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Getting a Jump on the New Year Resolution Part II

So I am very proud of me and Mark this morning. Day two of our jump start to new years resolution. Just did a quick three but felt good. I think I had a good run today since I had a crappy one yesterday and because of my amazing playlist. Here's what I'm currently running to:

Then, lucky me, Mark made amazing protein breakfast -- eggs and chorizo. Yum.

Fingers crossed we can keep this motivation and momentum through this work week!

Getting a Jump on the New Year Resolution

So I will admit that the past six months have been difficult to work out. I can go on and on about excuses but it just seems like motivation is at an all time low. Since I tend to do better with working out in the morning, Mark and I have decided to get a jump on the new years resolution and start working out in the morning this week. It will be the perfect week to do so because of the upcoming holiday.

Now I dont need convinced of the benefits of working out in the morning, but if you do, check out this recent NYT article, "The Benefits of Exercising Before Breakfast." If you're still not convinced, think about how crowded the gyms are going to be beginning Jan. 2 and you will be motivated to get up so you can get a locker and a treadmill!

Back to the Gym

It's always a pleasant surprise when you are able to fit in a workout when you didnt think you would be able to. My meetings finished up early today so I was able to work from home and head straight to the gym at the end of the day. With the days getting shorter, I am only able to run along the lake on the weekends.

3 miles of speedwork on the treadmill was pretty painless. I ran into my trainer, Jeremy, who asked if I was lifting. I wish I had time to lift, but was only able to fit in a quick cardio. Better than nothing!

Nothing like a post-workout meal consisting of my favorite TJ's Fish Nuggets, haha.

Tomorrow is Dan and Meghan's wedding so we'll be drinking and eating lots the whole weekend. Hopefully, we'll be able to fit in a run Sunday morning along the lake.

I'm Back...

Nearly 15 months later and I'm back! I think the move to Chicago in August '09 threw my blogging off. One marathon, half marathon and summer running group later, I'm back. Committed to blogging and committed to running.

My near short term goal is the Pittsburgh YMCA Turkey Trot. This year they are bringing back the 5 mile course. The past two years the course was just a 5k. Two weeks ago I made time for 15 miles, and while this week was a little more hectic, I squeezed in almost 9.

It was great being back in D.C. this weekend and doing an early morning run on Saturday before heading out to the wineries for Callie's birthday celebration. I did 5 around the Lincoln Memorial and Gtown and Mark, Tom and Chad did about 11. My new Lululemon Inspire Pullover was awesome!

Afterwards, we got breakfast at one of our favs Corner Bakery. I got the American Scrambler which is surprisingly gluten free. We drank lots of wine on a gorgeous day at Bluemont Vineyard and then Sunset Hills. After coming back to Matt and Callie's apartment, Kortney, Andy and I hit up Lyon Hall to get some food. We couldn't believe they had Dogfish Head Punkin Ale on tap.

After an early morning flight and a day of drinking, I am proud to say th

at I did a 3.75 m run this afternoon when we got back to Chicago.

Week 3 of Turkey Trot Training comin' up!

Chill 4th

So it was a very chill, low-key 4th of July weekend. Unfortunately, I didnt get in as much running as I had originally hoped for, but was able to crank out a 12-miler early Friday morning which was wonderful. Friday night enjoyed some good sangria and tapas at La Tasca and then went out in Clarendon.

Saturday, the 4th, took the day off, but made some yummy hot dogs, potato salad and strawberry pretzel squares! The DC fireworks were amazing from Gravelly Point.

Sunday did a little shopping and then hit up Ft. Scott for an easy 3-miler.

Back to it this week...

Fourth of July in the Nation's Capital

July 4th weekend is always a great time for catching up on miles, food, drink and friends. For the past several years, I've celebrated the 4th with a 10 miler then BBQ and beer. In my mind, thats the American way - a challenge then celebration. This year, I'm changing it up a bit, after all I am a married man.

I think this year, Emily and I will head out for a long run on Friday the 3rd, followed by a medium distance bike ride with my old riding buddy Matt. On the 4th, we'll hit the road for a medium distance run. Then round it all out with a long run on Sunday the 5th.

