Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Collagen Sport Review and Giveaway!

I'm a smoothie girl.

My standard mix is almond milk, a scoop of powdered greens, a frozen banana, and either frozen strawberries, blueberries or raspberries.  The frozen fruit makes a thick shake, and with all that goodness in one shot, it gives me a head start on my day.

I haven't used whey protein powder in a while, and when the folks at Neocell contacted me about trying their Collagen Sport powder, designed for muscle recovery and helping with pain after training,  I was all for it.







Collagen is used to strengthen and repair your body, specifically your bones and muscles, and it helps muscle mass to regenerate after sports-related injuries.  


This is the low down on Collagen Sport:
  • 15 grams Pure Ion-Exchange Whey Protein Isolate
  • 15 grams Super Collagen™ Bioavailable Peptides
  • Rich in BCAAs
  • Good source of L-Glutamine
  • Enhanced with Exogenous Amino Acids

It does NOT contain:

  • Gluten, Wheat, Sugar & Lactose Free
  • Artificial Sweeteners or Flavors
  • Fillers or Synthetic Ingredients

Put this all together, and you get a powder that helps you to refuel and recover after a workout, while replenishing and regenerating your muscles. 

I received my bottle of Collagen Sport (I chose the chocolate flavor, obviously) right before the NYC Marathon, which was perfect timing.  When I opened it, the first thing I noticed was the scent, it smelled good!  Which isn't always the case with whey powder.  I put a few scoops in a plastic baggie, to bring with me to NY.  Collagen Sport is formulated to mix with a spoon if you don't have a shaker, so I figured I would mix it with water when I was ready.

I tried it two days after the marathon, I mixed it with a glass of water, and drank it down.  But once I was home, I added it to my smoothies, it mixes very well in the blender, and it gave the shake an almost silky texture.  The chocolate flavor got a thumbs up from Eliza, who loves to share my smoothies.  

I've said this before, but my marathon recovery has been going really well. I ran 3 miles two weeks after the race, and everything felt great, including Pez.  I ran a 10k on Thanksgiving Day, my legs were a bit sore the next day, but I didn't have a chance to make my smoothie with all the cooking I was doing, and I was on my feet the entire day and night, so it made sense that my legs were tired.   But overall, my body feels pretty good!

There are profiles of the athletes who use Collagen Sport, including Triathlete Russ Jones, on the Neocell website, which you can find here. 

Now for the giveaway, here is how you can enter for a chance to win a full size bottle of Collagen Sport, in your choice of vanilla or chocolate.  (Giveaway is open to residents of the US).  You can leave one comment, just be sure to list all that you did:

1. Check out the Neocell website here, like them on facebook here, or twitter here 
2. Be a friend of my blog, or a twitter follower @MollySBaker
3. share the giveaway info, by blog, facebook or twitter
4. tell me your favorite smoothie combos
5. tell me your fitness goals for 2012(!)

I will use random.org to choose a winner on Friday December 9th.  Good Luck!

I received a sample of Collagen Sport for the purpose of this review. The opinions of the product are my own.
 

Monday, November 28, 2011

Fitfluential...and a winner!

I'm ignoring my To Do List right now, which isn't a good thing, because there's waaaay too much on it.  I'm having too much fun with Cyber Monday, and putting my house back together after the long weekend.  I'm finishing up my seventh load of laundry, have a pot of vegetable turkey soup simmering on the stove, and just realized my library put a block on my account because of my overdue books.  

So I should get to it.  But I'm not, because I'm excited.  Over the weekend I found out I was chosen to be a FitFluential Ambassador!  





I meant to apply a while ago, then I heard more about them through my Twinsie Friend Jess.   FitFluential is a "nationwide network of fitness enthusiasts sharing their journey both online and offline through multiple social media platforms."   I've connected with so many great people through blogging and tweeting, that I'm excited about this opportunity to network with others who share my love of healthy living. 


On to the Giveaway Winner! Thanks to everyone who entered the Tag! You're It! giveaway....I used random.org to choose the winner, and it is Megan, from Fit Crafty English Teacher!  Send me an email and I'll get you set up, Congrats!

Check back tomorrow, I'm posting another giveaway for all you protein powder lovers out there!

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Mixed Mood

Bullets are required today.


