First 5K = Complete!

On Saturday morning, I woke up a bit after 4a, to head over to my mom's house to get ready for our first 5k. I wanted to make sure I had some caffeine, food and water in me before I ran, so thats why I had a 4a wake up call. We left at 6, and made it to the Bronx Zoo a little after 7. Parking was a breeze, and we milled around outside the start line at the morning festivities. There was face painting, breakfast, and a bunch of participants just hanging out. 

 While we waited for Erich (he drove separately, because he didn't need to be there super early), we got our faces painted. The lady used neon colors, just like my sneakers, so I matched. She went all out, and I definitely stood out. When I saw Erich, I waved to get his attention. He didn't even recognize me!

Me + my mom, shortly before the 5K.

Crazy neon feline makeup!

Me + lover boy!

 I was super nervous about running, so instead of doing the regular 5K, I participated in the Family Run/Walk 5K, because you were able to run at your own pace. I figured that it would be less stressful, because I wouldn't be the last one crossing the line. In reality, I should have done the regular 5K. There were so many people with strollers! I had to sprint past them all in the beginning, which was not the brightest idea, because it threw my pace off for the rest of the race. Something else that surprised me? The hills! Not that show with LC and Heidi, but terrain that I've never tried running on before. They weren't gigantic, but they were big enough to make my legs hurt. I had to stop a few times to rest my legs and regulate my breathing, which I was alright with. At one point, I was jogging behind this girl who just STOPPED running out of nowhere and came to a complete standstill to show her friend something, so I had to think fast and jet from behind her. Thankfully I didn't get in anyone else's path, because that could have been disastrous. I finished the race in 36 minutes, which isn't horrible, but its not fantastic, either. It was a learning experience, for sure. Don't start off too quickly and don't run when strollers are present, ha!

Crossing the finish line.

After the run was over we hung out for a little bit, then headed home. I showered and took a nap, then headed out for girls night with Liz and Irene. Liz and I said months ago that we were going to pig out the night after the race, and we did! We headed over to KB's Burger Shack for our feast. We split bacon cheeseburger skins and I ordered a breakfast burger (a burger topped with bacon, cheese and an egg) with Texas fries, which had cheese and jalapeños. I only ate my fries and 1/4 of my burger, because I was stuffed. I brought the rest home for the boy.

Sharing bacon cheeseburger skins - sharing is caring!

Beyond delicious. 

Fancy pants artwork on our paper tablecloth.

After I got home from dinner, I realized we were out of kitty litter, so we ran up to the grocery store. While I was there, I checked to see if they had Ben and Jerry's Chocolate Therapy, because I had been craving it for a week. Finally, I found it! I had some when I came home, then passed out. I slept for ten hours, and woke up feeling refreshed. 

Best ice cream I've had in ages - worth every calorie!

Now that my first 5K is out of the way, I am looking forward to my next one. My friend, Tara, mentioned a lock 5K this June, which I want to run in. Plus,  The Color Run in August. Once I can manage a time under 30 minutes, I will start training for a 10K!

In Less Than Twelve Hours..

.. I will be in the midst of my first 5K. I have been anxious all day. I've had to force myself to eat and drink water, and my stomach has been in cahoots since Wednesday. I know, its just a 5K, but I am not a fan of the unknown.

Last night, I decided that I would be in bed by 9p tonight, but thats not happening. Its nearly 9p now. I still have to get my race clothes ready and pack a change of clothes. Oh, and I still haven't eaten dinner. I have a feeling I'm only going to get a few hours of sleep, but I made sure I got extra hours in during the week. Erich is working tonight, so I will probably wait until he comes home to fall asleep. Whenever I'm anxious, he rubs my back until I fall asleep. I definitely need that tonight.

In order to get some coffee and a small breakfast in before the race, I plan on waking up at 4:30a. I want to give myself ample time to digest my banana and soy latte, because I've heard horror stories of runners having to go to the bathroom mid run. I don't want that happening to me!

I'm procrastinating, as per usual. Next time you hear from me, I will have a report of how the race went. If you don't mind, please send positive vibes in my direction tonight and tomorrow morning. I'm gonna need it!

Bloggers for Health: Facing Challenges.

