Run, Eat, Date, Sleep

If you’re anything like me, you like to flaunt your accomplishments. My favorite thing to do after a long race is to hang my medal up on my medal hanger and then take a picture to share on Facebook. What can I say? I’m proud!

If you’ve been searching for a medal hanger to show off your medals, I have just the solution. Allied Medal Displays is offering 10% off any order if you use the discount code “REDS” when checking out. You can pick one like the one I have…

Or any variety of themes…

Or cityscapes or mountainscapes…

And they don’t have to be running themed. You can choose other sports such as swimming, gymnastics, and so on…

You can choose from any of these sizes…

13″ size = 8-12 medals
18″ size = 12-18 medals
22″ size = 15-20 medals
26″ size = 20-25 medals
30″ size = 20-30 medals

I chose the smallest, and it quickly filled up in a year and half. Thankfully, they also have additional hangers to add to the bottom of your original one.

Allied Medal is certainly my go-to medal hanger company with their reasonable prices, quick delivery, and personal attention to customer service. I received a personal email about an order one time, and I can’t tell you how far that goes with me.

Like I said, my readers will receive a 10% discount when using discount code “REDS” from now until the end of 2013. Happy shopping!

My precious medals

I’ve been needing a regular blogging routine, so I decided to hop on the “Oh How Pinteresting” wagon, made popular by The Vintage Apple.

The great thing about Oh How Pinteresting is that you can clump together a group of “pins” of whatever you wish. You can post some inspirational quotes, home decor ideas, funny pictures, etc. It’s up to you. So this week, I’ve decided to post some quotes and pictures that I really related to this week.

I’m so excited to share with you one of my new favorite things- Foodie Pen Pals! After months of deciding whether or not to take part in this very popular blogger community, I finally took the plunge this month, and I’m so happy I did.

I was paired with Crystal, a blog reader. She emailed me in the beginning of the month to ask about my likes and dislikes and whether or not I would prefer homemade treats. I told her the only food I dislike is coconut, and I’d LOVE homemade goodies!

I received my box around the 17th of the month and was so excited when I opened the box and found so many delicious, fun foodie treats!

In the box was:

• A package of Thai Chile Peanuts
• Homemade "Cherry Vanilla Puppy Chow”, a Chex mix for humans, of course!
• Unreal chocolate candies
• Peanut Butter & Co. Dark Chocolate Dreams peanut butter
• 100% Pure Maple Sugar candies
• A handwritten note from Crystal describing each item

I immediately opened the “puppy chow” and fell in love! I must have this recipe, Crystal!

She described in her note that Spring is maple season up in New York state where she’s from. Hence, the maple items. And the peanut butter comes from a shop in New York City. I’ve been dipping graham crackers in it like it’s my job.

I really enjoyed the Unreal Candy Coated Chocolates. They’re a lot like M&Ms but void of all of the preservatives, corn syrup, and artificial crap.

I’ve enjoyed my box so much. Thank you so much, Crystal!

And now it’s time for some details about Foodie Penpals.  In case you’re a new reader, here’s a reminder of what the program is all about:

-On the 5th of every month, you will receive your penpal pairing via email. It will be your responsibility to contact your penpal and get their mailing address and any other information you might need like allergies or dietary restrictions.
-You will have until the 15th of the month to put your box of goodies in the mail. On the last day of the month, you will post about the goodies you received from your penpal!
-The boxes are to be filled with fun foodie things, local food items or even homemade treats! The spending limit is $15. The box must also include something written. This can be anything from a note explaining what’s in the box, to a fun recipe…use your imagination!
-You are responsible for figuring out the best way to ship your items depending on their size and how fragile they are. (Don’t forget about flat rate boxes!)
-Foodie Penpals is open to blog readers as well as bloggers. If you’re a reader and you get paired with a blogger, you are to write a short guest post for your penpal to post on their blog about what you received. If two readers are paired together, neither needs to worry about writing a post for that month.
-Foodie Penplas is open to US, Canadian & European residents.  Please note, Canadian Residents will be paired with other Canadians only. Same with Europeans. We’ve determined things might get too slow and backed up if we’re trying to send foods through customs across the border from US to Canada and vice versa.

If you’re from the US or Canada and are in participating for May, please CLICK HERE (www.theleangreenbean.com/foodie-penpals/) to fill out the participation form and read the terms and conditions.

