Moving Day!

This weekend we are hauling everything out so I will not be around for a few days while we get settled again!  I will back again with a motivation for you on Monday!  Have a GREAT weekend!!  Also I updated my "Who is Fancy Nancy" tab and added another!  Check them out! 

Three Things Thursday

Good morning all and welcome to my new followers!  This week has been crazy getting ready for our move so I apologize if I haven't been sharing the love this week!  But the week wouldn't be complete without three randoms....so here we go!!

 1.  I love you Saucony Kinvara 3!....Took these babies out for a spin around the track last night and boy oh boy am I in love!!!  They are seriously the most comfortable shoe I've worn!!!  My legs were tired yesterday since I had taken Em to a local place to ride the carousel and do a few other things, but the property is really spaced out so there was a lot of walking involved.  I laced these up for running group and woooo baby I love them!!  Plus how cute are they?!  One friend commented that I didn't even need reflective gear!!  

2.  Hey cute shirt.....Many of you commented on my tank the other day from my race so I wanted to give you the info on where I found it.  I bought it from Zulily but the company is For Two Fitness and they have a lot of pregnancy tops for different sports as well as pants.  The tank is super comfy and made from light weight material.  I would totally recommend it for anyone...or as a gift! 

3.  Moving just plain stinks!....We are officially moving on Saturday and the result of that is our house currently looks like a bomb went off in it!  Seriously how did we get so much stuff!!!!!  We have been purging and donating a lot but wow....kids require a lot of stuff!  I'm using stuff as a more polite alternative to what I really would like to call it!!  The catch for this move is that our new lease does not begin until August....that's right folks not July but August!  I mean what's life without a little more excitement!  Soooo Em and I are headed to RI for vacation to visit my family for the month.  She is over the moon excited and I hope the fam is well rested!!!  I'm hoping things will go smoothly this weekend and nothing gets put in storage that I really need! 

Almost Wordless Wednesday....ZOOMA Cape Cod Kick-off

Last night, I was able to head into Boston to City Sports and attend the ZOOMA Cape Cod Race kick-off party!  Honestly this was the easiest I have ever gotten into the city before so I knew it was going to be a great night....and I was right!  I was able to meet ZOOMA's other half, Brooke, as well as two other ambassadors Bethany and Lisa.  The awesome folks from Muscle Milk were there giving out samples to everyone, a treat for those who ran with the City Sports Tuesday night running group.  There were also massages for the runners and guests and 20% off in the store all night!  It was an awesome night and got everyone excited about the race!!  It was also a great way for me to finally catch up with a good friend Michelle who lives just a few blocks away!  Check out the scenes from the night!

Ambassadors and one of our leaders! Michelle, Bethany, Me, Samantha, Jess and Brooke

I know what you're thinking...."How can I get a piece of that fun?"...Well head on over to register and don't forget to use the coupon code CCAMB4 to get your discount!

Welcome to Summer Virtual Run Race Report

This past week I was able to do one of my favorite things....run a virtual race!!  Toni over at Running, Loving, Living hosted this awesome virtual run to help kick off summer....running and summer two of my favorite things!!  I unfortunately don't have a pic with the bib since we're moving this week and well....to be frank...I'm not completely certain where my printer is!  Of course I signed up for both....you know me, if you put a challenge in front of me I'll take it!

10K

I wore Toni's Bondi Band to represent!

I ran the 10k first at the beginning of the week....good thing summer decided to hit Massachusetts with a vengence bringing in both heat and humidity.  I carried lots of water and ran/walked my way through the 6.2 miles!! 

5k

I used a local 5k that I had signed up for to count for the virtual 5k.  I'm a teacher in this town so it was a no brainer to run this race since a lot of the proceeds went toward programs for kids in the community.  I grabbed my trusty running slave driver buddy and headed down Cape to the race. 

