abby - Back At Square Zero

Free Entry into the 2017 NYC Marathon

March 16, 2017 by abby Leave a Comment

This post, and the accompanying contest, are sponsored by PowerBar. After my personal experience with the NYC Marathon this is an opportunity I really wanted to share with you all.

This past year about 80,000 runners entered the TCS New York City Marathon lottery, but only about 20,000 were selected for the race. I know how both sides of that lottery feel, the pain of being rejected and the joy when I finally made it in. I entered the lottery for 3 years before I was finally selected to run the race last year in 2016. The TCS NYC Marathon was always the number one race on my bucket list and I know so many other runners have big dreams surrounding the race as well.
PowerBar wants to help make those dreams come true. This year, PowerBar wants to offer those who found themselves unlucky after the lottery drawing on March 2^nd another shot at getting a bib. And for those hundreds of runners who found themselves on the “Did Not Finish” list from marathons past due to injuries, fatigue or just a bout of bad luck (this is me from my very last Run Donna marathon, my first DNF), PowerBar is offering the do-over they so desperately want and need.

PowerBar believes everyone deserves a Clean Start, so to help launch the new Clean Whey product line, they are offering 17 deserving athletes the chance to approach the starting line at the 2017 TCS NYC Marathon. 26.2 miles. 17 Clean Starts. A lifetime of memories running NYC.

From now through April 12, 2017, you can visit PowerBarCleanStart.com and share why you deserve a Clean Start at the 2017 TCS New York City Marathon. Winners will receive:
– a race bib (entry to the race)
– training tips from PowerBar athletes
– PowerBar product
– PowerBar gear

Let me know:
– Have you ever run the TCS NYC Marathon?
– Did you enter the lottery this year? How’d it go?
– Are you entering to win a Clean Start race entry?

Free Entry into the 2017 NYC Marathon from @PowerBar Clean Start #sponsored

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11 Ways to Love Yourself When the Going Gets Tough

March 10, 2017 by abby 8 Comments

Time to be honest, none of us are perfect. The truth is that we all have good days, but we also all have bad days. Sometimes the bad days can really get us down and if we don’t do something about it they can be very upsetting. I am a huge believer in not only physical health, but also maintaining a healthy outlook. I know that it is so very important to take care of yourself when you’re having a tough day or even a tough week. The sooner you make yourself a priority, and take time to take care of yourself, the sooner you may start to feel better. But how do you take care of yourself? Here are 11 ways to love yourself when the going gets tough, from time-honored activities to some great newbies you may not have thought about before.

11 Ways to Love Yourself When the Going Gets Tough
1. Call a Friend
Reaching out to a close friend can do wonders for your spirit. Just having someone to talk to or even someone to listen while you vent lets you know that you aren’t alone and there are people who care.
*Bonus Points – Schedule a get together with that friend so you’ll have something to look forward to on your calendar.

2. Read a Book
Reading a book is a great way to be good to yourself when things get tough. It allows you time to relax, unwind and take your mind off whatever is going on. Part of the magic of books is that they can transport us from our everyday lives into the world the author has created.
*Bonus Points – Grab a cup of coffee or hot tea, and wander around a bookstore to find a new book.

3. Go for a Walk or Run
Going for a walk or run is a great way to be good to yourself for two reasons. First, getting in some physical activity is great for your body and your physical health. Second, many people find that walking or running gives them time to think and clear their head.^{^[i]}
*Bonus Points – Take it outside instead of hitting the treadmill or gym as fresh air and sunshine may work wonders.

4. Take a Step to Make a Positive Health Choice
Show yourself love by doing something good for your health. If you’re a smoker, choosing to take steps to quit smoking is a positive choice you can make not only for your health, but also the health of those around you.^{^[ii]} A great way to start the process of quitting smoking is by reaching out to your friends, family and doctors to let them know that you want to quit. A doctor’s advice and support, which includes counseling and medication, can help double your chances of quitting smoking successfully.^{^[iii]} You can also find more resources about how to quit smoking at Quitter’s Circle.

