Mom's Home!!!

Well mom came home late this afternoon! She's very sore BUT doing awesome. She is up walking around slowly and finally eating food. The doctors said she can run in 2 weeks which means I HAVE MY RUNNING PARTNER BACK! I'm so excited for her. We obviously don't like to see her in pain, but it could have been a lot worse. Surgery went better than expected!

It's been a very rough week and I've cried everyday. I'm depressed about my weight and the way I'm looking lately. I think it's just an emotional time. And then with mom, I was a basket case. I just couldn't deal with it all. And on top of everything my boyfriend, well as of today my ex-boyfriend, never came down. I wanted him here, and he never offered until Tuesday (mom was in hospital since Friday). But Tuesday I was working all day. And then his MOM texted me the other day to tell me not to be mad at her son because she told him he was wrong for not coming down. Hello he's a grown man and it's a relationship between me and him. I'm so hurt and upset by him. And then he ended it today because he claims we live too far apart (45 minutes easy fast drive) and he doesn't like driving on the parkway. UMMM slap in my face!!! And he could of just waited a few more days considering he knows how I haven't slept and stopped crying. Grr there's so much more I want to get out, but I will be writing for days then lol.

So to sum it up mom's getting better and I'm single again. It's probably for the best though. I need someone older anyway. I like going out and having fun, not sitting in the house all day/night watching movies. I'm only young once ;).

THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR CONCERNS AND PRAYERS ABOUT MOM. IT WAS A VERY SCARY WEEK. WHEN THEY ORIGINALLY DIAGNOSED HER, WE THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO BE THE WORST. WE WERE VERY SCARED AND SO WAS MOM. BUT WHEN THEY WENT IN TO THE SURGERY, THEY REALIZED THEY MISDIAGNOSED HER AND IT WAS A MUCH EASIER SURGERY. SHE HAS 4 INCISIONS THAT ARE SMALL AND WILL HEAL NICELY. AND MOM IS GOING TO BE BACK TO NORMAL SOON BECAUSE SHE IS STRONG AND IS A FIGHTER!! THANK YOU AGAIN TO EVERYONE!!

Christmas Eve in the Hospital

On Friday, I took mom to the ER for a cat scan and they admitted her. Her white blood count was up to 19,00 which is just way to high, showing she had an infection. Also, they diagnosed her with diverticulitus. The antibiotics haven't worked. They said if the cat scan from Monday showed improvement she'd be home.

Well bad news... mom hasn't gotten any better. They scheduled her for surgery today at noon. I'm a nervous wreck; I just want it all to be ok. I wish it was me instead of her :(. I want her back to normal. I miss her so much!!

First, they are going to try to go through her belly button and drain the puss pockets. If all goes well, she's done and will be home tomorrow. If not, he will make an incision and actually remove the "bad" pieces. She's going to be drugged up all day. I feel so awful! I just want it all to be ok. It's been a very tough week and will be a tough Christmas. If he has to make the incision (let's pray not) she won't be home for like 3 days. I wish there was something I could do.

Right now, I'm trying to be strong. It's not easy though :(. My 3 close friends have been beyond supportive, and even came up to visit her! One of my close friends is coming up today on Christmas Eve!! I told her no, but she insisted. Secretly, I want her there but I wouldn't tell her that because it's the holidays. It'll be good support to see her for a few.

Please pray for mom that all goes well!!!!!!!!

When is this bad luck going to end?

So besides everything with my mom, I was on my way to class yesterday and get a call from my mom. I can tell in her voice she wasn't right. Got a call from my brother's school that he broke his wrist. Mom can't drive because she's in a lot of pain and can't sit for long. So I turned around picked him up, then got her and we went to the ER. Sure enough, it was broke. Thankfully, it's a clean break. He has a cast on for 4-6 weeks. I feel so bad for him! They were in gym class playing indoor soccer, and one of the kids pushed him into the wall. They are way to rough. He's not in so much pain, but he can't get comfortable to sleep.



Now, mom was suppose to stay resting and no stress. Yesterday caused her so much stress, and she's feeling worse today. So I'm taking her back to the doctor's. I feel awful. This entire week has just been one thing after another.



Hopefully everyone will get better soon!