  • This has been the kind of week where I got confused over what day it was.  On Tuesday, I could have sworn it was Monday.
  • The Neurological ICU is not a fun place to be. 
  • My sister and her family came to spend Thanksgiving with us, which was so nice.  Nothing like little girls and a baby that never stops smiling to lift your spirits.  Here we are with our kiddos:




  • I ran a Turkey Trot 10k on Thanksgiving morning, my first race post marathon.  It felt really good to be out in the cold air and running, I managed a 59:57.


  • Once again the race t-shirt had the same logo as previous years, I actually scored a water bottle from Miss Zippy, when she held an ugly race shirt contest, with my shirt from a couple of years ago.



  • Dinner was relaxed, and really good. This was the first Thanksgiving I wore jeans and zero makeup to dinner.  We scaled down in turkey size, last year it was a 29 pounder, this year it was19, Mike used a flavor injector to get some butter deep inside the bird.  



  • Luke was very hungry. 



  • This TV Addict is way behind on my shows, my DVR is at it's limit.  I did get to see the Biggest Loser Where Are They Now (wow, Tara is an IRONMAN!) and this week's RHOBH (weird to see Russel on the show, since we all know what happened to him).  
  • I think I'm going to have to suck it up and see Breaking Dawn in the theater with all the other Twi-hards. I'd rather watch Bella become a vampire in the comfort of my living room, but I can't wait for the DVD. 
  • I'm surprised that with all the pumpkin cheesecake, wine and turkey I'm eating, I've lost weight.  Stress will do that to you I guess. 
  • There is still time to win a two disc silver necklace from Tag! You're It!....check that giveaway out here!




Monday, November 21, 2011

Weekend Update and Shutterfly Winners

Thank you for all the good wishes for my Father in Law.

I was able to see him yesterday, after spending the weekend with my girlfriends in Northampton, MA.  We talked, laughed, ate, and danced to our favorite tunes in a dive bar.  We did some shopping, where I scored a cute new winter hat, and bought some authentic Whoopie Pie's for Mike and the kids.

My friend Jennifer lives in a woodsy area, her house sits at the top of a hill, with a mountain view.  I ran for the first time since the marathon, I gave myself a two week rest period, to make sure Pez fully recovered.   I went for three miles, and felt great, although the last 1/2 mile was all uphill and a killer.

The weekend flew by.  I've known these girls for so long, it was so wonderful to see them, that I cried when I left.




On my way home, I was finally able to stop at the hospital to see Mike's Dad, which was hard.  He had a bad night last night, so they moved him to the ICU today, and we're waiting to see what the doctors say.

I chose the winners of the Shutterfly giveaway, and don't forget to check out my Tag! You're It! giveaway.  If you haven't entered already, you can find that here.

Congrats to Wells L, Danielle, and Ara.  Send me an email and I'll get you set up!

Friday, November 18, 2011

Unsure

It's been a difficult couple of days.

On Wednesday, my father in law suffered a stroke.  You can imagine the range of emotions we're all feeling.  At the moment he is stable, and the doctors are hoping to transfer him to a rehabilitation facility sometime soon.

My stomach has been in a knot, yesterday I had to face the grocery store, with a huge list of things to buy, including a turkey, before they're all gone.

Several months ago, my five girlfriends and I planned a girls weekend away to New Hampshire, for this weekend.  We've been friends for over 25 years.  We don't get to see each other very much, but for the first time in years, we found a date that worked for everyone.  

Mike and his brother spent all of yesterday at his Dad's side at the hospital, talking about all sorts of things to fill the time.  I had told Mike I wasn't going to go away this weekend, but he thought I should still go.  When the topic of my girls weekend came up, his Dad looked over at him, and told him I was going.

And that was that.

I feel funny leaving, but my family wants me to.  I figure if I need to come home, I can be back as fast as I can drive (and I can drive fast).

Please send good thoughts his way.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Tag! You're It! Designs.....a Giveaway..


On Saturday, Mike came in from the mailbox with a small package, and he said for once, it was for him and not me.

But it really was for me, a present!!




For my first marathon Mike gave me flowers, and for my second, I got a necklace!  I wonder what I'd get for the third?

I was so excited, my necklace is from Tag! You're It! Designs.  I have a few silver necklaces that I have on rotation, and one of my favorites has a silver circle charm that reads Luke, and a silver flower charm that reads Eliza.  This is my first piece of running themed jewelry, and it looks great on it's own, or paired with this other necklace.