This week has been hectic, to say the least. Between tutoring, babysitting, schoolwork and a job interview, I haven't had much time to sit down and write for my own leisure. I should be working on a report for school, but I have most of it figured out - I did that while the children I babysit for were sleeping. I also made sure I squeezed in some time to run, which was honestly, the last thing I wanted to do. It was a challenge to get off my butt and do it, but I did it.


I ran three times this week, even though my Thursday run didn't go so well. I had planned on re-doing my run on Friday, but between babysitting, grocery shopping, and mailing out a zillion eBay packages, I was finally ready to run at 9p. I didn't want to run so late, so I did some jumping jacks and busted out the Gazelle (yes, that contraption Tony Little pushed via infomercial) for about fifteen minutes. I know it wasn't much of a workout, but it was better than nothing! I had done a few loads of laundry and cleaned up while I babysat, so I figured that had to burn a few calories too.


Speaking of being healthy, yesterday was the start of my second week on Weight Watchers. Using the point system was a small hassle - keying in foods to find point values can be annoying. I used all of the extra points they gave me, plus a few of my activity points - both are there for a reason, but I still felt like a fatty for using them all. I did sneak a few snacks - mostly mini Kit Kat bars and a cookie here and there. I was worried that I would have gained weight, but somehow, I lost two pounds. Honestly, I don't care about what the scale says at this point - I just want to lose the fat, gain more muscle, and drop sizes! I know, I need to be patient, but I know I won't feel as if anything has changed until my size six jeans are loose on me. Currently, they fit, but they're snug.


The biggest challenge I need to overcome is my mind - change up my mentality a bit. I think I need to push myself a bit more, improve my focus, and be proud of the progress I have made thus far. Sounds easy, but nothing ever is.

Five Things (Weekend Edition).

I had a really good week. Kept myself busy, connected with a bunch of people regarding the blog, and continued my job search. Here are a few things that made my weekend much brighter.

1. Draw Something

I am no artist, by far. But I try, which is what matters. This was my rendition of Kanye West that I sent over to my friend, Kimber. I'm sure she would have figured it out, even if I didn't write, "Imma let you finish," but it made it more amusing. 

2. Running

Last week, due to scheduling and not feeling so hot, Liz and I got a bit off track with running. We got back to it, and let me tell you, it hurt like crazy. But we pushed through, and are back on track again. This is a picture of me stretching, before running. When I come back from running, I do not look this put together, hah.

3. Frozen Yogurt

Even though I am watching what I am eating, I can still enjoy junk food  - in moderation, of course. On Sunday, Liz and I went to YoChi Yogurt, in Patchogue - right down the street from where I had adventured on Friday. I was so stoked about having fro-yo, I took this picture to share my excitement with the world (well, just on Instagram, but close enough).

4. Gorgeous Weather

It feels as Spring is already upon us. Even though we lost an hour of sleep, thanks to daylight savings, I spent Sunday enjoying the beautiful weather. Definitely an even trade, in my book!

5. Magazines

My poor magazine subscriptions always get the shaft during the school year. Before bed, I quickly flipped through these. NYLON has been one of my favorite magazines for 10+ years - Paper being a close second. When I have more time over the weekend, I plan on ripping some recipes out of taste of the south, but I'm sure they'll have to be modified, in order fit into my healthier eating habits. 

What are some things that made your weekend enjoyable?

Ginger Talk, Helping Michele Falcone Raise Money For Lions.

As I have mentioned in earlier posts, I am running a 5K at the Bronx Zoo in April. I have been asking everyone I know if they can help contribute to my fundraising. My goal is $1,500, and I have raised $310 so far, which is 21%. Not bad, seeing as I only started raising money at the beginning of February. When I asked my friend, Zack, if he could contribute, he said he could not help in the ways of funds, but he had a few ideas.


When I lived in Florida (where Zack currently resides), I was really into the local music scene. I put together a few shows in my youth, believe it or not. Zack had suggested that I put together a show to raise money. Its still and idea in the back of my head, but to be honest, I don't know if I could pull it off. I haven't done anything within the LI music scene since I moved here, so my connects are relatively slim (note: if anyone who is reading this can help me organize something/is in a band + willing to play, let me know). 


