I am NOT a Runner

Sal and I started running about two years ago, in 2012. We signed up for our first 5K turkey trot, and decided to train by using the C25K app on our phones. It would train us for a few weeks, and leave us ready to run the 5K on our own. Thankfully, we were able to do most of our running during the end of summer, and fall. The weather wasn't too bad, and we were able to get through our runs week after week. I struggled in the beginning, and had cramps that seemed to be so excruciating that I had to stop. I even tried wrapping up my ribs, but it didn't help. I slowed my pace down, and eventually moved past it. The running became easier and easier, so that by the time our 5K arrived, we were both ready at the start line. Sal even left me in the dust, waiting for me at the finish line. It was extremely cold on Thanksgiving day that year, and being that the race was around the lake, it made it even colder. However, we made it through, and we continued to run while we could - whether it was outside or on the treadmill inside. We are not the kind of people that would run in the rain or snow though.

When the weather was nicer again, as winter started to fade and spring came, we started running again. We didn't run every day, but we ran when we could. However, that year Sal was having terrible pain in his legs while running, and after a trip to the doctor, found out he may have been having compartment syndrome and had to stop running. The constant impact on his heels/legs/knees was not good for someone who originally had knee problems. I'm not going to lie, I loved having him as my running partner, and I loved being able to push our limits together, but I did not want him to continue and further injure himself. We would just have to find something else that worked for the two of us to do together to stay fit. Just because he stopped, didn't mean I did, I kept up with my runs, but they were few and far in between. I ran several 5Ks, and many fun runs, including the Foam Fest, Dirty Girl Mud Run, and Color Run. I also ran that very same turkey trot we had signed up for just a year before, but this time I was on my own. It was more difficult to get through, even though I knew Sal was waiting at the finish line. It was bitter cold, and I pushed myself hard to get done sooner.

That same November 2013, I had Sal try out a kickboxing class at CKO Kickboxing. He was hesitant at first, because he didn't think it was for him. It had assumptions in his head that only women did it, and that it wasn't going to be hard. Little did he know... He tired out the class, and absolutely loved it. Before I knew it we were signing both of us up for a membership. My mom had purchased a gym membership for me for Christmas, so I was still able to run on the treadmill during the winter, but I found myself running less and less. This past summer I completed 3 5Ks, again, and one in the fall, most of them without training for the run, specifically by running. I signed up for the turkey trot again, this year, but about two weeks ago, I decided I wasn't going to run it. Yes, I know I realize I already paid for it, and I will be losing out on the money, but it was as if I was hit in the head, and a thought just popped up - I'm not a runner. I repeat, I'm NOT a runner.

When I first started running, I did consider myself a runner, no matter how slow I went, I was running, so that made me a runner, at least in my head. But if I'm being completely honest with myself, now, I don't enjoy running all the time. I like getting out there breathing in the fresh air, blasting my playlist, and seeing how far I can push myself, but it's never more than 3.1 miles, and I also do not enjoy running in the cold, rain, or snow. I hate that feeling of my lungs freezing when I breathe in the cold air, and I feel as if I'm suffocating. I hate when those cramps come out of nowhere, and I just want to stop. I hate pumping myself up and forcing myself out the door when I just don't feel like running. I'd much rather go to a CKO Kickboxing class, or any group exercise class for that matter ... okay, maybe not Zumba, but any other, than go out and run. Sure, intervals are great on the treadmill, and alternating the height it also great to work that butt, but just pure straight running, nope not a huge fan. Guess what? That's OKAY in my book! I'll continue to do fun runs and obstacle course runs because I love those, and it's not straight running, as for regular runs, you won't catch me signing up for one, at least not any time soon.

You have to find an exercise you enjoy, even if that means you don't follow what everyone else likes... even if that means you have to do it on your own. If you don't enjoy a workout, don't do it. It's only going to make you hate working out, and then you'll stop, and figure that you're better off sitting on the couch watching TV. Try different things out, but don't keep taking a class, running, or lifting weights if it's not your thing.

Find your thing. 