Sarah, the designer, is a marathon runner herself, and as she stamps the discs, she understands the pride that goes along with having accomplished the distance.  Tag! You're It! Jewelry is .925 sterling silver, and my necklace came with two polishing cloths to keep it looking shiny.

I love it.




Blurry photo courtesy of Luke.



Giveaway Time!  Would you like a chance to win a 2 disc necklace of your own?  Here's your chance!

To Enter:

1.Go to Tag! You're It! Designs on facebook, and like their page here
2. Check out their website here, look around, and let me know what you would choose, and why
3. You receive extra entries for sharing the giveaway info via twitter, facebook or blog.
4. You can also receive extra entries if you are a friend of my blog, or follow me on twitter @MollySBaker

This giveaway ends on Monday November 28th, I will choose a winner using random.org.

Good Luck!

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Time Flies.....a Shutterfly Giveaway!

When I look at our past Christmas cards, I can't help but think of how quickly the kids are growing.


Two years ago, they looked like this:





They look like babies to me.  



Then, last year it was this:




We wanted Frank in it, and this was the best shot we could get, when he wasn't crawling all over the kids. He looks like a baby here too!

You can see I favor black and white prints, and usually pick one photo that focuses on how the kids look at that particular point in time.  I usually stress out over getting the best shot, but in the end, if the kids look happy, that's all that matters.

I lean towards choosing a card that is colorful, or a little different.  Mike insists that it read "Merry Christmas," but I'd be happy with something that says "Noel".  I'm thinking that for this year, I'm might mix things up and use multiple photos on one card.

Luckily, Shutterfly has so many Holiday Card designs to choose from, I know I'll find just the right one.

These are the two that are in the running for 2011:




or





Not only do they have great Holiday Cards, but Thank You Cards, and Greeting Cards as well.


Want a chance to win 25 free cards from Shutterfly?  


Leave me a comment, and tell me which of the two cards you'd pick.  Or, tell me what kind of card you send out, if you go the traditional route, or do something different.  I'll pick THREE Winners on Sunday, November 20th.


Now I've got to got take a photo of the kids.     




Thursday, November 10, 2011

NYC Post Race Pics





After I reunited with my family, we headed back to the apartment.  I ended up walking a total of 30 blocks post race, which I think really helped with my recovery.

I took an ice bath while I spoke on the phone with my sister Meagen, who wasn't able to make it to the race (she has a good excuse, a baby and two kids all under the age of four).  I was a bit dehydrated, so Mike forced water on me, along with some pretzels.

Post shower, time for a toast with the champagne that Nicole and Jen left for us.

Jeannine, Rob, me and Ali.




Me and Mike.




I was in the mood for Mexican food, so we hit up Ta Cocina, then crossed the street to our favorite bar in NYC, The Gaf.  My younger sister has heard all about The Gaf, so this was her inaugural visit.





It was a blast re-hashing the day, I made it to about ten o'clock before I had to call it a night.

But not before stopping at a deli for a salami and provolone on a roll with lettuce and tomato.  I would have taken a photo, but I inhaled it.   I pulled on my compression socks, popped some advil, and slept like a rock.  I don't think I moved for seven hours.

Marathon Monday was another gorgeous day, I was stiff when I rolled out of bed, but nothing terrible. We went back over to Central Park to have my medal engraved with my name and time.  And I treated myself to an early birthday present, an official Finisher's Jacket.




Several days later, I'm feeling great.

I've recovered really well, and just registered for my first post marathon race, a local 10k held on Thanksgiving Day.

And my brain is buzzing thinking of what might come after that.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

NYC Marathon, Race Recap

Here is part two.......

I learned some lessons from my first marathon, and I put them to use this time around.  For the most part, I was very confident about this race, I knew what it meant to run 26.2 miles, so I got my head in the right place, and kept it there.

Sure, I had my moments of doubt, because of my knee issue, and the fact that my longest training run was 18 miles.  But I was confident because I had been active all year, running hills, training for a triathlon, and I considered the marathon my last long training run.  I was also careful of pre-race fuel, I ate carbs at every meal for the three days before the race, and the day before I drank water, as well as Gatorade, but was careful not to over-hydrate.





I woke up race morning at 6:30, feeling pretty good, because of the time change it felt like 7:30.  I got dressed pretty quickly, had some coffee, and went outside to meet Mike at the car.  He had a salt bagel for me, and I put some peanut butter on it, although I wasn't really hungry, I ate what I could.  We zipped down the West Side Highway, before I knew it we were at the Ferry.  I got nervous for one second, kissed him goodbye, and joined the rest of the runners.  

