What's going on?

Life has been so hectic the last couple of weeks!! My boss is currently on vacation, she'll be away for about 3 weeks, so in her absence I have to fill her role at work. So that means I've been pretty much swamped at work all day doing both of our jobs, and by the time I leave I'm so frazzled and stressed I don't have the energy for anything else! I've wanted to write a few other blogs but my brain is so exhausted from staring at my computer all day that I've hardly been on my phone and I've neglected my laptop! After work I'm  busy at my job at home! Ya know, cooking, cleaning, working out, and taking care of my dog and fiancé! I think once my boss is back life will be a little easier and I'll be able to get more posts in! 

In the meantime I'm also getting excited because I will be traveling to Las Vegas in a few weeks for 5 days! My fiancé and I will be scouting possible wedding locations and enjoying some quality time together! My man has been working his butt off with two jobs and no days off in months! I admire him so much for being able to stick it out, but he's been doing it so we have the funds to enjoy ourselves out there and I can't wait! Just leave me at the pool with a drink and I'll be good!!

I did the Stephen Siller WTC stair climb on May 17th, and it was pretty tough for me considering that I ran the Brooklyn Half the day before! The stairwells were so hot, with no ventilation, but hearing the stories from other climbers directly affected by 9/11 was very inspiring that I would love to do it again next year! Just not the day after a half next time!! 

I also participated in the Color Run 5k at Citifield on Saturday! I was chosen as an ambassador a few months back, and had a few of my cousins join me on the run! I didn't think I'd have as much fun as I did, but it was a blast! My favorite part was running the field inside the stadium since I am a huge Mets fan! It was so cool, I was like a kid on Christmas, smiling from ear to ear the whole time! 

Honestly though the spots where we were supposed to get colored along the run hardly did any damage! When we got to the finish I was pretty clean, I was disappointed until we got to the post race festival, that's where we got covered in color and sparkle! The music was great, and it was a pretty sweet way to start the weekend! 

I get a little breather for a couple of weeks from racing! My next race isn't til June 13th for the women's Oakley 10k in Central Park, which I'm excited for because my girls on the running team will be coordinating outfits for the day! I also have two other races later in June which will set me up nicely right before marathon training begins again! 

Till then just running short miles and focusing on some strength training! I love running but a small break is healthy for recovery! Trying my best to keep up with the blogging, hope you guys are enjoying it so far!! Til next time, xoxo! 

The Casual Tuesday's

My friend Christina (@pretty_creative on IG) hosts a group run every Tuesday at the NJ Running Company store located in Hoboken, called The Casual Tuesday's where anyone is welcome no matter how fast or far you plan on running. I've only gone once before last night but it's a pretty great run along the water with a killer view of NYC. Also Christina's amazing, welcoming upbeat personality, is worth the trek! She started hosting the runs last summer, and weekly she produces an awesome playlist to give the run a theme, and a mandatory dance break two miles in! Yes, a dance break! Christina runs with a Bluetooth speaker, which is pretty genius, and runs along the group singing and dancing which is great motivation during a run!

This weeks run was actually hosted by Mizuno, and they had a contest to go along with the run, with the prize being a swag pack from Mizuno. The contest asked entrants to post a photo to Instagram, with the hashtags #TheCasualTuesdays and #MilesChangeYou, and for you to describe how the miles have changed you. I thought that was a pretty good topic considering runners come from so many backgrounds.

The Freedom Tower! The view is just breathtaking! 

For myself the miles changed me because I learned to be proud of myself, and learned how I really am capable of challenging myself, setting a goal, and hitting it! I described how when I first ran in high school, how defeated I felt because I couldn't run a mile as fast as everyone else, so I didn't really run it, and ended up finishing in just over 20 minutes. But as I grew up I held on to that mile, and when my fitness and health improved it was my mile to beat. When I tried running again in 2009, it was terrible, I finished in 23 minutes. I was completely out of breath, out of shape, and felt like I actually ran more. I could've told myself that was it, that I just really wasn't a runner, but I didn't want to, I wanted to better myself! So I kept going at it, and slowly but surely I got faster! Then I was motivated to sign up for my first 5k, which was a huge deal for me! But when race day came, and I had less than a mile to go, I was ready to call it quits. Everyone was passing me, I was exhausted, my legs felt so tight, and sore, I was ready to quit. My younger brother ran that race with me, and he finished in like 17 minutes, but came back for me and ran with me to the finish.  I was on the verge of tears when he came to get me, but he coached me and pushed me, and when I crossed the finish, that sense of pride never left me! Yea I finished almost last, but it was the fact that I finally did something and didn't quit, and that I wasn't the best at it but it was ok! And from that day on, each mile I've run has made me a better person, I'm more confident, I've learned to be proud of myself, and I know that when I do the things I set my mind to, I really can accomplish anything! And I know that every mile that lies ahead of me will make me stronger and better than the last! 

#MilesChangeYou entry!

While I didn't win the contest, I did win a t-shirt! And we had an awesome group run to some Missy Elliot, Aaliyah, and other old school jams. When we got back to the running store we were treated with beer, gluten free cookies, and raffle prizes!! It was such an awesome run, I wish I could've stuck around for some food after, but I found some pretty amazing pizza for the train ride home! I'm a sucker for a thin, crunchy, cheesy slice, and Hoboken now may have one of my faves! Hope I can make it to next weeks Cinco De Mayo themed run hosted by Hoka! 

The Casual Tuesdays Runners

Who doesn't love a post run beer?

Mizuno tee I won! :)

Pizza so good, I took a bite, then a pic! 

