Wednesday, June 26, 2013

INSANITY Update!

As you know, I have been doing INSANITY! I am amazed with my results so far! After just 2 weeks, I can not believe how much I have improved, and I can not believe how much stronger my running as gotten in those two weeks. I shaved 2 minutes off my best 5k time already! I can't wait to see what the next 7 weeks brings.  I was running around my very, very hilly neighborhood Thursday night.  Typically, my legs tire and I have to slow down early on.  I was amazed at how much stronger my legs felt.  With my 5k results--its proof after just two weeks my running has improvment--by not running!

A brand new program just came out that I wanted to tell you about. It's from the creator of Insanity, Shaun T. I did not expect to like Shaun T before I started the program. I sort of thought, he is this big meat head type guy--all fitness intense. I could not be more wrong about him. He is so sweet and supportive.  I actually look forward to doing his videos each day. I plan to use T25 to maintain my fitness after completing Insanity. Since its just 25 minutes per day, 5 days per week I can do the program and easily still fit marathon training into my schedule too.  The program is similar to Insanity, in that its cardio and strength training at the same time.  I will still need the strength training once I turn back to running some more, so this is perfect.

Beach Body also released something else very long awaited too--vanilla Shakeology! I can't wait to try it.

If you would like more info, hit me up! I would love to talk to you! I am looking for some friends to do the program with--to hold each other accountable.  Contact me at amysmith7@comcast.net 


Sunday, June 23, 2013

Baltimore Women's Classic 2013

This morning I ran my third Baltimore Women's Classic. This is my favorite local race of the year.  This year, it was extra special.  My parents came to cheer my sister and I on at the finish line!
My Sister Sam, me and Jackie

Like most races, the day started very, very early.  I met my running buddy Jackie at the local McDonald's for Egg Muffins and Iced coffees before the hour drive down in to Baltimore.  We parked at Camden Yards and walked that halfish mile to Rash Field--to race village and packet pickup.  Race village is always pumping when everyone arrives.  There are local TV celebs, pumped up music, vendors, food--so much fun!

My friend Jackie and I met my sister and her fiance and we all got out packets.  Like always, the BWC has the best goody bags.  I love this shirts this year!  Light blue with hot pink print.  So cute!  We took a quick trip to the porta potties and
This years goody bag and shirt! 
headed to the start.  The start was strange this year...because there really was not one.   All of the sudden the people in front of me were running, so we were off..

So now to my sob story...on Friday, I had to have a root canal gone bad removed.  It was drilled out down to the bone, gums filleted...ugg, I won't give you all the dirty details...but I am in so much pain!  I stopped the pain meds Saturday night so I was safe for the drive into the city and during the race.  Going into the race, I did not put any pressure or exceptions on myself.  Since this is my favorite local race, I just wanted to have fun and spend some time with my friends. I wore my Nike watch, but did not push myself really hard.  I crossed the finish line and looked at the clock.  It had just hit 38 minutes.  My official result was 37:28--a new PR!  

Sam, momma and me
The start time was humid and warm, but overall the weather was perfect.  The first half mile of the race is flat and fast, but then there is about a quarter mile up hill.  That is the toughest part of the race!  The next mile or so through the city if fairly flat.  The last half mile of the race is by far my favorite--along the beautiful Baltimore Inner Harbor.  The finish line and race village are right on the water.  It's the perfect way to finish a
race.  The BWC knows how to treat finishers--after crossing the finish line, runners are handed a bottle of water, then an ice cold BWC logo towel, a rose and a extra special treat.  New this year--all finishers got a medal!

Today, I realized I have so many people in my life who support me and my running.  This was the first race my parents were at.  I had so many running friends to meet up with, I simply could not get to meet up with all of them!  Today I got to catch up with some friends I talk to alot, but only see at races--Jackie, Christina, Jenn, DeAnn, Rebecca...It was so good to catch up with your girls!  I am so thankful to have my friends and my family at the finish line to celebrate with.

What is your favorite race of the year?  Why?

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Two Year Runiversary!

Tomorrow morning I will run my THIRD Baltimore Women's Classic 5k.  I did this race as my very first race on June 26th, 2011.  A few months before that, I had committed myself to running the 2012 runDisney Princess Half Marathon.  I started out running slowly, and I was ready to step up to a start line.
After crossing my very first finish line!

I chose the BWC because I heard it was such a great race.  This race is known for having an awesome shirt and the best goody bag around.  The entry fee is reasonable at around $30-$35, with most of that going to gynecological cancer research.  The biggest draw for me was that is this an all women race--no boys allowed!  That made me feel so much less intimidated.

When the light bulb went off in my head, the idea that I was going to become a runner--the thought included one race.  My reason for becoming a runner had one singular goal--the Princess Half.  I sort of thought that the Princess Half would be my one and only, my main event.  I did a few smaller races to get over any prerace jitters, but I never thought they would be something I was doing year after year.

The BWC was my favorite training race.  It's women centered, its run along the beautiful Baltimore Inner Harbor, the swag is unbeatable--and it was my first.  It will always have a special place in my heart.  I can't wait to run the race for many, many years to come.  That is not something I would have said two years ago.

What was your first race? How did you choose it?   Does it hold a special place in your heart?

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

Friday, June 14, 2013

Racing to Save Lives Virtual Run!

Why do you run?  I run to save lives! 

