NYC Expo and Friends

As you know, I ran the Brooklyn Half Marathon this past weekend. If you follow my personal blog here then you know what I did on Friday when I first got to NYC.  But, I don't need to talk about that again, since this is about the expo. So, I met my friend super fast friend Melissa on the platform for the AC train and it wasn't until a mild panic that I learned that it was the Downtown train. I live in a small town that doesn't have a subway system, so this was all new to me. After we met up, we continued on the train to head to Brooklyn for the race Expo. We got off the train and started walking, although we didn't really know the way. As we were walking, randomly against a wall was this sign...

 Then, the signs started popping up everywhere. We knew we were getting close.

We got to the expo, and I got to pick up my bib...Ok, now this is real!!!!

Random sign hanging up at the expo

The local running store, JackRabbit was really the only vendor there beside New Balance. And, it was hot, and I was really thirsty, so I bought one of these bad boys...

It tasted just like frozen Gatorade, and I am thinking that I might need this for summer fueling. And, in case calories matter, it was only 30 calories. There wasn't really much at the expo, except a DJ and live music (not quite sure how that worked), and some New Balance people who talked about stride, cadence, form and posture. We walked to the adjacent food tent and there was only samples at 1 table. I was a little disappointed with the expo, especially with all of the hype they were giving it. St Luke's Half Marathon and Runner's World Expos were 1000 times better. After we walked around, I had to stop and take this picture...

I agree, this is the best expo LOCATION, although not the best expo itself.

My friend Melissa and I at the Expo.

 Did I mention she is super fast? No, well she got first in her age group for the half, I think she finished it in 1:28 and some change. 

As we were leaving the expo, we also met with another friend Angela. Angela, Melissa and I all met last summer at a SweatPink Ambassador Meetup. Angela is funny, and whitty and writes her own blog about her adventures here. And while she wasn't running this weekend, she said she couldn't pass up sympathy carb loading. We got back on the subway and headed for L' Allegria for dinner. I have to say, the food was amazing,  I ordered their gluten free penne with oil and garlic. It was delicious  and light and filling, and will probably be my new carb loading type meal. I didn't really want to get sick the day before a big race, I think I asked them 1000 times if it really was gluten free.

Here is the three of us  after dinner. 

It was the best food and the best company. After dinner we headed to get some gelato, I can't say I ever had any before. and the original place we went to was no longer in business. I wish I remember the name of the place we did find, it was really wonderful gelato. Of course, I opted safe with Strawberry. 

While we were walking around we talked all things running. We talked about form, shoes, everything. They even talked about how their local running store puts you on a treadmill and films your running to check your stride. I was so curious, so we went and of course, I HAD to make sure that my stride was correct. I haven't really had anyone look at my stride since I got my orthotics in, so I thought it was the perfect time. I am still a neutral runner, and since I am close to my 300 mile mark, I asked them to show me some new neutral shoes. I fell in love with these babies..

But, I am going to go to Aardvark's and look around there too. I feel like my shoes are too heavy, and I wonder if a lighter shoe will help me out.

 Everything about this day was perfect. It was a great pre race day. Not too much walking, not too much food, but GREAT friends and lots of smiles and laughs.  I don't know when I will see these girls again, but I hope soon.


Have you ever been to an expo that didn't live up to your expectations? What do you like about expos? Do you have a pre-race carb-loading meal?

An unhealthy relationship

My name is Michele and I have err had an unhealthy relationship with ice cream. I am not sure if it was an addiction, no, it was. And admitting it is the beginning of the healing process. See, I relied on ice cream when I was sad, frustrated, scared even bored. I never went to it when I was happy or excited, it was for only when I was feeling bad about something.  It is about time that I stop this relationship before it gets any more addicting, or more detrimental. I made a promise to myself that this was going to be my year. My year for a better me. It has to start with what I bring into my body, working out will not erase all of the bad choices that I make. So, I am kissing my ice cream to the curb. I am now in the market for alternatives to ice cream, and by alternatives I don't necessarily mean food. Whether it is to turn to meditation, or yoga, a walk or something, I will find something else that will help break the ice cream addiction. I am not saying that I won't eat the ice cream at parties or other times like that, but I am not going to eat it when I am feeling blue. In this new adventure of healthier me, I continue to stay gluten free. I am disappointed that Ben and Jerry's has not developed a gluten free ice cream, but then again, for me that is a good thing. I will just need to look into other brands, choices, healthier decisions when I NEED sweets.  But, I feel this is going to be a huge learning curve for me. But, I am excited to see what coping mechanisms I come up with now that ice cream is out of the picture. If you have any suggestions as to what I can or should try as a pick me up.
I am going to keep this short, the ND-AL game is on. ND isn't playing pretty right now, but hopefully things will turn around.
Have a great night my mateys!

