends.

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Cheribundi juice review!

A month or so ago I was given the opportunity to try a case of Cheribundi’s Tart Cherry Juice- it came so quickly in the mail and I read all of the material before establishing a game plan.

The phytonutrients that the company speaks of are no mystery word to me- it’s a familiar word when doing research about a plant based diet. Phytonutrients are the natural chemicals found in plants that help defend against environmental issues, such as pests and ultraviolet light. Well, these chemicals have been known to also help people fight heart disease, diabetes and even cancer. The more fruits and veggies you eat = the healthier you are! Plain and simple, folks. This tart cherry juice is a high concentration of not only the phytonutrients, but also antioxidants. Look it up, antioxidants, specifically found in cherry juice, is great for anti-inflammatory properties.

What does all this science talk mean for an active gal like myself? It helps prevent soreness and aids muscle recovery!

So, I put it to the test. My plan was to drink one bottle of tart cherry juice every day leading up to the Gator Gallop.

My results/review: I think it worked! Even though I wasn’t training “hardcore,” I was still upping my miles significantly to what they had been over the last couple of months. On top of adding miles, I was also hiking high peaks = long days with double digit miles, up mountains! After the race, I rushed home and made a cherry juice shake: 1 serving of tart cherry juice, 1 frozen banana, 1 scoop of sprout powder and a few extra frozen blueberries whirled up = deliciousness! Held me over until the baby shower I was attending later in the day.

Little bit of forewarning to those of you who rarely consume juices (like me): don’t drink it past 3 o’clock in the afternoon! On the days that I didn’t workout, I forgot to drink it until I got home for dinner- not a problem if you are use to consuming high amounts of sugar. Although this sugar is from fruit, it still had an effect on me and my sleeping habits. But on the days that I drank it in the morning, all was well.

Also, and I don’t know if this is too much information, but last week when I had the 12-hour bug, this was the first thing drank that I could keep down. It had the sugar to give me a little boost, mixed with water it gave me a little fluid and I didn’t feel guilty about consuming it (like I would have with multiple colored freeze pops). Maybe it was in my head that my body aches went away, maybe not, but I was a happy camper come bedtime.

Overall, I would recommend this tart cherry juice to all my active friends. Some of the other flavors have whey in them, which doesn’t agree with my vegan lifestyle, so unfortunately I can’t review those and their effectiveness. The green tea blend looks great! This summer is going to be a busy one- with trying to become a 46er and *possibly* training for a half-marathon- I may just continue to drink it to see how effective it is. Cheers to good health!

*Cheribundi did supply me with the juice free of cost, but all opinions are my own. 

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we run as one.

I was planning on sharing my hiking story from last week but with yesterday’s events, I wanted to write this little something. 

Many of us cannot run eight minute miles. Many of us will never be first in our age group. And most of us will never make it to Boston. 

Some of us run because we want to stay/get healthy. Some of us run because it’s cheap therapy. Some of us run for a cause/charity. And some of us love to get the swag. 

Regardless of our pace and reason why we lace up, we are all runners. We are all part of this family that nod to each other in passing, spread words of encouragement and help those who have fallen. 

We have odd diets that fuel us for miles, rituals that prepare us for the journey and motivation to carry us across the finish line. 

We run in the morning before the sun and our families rise for the day. We run on our lunch breaks. We run after tucking in our children to recharge for the next day to come. 

It is a sporting event that spectators don’t pay to see, stand for hours on end and cheer for complete strangers. Never will you hear someone boo you but you will find community members offering a hose to cool you off and pick up your spirits. There are plenty of tears; from the pain that convinces you you’ll never run again (which isn’t true) and the overwhelming feeling of accomplishment. The energy at any race is contagious for all runners, volunteers and spectators.

Today when I slipped on my sneakers, I ran for those in yesterday’s race that didn’t get to finish. I ran for the loved ones that came to watch. I ran for the person(s) that tried to ruin this tradition.

We are all going to continue to run. 

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it must be in the air.

I don’t know what it is about the Spring sunshine and the potential for above-freezing temperatures, but it always motivates me to get outside and get moving. Today was no exception.

Despite not training and working until midnight last night, I ran the Gator Gallop 5k this morning. I decided that I wasn’t going to focus on PRing but instead focus on the fact that this time last year I could not run this race. Do you remember? This was my first race since the attempted marathon and to simply put it, I was nervous.

