Runderella

Running, Lifestyle & Travel Blog

Cycling Audition

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Some of you may know how much I love indoor cycling. I’ve been cycling for years, but it wasn’t until 2015 that I actually fell in LOVE with it.

I was watching “Work Out New York” on Bravo and was inspired by one of the trainers, Holly Rilinger, master instructor at Flywheel. I quickly signed up for a class, dragged a few of my nurse friends and went to a FLY 45 class (now called Method 45). I had such a rush of endorphins and immediately knew this was something I needed to do. I saw myself sitting where the magic happens – on that stage.

I started to go to Flywheel on a consistent basis, going back and forth between two locations, getting to know the riders, the format, the instructors. It didn’t matter the closest Flywheel was at least 45 minutes away, I was going. I released stress, anger, and mentally detoxified during each class.

My schedule with full-time work, school, and a per-diem job got hectic, and I made the decision to buy a Peloton bike. Riding at home was convenient since and ride at home since I could simply ride whenever my schedule allowed. Still, I longed for the feeling of riding in the studio every now and then.

Someone whom I work with, said to me, “I could always picture you teaching at SoulCycle.” She wasn’t the first person to say to me that they could picture me teaching cycling, but I always doubted myself and didn’t pursue it.

Once this nurse said she could see me teaching SoulCycle, I decided to audition. Here I was doubting myself, and on the other side, there’s someone who barely knows me telling me this?

Just putting it out there, I didn’t try out for SoulCycle or Flywheel, but for a smaller chain cycling studio, although my dream is to teach at Flywheel. Anyway, their requirements were to be engaging, fun, and ride to the rhythm. I thought, hey, that I could do! Wrong.

Manager at smaller chain cycling was super nice and my friends had taken her rides before. She said my choice of songs were perfect; my form was great, and she began to videotape me. I started to cycle and she stops the music and says I’m riding slower than 85 rpm. Once I looked down, I was riding at 73 so I was way off! She also didn’t care about torque/cadence/power, which is huge in my books as far as fitness goes. She stopped the audition, gave me constructive criticism and encouraged me to try again, saying that I had rhythm but needed more practice, especially when it came to my form.

I firmly believe every happens for a reason. It isn’t that it’s not meant to be, but perhaps the timing isn’t right. I need to work on my form, work on my confidence, get in better shape (it’s hard as hell to ride, speak and breathe at the same time!) These are things I need to master.

For me, going out and audition is HUGE. I’m not shy by any means (I used to sing in front of an audience) but I’m guilty of feeling self-conscious. Once I’m on that stage, whether is cycling, or singing, all the fear and nervousness dissipates, and the stage is mine.

I’m not sad about it, at least I can say I tried.

Race Recap: 2018 Disney’s Princess Half Marathon

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Disney’s Princess half marathon is a wonderful experience for novice and experienced runners, and those of us in between. It is the perfect girlfriend getaway vacation, filled with the magic of Disney.

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon was the race I first ran back in 2013 and the race which sparked my love for running. A few weeks ago, I went down for the 10th Anniversary of run Disney’s Princess half, but also my 5th running anniversary, where I met up with my best running girlfriends for a weekend of eating, drinking, and running Disney. I booked the hotel rather late, and all that was available was All-Star Movies. While it isn’t my favorite resort, I’ll take staying in the parks rather than outside. It’s so much easier to get around and not have to rent a car or Uber.

Unless there are items I am interested in buying at the expo, I typically avoid going to the expo on day one. The crowds are insane everywhere! Once you arrive at ESPN Wide World of Sports (there are buses running frequently from all Disney World resorts), there are two stops: one is to pick up your bib and race shirt; the other building has the expo merchants. This year, I noticed they had a building dedicated to carrying all runDisney merchandise.

I’ve been extremely busy and had no time to put together a race costume and most likely will not have one for Star Wars, which is a bummer. I looked around at the expo and did see a few items that would work well for a costume but being that I didn’t go on day one to the expo (wasn’t planning on buying a costume), everything in my size was sold out. My friend was coming down a day later, so I asked her to pick up an Eagles hat at the airport, and I quickly threw an outfit together – a dark green Lululemon top and black skirt. Combined with the hat, I decided I would run as an Eagles Princess; fitting since they just won the Super Bowl. Go Eagles!!

