Concert Reviews

The following concerts are due for reviews: Marina and Diamonds Dec 2012 -------------------- Paloma Faith Nov 2012 ------------------- Ellie Goulding Oct 2012 ---------------------- Paloma Faith Sept 2012 --------------------- Madonna Sept 2012 --------------------- Alanis Moriessette Aug 2012 --------------------------- Marina and Diamonds Aug 2012 ---------------------------- Linkin Park August 2012 ----------------------- Marina and Diamonds July 2012 --------------------------- Scissor Sisters July 2012 ------------------------ Florence and the Machine May 2012 ----------------------------- Charli XCX March 2012 --------------------- Zola Jesus Feb 2012 -------------------- Evanescence Nov 2011 ------------------------ Ellie Goulding July 2011 -------------------------- Florence Central Park June 2011 --------------------------- Marina and Diamonds Asbury/NY June 2011 --------------------------------------- Adele Phili May 2011 --------------------------------- Bruno Mars May 2011 ------------------------- Kylie May 2011 -------------------- Ellie Goulding March 2011 -------------------------- Scissor Sisters Montclair Feb 2011 ---------------------------------- Robyn Phili Feb 2011 ---------------------- Linkin Park Phili Feb 2011 --------------------------- Robyn Nov 2011 ------------------ Florence Dec 2010 --------------------- Florence Nov 2010

HIKING!!

Going to share some of my fav hiking moments of 2012>>> Sam's Point Preserve, NY Nov 2012

Black Star Canyon, CA Oct 2012

Niagara Falls, OCT

In VT in August

Yosemite National Park CA, July

NH June

Old Rag Mountain Virgina MAY

Big Sur, CA APRIL

This is for Baby Sol and Paloma Faith: Words of Motivation

I decided to write this up as it has a lot to do with sports psychology (what I plan to get my masters in) and the transformations of those I have coached who disliked running and exercise. As much of a runner, coach, and trainer that I am now, I didn't always like running either. The secret I have found to actually love "Exercise" isn't to think of it as exercise. Everything in life is all about the mind set, if you can trick your mind to think you aren't exercising but in fact, "training" then it will become automatic and believe it or not, you will actually start loving it. I think when you have an event/s on your calendar to look forward to, you can constantly be motivated because you know you have to be in peak condition at all time for those events or for your career.

In Paloma's example, I read an article that she runs to keep up her cardio when she performs on stage; but she dislikes it. I think that is a great way to look at it because you are doing it for who you ARE and what you love best: performing and singing. I think when you look at things differently and change your perspective, it changes the way you think and feel about certain things esp in your attitudes. I don't think Paloma has found the "runners high" because she hasn't "trained" for a race. I am telling you, it is possible!!!

Running is often looked at in sports as punishment which is why I never fell for "team" sports, I always liked the individually of running, cycling, swimming, and even dancing. I was my own entity and the competition became not just with others, but against myself and my own abilities and how far I could push them. That is when I ran track; track gave me this release that when that gun went off it was like this adrenaline rush; and similar to singing, when you practice and you get to the event, you execute a successful outcome. I started racing triathlons 8 years ago as well and fell in love; to me its one big obstacle; one big ride of swimming, biking, and running training and then all on one race. I have raced over 10 half ironmans and one Ironman. For those of you who have never heard of an Ironman a half is a 1.2 mi swim, 56 mi bike, and 13 mi run and a full is a 2.4 mi swim, 112 mi bike, and a 26 mi run. I do it because I love to see the world from different perspectives, test myself and my own limits on how much I can push myself to endure and to get faster to become a pro. I have qualified for national and world championship races and I hope to go watch the next Olympics :)

Something that is a fun idea that has helped motivate every single person I've ever coached is using exercise as "training" and sign up for some kind of "Race." You HAVE to check out the "Electric run" guys (could be a GREAT idea for you to merge with and maybe do some outdoor shows tied to this event as a draws LARGE crowds) and even participate in the race yourselves. www.electricrun.com All my life I have been SUPER passionate about MUSIC, SINGERS and SONGWRITERS, and LIVE CONCERTS. I have been to SO many and have several reviews up on this blog. (which I have to update but am starting a separate blog for reference of a potential career in the biz with all my concert reviews. Music has motivated me SO much and when I see the artists that motivate me through there lyrics that they write and their voice live, it is a motivational reinforcement that pushes me in my training to get faster and to ultimate win my events to rank to race in world champ events as I work out to music. (See one voice can carry someone far)On a side note, I really would LOVE to somehow "get my foot" in the door in the music industry and have been wanting to for years; but I guess from having a track background I was interested in motivating others through fitness. I still intend to coach on the side but I am ready to get my masters but also join forces with the music industry. My goal is to share my talents and merge them with my passions.

Regarding the smoking, anyone that is born w that gifted of a voice is purely amazing. What I was going to say was if you find a nitch or something that will wean you off smoking you won't feel the full affects later in life. I want to hear your voice shine for years, but you don't want smoking to mess with it either! I want you to try to see if this works>>> I trained a women not long ago who drank and smoke a lot and she couldn't find a way to quit, she never experienced the feeling of "pushing" herself before, she never felt any physical challenge till she met me. I worked with her for 3 months on end and she RLY disliked running, but when she saw herself right before her eyes actually "become" a runner and internally and externally mentally and physically feel better and reach her goals, she fell in love with it.

Just like dancing, long ago I was too shy to dance, then all my frinds brought me clubbing in college and one day I saw how much fun it was and I realized that if I could use all my energy I had bottled up inside than I would FEEL better if I used dancing as an outlet or release. To that day, I LOVE dancing and I am full of energy when I go to events. The last thing I wanted to say is never take for granted what you have esp your voice, take care of your voice, I hope you take this message with you because I think people who can really sing have so much talent but cigs in the long end will impede on that! Don't let that happen, because regardless of how much you love it, you love your voice more and running! ;) btw HIKING is the greatest thing ever too... on my spare time I google areas in which I've never explored and that brings wonderment and adventure. My life is a CONSTANT adventure and I am just living it! :) Thanks for reading!!!