WIAW + Fitness update

Good morning! I know it has been a while since I have blogged. I try to make use of as much free time as I can, but sometimes life just goes by quickly, ya know! Anyway, let's just start with how in the world is it almost time for my half marathon already?!?! I feel like I just started training, and now I am getting more nervous as the time gets closer. But, while I know I haven't been running as much as I used to, I NEVER missed my long runs and made sure that I am doing something in the form, of cross training. I am also trying to eat healthier, which lately, I have been struggling with since quite my running has been cut backed. So, I found a picture of something I JUST HAD TO TRY on instagram from someone I hope to meet in real life @mymissionimpossible. I never thought I would pair eggs, with peanut butter and chocolate chips and walnuts, and it ACTUALLY taste good. Well, let me just tell you...

 

 

 

while this doesn't look appetizing it was absolutely Divine. Since it also had vanilla whey protein and vanilla almond milk in it, it tasted more like vanilla with yumminess that I forgot that there were eggs in it.  I will definitely make this again, maybe not for breakfast (although I wanted something sweet today) but definitely for a late night snack since it is healthy for me.  Since it isn't lunch time yet, this is all I ate so far today. Hopefully, I will be able to continue with the healthy eating, and hydrating since I don't want to dehydrate on Sunday.

 

 

As you know, I have been doing Jillian Michael's 30 day shred. I am on Level 2. Today was my 9th day on level 2. It definitely is a slight bit easier than when I started it, BUT I definitely wouldn't say that I am ready to move to Level 3 yet. It hasn't killed me yet, BUT I do feel like I am dying ever.single workout.  In the 20 minutes of the workout, I am covered head to toe in sweat. After the 20 minutes, you would have thought I ran for like an hour; in the middle of the summer; with 90% humidity. I LOVE IT! I don't know how it will help with my running, Sunday will be a great indicator. I do have some other plans for cross training, but I will not be crossing that bridge until I feel more comfortable with Jillian. The only drawback to Jillian is how repetitious it is. I LOVE change, but I can know tell you what exercise is coming next, and that takes away the excitement for me. But, I will stick with it. I started it, and I have been doing it for 17 days now. I have 13 weeks left of the 30 day Shred plan. I don't know if I will be shredded by then, but if I keep it up, and get back to eating healthier, maybe just maybe I too can be Shredded.

 

But, I better go. I have a very important date with those pictured above. Today though, I will only be doing half of them. Or well, that is what I say. Who knows.

 

Have a great Wednesday!

Foodie PenPal

Hi! Welcome to my fitness blog! If you are new to PirateBooty Fitness, you can learn more about me at my personal blog Shelze's World. This is a new fitness blog that I created to separate my working out adventures from my personal life. Not that they don't mix, but one day I hope to be able to make this blog part of my business life. Anyway, here is what you came here for...

In the month of September, I somehow stumbled upon this awesome website called The Lean Greenbean. Within her blog I found the option to join and become a Foodie PenPal. It is this awesome opportunity to meet people all across the US or Canada if you are Canadian, and share your love of food! Who doesn't love to get care packages, especially when they involve food?!? If you wanna know more, click here. I had so much fun, I already signed up for this month! The best part is that who you send too is not necessarily sending yours to you. I sent mine to a sweet young lady in CT where my package came from Laura in Minnesota! Hi Laura! I am so excited about this month, I am already planning my package! But, without further ado...



Yay! A package!!!!

This is the best, most fun thing there is! You put an entire ear of corn in the microwave and it makes popcorn! I have so much fun with this, and M thinks it is awesome! It's a win-win. I will be sad when I run out :(

This envelope had a sweet little note, and also a recipe for the MN wild rice. I am looking forward to the fall weather so that I can attempt to make it. Laura, I know it won't be true MN wild rice soup, but I will try!

I cannot wait to try this dip. Golden Fig sounds delish!

This book was included in the care package, and while I have never heard of it or the author, the little that I have had time to read is really good. I CANNOT wait for a day off and a peaceful day to read this book cover to cover! Thank you! I am always looking for a good book to read!

I can never have enough honey, and this cute little bear is exactly what I need. I love this honey and used it just last week when I was feeling under the weather.

I think it is awesome how through a few short emails Laura was able to learn about me and picked these awesome gifts for me. Thank you Laura and thank you again Lindsay for such a fabulous idea!