Zack had an alternate suggestion - he could make a video for me. Zack and his friend, Sean Harvey, are the dynamic duo behind Ginger Kids. They make videos, promote shows, and are generally awesome. After tossing some ideas back and forth, Zack was really stoked about the possibilities. He and Sean wanted to experiment with some editing, so I told him to do whatever they wanted. Its good experience for them, and its good exposure for everyone involved. Especially the lions.


GK actually wound up making two videos. The first one is a prequel to my "commercial." Keep in mind, these videos are not meant to be serious. At all. This is the actual video description that Sean uploaded to YouTube:


 Prior to the unsuccessful POP Wednesdays [a party they promote], Sean leaves GK to host his own mid-day talk show entitled Ginger Talk with Sean Harvey. His first guest is his former GK partner Zack Jones to discuss his upcoming commercial that is aimed towards helping Michele Falcone raise money for the lions of the Bronx Zoo and or around the 
world. 


I present to you, Ginger Talk, 1 of 2 videos to help me raise funds for my 5K. Enjoy and keep your eyes peeled for the commercial, coming soon!

Also, if you have a few dollars to spare, you can donate to my WCS Run For the Wild 5K here. I do not touch any of the money, it goes through the website, but shows up on my page once you donate. All donations are tax deductible, and will go to various lion conservation projects!

A Glorious Mix, Of The Running Persuasion.

Usually when I run, I use Pandora. Its not bad, but there are some pretty random and/or hideous songs that come on and just kill my vibe. Over the course of the last few evenings, I compiled a playlist that I could toss on while running, with music I actually like. 

Now, with that said, I chose a variety of songs. 103, to be exact. There was no real method to my madness. The first few songs that made it to the list were songs I thought of immediately. If I listened to it, and I didn't think it was upbeat enough, I chose another song by the artist. Sometimes, I would look at the suggested artists, chosen by Spotify, and pick songs from those artists. 

I made published the playlist for others to see and subscribe to. Even if you just peruse my song selections to create your own running playlist, or you check out artists that you've never heard of before.

Here it is, in all its glory: run like forrest. 

Like I said, its not an award-winning list, but it serves its purpose - upbeat tunes to run to. Some artists I don't usually listen to, but when I came across certain songs, they would definitely work on a running mix. 

In closing, I leave you with this picture of your favorite new blogger. Its a clip from a video that was shot last week. Thats all I can say, for now. But trust me, its going to be great. If you know Zack Jones, he is the genius behind this master plan. 

Clip from the best film of 2012, ha!

Happy trails to you,

Michele

A Free Makeover That Didn't Suck.

Unless you are viewing this on a mobile device, you will notice that I have redesigned the blog a bit. When I first created the blog, I had no clue what I was doing. I constantly harassed my friend James to help me, who runs Petchonka, because he is far better at the business of blogging than I am. Once I was up and running, I was doing pretty well. The layout wasn't my favorite, but I wasn't about to spend hours screwing up what I had just created.


While reading one of my favorite blogs, Sometimes Sweet, I read about Don Naylor, the man behind Adeline's Daddy. Don is a pretty awesome blog designer. I emailed him to ask a few questions about design and whatnot, and he promptly answered me. While I couldn't afford the price to get my blog overhauled (you need money for that, and I still need a job), I at least knew who to turn to once fundage appears. 


Fast-forward to a week or so later: Don posts on his page that he will be giving blog pointers to those who would like a bit of help with sprucing their page up. I emailed him once again, explaining what I wanted to make a few changes that I could edit on my own. I figured that a bunch of bloggers would inundate his mailbox, so I didn't think I'd hear anything back - especially since I had spoken to him a week before.


Tonight, I had an email from Don, telling me that he had just put up a post, showing me a few pointers for my blog. I was totally stoked - free help with my blog, from someone who makes aesthetically pleasing pages? Please and thank you! You can head over to Adeline's Daddy to read what Don had to say, but here is a picture of what he put together for me:

Don's suggestions for short girl, long island.