You must submit your information by May 4th as pairings will be emailed on May 5th!
*If you’re from Europe, please CLICK HERE (www.thisisrocksalt.com/foodie-penpals/) to signup.

I’m already signed up for May. Maybe we’ll be pals!

It was a cold, cold morning on March 17th. Despite having a few layers on, in addition to some gloves, this Floridian was miserable and freezing at the start line of the New York City Half Marathon. It was 28 degrees (felt like 20) at the beginning of the race. It was my third time running this race, so I knew exactly what to expect out of this race- great spectators, a beautiful run around Central Park, and the amazing feeling I get every time I run down 7th Avenue. This race is quintessential New York… Central Park, Times Square, and a finish line on Wall Street.

I crossed the starting line at 8:01am, right after seeing the first groups of the elite runners fly by. The course brings you right by the starting line again around Mile 6.

I had the urge to use the bathroom… and in a hurry, but all I saw were signs for toilets but no toilets. Filthy lies, I tell ya!

It was until around Mile 4 by the time I could finally feel my toes. It was THAT cold!

Surprisingly, the hills didn’t hurt as bad as they did in years prior. I wasn’t using my 2/1 run/walk intervals like I usually do because I wasn’t feeling well, but I feel like I ran a lot more than I usually do… at least in the first few miles.

Like I said, you get another look at the starting line when you’re coming up to Mile 6.

My absolute favorite part of the race is when we round the corner out of Central Park and head up 7th Avenue towards Times Square.

I love the spectators and the entertainment along this part of the course. They’re so enthusiastic and encouraging!

Once past Times Square, we make the turn on to 42nd Street and then out to the Westside Highway.

By this time, I was having a hard time breathing after sucking in the cold air for more than 2 hours. My lungs just aren’t used to the frigid North East winter air anymore. But I was almost done!

I could see the Brooklyn Bridge around Mile 13.

The finish line was just around the corner!

What an amazing feeling to finish my 8th half marathon! Although, when I did finish, I could barely breathe. I literally felt like I had pneumonia… again! But as soon as we got down to the subway platform, I felt slightly better and didn’t feel quite like I might pass out.

My splits

My official time was 3:04:25.

I’m definitely not thrilled about my time. But I do have a training plan set up for my next half, and I’m determined to PR.

The course

(photo found on Instagram)

There’s a reason I keep coming back to NYC to run this race. From the early miles of Central Park to the sights and sounds of Times Square and down to the Financial District past the World Trade Center site, this race brings me so much pride. And so much joy. I don’t know why, but races in New York City mean so much more to me than Disney races. There’s no castle and no characters, but it’s New York City! I can’t think of a better place to run 13.1 miles. And it meant more this year to finish in the South Street Seaport, an area still suffering from the affects of Hurricane Sandy.

I really hope to register and win the lottery for this race again. It is by far my favorite race!

A big thank you to Alison for hosting me for the weekend! I had so much fun!

Alison knew I loved having brunch at Steak Frites during my previous trip to NYC, but she wanted me to experience something new. So she chose the lovely Alice’s Tea Cup, known as a usual spot for Katie Holmes and Suri. We went to Chapter II, located 156 East 64th Street. (Check out their website. It’s super adorable!)

We had slept in, so we got there around 2 and only had to wait about 30 minutes without a reservation.

Being a huge Alice fan, I was in a little bit of Wonderland heaven, surrounded by clever paintings and drawings.

I especially loved the mismatched teacup and saucer. I’ve always wanted to collect teacups and tea kettles.

I had such a hard time deciding between wanting breakfast or brunch, but I decided to go with a smoked salmon sandwich, served open-faced with lemon-dill butter on pumpernickel.

And a soda in a mason jar… just another one of my favorite things!

Just like a lot of other NYC restaurants, the space was tiny, but it was so quaint and cozy!

The service was great, and the food was exceptional. I hope to definitely go back, especially with Sara since she’s an even bigger lover of Alice than I am.

When we stepped outside, we were greeted by snowflakes! I love snow in the city!

Next on our agenda was the Museum of Modern Art, but before we went, we stopped for macarons at Bouchon Bakery near Rockefeller Center.