Next 6 Months

I dont know the breakdown in the wkds yet-- BUT I will list the plans I know already-- Dec 2012 NYE Celebrations--- Dec 28 DAVID GUETTA DEC 30 KASKADE DEC 31 AFROJACK Jan 25th Ellie Goulding Phili Jan 26th Thomas Gold Roseland Jan 27th Feb 1 Feb 2 Feb 3 Panama 70.3 Feb 4 Feb 28 Swedish House Mafia Roseland March 1 SHM MSG March 2 March 7 Brooke tent track race March 8 Swedish House Mafia LA March 9 San diego half marathon March 15 UMF March 16 UMF March 17 UMF March 18 UMF April 19 San Diego April 20 San Diego ITU Sprint/Brook track meet pm April 21 San Diego May 3 ST C May 4 ST C May 5 ST C May 6 ST C June 8-June 17 Brazil, Bolivia, Equador

Now and 2013

Its been a VERY long time since I've updated mostly because of timing and the fact that I always seem to make my password too difficult to remember. Its funny looking back at past entries between my goals in my travels for this year, but also my athletic goals which is really what this blog is all about.I have reached many but there are unfort some I didn't reach at all such as getting my half marathon time as low as I wanted to (I did break it though!) and most of all not finishing this yr off w a 5:15 or better in a half ironman. Of course what really made up for the mishaps that I didn't accomplish is the fact that I surpased my goal of 35 mins in swim and ended season in a 30! Its funny as far as plan wise how much I actually did do this yr>> starting out w Niagara falls w the Pittsburgh trip; something I've been wanting to do for YRS to see that lockport cave which was SUPER cheezy but I knew it was gonna be more theatrical then an actual in your face haunt although the scariest part for me was navagating my way through an actual cave in the pitch black without falling into the mote lol... Then a totally unplanned surprise to fly out to socal and FINALLY reestablish my ties w Brooke and Denise. I was SO happy about how that weekend went words couldn't explain. I made every wish on every star that Brooke would come back into my life and I back in hers. I have learned so much from the unfortunate distance we grew into in the last or past 3 yrs I should say. I am kind of doing a year in review now and might have to save the "now" for a separate post of my weekly tent plans and actually look back on this and see that I accomplished everything I had set out on doing... Spent wkd out in Poconos w Amanda and Rudy; that was fun but I didnt break my time-- I think I put way too much pressure on myself on non pr races and courses to break my time... I tied my exact time that I raced in Vineman 2 months later.. which isnt bad considering the poconos run was the worst I've EVER done. If the mooseman had the worst bike by far, def poconos takes the award for worst run... FYI not doing that one again. Funny cause out of the 11 half ironmans I've done, only 4 are worth of doing twice--- 1. TImberman in NH bc I pred and course was pefect 2. vineman for same reasons 3. St C bc... and 4. Oceanside once I fin make that move to socal... So to name my top athletic goals of 2013: 1. PR in Half Ironman which means 5:15 or better!! break down SUB 30 in Swim! 245 or better on bike (2 mins away and will def blow this out in panama w flat c) 145 or better in run which in panama w flat course and not extreme temp should work 2. PR in Half Marathon think the SD half should be a good goal of doing as such flat course etc... 1:35!! 3. Place top 5 AG in age group nationals 4. Hawaii 5. Win every local race 1st f overall! and break some tapes!

In review Mooseman 70.3

I had initially gone into this race with extremely high hopes of PRing; I heard a lot about this race; harder than Timberman where I PRed in August if last yr, but not the hardest half Ironman EVER... and as a matter of fact, it just was the hardest as far as the climbs in the bike... It rained the ENTIRE wkd which I also didnt expect at all and the way I packed wasn't for a monsoon rainforest, it was for the tropics. ummm yea what was I seriously thinking?? So I went from pumped to nervous about this race esp for the bike course... only at this point my biggest fear was losing control in the pouring anticipated rain (which ult held up) The swim, regarding some positive news was FLAWLESS. It brings tears to my eyes even while writing this that it took me 8 yrs, to really shave a substantial amount of time off my swim... I will now break each down in detail of how I felt, what I did, (or didnt do) and what I liked/disliked about this race-- The Swim: I went out with a hard effort; this time instead of having that fear of starting close to the boeys where I always start wide (which ult leaves me drifting off course and away from the pack which makes me even slower) I decided to be brave this time around just because I felt SO much stronger than ever. What I did was def the right decision; although I was faced with more narrow turns etc; the entire swim was so spread out, it really didn't make a difference. I then proceeded to recall how hard i was 'pulling' the entire time to swim my 1:10 in cozumel... I didn't let up once, even when the fatigue set in, because at the end of the day, there is no greater feeling to know that I FINALLY reached my goal... The last aspect I think that majorly impacted my swim time to be quick is the fact that I changed up my breathing...It takes more energy breathing constantly on one side then changing it up with both sides and adding strokes in btw. It also allows me to gain more of a distance in a quicker amt of time by using this stratgey :) The bike- Not too much about this as I am running out the door from work but it was the worst bike course in my triathlon career; total disaster my back spasmed nough said, The run- I was SO burned both mentally and physically from the bike I kinda said screw it for the first loop of the run; however, I had way too much in me for the last loop of the run; it was kinda redic how much i was flying the last couple miles of the run.. :) Although overall my time was crap, nothing can replace how happy I felt from finally reaching my 8 yr goal of surpassing 40 mins in the swim... and finishing strong in the run... NXT Vineman!! TBC.....