As you can tell, I followed most of the suggestions given. I left some ads on, because I am broke and any extra money I can get from my lovely readers clicking on the ads (hint, hint) is a definite plus. I would like blogging to become something that can catapult me into the field of writing, so with a more professional looking page, I have a better chance of obtaining viewers. When I was speaking with my mom about it tonight, I told her its just like looking around in a bookstore - a person is more likely to buy a book with appealing graphics. Once I put it that way, she understood better. She think's my blog is the bee's knees, but once she sees the new layout, I can bet I'm going to get a voicemail (I am notorious for getting to my phone as it is just going to voicemail) from her going something like this: 

Michelie (yes, I typed that correctly - that's one of her nicknames for me), its mommy. I saw your blog this morning before I went to school. It looks so good! I'm so proud of you. Call me later - I love you!

Yeah, my mom rules. She also gives constructive criticism, which I'm even more grateful for.

Due to my blog renovating, I didn't get to finish posts I had planned on finishing tonight, but that's alright. More reading material for the rest of the week! I went over to my mom's and made five different types of juice tonight, so expect a post with recipes on those before Friday. Tomorrow (technically, today) is the last day in week two of 5K training. I'm looking forward to it, because the last day of the training weeks are always the smoothest. I'm also dreading it, because that means week three starts on Saturday, and the first day of the new training week is brutal. I'll get through it, though. No pain, no gain, right?

Michele

Running, Retail Therapy, + Roasted Garlic.

Saturday was Day 1 of my 5K training. The night before, I had run into my friend Tara, and I told her about the Run for the Wild 5K. She told me to download the app, 5K Runner. She said this is what she used to run her first 5K, so I downloaded the free version on Saturday morning. We had originally planned on running at 9AM, but it was snowing, so we waited a couple hours to see what the weather would look like. By 11:30, we realized the snow was letting up and wasn't sticking, so we decided to suck it up and go.


I must say, this 5K Runner made easing into running a breeze. You can also listen to music while the app runs, so I put on Pandora. haven't ran in years, so I was afraid i'd be worn out in minutes. The program alternates brisk walking with running, so you don't overdo it. My run was more of a jog, but who cares. You gotta start somewhere, right? Even with flurries flying in my face, I had a great time. The sneakers I purchased during the week were perfect, and I had stopped over at Old Navy for some winter running attire. When I tell you I found the best jacket and pants, I am not exaggerating. Feast your eyes on these babies:

Women's Active Techno Jackets in Humzinger Neon, Old Navy, $44.94.

Women's Active Control Max Pants in Black Jack, Old Navy, $49.94.

The jacket is a comfortable windbreaker with built-in headphones. The sound was great, and it was one less thing I had to bring running with me. The right pocket houses the headphone jack, so you plug your iPhone/iPod in and you're good to go. The pants are also a win. Now, excuse my language, but my ass looked AMAZING in these pants. These are very flattering and hug curves perfectly. Plus, they're comfortable and breathable, which is important in a pant that you'll be wearing while exercising.


After our run, we decided to hit the grocery store. While in the produce section, I saw that garlic was on sale. I've been meaning to make some roasted garlic, so I picked up two packs. I figured ten bulbs would last a few weeks. I heard garlic is really yummy in fresh juice, so its always better to have extra.


Today, I made the roasted garlic. I cut half an inch off the top of each bulb and drizzled olive oil on top. They went in the oven (set to 350°) for about 45 minutes.

Roasted garlic, in all its glory!

Once they cooled, I carefully peels the skin and used my fingers to pull them out. If they were difficult to remove, or had broken partially, I used a fork to coax the rest out. I put them in a Pyrex dish to hang out. When I had gotten all of the cloves out of one bulb, I mashed them with a fork.  

Gooey roasted garlic cloves, mmm!

Garlic cloves, mashed lightly with a fork.

Before I tried the roasted garlic, I put a piece of whole wheat pita bread in the toaster on a low setting, twice (I had to flip the pita over, because it was too tall for the toaster). It came out warm and crispy, which was perfect. I also sprinkled a bit of black lava sea salt on top. 

Black lava sea salt on top - so delicious!

I peeled the rest of the cloves and sprinkled some black lava sea salt on top, then gently mashed the cloves. I took a quick bite before putting the garlic away. This is such a savory snack. Its sweet and salty, which is my favorite. 

Good thing my boyfriend isn't a vampire.

