Boston, Triathlon Training and Life in General.

My mind has been going a million miles a minute lately (unfortunately my feet haven't been following), so today is just a few things spilling out of my head. 

Related to Boston Marathon
The memorial was removed from Copley Square this week, all of the items are going to be cleaned and archived. Runners World also reported "a Remembrance Committee will be formed to help establish a permanent memorial or some type of event or structure to honor victims and survivors". Some runners were upset that the memorial was removed before the One Run For Boston running relay reached Boston, but they are still running for a great cause and that is what counts. I think that removing the memorial doesn't mean forgetting, it means moving forward in honor of all those affected.

Image from Runner's World Article

For those of you who don't know, Monday is going to be a big day for many. The Boston Athletic Association will be announcing the September registration dates/procedures for the 2014 Boston Marathon. Seeing as the interest in running the race has drastically increased, registration dates/procedures are going to be key for those (like myself) who will be trying to register. I plan on stalking watching the B.A.A website on Monday while waiting for the information to be released.

Related to my Training
Last week was a big training week for me, and I got through it pretty well (a few naps were necessary). This week I actually backed off a little Monday-Wednesday, I listened to my body and that's what it told me to do. I'm not in pain, I am not even crazy sore, but I am tired. I know that training for a half-iron distance triathlon is supposed to be tiring, but with less than 3 weeks to go I WILL NOT risk burning out or getting injured. The good thing is though, I backed off of my running and cycling for 3 days but actually swam all 3 days. It's my weakest of the 3 events, so I know that I need to be doing it the most. This weekend I have another long ride planned, on top of a few "dress rehearsals"--wearing my +Saucony Tri-top and shorts on the bike, in the pool and on a run. Hopefully my new racing flats come in soon so I can break them in before Musselman.

On Life in General
Working between 2 offices right now has been, interesting to say the least...but FINALLY we have a set move date so that both of the people I work for will be in the same office. Although this eliminates driving between 2 offices, it also eliminates that extra caffeine I would pick up on the way.

Studying has been going awesome, well as awesome as studying can be. I'm really getting comfortable with my Series 7 information and have been doing well on the practice questions(Kaplan has been AMAZING help, FYI). Also studying for my ACE CPT has been a little much on top of everything else going on, but the good thing about that information helps me with training and keeps me interested. So my 7 studying relates to all the work I do each day, and the ACE CPT relates to all of my training and workouts; so at least I can tie this overwhelming amount of information into my daily grind!

There are lots of exciting things going on with our families right now. My Soon-to-be-sister-in-law is a few days past due with her second child, can't wait to meet our new little nephew! Next week John and I will be going to Cape Vincent in the 1000 Islands to vacation with my family for a few days; (read: I will be holding my 3 month old nephew the ENTIRE time). AAAANNNDDDD just because I haven't shared any photos of my sister's little one recently.....here you go....

I'm not bias, he really is just THAT cute. Little Alden turns 3 months on Tuesday!

What are your thoughts of the removal of Boston Marathon Memorial?

Are you waiting to register for a fall Marathon until you know what registration dates are for Boston? 

(in attempt to try and qualify before it opens)

What are some random things going on in your life right now?

Just a few things: Recovery, Scheduling, Volunteering & Throwback

Just a few quick things today :) 

Hope everyone is having a fabulous Thursday!

1. Marathon recovery is going well, my legs are feeling really good and I am excited to run later today for the first time. I was going to run yesterday...but I tried being a smart ass and going without caffeine yesterday...how did that end up? Post-Marathon-Fatigue + NO Caffeine + Stupid Hot weather = Laura taking a 2 hour nap at 4 pm  Then when I did wake up, ice cream won the battle over going out and getting even sweatier. I'll blame that on the cravings and the heat. Am I upset about this? Not one bit...I ran a 3:25 marathon 3 days prior, I'm pretty sure that gives me room to be lazy for a few days.

Good news is, a running hangover isn't much different from an alcohol hangover (well the running thing is clearly more healthy than consuming a bottle of wine and 6 jack and cokes like some people do every night), but that's besides the point.
Cure to a hangover: refuel, rehydrate, and rest. 

2. I'm taking this time right now to really get organized and get back on track with everything that I have going on. I'm still working on getting my home office set-up and organized, which will be a big help. Studying for 2 huge exams (Series 7--for my job, and my ACE Certified Personal Trainer Exam), and planning a wedding while maintaining 2 jobs requires a schedule. Since I opted not to run last night, I spent my time from 6 pm until about midnight studying and also making a study schedule. This thing is crazy detailed and it's exactly what I need.

Yep, this is what my summer study schedule looks like!
This is the 'master schedule', I also have it broken down and printed out for each week to keep track.
Hopefully I can stick to this better than I stick to training plans. 