Big Sur Big Update

Hey all, 1st and for-most, its been a while since I've last updated; and thats because there's been a lot going on... Trying to balance work, bio classes for grad school, coaching, and my own training has been HUGE. Plus going to PT for my shoulder for 2 months all through out march/april has also taken up a great deal of my time. However, I am thankful for every second of it as its helped my shoulder tremendously. I 1st heard about the Big Sur race through a friend who has raced the full marathon a few yrs back. I raced on the PCH with a triathlon last yr and had an amazing exp so I decided way back last yr to do the race. Only that the marathon was already sold-out so I signed up for the 21 miler. Due to the fact that I didnt antisipate to be racing 3 wkds in a row, I didnt 'race' it and took the 1st half of the 21 miles easy, and decided to practice 'negative splitting' my time and ran the last half close to race pace and felt pretty good. I passed a lot of people who passed me in the beginning which is amazing how much I can pick up the pace. I decided to use a camera the entire course to capture each moment of running on the PCH for 21 miles; I faced all different types of terrians and parts to run in with heat, wind, and utter perfection; I really enjoyed this race and plan to eventually come back and run the full marathon one yr. It wasn't as hilly as I expected; just in 1 part which was referred to as 'hurricane point' which I got through as I was trained well ;) The fact the I didnt do any 3 hr runs obvi didnt affect me at all as coaching several clients and running 3x a day certainly helped my endurance lol... The race prior was the Asbury Half that I went out way to fast bc I was too antsy to break 140 and drop my time by ten mins... just wasnt happening; need mile markers and a pace group... I ran 140.... I WILL do it this wkd, I KNOW I can as Amanda Messinger of whom I beat in Cancun 70.3 is equal in strength and speed as I am and we are built the same. If she can do it, so can I and I will never have that thought leave my head as painful as it may be, this is it, its my last chance to hit my goal before my 1st 70.3 in just 4 weeks in NH! The nxt 4 weeks rly 5 if you count this was are gonna be insane... looking fwd to a break in June post 70.3.... and some GRE time as I just want to friggin take this damn test and get it over w... they pushed it back on me time... but its for a reason, so not rdy to take it at the end of may.... Finished Bio classes just in time last week and have my 2 finals on Monday which I intend on studying for this wkd... I usually dont like to race this much consecutively as that is how I hurt my knees in 08'.... But I am not to worried as this is the last 'long distance' open running event for a while... The following wkd I am running the rumson 5k complete w a track finish which I'm uber pumped for, then its the 2 double header sprint tris... then I am off to visit rachel in VT (which I've never been to before that I'm def lookin fwd to) and then driving to NH w my mom tent.... as she hasnt been to a big race w me since RI in 10' ? I hope this will be the wkd when I finish a race and smile satisfied as its been a rlyyy long time since that happened... prob TM 70.3... We shall see how it goes; I am gonna be making $$ nxt few weeks as I have the 2 tri clinics I am 'teaching' too... that hopefully will have an ok turnout as 'marketing' ahem isnt backing me as I would like... After I take the GRES I am going to start contacting the schools I want to apply to and see if I can set up an interview for late this yr or early next yr... would be cool to race in the area and then do an interview so I fly to socal for a variety of reasons... I didnt workout today as I am still jet legged and caught a slight cold that I hope to get rid of by race day sunday... I am feeling better and less tired already; we shall see how it goes... to be continued...

That Rainbow

"It took 2 yrs to accomplish this moment but the moment the day came and I saw that rainbow, it became a reality"

April Update

Its been a long time since I've blogged and that's because my life has been totally INsane.... When I first started these Bio classes which are just the beginning of the long journey I've been in since last fall to get into grad school for physical therapy... I though eh, Bio no big deal; after all I have my BS in exercise sci... I was wrong... CRAP load of work; so much work that I had to push the GRES back to late may and they ended up pushing them back again without my authorization which kinda pissed me off and moved them to June 1.... Only June 1 I will be driving to NH for my 1st Half Ironman of the season that I hope to PR in let alone, Seana's bday... HAVE to call them nxt week... bc I dont want to go through the ENTIRE summer knowing I have to study for them.. end of June thats it!

Speaking of Seana, and the entire running flyer ordeal, I hope you're not upset with me! I still adore you even though we don't speak and I cant contact you like I used to which make me sad; but hopefully we shall be talkative sometime in the future....and not where its difficult to even say hi to each other...bc I really do miss what we had last fall, bc I was SO happy to have coached you and happy that I was able to talk to you and give you the advice you needed to make you better. Despite the fact that I was 'too much,' I was too much because I liked you. I just wanted you to know that you have become my ultimate motivation to succeed and do well, simply because I lost what we had which pushes me even more to be better. That one day down the line you will come to my race and just by being there, it will push me to win and break the tape. Sometimes you really don't know how much of an impact you make on someone...

I am 3 weeks away from finishing bio then its the dreaded chem/physics in the fall... This is prob the worst wkd to be blogging and to have VITAL workout/s for my half and Big sur marathon race bc I have SO much crap to do that I should of done more when I was off from classes... Its just everything at once.. then again I did better on the 1st test when I studied in 2 days vs a week... I have NO idea how thats possible lol. So after ringing in my 26th bday, I am all back to business.

I ran into the infamous Bryan scotland at the track on Thursday who I envied while in hs. I was at the track for hrs for my 'bday workout' only that I did some HARDcore sprinting which ultimate pulled the crap outta my calfs, a pull I haven't done since I wore spikes in a workout at MC.... wtf. So its noon, I didn't start studying and I am still trying to debate a boardwalk 90 -2 hr run vs a ride today... If I run I'm JUST running and then swimming... I hope my legs don't kill me but I'm gonna try to ice my calf's before I head out. Going to add in that from 8 yrs of breathing from 1 side, post IM I screwed up my shoulder to a point where it became unbearable... locking/popping.. PT for over a month has def helped me and made me learn even more about my future career. I am grateful for that factor and the factor that has forced me for the sake of my shoulder to start breathing out of both sides so all the stress doesn't go towards my R shoulder. I am doing much better and trying to push to make it to the pool 3-4x a week... which has seriously helped me become fast for IM... Its just been tough trying to fit it in w these classes; but I just have 6 quality weeks till the half so must hurry and get to it!!

The reason this wkd is so vital is bc nxt wkd is basically the wkd before my 1st half marathon --actual race of the season.. that I am hoping to PR in. So I'm not going to do anymore LONG runs from here on out other than 90 mins which is just not ness esp for training for a half ironman. (too much volume leads me injured...) I had planned 1 (3) hr run via big sur, but screw it 3 hr runs make me nuts and im toasted for 3 days... just not worth it... Plus my strategy is to go hard in the half and easy in BS and just do it for fun. Plus I'm sup to meet up w Brice, split the hotel and have some adventures... (as much as I can fit in, in the 4 days I'm out there... lol)

I have plans the nxt (8) weeks... kinda scary.... nxt wkd I am meeting up w my friend Chelsea, fellow personal trainer/fig model cant wait! We are going to that truck stop party (take 2) ....I am also working at 30H... which means seeing Seana again....I also reg for fall classes and made up 4 versions of a schedule for the fall so hopefully I will be able to get into at least 1 of the versions... Nxt week should be a better training week as far as intensity as I don't have tests to worry about and it seems like I am compiling both lab presentations mid-week... following wkd is the half; I am trying to convince steph to come... if that actually happens it will be a miracle...It only took 2 yrs to come to her apt and 2 yrs to get seana up and moving... anythings possible I guess... I am hoping to work an es shift on Friday, however its prob not the BEST idea unless its an early-mid morn shift bc I will not close when I have a half early the nxt morn... dinner can make or break my race.. so Can what I eat the entire day.. I felt STRONG in the fall for the shades of death race and SO glad I did it, despite my bladder issues in which I coulda broken 140 w my fitness.. I have NO doubt in my mind I will do EXTREMELY well...