5K For Pediatric Cancer

I don't run races very often, and now that I think about it, I haven't ran very much in these last few months, even knowing that I signed up for races. That certainly doesn't stop me from signing up again and again though. This time I signed up for a 5K that was located in the town right next to mine, which was a relief to Sal because he didn't have to wake up early and drive really far, like we have for some of my previous races. That morning, I bundled up, it was a chilly October morning in Jersey, and we all know how those brutal those fall mornings can be, and we headed to the race.

I knew that two of my friends had signed up, and when I got there, I ended up seeing two more ladies that I knew from CKO Kickboxing. I ended up starting the race with them, and kept up pace for the first mile, now seeing as how I hadn't run in awhile, I thought that was pretty great, but eventually I couldn't keep up, so I tried to keep a steady pace on my own. I definitely slowed down, but it helped seeing Sal at different points during the race. He definitely motivates me to keep going (with anything in life), and to never give up. All kinds of cramps were in full force by the time I hit the second mile, but I kept going. I am not the kind of person to give up, ever.

By the time I saw the finish line, I ran with everything I had, and ended up with a new PR - I came in 45th place overall & 4th in my age group (20-29) with a time of 26:36, with an 8:35 average pace. I couldn't believe it, and I also couldn't breathe. I needed water right away, so I cooled down by walking over to grab a bottle of water. When we saw the results, I was proud, but I'm not going to lie... I was pretty upset with myself because I was 1 place away from getting a medal. If I had run a little faster, I would've placed third. I quickly realized that I couldn't be thinking like that... that I had surpassed goals and had really accomplished something, medal not included. I didn't give up... I pushed myself harder than ever before... I beat my PR for a mile AND a 5K. We can't go around comparing ourselves to others, nor can we wonder what if, all that we can do is give something our all and hope for the best.

We decided to head to the bar later that day for some drinks and football, and of course, since Sal's Packers were playing, we knew that we were going to watch the game, so why not have a good time out while we're at it. Thankfully that Packers won, or I'm sure that would've been one hell of a ride home, and not the good kind.

He supports me, and in return I support him. GO PACK GO!

The Color Run of 2014

My friend and I signed up for the Color Run this year, and I was super excited. Last year, I ran the Color Run in Brooklyn, and had signed up on a team with a bunch of other girls, but I showed up a little later than our start time, and ended up running by myself. Now these runs are supposed to be fun, but I must admit, I didn't have quite as much fun running it alone, as I did running it with a friend. It would be my last 5K of the summer, so I was looking forward to it.

My friend, Amanda, went the day before to pick up our race packets, and a little something extra so we could match. We planned out our outfits, accordingly: our Color Run shirt, black shorts, Color Run socks, Color Run sunglasses, and the Color Run headband. Sal wore his supportive Color Run shirt that he made for my run last year. He picked Amanda up at her house, she passed me my race packet, and before I knew it we were all decked out in our white Color Run gear headed to the race. We left early, even though there were no scheduled race times. The race was in New Jersey so it was much closer than the Brooklyn race last year, but we didn't want to risk being late or getting stuck in traffic going down the shore. When we got there, we walked over to where every runner was gathered before the race. Thankfully since Amanda had already picked up our race packets, we didn't have to wait in the extremely long line. We snapped a few pictures, and decided that we should start the race.

We left Sal waiting for us at the finish line. I love starting races, knowing that he's there waiting for me at the end. He's my biggest supporter, and I'm so grateful that I can count on him to be there for me for anything, in this instance, my races. Amanda and I started off with a jog, and made sure we walked through each color station so that we were covered after each. We didn't bring our phones, so we don't have individual color pictures, but we weren't about to risk breaking our phones or turning them a different color. It felt like we were soaring through the race, but we took our time, soaking in the sun, the wind, the color. This was Amanda's first 5K, and what better first than the Color Run?! We had so much fun, and even ended up on the ground at the last color station, making color angels. I'm telling you, we did not take this seriously. It was hilarious. We headed towards the finish line, and I looked eagerly for Sal. When my eyes found him, I couldn't help but smile. I ran harder and faster as I crossed the finish line, and we grabbed our color packets for the huge color party by the stage. 