3. I think my race schedule is going to be changing a little. As of right now I am supposed to be doing the Keuka Lake Intermediate Triathlon in a little over a week. This would be my first triathlon and a real training test for me for my upcoming Half-Ironman in July. I think I am going to forego this race. My tri-training really has taken a back seat the last few weeks and I want to go into my first tri as prepared as I can be. I found another tri of the same distance that is 2 weeks after Keuka, which would give me 2 extra weeks to prepare. I know that I could complete Keuka next weekend, but I want to feel comfortable and confident going into it. Another option I am considering is doing the sprint distance at Keuka which would be much more manageable for me, and then the Intermediate Distance 2 weeks later. The plus of that option is that it gives me 2 triathlons under my belt before heading into Musselman 70.3 in July. I will decide by the end of this weekend for sure on what I would like to do, I need to make the right decision for me.

4. After Volunteering Tuesday night at Corporate Challenge, I am really excited for this weekend. I had planned to volunteer for the Buffalo Marathon so I can watch people like Heather, and my cousin Krysten kick butt in their races. I finally got my "volunteer assignment" I will be road marshaling shortly before mile 3. That makes me really happy to be early on because I can see everyone early and then be done soon enough to jump on my bike and ride the course cheering and providing support for people I know. Please let me know if you are running so I can watch for you!!

5. Until last night I had totally forgotten that the Sehgahunda  trail marathon/relay was this weekend. John and I know quite a few people doing this race, including one of his best friends Mark. So we will be going down to Letchworth for the day to cheer and support everyone we know. It's going to be a really fun weekend. Watching 3 races this week is seriously just what I needed to recover mentally and emotionally from the marathon. Let me know if you are running this wicked hard trail marathon/relay and I'll make sure to watch/cheer for you!

This is how I feel about me & trail running.... hence the reason I will be cheering and not running.
If there is a rock or a branch hidden 6 feet underground, my feet and face will find it.  

Throwback Thursday: This was me in 2010 finishing my first trail race...oh wait first trail run too. You can kind of see the mud. I was covered in dirt and blood (I fell like 5 times...good times.), ended up with a sprained ankle and some good bruises! For the record, just about EVERY.SINGLE.ONE. of my race finish line photos are of me stopping my watch. I should work on that. Oh, and I never did a trail race again after this, maybe one day...not anytime soon.

What is the weirdest craving you have had after a big race?

Any thoughts on my triathlon dilemma?

Who is racing this weekend?

What's up Wednesday 5/8

Thank goodness it's Wednesday...only a few more days till the weekend! 

This weekend is going to be so much fun!

[shenanagins with Hollie]

What's up with Marathon training?

Crappy Good old taper time.

Did you see my Acronym for TAPER yesterday? 

Well you should because Emily Blunt made a guest appearance.

Physically I feel...OK right now.

Calves are sore, but I'm stretching them a lot, 

and basically living in compression socks.

That is actually one of my goals right now, stretch more.

I'm horrible about it... I was super proud last night though...

I stretched on the stairs after my run last night forever for 10-15 minutes, AND stretched for 20 minutes later on. My muscles are thanking me for it today.

What else is going on with marathon training? WEATHER CHECKING.

I'm still outside the 10 day weather report but doesn't mean I can't stalk Cleveland.

Still 2 days out from marathon day (May 19th) showing up.
Personally, if it is going to be anything over 65-70 I want a little mist or rain.
I'm not acclimating to the heat well this year, so I really don't want a hot race day.

What's up with Triathlon training?

Short story: I've been slacking on it, but I AM getting in the pool today.

Mentally I just need the marathon to be done,

so I can put 100% focus on tri-stuff.

What's up with my nutrition?

I've been obsessed with salads lately.

And nachos with fresh salsa.

Hell, I have even been adding fresh salsa to my salads.

What's up with Work?

Still doing both jobs but have been doing much less at the restaurant.

2 days of doubles this week. BOO.

As for my Series 7 studying, its going well.

I'm really getting the hang of it and that makes me happy.

There is a TON of material but I've been working hard at it. 

I'll be registering for my exam and hopefully be taking it by the end of the summer.

Good news is I passed my background check 

No drug background, no DUI's, no felony charges and no misdemeanor convictions.

Biggest thing they look for is fraud background

(Lie about it, and you'll get barred by the N.Y.S.E. funny how that works?ha.)

What's up with my ACE education?

This has had to take a back seat to my studying for Series 7 stuff, BUT I have been reading the material and working through it just not as much as I would like right now.

What's up with Wedding plans?

We are pretty sure we found the reception venue we want.

I love love love it :) 

Just waiting to see finalized pricing.

Small world, also found out someone I know well works there, and has major pull.

He has a TON of connections which can help us get more of what we want, 

without breaking the bank!