Then I am off to California w brice which I'm super pumped about... its helping me out a lot that hes splitting it but I am prepared to have extra cash just in case... I cant wait to finally hit up the Hearst castle and Winchester house plus do some outdoor trekking... Following wkd I am sup to go visit rob arpin in ct, we always have a lot to say and its been fvr plus I want to see dev perform out there on a fri which is easier w work so I can stay at his place... Following wkd I'm planning to run a 5k in redbank and stay at dougs again... the nxt day I gotta get up early to get my ass in line for florence's GA only concert in AC... which I'm sure carina and diana will both join me super early as well... Then I am in Virginia (funny bc I prob was driving to PB to visit crystal around the same time last yr) So I guess May would be my "long driving" month... lol... Soooo memorial day wkd in Virginia beach and then I am off to NH for my 1st half of the season.. crazy huh?

I think the most special thing about this summers plans/adventures is I am trying to get as many friends involved as I can because it just makes it a lot more fun. I'd like to thank my sponsor PowerBar for giving me my nutrition needs and to-be team uniform; def helps me!! I am going to be starting a bootcamp directly after work to help even more people and for extra cash, so if all goes well, should help me a lot.

Thats about all, just want to finish these bio classes strong, have a fab summer and make sure I have enough money for each trip saved... esp w the xciting news that YOSEMITE after VINEMAN is actually a reality thanks to Mindy. Man, things SERIOUSLY happen for a reason, I met Mindy through her father! how crazy is that?! Seana, I hope you come around again, I am sorry for everything thats made you not speak to me, bc I will say it again, I miss you and find it difficult that I can't speak to you anymore, but hopefully doing the CC we shall regroup. #June

13 weeks

For all those who want to see/read what I'm gonna be up to these nxt 10-13 weeks, see below. I am glad that my Jans been so dull and uneventful; in a sense to prepare me for all these upcoming events ! :D

Wkd of: #1

Fri Feb 3-

*OT 9-5 30H

*Woman in Black Movie w KP

*Haunted House (Timesscare nyc)

Sat Feb 4-

*David Guetta AC Borgotta w Tara!

Sun Feb 5-

*Super Bowl AC! Madonna + Kelly Clarkson performing!

Wkd of: #2

Fri Feb 10

*Hopeful OT Study day

Sat Feb 11-

*Boardwalk 5k

*JSRC Party + friends

Sun Feb 12-

*Grammy Awards #4 weeks GRES

Wkd of: #3

TR Feb 16-
*Benny Bennassi @ Lavo NYC

Fri Feb 17-

*Other Lives nyc concert @Bowery BR

Sat Feb 18-

*Zola Jesus nyc concert @ Webster Hall

Sun Feb 19-

*Study day/Last time to go Tubing! #3 weeks GRES

Wkd of- #4

Fri Feb 24-

*OT 7am-4pm @30H

*Gone Movie w K

*Work Party

Sat Feb 25-

*Study Day- 2 weeks till GRES

Sun Feb 26-

*Study Day- 2 weeks till GRES

Wkd of: #5

TR March 1- Malibu Tri Reg opens

Fri March 2- *Study Day GRES nxt Fri!/BIO

Sat March 3- *Study Day GRES 1 week/BIO

Sun March 4-*Study Day GRES 1 week/BIO

Wkd of: #6

Fri March 9-

*GRE Test then VT for Rach Wig wkd!

Sat March 10- #7

*VT Rachs/training/hanging

Sun March 11- #8

*VT Rach Training/Old Rag Hike! 7 weeks BIG sur/10 weeks M.M

Wkd of: #9

Fri March 16- *OT?

Sat March 17- *SHTC Party

Sun March 18-*Train down shore-6 weeks BIG Sur/9 weeks M.M

Wkd of: #10

Fri March 23 *MIA UMF

Sat March 24 *MIA UMF

Sun March 25 *MIA UMF

Wk of: #11

*Mon March 26 + Tues March 27th Madonnas album MDNA DROPS!!*

Wkd of: #12

Fri March 30th

*Intruder Movie

*MJ Immortal Cirque de Sol

Sat March 31st *Train down shore

Sun April 1-

*Train down shore 4 weeks BS/7 weeks M.M

Wkd of: #13

TR April 5- *MY 26th Bday! Class then Niagara Falls?

Fri April 6- *Bday wkd-Niagara Falls

Sat April 7- *Paul Oakenfold @ Whisper Phili!

Sun April 8- *Train 6 weeks MM ride down shore OR 9W!

.

SDSU

Brazil 2013

In the planning stages of a trip I've been wanting to take my entire life :) #Brazil 2013.. TBC....

Depths of my eyes

We sit and watch umbrellas fly
I'm trying to keep my newspaper dry
I hear myself say,
"My boat's leaving now"
...so we shake hands and cry
Now I must wave goodbye
Wave goodbye

You know
I don't want to cry again
Don't want to cry again
I don't want to say goodbye
Don't wanna cry again
I don't wanna run away
I don't want to race this pain
I'll never see your face again

Oh but how
How can you say
That I didn't try...
You see things in the depths of my eyes
That my love's run dry
No...

We leave to their goodbyes
I've come to depend on the look in
their eyes
My blood's sweet for pain
The wind and the rain bring back
words of a song
And they say wave goodbye
Wave goodbye

You know
I don't want to fall again
I don't wanna know this pain
I don't want another friend
I don't wanna try again
Don't want to see you hurt
Don't let me see you hurt
I don't wanna cry again
I'll never see your face again

How can you say
That I didn't try
You know I did
You see things
in the depths of my eyes
That my love's run dry
(I don't wanna cry again...)