On a happier note, I have been having a few awesome runs lately! I am so glad and I can't wait for mom to get back to running with me. It's snowing a lot here!!!! We're suppose to get 3-6 inches and then it's going to freeze. Tomorrow is a high of 29* ahhH!!!!



The dogs love playing in the snow! My puppy especially is so cute. She hits it and throws it in her face. Well I'm off for now! School is done til January 23rd woahhhhhhh!!


Enjoy your day everyone!

Happy Hump Day!

Hey all!! So for those of you who don't know, me and my family were on an episode of Wife Swap. We were one of the first ones to air. It's the Stallone/Ghani episode AND it will be repeating MONDAY DEC 15th @ 4PM on Lifetime! This was filmed 6 years ago, and airred 4 years ago. We all look totally different now! Several things on the show are UNTRUE or blown out of proportion. For example, I do NOT get breakfast in bed. They told mom to bring up my food since I was running late, and they turned it into me being spoiled. But anyways, it was a fun experience that I'll never do again. We were in several magazines, newspaper articles, radio stations, and talk shows. We still get recognized to this day, and I'm not going to lie, it's kind of cool! Here is an updated family picture:

Besides that, I am racing on Saturday without mom :(. We have a holiday party at my house every year for my dad's work and she has a lot to do so she won't be running. But I'll help her before and after. It's not going to be the same without her.

On another note, mom has to go for some testings. I am so nervous. She has been having a lot of pain in her uterus and is not herself. I am really a nervous wreck, but I just keep thinking/praying it's nothing. Or that it's something stupid that can easily be taken care of with medicine. So please please wish for the best!!

Thanks everyone for all of your support!!

Hey all! So I did the stupidest thing last night. I was letting my puppy out in the backyard and I walked her down the deck steps because she wouldn't go down. As I was walking back up, I thought I got to the top of the deck, but apparently there was another step and I walked right into it and it was in line with right above my ankle. It hurt(s) so badly!!!!!! Now, it's got a nice little bump and is bruised. I was teaching class tonight, and it hurt doing some of the moves. UGH! Just my luck. I have to teach in the morning, and was hoping to get a run in so I need it to cooperate.

I have the Reindeer Romp 5k race on Sunday with mom and I'm so excited because it's such a fun race!!! I'm hoping for a decent time, but anything in the 25's or 26's I'll be happy with since my running is not where it was last year. So far, our distance runs have been going great and we're keeping them at a faster pace then last year during marathon training. We will make a decision about running Country Music Marathon by the end of the month. Since it's going to be so expensive travel wise, we just want to make sure that we can keep increasing the distance with no problems.

Tuesday night, Joe took me to NYC and we saw the Rockettes. It was so much fun, but freezing!! The show was great; I wish I could dance/kick like the Rockettes.

I have less than 2 weeks left of school and I'm so happy! I hated this semester with a passion ugh. I did very well though in all my classes, so I'm thrilled. Well hope you all have a good weekend :)

Wacky Wednesday!

Well it's been a good week so far! Mom and I did run on Sunday in the wind and felt great. We also ran yesterday morning and again, had a great run. My knees are now bothering me ugh! So I'm taking it easy. I have a 5 mile race on Saturday which I love and I am hoping to do well!!! If training goes well, then we are going to sign up and run Country Music Marathon. We'll have a better idea in about a month. I really want to run it so I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Besides that, I am in the process of planning a Spring Break trip to the BAHAMAS!! We are looking at probably 6 days and I'm excited. It's going to be a nice group of my friends so hopefully it'll work out. And then skiing over winter break. There's just so much to look forward too :)

I can't believe Thanksgiving is next week. It's crazy how fast time flies by. My friend and I are going out tomorrow to get some holiday shopping done. I hate the crowds in the stores, but I like to get my shopping done with!

Today is busy day. I'm at work then class at 2 and at 6. Hope you all enjoy!

Getting to know you!

Welcome to the new 2008 edition of getting to know your family and friends. Here is what you are supposed to do, and try not to be lame and spoil the fun. Change all the answers so that they apply to you. Then post this back on your blog!
Lots of your friends want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.