This is what the place will look like in the fall (our wedding is Fall of next year)
It's on Keuka Lake. The Ceremony will also be on the lake, but at Garrett Chapel.

What's up with my adorable nephew?

His head is what's up.
This little man is already amazingly strong.
Pretty sure he has been doing Pee-wee-90x 

What's up with your life right now?

Anything new and exciting?

What's up Wednesday 4/10

Life is busy right now: understatement of the century.

In order to wrap my own head around everything going on, I'm going to go back to a"What's up Wednesday" Post...Maybe it will help me make sense of it all (probably not.)

What's up with Marathon Training
Marathon #5 (Cleveland) is 38 days away, and at this point I am right on track for my goal: to finish.

In all seriousness, I did go into training for this marathon with the goal of just a solid time and another 26.2 in the books. But throughout the course of training I wavered between wanting to train for a faster time, and taking a conservative approach knowing my first half-iron man is a mere 56 days after the marathon.

I've done it before, I know I can do it again.

Training hasn't been great, it hasn't been horrible, but definitely not great.

My biggest problem right now is my motivation, or lack there of. Hopefully it shows up sometime soon, it did however make an appearance for this past Sunday's 20 miler, so maybe it's not 6 feet under, just 2 or 3 feet. Give me a shovel and some shit-kickers and Ill find that damn motivation if it's the last thing I do.

Realistically my goal for Cleveland has stayed in the "finish within my previous marathon ranges" which is good for me, seeing as my marathon times are in a wide range. Slowest being 3:46 and fastest being 3:21.....That gives me a 25 minute range to finish within, I think I can make that happen. (fingers crossed, oh hell everything is crossed at this point)


Whats up with Triathlon training?
Now that I have a new love of my life bike, I am feeling better heading into the Duathlon in a few weeks and tri's this summer. It's going to be a learning experience no matter what, so my expectations are less than stellar. No I am not selling myself short, or saying I can't do it, I'm just saying this is most likely going to suck time wise, and I am okay with that. John is going to take some time with me soon to help me with transition things, and other triathlon related issues which I know will help make me feel more comfortable.

Here's where things get a little....hectic....
A few weeks ago I announced I was enrolled in a Certified Personal Trainer course through ACE Fitness. At that time, I enrolled because I wanted to be working on something to better myself, and it was something my fiance and I could do together (we are both going through the program). I knew that at some point I was going to be taking some steps to further my career in the financial industry, but I assumed that was going to be down the road.

You know that saying... when you ASSume....(yeah we all know how that one ends)

Well shortly after I had decided to enroll in the CPT course, my boss decided to take me out to lunch. Little did I know I was in for much more than a meal. I knew that he has been wanting to retire but has had a hard time letting the business go. He came up with a solution which he proposed to me. Starting this summer, he is going to be only working 2-3 days a week so he can spend more time with his family (and golfing), which leaves me with a lot to manage. He also told me that he spoke with our affiliate company about sponsoring me to start working towards my Series 7 license. BOOM. For those of you who aren't familiar, a Series 7 license is required to be a registered representative of a broker-dealer, it's also known as the stockbroker exam.

I'll be honest, I took the job in the fall as a way to pay bills, never expecting it to be more than that.  This little old job just turned into a career. ("we're adults when did that happen and how do we make it stop?"-Grey's Anatomy)

I am over the moon about this, it's nothing close to what I EVER thought I would be doing, but I love it and it just so happens I'm good at it and pick up on it easily. It means a lot of changes though. This is a grueling 6 hour exam, which will take me to hell and back. Let's call it another job, because the studying I need to put into this is about as much time as I spend on work or training right now. I know that it will be worth it in the end, it just means the little time I have now is getting even smaller.

This also means that on top of 2 jobs, wedding planning and training...I am studying for my CPT (since I am enrolled in a program I have a certain amount of time in which I need to take the exam), AND studying for my Series 7 exam at the same time. [I'm exhausted just thinking about it all]

I know, I know, there are people with more going on. People with kids, people with more responsibilities. But the fact is, I don't have kids, but I still have a hell of a lot of responsibility right now. My training really is going to be my only "me time" for a while, and let's not even talk about the impact this is going to have on my time with the hubby-to-be.

The good thing is, he has been nothing but supportive and knows this is a really good thing for me, and down the road it will be worth it. Our dinner dates are now study dates, our reading in bed before bed is at an all time high, and both of our stress levels are well... lets just say, not low. The fact is, we don't always have a lot of time together as it is (and we live together), and this presents new challenges, but that's life. We are still going to going to be there for each other and make sure that we get time together, make sure we are "us", we are still looking at our future. The wedding will still happen next year, planning just has to take a back seat for the time being until we knock some things off the to-do list. Good news is, I already have my fabulous dress...so put me on a plane to Vegas and let's do this thing (well, not really....but if it happens, don't say I didn't warn you).

