Can I Get a Do-Over Please!?!?

Let's just say, today was a random day that I would like to simply forget EVER happened. Where do I start? Last night, woke up at about 3:30am because my sinuses were reeking havoc on my life, yet once again. I hardly slept, that is somehow miraculously till it was time to get up in the morning. Running late into work this morning sucked as is, but it gets better! As I was driving in to work, I realized that I had a 9am meeting on my calendar that I was clearly late to. The day just got better and better and better as you can imagine. It's like you know when you get a bruise on your body, it's like that bruise becomes a magnet for more beatings?? That was my life in a nutshell today. So to sum this whole day up - Can I PLEASE get a do-over???

Uggghhh!!! Someone please call me a WAAAAAhhhmbulance!

So, here I am, once again dealing with a sinus cold (3rd luck's a charm, right???). I'm going to try to keep positive here people...however, I ain't gonna lie, I am STRUGGLING.

Any words of wisdom or encouragement you can offer is much appreciated. I just need some love right now.

T-Minus 8 weeks till the big day - I'm still convinced the Boston Marathon will be an epic day in my life.

Please help me reach my fundraising goal of $5k (time is a tickin'!) - donate now to MBHP www.crowdrise.com/MariaDias

Thanks for your support -- YOU ROCK!!!

That's me this past weekend!  I ran 12 miles with my amazing "Coach" (aka boyfriend), biking alongside me the entire 2 hour run.  Talk about love and dedication!!! :-)

Milk Was a Bad Choice

As previously mentioned, this week was pretty rad for me!

I not only got back into the swing of things, but I'm losing a toe nail (yeah, it happens and it's kinda bragging rights for runners), I broke $1,000 in my fundraising (by the way, I still need to hit my goal of $5,000 for MBHP - please donate now!!! www.crowdrise.com/MariaDias), and I ran 10 miles this weekend (and it was AWESOME)!!!

So let me tell you a bit more about this 10 mile run - first of all, not only did I shave a full minute off my average pace, but I maintained a stupid fast (well, fast for my standards, 9 - 9.5 minute miles) the entire 10 miles - YEAAAAAHHHH BUDDDY!!!! I'll admit, the terrain for this run was primarily flat, which is not the norm for me. Typically, I'm running some good hills and that impacts my pace. So it was nice to know, that if I don't run hills, I can really huff it!

So, you ask why am I quoting Ron Burgundy, "Milk was a bad choice"?...because IT IS!!!! I typically drink Almond Milk now-a-days because it is much kinder to me then the creamy cow-produced, goodness. However, on occassion I yearn for the real deal and unfortunately opted for a big bowl of cereal with real milk the morning I went for this awesome 10 mile run. Thankfully there was no need to wear a runners diaper (like the hard core marathon runners actually do!! No joke!), but I will admit my tummy was NOT having it! It was a great reminder of A. Why I no longer drink real milk and B. It is now crucial to keep my diet on track as I get into the longer mile runs.

So word to the wise kids - don't drink milk or anything that will bloat your tummy up like a balloon prior to a 10 mile run!

2012 Boston Marathon - T-Minus 9 Weeks!

Whoop Whoop!!

Me working the camera, in my new winter running gear, post-10 mile run...I'm a tiger, now I'm a kitten...raaarrr!

Baby It's Cold Outside!

This week was an amazing week for this girl!


I ain't gonna lie, I was pretty cozy in bed Wednesday morning contemplating life, trying to decide if I should stay in the warm cozy bed or get my Porkchop butt out into the cold (21 degrees to be exact) to get a good run in. After a good 15-20 minute debate (aka, hitting the snooze button on my alarm multiple times), I finally reminded myself that I was out of commission for a solid 3 weeks and there was NO doubt, it was time to get my butt out of bed and go for a run.


Needless to say, I was so thankful I did, it was the most beautiful morning for a run - cold, but still beautiful. I happened to stumble upon a great running spot, Lake Park, which is right on Lake Quinsigamond in Worcester, MA. The best part, I got to see a pretty rad sunrise on the lake that morning...


Lake Park, on Lake Quinsigamond in Worcester, MA - new fave running spot!



Positive Thoughts Bring Positive Results!

Man, all it took was a shift in my crappy attitude and I'm back out there running and the donations have started to trickle through again! I have raised $600 to date, only $4,400+ to go!!! Naturally the goal is to reach $5K then keep going-the buck doesn't stop there folks! I guess every once and a while we all need to be reminded that the power of positive thinking is far more powerful than any protein shake, antibiotic or any other symbol of something really, really, really strong (oh you get the point!).

