Queens 10k

Last week, New York was hot as balls. Plain and simple. It was sticky, hot, disgusting, gross, you name it, NY was feeling the heat!! But...on Sunday July 21st, the heat wave finally broke!! And thank God it did! I was dreading this race for about two weeks, simply because I had run it last year when it was 95 degrees and boiling! Also, because of the awful heat wave, I hadn't had any runs longer than 3 miles for about two weeks. I get really anxious, nervous, and sometimes panicky before a race if I feel like I'm not ready. I didn't feel like I wasn't ready but I felt defeated because I thought that I would most likely struggle through this run.

 

I was totally wrong! First the day turned out to be gorgeous! It was a nice 77 degrees, and there was even a breeze in the air, it was perfect! First two miles I started out really strong, and finished them in less than 20 mins!! Flushing Meadow Park is where the race took place, and the course is flat, so its great for some speed! But like always I knew I started out kind of fast, so I slowed down a bit but still kept a pretty decent pace throughout. My brother also ran this race with me, and it was pretty awesome to do the whole thing with him. He's more athletic than I am so I was slightly intimidated, but he turned out to be a great partner, and a great motivator, every time I felt like I was struggling, he pushed me to go a little harder.

 

Once we passed the first 5k, it got tough! I started to feel hot, but my brother was awesome for water breaks, he would tell me to keep running, he would grab us water, and catch up to me, it kept the tempo up for both of us. I was really proud to be running with him. And once we passed the 5 mile mark, I was ready to finish, and on my way to the finish, I saw The Awesome Mom! She's such an incredible woman, she runs, she rides, she works out to Insanity, all the while being a mother to three beautiful children, she amazes me, and is an inspiration to me and so many other people, I was so happy to see her again! And we have the same race schedule coming up too!

 

And then out of nowhere I felt like I was going to vomit. It happens, but I breathed through it, and kept moving. My brother said lets finish this strong, and that we did! We came in at 1:09:13! I couldn't have been more proud with that time! I beat my time from last year by more than 4 minutes! We didn't get medals this year but we got some pretty awesome tech tees!

And now I have a small minor break from my races. Next one is Aug 24th, and after that the last two races in the 5 Borough Series! But my next race qualifies me for the 2014 ING Marathon!! The excitement!!!

So til next time, keep the laces tight, and hit the pavement!!

MLB All Star 5k

So for anyone living under a rock, this week in Queens, NY, at Citifield, the home of the NY Mets, it was All Star week. To kick off baseball's midsummer classic, NYRR and the MLB hosted the All Star 5k, in Prospect Park. The best thing about this race was that 100% of the money paid for registration, was donated to the Sandy Relief foundation! 

This was also the second race that my boyfriend was doing with me, and his parents are in town visiting, so they came along for the race as well. My boyfriend and his dad are huge baseball fan's and a few retired players were to be in attendance, so they were excited. 

The day was humid, and overcast, but it wasn't really hot at all. Before the race started, a young 11 year old girl sang the National Anthem, and she was clearly nervous, and messed up a few times. And since runners are so awesome, we all helped her out and sang the song with her, it was a really beautiful moment, gave me goosebumps!

Once the race started, I was ready to finish! The humidity in NY in July, always sucks! And on Saturday it was not being friendly! I started out at my usual pace, around 10:30, and soon I was feeling exhausted. I needed to take a few breaks, grab some water to drink, and pour on my head!  But I finished in 33:34, with a decent pace of 10:50 per mile, I was proud of that for sure!

After the race, there were awards, and raffles to be given out. The awards were presented by the former players in attendance. Just so happened that John Franco, former NY Mets pitcher was there, and he is my father in law's favorite player! We were right near the stage and my boyfriend got his attention and asked for a picture, and he was nice enough to say yes! We were all so happy, and elated that he took a picture with us, it was such a awesome moment for all of us. Then Tony La Russa, former manager for the St. Louis Cardinals was there too, and he took a picture with pops, and signed our bibs! We felt like the cool kids in class! 

We didn't win any of the raffle prizes, but we were happy enough to have gotten pictures with Franco and La Russa. But then out of nowhere, John Franco comes back on stage, and leaned over to my father in law, and took the hat off his head and gave it to him! He told him, " Now your on my team, Team Franco, you'll always be my teammate!" OMG, we were so shocked, happy, excited, and everything in between! It was the best experience we've had at a race. And for my boyfriend it was his proudest moment with his dad. It was touching, and we felt so blessed and lucky to have been there. Thank you John Franco!

Camping Fun!

Ok, so I've been trying my hardest to keep up with the blog, but its the summer!! Ain't nobody got time for that!! But, I'm trying my best anyway! 

