My Two Year Race-versary: Matawan Turkey Trot Recap

The Matawan Turkey Trot will always hold a special place in my heart. It was the first 5K that I ever ran.  In 2011, I knew that one of my goals was to run a 5K. But intimidation got in my way and majority of the year passed without me running a 5K.  Fast forward to November… I had gotten closer to someone from Weight Watchers and she asked me to run this race with her and a friend from work.  I immediately said yes and then started focusing on running.  I remember asking my friends and family for advice. I was excited and nervous.  But I was mostly excited.  When race day hit, I had a million worries running through my head. My goal was to finish the race in 35 minutes or less.  I remember just running and so proud that I was doing it. I was going to accomplish a goal.  I remember the runner’s high upon completion. I had run my first 5K AND I did it in under my goal time. My time was 33:27! I was bitten by the running bug. I was a runner.

Due to Hurricane Sandy, this race was cancelled in 2012.  So when it came time to sign up for 2013, I couldn’t wait! Saturday morning was cold! Getting ready for the race I put on tons of layers.  Unfortunately the registration table for preregistered runners was VERY disorganized.  Due to this, the race started 15 minutes later.  While we were standing around, my feet were so cold (despite having two pairs of socks on) that I lost feeling in the toes on my right foot.  I was also very annoyed because once again right before a race, I lost the cover (this helps the earphone stay in your ear) for my Yurbuds. Thankfully my hat helped hold the ear bud in place.

My dad and I before the race.  He was at the first one too! 

Once the race started, I felt really good and felt like I was fast. The first mile went pretty quickly.  I ran about a 9:25 mile. At this point, I was starting to feel my toes again. Which was great, but it made me realize that I had a stinging sensation in the rest of my toes.  The second mile went by rather uneventfully.  I regained feeling in my big toe, so the stinging sensation was still there but generally speaking not as bad. 

Then mile 3 was a little hairy.  There is a steep before you get to the “home stretch” which is about a ¾ mile or so from the finish. The first time I ran this race, I remember thinking once I get up this hill. I am almost there.  I remember it seeming pretty quick and easy… It’s amazing what two years could do on your perspective.  This “home stretch” sucked… immensely. We were running uphill.  All I kept thinking was “Put one foot in front of the other.”  “Just keep moving.” “You are almost there.” This home stretch felt like it took forever.    Finally I saw the clock! Normally when I am close to the finish line, I will sprint towards the finish.  I somehow managed to turn it on right before the finish and pass a couple of people. And go figure,  I got full feeling back in my foot after I crossed the finish line.

I was really hoping to PR during this race. I didn’t, but it was a difficult uphill course. I am proud of my time of 28:24. I averaged a 9:09 mile throughout the race and finished 13/56 in my age group (30-39), 50/252 out of females and 149/471 overall.  I guess you can say that in in the two years, since running my first 5K I have become a stronger runner. 

The difference of two years

Atlantic City Half Marathon RECAP

After 12 weeks of training, family and friends hearing about it, and driving myself insane with about it, the Atlantic City Half Marathon has finally come and gone.  I spent 85% (my husband thinks this percentage is too low) of last week obsessing and worrying about the race. I was even driving myself a little crazy with the cyclical race talk/thoughts/self-doubt/excitement.   

On Saturday, my husband and I made the hour and a half drive to Atlantic City.  The moment that I saw Finisher’s Village, trepidation and anxiety hit me hard.  Everything I had been thinking about was now becoming a reality.  I met my friend, Gina, and her family who was also running the race at the expo. In order to calm my nerves, I decided to indulge in some retail therapy.  While at the Expo, I also registered for my next half marathon, The Long Branch Half Marathon on April 27^th, 2014.  I also had the opportunity of meeting Melissa, creator of Sweat Me Pretty Headbands, at the expo.  She gave me one of her AMAZING bands to review (see previous blog post).

On Saturday night, I tried to go early, but I couldn’t fall asleep until after 11. At 4:30am, I woke up and could not fall back asleep. So at 6:00 I finally got out of bed and decided to start getting ready for the race.  My nerves were going crazy.  Thankfully the race was starting right outside our hotel.  My husband and I went down through the casino to meet my dad, who made the drive down just to see the race. When we were outside, we met up with my friend Gina was also running her first half marathon.

A look of absolute confidence 

As I was waiting to start, it seemed so surreal to be standing on the boardwalk in Atlantic City waiting for the gun to go off.  Once we finally did start the race, I had to choke back tears.  My thoughts, my miles, my goals were coming to fruition.  I had made the decision to run the race without listening to music.  I had gotten this advice from a few different people. When I first heard this advice, I scoffed at it. How the heck would I be able to run 13.1 miles without music? Well I did and it was one of the best decisions I had made! I truly got to experience every aspect of the race from conversations to heavy breathers to the people there cheering us on.