I spoke with Jeff Galloway, Olympian and creator of the run-walk-run injury free program and asked for his advice. If you’re ever at the expo, please pay him a visit. He is truly the most genuine and nice person and gives great advice. I explained to him that I’ve had my share of injuries in the past 2 years and that my last run was 6.5 miles on Christmas Eve. His suggestion was to run 15 seconds and walk 30 seconds.

With Olympian Jeff Galloway

Race morning came and my friend and I had some fruit, coffee and some carbs. The resort had free coffee on race morning, which was really nice. Disney suggests runners taking bus transportation to the start line board buses no later than 3:30 AM, and monorail passengers board no later than 4:00 AM. Since my friend missed the expo, we had to stop at runner relations in the morning to pick up her bib, so we boarded the bus at 3:00 AM. The weather was a bit cool, but it was expected to be warmer than usual for February, and warnings were placed everywhere reminding people to hydrate and dress appropriately for the warm temperatures.

Corrals were going off every 5 minutes or so.  Race announcers Carissa and Rudy were great at keeping the crowds entertained and informed when their corral would take off. My corral took off 45 minutes after the elites/A corral. My Gymboss timer set for the run/walk ratios that Jeff Galloway suggested and started run/walk after a quick 5 minute warm up.

I was feeling great and decided to increase the run intervals to 30 seconds (bad idea). I felt my hamstrings start to burn a bit, and before it got worse, I stopped at the first medical tent and rubbed Biofreeze on my hammies. Once that kicked in, I was good, until my right foot started to ache. I’ve never had issues with my feet while running, so this struck me as odd and concerning. I stopped at the second medical tent briefly, sat down and massaged my foot for a minute and was back on my way with no other issues, thank God!

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom

I was doing great time-wise. Aside from those two medical tent stops, I stopped to use a real bathroom (wait was over 10 minutes but SO worth it), because let’s face it, no one wants to use a port-a-potty unless deemed necessary. Stopped for a photo op shortly after mile 11, because Jack. Enough said!

Run Like you left the crock pot on -“This is Us”

It sure wasn’t my fastest half time, but it wasn’t my slowest either. I’m extremely proud of myself for finishing despite the fact that I didn’t train for it. I really have not been motivated, and the fact that winter doesn’t seem to want to leave doesn’t help either.

I have two races coming up so I am training for those. They are: Star Wars half and the Broad Street Run, America’s largest 10-miler and one of my favorite races ever. Stay tuned.

 

 

 

P.S. What’s on your race calendar for 2018?

Life Lessons, Letting Go, and Shifting Gears

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This week, I’d like to talk about life lessons, letting go, and shifting gears. I had this eye-opening moment last week when I found myself in the Emergency Department on a busy Friday evening to rule out a stroke. When the stroke was ruled out, the attending physician suspected a subarachnoid hemorrhage, secondary to a ruptured aneurysm. After much poking for IV’s, labs, meds, CT Scan, and finally an offer to do a lumbar puncture (which I declined), I was sent home with the worst headache of my life and shoulders that felt like concrete. This is when I realized that all my emotions have manifested in my body as pain and I need to start letting go of things: past, present, and future.

I realized that I haven’t done a lot of the things I once loved: read a book, knit, draw, sing, photography, run. I work two jobs and I’m in school to further my nursing education. I’m putting in my resignation at my per diem job this weekend when I’m there. I don’t need the per diem for the money, a year ago it was just something to do/see what else is out there/keep a door open elsewhere. I’m exhausted, unhappy and clearly in physical pain. It ends right here, today. Actually, it ended on my ride home from the hospital Saturday morning.

I learned that I need to put myself first in everything in life. I need to be well in order to care for my family when they need me, and for my little ones in the NICU.

I’m a worrier by nature, and as hard as this may be, I am letting go of what no longer serves me. Letting go of past decisions that leave me, could have/would have/should have done this or that. No longer will I be worrying about the future, instead focus being in the present. Life has a way of sorting itself out.

This brings me to shifting gears. I was once cleared to run and I’m not cleared, again! I fell in love with running because it made me feel free. It was MY time to clear my head, to let things go, and when those things couldn’t be done, the weight built up, in my shoulders, in my life. This lovely little blog will be back and while it won’t solely focus on running (for obvious reasons), I’ll be sharing the things that bring me joy in my life. It’s about living simple and regaining focus, and hopefully, inspire someone in the process.

Take care,

 

Don’t Call it a Comeback…running

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…I’ve been here for years. I’m corny, I know. 🙂

Today marks the beginning of my return to running after obtaining clearance from my physical therapist. Since I have not run since November 2016, I will be following Jeff Galloway’s beginner 5K program. Using a run/walk program is a great way to build a training base while reducing the risk of injury.