5. Take a Bath
Soaking in a hot bath can help to melt your stress away. So draw a hot bath, leave your phone outside of the bathroom (and on silent), dim the lights, add some mellow music, and just enjoy the feel of the warm water on your body.
*Bonus Points – Add Epsom salts for sore muscles or a fun bath bomb for bubbly fragrance and color.

6. Schedule a Massage
While a massage is one of the more expensive options on this list, it can be an amazing way to show love to yourself when you are having a tough time. Massages are meant to help remove your stress and tension, and your body and mind will thank you too.
*Bonus Points – Two words: Hot Stone.

7. Cook a Favorite Healthy Meal
Take the time to find that favorite, healthy recipe, go to the store, get all the ingredients, and enjoy cooking your favorite healthy meal. Cooking can be both fun and therapeutic, plus you get to enjoy a delicious dinner afterward.
*Bonus Points – Double the recipe so you’ll have leftovers ready for those busy days in your schedule.

8. Write in a Journal
Journaling is an amazing activity for getting everything out of your head and onto paper. It helps release your thoughts and in turn lifts a bit of the burdens you are carrying. Journaling is a fabulous way to be kind to yourself and your emotions.
*Bonus Points – Google bullet journaling – it is the newest craze.

9. Watch Your Favorite Movie
Pop a bowl of popcorn, grab a nice snuggly blanket and curl up on the coach with your favorite movie (or TV binge). Take your mind off of what is bothering you by letting it dive into your film.
*Bonus Points – Make it a double feature.

10. Take a Nap
Why we refused to nap as children is beyond me. Sleep is the body’s time to rest, recover and rebuild, so taking a nap can really help on those tough days when you are feeling drained. A good nap can leave you feeling refreshed and ready to go.
*Bonus Points – If you are truly exhausted don’t set an alarm, just go for it.

11. Grab an Adult Coloring Book
Adult coloring books are all the rage for a reason – coloring is a great stress reliever. By focusing on coloring (stay in those lines) you are taking your mind off of everything else for a bit and allowing it to focus just on the page in front of you.
*Bonus Points – Order a new coloring book so you have more than 1 option.

[i]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Healthy Places: Physical Activity. http://www.cdc.gov/healthyplaces/healthtopics/physactivity.htm. Updated February 4, 2016. Accessed October 19, 2016.

[ii]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Smoking & Tobacco Use: Benefits of Quitting. http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/quit_smoking/how_to_quit/benefits/index.htm. Updated December 5, 2014. Accessed October 18, 2016.

[iii]Fiore MC, Jaén CR, Baker TB, et al. Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence: 2008 Update—Clinical Practice Guidelines. Rockville (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2008.

Loving Lately – February 2017

March 1, 2017 by abby 28 Comments

This post contains an Amazon affiliate link. It in no way, shape, or form changes anything for you. However, if you buy one of the products I love I get a couple of cents without it changing your price any. As always, I only include items I am truly loving.

Finally Having a New Diagnosis –
After two years of knowing that there was something very wrong with me and being sent from specialist to specialist to specialist with no help I am finally getting some treatment. It feels so nice to know, that for the first time in two years, the doctor didn’t just brush me off, but truly listened.
I have been diagnosed with two times the normal level of Estrogen, an Estrogen Dependence, and only one-third the normal level of Testosterone. (See below for what symptoms of this are like.) I am now about 12 days into bio-identical hormone replacement therapy and should hopefully start to see some small improvements in about two more weeks. I should feel more like my old self around May.

Signs/Symptoms of Estrogen Dependence (levels too high):
– Bloating
– Swelling
– Change in Periods
– Headaches
– Mood Swings
– Weight Gain
– Cold Hands and Feet
– Always Tired
– No Energy
– Memory problems/Brain Fog
– Difficulty Sleeping
– Increased PMS Symptoms
– Decreased Sex Drive

Signs/Symptoms of Testosterone Shortage (levels too low):
– Loss of Sex Drive
– Loss of Muscle Strength/Mass
– Weight Gain (especially around the belly)
– Fatigue/Exhaustion
– Insomnia
– Diminished Motivation
– Decreased Sense of Well Being
– Depression
– Mood Swings
– Anxiety
– Lack of Concentration

Getting Back to Cross Training –
Now that I have been cleared of my Adrenal Fatigue issues, since we decided it is all hormone related, I am allowed to get back to a regular workout schedule. Over the past 2 years I have not been doing much, but specifically over the last 7/8 months I have been very slowly and easily running about 2 times a week, no more.