When the whistle blew, all of the runners ran ahead of me, leaving me in the dust. I panicked and thought, “am I going to be able to do this? Why am I running so slow?” I focused on the course that I was running and before I knew it, I was at the one mile mark- 8:39- a full minute faster than I anticipated running. No wonder I felt out of breath! I focused on my breathing, fell into stride with two gals right in front of me and before I knew it, I was at the finish line. Shout out to my friend Phil who ran his first 5k!

This run symbolized my commitment to get back into the sport. Running is not easy for me, in fact, almost every run is a difficult run for me regardless of the distance. I’d prefer to sleep over getting up early before work and I curse the weather conditions if they aren’t “perfect.” But, I get out there. Over the next couple of months I’ve made a promise to myself to get out there more frequently and possibly register for a half-marathon for the fall. I don’t want to rush toward marathon training until I feel (as) comfortable (as possible) running 6-7 miles. And it will happen.

Moral of this short post: never take your health for granted. Get out and walk around the block. Jog if you can. Sign up for a race and participate in something as a community member. The reward is a feeling/high of accomplishment and believe me, you won’t regret it.

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my March monthly challenge!

I’ve got a couple of confessions to make.

Once again I did not reach 100 miles. I have three excuses:

1. It is way too chilly out there at five o’clock in the morning.
2. It is way too dark out there at five o’clock in the morning.
3. Who likes to keep track, really?

I know my excuses are lame- they didn’t seem to be a problem this time last year when I was marathon training; I somehow managed to survive and succeed five days out of the week. And realistically I won’t have the second excuse in about a week after daylight savings. In regards to the third excuse, I honestly find it a chore to keep track of my miles when I’m walking around downtown. My biggest problem is that I forget to stop my timer and hours later, my phone is dead with very little miles and a large time to record. Poo!

My solution to this darn challenge that seems impossible, complete actual workouts rather than wandering the streets. And my solution to that daunting task: train for a 5k! Woop woop! The Bust A Move 5k is coming up the first week of April and this race holds a special place in my heart. The first year I ran it, I PR’d. Last year during marathon training, I planned on crushing the previous PR BUUUUUUUUUUUT I then had to have heart surgery and was out of commission. Does anyone else remember that tough day for me? I stood out there, crying as the runners took off, wishing that I was amongst them. Instead of dwelling, I clapped for every single runner that ran the race. I even held on to the winner’s glasses. Good karma? Gosh, I sure do hope so. This will be my first race back in action and I couldn’t be more nervous excited! No expectations other than a good time. I put together a little training plan for myself and a friend, who has never ran a 5k. 100 miles I hope to not see you in April so, here I come!

Second confession: I fell off the bandwagon after six days on during the Fab Ab February Challenge. I know, I know. The good news is that Laura and Kathy completed it in full- holler! So, I’m thankful I inspired at least two other women to get active, I just, failed. Ha!

Now for March. I give you the “MARCH Madness for…hammies!” calendar. You likey? Good. Because I’ve got a good feeling about this one. Three simple exercises: the side lunges, the step ups and the wall sits. If you don’t know what any/all of them are, youtube them, you’ll find how-to videos. Three simple pointers for these exercises: each leg should complete the daily side lunges, the step ups make more of an impact the higher you step and lastly, sit as parallel to floor as you can during the wall sits. You won’t need a partner to hold your ankles this month, ladies.

Copy, paste and print. Oh, and join in on the fun! I promise this month I’ll make more of an effort to participate.

Stay happy and healthy!

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did not finish.

Well, that didn’t go as planned.

Let me break down the weekend for you, because after all, this was my first marathon weekend.

Drove up Friday evening with my parents, had a healthy dinner of fish, and rice with corn on the cob. I sure do love camp-fire food! Checked into my room at the Hilton, was in bed before nine and had a wonderful night’s rest until 7:30 the following morning. I never get to sleep in that late!

Saturday morning I got up, ate some oats and raisins, and got ready for a relaxing day. I met my parents at the Farmer’s Market, did a little shopping and found Lindsey, my partner in crime. I had lunch later that afternoon at a delicious crepe place, The Skinny Pancake, and then scoped out the finish line. I wanted to find a place where I’d meet the beau afterward, just in case it was so super crowded (which it always is). We drove to pick up my race bib, get my free (and super cute) t-shirt, and free goodie bag. We took our photo in the booth sponsored by KeyBank. That evening my parents cooked me a foil dinner, my all time favorite camp meal, which was clean and good for fueling me for what was to come. Everything had gone as planned- even that night’s rest.

