I'm a ZOOMA Girl!

I know I talk about it often...ok more than average but I just love ZOOMA Women's Race Series and am so excited to be joining them again for the third year as an ambassador for their race here on Cape Cod!

In 2012 I was delegated to cheering since Miss Aubs was due just weeks later.  No I'm not a hero for the cause and I actually had an amazing time cheering on runners from our ZOOMA Ambassador aid station!  Tears thinking just how proud I was of all the ladies that ran by including fellow ambassadors and my big sis Amy!  Bonus of the event....got to meet my very favorite BAMR ladies Sarah and Dimity!!!  Seriously love these ladies!!!

2013 was another awesome event and I got to run this time!!!  The weather was perfect and the views were even better!  I joined fellow ambassador Dani (who flew through this race) and my BRF Jill. We snaked around Falmouth laughing and doing our thing!  The 13.1 miles were all worth it to be able to lounge on Old Silver Beach with some wine in my hand!! 

I'm so excited for this year!!!  It just gets better each time and this year is no exception!!!  Sooooo who's coming with me?!  Don't you want to join your favorite Fancy Nancy on the beach and run ZOOMA Cape Cod?  Hang tight and I will share a discount soon for you to score yourself a deal!!

ZOOMA Half Marathon...Cape Cod Edition

During the ZOOMA Women's Half Marathon last year I was 9 months pregnant due just 2 weeks later.

This year I was 40lbs lighter and ready to run....or so I thought!  Two weeks ago our family battled the flu for 3 days and then just 2 days before the race, I was at the clinic with strep throat.  I went to the Mocktail Party hosted by Honest Tea with small goals.  Before I get ahead of myself let me start with Friday's number pick-up and party.

After our weekly play date at the park with friends, we came home to meet up with fellow ambassador Dani who was coming from Somerville and staying with us!  I walked up to unlocked the door and had a spiffy care package waiting for me from Honest Tea!

Lots of goodies that hubs and I are loving!  After hubs got home from work we headed to the Seacrest to pick up our numbers and a quick Q&A with runners.  Well....no one had a Q so we were left with only As!

Me, Dani, Amy, and Jess

Shopping was awesome and I scored a new plum colored skirt for only $20 from the lovely ladies at Bayside Runner!!!  SCORE!  Plus Jess and I scored the same skirt so I'm thinking there must be a team race on the horizon!  After some snacks and dinner with the fabulous Amy and her always positive hubby Chris, Dani and I went back to my house knowing an early alarm was in our future!

I woke up on race day at 5am (start was at 7:30), drank some coffee and had my English muffin with peanut butter.  I probably should have eaten more since around mile 3 I had a grumbly tummy but I hadn't eaten much in the past few days and didn't want to risk it!  Got dressed and off we went...may I add that Dani always has the most perfectly coordinated race outfits!  Seriously the girl has skills...and Sparkle Skirts!

Dani and I

We got to the starting line no problem (after meeting up with Jill who drove down that morning), used the potty (serious best porta potties ever...they even flushed!!!!), and snapped a quick ambassador photo!

Nicole, Amy, Dani, Kelly, and I

Before we knew it the 10kers were off and it was our turn!  My goal for the race was to finish...and possibly get negative splits!  I ran with Jill for 10 miles...they seriously ticked by like nothing!  We haven't seen each other in a while so we had a lot to catch up on!  I took a GU at mile 3 since I was starving and was good to the finish!

Jill and I at the finish

Mile 10 was when it got a little shaky.  I was doing really well running with Jill keeping my mind ocupied and the miles flying by.  Then well...poor hubs couldn't find Em's soccer gear and sent me a text.  That was all it took to shake me off my game.  The pacers who I had kept behind me the whole race passed me with their yellow balloons bouncing.  A few texts exchanged and a phone call and my resolve was shaken....I started to doubt myself...doubt my training...doubt my health...until I looked at my Garmin and realized I was in fact going faster than I had run the last 11 miles!!!  Apparently I should thank the hubs for getting me frustrated!!  We turned the corner and there stood a hill...not just a hill but a WICKED big...long...twisty hill!  You know me and hills....we aren't friends!  I looked down though and remembered I was wearing my Team Tough Chik shirt....