After picking out a few different flavors, we took our snow-drenched selves to the museum. Being a Disney cast member, I was able to get in for free, and it was only $5 for a guest. We decided to go straight to the top floor and work our way down. We were lucky enough to see the original “The Scream” pastel, on loan to MoMA for six months.

Another one I was excited to see was Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night”.

Some of my other favorites…

Munch’s “Madonna”

Gino Severini’s “Dynamic Hieroglyphic of the Bal Tabarin”

Andy Warhol’s “Campbell’s Soup Cans”

I don’t quite remember what we did after the museum, but I’m pretty sure we went back to Alison’s for a nap to warm ourselves up. That night, we had dinner at Portofino’s, where I had a very large helping of linguine with clam sauce, and I ate the entire thing!

It was the perfect Italian, New York City, carb-loading dinner.

When we got back to the apartment, I laid out my race outfit, complete with a green shirt for St. Patrick’s Day.

And I fell asleep at a decent hour so I’d be well-rested for the NYC Half Marathon the next morning!

Have you been to any NYC museums?

I arrived in New York City on Thursday evening (March 14) for the NYC Half Marathon weekend and decided to tackle New York City alone on Friday while Alison, my gracious hostess, had to work. I’ve been known to get lost while taking the subway, but I miraculously made my way from Queens to Union Square without a hitch. I knew I wanted to stop in at lululemon and purchase a green, long-sleeved running shirt for the race.

I quickly grabbed the shirt and chatted up the sales associate about Sunday’s race. They were all planning to be there at a water stop.

Lunchtime was looming, so I grabbed a table for one at Union Square Cafe, located at 21 East 16th Street.

The butternut squash tortellini topped with a balsamic glaze, cranberries, and sage brown butter immediately caught my eye. But first, the server noticed my enthusiasm and sent me a complimentary Cara Cara Orange Salad with fennel vinaigrette, pine nuts, and ricotta cheese. I guess my picture taking and body language were just screaming “I’m a tourist!”

The salad was so delicious and very refreshing!

When the pasta dish came, I knew it would be a grand slam. It just looks tasty!

Hands down my favorite lunch of all time! Unfortunately, they change their menu frequently, and this dish is currently not on the menu.

From Union Square, I walked all the way to Penn Plaza Pavilion for the NYC Half Marathon expo, where I could pick up my bib and shirt and scope out some vendors.

Obligatory bib picture

Unfortunately, the expo was a bit hard to navigate, and the vendors were sparse. Fortunately, this was good for my vacation budget. After getting everything I needed to run on Sunday, I headed back downtown to Chelsea Market to scope out the cute little shops and food markets. But on the way there, I had to get some NYC pizza from Stella’s.

It was definitely good but not the best NYC pizza I’ve had.

Chelsea Market was packed, as usual, with shoppers.

But I made my way to Anthropologie to check out some adorable housewares.

I didn’t purchase anything, however. My suitcase wasn’t large enough to accommodate my love for Anthropologie.

The crowds were making me queasy, so I went ahead and jumped on the subway and headed to 5th Avenue to window shop and eventually end up at the public library.

It was by this time that my phone died, and I knew I had to charge it soon because Alison would be meeting me somewhere in the city, and we hadn’t made plans yet. I scoured the Starbucks app on my iPhone and found a nearby store on 5th Avenue where I grabbed a delicious hazelnut macchiato and an electrical outlet so I could call Alison and catch up with my mom.

So what if they got my name wrong? It was delicious and so warm… the perfect cure for a blustery NYC day!

Alison and I made plans for that evening- a comedy show at UCB East followed by dinner at Remedy Diner in the Lower East Side. The show turned out to be only slightly funny but my cheesesteak from a greasy spoon was spot-on!

Stay tuned for a recap of my Saturday in the city!

What are your favorite things to do in NYC?

Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival is always one of my favorite things to do every spring here in Orlando. This year marks the 20th anniversary and now features a “mini” food and wine festival within the event. When I heard about Dole Whips infused with rum, I was there!

My friend Mike and I hopped on over to Epcot on Saturday, enjoyed the perfect weather, and snapped away!

Enjoy the photos!

You can fill up these gift cards to use throughout the festival, and you can wear it conveniently on your wrist.

(photo credit- Mike and the Mouse)

For more information about the festival, check out EpcotinSpring.com.