So I went camping on July 5th, in the Andes Mountains, with my family, and it was wonderful! To get away from the city, is so refreshing! The change in scenery, people, and no electronics at all, is something I think everyone should go for every once in awhile! 

It was my boyfriend's sons', first time camping, and he is an Xbox junkie, so this was huge for him, 3 days in the wild, no cell phones, no video games, no nothing! So to kill the time we played some playground games! We played volleyball, basketball, football, soccer, went swimming, and even played some board games! I was hoping to get a run in, because the view was amazing, but with all the other games we were playing, I know I got in plenty of activity!

The best thing was that for three days, we actually talked to each other, and really bonded! I mean usually the three of us are sitting around the television, or one of us is using a cell phone, or tablet, and my little guy is always on the Xbox! We had such a great time, and it sucked that we had to leave, but I can't wait to do it again! Roughing it for three days, totally worth it!! 

Try it, you'll be surprised at how much fun it can be! And it's also a lot of work, from setting up tents, chopping wood, cooking, and cleaning, and walking all over the place, my boyfriend and I both lost a pound! As soon as we got home though, we were so pooped! I needed another vacation from that trip, but it was back to work Monday unfortunately! Always too good to be true right?!?

It's Summer, It's Crazy

I've been MIA!! Well, its officially summertime, which means I'm super busy! In June alone, I had three races, a Confirmation, a bunch of BBQ's, a seminar at work, and a mini getaway with my love! So keeping up with this blog hasn't been priority but I'm still giving it a shot!

 

Went to Atlantic City with my boyfriend for a long weekend, and we had a wonderful time together. We got to relax on the beach, watch a movie, ate well, and just enjoyed each others company. It was perfect. I love him so much, and everyday I feel blessed that I've found someone who I can be best friends with, and have an amazing time with just his company. I can't wait to go back again!

 

 I've been really trying to stay focused on my fitness and healthy eating, and so far so, good! Down 5lbs for the month of June and hopefully it stays that way for July!

 

I did two races this past weekend! One was Run2Glow, which was so much fun! My entire family participated in the 5k, and we all had so much fun! I loved every minute of it! The music was great, everyone that was there, was there for a good time; there was great music, color bombs, bubbles, foam pits, and beer at the finish! It was great! That ended late on a Saturday night, and I had another race the next morning in Central Park! 

 

 



 So, on Sunday morning, I was extremely groggy, and sleepy! I went to bed so late after the glow run, and only had 3 hours of sleep! Epic fail! The weather was humid, hot, and sticky, the kind of conditions I hate the most! But this race was really special to me because it was the Achilles' Hope & Possibility 5 mile race, probably one of the most inspiring races to be part of this year.

The race includes able bodied runners, and disabled runners in the same field. There were amputee's, one from the Boston Marathon, others from the military, and even children. It was really amazing to see these people push themselves, I couldn't give up if they were giving it their all! Along the way I even saw a veteran who was dressed in his ACU's with his gas mask on his face, and a rucksack on his back! In addition to the amputee's, there were participants in wheelchairs, and hand cycles, the blind and the deaf, and individuals that are mentally challenged. At one point I was crying because, I felt like crap after the third mile, and I was ready to just throw in the towel, my body was exhausted, and the heat was over taking my mind, but everytime I ran past a disabled runner, I had to push myself further. I had no excuse not to finish!

I finished in 59:27, my worst time ever! But I finished, I beat the wall that was in my head, and I made it to the end. I did feel dizzy, and nauseous afterwards, I think I was beginning to feel dehydrated, so I took it easy afterwards. I know my time could've been better, but I was proud to finish, and be apart of this race, as hard as it was for me, I know there were other people on the course who probably had it worse.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, that's all for now! Next, I'll be enjoying the July 4th weekend, with my family! I'll be going camping, and then later this month participating in the MLB All-Star 5k, and the Queens 10k! It's a busy summer, and I love it!!

 

Have a safe, and wonderful 4th of July! Til next time, stay classy, not trashy!!

XoXo! :)

Just One of Those Days!

Although things have been pretty awesome lately, there's always something that makes me feel like punching a wall. An obnoxious co-worker, silly spats with my man, stupid people on the subway, etc... you name it, today was that day, to just annoy me in every way! And to top it off, I had left my gym bag home! Now, my routine is to take my gym bag to work with me everyday, unless I go for run, because the gym is on my way home, so I have no excuse to not go. So today, after a crazy, busy, pressure filled day at work, I was ready to go home, and just do nothing. But then I knew that would drive me insane also, and I didn't feel like running outside, so I got dressed, and went back towards the gym.