How could I wear that and walk it up the hill?  I couldn't!  I dug deep...started powering up that hill passing runners by the handful.  Oh and those pacers...those yellow balloons...yeah ate them for lunch!  I was not going to let it all unravel.  That mile...that climb...forever proved to myself that I DO have it in me no matter what!!!  I sprinted it in and smiled ear to ear as the announcer said my name!!  I grabbed a water, medal necklace, and a Muscle Milk and headed for the beach!  A snack in hand and a lounge chair later....

I had done it!  I didn't pr...not even close...but I didn't let the race beat me...I didn't let me beat me!  I know there will be cruddy runs ahead but knowing that I do have it in there shows me that there will be a day where I am crossing that finish line with a smile and my goal time on the clock!!!

The ZOOMA Cape Cod course was hilly but wow you really can't beat the views...cranberry bogs, ocean views, and an awesome Shining Sea Bikepath!  I have loved being involved in this race with all the great women of ZOOMA!  Honestly as cheesy as it sounds, I have made such great friends with my fellow ambassadors!!  The race was very well organized and the little perks were worth it all!  You really can't beat your toes in the sand...wine in hand...and a massage post race!!

Monday Motivation

It started with my hubby waking up sick...then Em getting sick at school...then the roadblock just grew bigger and bigger until I was the one sick in bed.  Just 2 weeks out from ZOOMA and my last double digit run and it was as if this giant bolder was in the middle of the road!  Thursday it came on and then Friday it was hard to keep my eyes open let alone eat.  It has taken us until this morning, and I'm still not convinced that we are in the clear.  Aside from me being certain that I never want my family to get the flu again...like ever again, this week was a confidence shaker.  The last push week until the big race...the last week to put in the work before the taper time comes...the last time to make it count.  This morning I'm ready though...ready to make THIS week count...to know that I can't focus on the bolder that blocked last week but look ahead at what I can do this week.  Here's to a healthy week!

Getting Social

Yesterday Muscle Milk and ZOOMA crashed the Monday night community run with Social Boston Sports.  We met outside The Publick House and did a 5 mile loop around the city.  Major blogger fail on my part is that I only got a few pictures while in town...stuck in traffic...trying to make Miss Em smile!

Jill and I met the group in Brookline right on time to smiling faces and lots of Muscle Milk (Thanks Laurie!).  They listened to me gush about all things ZOOMA and why they needed to storm Falmouth this September and run with us.  Then we were off....like quickly!  The groups leader Lauren stayed with Jill and I while the boys took off....mind you Lauren and another guy had run a trail marathon just days earlier!  I forgot while we were cruising along how much I LOVE running in the city!  Boston has so much to see and it took my mind off of the fact that I was sucking wind and pouring sweat!  Plus the lightening bolts and thunder coupled with a GIANT cloud didn't hurt to move my pace along!  All I could think of was that my hubs would kill me if I got struck by lightening!  Lol!!  A quick pass through Kenmore Square and back to our meeting place and 5 miles were done!  We had a blast chatting with Lauren and Brandy...both amazing runners!

If you live in Boston or close to it, check out Social Boston Sports community runs.  They meet Monday and Wednesday nights.  It was a great and very welcoming group...if only I didn't have to work today or I would have met them for some drinks!  And as always....don't forget to join us in Falmouth (or I suppose a location closer to you :-) ) for ZOOMA Half Marathon and 10k on September 28th...discount code and link on sidebar!

TTT

Baby is napping...almost...Dora is on the TV...sounds like a great time to dish you my three randoms for the week before the day ramps up!!!

No Fear...Yesterday we went to a local fair with my in laws.  We have had this fair date on the calendar ever since we drove by the fairgrounds and saw the sign up!  In true form, our Em had no fear!  Her first stop was the GIANT Ferris Wheel with Bumpa (because there was no way I was getting on it!).

It went from there.  She wanted faster and higher all night!  My hubby and I were thinking....how freeing it must be not only to have no fear but no concept that something may be unsafe!  The whole night I had to be holding her hand...especially in light of a lingering Amber Alert in RI...she knew we were keeping her safe and there was no concept of fail!  Oh if I could only live my life this way...no fear of what ifs...no fear of falling short of goals...just going and knowing it was all good!

Cape Cod Summer....This summer our friends have introduced us to a beach that has the hubby and I feeling like real Cape Codders!  People who are not born and raised on the Cape are called "wash ashores" and everyone in our family except Aubs is just that, however I feel like I'm a Cape Codder at heart...like I could live on the beach.  Isn't that enough!?(or is it just the fact that I am RI girl who just floated south!)  Either way we have gotten into a weekend habit of going to a beach where you drive onto the beach.  It's awesome...off roading, no beach carts, hours/days of entertainment!  Last Sunday we were there from 9:30-5:30!!  We love it!!