I surprisingly fell asleep around ten, woke up only once around 1 to make a quick trip to the bathroom and rose again at 5:15 a.m. with my alarm. The nerves officially kicked in. I drank my gatorade and pre-run shake just like I had trained to. Drank more water/gatorade. Packed. Tried to relax. Hit the bathroom like six times. Finally got dressed. And before I knew it, Lindsey and her husband were there and ready to walk to the start.

I found my friends and family fairly quickly (mainly because the beau made shirts and they were all sporting them) and we all posed for pictures. As Lindsey and I were in line one last time to use the porta-potties, we both had this look like, “OMG, what the hell is about to happen?!” But they were good nerves and we were so happy that the weather was cooperative. It was overcast. It wasn’t humid. And there was a slight breeze. Before we knew it, we gave our last hugs and we were squeezing our way into the mass of runners.

It all happened so fast. We didn’t hear the countdown and barely heard the horn; we just felt the crowd walking forward. It took a few minutes to cross the start line as expected and we were off!

The first 1-3 miles are always the hardest for me, having to find my groove. And with the course being slightly uphill and having to dodge thru a crowd, it was taking me a little longer than normal. The crowd was inspiring, the shirts were fun to read and follow, and the downhill sections I used to propel myself forward and gain ground. I passed my family and friends around the third mile and I knew I wouldn’t see them for an hour or so, so I focused on the out-and-back that I knew I was about to experience– if only I knew it would be so boring!

It was an out and back of nothing but highway and marshes! But again, there was no sun and a wonderful breeze… that for some reason, made my situation worse. I was struggling, bad, and around mile five I think I finally said something to Lindsey. “Something isn’t right.” My chest was tight, I was kind of experiencing something in my head that wasn’t dizziness- but confusion as to what was happening… and I was FREEZING! She asked me if I wanted to go to an aide station and I thought, “hell no! It’s mile five! I have at least 18 miles in me before hitting THE wall.” But then it got worse. I told her I’d walk for a minute and we did. This continued for miles, 1 minute walk, 8 minutes run. I was glued to my Garmin, gasping for those eight minutes go fly by so that I could try to straighten my head and thoughts. It was around mile eight that I finally expressed to her, in almost tears, that I knew I couldn’t do this for eighteen more miles; I was fading, and fast.

I ran past my family around mile nine in almost tears because I just wanted to feel normal. I ran down Church Street past the drag queens in cheerleading outfits, past an Irish Band, a fun rock band, and all of a sudden it hit me. It was my heart and it was cold and I had to stop. She and I decided to walk until we found an aid station and I called the beau to give him the news. I didn’t start sobbing until I saw Lindsey run away from me and realized that she’d be crossing the finish line alone.

The medical team got my information and were shocked a) because I had the surgery just a month ago and b) I passed two other aide stations and made it that far. It took them a while to get me hooked up and got an EKG, where my heart was calm and okay to be released. I met the rest of my family and friends that drove out to see me, cried some more, and then got in line to watch Lindsey finish. And she finished strong.

So, where’s my head today? Disappointed. Sad. Angry that this happened Sunday and not during my eighteen mile training run just two weeks ago. As though the last four months of training was wasted. And although I know it wasn’t, it’s still how I feel. The encouraging detail I take from this race is that even though I walked a significant amount, especially during the last few miles, my pace was 10:25. Slower than I trained but with miles of walking. I was hustling it! I was so embarrassed to have to announce this to all of you, but I just keep reminding myself that my health/heart was more important in that moment and still is. I now have to go back to my cardiologist and see what the next step is. In my head, my next step is to find the next marathon. To continue running and staying active.

Just want to say thank you for following my training over the past four months and continuing to come back and read. For all the thumbs up, encouraging comments and messages that you’ve all sent. I don’t know if I could have done it without your accountability. On to the next one.

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I get by with a little help from my friends.

Lists and lists and lists are now running through my head. And tonight is my night to get everything together and packed. All my clothes. All my running gear. All my food that I’ll be snacking on to keep myself regulated and not indulging on take-out. Tomorrow morning is going to go by quickly after my usual boxing session and quick shower. And then I’ll be on the road.

I most likely will not be on the internet for the remainder of the weekend (I’m not bringing the computer) but wanted to say these little somethings to the people who have supported me over the last four months. *I did sign up to have the updates automatically posted on Facebook as I work my way through the course. Keep an eye out there for any race details and statistics.

Dear Beau: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, thank you thank you thank you. I never heard you complain once about my early rising, my long trips in the bathroom, or my complaining about pace, distance or pain. You encouraged me every week, every day, before every run to give it my best. I can see in your eyes that you’re already proud of me. I can’t wait to see your face at the finish line.