What I missed most about this time off was not just my running, but the fact that I couldn’t do any of my strength training which I usually do as cross training. Man I felt so weak without it. So, as I get back to regular exercise adding back in strength/cross training is my top goal.

My plan is to add Orange Theory Fitness back in twice a week (I have an 8 class a month membership that fits this perfectly) and then to start barre once a week as a lower impact day that still provides strength work. I started last week and I made it to Orange Theory twice and barre once, for three workouts total. I am trying to slowly easy my body back in. This week my goal is to add in a run day so I hit 4 workouts total. I plan to increase until I hit 5/6 workouts each and every week.

Nuun Hydration Blackberry Citrus –
I always use Nuun Hydration in my water before and after workouts. I like that it provides all the electrolytes of a sports drink, but it is super low calorie and doesn’t bother my stomach at all. I have been on the Cherry Limeade bandwagon for a long time, it has always been my favorite. However, their new Blackberry Citrus is freaking amazing! I have a new favorite for sure. It is part of the new Nuun Vitamins line so in addition to the electrolytes it has added vitamins, plus as one of the Energy versions it has naturally sources caffeine (like from green tea) to give me a little pickup. I LOVE finding new favorite.

The Magicians –
This one is for all my Harry Potter heads out there and anyone who grew up on Narnia. Think of what it would be like if Harry’s Hogwarts letter didn’t come until he were 22 and applying for grad schools. What would it be like to live your whole life knowing that you were different, you didn’t fit in, that there was something strange about you? How in the world would you cope with that? What would you turn to?

This is just what ThThe Magicians: Season One seeks to answers. It is a quick witted show that explores what happens when you finally find out you are a magician, at age 22, when you are sent to a magical grad school. This show is fabulous, but not suitable for your Harry Potter loving children as there are curse words, plus sex and drug references (the things some of the magicians did to cope).

It is available to stream on NetFlix, or if you don’t have that option you can always buy it, The Magicians: Season One Please some of you who love Harry Potter of grew up on Narnia check it out and let me know if you got as sucked in as I did. (It is the first time I have ever actually binge watched an ENTIRE season of one show in a single day!)

Let me know –
What are you loving lately?
have you tried any of the new Nuun Vitamins flavors?
Have you found any new fabulous shows/movies?

Loving Lately – February 2017: Everything I am crazy about this month.

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A New Diagnosis

February 23, 2017 by abby 32 Comments

For those of you who may not know my health has steadily been declining over the past two years. I became more and more exhausted to the point where I am sleeping 12 – 16 hours multiple days a week and napping every chance I get. In addition to that I gained 40 pounds over the 2 years and hit my highest weight ever, plus now the weight won’t come off. On top of that I am sick more often (mono, shingles, Noro Virus, sinus infections, etc.) and have begun to get headaches more frequently. Nothing was helping, it was time for a new doctor, a new treatment, a new diagnosis.

Over the two years I had not only seen my primary care doctor multiple times, but I had also been sent to numerous specialists. I felt like I was always playing the waiting game – wait for a new specialist appointment, a new set of lab work, new results – waiting, waiting, waiting, when all I wanted was answers.

I finally met with a Functional Medicine doctor who diagnosed me with severe Adrenal Fatigue, Hypothyroidism due to lack of Free T3, and Leaky Gut. I thought this would be the start of major changes, but in the 7 months since I have really not seem much improvement. The doctor treated me with diet and exercise suggestions and a few supplements, but did not seem to believe in medication. That is fine in some cases, but after two years of feeling horrible I felt it was time for something more.