ZOOMA Run...This Monday, July 29th, we are teaming up with Social Boston Sports and Muscle Milk for a run in Brookline!  I haven't run for a long time in the city and I am really excited to team up with SBS and get my run on while we get people excited for ZOOMA Cape Cod!  In the Boston area?  Come on out and run with us!!!  We are meeting in Brookline outside the Washington St. station at 7pm.  If you're coming let me know so I can be sure to look for you! 

Monday Motivation

So many people shy away from reaching a goal or dream because of the immense journey in front of them.  Working as an ambassador for ZOOMA, naturally the conversation turns to..."Oh I don't think I could ever run that far!".  Well neither did I until I did!  I never thought I could cover 26.2 miles until I did.  I never thought I could run 13.1 in under 2 hours until I did.  I never thought I could run over 5000 miles in 3 years until I did.  You NEVER know what you can do until you put in the work and DO it!  Prove yourself wrong!  You don't have to be a marathoner on day one of training.  You don't need to be the fastest out there on day one....you just have to make a choice to start!

How will you prove yourself wrong?  What are you starting or in the middle of working towards?

Training Tuesday

Yesterday we had a training kick-off party/run at Bayside Runner in Plymouth for ZOOMA Cape Cod. 

It was a great group of ladies...and one very supportive fiance...and everyone was excited to get started training!  We started off with meeting the two coaches, one for Plymouth and one for Yarmouth, and a talk from Bayside owner Adam about getting all you need for a successful training cycle.  Then we were off for a steamy and quick 3 miler.  It was so great to talk with the ladies on the run.  Some are challenging themselves with the half for the first time, some are returning half marathoners who are looking for more guidance in their training.  I am really looking forward to seeing what great things these ladies are going to be doing come September!!

I left with a great feeling...and also so excited to be running with other people again!  I guess I didn't realize how much I missed it until today.  As a competitive and social person, I find that I am pushed so much more when I run with a group.  Tonight even though I was sweating like a hog, I was loving every second of it!  I miss it!

If you are in the Boston area stay tuned for more ZOOMA Cape Cod training run events!!  Oh and don't forget to join the party on September 28th in Falmouth!  Use the code CCAMB4 to get your Fancy Nancy discount!!!

Fitness Friday...ZOOMA Training Group

One of the things as a ZOOMA Cape Cod Ambassador that has been awesome to experience is the power of a group....power of determination...the power of women (sorry boys)!  Last year I was so inspired hearing so many of the runners stories about what got them to the starting line in Falmouth and watching them grit it out as I cheered at the water station!  I'm so excited to be actually running it this year (last year there was a good chance I would have gone into labor had I traveled the 13.1 miles) and getting to get the full experience of ZOOMA...i.e. wine and massages at the finish! 

Want to join me?  Don't forget to use the code CCAMB4 when you register for a discount!

One thing that I would LOVE to do but am not able to since I am wearing my Nurse Nancy hat this summer is the training groups run by Bayside Runner in Yarmouth and Plymouth. 

If you live near either of these two locations so yourself a favor and sign up!!  Not only will you have a supportive group to run with two days a week, but you will be able to work with a skilled coach to guide your training to the start line!  You don't even need to be training for the ZOOMA race to participate in the group.  There will be a 10k and a half marathon training group in each location.  The Yarmouth store will be doing their runs on Thursday and Sunday while the Plymouth store runs Tuesday and Saturday.  Kick off is July 1st so get your rear in gear and sign up!!!

Can't you just see yourself lounging here this September basking in your post race glory?!

Fitness Friday...Grab Your Girls and Run!

 I am so excited again this year to be an ambassador for ZOOMA Women's Race Series for their Cape Cod race!  If you don't know about this race series get researching because this is the real deal!!  Not only are Brooke and Brae (founders) amazing running mamas but they are so amazing to work with!  It has honestly been like gaining friends along the way!

Last year I wasn't able to run since I looked like this...

Oh yeah that is THE SBS!!!

but I had a great time at the mocktail party the night before at the beautiful Sea Crest Hotel right on the beach!  Then the day of the race I cheered my preggo heart out at the surprise ambassador station and was so moved by all the ladies running their hearts out!!  This year I'm hitting the road and shooting for a half marathon PR(a distance or time PR earns you an extra shiny medal!)!