I was on the 8:15, but I was early enough to get the 8:00, I even scored a seat.  I made friends with three other runners, we chatted through the ride, on the walk to the shuttle bus, then the ride to the start.  That really helped to keep my nerves in check, I ate more of my bagel, and half a banana.  There were three "villages" at the start, one orange, one green, and one blue, I was orange, so we wished each other luck, and separated. 

The area had a long line of porta john's, as well as trucks to check your bags, coffee, water and bagels. I found a sunny spot, sat down and started stretching, then a cannon went off, and I saw the a wave of runners crossing the bridge.




I got a text from Mike, and I told him I was feeling surprisingly calm.  Maybe too calm.  I wandered around a bit, then decided to use the bathroom.  I thought it was kind of odd that there weren't any lines.  Then when I came out, I noticed instead of 12 baggage trucks, there was one left, and it was about to leave! I was such an airhead, I didn't realize they were closing the village, and that it was time to go to our corrals! I booked over to the truck, and thankfully was able to check my bag.  

I was wearing a winter hat, and sweats over my running clothes, and as I walked to the corrals, I ditched my outer layer, there were volunteers collecting everything to donate. I heard they had a few tons of clothes, I guess 47,000 pairs of sweats weighs a lot. 

The next thing I knew, we were walking up to the bridge, someone sang The National Anthem, then New York, New York, and we were off!

My plan was to stay at a 10:00 minute pace, until at least mile 13.  I knew there were hills ahead, so I wanted to keep myself in check, which I did as we went over the bridge.  It was a gorgeous day, and I was looking around, until a guy next to me fell down, after his foot got tangled in a wire.  He was okay, but after that I kept my eye on the ground.  There was clothing and banana peels right in the middle of the road, which was annoying.  

Next thing I knew we were in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, where my Dad lived for years, and where two of my sisters live.  The crowds along Fourth Avenue were great, and the roads were wide enough that it didn't get too crowded, I met up with two other NF Runners, so we ran together for a few miles.  

The one issue I had the entire time, were the water stops.  There was one every mile, on each side of the road, with Gatorade, as well as water.  You really had to slow down here, people would come to a complete stop, so I had to move around them, a few times I broke through people walking two or three across.  There were cups everywhere, my socks would get wet from the water on the ground, and if that didn't happen, my shoes got sticky from Gatorade.  I am so accident prone, that I really had to watch my step, and not wipe out like Bridge Guy.

The streets in Park Slope are small, and that's where it got really crowded, but the crowds cheering were just the best.  I had a gel at mile seven, along with a saltine, Pez was behaving, I found my pace and locked it in.  I felt great.  

We went over the Pulaski Bridge, which leads into Queens, and I was getting excited because I knew my family was waiting for me at the 59th Street Bridge, mile 15.  I had a second gel, along with a saltine. All of a sudden, there they were, Mike, my Mom & Dad, my sister Ali, brother in law Rob & sister in law Jeannine, right at the spot where Mike and I always cheered on the runners during past marathons.  




It was surreal to be on the other side. 





My Mom handed me a package of oyster crackers, and there was music playing, so I did a little dance as I went up the bridge.  I put on my ipod and got into a good place, I was passing everyone who was walking, some who were running, and sailed right up, all those hills I trained on for the Mountain Goat really paid off.  I was looking forward to the crowds that were going to be along First Avenue. 

This stretch of Manhattan is known for it's crowd support, everyone is out, it was a perfect day, so there was a lot of noise.  There were a some great signs, like "All I did today was have a Bloody Mary!"  

I don't know what it is about me and mile 18, but once again, at mile 18, my stomach felt off.  I was craving a can of Coke, so I figured it was time for some Gatorade, I had maybe half a cup.  I was moving again, and then I puked up the Gatorade, but I swallowed it.  I was determined not to have anything ruin my race.  

I looked forward to mile 19, where Children's Tumor set up a cheering zone.  After I passed them, I did the math, and realized I only had seven miles to go! I had some more water, and entered the Bronx. 

That section went by pretty quickly, then we were in Harlem, and then to my surprise, I saw my family pop up again at mile 22!!  I yelled out to my Dad that I was getting tired, and then Jeannine screamed "YOU LOOK SO STRONG!!"  