The weather looks to be fantastic and the beer is cold. Speaking of which, I'll have to find something special. Although not particularly special in the East, Yuengling is the oldest continuous brewery in America - and not sold in Chicago, where I'm from, so its special to me.

We're Back!

It's been awhile since my last post because we were in Punta Cana! I am happy to report that we worked out while we were there. Mostly we ran on the treadmill, but I also did water aerobics one day.

Then we went to Pittsburgh for the weekend and of course I forgot my running shoes! So, we took a little time off. But this week we are back in full swing! I did 7 on Monday morning, 5 yesterday morning and tonight will do some speedwork.

Looking forward to a nice long holiday weekend with lots of running! And of course food and drink afterwards! ;)

Punta Cana Here We Come...

Since we will be flying early Saturday morning, we decided to do our long run today. I am proud to say that we were up and out the door at 5:30 a.m. today and I did a wonderful 7 miles. It was a beautiful morning in D.C. and I passed about 40 ducks floating in a line along the Potomac.

3 more miles to go tonight to finish up 10 for the day.

Then we are off to Punta Cana until Wednesday! Cant wait to see what the workout room looks like. Apparently we can only do 30 minutes on the treadmill each day, but that will do since we will be on vacation!

Week One Down...

Well, I feel back on track. We woke up early this morning and did 10.5 miles (well Mark did more). It was cloudy, but about 70 degrees and humid. Im glad we got up early. I felt pretty good, although we had to walk some of Teddy Roosevelt because there was so much mud, but other than that, it was a great run!

Afterwards, we went to Dogwood Tavern for brunch. While I had a yummy egg sandwich, either I ate to much or something didnt agree with me because I didnt eat much the rest of the day and took a loong nap.

Hopefully tomorrow I will have time to squeeze in a quick core workout before head to Philly!

Arlington! What Up?!

Viva Las Vegas

We are signed up for the Las Vegas Marathon and Half! We got fantastic rates at the Bellagio and are ready to go. Very timely since today it was announced that the entire Strip will close for the event, for the first time.


It will be our first trip back to Vegas since December 2007 when we went with Katie and Matt. Although it will be December, I cannot wait!

Double Duty

Just finished up my second run of the day for the second time this week! I thought for sure it was going to storm, so I took my second run to the treadmill. My Reef plans got cancelled, so I was able to fit in a second run. Too bad, because I was really looking forward to a Belgian Sunrise. Oh well, a Sunset Wheat will have to do!

Hiatus complete

Since Chicago Marathon 2008, I’ve taken a voluntary and involuntary hiatus from running, but not so much from eating and drinking. So, it was good and bad. Work has been crazy and our lives have moved to a new level. After a frantic schedule of moving, holidays, wedding and honeymoon, the winter flew by and left little time for serious dedication to running. But as I always say, its good to have breaks once in a while.

Now fully refreshed by a fantastic Cleveland Marathon and Emily’s stellar half marathon we are kicking it into high gear!

Here’s my 2009 plan:

5/16: Cleveland Marathon
7/26: Riley’s Rumble Half Marathon
9/19: Air Force Marathon
10/11: Chicago Marathon
10/25: Marine Corps Marathon
12/6: Las Vegas Marathon

Hey, Ya gotta start somewhere.

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Yesterday was my first official day of training for the Chicago Marathon. Even though I am ahead of schedule from having just completed the Cleveland Half, I still consider yesterday to be Day 1 of my training.


I was reading the new Runner's World over the weekend and came across an article about running twice a day. This is something that I would love to be able to do when I have the time. I figure why not get in running twice in one day if my schedule permits. I know that most days I will not be able to run twice, so it also gives me a cushion if I am forced to skip a short run another day during the week.


For my first day of training, I am proud to say that I was able to get in 7 miles! Four in the morning and then another 3 after work.


The 3 after work were easier to crank out knowing that we were going to eat dinner at Noodles and Company afterwards. After a nice 3 mile run up Ft. Scott, we arrived at Noodles and Company where I tried their new dish -- Spaghetti and Meatballs.


Since I am a huge fan of the Wisconsin Mac and Cheese, if I am going to get something else, it better be good. I must say the Spaghetti and Meatballs lived up to my expectation. It was spicy, simple and the perfect portion. I would definitely recommend!