...So I read to myself
A chance of a lifetime to see new horizons
On the front page
A black and white picture of
Manhattan Skyline

Coaching Results

Seana Lawrence-


Goal 5k
Date: Oct 29 2011
Time-27:51
Pace 9 min mile

Accomplishments/Outcome
Successfully completed a 5k in a 9 min mile having come from no running background and has developed a strong love for running every since. Has lost up to 15lbs to date, is stronger, leaner, faster, and fitter then she's ever been in her life.

By working with Seana starting in September 2011, I not only helped her achieve her goal of running a 5k, I helped her make a lifestyle change and develop a love for running. When I first started working with Seana, she asked me how I actually enjoyed running; I had told her that when I think of running as a "training tool," to use for races, I am motivated to keep at it and make it a part of my life. The first two-three weeks of our program consisted of a walk-run and as Seana built up her endurance and became less 'sore' she was able to start running for longer IE 15-20 minutes and walk less frequently. By the end of September, I started seeing drastic changes in Seana such as physically more lean, more energetic, and happier with the results each session. By the time she completed the race, she had lost a total of 10+lbs.

Seana and I trained on the treadmill and outside on runs and sometimes on a track which helped her with her speed. We also cross-trained by doing a lot of upper body strengthening as well as core and boot camp style workouts which she also enjoyed and it was a good source of motivation. I am happy to look at this entire journey as not only a trainer, but as a running coach. I am proud to be the head of the running club at 200 West and add this entire experience to my accomplishments as a running specialist to know how much of a difference I can make in someone's life and make it a lifestyle change.

Some of the most memorable workouts are when we trained in Jersey city and I had her sprint in the last five minutes and seeing for the first month she would tire out at the 20-25 minute mark and by first part of October she would feel amazing at 30 minutes. Soon enough, Seana built up her endurance and she would "want to keep going" once she gained enough endurance to run for 40 minutes. One of the best things I heard her say over the course of the training was when she told me that she wanted to just "see how long she can last and run for" which is when I knew she truly loved what she was doing who was my ultimate goal for her to find this within herself. Coming from someone who never understood how one can develop a love for running to now loving running, is truly amazing. I will never forget this entire experience and up to date.

2011 in review

Every year I do a 'year in review' write up + I'm gonna start it now. Just to sum up; this has been a pretty a-mazing year in several ways. Between the traveling, the new friends I have met along the way, the new and exciting experiences I have encountered, and more, I learned more about myself as an athlete than I ever have learned in my life. I have inspired many and some that I’ve been trying to inspire for yrs finally reached out to me, which became one of my highlights of the year. I am here to tell my story of 2011 of the highlights and overviews of each month, what I learned, what I gained, and what brought me to where I am today, and more so, who I am today in this current moment.


January 2011

To kick off Jan 2011, I FINALLY bought my racing bike after working the ENTIRE Dec 2011 OT at 30h... it was either pay my 3g bill or racing bike... been wanting a racing bike for 7 friggin yrs!! which is why to this day, I am STILL behind on my cc!! uh. Also kicked off w an outstanding NYD party w Yinon yahel, the ONLY time I saw Yinon this yr as all the other times he was in nyc I was away....
Like every Jan has been for me, it usually is uneventful; not this Jan, I went to see several winter concerts which kept me motivated, however ended up being too much; esp too much in the freezing cold. I also injured my knee from doing too much repetitive high intensity treadmill intervals in between all the snow storms we had. I injured it too a point where I had to take almost all of Jan/Feb off of running and got an MRI… The MRI came back negative, at least it was relief that I didn’t tear anything, only the feeling of constantly feeling like my knee was ‘out of place’ was the worst feeling ever. Finally towards the end of Feb and tons of swimming sessions later, the pain subsided…

I also finished up several CEC for the NASM such as the NASM clinic, spin clinic, and trx clinic… Glad I got all of it done and out of the way in Jan… I also saw Linkin Park in concert in Phili and had to wait outside in the blistering cold for hours on end; however, with front row stage, it was so worth the pain and suffering. Now that I looked back at my calendar, it was the very end of Jan that I saw linkin park as I was trying to recall if it was jan/feb, it was the very last day of course and what a way to end Jan.

Also in Jan, had an unfort 'fall-out' with Brooke and Denise, and most upset about losing Brooke who is like my younger sister; but I might have taken things too far like I usually do w a lot of people in several ways, but if Brooke wants to ever get in touch me again in the future she will. Looking forward I did go to track race in April which I explained in the April summary. I also took a step back and looked at my own career ever since I met Monica last yr, who inspired me to pursue things even further. I wanted to become a DPT but didn't want to go through the hassle of the GREs and all the hard prereqs that I never took in undergrad so I went the 'lazy' route and applied to Essex cc which rly didn't work out after a stupid entrance test that I didn't study for... Why should I do a redundant program and then make less then I do now?! Plus live at home for another 2 yrs? NO thanks... Pure example that things work out for a reason.
February 2011

To kick the month off, I met up w Monica (finally) for the funniest lunch to date at 1 of my all time fav restaurants in the city (aja) and we lit hijacked the bar and became 'bartenders' for the day. I was at 1 of my 'fattest' moments in the pics as that was the time period where my knee was STILL injured and was taking off 2 months worth of running and although I was swimming, def wasn't swimming enough... I met up with Peg to see robyn in concert in phili; was fun but went to phili SO many times between Dec-Feb 2011 I was a little burnt out from going. This was the last time I hung out with Peg this yr… I also saw Robyn Way to many times in the past year so I was kinda tired of her lol. I also went to the two tri club/run club parties that Doug rice/bob both were hosting, that was fun but remember it being bitter cold out for them... I saw not only Robyn in Feb, I also saw the Scissor sisters play in montclair, a couple movies here and there and Tony Moran with Rob at Club 57 which was fun... that bas sums up Feb...

March 2011

What I remember about March is the Ellie Goulding concert and trying to prepare for my two half Ironman’s (Oceanside and St. Croix) in the bitter cold/harsh winter we had which was uber tough being the conditions to train for… I started biking outside again; we also had an extremely severe march as it was still bitter cold... Arland comped me for the "central park biathlon" and came in 2nd f overall... wasn't in shape at all due to my knee injury and was VERY ner going into such a race just getting back... but was fine, felt tightness a little. (was also my 1st race I did w my racing bike :) Highlights of march are seeing Ellie Goulding in concert for the 1st time funny enough Diana and Carina were there (the florence lovers) and Tiesto towards the end of the month....Following wkd (end of march) I left for Oceanside... see April for review...