Sporting her Nike Frees....yes she wore them because they are her "fast shoes"

It had rained the night before so a lot of the heat had broken but boy the humidity didn't!!  I'm looking forward to running this race again next year sans baby bump...well organized and a beautiful course!  Em was great but was quick to bark when I began walking breaks...."Run Mommy!  They're getting away!"  She hopped out close to the finish so she could run across the finish line.  It was priceless when she raised her hand in the air and said, "Mommy we won!" 

Thanks to Toni for hosting this great virtual run!!!

Monday Motivation

First let me begin by thanking you all so sincerely!  Your kindness and support never ceases to move me!  Thank you!  Now for your weekly kick in the pants!!

I saw this on Facebook the other day and thought it was perfect!  How many of you have set a goal, a huge goal....lose 100lbs, run 50 miles, run a 5k, become a personal trainer, completely change your lifestyle, compete in a fitness competition...only to have your friends or family look at you like "Huh?"  Their words say, "That's great!" but inside you know the challenge flag has been thrown.  You need to prove to them you are made to do this and you will rock it!!!  Believe in yourself and what amazing things you can do if you put your mind to it!!!  It's out there waiting for you.....

What will you convince people you can do?

I'm sure Ashton Eaton had doubters when he said he was going to be the world's best athlete one day.....

Fitness Friday....In the Mirror

I should have known a post like this was coming....I could feel it coming on.  It could have to do with the fact that the temps have spiked higher than 90 with what feels like 100% humidity....or that my hotel room has a full length mirror and I'm able to see myself from the waste down for the first time in 5 months....or I'm just bound to have a huge tank a$$ and legs during pregnancy.  I apologize ahead of time knowing I will probably sound like I'm whining.  I remember feeling this way during my last pregnancy though and didn't feel like I had the ability to talk about it...so lucky you!

Next week I reach my 6th month and while I feel so blessed by being able to to continue to run and workout still, I can't seem to keep from feeling horrible about the way that I look.  I find myself trying to go unseen which is not an easy feat considering how big I am.  I guess I thought this pregnancy was going to be different...that I wouldn't get so big, but seriously from my waste down I can help but shudder when I look.   I am not one of those ladies who just gets a bump...or is able to wear her regular clothes well into her pregnancy...or can pull amazing runs out of her belt like she isn't even pregnant.

I'm big....but more than that I feel big...I'm fighting feelings I thought I had long since conquered and put behind me.  I'm fighting wanting to "diet" knowing that it wouldn't be safe.  I'm fighting these feelings not only for myself but also because I have a little pair of 3 year-old eyes watching me this time around.  A pair of eyes who sees her mommy as strong....and a beautiful princess.  Perhaps I should start using her mirror!!!  At least I should start trying to find the fit girl I feel like in the mirror in front of me.

Thanks for letting me vent...I'm sure I'm not the first woman to feel huge while being pregnant....And like I said on Monday....my comeback is going to ROCK!!!

Almost Wordless Wednesday

How do you get teenagers excited to run?

Show them that if you have a vision, anything can be done!  4 students joined track this year!  I'm hoping to fill this desk and the wall next school year!

Monday Motivation

This week I am throwing down the challenge flag for everyone I know.....take the challenge this summer to push yourself past what you think you can do...get out of that comfort zone!!  You'll see me talking on Facebook and Twitter about challenging yourself especially in running.  You have nothing to lose!  My challenge is continuing to run through this pregnancy.  Running now for me is not as easy as I want it to be but I am taking that challenge because I have dreams of a big comeback once the baby is born.  Yes it scares me a little....not getting there is a little scary but I am up for it! 
How will YOU challenge yourself?

Head on over to the ZOOMA Race Series blog later today and check out my guest post today!  Maybe you are sitting comfy with your 5k races....challenge yourself to go to a 10k!  10k a breeze....shoot for a half marathon!  You CAN do it!  I know you can!!!