So my question is...

Who's coming with me?!

Grab your girl friends and head to the Cape at one of the best times to be on the Cape!  The weather is beautiful but all the summer people have gone home (no offense if you are one of those!) This year they are stepping the swag up even more!  The post-race party is going to rock and this year they have added yoga on the beach!  So come, run, and then enjoy a glass of wine, massage, and yoga on the beach!!!  Sounds just about perfect to me!!!  Head on over and join in on the fun!  If you register before July 1st you get some extra swag...can't you tell by now that this race is swagaliscious?!

An added bonus for all of you and your friends....

enter the code CCAMB4 at checkout and score yourself 10% off!!!

If you live in the South Shore or Cape Cod, Bayside Runner in Plymouth and Yarmouth is hosting a training program for those running ZOOMA Cape Cod!

Head on over for more details but they are doing training session starting early July twice a week with of course a kick-off party!!!

So ok ladies....Are you in? 

Meet Me at the Expo

If you're looking for Fancy Nancy today you'll find me here...

Parked next to Mr. Bill Rodgers and Greg Meyer.  

Come on down to the Hyannis Expo and score 10% off registration!!

2012 in Pictures

My resolution this year was to enjoy every blessing....little did I know just how many blessings there would be this year!!!  Looking back over these pictures was motivating for me...proof that I was skinny once and will get this baby weight will be gone!! 

I started the year with a bang running with my BRF Jill in tutus!!

Two Days of #ZOOMA Fun!

What's better than an a great race with tons of awesome swag?

When it turns into a two-day event!!

Day one was an appearance by none other than Sarah and Dimity from Another Mother Runner who have written the awesome "Run Like a Mother" and "Train Like a Mother".

I was beyond excited to meet Sarah and then Dimity the next day!  LOVE these ladies!!!

Following that was a great expo complete with shopping booths by Skirt Sports, Bani Bands (who will soon be available at Dicks Sporting Goods), and Sarah and Dimity.  The night finished with a "mocktail" hour sponsored by Hint water overlooking the ocean at the Sea Crest Beach Hotel.  It was a gorgeous sunset....pardon the blurry picture

and a beautiful night just relaxing with friends, fellow ambassadors, and the ZOOMA ladies Brooke, Brae, and Tricia!  I had met many of them before but it was great to meet Felice and Tricia.  I have been reading Tricia's blog for YEARS and it was awesome to talk with her in real life!!  Time sailed and we headed home to rest up for the next day's race!

I drove with my sister Amy to the race and my friend Marissa followed us there.  They were both super nervous since this was their first 10k race.  I knew they would rock it but they just needed to believe it!  Arriving at the Sea Crest, which was both the starting and finish line, was awesome!  Such a fun and exciting atmosphere and VERY well organized!  I heard from so many runners after about how well organized and fun they thought the whole race was.  New England runners tend to be a little finicky (we're actually pretty finicky about a lot of things) so the ZOOMA crew should consider this a huge compliment!  I dropped the ladies at the starting line and headed to our ZOOMA Ambassador surprise aide station!!

Since I wasn't running I thought it would be super fun to work the aide station with Ryan, Bethany a fellow ambassador's hubby and amazing distance runner.  What a great surprise to have so many Falmouth High School athletes there to help out!

The race was so fun to watch and I have to admit that I got chocked up more than I would normally admit!  I just love cheering people on!

My friend Marissa did great....

and so did my sister Amy

who ran the distance faster than she has ever run it!!!  I seriously couldn't be more proud of her!!!

After heading back and finding my sister again at the finish, we headed to the finish line expo...it was awesome!!!  Tons of vendors, a live band, great food, and massages on the beach!!  It was awesome!!  Overall I have to say I was seriously impressed with the whole ZOOMA event start to finish...not to say that I am surprised having worked with these ladies!  So much fun!!!  I can't wait to join in on the fun next year!

Weren't able to run ZOOMA Cape Cod?  Well check out their website for all their locations.  The two events coming up are Great Lakes and Florida (which could be a fabulous birthday present for me!!).  Be sure to check out the ZOOMA blog for more recaps!

10 Running Related Questions

Since I'm late to the party I probably don't need to explain too much about Dimity and SBS' posts on Another Mother Runner with her 10 Running-Related Questions.  I feel like it is fitting to answer them this week since she is headed to my great state for ZOOMA Cape Cod!!