Dear Mom: Within twelve hours of me making my announcement, you had a room booked at the Hilton waiting for me to check in to. I can not believe you rode three plus hours on that bike to carry my water and gatorade and encourage me during my last long run. You made a clapper. You printed out every possible page of reading material off of the official website. You plan on cooking my “last meal” the night before to ensure I won’t get sick by eating out. I can not wait to see your face at the finish line.

Dear Mikey “the baby-face beast” Faragon: You are not a morning person and yet, you got up two to three times a week to box with me over the last four months. This form of cross training kept me moving, especially after my surgery when I couldn’t run for a while. You listened to me complain. You saw me sweat. A lot. And throw punches like a girl. You reminded me to take a drink when I needed it. Made me hang off of a punching bag for three minutes. And wrapped up my hands each day. I’ll miss the early morning workouts before everyone else is up for their day. But don’t you worry, you’ll be seeing my face at least three times a week in group classes. And I promise, I’ll wash my wraps. And although I won’t see your face at the finish line, I’ll think of you with every hill; up and over.

Dear Green Bandit: You checked in with me every Sunday or Monday to see how training went for the week. Even if it was just by text, you made the effort. You listened to me moan and groan. And now have offered to bandit the race for a few miles to give me that boost that I might need. I haven’t been so good at checking in with you and YOUR big event the following week- I don’t I tell you enough that YOU inspire me. You’ll be driving up at four a.m. on race day; I can’t wait to see your face at the finish line.

Dear Vito’s Gal: Do you remember the night we were out celebrating your birthday/engagement and you told me you would pay for my entry fee if I designed your wedding invites? And I teared up? I still am thankful for your generosity and encouragement. You too have checked in with me, listened to me rant (mostly at work) and supported me. Even on your honeymoon you wanted updates following my surgery! I’ll be thinking of you at many times throughout the race; thanks to you I’ll be the best dressed gal on the block. I’ve run two races with you throughout training and I can’t wait to sign up for more with you. Healthy friends are the best kind of friends. When I get up to fuel before the race, you’ll be hitting the road to come see me. I can’t wait to see your face at the finish line.

Dear Bad Influence: I was worried about you and our habit of going out multiple times a week, including BINGO! But I guess things happen for a reason because your engagement couldn’t have come at a better time. You saving for a ring = us not going out and spending it on drinks. I’ll celebrate your birthday when I return. And although you won’t be at the finish line, I’d like to thank you for taking care of kitty while I’m out-of-town.

Dear Bill aka the best dad ever: Thank you for coming. I know you hate crowds, especially in the heat. But guess what– I can’t wait to see your face at the finish line.

Dear Little Sis-tah: Thank you for running/walking the last two miles with me during my long run and taking me to urgent care and for keeping me company at Walgreens. Oh, and for trying all three flavors of almonds that I purchased that day. Thank you for driving five hours to Burlington; I can’t wait to see your face at the finish line.

Dear Partner In Crime: We trained in different cities with different time goals for this race, our first marathon, but the ultimate goal is crossing that finish line. Your goal was to qualify for Boston, mine to break a certain hour mark (still not sharing in hopes that it will become a reality in the near future). But when I called you, devastated, because I knew I had to implement plan B after my surgery, you too changed your plan. You told me that you’d run the entire race with me, regardless of my time. We’d run, catch up, soak in every minute of those tough 26.2 miles together and cross the finish line hand in hand. Really? You’d do that for me? I truly am one lucky girl. I can’t wait to see your face as we cross the finish line- you better pack that waterproof mascara as well!

Thank you Eloquent Al. Thank you Marla for running almost every long run with me. Thank you KH. Thank you Paula. Thank you Momma P for the manicure. Thank you Rosanna for squeezing me in last-minute. Thank you everyone who asked about my training and told me I’ll do great- because I will. If I missed you, I’m sorry. My brain is mush but that’s okay; I’m trying to fool it into what I’m about to do.

Let’s go!

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my running checklist.

With only four days left until the marathon, I’ve already begun creating lists galore to keep me sane. Here’s a look into just a few of my favorite items that have gotten me through training and will carry me through the big day.