Saturday Scenes

Well summer is certainly descending on our sleepy Cape Cod town.  My quiet, secluded runs have been replaced by many fellow runners here for the summer.  Once quiet air is filled with the sounds of bats cracking at the Cape League field or kids squealing at on of the neighborhood beaches.  And yards once empty have been decorated with Adirondack chairs just waiting to be sat on!  Today as I head out I will take in all these scenes....like a sponge because in just a few weeks we will be moving.  My daily route will be changing and so I wanted to show a few of my favorite scenes from my usual route.  I tried out Picmonkey for this and it was super easy to use! 

Have a great weekend and enjoy the scenes from you run!!

Fitness Friday....Accept and Conquer

Accept

Often times watching weight loss shows, talking with friends, looking at myself, people will be stuck on mistakes they have made in the past.  "I can't believe I have let myself get this far off course!"  "I don't even know how I got this heavy!"  "I'm ashamed of how I look knowing what I used to look like!" 

Conquer

There is no way you can become the fit person you know you can be if you do not accept that mistakes have been made and then promise to conquer them from now on!  Ok so you ate too much these past few weeks...your gym membership has become a monthly donation to the gym rather than something you use lately....life got crazy busy and before you knew it you put weight on.  I know I have been in that place before.  This week has not been my best with eating and while I know I'm pregnant, I also know the sting of feeling too big.  But I also know that I can't sit in that place....that place of disbelief.  Your power...my power...comes from accepting and vowing to conquer!!  This morning I got up...went to the gym....and conquered that treadmill and weights.

Start today!  Yes on a Friday...not on Monday!  I know the warm weather is here but summer has yet to begin!  We've all been there in one way or another.  The difference is throwing that aside and taking the first step....and lots of steps after that!! 

Start today....No more excuses!!

WICW-What I Crave Wednesday

I was giggling with my husband last night....ok I was giggling and he was looking at me like I was slightly off...about how different my cravings are this time around.  With Em I was all about....

Salt...salt...and more salt.  Chips, popcorn, you name it I had to have it!  That would probably explain the 50+ lbs I gain while I was pregnant with her!  Needless to say she is the same way.  If it's salty, she loves it!

Fast forward to this pregnancy...

Sugar is the name of the game this time around, however I am using a lot more restraint than I did with my first.  Losing 70lbs was no walk in the park and not something I'd like to repeat if I can avoid it!  While I have been craving candy, cookies, and ice cream for each meal of the day, I have been trying to substitute for things that are either healthier or less offensive like....

Today I have a huge bag of cherries to munch on...the sweeter the better!

Believe it or not my green smoothie has really hit the spot too!  I have been adding in chocolate Amazing Grass powder for some chocolaty goodness!

Ok so not perfect but at least it's better than balancing a pint of Phish Food on my belly!  Plus they come in single serving containers!

Now I'm not going to lie and say that I am being perfect.  There may or may not be a bag of gum drops in my car at this very moment, but I am trying not to go whole hog and eat everything I'm craving!  We shall see if this little darling has a sweet tooth!!

How do you address your cravings?  

(And no you do not have to be or have be pregnant to answer this one!)

One Lovely Blog Award

I was nominated last week by the lovely Amy over at Running Escapades!  

I thought this worked out great for some of the new followers to get to know who Fancy Nancy is and for my old friends to learn something new since I have waited until forever to write ANYTHING on that tab!  I promise to pay attention to it very soon...it may come as a shock but I'm not awesome at writing about myself...I know shocking right?!  So here is how it works.

The One Lovely Blog Award is a "pay it forward" kind of way to recognize your favorite blogs. 

