Weekend Sunshine

What a weekend! By now, most of you probably know that I ran the Boston Run to Remember half marathon this weekend.  What an emotional and amazing experience.  The tribute to our fallen law enforcement officers and a special tribute to Officer Collier in addition to the crowd, the overwhelming "Boston strong" presence, and personally the fundraiser for the Alzheimer's Association caused most to get at least a little bit choked up. It was, by far, the best race I've ever run.

​I hope you all had a fantastic Memorial Day Weekend.  Let us all be so grateful for those that serve our country.

​Kicking off Weekend Sunshine with one of my all time favorites.  This song came on right as mile 9 started and I immediately got a little kick in my step and picked up my pace. I am not kidding.

Ready to go... ALZ Singlet, bib, kicks, & Boston strong head band. 

On the right, Seaport Blvd...  American flags & downtown Boston.

On the left, I was waiting to go... it was only 41 degrees at the starting line!

And, on the back of every runner's shirt, we wore a special bib with Officer Sean Collier's badge number.  He was going to run the race on Sunday.

​The only picture I took during the run (my phone is my music).  There were at least 25 or 30 cruisers lined up with at least 30 officers to give us high 5's right near MIT.

​Here I am after I finished.  Came in at 1:56:29.  I ended up getting my personal best and took 4 minutes off my original PR.  If you asked me a month ago if I thought I would accomplish that, I would have looked at you like you were crazy.  I think there were numerous reasons that I felt so good (adrenaline), but, I must say that cross-training (boxing classes) and knowing that I was running FOR something instead of for myself is what helped me do it. Who's running with me next year?

Last but definitely not least, my niece, Ella turned 7 YEARS OLD today. Where does the time go!? Here she is in the Memorial Day Parade with her Daisy troop.  All seven years of her.

Happy Birthday, Ella... ​you are the sweetest, smartest girl I know. Love you very much.

​I hope you all had a great weekend despite the rain. Let me know how you spent it! Have a great week! xo

Weekend Sunshine

​I just made the cut to get in a "Friday Sunshine" post!  Enjoy, my friends...

​Friday, the vacation crew (sans Janet & Matt) headed over to Steel & Rye.  The last time I was there, we got wine. This time, we sampled the drinks... they are just as good as the food! They make all of their own mixers so everything is very fresh. I especially like the "Maritime Out". 

Saturday afternoon, I headed out for my last long run before my half marathon next week. I noticed that they planted little 'Boston Strong" flower beds on the Northern Ave bridge.  I was on mile 9 at this point and starting to get tired... this was a nice pick-me-up. If you are interested in donating to my cause... click here. I am 75% to goal!​

​Bowling at Kings on Saturday night, Mr. Boombastic came on... bring on the dance party. Click below & enjoy.

I'm so happy to celebrate two very exciting moments with two of the most important people in my life. (left) Jenn asked me to be a bridesmaid (isn't that card awesome?) (right) Kim is having a baby girl next month.​ I cannot wait to meet little Baby W and am so excited for Kim & Billy.

​After Kim's shower today, I headed over to visit my family, looked up and saw the below "optical phenomenon"... a rainbow around the Sun. It lasted for at least an hour. Pretty cool, huh? I'm taking it as a sign of good things to come (because, you know, it has to have a meaning, right?! ;) ).

Did anyone else see this today? Is anyone else running the Run to Remember next week? Do tell.​

Have a sunny week! xo

Vacation & Half Marathon

​I'm back, I'm back! I feel like I don't know where to begin tonight. I just came back from a week away in Punta Cana with seven of my closest friends. I had planned on writing a 'vacation prep' post before I left, but, admittedly after my Boston posts the week prior, I didn't have any creative juices left in my system to put anything interesting to paper/laptop. Safe to say, I really needed a vacation.  

Here's what I'll tell you about vacation.  So many health and fitness magazines preach about 'ways to stay slim on vacation'. Friends ask me if I work out or eat healthy, etc. etc.

Now, as much as I love a solid health tip... my goal is to RELAX on vacation and that means... doing whatever I damn well please.  Do I work out? Yes, because it makes me feel good in the morning.  Do I eat healthy? Eh, no and yes.  What I can tell you, however, is that I start to crave healthy food a few days in... guess that's just my nature.  ​My 'health advice' for vacation goers is this... do what makes you feel good... relax, get a massage, drink pina coladas, and have lots of laughs with your friends.  Stress is the cause of countless health problems.  Escape, turn off the news, social media, and your work email... just be happy.  Don't even dare try and follow some strict fitness plan because you want to keep up with your six pack... drink a six pack and park yourself on a lounge chair.  What you'll usually find is... you didn't gain any weight.  And, if you do and you're a healthy person anyway, you'll lose it the first week you get back.  Yup, I said it.

​This is how a typical day usually went: Gym with Rachael, Bfast, Shower, Suntan Lotion, Lounge Chair, Pina Colada, Lounge Chair, Mama Juana, Lounge Chair, Book, Swim, Lounge Chair, Swim, Lounge Chair, Cheez Wiz & Tequila (yes, cheez wiz), more Tequila, Shower, Dinner, Drinks, Drinks, Bed.

​Now, onto part 2 of this post.  I signed up for a half marathon two days before I left for Punta Cana.  The Boston Run to Remember honors law enforcement officials who have lost their lives in the line of duty. In addition to that, I am raising money for the Alzheimer Association of MA/NH. My full story is here: http://bit.ly/18wUgPH.  I won't repeat myself, so I will just say that I felt physically compelled to sign up for this race and I am so glad I did. I'll post about my progress and running tips over the next few weeks.  (and throw in some sweet pics of the city - below is a tulip garden in the North End)

Have a wonderful evening, friends. xo.​