Sal wanted nothing to do with hugging either of us. It was still funny to tease him and act like we were going to hug him and get color all over him. We headed into the color pit, and got our color packets ready to throw. I told her that it'd be in her best interest to close her mouth and nose when everyone throws the color, or else it'll wind up in her lungs. We counted down, and with each second passing, the anticipation grew, until we were throwing the color in the air. My cameraman, Sal, got it on video, and it looks incredible from far away!

It wasn't over for us yet though, because as we were walking, we were given more color packets. We didn't feel like going back into the color pit to wait and then throw it on everyone. Instead, we decided to throw them on one another, and it was hysterical. Once again, Sal caught it on video! 

We took a few more pictures of our colorful selves, and then headed out to grab some breakfast - which, of course, was taylor ham egg and cheese sandwiches, or at least variations of the famous NJ breakfast sandwich. We laughed as we walked into the bagel shop, because we knew people would stare at us, and believe me, they did. We headed home soon after, smiling the entire ride as we sat on towels and tried not to get any color on Sal's seats. I'd say it was a great race, and I cannot wait until next year.

Foam Fest 2014

If you would have asked me if you should do the Foam Fest after last year's run, I would have said "Hell Yea!" I completed the run with Sal and two ladies who I met through kickboxing. It was difficult, and yet so fun. We found ourselves facing an uphill battle against obstacles full of mud and foam, inflatables and pits.

Unfortunately, this year was not the same. I am glad that none of my friends paid money to join me, because it would have been a major let down for them - as it was for Sal and I. We had such high expectations from the run last year, but we knew it was going to be terrible when we arrived. It was in Brooklyn, which isn't a terrible drive, but it's long nonetheless. As soon as we got in line to sign in, we realized that we were not going to make our race time. Even though we had gotten there early, much earlier than the papers said to, we waited in line for what seemed like an hour, because the volunteers did not have their act together. I wasn't the only one in line who was annoyed, everyone was getting frustrated. And who could blame them? When we finally signed in, we quickly ran to the bathroom and hopped on line for the next race time. We were still excited for the race to start, and weren't about to let the sign in process get us down.

Sal and I were at the head of the line, and when we heard that bell go off, we started running! Obstacle after obstacle we were let down. Sal had his Go-Pro on to capture some great moments. We found ourselves running on concrete for longer than any other obstacle course run that we've ran. It seemed the obstacles were far and few in between. When we did finally reach an obstacle, most of them had a line, which caused us to wait even longer. When we reached the end, we came to the biggest inflatable slide, and I'm pretty sure that was the highlight of the race. We crossed the finish line together and received our medals and free photos were taken, which I loved. Races usually make you pay for photos, so I was glad ours was free, especially after such a terrible run.

We made it though, and enjoyed our free Mike's Hard afterwards. We won't be doing this run next year, although I hear that even if we want to, we can't since Foam Fest (as well as many other runs) have went bankrupt. We'll just have to find more funs to do together!

Dirty Girl Mud Run 2013

For my third and final act... Nope not a magician... But I might be a runner! I ran three 5Ks this summer, one during each month, and my third and final one was the Dirty Girl Mud Run! I even met up with several Tone It Up girls and we ran together as a team - Dirty Mudder Fers! It was so empowering running with other women who are all such motivating individuals, who have the same goals, and live such a healthy lifestyle (at least most of the time, right?! ha!). We designed our own shirts, and looked like a team, a force that could not be reckoned with! We even met up with a few more TIU girls when we arrived!


While I've been asked to join Spartan teams, and I've even considered doing other mud runs, I'm glad this was my first! Not only was it all women, but we all had each other to push one another to the finish line; some even pushed one another into muddy water... All in good fun, I promise! It was by far the most hilarious mud run I've ever run, yet! It instilled even more confidence in me than I thought was ever possible!

My boyfriend came for support, and he ended up following me for the whole race, snapping pictures and catching some hilarious moments on film, such as me jumping into the muddy water and through a tube! It was quite exhilarating, and I didn't even feel like it was a 5K because I was too busy completing obstacles to even notice that I was running, and running quite fast with two of my tone it up sisters! The obstacles made the time go by extremely fast, from running in mud and crawling through tubes in muddy water, to climbing over rope ladders and balancing on wooden logs.