Jeff Galloway’s 5K program runs 15 weeks and in order to keep me motivated, I’ve registered for the Rescue Run 5K, which occurs at the end of the 15 weeks. Talk about perfect timing, eh? This run benefits The Monster Milers, a shelter dog running and rescue organization in Philadelphia. I’m also excited because it is my first run as a Oiselle Volée runner, a wonderful and supportive community of women.

Plans for this week: (Per Jeff Galloway’s Program)

Monday – Walk or XT

Tuesday – Run 10-15 minutes

Wednesday – Walk or XT

Thursday – Run 10-15 minutes

Friday – Walk or XT

Saturday – Rest Day

Sunday – 1 mile

My XT usually involves taking a class on my Peloton Bike or swim at the gym pool. Stretching/yoga is part of my daily routine, which will aid in my return to running, as well as the recovery process.

Week 1, here I come. Follow my daily journey on Instagram.

Have a great week, and if you’re in the middle of a heat wave (as we are in PA), stay cool.

Adios, 2016

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It’s been a crazy year folks; I am glad it’s about to end.

This year brought a lot of ups and downs – from that left hip injury that caused me to stop running, to the car accident which left my mother injured badly, to attaining self-realization and embarking on new and exciting journeys.

Although I didn’t get to run the races I wanted to this year, I made an effort to stay fit by cycling at Flywheel, run/walking in Disney and starting Core de Force, a new MMA-style workout by Beachbody. I do miss running terribly though. All the tests on my left hip have come back normal, so I don’t know what else to do. Some days I wake up in the middle of the night in excruciating pain, other times, I’m fine and able to run 2-3 miles painlessly.

After my parents accident, I took 3 weeks from work to care for them. It was then that I realized the value of friendship. Most the people whom I considered my “friends” didn’t even ask if we were okay or needed anything, and it was challenging for me to care for everyone.

I stumbled upon a quote that read, “The problem with being the strong one is that nobody asks if you’re okay.” This couldn’t be further from the truth. It made me realize that this happened because I can handle it, and when I broke down with overwhelmingness, I talked about it, and I faced my fears head on. I let go of those individuals who were of no value in my life, and let go of those toxic friendships that brought me anger and grief. Forgiving and letting go is paramount to happiness, and it feels great. 🙂

While I don’t have any goals or resolutions for the upcoming new year, if I learned something from this year, and I know it sounds cliche, but it’s not to sweat the small stuff, treasure moments spent with those you love and doing things that make me happy.

Do you have any goals or resolutions for the new year?

Wishing everyone happiness and good health in the new year!

 

Just a Little Update

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Seems like it’s the same song and dance – “sorry I haven’t been around…”

I really enjoy sharing my adventures with you, and just as I was starting to get back running, life decided to take a turn in the wrong direction.

These past few weeks have been incredibly difficult; my parents, driving to enjoy vacationing in New England, suffered a major car accident, in which not only my parents were badly injured, their car was totaled. My life has been at a standstill. That whole week my mom was hospitalized, I hardly ate, I slept in uncomfortable chairs beside her, and I haven’t worked. My sister also had surgery the same week. Right now, I’m just really thankful everyone is alive and safe, and for that, I feel blessed.

And while I have spent my time caring for my family, the last thing I have done is take a moment to breathe, to do something nice for myself.

As someone who is in love with traveling and is fascinated with planes, I was excited today to get an email that there will be a 5K at Philadelphia International Airport. Immediately I signed up, since it is limited to 250 participants. My hip pain has worsened, probably from sleeping in chairs/sofa for over a week, and doing PT exercises have left me in even more pain. I have added glucosamine with chondroitin and MSM to my supplement regime, and will take it easy during that Runway 5K. Before my parents accident, I was easing back into running and could run 4-5 miles comfortably. I’m going to run 2-3 miles tomorrow just to clear my head and see how that goes. I’m hoping for some normalcy.

Anyway, Happy October!

Love,

Lindy x

Goodbye, Summer. I’ll miss you.

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Summer has come and gone and while I’m bummed that it’s over, I’m looking forward to autumn. I love fall for its cooler weather, pumpkin-everything, sweaters and boots, as well as the races that I will hopefully be running. I mention ‘hopefully’ because I’ve had my share of injuries, especially with my left hip. Physical therapy exercises, yoga, and Flywheel have helped tremendously in getting me back on the pavement, but the recurring fear of injury always lingers in the back of my mind.