So, I set off to find another new specialist and see if I needed a new diagnosis. Randomly, in my routine skin cancer check (done yearly with my dermatologist) the doctor asked if I had ever seen a hormone specialist, as my skin has become much worse over the last two years. I figured I had pretty much tried every other sort of specialist and kept hitting dead ends, why not go for it.

The hormone specialist was great. All the other specialists took 3-4 months to get in for an initial appointment, and they were able to see me later that week. Amazing! My first appointment there was incredible. We sat down and talked for over an hour about all my symptoms, how hormone therapy worked, what it would include, what symptoms it would address, any side effects I could expect, the financial aspects of it – everything.
Then I went to their own lab, which was wonderfully located in their office, to have all my blood work done. Also, since I had been diagnosed with Adrenal Fatigue 7 months ago by the Functional Medicine doctor they ran some testing for that which involved me standing up, sitting down, and lying flat.

I went back two weeks later to get the results of my tests, and it turns out I have a new diagnosis. First, the test showed that I no longer have adrenal fatigue – something else is causing the exhaustion. This was great news, because with adrenal fatigue you have to really limit workouts. So, I am hoping, if I am not too tired, that I can start working out more. I actually just started back at Orange Theory Fitness this week.

However, I have a new diagnosis – my body is testosterone deficient. Basically a woman my age should have a testosterone level of about 150 and mine was only a 46 – crazy low. The doctor explained that with a number this low I would be experiencing severe fatigue, brain fog, and also some joint/muscle stiffness. Check, check, check!

In addition to that when my testosterone stopped producing correctly my estrogen started over producing so I have two times the amount of estrogen my body needs. The doctor explain that these high estrogen levels lead to weight gain, bloating, headaches, moodiness, and severe sweet/salty cravings. Basically, she said it is like I am in a constant state of PMS. That explains a ton more – like why this weight won’t come off and I am always so puffy, plus my desire to swim in a bathtub of Ben & Jerry’s.

The doctor took tons of time with me, asked me more questions, and explained things really well. My new diagnosis of testosterone deficiency combined with an overproduction of estrogen seems to explain pretty much all my symptoms.

So what next?
Well it is time to start hormone therapy. I am just beginning my journey of bio-identical hormone therapy. Since I am lacking testosterone the doctor’s first goal is to get that up to its normal level in hopes that will not only help with the testosterone issues, but also calm down the estrogen over production.

I go into the doctor once every three months to have my lab work done and reviewed, then I have a consult with the doctor, and after that they implant me with testosterone pellets. (They call numerous times between to check up too.) The doctor numbs my right hip/upper glute area with a shot, makes an itty-bitty incision (so small it doesn’t even need stitches) and then inserts one or two small testosterone pellets. These pellets then absorb subcutaneously over the next three months so that I will always have a constant supply in my body.

I had my first set of pellets insert exactly a week ago and they warned me that it would take about a month to feel a difference. They said that at 2/3 months I should much better and hit my peak. Then, the goal will be to keep my levels up with testing, adjusting, and continued work together. This will be an ongoing process as once your body stops making testosterone it doesn’t start again, so I will probably be doing this for the rest of my life. However, if it makes me feel better it will be worth it. After 2 years of being miserable I am ready for a change!

I am so glad I have a new diagnosis. It is the first time in two years I feel hopeful about my health. I cannot wait for the month to pass so I can start feeling differences. However, I must also admit that I still wonder what role my thyroid plays in all this. Luckily, this doctor seems great and she will run thyroid tests every 3 months. She asked me to try this first to see what affect fixing my testosterone has on my Free T3 production. She then said once we see what happens after three months on the hormone treatment we can look at the thyroid numbers again and see where we should go from there. That is way more than any doctor has given me over the past two years so I am calling it a win.

Let me know –
How you every heard of anyone getting hormone therapy?
How would you feel about having little pellets put under your skin?

A New Diagnosis: After being ill for 2 years I finally have HOPE!

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My First Ever DNF

February 21, 2017 by abby 30 Comments

Sorry it has been a while since I have written. I was sick for a few weeks with the Noro Virus and then headed straight out of town for the Run with Donna Marathon for Breast Cancer Research. When I got back things were instantly focused on a new medical diagnosis, more about that in a later post, so I didn’t have much time to process, or write about, what had happened at the marathon. Now, I am back – it is time to tell you about my first ever DNF.