So, if things aren't going exactly how you like, take a long deep breath, look yourself in the mirror and tell yourself to suck it up you big cry baby and smile! :-)

By the way, I have exciting news! I think I'm about to lose a toe nail...yeah, normally runners lose toe nails because their sneakers are too small, but in my case, i have monkey toes...doesn't matter how big the shoe. Yes, it's kinda gross, but NOT the end of the world. Did you know that your running shoes should be a half size to one whole full size bigger then you normally wear? This is to allow space for your feet to swell up during those long runs. Eh, that happens too.

How many miles are you going to run this week???


Keep MBHP happy! Donate now www.crowdrise.com/MariaDias


Giddyup! :-) Boston Marathon 2012 here I come!!

Working On My Comeback!

I never really realized what a plague infested, petri dish the Northeast truly is during the winter months. I struggled with a stupid sinus cold for a solid 3 weeks, but thanks to the Neti Pot, I'm working on my comeback, folks!!

I have to be real here...my confidence has sucked lately. I have had to go 3 solid weeks without my running routine and only doing a handful of workouts and a 2.5 mile run somewhere in the mix really sucks! This past weekend, I decided I had enough of snotting all over myself and woe-is-me and the only way to boost my confidence back up was by putting on my Nike Free's and pounding the pavement!!! Once I got out there, it's like my body was saying, "thank you baby Jesus!!! Where you been, girl!!??". Needless to say, I felt so good just to be out there, I not only ran 5 miles, but maintained 10 minute miles. Moral of the story...I need to trust myself and trust that I will have enough time to train and be ready to run the Boston Marathon, come April 16th!

Thank you to everyone for cheering me on and keeping me positive!!

Giddyup!

Www.crowdrise.com/MariaDias

I'm Drinking the Nike Kool-Aid!

I decided that the only way to dig my way out of a 2 week, woe-is-me, rut is by good ole' fashion retail therapy!  For those of you that don't know me well, I'm not your typical "addicted-to-shopping" chick.  Matter of fact I despise shopping, unless it is for new running gear!  There is something so incredibly motivating and awe-inspiring with purchasing brand new gear.  So, on this venture to Sports Authority I decided I was going to splurge on some MUCH needed outdoor, Northeast winter appropriate gear.  I  have come to realize that I'm a bit of a brand snob and always go with Nike and Under Armour apparel.  This splurge consisted of a pair of Under Armour long, fitted running pants, running shorts to go over them (don't judge! I don't like my big Sicilian booty just hanging all out there when I run!) and a long sleeve fitted, Nike thermal/shirt. Oh and of course, why stop there!  Also picked up a new Nike head band and running gloves.  The colors you ask?  As bright and pink and obnoxious as I could get!!!

Naturally, I was so excited to test out this new gear and how well it could protect me from the winter conditions - I opted for a quick run this evening...in the snow (yeah, I'm pretty bad ass like that).  Let me tell you...I am DRINKING the Nike and Under Armour Kool-Aid folks!!!  All the gear lived up to my expectations and I really enjoyed "playing" in the snow! 

Moral of the story - Mother Nature doesn't stop you from running, she simply provides obstacle courses so you can challenge yourself.

Today's run was the confidence booster I needed to get my butt back on track.  2012 Boston Marathon...I'm coming for you, baby!!!

SO Sick of Being Sick!

It has now been a week and a half and my stupid sinus cold is finally going away.  This one whooped my butt.  I actually broke down and went to the doctor and agreed to take Antibiotics for 10 days.  I have not ran in 12 days....12 DAYS PEOPLE!!! AND I'M GOING BONKERS!  Let me explain 2 things to you none runners; 1. It's hard to go a day with out a good hard run, never mind a 2 week span.  2. When the perma-toe blisters actually start to heal, this is a sign you aren't running frequently enough.  Believe me, it's better when the toe blisters are hard and callused and can't get any worse off.

On a positive note, I did hit the gym today and was able to handle 20 minutes on the elliptical and focused on weights, abs and good ole fashion cross training.  If I can end this week with at least a 2 mile run (fingers and monkey toes crossed!)...I'll be one happy Pork Chop!!!

In short - I need all the cheers, positive vibes and "get your ass out running, bitch!!!" that I can get!

Oh and my donations are looking weak people!!!! DONATE NOW!!!! www.crowdrise.com/MariaDias