Have fun and be truthful!
1. What is your occupation right now? Accounting student and fitness instructor

2. What color are your socks right now? Pink!

3. What are you listening to right now? Christmas music (I know it's early!!)

4. What was the last thing that you ate? Pizza

5. Can you drive a stick shift? Hellz no!

6. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Steph

7. Do you like the person who sent this to you? YES!

8. How old are you today? 19

10. What is your favorite drink? Besides water, martinis :)

11. Have you ever dyed your hair? yes every 6 weeks

12. Favorite food? Shrimp

13. What is the last movie you watched? Sex and the city

14. Favorite day of the year? Christmas!

15. How do you vent anger? Yell and/or cry

16. What was your favorite toy as a child? Any barbie dolls

17. What is your favorite season? Summer

1 8. Cherries or Blueberries? Cherries

19. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back? of course

20. Who is the most likely to respond? hmm

21. Who is least likely to respond? ??

22. Living arrangements? Me, parents, brother, and 2 dogs

23. When was the last time you cried? yesterday

24. What is on the floor of your closet? shoes!!

25. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending to? Steph

26. What did you do last night? out with the boyfriend

27. What are you most afraid of? death

28. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburger? cheeseburger

29. favorite dog breed? labradors and i love rottweilers

30. Favorite day of the week? Friday

31. How many states have you lived in? 2

32. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds are a girls best friend

33. What is your favorite flower? Roses

Pictures from Trick or Trot

sorry they are late but here are the pics from trick or trot!!
me and mom:
all of the runners in costume:

award winners (im in the back with the ears :))

Trick or Trot

So today mom and I ran the Trick or Trot 4 mile race in Long Branch. We dressed up as bunnies; we had the ears, bow tie, and tail. Both of us decided to run this as a "fun" run and stay together. The course was extremely boring; it was an out and back course. And it definitely felt like forever to finish!! But we did it! I had no intentions of placing or winning an award. We were just hanging around talking to everyone and watching the dog parade. They started announcing awards and got to my age group. We were standing in the very back and I wasn't even paying attention BUT after they announced 3rd place, I realized that the time was slower than what I ran it in. So I paid attention and sure enough the girl in 2nd place was also slower than my time. I couldn't believe it, I placed 1st!!!!! I was shocked and still am shocked, but I got a cute little halloween medal with a puppy on it. Mom was so excited, but I wish she placed too!!!

Is it Friday yet??

School is just ridiculous. I am getting so much work I need this semester to end!!!!! It looks like I'm going to have 2 days off again next semester which is great for me.

Work is work. I got an awesome job offering at another gym, but it's so complicated. My boss where I am now I know is not happy that I may give up a day here, but it's my money. Business isn't about working to be nice, it's about working because you like the place and you get paid well. $3.00/hour is a big difference and $15.00 more per class is an even bigger difference. I love my job BUT I have expenses and I like nice things which means I need more money, and people don't seem to understand that. UGHH so I have a lot on my mind right now.

My boyfriend is great. I am so beyond happy with him. It's been great and we're having a lot of fun. He's coming down this Friday to spend the night, adn then his family will be down Saturday.

Running is doing better. I have a few races lined up that I'm excited for. I'm doing my best to fit it into my schedule, but it's not easy.

Anyway, I'm loaded with school work as usual so I'm off to do that

Superlicious Saturday

I taught a great Cardio Sculpt class yesterday!! Believe it or not, I'm sore today, but it's a good sore. The time flew by during the class.

Then last night, we went to dinner with my best friend and her family. We had such a great time, so many laughs! And it was so great to see them all. I'm going to visit her at school in a few weeks so that'll be super fun!!!!

Mom dyed her hair and it looks amazing! Now she really looks so young. People are going to keep thinking we're sisters, which is a good thing.

I'm going to Joe's after work, and we're all going out for his mom's birthday so it should be fun!

Fabulous Friday

WOAHHHH it's finally Friday!! I look forward to the weekend more and more each week :).

This past weekend, I ran a 5k with mom and placed 3rd in my age. I was super happy! I have another 5k this weekend so we'll see how it goes.

I taught a great Zumba class last night, and I'm teaching a cardio sculpt class this morning. Cardio Sculpt it my favorite class! We have so much fun.

So I had to present a 5-7 minute speech in class yesterday. It had to be an informative speech so I chose to discuss Down Syndrome. Overall, I thought I gave a great speech and hardly looked at my notes. It was videotaped and me and mom watched it last night. Eye contact was the best! I looked down maybe twice BUT my teacher gave me a 3/5 for eye contact?!?!? Luckily, it's on video so I can prove that he's wrong. Besides that, I got an A- for the speech!