April 2011

I def remember this month very clear; and boy did I do A LOT. I flew on a plane this month THREE friggin times!!! Both coming and going would make it six… friggin in-sanity!! Before I go into it, I wanted to add a very special thanks to ms. Steph Taylor for taking me out to the movies AND a resturant for my 25th bday to see the 1 and only INSIDUOUS which was SO friggin scary I almost jumped on her lap. lol I was in Oceanside the 1st wkd of April… didn’t really do much as most of the time it was consumed with the race. One of the highlights of the trip however was finally being able to drive around the San Diego area and explore la jolla, beach caves, Torrey pines park etc. The race was hard, cold tough, choppy swim conditions, an extremely hilly mountainous bike, and a flat run that I simply wasn’t ready for… Although I had my strongest 2nd half of race ever. (which rly came out of no where) I wasn’t happy at all with the results of the entire race and I was rly hard on myself because of that… However it was a very pretty/funny course and when I live in California I will prob attempt to do it again eventually..

Two weeks later (Easter wkd) I was off to California trip pt II which was dedicated to the fact that I told Brooke I was going to ‘surprise’ her at one of her track meets as I always inspired her to become a ‘runner’ (before we had our falling out) It ended up not being a surprise because I rly had to hint to her when I was coming to make sure she was actually running in the meet. Lol. Oddly enough, Aunt Joan and Catherine where out there at the exact same time as I was so I got to see everybody at once which was pretty fun. It also was cool because I got to explore Eaton canyon in Pasadena, check out and hike around waterfalls, explore beach caves down in Malibu, and just be plain adventurous. That trip was almost more fun then the trip 2 weeks prior bc everything didn’t circulate around 1 race. It was cool for once to be a spectator and feel inside my heart to see myself run there heart out made me cry underneath my sunglasses as I saw Brooke whip around that track and win AND PR in her track meet. I will never forget that moment and the big hug she gave me at the end. It was almost like saying thanks for everything and who I made her become of herself.

Another two weeks later I was off yet again to st. croix! LOL… yea, St C was a trip I had org had planned on taking in 2010, but since I started working for plus one in 2010 around the same time, I couldn't’t take off and leave and also didn’t have it together financially to go…I had that whole annoying ordeal with the plane not accepting my bike which was prob one of the most stressful situations I ever had to go through… but in the long run after spending 5 hrs in the airport, I had it fig out… Always, always when bringing a bike on a small plane, check before I take the trip!! Never ever assume anything!! St C was just beautiful, same as OS, course was redic hard and in my opinion esp st c is NOT made for a race.. It is simply too grueling to race and expect to do well.. Its seriously redic… All in all, the new friends I met, the food, drinks, atmosphere of being in an island, I wouldn’t of traded it for world. I LOVED that trip, simply amazing… I am still paying off the bills from all three trips… (nice) This is prob the last month I was able to use my CC too… All three trips were great ways to ring in my 25th birthday might I mention… LOL

May 2011

Went to LP w JG for a training camp which was below our level unfort so most of the training we did on our own. Was still a fun wkd trip tho bc I've never been to lp. We had good meals, good laughs, + good workout. + a shitty motel w flies (thx jg) 1 of the highlights is when we stopped at erykas house on way back home lol. Back to another concert month; kicked off with Adele in Phili and let me tell ya, one of the best, waited lit ALL friggin day for front row but to see the line wrap the block 5x I said HA! Front row standing against stage hearing adeles voice ring through me, I can’t even begin to understand what I felt. Oh btw I ended up getting a BAD sinus cold post April from all the flying I did so I was just fighting it off for this concert. Also, this same concert, I had plans to go meet up with Crystal all the way in friggin Pittsburgh. That same wkd, my childhood “Illuminarim” was in town which is what I’ve been trying to see since 97’! LOL I said I’m doing this, NO sleep or not. Scariest thing ever, I didn’t leave Phili till midnight, by the time I left that small “Electric Factory” lot where the concert was being hosted with the amt of pp leaving it was nuts and me starving desperate for anything at that point to eat for fuel to drive that far, that later at night. Letme tell ya, I seriously prac fell asleep at the wheel several friggin times and had to stop about 10x before I actually made it there in 1 piece after getting myself lost with a dead phone and navigator LOL. I was a COMPLETE mess….. I didn’t shower I just brought a change of clothes and to make matters even more NUTS and funny, after hanging with Crystal for day and dinner at night I left to make the drive home that same night in the pouring rain. I also had to stop at 10 diff rest stops to nap to have the energy to make it home. The trip was so worth it though, to finally make it to Pb, see crystal and go to the Illuminarm was so friggin cool. (despite the fact that we were surround by dozens of little kids lol)

A few days later, I saw Bruno Mars in concert; brilliant but too many pp, too many little kids, and too overrated… wasn’t too impressed.,.. Then I saw Kylie again with Paige and Justin (pretty sure that was May not June…) Kylies show, brilliant, more theatrical then the last time I saw her.


June 2011

Every June ends up becoming a BIG month. Knowing that my July was going to be totally uneventful + the only thing I had planned for aug was timberman I decided to make plans to the fullest. Jg + I started our training for tm (I've been rly training since jan bc of the other two halfs) + went riding in harriman which was fun. Then I encounter perhpaps the funniest moment of the entire year when I did my 1st ows in navsink + doug threw an 'after-party' bbq + invited everyone in creation including the phsyco russ or ross whatever his name is... Everyone got shit faced + it was SO funny, I happened to catch the entire thing on video. And finally the infamous 'Monica Sanchez' made an appearence which def made my month, this chick is SO funny I love being around her bc we both seem to get in some sort of trouble, only shes always too budy for me :( Last time we saw each other was in Feb for our infamous lunch in nyc when we hijacked the bar + became bartenders for the day lol. I guess that was my winter session w monica, + june was my spring, + later saw her 1 more time in august. I never got to see monica for the rest of the year unfort :( But in a sense, I treat our friendship like a diamond in the rough, when we do see each other its so rare + special, I cherish that moment to the fullest + lmfao bc God knows the nxt time...(Monica I met by chance in 1 of the ows in aug 2010 when she was training for cozumel. She is a long time elite runner turned triathlete + is a physical therapist)

Course the nxt morn I had a 2+ hour dr to poconos to do that silly warrior dash which btw I will never do any event like that again!! I was bugging Seana for months on whether she was going to do the “warrior dash” or not even after she signed up...which she ended up coping out of. Let me tell ya, even for me it was difficult… maybe bc I did each and every obstacle without cheating at a race pace… The after party was fun at Sean’s Pocono house… everyone got wasted… was pretty funny to see… However, when everyone gets to that point, its def my calling to leave!! LOL… I had to drive home in the pouring rain, was pretty bad. I also had an anxiety attack because I couldn’t find the car which was unmarked in an open mud-field w thousands of other cars..