 

I'm so glad I did, I felt such release of all the tension I was feeling!! I ran two miles, then took a kickboxing class, and I was beat, but felt awesome at the same time; I love that feeling! My instructor even hit a nerve, when towards the end of class people were dropping like flies, and he said, " oh come on, it's not like any of you run half marathons, or marathons!?!?" Sorry to disappoint pal, but I'll be running my fifth half marathon in October! Smart ass! But that just made me feel even better that I pushed through my entire workout and didn't just give up and call it quits.

 

Oh, and I finally picked up the sunglasses I won from the Oakley store in Times Square! The staff there was so nice, so many of them came up to me just to say congrats, and ask about my running history, it was awesome! I even got to try on a few pairs, before choosing the pair I liked, which were the Oakley Urgency, with polarized lenses. They cost $180, and I'm so lucky and grateful that I was chosen to win a pair! Check em out!

 

Til next time loves!! Stay happy, eat healthy, and sweat like you never have before! Xoxo! 

 

When Good Things Happen

I'm not one to dwell on negativity, nor am I someone who likes to talk about my problems. But, recently things have been rough for me, but I'm coping and always hopeful that there's always a brighter side.

 

I'm lucky that I have a wonderful family, great friends, the most awesome dog ever, and I'm in the best relationship of my life. So when I feel like my life sucks, and that things are falling apart, I tell myself it could be worse.  And for a little while, it was a lot worse for me. I had so many issues to deal with, and it was such a dark, and sad time for me, that I had to drastically change my life to make it better. And I have in so many ways, and that's why there's I know I can make it through anything.

 

So this week, was the best week I've had in a long time. Coming fresh off my finish of the 10k on Saturday, I was feeling really good and upbeat. The beginning of the week started with some good news for my boyfriend, he landed a position at work he really wanted. Then we finally planned a mini getaway in a couple of weeks, and we are both so excited to leave the craziness of New York for a few days! Then I was contacted by a fitness company, asking me if they could suit me up at my next race with their brand! How freaking awesome is that?!!!? Not sure if I will wear their clothing yet, I'm still making sure that they're legit, before I commit to anything, but still I feel great that I've come so far to even be thought in that context!!! Yay for me!!! What a self esteem boost!!! But wait there's more! Just the other day on Instagram, (follow me @kata_razzi) I had entered a contest that Oakley was having at the Mini 10k, and won! You had to choose a pair of sunglasses you liked, and post it, and hashtag it! Couldn't believe I was chosen, and the best part too was that a fellow runner, someone who inspires me to keep going, The Awesome Mom, had also won the pair she wore!! Hopefully we can finally talk, and take a pic together at the Achilles run later this month!

And then to end the week, I got some good news at work, a new schedule, that looks like it will allow me more free time to workout, and attend Weight Watchers meetings. I'm so happy! This week was full of good things, not just for myself, but for others as well. And I'm looking forward to my upcoming races, my mini vacay, the arrival of my boyfriends' parents, who will be visiting for a whole month in a few weeks, and our camping trip in July! So far the summer is looking good, I couldn't ask for more!!

Stay Positive my Loves! Good things do happen, you just have to wait out the storm every once in awhile!

 

Oakley New York Mini 10k

What a beautiful day! Seriously! Last night and all day yesterday we had non stop rain, due to Tropical Storm Andrea, so I was happy to see that it wasn't raining when I woke up this morning, and the day turned out to be beautiful.

The Mini 10k, is an all women road race, by the NYRR, they started the race 41 years ago, and back then it was sponsored by Leggs, and it was called the Mini for mini-skirts! This year it was sponsored by Oakley Women, they provided a raffle, an Instagram contest (still hoping I win the glasses I tried on!), and each runner received a very awesome race day tank!

I wasn't really nervous for this race, I didn't train much, I took a 3 week hiatus from my regular workouts, only working out a couple of times during the week, with some short runs. But once I arrived to the race, I was so excited, I couldn't believe how many women I seen, and all I kept thinking, women really are incredible!

 

 



  I started off fast and quick! I ran the first 3 miles in less than 30 min! My pace was 9:54, and that was the fastest I've ever run during an event! But I also knew I needed to slow down because the hills in Central Park are tough! And sure enough I started struggling after the first 5k, but I pushed through every step, and got over those hills and finished around 1:06:45, and that's according to my watch and gps app, because NYRR has my time as 1:10:31, which is way off for me, so I'm hoping they'll fix it soon! I worked hard for my actual time!!

 

Afterwards there was a little after party in the Oakley tent, with a photo booth for a finisher shot, and a chance to try on and win a pair of glasses. There was also a raffle, and some runners started a party to the music, it was awesome!! It was a gorgeous day, and I am so proud of my finish, and all the women who came together to run today.