This week so so busy with the amount of schoolwork I had. I have a huge Calc exam Monday. I absolutely love Calc (I know I'm weird) haha, but I feel like this exam is gonna be real tough.

One of my best friends is home for the weekend! Tonight we are going out with both of our families and I'm looking so forward to it!!! Then tomorrow I open at work and I'm spending the day at Joe's.

Should be a fun weekend! I'm getting back into my running. I want to train for a full for the Spring, but I don't know if it'll happen yet so we'll see!

Hope you all enjoy your weekend!!!

Tuesday!

I'm sorry I have been slacking off with my posting. It's been a fun but busy few weeks. School is good, but I am counting down the weeks until winter break. This semester is a lot of work. Work is work nothing really new and exciting with that.

On Saturday afternoon, I leased a new car! I had the 2006 Honda Civic Coupe and sold that to lease the Mazda CX-7. I always wanted an SUV, and this is the perfect size one for me. I love it!!!!
This is Sandy and Chloe. Just wanted to post the picture to show how big the puppy has gotten (on the right). She is 8 months old and weighs almost 80 lbs.
Saturday after I picked up my car, I went up north to stay at Joe's. Then our families went to the ChartHouse. It was soo nice and so good! We had a lot of laughs and a great time!!
Well that's about it for today. I'm gonna try my best to update this more!!!

Happy Hump Day

Well I started classes again and so far so good. The only class I dread is Public Speaking, but it's a mandatory class to take. UGHHH. Hopefully it won't be as bad as I think. Other than that, I love my professors and my classes seem fine.



This weekend me and Joe are going to the Jets/Patriots game! I'm super excited and hope the Jets kick ass.



My running has been going good. Mom and I did 5 miles today and 5.25 on Sunday. She's putting up with me, even though I think I'm slowing her down. I can't wait to get my speed back up to where it was. I have a 5k on Saturday and I'm hoping to be in the 25's, but we'll see.

Happy Labor Day!

Well today was the first "real" run in about 3 weeks. Mom and I ran the Pier Village 5k. It's a flat out and back course. I was nervous about how slow I'd be since I haven't ran. I definitely was able to feel the tightness in my legs, but I figured it was only 3.1 miles. I wound up finishing in 26:20 and I was happy with that. This was exactly what I needed to push myself and get back into the swing of things. I'm now hoping that from here on out my running will be awesome. I plan on concentrating solely on speed and beating my 5k PR of 23:28.

Today we are just hanging out enjoying the nice weather. I was suppose to go to Joe's but he has to be at Ramapo to take care of some mandatory things :(. But thankfully, I'll get to see him on Friday!!!

I go back to school on Thursday ah! I can't believe the summer is over. I'm excited to go back, but at the same time, I don't want summer to end.

Well that's about it for now. Hope you all enjoy your Labor Day!!

Back From Wildwood

O and Wildwood was amazing!! We had such a good time!!! And the weather was amazing. I don't think I've ever eaten/drank as much as I did those 4 days. We hung out by the beach, in the pool, and went on a speed boat to dolphin watch. I didn't want it to end!

Tuesday

Well next Thursday it's back to school. My schedule is not terrible. I have classes Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. At least I get 2 days off! It's going to be a tough semester and I'm starting to freak out about the workload and keeping my GPA high. Hopefully with school starting, I'll get back into my old workout routine and drop a few pounds. Shockingly, I haven't gained any weight, but I am not happy with myself, so that's going to change!

Everything is great with my friends and family. Almost all of them left for school already, so I'm missing them. My brother got his permit!! Scary, but good. The boyfriend is great :). I'll be seeing him Thurs-Sat.

Other than that, I've just been enjoying the end of summer. My running is miserable. I can't seem to get past a few miles and it's depressing. I think I need some time off to just clear my mind and start over. I'm going to see what happens after PDR. Everytime I go to run, my knee starts acting up as well. UGH!!!!

Well I'm teaching class tonight! Everyone enjoy :)

Wildwood!!