Saw Marina again twice; once down shore + then in nyc. Was SO much fun!! When she was down the shore she played at an even lower stage so I was prac 'on top' of her, it was quite funny. That's when I went w sheri. We got to meet her after which was shers 1st time meeting her + my millionth time. In a sense I felt like carina + diana when they countiously meet florence lol. Speaking of florence, the following wkd I saw her perform in central park. Now other then seeing whitney houston not sing, the last time I saw a legit concert in central park was in 03? For kelly clarkson who was phe-nomincal. I was prepared to get there early (which I did) + met another girl who I always see at other florence shows + got in line w her. (Thx to my running skills, even the pp that were there overnight I 'ran' in front of to score front row when they finally opened the gates. For this show, diana was away, but carina won a backstage pass so she didn't have to wait on the line. The concert was friggin amazing def other then linkin park, marina,,ellie, and kylie, 1 of the higlights of the year. Like I didn't learn from the sinero in may when I saw adele in phili + drove over night w NO sleep to pittsburgh for 8 hrs, I then drove after the concert 4 hrs to friggin lake george lol. See, lg is a place like niagara I've been wantin to go to for-ever. So not knowing that in (jan?) When I was signing up for races that florence would put on a concert the night before, I signed up for a race on a sat in lg. It was a sprint dis + seemed like a blast.. When w a girl that I don't want to get into...+ we drove overnight on 1 ? Hour of sleep + I did the race + placed in my ag. Lol. Water was freezing but still had a strong race. Which suxed is that it poured in the race :( + we only intended to spend the day (which is retarded) in lake george due to the fact that nyc pride w offer was the nxt day.... (Which I will NEVER go to again w the crowdsd etc.) I am def seein offer play in mex nxt year...

So we didn't get to do anything bc of the rain so other than the race, it was kinda a waste. I was xhuasted for offer + just stayed for a few songs bc I couldn't take the crowds or druggies, was very very dissapointed esp since I haven't seen offer since 09/2010?

July 2011

Like I had mentioned, July was pretty much uneventful. I pretty much wanted + needed a break from all the traveling/flying I did in april + may + all the craziness + no/little sleep in june. So I re-focused even more in my tri training. Spent July 4th wkd w sev friends including jg + lea which was rlyyy rlyy fun! I rly started working on my running even more + my swims. I bummed up thew freq ie amt of days a week I swam to 4 + held the duration longer on some workoiuts to an hour... This might not have paid off for tm, but it def did for ironman cozumel + it showed. This was also the month that moria flipped out on me bc that asshole alan told me to 'keep going' + I got screamed at and blammed but everyone in creation ... I fell in love w open water swimming. :) this is also when I signed up for the ironman knowing that I didn't do so well in the 1st two of the year + I finally felt mentally rdy to gooo! what I do remember about July, I met Lea (who's cool as hell) + spent every single wkd + fris down the shore which was sweet. To end the month, saw ellie goulding again for the 2nd time in concert (was even crazier than 1st, but this time I wasn't flying to calfornia the nxt morn lol)

Aug 2011

This month was all about gettin any extra ot that I can get for money for NH, lake g labor day wkd, and california again. The 'cali again' trip was SOO last second as I was so backed up from xpenses from jan, when I bought my racing bike that I never caught up. My training was the same, the warm rides down the shore, ows etc. I started increasing my milage on the bike too. 1 of my highlights of the month a wkd? Before tm was when I went trail running w Justine then randomly met up with monica, (last time of year unfort) then randomly swam w brian shea. That was rlyyy fun!

Inbtw the above + tm, I received a random txt from Seana of (whom I haven't spoken to for months) if I can train her for a 5k. I thought I was halucinating; (lol)something I've been trying to accomplish for the past 2 yrs I've known her finally came true. Seana has always had it in her to become an athlete + pick herself up + start over. Aside from my motivation, she was right; she had to be mentally rdy to do it herself. This is one of my largest, most selflessness feats to date that I've made a person glow + become more beautiful because they have accomplished something that made them truly happier. That to me was perhaps one of my happiest moments all year. I know that in my heart I've helped her become a better version of herself and I am so grateful for the opportunity + her asking me to be her coach.

Then tm rolled around; the day before jaime got rearened to a pt where her trunk was smashed in so we had to rent this big ass car which legitly looked like a friggin bently but was a francy crysler! Lol. Took a while to get there but it went by pretty quick through telling stories, internet oin phone, food stops, phone calls, + music.. Our hotel was better then what we exp w lp via flies on bed lol... It was actually very nice! (Was called the lordhampshire) I was rly xcited for this trip as nh is a place I've been wanting to go to since the 1st + last time I was there in 5th grade at lois' lake house. The only disapointment about nh is that was spent so much time at expo doing other stuff, we 'ran' out of time to go exploring + I hate that. I was dying to dr up to northern nh and check out the caves/waterfalls parks they had. But its all good; planning to dr up there in June when I race mooseman. The night before our race we encounterred perhaps the strangest situation ever- 80 year old partiers down stairs below us blasting 60's music + smoking pot. JG storms downstairs in NO bra + uw + screams at them. (Funniest thing ever) she slept like a log, I didn't get much sleep at all)

Other than my swim (which peaked for the ironman) I had the strongest half ironman everrr) the conditions were perfect it was nice + cool + the bike/run course weren't too hilly at all. In fact the run course other than a couple rolling hills was mostly flat. I pred w a 528 (should of went 520) but close enough - couldn't of been happier. This was my 1st happy half of the year, my 1st legit big happy race of year, + 1st half since cancun 1 year later that I was satisfied w results. Jg didn't do so well unfot for reasons I won't go into. So this girl named Jess I met yrs ago at 1 of the city tris or a tri I can't recall; she ended up being on my fb the entire time not realizing, + she was at timeberman. We started tlking in transition after ther race + became rllly close/tight friends. Its funny when old friends come back to you in the strangest ways and you become closer yrs later. I am forever grateful for our friendship.