That was the boost I needed to keep going.






We came down Fifth Avenue, with four miles to go.  I was making due with water and Gatorade, I was afraid to take another gel, and I kept thinking of that Coke.  There was an old man with a table full of cups of Coke, and I almost stopped, but I didn't know if I could trust a sketchy Coke.  I thought my ipod would help distract me, I turned it on again, but it annoyed me, so I turned it off.  The noise of  the crowd was enough.  

We turned into Central Park, and I kept telling myself to keep going, keep going.  

I don't think I really hit "The Wall," I just skirted around it. 

This last part was hilly, and such a tease, just when you think you're in the park for the home stretch, you come back out onto Columbus Circle, along Central Park South, then back into the park for the finish. I saw my friend Angelo up ahead, but then lost him in the crowd.  

At this point I was on auto pilot.  My head was powering my legs not to stop, and my legs were powering my mind to stay positive and finish. 

Which I did. 

With an 18 minute PR. 




Right after I stopped running, my hamstrings cramped up, and were really painful, I tried to go to the side and stretch them out a bit, but the medic wouldn't let me. They gave me my medal, took my picture, wrapped me in a blanket, and gave me a bag of post-race fuel. We had to go through a long chute, we all hobbled along, and every time we stopped, I bent down to stretch my hammies, they were killing me.  I drank some Gatorade, and it stayed down, so I alternated that with water.  

Finally made it to the the trucks to claim my bag, and once I had my sweats and Birkenstocks on, my legs felt better.  I called Mike, they were down on 58th Street, I was on 77th, so I started walking down to meet them.

The first thing my Mom did when I got there, was run and get me a Coke.





Part 3, Post Race, Coming Up Next!

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

NYC Marathon Part One: Expo and Pasta Dinner

Mike and I arrived in NYC on Friday afternoon, we stayed at the apartment of our good friends Jennifer and Nicole, who were out of town for the weekend. They live in a perfect location, not far from Times Square and Central Park, so we saw runners pretty much everywhere we went.  I can't tell you how that helped keep my stress level down, it was so nice to stay at a home and not a hotel.  After settling in, we went to dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, Les Halles.  We decided to walk down, but after about four blocks I decided to forgo vanity, and change back into my running shoes.  The last thing I needed was to get a blister from my shoes, I was wearing flats, but I wasn't taking any chances.

I slept HORRIBLY Friday night, my mind wouldn't calm down, and I kept thinking that the most important sleep is the one you get two nights before a race, so that didn't help matters.

Saturday morning came soon enough, and after coffee and bagels, we took a walk over to get some post race treats:




Screw Michael Bloomberg putting the calorie contents on everything, I knew I deserved a 450 calorie cupcake after a marathon.  Or two.

Then we met up with my Dad and sister Ali for an early lunch, where we caught up on things, and talked about the marathon.  My Dad ran NYC twice, and he couldn't get over the amount of people who run it now, compared to the 20,000 he ran with.  After lunch I took off for the Expo, while Mike headed to the Lego Store, and Hello Kitty Store to do some Christmas shopping (it's coming up fast folks).

As soon as I went up the escalator at the Javits Center, I saw Lisa from Early Morning Run standing there with her crutches, she is dealing with a stress fracture, but that didn't prevent her from volunteering at the Expo.  We chatted a bit, and then I went to get my bib and shirt, it's a women's size so it fits really well.  I am so OCD about certain things.  The whole time I was at the Expo I checked several times to make sure I had my bib, it was safe in my bag, but I was paranoid I was going to lose it.






I looked at some the items for sale, I needed a new visor, but they were sold out, but I came across a wall of hats.  There were about 30 pink ones left, but I wanted to see what else was available.  I came back 10 minutes later and there were only 3 left! So I bought one, and I love it.






I then went around to the different booths, I said hi to Cindy at Running Skirts, and thanked her for donating a skirt to my fundraising giveaway, then said thanks to the folks at nuun for donating as well.  I showed the CEP people that I was wearing my pink compression socks (I figured with all the walking I was doing that they would help my legs stay fresh).  I came upon a short line of people, they were waiting to meet Ryan Hall!  So I hung around, then spoke with him and got his autograph.  I felt like an Amazon standing next to him, I'm literally twice his size.




After that, I met up with Miss Zippy!