I'm finally getting back into my running, or at least trying to. My injured knee and pulled muscle didn't help. I did an easy 3.33 miles today on the TM. I felt great and could have went longer/faster, but I didn't want to push it. I kept the pace right under a 10 mm. I need to get back into my workout routine bc I would like to drop a few pounds. I am happy with the way I look but I would be even happier if I could lose 5-10 pounds. I'm in no rush, but I'm hoping it'll come off fast.

I'm leaving tomorrow morning for Wildwood with Joe and his family. I'll be back either Monday or Tuesday. The weather is suppose to be nice and I'm super excited to go with them :). It's going to be a lot of fun!!!!!!!!!!!

I'll post pictures andall when I get back. Enjoy the weekend!

Hey everyone! I know I haven't posted in a few days. Nothing really new and exciting as far as my running is going. I have a 5k race next weekend, but my running has been low so I'm not looking for a PR. I am looking to finish around 25 minutes, but we'll see what happens. I am finding it so tough to get back into my running routine. It's becoming more of "work" for me than fun. I'm hoping to change that.

I'm working all day Friday, then I'm going to the boyfriend's til Sunday. I'm excited!!! He's such a great guy :). Other than that, nothing else is really going on this week. Just wanted to write a quick post.

Back to Reality

Well everyone I'm back from my vacation. The cruise was amazing! We all had such a great time and met great people. The weather was extremely hot and sunny except for one day at sea. It poured and the ship was rocking like crazy. We were going through a storm, and you definitely felt it. Other than that, it was great.

In Aruba, me and my dad went tubing. That was a blast! I managed to stay on the tube, but it was tough! Next stop was Curaco. We decided to just stay on the ship and hang out in the pool. St. Maarten is one of my favorite islands. There we went to Orient Beach. It is a nude beach and when we walked down to that side, there were some sights that I wish I didn't see lol. We went banana boating with a great family we got to meet. It was a fun day! St. Thomas is my other favorite island. Our excursion got cancelled, so me and mom just went shopping. Then we came back on the ship and stayed in the pool for our last vacation day.

The nights were awesome too. There was always something going on. We made the best of every day and night!

It was the best vacation ever! We got to meet a great family and have a great time!

Here are the 2 links to my pictures:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2002886&l=cafd2&id=1331610058

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2002887&l=0ff51&id=1331610058

Belmar 5 Race Report

Today I ran the Belmar 5 race. It's a flat fast course, but the weather killed it. We didn't start until 8:30 and it was already scorching out. When we started, the crowds were tough to get through and nobody was moving. I wound up running the first mile at 8:40 and knew I wouldn't PR, but I was ok with that. My legs were tight because of all the mileage I have been putting in, and the humidity didn't help it. At mile 3, I was at 26:06 and felt like stopping. The sun was beating on me and I was dizzy and light headed. I knew I had to finish. I didn't care if I collapsed once I crossed the finish line, but there was no way I was quitting. I walked through one water station because I needed to take a break. Everyone around me was pretty much at the same pace and we all looked like we were dying! I crossed at 43:46 and I wasn't disappointed. Once I crossed though, I sat down and thought I was going to die. The weather had a lot to do with my time, but it's ok because I ran strong.


Now I get to leave for vacation and have a nice peaceful week! I am beyond excited :)

TGIF!!!!!!!!!!!

On Wednesday, I got in my second long run of the week. I moved it from Sunday since I'm going away and didn't want to miss it. Mom and I went to the boardwalk very early to run it. BIG MISTAKE. I guess my body had no time to recover from my 13 miler on Sunday, and I felt it. We got the distance in, but it was tough. My legs are tight and would not move. It was almost as if I was trying to run and my legs weren't going with me. I'm hoping that while I'm away, my legs will recover. I plan on 4 days of running, but short distances. 5 miles will be the MOST. Also, I won't be teaching any classes for a week. Both me and mom think that our legs need this "break". We are hoping to come back and be all recovered.

Tomorrow morning, we are racing the Belmar 5. Just because of my luck, the weather is going to be 91 degrees and 100% humidity. YES! Not :( It's scaring me because my runs haven't been as strong/fast in this weather. My 5 mile PR is 41:15 (which I ran 3 weeks ago). I'd love nothing more than to beat that, but I'm not having my heart set on it. I'll be happy with anything under 45 minutes. But if I do PR, I will be overjoyed!!!!!!