Here are the rules:

1. Post the award logo and and picture on your blog and link back to the person who nominated you.

2. Tell seven things about yourself.

3. Nominate up to 15 additional bloggers who you think deserve the award.

4. Post a comment on the blog of each nominee to tell them him/her they have been nominated.

SO here goes nothing....
1.  I have bad driving habits like I speed....text and drive...tailgate.  Part of it is because I feel like I'm always running late and before I get a barrage of comments about how awful it is to text and drive please know that it is something I am SERIOUSLY working on and not something I do when Em is in the car (except that one time that scarred my sister for life). 
2.  I have a slight obsession/passion for Africa.  I'm not sure why but ever since I was younger I have wanted to go to Africa.  In college many friends went on mission trips there but since I played sports I was unable to go.  I have had many refugee students from several African nations (Somalia, Sudan, Ivory Coast, Burundi) and I would have scooped them up and taken them home if they let me!  Some day, and yes my hubby is aware of this, I will go there.
3.  The first sport I did was gymnastics.  My mom maintains that as soon as I got over the vault I was done.  That is where I got my nickname Fancy Nancy....well before the children's book series...and to this day I love watching gymnastics on TV.
4.  I procrastinate....terribly at times...note the lack of attention to my About Me tab!
5.  I was born to be a beach bum...seriously once Summer starts Em and I spend 90% of our days at the beach.  Thankfully I have a job where we have the Summer off.  I am so blessed to have a daughter that loves it as much as I do.  Hopefully #2 will follow along with the program!!
6.  My first race was a 5k in Providence.  It ended by going up a HUGE hill.  I remember seeing my Dad at the bottom of the hill cheering me on!  He has a knack for just appearing when you need him most!
7.  My hubby and I met in college, however, due to my lack of focus and a certain blonde we didn't date but continued to see each other through baseball/softball.  We re-met years later at the gym....and the rest is history! 

My nominees (my least fav part since I would love to nominate you all!)....
1.  One Tough Cookie and a Beer
2.  Running and Cupcakes
3.  Running with Attitude
4.   Travel Spot
5.  Carpe Diem Crystal
6.   Fitness, Health, and Happiness
7.  30 Something Mother Runner
 

Monday Motivation-Find Your Fierce

You may have heard this story already if you follow me on Facebook or Twitter so sorry but you're going to hear it again!!  I was running on Saturday and was stopped by a sweet woman who wanted to tell me that I looked fierce running.  Fierce was the farthest I was feeling lumbering my 22 week pregnant body down the street but it got me thinking.  We all have the potential to be fierce....unstoppable....strong.  There is no one else keeping you from that than you!  Needless to say, I continued on my run feeling much more unstoppable than I started!   

What do you do that makes you feel fierce?  What is that one thing you would love to try that you consider fierce?  What's stopping you?

BE STRONG!  BE BRAVE!  BE UNSTOPPABLE!  BE FIERCE!!!!

Sweat to Street Sunday

Welcome to Sweat to Street Sunday’s!

Each week my fabulously fit co-hosts and I will link up with one everyday outfit AND one fitness outfit that we love!

Meet Your Hosts!
Family and Life in Las Vegas (Emily)
Wild Things RUN Free (Charlotte)
Running and Cupcakes (Samantha)
MCM Mama (Erika)
Boobs, Barbells, and Broccoli (Tenecia)

***IF YOU WANT TO FOLLOW SWEAT TO STREET ON TWITTER OR PLAN ON TWEETING YOUR POST, PLEASE USE THE HASHTAG #SweatToStreet***

Sweat to Street has been created as a place to link up your favorite outfits of the week as a new Sunday blog feature. The idea is to have some fun and change it up! Each week we encourage you to post one workout outfit and one outfit you wore that isn’t fitness related.

Sweat

It was a normal day getting dressed...never expected to be stopped by a woman driving by who wanted to tell me I looked fierce running!  It was just what I needed to hear since I was (just seconds earlier) having a mini pity party about how hard it is getting to run.  Her message was just what I needed to push me on!!

Shirt: Marshall's (in my best French accent!)

Capris: Nike (I have been wearing this pair since 2007...may be time for new ones after baby!)

Hat: ZOOMA Race Series...I've said it before, seriously comfy!