My checklist:

1. Garmin Forerunner 210: I just bought this baby and love it. And it saves the life of my iPhone when I’m out there for 3+ hours.
2. Lululemon Gear: I’ll be running in the marathon crop and the run swiftly tech short sleeve shirt. Seriously, check out the number of pockets on the capris.
3. Valor: a roll on essential oil from Young Living that increases my feelings of strength, courage, and self-esteem. Call me crazy but I swear it works!
4. Goodie Elastic Hair Bands: My hair is finally long enough to put back into little pigtails and these little guys keep everything in place for hours. Even when boxing.
5. Clif Shot Gel: I’m looking forward to the 6, 12 and 18 mile markers so that I can whoof these down. Mocha + caffeine = heaven while running. And they are 90% organic.
6. Asics Gel-Blur33 for Women: These have kept me blister-free, my toes cool, and my arches supported.

Are you training for any races right now?

You don’t WANT to know what the crazy runner in me is thinking at just days away from my first marathon. But no worries, I’ll most likely share that bit of information next week.

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the last long run.

Dear Mommy: Today was your one day to sit down and relax but instead you came out to ride next to me for three plus hours as I ran. You listened to me moan, groan and curse the “f” word; you’re the best. Really. Dear Weather: Today was gorgeous- a little warm but realistic for race day. I even got a little sun tan. Dear Close Friends and Family: I am officially tapering. This sometimes leads to crankiness, anxiety, and frequent freak-outs. I’m going to try my hardest to do none of the above and just heal.

Warning: it’s going to be a long one.

Two weeks ago I would have never guessed that I’d be sitting here sore after an eighteen mile run. (I’ll explain why eighteen and not twenty in just a second) I even went as far to record a video sharing with you all that I wouldn’t be running the marathon because things got so bad for a few days. Yes, I deleted that video. Let me give you a little running re-cap:

Two Weeks Ago: Set out to run eighteen, had to come to a halt at thirteen because my hip hurt so very bad. I knew this wasn’t a pain that I should try to ignore. Thought to myself, “thank goodness tomorrow is a rest day.”

That following Monday: The pain got increasingly worse. So much so, I had to take the elevator at work, switch my desk chair, wear sneakers all day, and heat pack it around the clock.

For the remainder of that week: I took/applied arnica, stretched, got acupuncture and had a yoga/Thai massage session. I knew I was feeling better but shouldn’t set out for my last long run, so I pushed it forward for a date in the middle of the upcoming week. Well, I forgot I was in training that week for work and officially set the date for Sunday; one week after the scheduled training run and one week into my tapering plan.

This past week: I continued to box and ran a quick four miles on Tuesday. And crossed my fingers that I could go the distance.

This morning: After spending an hour in the bathroom (note to self: do not eat a blooming onion the day before the race), I was on the road and at the bike path to meet my sister and mom for the run. I got there first, so I headed out first thinking that they would catch up because they were on bikes. Nope. After five miles, I turned around hoping they were close behind me. Nope. I didn’t see them until around mile eight (thank goodness), where I guzzled my drink but continued moving. Around mile ten, I decided to stop and stretch because I could feel my right leg start to cramp. Big mistake. I didn’t want to continue forward!

By now, it was about 75 degrees and the path was all sun. I ran for three more miles until my right calf cramped so tight that I had to walk. Walk a half mile, run, walk, run full, walk. Now this is when things get interesting. At mile sixteen, the end was in sight! My sister decided to run the last four with me because by this time my pace had slowed due to the cramp in the calf. But I didn’t care, I was finishing regardless of my time. All of a sudden, I knew something wasn’t right. Did I have to go to the bathroom? I thought so. I hopped into the woods to take care of business (no bathroom or toilet paper around for miles) but nothing would come out. I stood up to continue running, but I couldn’t.

I only had two miles in me and could barely walk. The pain had gotten so bad and my urge to go to the bathroom worsened. Yup, insert personal information about Jona: I was officially experiencing my first UTI. Insert feeling of HELL. Two hours later in urgent care and $6.66 for the antibiotic, I am one thankful chick for physician assistants that work on Sundays. Talk about lucky.

Now that the sharing of personal information is over, back to running. At this point, I am thrilled with where I stand running-wise. No, I’m not running the pace I was pre-surgery. No, my stamina is not to where it was pre-surgery. But that was completely out of my hands and unforeseen. I no longer have pain in my hip (fingers crossed) and have come to terms with what my finish time is looking to be. But the key word in that last sentence is not time, but finish. I will be finishing that race, regardless of how long it takes me. There will always be another marathon.

A ton of people have asked why I still want to run this race if I’m not 100% to where I was a month ago and my answer is: because I want to. I’ve worked too damn hard these past four months to throw in the towel. That might be the crazy runner in me talking but for me this close to race day, PAIN IS TEMPORARY, PRIDE IS FOREVER.

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