I didn't make dinner tonight (I had a frozen Greek yogurt popsicle), so as I watched Nick at Nite, I ate the garlic. Yes, all of it. It was so sticky and sinfully sweet. By the time I realized I had just downed three bulbs of garlic (when you mash it, it was close to 1/3 or 1/2 cup), it was too late. I drank a glass of chocolate milk to keep my stomach happy, but I have a strange feeling I am going to reek of garlic by morning. My poor boyfriend and kittens! 

Tomorrow is my second day of running. Hopefully I won't reek of garlic at the end of my run! Cross your fingers.

- Michele

So, I decided that I'm running a 5K.

When I had walked back to my computer yesterday evening, I had this message flashing at the bottom of Facebook:


Liz: Do you want to do Couch to 5K with me? Then do a 5K at the Bronx Zoo April 28?


This message could not be answered via social network, this required pseudo human interaction. I grabbed my phone, dialed, and when Liz picked up, I was like "What is this about a 5K?' Inquiring minds wanted to know what spurred this out of the blue request.


1. Couch to 5K = 9 week running regimen for those who haven't ran since... ever, I guess? The last time I really ran was when I was late to marching band practice in high school, and I had to do laps around the football field.


2. WCS Run for the Wild at the Bronx Zoo is a 5K that helps raise money for animals. This year, funds will be used to help WCS help animals at the zoo and around the world. The focus this year = the lion.


So, after hearing her out, and taking about thirty seconds to think about it, I said sure, what the hell. I've always wanted to run in some sort of organized event, and accomplishing this before the big 3-0 would be even cooler. We decided that training had to start this weekend, so securing proper running shoes was imperative. Sayville Running Company is a local specialty running store, which I have heard nothing but good things about.


Upon entering the store, a gentleman greeted us and asked what we needed help with. I told him we needed serious help, and told him what we had planned on doing. He told us we were in the right place and told us he would help us find the right pair for our feet. In order to do so, we had to get on a machine that assesses your feet. Unbeknownst to me, I have high arches. After the machine test, I had to walk, with my pants rolled up, so the gentleman could see how I walk. I was told that I was overpronating. I was shown which shoes are the best for my feet. All in less than four minutes.


Seconds after I was shown the shoes that best suited my needs, I had found my dream shoe. Ladies and gentleman, feast your eyes on the ASICS GEL-Noosa Tri 7.

Now, for those who know me, this shoe is an absolute given. I mean, I walked into the store wearing yellow ASICS. I own Doc Martens covered in Sanrio characters. Jeffery Campbell Litas splattered with paint. I like loud, probably because I am loud. Liz smiled and said, "Those shoes are obnoxious, just like you!" While she was teasing me, but there is a bit of truth to that statement. Within fifteen, maaaaybe twenty minutes of walking in the store, we were out the door, new running sneakers in tow. I am stoked beyond repair. How often does a gal have an actual legitimate reason to buy new shoes? I haven't had one in years. 

I signed up for the 5K last night. Between now and April, I will be collecting donations for this cause. If you have a few bucks to spare, you can donate on my page. No donation is too small and all are greatly appreciated. If you're broke, but know a family member who likes donating to worthy causes, pass the link onto them! I'm hoping to raise at least $1,500. I know that is a lot of money, but animals need us to use our voices to help them.

Now, onto other things. My obsession with Greek yogurt has gotten even more delicious. I found some local raw wildflower honey while grocery shopping the other day. Tonight, I drizzled some onto 0% Plain Chobani Greek yogurt. 

I love this wildflower honey so much, I decided to spread some onto a stoned (yes, stoned) wheat thin.

I found out that using locally sourced honey actually helps regarding colds and allergies. It has something to do with the pollen in the area where you live. Not the most technical explanation, but when I read it, it made total sense. Plus, supporting local businesses is one of my favorite ways to give back to the community. 

You might also notice those fancy fingers holding onto that honey covered stoned wheat thin. After almost a week with bare nails, I decided to water marble my nails. I stuck to colors that reminded me of the water, which is one of my favorite places to be. 

Water marble nails are time consuming, a unique way to paint your nails. YouTube has some great water marble tutorials. I would make one, but there enough videos on the subject. I'll spend my time blogging and preparing for this 5K instead!

May the force be with you,

Michele