During long runs it takes me a mile or two to warm up, find my pace and remember I actually like running.  I never experienced that feeling. It didn’t take me long to find a comfortable pace and actually the first 3 miles went by without much thought.  At this point I had fallen behind the pace group for the 4:55 marathon finish.  Their pace leader was entertaining so I decided to hang with them for a little while. During a water break, I made the decision to push past them and find my pace.  Before I knew it we were at the 10K mark.  Just before mile 7, there was a turnaround. This was probably my favorite part of the race. There was so much energy from the runners, the volunteers and the people there just to support the race. I can’t even explain the feeling I got from having strangers genuinely excited to cheer you on.  It definitely helped give me an extra push. 

Next thing I knew… mile 8! We were almost back to running on the boardwalk! I texted my husband to let him know I would soon be running by him. Seeing him and my dad and hearing them cheer me on really kept me going.  Mile 10 was definitely my hardest mile. My legs were tired. My hips were sore.  I knew I was so close to the turnaround and home stretch.  It seriously felt like the mile went on FOREVER! Finally I saw the turnaround and was in the home stretch. I felt myself go into my focused zone.  My mind was on one thing and one thing only, the finish line.  Then I heard Melissa from Sweat Me Pretty Bands yell “Go Emily!” I don’t think she could realize how important hearing her say (yell) those words were. It brought me back to experiencing the race.  I kept on chug-a-lugging along.  I was around mile 12 and crossed paths with my friend Gina. After a quick high five, some quick words of encouragement, we both continued on our way.  Then I saw the crowds of people were getting thicker.  Some guy in the crowd was saying what a great job it was and congratulating me and it hit me.  I did it. I was going to finish. I was a going to accomplish my goal and be a half marathoner. Then I felt the tears well up. I didn’t care.  I overcame a lot to get to that moment. I worked my butt off to do this. I worked hard for that medal.  I earned that medal.  When the medal was handed to me, I couldn’t get that thing around my neck fast enough. 

After the race, I got the opportunity to watch others finish. Perhaps the most exciting thing was seeing the winners of the marathon finish.  (I also jumped for joy a little… I ran the half faster than they ran the marathon!) A few things I have learned and love about the running community, they are so supportive of one another.  I love that people you don’t know and don’t know you are genuinely cheering you on and want to see you do well.  I also love and am so inspired every time I go to a race to see the diversity of people that are running the race.  Runners vary in age, vary in speed, and vary in shape and size.  A few times during the race I saw people and thought “they do not look like they should be running a half marathon.” Not only did they finish, but many finished before me!

Finishing the race was by far one of my biggest accomplishments.  It wasn’t about time. It was about accomplishing a goal. Never did I think I had what it took to train for a half marathon, no less run in one.  But I did. I persevered through the weather, bad runs and the worst hindrance… MY OWN HEAD! I guess it is time to face the facts… I am capable of so much more than I give myself credit for, so much more than I think. I cannot wait to see what else I can do!

Go be awesome, 

Emily 

REVIEW: Sweat Me Pretty Bands

How many times have you found a super cute headband and excitedly put it on, only to have it slide off your head a few minutes later? Or you put a headband on and proceeds to squeeze your head causing a headache. Both situations have happened to me multiple times with multiple brands and styles of headbands. It’s just plain annoying.  Well guess what… it doesn’t have to happen anymore!

I was introduced to Sweat Me Pretty Bands through Instagram.  Last weekend I had contacted Melissa (creator of Sweat Me Pretty) about doing a review and it turns out that she is also from New Jersey AND was planning to run the Atlantic City Half Marathon too! We made a plan to meet up at the Expo and I decided I was going to give the head band the ultimate first test.  I was going to try it out on the Half Marathon. 

I won’t lie, I was nervous. This was the first time I was reviewing a product and all I could this was “Please let me love this!” Well as soon as I tried it on, I was in love with Sweat Me Pretty! The headband didn’t squeeze my head.  I was so nervous about so many things that morning, but I knew I wasn’t going to have to worry about the headband slipping or hair falling in my face.  Seriously, 13.1 miles and the headband did its job!

There are a few things that in my opinion set Sweat Me Pretty Bands apart from the rest.

1. A huge variety of designs… Pretty much if you can think of something, it is available.

2. These headbands are affordable.  Everything is priced, between $6 -$10. 

3. Let’s face it... all of our heads are not the same size. There have been times that I have bought headbands, only to have them squeeze my head and give me a headache.  You can order a headband in child size, small, medium and large.  I ordered a large for my big, ole pumpkin head. It was incredibly comfortable, no squeezing, no headache.

Now you have an opportunity to win a Sweat Me Pretty Band!!!!