Shoes: Tried and true Sacouny Ride!

Street

(I'm posting this before I get ready since I seem to run out of time every week!)

Shirt: Gap (needs to be ironed obviously!)

Skirt: Target (there's my French accent again!)

Flip flops: Old Navy (summer staple!)

Have a great Sunday all!!! 

Fitness Friday.....For the Love of the Game

"How do you flip the internal switch that changes us all back into the Natural Born Runners we once were?  Not just in history, but in out own lifetimes...Back when you were a kid and you had to be yelled at to slow down?  Every game you played, you played at top speed, sprinting like crazy as you kicked cans, freed all, and attacked jungle outposts in your neighbors' backyards....That was the real secret of the Tarahumara: they'd never forgotten what it felt like to love running." Christopher McDougall "Born to Run"

Where do you stand on running?  Do you love it....live it....hate it....reluctant to try it?  Just the subject of running can send a room to different corners, each convinced that their way is their life.  I love to run....and there are days where I live it too.  However, there are times when I need to recheck my motivation....stoke the fire periodically when I lose sight of what it is running should be.

In a rare moment the other day I had a half hour before when my hubby and daughter were heading off for the day and I was heading home from the gym (on days I take off it is just easier if Em doesn't know I'm around).  I headed to the beach with an iced decaf Dunkins and relaxed while I sipped and read "Born to Run".  This book sits in my car on the chance that I am early for something and waiting.  I can catch up on Caballo Blanco and the famed Tarahumara.  The section that I read was about the Tarahumara and aside from their amazing running ability, how running for them was about the joy....not the endorsements, not the fame, and not the stuff.  McDougall went into talking about the runners in the 70s with Frank Shorter and Bill Rodgers.  They were outcasts who loved to run....and did...amazing amounts of miles a week...two-three times a day!  They did it for the love of the sport.

This made me think about why I run....why some people's torture is my fun.  I love to run like I loved playing softball.  It gets inside you and lights you up.  The past few years I have run for many different reasons....run away from troubles...run to lose the baby weight....run for time...run for goals...run to escape life....run to gain life.  There were times when the joy of running were gone and the goal was stronger than the joy.  One thing about being pregnant and running for me has been I catch myself just smiling (not always) thankful that I am still pounding the pavement.  I'm thankful that God has blessed me with this ability to run during my pregnancy....as slow as it may be!  It's not easy....it certainly isn't graceful....but it's running and I love it!

What about you???  Do you find joy in running?

Three Things Thursday

Yesterday I had the awesome chance to have lunch with Brae Blackley the Founder of the Zooma Race Series as well as 2 other rockin ambassadors Michelle and Jessica and other local runners, coaches, and news media.

Jessica, Michelle, me, Ann Curi Preisig, Brae

It was held at the beautiful Sea Crest Beach Hotel in Falmouth where the race is being held.  I really didn't need more reason to love Zooma but meeting Brae and hearing more about the race, I have to say I left super excited to bully encourage everyone I knew to sign up!  So.....that includes you too!!!  Here are three MORE reasons to convince you to hit the register button!!! 

1. Swag-a-liscious....Zooma is a boutique women's race which is focused on giving you the whole experience!  With sponsors like MuslceMilk Light, Skirt Sports, GU, Barefoot Wines, Trek Women, Sayta Jewelry (making the finisher necklace), and HINT water the swag is going to be awesome!!  I know we run for the joy of running (milling a post around in my head about just this inspired by Born to Run) but it helps when the swag is good.  Just take a look at the great swag table there yesterday complete with Muscle Milk, HINT water, hats, and women's sized race t-shirts!!!

If you could choose, what would be your dream swag?  What have you gotten from a race and loved?

Honestly the most comfortable running hats I own!!!

2.  Post race Party....The race begins and ends at the Sea Crest Beach Hotel in Falmouth, MA.  The post race party is going to be a blast!!!  You have live music, yummy goodies and a nice refreshing glass of Barefoot Wines!  Oh and to add to all of that...you get to hang with your BRF at this beach.....