I knew going into the race that it would not be a great one. I had a lot stacked against me:
1. I had been sick with the Noro Virus for the last two weeks and had not been able to do anything but lay in bed and get ill. I started to feel a bit better on Wednesday and finally felt like a human on Friday, two days before the race.
2. My fatigue issues are still very severe and they limit my training even when I am healthy, I just don’t have that push – I am always exhausted.
3. My training SUCKED – with all my medical drama I only worked out about 2 times a week instead of the 5/6 I used to do.
4. I had been struggling on and off with tendinitis issues in my left foot ever since the NYC marathon and was not sure how this would affect me come race day.

However, my last 18.5 mile long one was a really good one and I felt strong. I was sure that if I could do that I would be able to manage the full marathon with the inspiration I could draw from other runners and the race like atmosphere. Plus, I had no time goals for this race. I just planned on taking it nice and slow, listening to my body, and making it to the end. (All my training runs were right at a 12 minute per mile pace.) Plus, I had never not finished a race I started – my stubborn determination usually gets my through no matter what.

So what happened? How did I end up with my first ever DNF?
I knew that the Noro Virus had weakened my body a bit over the last two weeks, so before the race even started I gave myself permission to drop down to the half and make that turn if I needed to. However, when mile 7 came up and the half marathon crowd turned (a large percentage of the people) I was still feeling great so I kept on going.

About mile 12 I started to feel a bit weaker so I found a pace group and latched on to them for support and motivation. This strategy helped for a bit and I was able to stay with them until mile 16ish and then they started to get further and further away as I began to feel weaker and weaker, not just normal marathon fatigue, something different. At mile 17.5 the stuff hit the fan – suddenly it was like all the energy had been sucked out of me and I was so weak I couldn’t run any more. In addition to that I was also feeling light headed and dizzy which was very scary. I didn’t think I was dehydrated as I run with a 1.5L CamelBak full of Nuun Hydration and drink it throughout.

I managed to walk a slow mile until I came to an aid station at mile 18.5. The medical crew there talked to me and what they told me was that there is a big difference between being healthy enough to go to work and healthy enough to run a full marathon. Basically, after having the NoroVirus for an extended period I just started feeling better on Wednesday and just returned to what I would say was normal 2 days before the race, it wasn’t enough time for my body to recover and be strong enough for the marathon. They said I could walk the almost 8 more miles to the finish, but they highly suggested I take a ride back to my car instead and I listened.

I didn’t cross the finish line. I didn’t earn a medal. Instead I was left with my first ever DNF.

In hindsight it would have been much better to turn at mile 7 and complete the half marathon. To finish a race, receive my medal, and not push through 18.5 ugly miles, but at the time I didn’t know that and there is nothing I can do about that.

A DNF is a strange feeling – like an uncompleted goal. Something that should have been, but wasn’t. A race t-shirt stuffed in my closet I will never wear. A black mark on my list. The awareness that you do not, in fact, finish every race you start.

However, it is also a reality. Some say it is a rite of passage as a runner. Others tell me that in order to reach the peak you have to know what the bottom feels like. And from here, the only way is up.

Do I regret my decision? No, my body wasn’t healthy enough for a marathon. While I may not like how it all worked out I know I did the right thing which helps. So cheers to my first ever DNF – may you be my first, my last, my only.

My First Ever DNF: Teaching me that you DON’T always finish the race.

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Could These Actions Be Sabotaging Your Running?

February 17, 2017 by abby 6 Comments

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written on behalf of Quitter’s Circle, a collaboration between the American Lung Association and Pfizer. All thoughts and opinions presented in this post are purely my own.

Running can be beautiful and freeing, a sort of stress relief if you will. Many people even consider it a form of therapy to go out and pound the pavement as it has mental, and physical, health benefits.[i] However, even though being able to run is an amazing gift, there are days that are tough. One of our main goals as runners is to reduce the number of tough days and maximize the number of good days. The truth is that running can be tricky enough on its own without adding in any extra complications, so it is very important to check and make sure you don’t have anything sabotaging your running.