All you have to do is:

1. Like My Journey 2 Fit Life on Facebook
2. Like Sweat Me Pretty Bands on Facebook. 
3. Like this picture
4. Share this picture
5. Comment where you would wear your Sweat Me Pretty Band

The contest will be open until Sunday, October 27th at 9:00pm EST. 

Good luck, 

Emily 

The Day I Truly Became Healthy: an Anniversary of the Good and Bad

October 4^th will always be a day that holds a lot of significance for me.  This is the day my life changed.  This is the day that I dreaded for nearly 9 months prior. This is the day where my worst fears came true.  This is the day that showed me that despite doing everything you were told to do (working out, eating healthy, losing weight), it doesn't always mean it will work out in your favor.  Yet… this is the day I TRULY became healthy.  For me, October 4^th will always be a day of dichotomy.  October 4^th is the day I had a complete hysterectomy.

The first time I heard the words “endometrial cancer” and “complete hysterectomy” and “lose weight”, I knew what I had to do.  Losing weight wasn't an option. Losing weight and getting healthy was my goal, my destination.  My mom, who was there to support me, and I joined Weight Watchers and together started our quest to get healthy.  I was determined to lose weight and that’s what I did.  I felt the best I had as an adult, yet my body was giving me a great big “f--- you.”

Fast forward to June... As we landed in Vegas for my cousin’s wedding, I turned on my phone and got the message that the preventative measures to keep the cancer from spreading to my uterus had not worked. I needed a complete hysterectomy.  As you can imagine, it was a fantastic vacation.

  

So then with the additional poking and prodding of my body and mind, it was time to prepare for surgery.  First up, my husband and I went through a fertility treatment, so we were able to freeze some embryos, which was physically and emotionally one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do (but this is another topic for another day).  Then it was time to schedule and pre-test for surgery, ALWAYS a fun process. 

On October 4^th, I went to the hospital with my husband and my mom.  The plan was to have the procedure done using the da Vinci surgical system. Thankfully the procedure was minimally invasive. I was in the hospital for one night, out of work for three weeks and generally had a quicker recovery. 

After a successful surgery, the healing process began.  Physically I was getting stronger and less sore each day.  Emotionally I didn't always fare so well.  Some days were good. Most days weren't. I mourned for everything I lost; everything I knew would no longer be possible.  Ultimately I was a seemingly healthy 27 year old female going through menopause and feeling sorry for myself.  It wasn't until a doctor’s visit about a month after the surgery, where my thought process changed.  I made a comment “a month since my hysterectomy”. My doctor turned to me and said “No. A month since you are cancer free.”   

Cancer free… Those two words were music to my ears.  Those two words meant that I was as healthy on the inside as I appeared on the outside.  Those two words meant that I was given an opportunity to live life… I mean truly live and even love life.  I felt I had no other option, but to learn from my experiences, to continue my weight loss journey and my journey to becoming fitter and healthier.  The hopeless optimist in me believed that there had to be a purpose, a lesson in the bad.  It was up to me to garner the strength, find the good and make a difference.  Don’t get me wrong, I still battle with days that are hard.  There are still days that I feel sorry for myself and wonder “why me?”, but those days happen less and less as time goes on. 

I would not be the person I am today without fighting that battle with endometrial cancer.  Cancer gave me a life; I honestly wouldn't have found any other way.  It is because of cancer that I have been successful. It is because of cancer that I have lost weight. It is because of cancer that I chose to get healthy.  It is because of cancer that you are reading this…

So today, the third anniversary of my surgery, I choose to not mourn what I lost or wonder why me.  Today I choose to celebrate my strength.  Today I choose to celebrate my health.  Today I choose to celebrate life.     

My October Goals

Every month I make goals for myself.  I don’t always accomplish them, but I still like to write them down.  Having those goals written down staring you in the face make it all seems a little more official.  It gives me a little bit more drive and focus knowing where I want to go. 

So where do I want go and what do I want to accomplish this month:

• Finish The Atlantic City Half Marathon! EEEKKKK! It feels like so long ago that I signed up to do this. It seems like so long ago that I started my training for the race.  And now here we are 13 days away from accomplishing something I have thought about and dreamed about for over a year. This will be a huge personal accomplishment that I can check off my list.
• I would like to stay pretty on point, when it comes to food on nutrition throughout the entire month. I would especially like to keep it steady through the race.  I personally want to feel my best when I am running and eating well will help me feel at my best while running.
• I want to start lifting weights again.  I got so into running that lifting completely feel by the wayside. I want to get those muscles going again. 
• Eat without feeling guilty.  I have always said that I am not 100% clean eater. I pretty much follow the 80/20 rule.  80% of the time I eat healthy and mindfully. 20% of the time I will treat myself. But there are so many times that after I indulge, perhaps too much I beat myself up over it and feel guilt.  I am going to try to make a conscience effort and just eat.  I want to eat until I am hungry, listen to my body, fuel my body and if/when I go overboard, let it go.  Easier said than done.
• Keep consistently writing on my blog and really start to add more content to it. 
• Do something scares me. I think this will be on my list each month.  Doing something that scares you is one way to grow, learn and change.