Aside from working, this summer I made a week-long trip to Disney World, spent numerous weekends relaxing and soaking up the sun at the Jersey Shore and went on a few trips to NYC to see a few concerts. Didn’t take out my beloved Schwinn out all summer, so back to the attic it goes until next year.

This season, my focus will be on keeping my mind and body healthy. I’m working full-time, part-time and per-diem. Fortunately for me, the per-diem position doesn’t start until November, but it means I have to cut my Disney’s Wine and Dine trip a few days short. I am also taking six credits at the university doing nursing research. It takes me back to my days studying to become a nurse. I was working full-time and at the college full-time. Looking back, I still don’t know how I managed to pull it together, yet it is a reminder that you can do anything you put your mind, heart, and soul into. I wanted to be an RN so bad.

Training for Lumiere’s Challenge has not been an easy task, that’s for sure. The plan is to take it real easy on the 10K, possibly walking it, and conserving any and all remaining energy to run the half on Sunday. I signed up for Aaptiv (formerly Skyfit), an app for iOS and Android that has multiple workouts, including training plans for races. Last week, I started using it for the half marathon training and I loved it. I ran faster than I had in years! The coach walks you through pace, breathing techniques and alerts you when it’s time to slow down or speed up. The music is fun and upbeat and while the workout was tough, it pushed me to give everything that I had in me. I plan on continuing the Aaptiv half marathon training, including on race day. This is not a sponsored post, btw. I am just really enjoying Aaptiv at the moment.

Goals after Wine and Dine weekend are to pick a late spring/early summer race that I can properly train for. Working again with Coach Kristy is also one of my running goals.

Well, this is a brief update for now. I’m off to do some major homework since I’ll be away in Puerto Rico for two weeks 🙂 I’ll be back soon!

Until next time,

Lindy xo

IT Band Syndrome and training plans

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I’ve not run a single mile in two weeks. I pushed myself through a 12-mile run in which I hit the wall at mile 7 and irritated my iliotibial band (IT Band), putting a damper on my training plans. Initially, I thought the pain was just normal running aches, but when the pain keeps you up at night, and walking simply hurts, well, that’s when you know it isn’t normal.

The iliotibial band is a tendon that runs outside of the leg, connecting pelvic bone to just below the knee. Two years ago, I had issues with my left IT Band, which resolved after continuous stretching and foam rolling. This time, it’s my right IT band, and it’s a lot angrier this time around. It’s kept me up three nights in the past two weeks and I’ve called out of work once due to the pain and discomfort.

I’m hoping to start running on Monday, if both ITB and Coach Kristy allow. I’ve watched the entire Gilmore Girls series on Netflix and read two books since I can’t sleep: classic Oliver Twist, and All the Light We Can Not See by Anthony Doerr. I also joined Weight Watchers to get rid of these last 10 pounds; those darn 10 pounds I gained two years ago while training for the Philadelphia Marathon, which have yet to come off. This Netflix/Kindle relationship sure isn’t helping! So now that I can’t run or bike, (or sleep!)  I’m cranky.

 

Question: How do you keep motivated when an injury places you on the sideline?

Lindy x

 

 

 

Brooklyn Half Training – Two Weeks to go!

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I’m getting really excited about running Brooklyn, but first, Broad Street Run.

Everyone knows how much I love running Broad Street. 🙂

Since the Brooklyn Half is coming up two weeks from Sunday, Broad Street will be a training run for me, and will be the last long run before Brooklyn. While it will be tough maintaining a slower pace since the energy from the crowds draw you in and make you forget how fast you’re running, I have to do my best and not focus on what I’m likely to hear afterwards, “But so-and-so finished before you, Lin.” *sigh*

Last week’s run were:

Tuesday: 4 miles

Saturday: 3 miles

Sunday: 8 miles

Sunday was a gorgeous day here in the city of Brotherly Love; a balmy 65 degrees. Ran the 8-mile loop around the Schuylkill River – from Kelly Drive, around the Philadelphia Museum of Art, to Martin Luther King Drive, back to Kelly Drive. I’ve never run this loop before while training, it’s always been while racing, therefore a nice treat where I run to soak it all in and not worry so much about time. As long as my long runs are slower, all is fine with Coach Kristy!

It was a lovely treat to watch college students practicing for the upcoming Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta. I suppose the ones yelling to them from a boat not far upfront were the coaches. Row, Row, Row!