Could These Actions Be Sabotaging Your Running?
1. Staying Up Too Late
Running takes a lot out of your body and you need to give it time to rest, recover and rebuild. Most of this recovery process happens when you are sleeping. However, if you aren’t getting enough sleep at night not only will you be tired, but you also won’t recover properly which will hinder your runs. It is important that you aim for the daily recommended 7-8 hours of sleep a night to optimize your running recovery and your energy levels.[ii] If you are in intense training, like for a marathon, even more sleep can be beneficial to recovery time, so go ahead and enjoy that weekend nap.

2. Eating Too Much Junk
Think of your body as a machine – you get out of it what you put in. So, if you are constantly fueling your body with junk then what you get out of it is junk: feeling sluggish, upset stomach and increased risk for diseases like diabetes and heart disease.[iii] Trying to have great runs when you feel like this is really tough. On the other hand, when you put good fuel into your body it shows. You feel better overall and you can tell a huge difference in your running.

3. Smoking
Running is a largely cardiovascular activity that requires a lot out of your heart and lungs, and is a great way to keep them healthy.[iv] However, what happens if you start running as a smoker? The truth is that you’re setting yourself up for a hard road. Can you do it? Yes! I have an amazing friend who ran a full marathon as a smoker. However, she mentioned again and again that the hardest part for her was not tackling the miles, but feeling like she struggled while running. Years of smoking had made it tough for her lungs to function properly and give her the oxygen she needed while running.
The marathon inspired her to quit and as she went on that journey she noticed that the less she smoked, the better she felt running. If you, or a runner you know, is looking to quit smoking, check out Quitter’s Circle for information on how to quit and how to support those that are trying to quit.

4. Not Warming Up
When you jump right into a run not only can you increase your risk of injury, but you may also be more likely to have a worse run, one where you start out with heavy legs and take a while to get moving.[v] However, by warming up appropriately first, you can reduce that heavy leg feeling and find that you are able to get right into your run. Start off your warm up with a 5-10 minute walk, then do 10 leg swings on each side, 20 butt kicks, 10 squats (really squeeze it at the top to activate those glutes), and finish with 10 walking lunges before going into your run.

5. Forgetting to Stretch
Just like it is so important to warm up to reduce the risk of injury, the same goes for your cool down. At the end of each run it is important to walk for 5-10 minutes to let your body cool down. Then, instead of just going inside and plopping down on the couch or heading out to sit at your desk job, it is essential that you stretch post-run. Be sure to take about 5 minutes to stretch and hold those stretches for long enough that they’ll count (I suggest 20 to 30 seconds each stretch). Your body will thank you for it.

6. Drinking
While a glass of wine can be a nice treat, numerous glasses may have a negative impact on your running.[vi] When you go to bed after too much drinking, your body doesn’t rest properly. Then you wake up not only feeling mentally and physically exhausted, but also dehydrated. Put all of these together and it can lead to a pretty terrible run. So be smart and don’t sabotage yourself, either don’t drink at all, or exercise moderation.

[i]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Healthy Places: Physical Activity. http://www.cdc.gov/healthyplaces/healthtopics/physactivity.htm. Updated February 4, 2016. Accessed October 19, 2016.

[ii]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How Much Sleep Do I Need? http://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/how_much_sleep.html. Updated November 12, 2015. Accessed October 19, 2016.

[iii]Odegaard A, Koh W, Yuan J, Gross M, Pereira M. Western-style fast food intake and cardiometabolic risk in an eastern country. Circulation. 2012;126:182-188. Available online: http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/126/2/182.long. Accessed October 19, 2016.

[iv]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Physical Activity: How Much Physical Activity Do Adults Need? http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/index.htm. Updated June 4, 2015. Accessed October 19, 2016.