Now, more than ever training is going to be so important for me. Exercise is my stress reliever, exercise is my me time, and Lord knows I am going to need that to get through the next few months.

Am I going to have to be creative with my workouts in my schedule? Yes

Are there times I am going to be tired, and stressed and worn out? Yes

Can I get through that? absofuckinglutley

Running is my release, always has been and always will be. So my motivation might have taken some vacations a few times already this year, but when it comes down to it, I know that exercise and fitness is a priority and I need to make it happen. No way I can handle getting slow and gaining weight on top of everything so it's time to focus.

What are some ways you get workouts in when you simply don't have the time?

What are some tips about managing a schedule that you have?

Ten Things Tuesday

1. Inspiration of the day: The Biggest Loser is such an inspirational show about hard work and dedication and it makes me cry.... every time. I watched last nights episode today, and as always, it was emotional, moving and I couldn't wipe the smile off of my face. I don't care what demon you are fighting (weight, drugs, depression, anything), seeing a show where people fight the odds and push through struggles can be extremely motivational. It's incredible to see the transformations (both physical and the personality changes), these people are making positive and healthy lifestyle changes that will affect them and their families for the rest of their lives. I have watched this show for years, and it never ceases to amaze me. Need a boost or a pick-me-up, give it a shot to watch. Last night was the finale so it might be a while but I am sure you can watch all the past episodes on NBC or on HULU.

Danni Won last night's B.L, she has been my favorite contestant out of ALL the seasons, and she is an amazing inspiring woman.

2. News of the day: I am officially enrolled in a program to become a Certified Personal Trainer. This is something I have talked about for a long time, but never started. It's something I am interested in (clearly), and something I am passionate about and think I could really help people, and help myself. After researching the MANY different organizations to get certified though, I finally decided on American Council on Exercise (ACE), which is NCCA accredited. I am extremely excited to embark on this learning journey. This past year has been a year of big changes, and I am finally taking control of my own life, and doing what is right for me. I'll share my educational journey on this blog, so look for more about my ACE training! This is something that for the time being will be a  "thing on the side" (Because my 2 jobs aren't enough??) but, I know that the more I get into it, and the more experience I get.....this is going to be a lifelong journey and look forward to this becoming a MUCH bigger part of my life.

3. Song of the day: "I'll Follow you" by Shinedown

Lyrics  Youtube

This song has always reminded me of my Fiance, since the very first time I heard it. But in general it is a great song, and one of my favorite lines is... 

"The first step is the one you believe in,

 the second one might be profound"

I take that line to mean so many things. It takes a lot to make that first step in anything, new relationship, letting something go, new journey, new adventure, making a stand, whatever it is, the first step is the hardest. Being able to make the second step, that says even more.

4. Rant of the day: Stop inserting yourself into other peoples lives, just let it go and move forward with your own life without trying to interfere with others. If you can't be happy with what you have and where you're at, being vindictive and self-righteous isn't going to make that any better. Second song of the day..."Playing god" by Paramore 

5. Run of the Day
Easy 3 mile run on the treadmill, my body and mind are ready for spring and therefore revolt anytime I hit the mill lately. More motivation to get myself outside tomorrow!
[3 miles in 25:30 (8:30 pace)]

6. Workout of the Day
25 Minute warm-up on recumbent bike (6.7 miles)
25 minutes of Stretching and Abs

7. Next Race: 5 days away! ~Around the Bay 30k~
I'd like to say I feel really confident heading into this race, but I can't. I know I have the ability to run 18.6 miles (very odd race distance, maybe that's just me), but I know I am not in a position right now to run my fastest at this distance. I have never raced this distance, so no matter what it is a PR, so I just need to go into Sunday with a clear head. I know how to race a half, and I'm getting better at the full distance, so I should be able to pull off a respectable time for something in between.

8. Some things I am currently excited about:
*43 days until Saucony Kinvara 4's are released
*I have fabulous new Avon pedicure supplies to try out!
* I may have a lead on a great place for a wedding reception!
*The number on the scale is currently lower than it was last time I checked (about 6 weeks ago....yes I seriously go that long if not longer without checking)
*Recently bought some new books that I can't wait to dive into!

9. Spring is almost officially here.....
(Hopefully someone sent that memo to Mother Nature)

Rochester, NY 2012-2013....what a difference... ugh!

10. My Nephew is due to enter the world 2 weeks from today!
 I am hoping he comes a few days early and can be our Easter baby! Our whole family is very excited for this little man to enter the world, my sister and her husband have moved heaven and earth to have this baby.





Tomorrow is a new day, and I am ready for it! Excited to have things to look forward to!
Time to cuddle up with my man and watch 'Zero Dark Thirty'.