I had so much fun hanging out with her, we met up with Lisa again, then went through the Expo again, and chatted about all things running and family.  On our way out, I saw a runner with pink hair, and I immediately knew it was Tonia from Racing With Babes.  She and Katye  from Long Legs on the Loose had come straight from the train, and we did what all bloggers do, and took a photo.





After that I had about an hour to hang out at the apartment with Mike, before heading down to Little Italy for the pasta dinner with the Children's Tumor Foundation Team.  It was great to meet our team leaders Mary and Sarah, after "talking" these past 18 weeks through facebook and email.  I sat next to Lisa, a runner who came all the way from New Zealand, her daughter has NF, and their doctor had never heard of this disease.  While they were in the U.S. they were able to meet a doctor in Los Angeles, who gave their daughter a chemo therapy protocol to follow back in NZ.  How great is that?


Can I get more Cowbell?????





I also sat with my friends from high school, Angelo and Mario, who were on the team as well.






After a dinner of salad, pasta in red sauce, penne a la vodka, tiramisu and lots 'o bread, we got the subway back uptown.  We were getting nervous at this point, and were ready to go home and go to bed.

Once I got home, I laid out all my gear, took a shower, then realized I was starving.  So we went out into Times Square for a slice of pizza and garlic knots, while I wore my pajama bottoms and birkenstocks. I was happy that we had to set the clocks back, I went to bed at ten, but I knew I was getting an extra hour of sleep, so I was relaxed and tired.

Then I was out.


Monday, November 7, 2011

I ran my dream marathon!

I am going to have do the NYC Marathon justice, with more than one post.  We're heading home in a minute, so I'll be brief for now.

I'm really proud of the way I ran this race, and I know I could have made my goal of 4:30, but due to the number of people, it was hard to do.  The water stops alone were a log jam, and I ate up a bunch of time dodging around people who would literally stop right in front of me.  Plus one mile into the race, a guy wiped out next to me, when he tripped on a wire, so that slowed me down for several seconds.

Anyhow, I managed an 18 minute PR, my final time was 4:51:21.  I feel fantastic right now, and I'm relishing the post race high.

More to come, but check out this profile of me on the blog for Women's Fitness Magazine, you can find it here.

And THANK YOU for all the tweets, emails, and facebook messages, you guys all ROCK!!!

xoxoxoxo

















Thursday, November 3, 2011

I can hear Frank Sinatra now

Holy Shnarkies, it's almost race day!

I have been a ball of energy all week, in fact, I'm not sure if I really need this cup of coffee right now.

I've been checking things off on the running packing list, as well as getting things set up for the kids and Frank while we're gone.  Plus I have to work, which is a nice distraction.

I'm almost too prepared, thanks to the advice and support of my two NF Endurance team leaders, they have the inside scoop on all the race details, such as to run in the center of the Verrazano Bridge, aka The Worlds Longest Urinal. (I guess all that waiting at the start line makes you have to pee).

The weather looks great, in the 50's and sunny, although I bought a set of throw away sweats, hat and gloves to wear in the morning for the ferry ride and looong wait at the port a john's.  I can't decide to wear a visor, or sunglasses.

I decided to wear this:







I'm wearing a running skirt over the compression shorts, I like my butt, but I think I'd rather not flash thousands of people as I run by them in my see-through shorts.

I have plans to meet up with Erin, Miss Zippy, and Lisa, it will be so much fun to see the people behind the blogs!

Can you tell that I'm typing fast? I can.

I went for one last tune up yesterday at PT, Michelle stretched me out, gave Pez a massage, and made me a post race appointment for next week.  And reminded me to take an ice bath post race.

As a surprise, by brother and sister in law (marathon training partner Jeannine) told me they are coming down to cheer me on. Last night I helped Mike formulate a spectating plan, they're going to be zipping around on the subway to cheer me on at three different points.

Holy cow, if I could run this race right now I could.

I keep thinking of food, I'm following my carb loading plan for the next three days, from the November issue of Runners World.  Carbs at every meal, gotta top off my tank!  Which for today is oatmeal for breakfast, a bagel for lunch, and pasta for dinner.

Maybe it's already giving me energy! I think so!!!

Whew.

I also have a bit of a sore throat, Luke is coughing his head off, so I've been slamming the Amazing Grass to keep it at bay.

I'm horribly behind on blogs, but I shall catch up next week : )

Okay, I'm off like a dirty running shirt!

Yahoooooo!!!