[v]American Heart Association. Warm Up, Cool Down. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/PhysicalActivity/FitnessBasics/Warm-Up-Cool-Down_UCM_430168_Article.jsp#.WAeRrvkrK00. Updated September 2014. Accessed October 19, 2016.

[vi]Vella LD, Cameron-Smith D. Alcohol, Athletic Performance and Recovery. Nutrients. 2010;2(8):781-789. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3257708/. Accessed October 19, 2016.

Run Donna Marathon Goals

February 7, 2017 by abby 17 Comments

I will be taking on the Run Donna (Breast Cancer Research) Marathon in Jacksonville, Florida this Sunday, February 12th. Usually I set an A, B, and C goal for each marathon to keep myself on track and have various levels of ambition based on how the day itself goes.

However, that is not the case for this marathon. For this marathon I have just one goal – to finish happy, healthy, and INJURY FREE!

I know it is best for me to go into this race with just one goal, and not to put too much pressure on myself, for many reasons:
1. I have been sick with the NoroVirus for the last two weeks and have not been able to do anything but lay in bed and get ill.
2. My adrenal fatigue is still very severe and it limits my training even when I am healthy, I just don’t have that push – I am always exhausted. (Only 9 days until I meet my new specialist about this, I am excited!)
3. My training SUCKED – with all my medical drama I only worked out about 2 times a week instead of the 5/6 I used to do.
4. I have been struggling on and off with tendinitis issues in my left foot ever since the NYC marathon.

Because of everything that has been going on my only goal for the Run Donna Marathon is to finish happy, healthy, and injury free. I’d rather slow it down and not hurt myself instead of pushing myself without the base to do it.

Let me know –
Have you ever run a full or half marathon without a time goal?
*I am praying that my new specialist is the answer to all my adrenal fatigue problems. I dream of getting my energy back so I can train for the Chicago marathon properly and set BIG GOALS for that one. I guess we will find out in a few weeks/months.

Run Donna Marathon Goals: Why I am ditching my A, B, and C goals and just going with one big goal…

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Real Runners Virtual Summit

February 5, 2017 by abby 7 Comments

*Disclosure – this post contains affiliate links. Your summit pricing does not go up, but if you register through my link I get a bit for referring you.

I am really happy to announce that I am a speaker at the first ever Real Runners Virtual Summit. I was asked to speak on overcoming obstacles and setbacks and continuing on, as I am the queen of starting Back at Square Zero. If you are looking to grow as a runner, or as a running coach, the Real Runners Virtual Summit may be just the place for you.

What do you get as a participant?
– access to 26 master sessions
– mp4 downloads of each session
– a private Facebook community for our Real Runner Speakers and Real Runner Participants to engage and connect
– Bonus #1: Glenneth Reed’s Beginner Basics
– Bonus #2: Lauren Boldizar’s Time Management Tips
– Bonus #3: Jasmin Niemiec’s Fitness Business Checklist
– Bonus #4: Katie Heddleston’s Food/Mood Worksheet

How will it work?
– Beginning February 20th, you will receive a daily email for 10 days with links to 2-3 videos/mp4s to view or download.
– We will take a break over the weekend and enjoy a virtual run together.
– We will connect in our private Real Runners group with any questions and further discussion about each topic.

Be sure to register soon as the $97 early bird registration, payable all at once or in 3 installments, does not last long. After that the Real Runners Virtual Summit will cost $147, which is still a great deal for all the information you will be getting.

Let me know –
Looking at the list what talk would you most like to hear?

Join the Real Runners Virtual Summit today!

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2017 Race Calendar

February 1, 2017 by abby 23 Comments

2017 Race Calendar:
February 12^th = Run with Donna Marathon
April 8^th = Savannah Women’s Half
May 4^th = Race the Landing 5K Series
May 11^th = Race the Landing 5K Series
June 1^st = Race the Landing 5K Series
June 8^th = Race the Landing 5K Series
July 13^th = Race the Landing 5K Series
August 26^th = Dirt Dash Half Marathon (trail)
October 8^th = Chicago Marathon
November 4^th = Rock ‘n Roll Savannah Half Marathon
December 9^th = Kiawah Island Marathon
January 13^th = Charleston Half Marathon (2018)

My big goal race is the Chicago Marathon. I am going to visit a new doctor today, a hormonal specialist, who thinks they may be able help me get this adrenal fatigue under control so I don’t sleep all day every day. That would mean the world for my training and would help me go from 2/3 workouts a week, which is a struggle to do currently, back to the 5/6 I used to do before all this happened.