I guess these last few weeks have been different/difficult. I don't know what was up with me, but I'm not that person anymore. I'm back to my good old happy self. I've learned a lot. One thing I've always known and will never forget is to never trust anyone, NO MATTER WHAT! My family is the most important thing is my life and I would never to anything to jeopordize my relationship with them. I thank them for always sticking by me and being the best family anyone can ever ask for.

As far as guys go, I'm still single. I'm very happy right now. I want to just enjoy the summer and see what happens. I am not looking for anyone right now, but if someone good comes a long and is worth holding on to, then I'll see what happens. Everyone deserves a chance.

I'm pumped for our cruise! We are getting picked up Sunday morning at 5 am!!!! But it will all be worth it. We have about a 4 hour flight to Puerto Rico and then we board the cruise. Right now, the weather in PR looks good and it looks great in the islands as well. Let's keep our fingers crossed it stays that way. We want hot sunny weather!!!!

Well, I'll post pictures and a little report of our trip when I get back :).

Another Hot Day!!

Today was pretty hot here!! We just hung out in the pool and had a relaxing day. My puppy is crazy in the water. Chloe stayed in all day with us and just kept swimming and playing catch. On the other hand, Sandy my 8 year old lab is not doing well. She had to get blood work done yesterday and it all came back ok. It's good and bad at the same time. We were hoping it was her thyroid but it's not. So on the bad side, she has to get more tests done when we get back from vacation. I am keeping my fingers crossed she is ok and in my heart, I know she'll be fine!!!

I just did my 3 mile recovery run on the TM. It was suppose to be a 10:30 pace but I just couldn't help but go faster. It wound up being 3.1 miles in 30 minutes. At 6:30 tonight I have to teach my Zumba class. This is my favorite class to teach!! It's an hour of latin hip-hop. We def all work up a sweat.

Tomorrow I have my 15 miler scheduled in the morning. It's supposed to be extremely hot and humid here once again. We are going to the boardwalk early to hopefully beat some of the heat. And then at night, my run club runs start again. We have speed work to do. I may take it easy at night depending on how my legs are. I don't wanna push it too much.

So that's about it for today. Each day I'm getting more and more excited for the cruise. I just can't wait to be there already!!!!!!!!!

My Babies :)

Since having 1 dog wasn't enough, me and mom decided to "surprise" my family and bring home a puppy. She's now 5 1/2 months old and she's over 60 pounds!!! I had to share a few pics! Chloe (the puppy) is a golden lab and Sandy (my 8 year old) is a yellow/white lab. They are good together, but Chloe is a pain in the ***. She's always into trouble and full of energy. So we tire her out by letting her swim. She'll swim for a good 3-4 hours straight and then sleep all day!!! I love them both; they are part of the family!

13 miler felt like forever!!

Once again the weather here in New Jersey is as humid as it gets! Thankfully, the sun stayed in but it was 97% humidity. Did not make it easy to breathe. I went through several bottles of water and it still didn't feel like it was enough for me. Everytime I would check my garmin to see how many miles we were it, it was so low! When I looked the first time me and mom said we had to be up to about 3 miles, and it was only 1.50!!!!!!! We knew it had to get done, so we finished, but complained the entire time. My legs were tight and did not want to move. I was ready to quit at 12.50, but mom made me finish. I was beyond excited to look at my watch and see 13 miles. This run was harder than any of the 20 milers!! Ugh. I'm glad she made me finish, but at the time I was NOT happy with her! I made her run on the other side of the road hah. All these long runs during the week are really taking a toll on my legs and we're only 3 weeks in!! O well it'll hopefully get better and will all pay off when the marathon gets here! This is another brutal week of training. Here's the schedule for the week:

Monday- 4 miles
Tuesday- off
Wednesday- 15 miles
Thursday- 10 miles
Friday- off
Saturday- Belmar 5 race (hoping for a PR but this training is slowing me down)
Sunday- 3 miles (first day on the cruise)

Next week, my mileage won't be as high because there is no way I am doing a long run on the ship!

So tonight I'm hanging home. We leave for vacation soon so I'm trying to get some outfits together. I can't wait to just be on the ship sailing through the caribbean. It'll be a great 8 days!

4th of July

So yesterday's run was not successful. My knee and calf have been bothering me ughh and it def did not make the run easy. And the weather didn't help. I don't usually mind running in the summer, but the humidity is a killer.