Anyways til next time, stay classy, not trashy! Xoxo ;) 

Sunday, Sunday

Happy Sunday! Today was just awesome!! Yesterday I never got to my long run, got held up cleaning my apartment, and watching the Subway Series! So instead I did two workouts from the 21 day fix series. 

This morning I ran in the NYRR Run As One 4m race, and because I didn't do my long run yesterday I decided to run 5 more miles afterwards. It was really a gorgeous day outside, the sun was out, it was breezy and cool, the perfect spring morning! 

I left my house so early and still managed to make it to the race almost late! Thanks to all the delays from the MTA, I was practically running to race central, and rushing to get my bib and head to baggage. I got my bib and shirt, but the geniuses behind NYRR had the clear bags outside race central! It was a mass of crowds, and the corrals were closing in 3 minutes, so I didn't wanna risk being too far back in the crowd, so I didn't check anything in and was stuck wearing two extra layers, my light running jacket and race tee. 

Then the lovely Heather, found me in the corrals, and asked if she could run with me, which was totally fine with me! Heather, is an amazing runner, who is also 6 months pregnant (yes, still running!), but she's very motivating to run with, and I knew I could pace with her pretty well!

The race felt pretty crowded most of the way, but Heather and I weaved in and out of them with no issues, and ran pretty in sync!! We finished in 44:00, which was pretty awesome for a hilly 4 miles! After the race I grabbed an apple, some water, and chatted with a few teammates before heading back to Queens for 5 more miles to complete my long run.  

It's funny but those miles brought me back to marathon training, because the last time I had run the bridge back into Queens, I was running my long runs in the summer over the bridge, for practice with the incline! This time it was for the Brooklyn Half, and when I felt tired, I remembered how much harder it was for the longer marathon training runs, and knew I could do it! It was tough but my legs pushed thru it, and I decided to finish my run by the East River in Long Island City. The views there motivated me to the end of my run, they were worth the aches I was feeling! 

I'm beginning to feel strong again, this winter really messed with my fitness, and training. But in recent weeks I've been focusing on my diet more, and getting other workouts besides running in the mix! I really want to do well in Brooklyn with Amy and Heather, but I really want my legs to be strong enough for the WTC stair climb, that's making me nervous, but I know that's mental, bc physically I know I can do the climb! I even saw the Freedom Tower during in my run today and felt excited that I would be doing the climb in just 3 weeks! 

Anyway, not much going on this week, besides spin class on Friday night, and maybe a run on Tuesday in Hoboken, so I'll try to write posts about that! 

Til next time! ✌🏻

Today is a New Day

On Saturday, May 17th, I ran in the Brooklyn Half Marathon. It was my 9th half, and only my second time running Brooklyn. The course is pretty amazing, starting from the Brooklyn Museum, to Prospect Park, and then down Ocean Parkway to a finish, on the boardwalk of Coney Island. It’s pretty spectacular, the spectators are awesome, and the energy of Brooklyn pride can be felt all over! 

I went into this race, telling myself to only have fun, and that I wasn’t going for a new personal best. I ran the NYC Half in March, and the women’s half last month in Central Park, and all the training was beginning to take a mental toll on me. My mind needs a running break every once in awhile! 

I started out easy, and I felt great, I was really excited to get to the finish! By the time I hit the 5k mark, I was 31:34 in, and that was about a minute ahead of my pace for the NYC Half, which I PR’d in. So I felt great, and kept pushing on in to Prospect Park. The park was the hardest part, it had all the elevation for the entire course, so I slowed down a bit but was still on pace to finish with a PR. Once I hit 7 miles, I thought I was on my way to a new PR! 

But then around mile 9, I started feeling my quads tightening up, so I took a few breaks to walk it out, but was determined to get my PR. I stopped at a few water stations, alternating between, water and gatorade, but the pain in my legs just wouldn’t let up. I went from a 10:30 pace, quickly to an 11:35 pace, and slowly felt myself being defeated, by the pain in my quads. I pushed through mile 10 and 11, and let go of my PR, and decided then I just wanted to finish strong. Mile 12 the cramps became excruciating and terribly uncomfortable, but the boardwalk was just ahead of us, and there was no stopping me! Then with 800 meters to go, it was just pure pain. I had to stop, I thought if I didn’t stop, my legs were going to give out, and I’d just collapse. I walked through the pain, and I knew it could be seen on my face, because the spectators helped push me through it! Their cheering, and kind words of support made me force a smile and run the last few hundred meters! 

I felt so many emotions once I crossed the finish line. I first felt disappointed because I lost the chance to PR when I was so close! Then of course I felt pain! But when I looked at my time of 2:26:24, I realized that it wasn’t my worst half time. It was a minute better than my half last month, and I overcame the defeat my body felt! I was suddenly so proud of myself, because I chose to continue, and not give up! And sometimes that’s the hardest thing to be able to do! After trying to figure out what went wrong, and talking to a nurse, I’m most certain I took in too much potassium, I don’t usually drink gatorade, but because it was a warm day, I wanted to stay hydrated, and with that on top of my fuel packs, and the banana I had before the race, the potassium was too much at once and caused the cramps! Go figure! 

So today I walk away from this half, proud as ever, because I could’ve easily gave up and walked to the finish, completely defeated, but I ran with a smile on my face, and got half number 9 under my belt! 

Til July 1st, my goal is to stay on track, and on point with Weight Watchers, stick to short runs, focus on cross training, and strength training, so we’re ready to take on marathon training! 

Today is a new day! :) 

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.