I am running the Run with Donna, Breast Cancer Research, Marathon and Savannah Women’s Half with no goals at all in mind, except to finish injury free. I am using these two races just to keep me motivated while I fight through my medical drama.

I do the Race the Landing 5K series more as a way to see running buddies who I hang out with every summer, at the race, more than for the race itself. During the summer I will be building up mileage for my marathon so I will probably need to do a few miles before these races, and then the race itself will be the tempo part of my run.

I am considering the Dirt Dash Half Marathon and Rock ‘n Roll Savannah Half, but haven’t bit the bullet and registered for either one yet. With the dirt dash it will really depend on my marathon training and if I want to cram a 13.1 mile trail race that is 45 min away in the middle of an 18 mile long run. Savannah will just depend on my recovery from Chicago, it is 4 weeks later so I should be good to go, but you never know.

Finally, I run the Kiawah Half and Charleston Half every year I can and plan on adding them back in again this year. I may toss in some more races as I go too, but it all really just depends on how I am felling medically, and on how my marathon training is going.

Let Me Know-
Do you have any goal races for 2017?
What fitness activity are you most looking forward to?

2017 Race Calendar – Do you have a big goal race? What is it?

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Loving Lately – January 2017

January 29, 2017 by abby 16 Comments

Disclaimer – Thank you to POPSUGAR for sending stuff I loved so much I included it in my January roundup.

The Return of the LONG Run –
Last year my longest run was 16 miles, before my doctor ordered me to stop running for some medical issues. I love long runs in a twisted way and miss the sense of accomplishment I get after completing one. I will admit my training lately has suck – I’ve only been working out 2 (maybe 3) days a week because of adrenal fatigue issues. However, I am able to do more on the weekends since I don’t have a long work day zapping all my energy. That means with one of my two workouts I have been doing a Saturday long run and building up the mileage. I recently did an 18.5 mile run in the pouring rain and was so happy, I haven’t run that far since 2015!

Athleta Relay Crops –
These crops are my first experience with Athleta, outside of their swimsuits which I have always loved, and they are amazing! I felt the need to get a new pair of running pants because even though I have millions they were not very flattering since I gained a bit of weight. These pants stay up when I run, have a back zip pocket for my key, and a side pocket for my phone. However, the best feature is that they have the widest waistband I have ever seen on any workout pants – they really help suck in all that belly jiggle. I love them so much I ended up getting a second pair in plain black. If you are interested in the Relay crops know that they tend to run big – I was shocked when I had to size down.

POPSUGAR Must Have Boxes –
POPSUGAR was once again nice enough to send me their #MustHaveBox to check out and they did a great job again this month! Just like the other boxes December came with 6/7 items and lots of surprises! The box retails at just $39.95, but always includes over $150 of awesome stuff! I am excited to try the skin peel and see if it can help out some skin issues I have been having. I cannot wait to see what shows up in the POPSUGAR Must Have Box next month. Click here to sign up – use code SHOP5 for $5 off your first box.

Playoff Football –

Even though my Colts did not make it into the playoffs I have still really enjoyed watching. There is just something so exciting about playoff football. Lots of the games did not go the way I wanted, but I am excited to be cheering on the Falcons in hopes they win their first super bowl. I won’t know what to do with that that weekend free time once football is over!

Let me know –
What are you loving lately?
Who do you want to win the Super Bowl?

Free Entry into the 2017 NYC Marathon

11 Ways to Love Yourself When the Going Gets Tough

Loving Lately – February 2017

A New Diagnosis

My First Ever DNF

Could These Actions Be Sabotaging Your Running?

Run Donna Marathon Goals

Real Runners Virtual Summit

2017 Race Calendar

Loving Lately – January 2017

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