Sept 2011

Dropped the msu classes I org wanted to take as my fall was insane!
My Sept was just as crazy as April, May,+ June was bc of all the travel plans. Labor day wkd rolled around, + It was time to take my real legit lake george trip this time w Jess + eric. I couldn't of been more xcited for this. We stayed at a hotel right on the lake which was eh in the room but was at a perfect location. I had a hard time deciding on where we wanted to stay, but think we made the right decision. We also went for yet another triathlon which I bombed.... (Not enough sleep + too much rushing around, + not allowing enough time besides the fact that I forgot my water on run course) this race def knocked my ego down post tm but it was all good! I made it up a week later in california lol. Eric did really well, but Jess unfort couldn't race bc of plantar f. We did all kinda of fun activities + watersports, + ate at very good resturants. Was a BLASTTT!! :D

CA 1 week later was insanity; I barely at enough money for anything but still glad I came out. Saw Brooke again for her xc race (not sure why considering the fact that we weren't speaking) + was rlyyy awkward :( So I try to forget I even went to see her. The PCT was a blast racing on the pch was legit + felt very fast + strong. Placed in my ag too!! :) The pedals were being the biggest bitch ever but I learned in future that its wise to grease the threads... I had to keep driving back n forth to the friggin bike shop! Uh, but was so much fun I also got to see 1000 steps + end the wkd going inside a legit beach cave. Sept is also when I rly started chugging away w the volume for ironman cozumel. Bring on the 100mile rides, 3 hour runs, + 2 mi swims...I also had to balance my Ironman training w coaching Seana which took a lot of my time + energy bc this is something I wanted to do for a long long time. Our 1st session at the track I saw the biggest rainbow of my life, does that say something? #happiness on both our ends.

Oct 2011

This was a month of halloween craziness (of course) + more training/coaching seana for her 5k at the end of the month. Coaching her w her sis was quite the challenge as seana wanted this more + had xtra sessions bc I trained seana more. So I started training them sep amoung there own levels. I learned SO much from doing this + I'm fvr grateful from this entire exp. I went crazy w halloween stuff, went to md, pb, + the ususal pa places, was a blasssttt! Esp pb scariest haunted houses everrr will be sure I shall be back nxt year! Def won't forget the 'demon house' w lex + all the crazy shit that happened to us directly followin in hotel! Lol
Highlights of the month are DEF the shades of death half marathon which happened to be on an extremely rare 80'+ degree day lol. Pred w a 142 I shoulda + coulda broken 140 if my bladder wasn't giving me issues; but the course was great + def coming back nxt year.

I also wanted to add in that I had 3 unfortgetable weekends in Oct with friends; the wkd spent in Landcaster w Kathy and Elliott pumpkin picking, exploring, and haunted houses, the wkd in MD w the OPA crew, and the wkd w Lex in PB was UN-forgetable. Thank you SO much guys for making it SOOO much fun, also thanks to Eric and Jess for coming out on a VERY late night to a haunted house in mid- no-where PA and having a blast...! Thanks to Eric again for being a good sport and driving home lol...

Seanas race rolled around + she blew herself out of the water (literally) w how much better she did then she expected. Not only did she finish, she smashed her goal time and rab a suv 9min mile!! I was SO proud of her, the best feeling ever is to see not only her physical transformation of going from a walk -run to now run-race to her wole atttitude of not lovin running to being obsessed! We went to a bar after the race, and then was hit by a largest craziest snow storm evverrr. I didnt bring 'going out' clothes and felt like a slob as seana and meg changed completely into reg clothes... Seana then left to go to another bar for the rest of the day in a snow bliazzard leaving meg and I stranded for hrs and getting back home was a total nightmare that I wont even get into... Lets just say that everything was shut down when we attempted to go in/on it...Seana also finally understood why I asked her to come watch me race. Seana + I parted ways and she started training on her own after the race + Meg stopped completely unfort. Not everyones going to love running, but finding what motivates them to keep them going is key. I also wrote Mike Motta a letter for a sponsorship proposal, and he agreed to it to start in 2012... only time will tell if it actually happens...

On a side note, I want to thank Doug and Kathy for always hosting me at there house almost every wkd when I drove down the shore to train. Thanks to Doug for organizing all the swims and rides for me that I throughly enjoyed! Looking forward to the training nxt yr!!

Nov 2011

This was it, I was about to do an Ironman! I did 2more weeks of training then started tapering. Seana attempted to do TG run + hurt her leg prior when running on the tm + I feel horrible about entire thing... She ended up subsituding running w eliptical + still finding ways to push herself; but still she NEEDS to get this sorted out w a legit sports med dr so she can run again. I don't care if ur born w something, it needs to be fixed, esp to continue something u started and now love, u can't use that to stop you. U must get rid of the pain, + continue.
The Ironman was crazy, swim was fast, forgot bib # bc my mind was elsewhere bc I was so happy from swim... Bike was ok but stopped too many times to pee off bike + ran out of fluids... Pushed last hour of bike to beat more girls in ag but then got off bike + prac fainted... Spent 15+ mins in t2 used bathroom + was on my way. Suffered extreme dizziness on run + slowed my pace down o bas screwed me of my goal time... Its all good, I finished though but needed an iv... The stayed on opp end of island in a shitty hotel + spent SO much money constantly going back n forth into town was redic. But def an exp...

On a side note, I am truly grateful for the friendship of Shannon, Keith, Sue, Ang and gang in Cozumel. Without you guys my exp would of been totally different, I thank you guys again for having me over and helping me out. I also thank you for your friendship and the moments we shared together. Looking fwd to a future race that we can actually stay under the same roof together this time and have lots of memories together soon...!

Dec 2011

I would like to thanks the ENTIRE crew at both H+D PT and PA PT for allowing me to complete my 100 hr internship from Aug-Dec, I learned SO much!
I knew dec 2011 was gonna be lameo, working as much as I can, recovering from ironman, pulling hamstring on tm bc I didn't recover enough, + just maintaining my fitness. I brought in new year w Jess/Eric which was fun but we should of done something better + more planned out... Def nx year + now lookin fwd to all 2012 adventures!!

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