Running Technique and GORE-TEX photo shoot

I do not consider myself a runner. This past Monday and Tuesday I got booked to do a photo shoot for GORE-TEX in Rhode Island. When I talked to the photographer on the phone I asked "So, we are going to be getting some running shots?" he said "We are going to be getting ALL running shots". I have never done a shoot that was ALL running, so I was not sure how my body would respond.

Let's just say I am SO SORE. It is all in my calfs and my tibialis anterior (shins). It is not shin splints, it  just feels like tight muscles. I have been massaging myself and foam rolling,

We did some regular street running,

and we also did trail running.

The shoot was really focused on GORE shoes; Nike, Sauconmy, and Brooks. We got shots of wet, cold/dry and snowy terrain. (We had to spray down the deck to make it look wet, it was actually a beautiful sunny day!)

The snow was made from huge spools of cotton and then sprayed with water. People walking by thought it was real.

I also had to run though some watery mud with my Nike shoes to show how the GORE trail Nike shoes can really manage the outdoor elements.

This shoot made me really think about my running form, where I was landing and how I was holding my body. I started the shoot heel striking, which is fine and actually gets a great angle of the shoe for the camera. And then we switched to landing more on the mid area of my food. I had to really THINK about doing this as it did not come naturally. But as the shoot went on and by the second day it felt much easier!

Watch this short video on running form.

The photographer on the set,Trevor Brown, was really amazing. He knew how to catch my stride at the right time and he got really amazing shots. He never settled for "good". I also met one of the founders of "The Most Informal Running Club Ever", Alex. He was the male running model on the shoot! I learned about his running club and it seems awesome. So if you live in Boston, you have to check it out!

The pictures above were taken from iPhones. I will share the real picture when they come!

How is your running form? Do you have any advice? How do you land?

One of my favorite gift registry items

I always thought gift registries were weird  You tell people what you want them to get you and then you have to act surprised when you open the gift at your shower. I was/am so thankful for all the wonderful gifts and generosity my friends and family showed during my wedding shower. I did not think this would happen, but I actually DID get excited about the gifts I was opening, even though I knew I registered for them. This was one of my favorites.

I love the way the berries look in the ceramic colander, and it makes it so much easier to wash the berries and store them in the fridge. I also snack right out of the colander! So easy, cheap, and a great gift item. Highly recommended!

I finally got back on the YouTube video train. I was off for about a week because of Boston events that distracted me greatly. BUT back on track, and I made this awesome butt video for you :)  

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tt4c8m6SYys&w=560&h=315]

I will also be doing another bride arms video next week. You will need to get an elastic workout band. If you don't have one get one. It will be worth it! I would recommend getting the black.  You can also check your local sports store, or marshals.

Enjoy the beautiful sun and wear your SPF! 

What is your favorite gift ever? I want to hear!!!

Dance lessons for your wedding and a cool bachelorette idea

Being a dancer I wanted something special for my first dance. My camera man (AKA my fiance) and I are on two opposite sides of the spectrum when it comes to dancing. Our ballroom teacher and owner of Ballroom in Boston asked us to pick a number on a scale of 1-10 on how much we want our dance to be like "Dancing With The Stars". I said 10, camera man said 1. We met half way with a 5.

Some people like to wing their first dance and just feel the moment. I 100% repspect that. It can be a lot of pressure on a couple to perform a choreographed dance on top of all other things you need to worry about, but taking lessons can also relieve some of that pressure. If that makes sense?

My camera man and I took some group classes, and then started on private lessons. I think the lessons helped us connect on a different level. We had to work together in a way we never had. In the beginning I took control, too much control. It is the mans job to lead the dance, and I had a hard time letting him do that. I would pull him around like I was in control, he did not like this :) Now I let him lead, and he is SO GOOD! (YAY)

We took about 3 private lessons and practiced on our own. Our wedding is in under three weeks  (EEEEK!!!) and we both feel pretty good about the dance. I will be sure to show you the full dance after the wedding. (We picked a short song, only 2 minutes 30 seconds).  I recommend taking lessons even if you are NOT going to perform a dance or even if you are already married. It is exciting, and different, and I really mean it, you will leave smiling and learn about your partner and something new will spark. Keep your eyes open for special ballroom dancing deals and packages on coupon type websites.

This past weekend I taught an 80's themed barre fitness class for a bachelorette party! It was a blast!!! All the girls dressed in 80's gear and I blasted some awesome 80's music. What a unique way to start out your bachelorette party! After their workout they got themselves showered, dressed and ready for a wine tasting the rest of their night festivities.

Check out this Video on my Facebook page for a 10 second snip of the class.

Ask your local gym if they can hold a private party. I know Boston Equinox does this for FREE!  It is a great way to expose the gym and instructor, and something a little different and for sure FUN.

Day after Marathon Monday 2013, Boston MA

I had a hard time going to sleep last night, still in shock of the events that happened only minutes walking from my apartment.

I left early this AM to teach class and the city felt different. Everyone moved slower, cars were not beeping and it felt as if we were all unified without saying one word.  I took the picture below at 5:50am.

Police officers, SWAT team, soldiers, camera crews, photographers, and marathon runners in their gear are covering the streets of Boston. I snapped a few shots today to give you a feel for what it has been like:

It was hard for me to teach my classes today. Hard for me to listen to happy music and hard for me to put on a cheery face. Things feel different and I am sure it will take a little time to be put back in place. But Boston is strong, no doubt.

I emailed my boss and told her how I was feeling and that I was not sure if could do it. I was not sure I could teach a class and be genuinely happy. Her response:

"Remember people need your smile and inspiration. Times like this can be hard and people look to you as a leader. Dancing, good music and your positive energy is needed more than ever. Share your love and your ability to lift the spirits of those that need it."

My heart aches for the families and friends effected by yesterdays tragedy. Please send your positive thoughts and prayers. XO

Wegmans in Virgina

Hi all. I am on my to Virginia!! I am in a car and have some time on my hands so I am going to write out this whole post on my phone and drive at the same time!! Just kidding (about the driving).

Whenever I travel I try to stop at a grocery store along the way to grab some healthy snacks that do not take preparation and can stay without refrigeration. I stopped at Wegmans food market (first time in there!) and saw they had breakfast sandwiches. Most of the sandwiches were already prepared with either cheese or bacon or both. I asked if they could make me an egg white on a whole wheat English muffin, no cheese or meat. It was simple and hit the spot.

After my breakfast I walked around and explored the store a little bit more. There was so much produce and the store just kept going and going. I really wanted to buy a green juice, but couldn't find any. I am not sure if I missed them, but I was a bit disappointed at their juice selections.

I bought bananas, cucumbers, granola, almonds, cacao energy bites and a pear! Enough snacks to last me the weekend.

Do you have a Wegmans in your area? Supposedly one is opening in Boston!

Have a superb weekend :)