I hope you’re enjoying your week! Any exciting plans for the weekend? I’m going to NYC!

When my Facebook wall started blowing up with posts about my friend Coach Laura’s Happy 5K Virtual Run, I couldn’t say “no” to such a cool event.

(photo credit: Remember Healthy)

You have between now and April 12th to complete a 5K all on your own. You can walk, skip, crawl, or run. You can do it on your own time by yourself or with friends. You choose.

If you’re a beginner runner looking for a race without the stress and anxiety of being a newbie, this is for you. If you’re a seasoned runner looking for a new medal and a chance at some great prizes, this is for you too.

Personally, I signed up and ran it on the same day! It was the Wednesday after the Princess Half Marathon, and I needed a recovery run anyway. It was a beautiful day in Celebration, Florida!

Registration is only $20! All proceeds from the HAPPY 5K will go to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Once you’re completed with the run, all you have to do is share your experience:

Twitter Users: Tag @forgetskinny and @MissMass_2009 and hashtag #happy5k
Facebook Users: "Like" the Happy 5K Facebook Page http://www.facebook.com/HAPPY5KRace
Instagram Users: Tag @Happy5K and hashtag #happy5k
Each time you share with us, you will earn an additional chance to win!

Also, every single runner who completes the 5K will receive this glittery medal!

For more information and registration, check out all of the details here!

Run H.A.P.P.Y – Have A Purpose. Push Yourself!

Have you ever run a virtual race before? What was your experience? Would you do it again?

When I moved to Orlando in July of 2011, it was my third time moving to Florida.

I was happy. I was excited. I was enamored with Disney World. I made friends quickly.I lived in the cutest 2-bedroom apartment.

I got my job back at Walt Disney World.

I adopted the sweetest beagle in the world.

I was going to Disney World on my days off.

Life was so good. I was living the dream that most people envied.

Although this life looked pretty good from the outside, I was very lonely. Going to the Disney parks by yourself can be pretty depressing. I’d watch the moms push their strollers filled with chubby-cheeked babies and the dads carrying their sons on their shoulders to get a better view of the fireworks. I’d watch little girls dressed like princesses see Cinderella Castle for the first time. While it was cute and adorable, I longed for my own family. I wanted to be in these parks making memories with my own family.

Every time I move here, I think it will different from the last. I always think I’m going to find Mr. Right, settle down, and start a real life here in Orlando. I’m always wrong.

Things only got harder this past holiday season. My new apartment was too tiny to fit a Christmas tree. When I would walk Molly around the neighborhood at night, I could see families decorating their own trees and enjoying time together. It was a difficult task every single night.

I, however, did go home at the beginning of December to welcome my new baby niece to the family. Please welcome Violet Elizabeth!

She was born on December 1, 2012, and I made the road trip home as soon as I could. I finally got to meet her on December 5.

I spent four amazing days with my brother’s sweet family, and they let me be a “baby hog”. I couldn’t get enough of her sweet little face.

When it came time to pack up and leave, I held her one more time. I remember just letting it out… “I don’t want to leave”. I cried and cried. Every single mile on the way back to Orlando was heartbreaking. I no longer wanted to be away from my family. I was missing way too much.

I mean, really? When did my nephew grow up so much???

My best friend Ellen had given me the following advice… think about how you feel when you leave Delaware this time. Are you leaving home or going home (to Florida)? In prior years and trips home, I was always excited to head back to Florida. Not this time. It was my time to finally move home and plant my roots where I belong… home.

I realize I was so happy and excited to move to Florida 2 years ago, but a lot has changed. I’ve changed. My family has changed. Violet wasn’t even even on the radar in 2011, so she wasn’t a deciding factor then.

And I realize I normally make fun of Delaware (on the regular), but there are lot of things I miss about that small, brown, drab state. I miss my Y where I spent almost all of my evenings. I miss the running trails. I miss running in cool weather. I miss the races. I miss dinners out with friends to places only Delaware has like Dogfish, Grotto’s, Arena’s, and Stingray.

I miss the beach. Oh, how I miss the beach.

And most of all, I miss the people who make me ME. My family.

And some extra photos of Violet because I can’t resist sharing her beautiful little face!

I would be lying if I said I wouldn’t miss Disney and my friends here, but it’s time to go.

So during the last week of March, I will be moving back to Delaware. Without one single regret.