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Mile 3 of this 8-mile run was the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which was crowded with tour buses and there was a huge line to take a photograph with the statue of Rocky Balboa.

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Rear of Philadelphia Museum of Art and Philadelphia Water Works Restaurant and Lounge – view from MLK Drive

Passed the Art Museum and headed over to run down MLK Drive, which was lonely and isolated. Good thing is that once you cross SweetBriar Road, the road is closed all the way to the Falls Bridge on Sunday, I think until 5 PM, but I may be wrong. Anyway, it felt great to get off the concrete sidewalk and give my legs/feet a break by running on the road.

Boathouse Row Philadelphia

Boathouse Row Philadelphia

Stayed strong until mile 7.12 when I “hit the wall.” I got jittery and hungry and walked a bit until 0.5 mile left of my run. Stopped to stretch for a minute and continued on until I reached my car. There, my sister and her recently rescued poodle were waiting for me. He’s so sweet! He was abused and is scared all the time and after a few days, learned to walk on a leash! As a rescue mommy myself, I’m delighted to know she chose a rescue dog.

With Harley at the end of my 8-mile run.

With Harley at the end of my 8-mile run.

Post-run, we headed down to Blackbird Pizzeria for vegan seitan cheezesteaks, the hottest buffalo wings I’ve ever eaten in my life (my mouth is still on fire!), and vegan pizza. I love going there; the people are so nice!

I’m looking forward to meeting up with some of you at the start of this Sunday’s Broad Street Run. I moved back, so I’ll be hanging out in yellow corral. Hydrate, and hydrate well these upcoming days before the race, as it will be a balmy 75 degrees on race day. I personally enjoy water with lemon and cucumbers – it’s so refreshing!

For my friends running Broad Street Run, Pittsburgh Marathon, and Flying Pig, may the wind be at your back!!! Can’t wait to read all of your race recaps!

Lindy x

Spartan Race Giveaway

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I have an exciting race giveaway to share today –  one lucky Runderella reader will win a free race entry to any Reebok Spartan Race in the United States this racing season! This is for a race in any open heat (non-confirmed start time) in any Spartan Race in the continental U.S. 

About Spartan Race 

World’s Best Obstacle Race. Period.

Born in the scenic hills of Vermont, Spartan Race was created to bring the excitement of obstacle racing to spectators and athletes alike. That means you.

Spartan Race is a true adventure that anyone can do, and everyone should try. With course lengths of 3+miles (Sprint), 8+miles, (Super) and 12+miles (Beast) each course is filled with mud, water, and signature obstacles designed to help you discover your inner Spartan. Athletes of all fitness levels will enjoy participating in a Spartan Race and the feeling of accomplishment that comes at the finish line.

Spartan Race even has events for kids. We believe that fitness and adventure should involve the whole family. Come out and watch your kids run, jump, and climb like children were meant to do all in their own Spartan Kids race.

For those that want a more team based experience Spartan Race has the Hurricane Heat and for the truly adventurous the Hurricane Heat 12 Hour. The Hurricane Heat takes you out of the individual role and has you work with a group of complete strangers to complete tasks designed to bring you together as a team. Those that have done the Hurricane Heat have often done multiple across the country, making friends for life along the way.

Not sure you are ready to run a Spartan Race? It’s ok we have everything you need to get you ready: Spartan SGX training, workouts-of-the-day, nutrition tips to help you eat better, and free workouts held in cities all over the country. Spartan Race is not only the worlds best obstacle race (period), but can be a complete lifestyle overhaul.

So even if you’ve tried a trail race, mud run, obstacle race, or adventure race, it’s time to try a Spartan Race. Unlike other obstacle races we offer something for everyone. So sign-up, gear-up and find out why we say…

You’ll know at the finish line.


Where are the races?

They’re all over the United States! Click this link to find an obstacle race near you.

How do I enter to win an entry to Reebok’s Spartan Race?

Comment below and tell me which race(s) you’re currently training for. Let me know you commented on Rafflecopter. For additional entries, be sure to tweet about the giveaway as well as follow Spartan Race on Twitter.

Giveaway begins Monday, April 27th, 2015 and ends on Thursday, April 30th, 2015 at 11:59 PM. Winner will be notified no later than Sunday, May 3rd, 2015.

Didn’t win the giveaway? Use this link to save 10% off any registration.

 

Are you up to the challenge?

Disclaimer: No compensation was provided for this blog post. Spartan Race Media provided me with a race entry to giveaway to my readers. As always, all opinions are strictly my own. 

 

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