I wanted to take time out of all my fun runDisney banter to tell you about a project I am working on.  As you know, I have been training with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training.  I will run the Nike Women's Half Marathon on October 20th, 2013 in honor of my Aunt Linda who was recently diagnosed with cancer.  I will be running for a reason much more important than the personal challenge of completing a Half Marathon.  I am running to save lives!  (and so can you...)





As a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training program, I have pledged to train on the behalf of all the affected children and their families to help raise money for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma research and patient assistance programs.  During my training, I have gotten close to a few families with sick children.  I am very sad to report that my sweet angel Kaitlyn has lost her battle.  I am very happy to report that Emily is still fighting leukemia at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia--and winning!  She is the first child to get an experimental treat that involves giving her body new T-cells.  The treatment is working for Emily and she is now cancer free!  She just celebrated her one year cancer free anniversary.  
As you may or may not know, leukemia is the #1 disease killer of children and the leading fatal malignant disease of men and women under the age of 35.  Although the cause of leukemia remains unknown, recently developed treatments and steady advances in research bring us closer to a cure every day.  These research advances were only achieved as a result of contributions made by companies, foundations and individuals like you.
My goal is to raise $4000 by October 30th. If you would like to help, please consider registering for my virtual race--Running to Save Lives! .  For the race, anytime until the end of October--run, walk, skip or crawl your chosen distance—BLING included!  As a thank you for registering, I will send you this beautiful finisher medal.  The medal this time is AWESOME!  It shows your dedication to running for something bigger than yourself--you will run to kick cancers a$$, you will run to save lives!  To register, just make a donation of $20 or more using the button below.  Please consider registering and helping me reach my goal.  With the generosity of people like you, there is every reason to believe that a cure for blood-related cancer, and all cancers is in sight!
A dream is a wish…
--Amy


Thursday, June 13, 2013

Insanity!


On Monday, I started the Insanity workout program!  Wow, this stuff is tough!

Insanity is a workout program building quite the buzz in the fitness world.  It seems like everyone is doing it!  Shawn T, the workout's creator of Insanity, promises weight loss, increased muscle mass and increased speed.  Well, that is just up my alley!  I still want to lose about 50 pounds, gain some muscle, and who would not want to get faster?  After watching some friends get amazing results, I decided to give it a try.

The program is only 9 weeks, as compared to 12 or more with a lot of fitness programs.  I am all about more results, less time!  The workouts are 35-40 minutes long--not to long, and easy to fit into anyone's schedule. The main reason I decided to give Insanity a try is to increase my running speed.  After doing my forth workout today I can see why it helps with running speed--you are constantly moving--fast!  This program is cardio on fire!  Shawn T also builds tons of strength training, but you don't need any equipment.  Your body weight is the only resistance needed.   The program is tough, but not to tough.  So far I am loving it!  I will write an update is a few weeks.  Wish me luck!

Have you done the Insanity workout program?  What did you think of it?

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

The Clock Has Struck Midnight on the runDisney Glass Slipper Challenge

What a crazy, crazy day in runDisney land!  In April, runDisney announced an all new challenge--the "Glass Slipper Challenge".  This challenge include the runDisney Princess Half marathon, plus a 10k race the day before.  With the popularity of the "Dumbo Double Dare", a similar challenge on the west coast, I know this challenge with be hot, hot, hot!  Last week, Disney Parks annual pass holders, Disney Vacation Club members and Disney Visa holder could register early.  Then today at noon, the Princess Half marathon, the Enchanted 10k and the Glass Slipper Challenge opened to the public.  I had every expectation that challenge would sell out today, but I was surprised it sold out in 6 hours!  Amazing!

So how do I feel about all this?  First, I am super psyched about doing the challenge!  I was lucky enough to register early last week.  I typically do the runDisney 5k the day before the half, so I am not to worried about being able to complete the challenge.
The thing I worry about most is the early, early mornings.  I am glad it took 6 hours to sell out--that gave everyone plenty of time to get to a computer and register.  The half marathon and the 10k still have opening, but the challenge is full.  The clock has struck midnight on the Glass Slipper Challenge!

Will you be at the runDisney Princess Half Marathon weekend in 2014?  What events are you planning on participating in?

A dream is a wish...

--Amy

PS: Need help planning your trip?  I am a Disney Vacation Planner.  Contact me at amy@mousekeplanner.com

I'm Back!

These last six weeks, I have taken a running hiatus.  I did lots of time in the elliptical and in spin class--it was a break from running, but not from working out.  I took my running hiatus to break up a routine that was
beginning to feel tedious.  I was also getting alot of knee and hip pain.  My team in training running coach thought it was a good idea, so I gave it a try.

So, how did my running hiatus go?  It went just ok.  The knee pain is still there--I feel it every time I go up or down the stairs.  It's not that bad though, nothing I can't live with.  It did good for me mentally though.  I was actually excited to get back to running!

This morning, I dusted off my running shoes, laced them up and head to the gym.  I hopped on the treadmill with the plans to run just one mile.  Since its been six weeks, I want to start over slow--ease back into
running slowly to avoid any risk of injury.  I was been terrified I would lose everything I had worked up to in
the past two years by taking a break.  The one mile got tough at some points, but I eased right back into running.  It took me 12 minutes, but ran the whole mile.  Knowing that I could still run one mile continuously was very reassuring.  Tomorrow, I will run another mile, and then up it a little each run.  

A dream is a wish...

--Amy