1. Best run ever: I have had some really great training runs but I would say my best feeling race ever was when I ran the New Bedford Half Marathon in 2011.  It was one of those days when it all just clicked.  Each pace I set was faster than the next and they all felt comfortable!  I honestly think I would have gotten in under 1:50 if it wasn't for the KILLER hill that lasted just about all of mile 12!  Why?!?!

2. Three words that describe my running:  Right now I would say, "Not very graceful" since I lumber along but when I'm not 37 weeks pregnant I would say, "Focused, determined, and driven"
3. My go-to running outfit is: Always involving a running skirt and Saucony shoes!  In the summer it is a running skirt, tank, Chicaband or other frizz tamer, and compression shorts.  In the winter or colder months it is a running skirt, compression tights, a BondiBand pony tail hat, and several layers on top. I have also been known to throw a tutu in the mix from time to time!

4. Quirky habit while running:Hmmmm...not sure about this one.  I tend to kick my own legs when I am running faster.  Perhaps that I suck on mints in order to sooth my belly!
5. Morning, midday, evening: In a perfect world where I didn't have that silly thing called work, it would be morning runs always.  I love getting up and running!  It clears my head and I also have nothing that can get in the way of it!
6. I won’t run outside when it’s: Well last year I would have said dark since I have night blindness and am afraid of my own shadow.  However I got my nifty head lamp, Saucony reflective jacket, and a killer running group to get me outside on winter evenings!!  Now I would say icy....I'm just never that graceful!!
7. Worst injury—and how I got over it: I injured my back very badly when Em was just 6 months old...talking ambulance at the gym hurt.  I rested and made sure I did physical therapy and was SUPER careful.  I still make sure I am always paying attention to that part of my body!!
8. I felt most like a badass mother runner when: I head out for a long run bright an early no matter what the weather outside!  I love it when people say, "You ran in that???"  I also was feeling very badass when I ran a half marathon this May to celebrate 20 weeks of pregnancy.

 9. Next race is: I'm hoping to run the New Bedford Half again this year in March...actually on St. Patrick's Day!  I will be 5 months post baby.  I've been out of race mode but I am itching to get back into the game!!!
10. Potential running goal for 2013: Let me say it and let out a loud EEEEK!  I would love to run a marathon in 2013.  More than anything I want to find my balance again as a wife and mom of 2 chickies!  I would love to hit 1500 miles again in 2013 but I am going to set my goal for 1000 and see what I get!  Let's sum it up to say my goal for 2013 would be a healthy, strong year as a running momma!!

Take the Challenge....Believe it WILL Happen!

There is just 9 days until ZOOMA Cape Cod and boy am I getting super excited!!!  

Perhaps that is because I can't wait to see all the ZOOMA ladies again....not to mention Sarah and Dimity too!  Another reason could be that I get to cheer everyone on during the race, something I usually do not do since I'm usually the one IN the race.  I can't wait but I have to say I'm nervous...I get so chocked up at finish lines watching others accomplish their goals.  Add to that the fact that I'll be literally "ready to pop" pregnant it could turn into an ugly cry!

Ha!  Imagine?!

Crossing this finish line, along with many other women will be friends that I have bullied into encouraged to run the race.  Their first words for me were, "I don't think I could finish".  And then....there will be my sister!  I will save the gushing of pride for after she finishes the race, but I am so proud of her!  This summer while we were beginning training for ZOOMA, she kept saying it was my goal for her....but something tells me that as this hot, humid summer has zoomed by, she started wanting this for herself!!

Amy running her first race in 2010

On Saturday she ran 7 miles....alone.  She woke up early (which if you knew my sister is a feat in itself), laced up her shoes, and headed out for her 7 miler.  She put the pending craziness of her day getting kids where they needed to be on hold to do what she needed to.  I know this is hard for her...and for moms everywhere...to put themselves first...but I am SO proud of her!  Here is her reflection of her training time thus far:
"It took a long time, but I am coming to realize that I have to insist on taking physical time for myself. This summer has not been one of the healthiest ones for me, physically and mentally, and so much changes when I lace up. Alone. Or with my sister-its like having a therapist that is stuck listening to your crap because what, are you going to leave me there on the road? And while I am relieved to find out I have not grown new tonsils (because yes, that can happen and was a possibility), I know that on the days I can, I must move. For a whole host of reasons."

 What has taking a challenge taught you about yourself?