Tomorrow, I am running 13 miles. Hopefully, it'll go well. My and I are running the boardwalk in the morning. I really can't imagine training without her. Right now, all of our runs are about 30-45 seconds FASTER than my training runs last year for the marathon. So far, that's a good singn. My knee just has to hold up!!

Well today was a lazy day for me. It's so hot here so I lounged in my pool and drank some Bailey's with mom :). Got nice and tan though which is always great!!

Just went to the gym to run my 4 mile recovery run. It was a little faster than it should have been, but I just couldn't help it. I did it in 36:50. I felt great and could have kept going BUT I strictly following the schedule so i don't get injured. Tonight I have to teach Zumba at my other gym. My legs are feeling it this week. They are tight, but I'm dealing with it.

Tomorrow morning is another long run, and then we go to a BBQ for the day/night.

Hot Day!!

So the schedule I posted yesterday had to be changed around a little bit. It is still going to be the same amount of mileage, just spread out. It was such a hot day here!! I got in 10.30 miles with mom this morning. We wound up keeping a 9:57 pace which I was happy with. It was so ridiculously hot and humid there was absolutely no clouds/shade. Definitely drank a lot of water and was VERY glad for the run to be over. I felt great the entire time, but was overheated. Legs were very tight from teaching my class last night. But it felt nice to jump right in our pool after I finished.

Tomorrow, I'll run about 4 miles at a slower recovery pace. And then Friday is an 8 miler in the morning. Saturday is my day off woahh!!!!!!!!! I'm gonna need it we're going to a big party for the 4th of July and it usually ends real late!

Well I'm just hanging out tonight! Hope everyone else had a great day!

I currently teach Zumba at 2 local gyms. I got an email for an interview at the YMCA so I decided to give it a chance and go. The gym is gorgeous and the private rooms that I would teach in are unbelievable. Then, she told me how much they pay the instructors per class. I thought she was kidding!! She offered me half of what I get paid in my other gyms. I love what I do, BUT I don't think I'm going to take the job. It's not worth it to me. I get paid less and have to travel further. UGH!!!

Anyways, no run for me today. My knee needs a break, it's been killing me! But I didn't totally take off I taught a weight class today. I hate when people complain. My class is tough. In my opinion, you're there to take an hour class. It should be hard and you should sweat. If you don't like it, then don't come. Besides that, the day wasn't bad. My running schedule for the rest of the week is as follows:
Tuesday- 4 miler (recovery run)
Wednesday- 12 miles
Thursday- 3 miles
Friday- 8 miles
Saturday- off
Sunday- 13 miles

Well that's it for today. Tomorrow I work, teach, and run. Should be a busy day!

First Week of Marathon Training

I will be running the Marine Corps Marathon again this October. I've decided to follow the PFitz 18/55 plan. While I am very nervous to be putting in such high mileage weeks, I'm excited to see the results. Secretly, I would love to finish as close to 4 hours as possible. That is a big jump from my marathon last year so I don't know if it's possible. I think I will finish around 4:15 but anything can happen on race day. This past year, I've gained a lot of speed, especially knocking 2 minutes off my 5k times in only 6 months. I also improved my 5 mile time by over 4 minutes since last summer. I'm hoping that I will be successful with my speed in the marathon as well.

Philly Distance Run in September is going to be a training run for speed. My goal is anything under 2 hours, but I should come in the 1:50's. I am looking very forward to that race as well.

As of now, I'm just going to train and do my best. It is a lot easier for me to do my long runs because my mom is training with me. Having her to train with gives us each great company, and forces us to get the runs in. We push each other the entire run.

This week of marathon training was somewhat of a success. Today we set out to run 12 miles, but only made it to a little over 5. It was 100% humidity and 94 degrees at 8:30 am. All the runners on the boardwalk were having difficulty. I'm not worried because I was able to move around the schedule this week to get in all of our miles.

We leave for vacation in 2 weeks and I was able to tweak that week a little bit as well. I knew there was no way we could have a 50+ on a cruise ship. But we will still get in 4-5 days of running and the week is around 30 miles so it should all work out.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that training goes well and we stay injury free :) Between running and teaching a few classes a week at the gyms, my knees are giving me some trouble. I just have to take it easy when I feel like I need a break.