It wasn't timed, but I know we did pretty well, finishing it in under 45 minutes! A group of us made it to the finish line, and then waited for the rest of our team, and when we saw them running, we rsn back out there to finish all together! I couldn't have completed it without those ladies, and it was such and amazing feeling to run through the finish line all together, and of course splashing around in the mud a bit more!

I was shocked that Sal was actually willing to go grab a Taylor ham, egg, and cheese (a New Jersey staple), in public, while I was slightly muddy still. He wouldn't even hug me after the run, although I can't blame him! I was covered in mud and dirty water. Thankfully they had a tent with showers and a place to change after the race, because I don't think Sal would have let me get into his car without one, he would've probably cut some holes in a garbage bag for my head, arms, and legs... Or maybe just enough room for my face to stick out because I'm telling you I was covered!


Let's just say, I'll definitely be signing up for this race next year! Who's with me?!

The Color Run 2013

I signed up for the Color Run with a bunch of Tone It Up girls. I'm normally shy when meeting new people, but I felt the need to push my boundaries and be outgoing. We had planned to meet at the race rather early but Sal and I ended up getting lost thanks to technology, and while I ended up being on time for the run, most of the girls had start times at that time, so I ended up running by myself. It was nerve racking standing there at the start line by myself, but I knew Sal was there at the finish line waiting for me, with his handmade shirt... my #1 fan.  I refused to let not only him down, but my self down. It was unbearably hot, and there were times that I wanted to slow down, but I ran. I ran the whole thing and I did it by myself. No one else received credit for this 5K when I crossed the finish line. It was me and only me, pushing myself until I had nothing left to give. I looked at the next color and told myself I could make it, and kept repeating it.

Just before I crossed the finish line, I saw Sal. I saw him before he saw me and I started smiling and screaming. He filmed me as I crossed that line, as I was shaking with excitement. I couldn't believe I had just completed a real 5K by myself. It wasn't timed and I wasn't even concerned with the time. It was all me. 

We walked around and ate some free samples, took more pictures of my colorful attire, and then met up with some of my Tone It Up sisters for a picnic. While I brought bananas, the rest of the girls brought blankets, chocolate Zico, and other healthy snacks. We sat together, talking and getting to know one another. It was great being able to talk to other girls about fitness and clean eating, two things I've grown to love.

And even though I ate clean that morning, it didn't stop me from going into my local bagel shop and ordering a Taylor ham, egg, and cheese. I'm just keeping it real. 

Foam Fest 2013

In the beginning of the year, Sal and I made a list of 13 goals for 2013. On my list, one of my goals happened to be... Run more than 2 5Ks and start training for a 10K. I crossed off part of that goal in July, but I wasn't about to stop there. This past week I completed my third 5K this summer! I've now ran 4 5Ks since I started really running.

My first 5K this summer was the Foam Fest, an obstacle fun run that was based around... yup, you guessed it... FOAM. I asked Sal to join me, and also ran with two ladies I knew from kickboxing. Sal and I ran the entire time, and stopped and completed each obstacle together. It was motivating knowing he was right there beside me and he wasn't going anywhere. We stayed together at the same pace and pushed each other during each obstacle. It was hysterical to get stuck in mud, run through foam, and crawl under barbed wire together. It made me realize that we could get through anything together. There was one obstacle in particular that I was a little nervous about...  you had to climb up a rope ladder and back down the other side and it was extremely steep. I wanted to go first; I'm not sure why but just knowing that he was right there behind me was comforting. I heard his words of encouragement and I felt safe. I knew he probably couldn't catch me if I fell, but I knew he'd at least try, and that in itself helped me get over the obstacle. It was exciting and thrilling to be on a team with others because we were all determined to finish. The huge 3 story slide at the end was exhilarating and if the line wasn't so long I probably would've gone down again.

When we crossed the finish line, I felt like I could accomplish anything. They handed us our medals, which I took proudly. It would be the first medal I'd receive for a race, and hopefully not the last. We took a team picture and grabbed our freebies from bananas and juice to a shirt and beer. The foam washed most of the dirt and sweat off, so I quickly changed in the makeshift tent and grabbed Sal's hand as we made our way back to the car on a mission to eat Taylor ham, egg, and cheese on a bagel, because, honestly, what else is better than that after a run?!