Do you make goals each month?  What are they for October?   

Keyport 5K Recap

Last week, I was so excited for the Keyport 5K, which took place on Saturday, September 21^st.  This was going to be my first regular 5K since June 1^st, which had not been a great race for many reasons.  This was going to be my first race in a new age category (30-39- the toughest, most competitive category if you ask me). My running lately had been really strong. I knew I was going to beat last years’ time of 28:14 and knew I had a decent shot at PR-ing.  This was also going to be my mom’s first timed 5K.  Yup- I was excited. 

My friend, Nicole, was also running this race with us.  Since it was the first race after I turned 30, she thought it was be a great idea to buy me a birthday sash.  She had mentioned the idea to me before. I said I would wear it. I thought she was joking.  She wasn’t.  So after we picked up our packets, pinned the sash to me, hit the porter potty, we rushed to the starting line.  It was there I discovered that one of the covers on my ear phones (Yurbuds) was missing.  Things weren’t starting quite how I intended, but I really didn’t have time to think about it because we were off!

Whenever I start a race, I always wonder “why did I agree to do this again?” It takes a few minutes for my body to get into and my head to remember I actually like running.  At 8:38, my app had told me I hit 1 mile.  I had a really hard time believing that, because 1. I had yet to reach the mile 1 marker in the race and 2. I have been running really strong, but not that strong on mile 1. I turned the corner and heard the woman at the mile 1 marker say I was at 9:14, which seemed a little for feasible.  I stopped listening to my app after it told me I had reached mile 2 at 15:46.  It was also somewhere during mile 2, I got tired of dealing with my headphones that kept falling out of ear. So I decided to tuck one side into my bra.  At that point, all I could think about was how much noise the birthday sash was making!  Before I knew it, we were rounding the corner and I used everything I had to sprint the last quarter mile.  My official time was 27:35 with an 8:53 pace.  I finished 12/50 in my division,  49/187 of women and 120/322 overall.  I missed a PR by 3 seconds, but I beat my time last year by 39 seconds!

After I was finished, I stood waiting to cheer on my friend and my mom as they crossed the finish line. At 31:33, Nicole came across the finish line.  After 50 minutes, they were opening up the roads and those still on the course had to move the sidewalks. Since my mom was walking the race, this made her nervous.  Her goal was to finish the race in less than 50 minutes and to not be last. The clock had said about 46 minutes and Nicole said there is your mom.  Me being me, a big, ole cry baby, I start to cry.  She was going to accomplish her goal! Her official time was 47:24.45. When she was done, I was in tears, gave her a big hug and let her know that I was so proud of her.  She WALKED an average pace of 15:16. She finished 25/30 in her age category, 171/187 out of women and 305/322 overall. 

I left the race feeling great, but it wasn’t for me.  

I was feeling great for my mom. I remember how I proud I was after finishing my first 5K and I knew she was feeling the same thing.  I was proud that she was willing to step outside of her comfort zone, make goals and then crush those goals! Yup, my mom is pretty amazing. 

One of my favorite discoveries...

Aside from the constant motivation and inspiration I receive from my Facebook newsfeed, Twitter and Instagram, one of my favorite things is to hear about new products. One product that caught my eye immediately was Ripped Cream. As a coffee addict, I new that I needed to try it. I was thrilled to find a product that could provide the taste of flavored creamer, as well as providing health benefits.  I went online and  immediately ordered a bag.  I wasn't disappointed.  

So you what be wondering what exactly is Ripped Cream? In a nutshell, protein coffee creamer, which also happens to be all natural, gluten free and enriched with Vitamin D3 and 11 amino acids.  When I say protein, I mean high protein.  Two tablespoons give you as much protein as an egg! Not too bad for your regular cup of coffee.  

You might be wondering... well how does it taste? Fantastic! Since French Vanilla Creamer is my favorite flavored creamer, I naturally went for the Lean Vanilla Bean. A serving size is two tablespoons, I found that I didn't even need that much for a great tasting cup of coffee.  I was hesitant to try the Chizzled Chocolate Creamer. I have never been a fan of chocolate creamer, but when I won two bags I decided I might as well give it a try.  So I hesitantly tried it and ... OH. MY. YUM! By far, it exceeded any chocolate creamer that I had ever tried.  

So if I haven't peaked your interest yet perhaps... the words GIVEAWAY will! That's right I have two bags of Ripped Cream Lean Vanilla Bean protein creamer that will be up for grabs! You have to be a fan of my Facebook page My Journey 2 The Fit Life to enter. Good luck! 

Here's to a healthy day!

Emily