Yeah Sea Crest Beach Hotel sits on Olde Silver Beach which is always a summer stop for my family and I for obvious reasons!!!  The Sea Crest is also offering a special rate for anyone traveling and staying for the race of $199 per night with no night minimum....this is a STEAL for Cape Cod in September!!!  Most places require a minimum of 2 nights plus are more expensive.  Book early though since they have the larger rooms go quickly.
3.  Running with your BRF for a great cause....Not only is organization of Zooma Race Series amazing (run by two sisters Brae and Brooke along with Tricia), but the Cape Cod race is partnering also with another great organization called Cape Cod Child Development which provides resources to Cape families through early intervention to teen programs.  They are geared toward helping their community and even closer to my heart...the children of Cape Cod.

Come on ladies (and men too)!!  Gather your BRF (best running friends), head to the Cape, and run ZOOMA Cape Cod (don't forget to use the discount code on my sidebar when registering)!!!   (and consider yourself warned because Fancy Nancy is going to be throwing down the challenge hammer VERY soon!!!

Almost Wordless Wednesday....National Running Day Buddy Style

Today for National Running Day, I'll be running with my running group out at the track.  Joining this group has been such a blessing....not only speed wise but just has given me another layer of love for running!  This got me thinking about how running has allowed me to meet and form bonds with so many people throughout the years.  Here are some of the blessings I have been able to toe the line with over the years in addition to all of you virtually!!

National Running Day....Celebration Time!

In case you haven't heard tomorrow, June 6th, is National Running Day! According to the National Running Day website, they perfectly defined the day as:

National Running Day, held annually on the first Wednesday in June, is a day when runners everywhere declare their passion for running. Wherever we are and whomever we’re with, we run—fast or slow, alone or with others, all over town or just around the block. It is a coast-to-coast celebration of a sport and activity that’s simple, inexpensive, and fun. It’s the perfect way for longtime runners to reaffirm their love of running and for beginners to kick off a lifetime and life-changing commitment.

 Last year I celebrated with a run with my trusty running buddy.....

Don't let the smile fool you....she was not feeling like celebrating!

There are many ways to celebrate this "unofficial" holiday....long and short though is to lace up and get out there!!  Here are a few suggestions:

• Not a runner....this is a great day to start!  Whether you run your first 3 minutes or 3 miles, you have to start somewhere and today can be your day!
• Get a group together and have fun!  Running can be serious and hard but today celebrate what makes it FUN!  Get a group together....run....and laugh!  Remember what made you fall in love!
• Set a new goal...You may be a runner who is always racing or one who has never raced before.  If you are the later why not sign up for your first race to celebrate!  There are many sites out there to find local races....surf around...find your match....and click register!

Looking for more ways to celebrate?  Head on over to the website for National Running Day and read over their 10 ways to celebrate!

How will you celebrate National Running Day???

Monday Motivation

Many times I get in my own way....I don't sign up for races or don't go to a new class because I get in my own way....rather fear gets in my way.  Generally it isn't the fear of something bad happening, but rather the fear of failing.  However at the end of the day...isn't it more important that you tried than whether or not you failed?  Isn't the message I want to send to my daughter one of you can do anything you put your mind to rather than one of be careful because you might fail?  I'm beginning to look to the future after the baby is here and I am swirling around in my head some goals...goals that I may fail at but I am still reaching for them because it is in the reach that we really grow!! 

What would you do?  What would you reach for?

I was so inspired this morning by Dimity's story of Cynthia a runner at the Annapolis Zooma Half this weekend.  Cynthia had learned her thyroid cancer had returned after a 9 year remission.  She was running that half to show her body who was really in control.  Check out the story on Another Mother Runner.  I am encouraged and moved by Cynthia's strength....she is determined not to fail!