 



Weight Watchers

I've been a Weight Watchers member for over 4 years now! My journey started in 2009. It was January, and I was in a horrible relationship, and lucky for me it ended. But when it did, I was this person, who was really lost, emotionally, physically, and mentally. I was just under 290lbs, and I was in denial for long enough about my weight. I had originally joined in 2007, and my weight then was 254lbs, and I got down to 220lbs, and then I got lazy and I also thought I knew enough of what to do on my own, and I stopped going to my meetings. So on January 17, 2009 I made a commitment to change my life for something better. I joined a gym, and started to watch what I was eating, and slowly the weight came off, but I knew I needed more, because I was my worst enemy. So on March 10th, I walked into my former meeting room with my old leader, and thus the journey began. By then I had already lost 25lbs so I knew I could handle what was next. It was a bittersweet feeling too, because my leader remembered who I was, and I kinda felt like I let her down, by not succeeding the last time I was on that journey, so I was 100% determined to make this my goal.

The weight came of fast and I was really proud of who I was becoming. Then Weight Watchers introduced it's 5k challenge, and I stepped up to the plate, and ran my first 5k on June 14th, 2009! It was a small race and I remember constantly feeling like I was crazy for trying this and I was ready to just give up, but my brother who ran with me, came back for me after he crossed the finish and he pushed me through the end, and I don't remember my exact time but it was some where in the 45 minute range. I was so proud of myself, for doing it, I couldn't believe what I was able to do, and that race alone gave me the drive to continue on my journey.

And now here I am today, having just finished my 4th half marathon! I'm about 75lbs down now, I've been struggling recently again, but it hasn't been so bad. I'm not making horrible choices, but I got lazy, and from running so much I found that I was eating more than I needed to. So one of the main reasons I started this blog was to help myself again. I'm not that far from my goal, I've already lost the majority of my weight, now I just need to get to this finish line, and just continue trying my hardest to get there. And I'm hoping that by sharing my thoughts and feelings here on this blog, I hope it helps me stay on track.

The journey isn't easy, but this time I haven't quit, and that's why I've continued to be successful! And I hope anyone that reads this and is looking for motivation, knows that with time, patience, and dedication, you too can be a success. Everyone has their own journey, never compare yourself to someone else's journey, because that alone can cause you to stop what your doing for yourself. I've been doing this for four years and in the last few years my losses have been tiny! But all those teeny tiny losses, have added up to big numbers. And eventually you learn that its not the number on the scale that's important anymore its, the lifestyle that is. If you can commit yourself to a healthier way of living, I promise you that you will find more out of life, and enjoy who you become in the process.

Let's Get to Know Me

So, for my first blog post, I'm sitting here wondering what the hell I can possibly write about! The most obvious would be about myself, but then I don't want to sound soooo self centered! Ha!

I'm 29, living in New York, with my boyfriend and my fur baby, Mandy. I come from a huge family, so there's a lot of love in my heart for each and every one that's part of it.

I love to read, love most sports, but most of all I love running. Running has saved my life. Before I became a runner, I was on a destructive path, and no one could help me, because I simply wouldn't let them. But we will save that for another post, way too much detail and drama for my first post!

I also love my city, and love discovering the secrets within. I love reality television! Trashy TV is the best! While I do enjoy going to the movies, I'm not crazy about them.

Music, music, music... it feeds my soul, its the soundtrack to my dreams and wishes, but its also something I cannot be without. Do I have a favorite band, or type of music? Yes and no. I love artists like Linkin Park, Metallica, Adele, Green Day, and Gwen Stefani, but there is sooo much music out there I will not limit myself to just one type! Also being a runner, I'm a runner who listens while I run, and I listen to very fast, upbeat tunes! So music, bottom line is one thing I cannot be without.

I studied journalism in college, and unfortunately things in life happened, and I never got my foot in the door, but that's ok, the path I'm on now is totally ok with me. So I'm kind of a news junkie! Always checking NBCNews.com, CNN.com, and of course the tabloids, tmz.com! I can engulf myself in the news of the world for hours! I'm always intrigued to know what's going on elsewhere in the world outside my little bubble of life! A lot of news is depressing but it makes me grateful for what I have.

So this is just a sneak peak into the person I am, hopefully along the way, you, who ever you are, will learn more about me, and enjoy this blog. If not then simply exit the page, and leave your negativity at the door.

This blog will be about whatever I feel like posting about. Which will be about my journey on Weight Watchers, my life as a runner mostly, but I will include my thoughts on love, sadness, happiness, current events, and just about anything in between.

So thank you for being here, and hopefully I can keep this up!

Til Next Time,

Keep it Real, Keep it Classy, Keep it Positive!

Ciao!