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March 2016

How Zumba Makes Me Shake, Shake, Shake!

by Nellie March 31, 2016

I think I might have found my love for Zumba again…

It’s been a while since I posted about Zumba. Since I went on a hiatus from teaching my weekly class to train for the marathon I have been concentrating on nothing else but running. It’s been hard to marry both of lives of mine since running leaves very little in the tank for dancing and visa versa. So last year when my only goal of 2015 was to cross the finish line of the NYC Marathon I shut down my class so I could devote all my energy to this race.

The awesome folks at Zumba held a media event to debut the new vegan, dairy free, 100 calorie protein shake that they have developed as a part of a healthy balanced diet. I arrived after work, a bit nervous, because it had be a while, but ready to dance.

When I arrived I changed into the gifted Zumba gear (YES, thank you!!) and was immediately introduced to the CEO of Zumba, Alberto Pearlman. I was crazy honored and a bit shell shocked but his relaxed and approachable demeanor put me at ease right away. We talked about my Zumba certificate and who trained me, as well as the additional Zumba certifications I’ve gotten since.

We heard a presentation that told more about the Shake, Shake, Shake and AP (because we are totally besties now and I can call him AP too) explained to us that he spent years studying nutrition and spent a lot of time figuring out the right formula for the shake. He didn’t want to include whey protein so instead he used a plant based protein. It’s available in 3 flavors including mocha, chocolate and vanilla. Since I’ve been paying close attention to my nutrition lately I’m excited to put this in my regimen!

[Tweet “How a brand new product from @Zumba will make you Shake, Shake, Shake! #HowDoYouShake”]

Class

I knew from the moment I walked in the room that the class was going to be LIT (as the kids say). I recognized one of the instructors as the local Zumba Education Specialist, plus I took a class with her before I got my license and pretty much collapsed at the end of it. She is the real deal.

Class was fantastic. It was so weird to hear my own songs that I teach being taught with totally different dance moves, but it was equally cool to know that the songs I chose were also being taught by such an amazing instructor. We danced–I became a front row diva–it was the best. It was like the most natural flow of movement. It’s hard to put into words but imagine doing something that lights you up from the inside, that flows from you with reckless abandon. As I danced there was so much happy, so much freedom.

Post class I basked in the post Zumba high, sipped on the vanilla shake and networked a bit. The shake is really good and incredibly filling! My personal favorite was the vanilla flavor!

I am so thankful that I went to that class because it lit a fire in me that wants to figure out a way to balance running and dance, someway somehow!

To get your hands on the new shake and the awesome flavors be sure to talk to your local Zumba instructor!

What was your last dance fitness class?

6 comments

races

When Technology Fails: My 2016 United NYC Half Recap

by Nellie March 30, 2016

The last eight to ten weeks of my life have been exhausting to say the least. From the never ending illness to a close family member passing unexpectedly–my world has been spinning, literally.

Training for the NYC Half was much less than ideal. Sure I ran the Princess Half in Disney World a month ago, but I was also still sick so I took it very easy. I didn’t have that kind of option or time to spare in the competitive surrounding of NYC runners so I was a bit scared yet excited about this race.

This race was also a big payoff for me. Since I didn’t get an entry in the 2015 NYC Half lottery, I ran 4 races in 2015 in order to qualify for guaranteed entry. These races included The (emotional) AirBNB Brooklyn Half, The (hot and humid) Queens 10k, The (omg this is hilly) Bronx 10 miler, and The Staten Island Half Marathon that I ran hours before boarding a plane to Israel.

So yeah, this was a big deal.

Even though I was emotionally and physically exhausted (I had spent most of the Saturday prior unable to move from the couch) I made it to the start line with little time to spare. It is always so nice to people watch and listen to conversations, so many were talking about how beautiful Central Park was and we’re looking around in pure awe. It was only then did I remember this race, like the NYC marathon, was an international race. There were 20k people running today and most were from out of town.

Technical difficulties

It was so cold. I have never run a half in anything less than 40 degrees. It was 32 at the start. I layered up accordingly but I was a bit scared. To add insult to injury as I was searching for my playlist for the half I watched my iPhone battery go from 77% to 22%. I went into an immediate panic. I restarted my phone and just that quickly my battery level read 15%. I knew I wanted to get at least one picture in Times Square but I’d have to shut off my phone and prayed it turned back on. The saddest part about all of this was that I had no access to any music. Running in the cold was sort of manageable, running 13.1 untrained miles in the cold with no music?! No. I swear I almost turned around and went home. I know my limits. I know the noise of my own thoughts would doom me pretty much immediately.

Then I remembered that I had a bit of music on my TomTom Spark. I’d never added any, but I knew that something was there by default. I paired it with my Bluetooth headphones (that I had purchased 2 days prior) and listened to the same 37 minutes of random techno music. It wasn’t ideal but it shut out my thoughts and allowed me to press forward.

Central Park

I am intimately familiar with Central Park because of the dozens of races I ran last year. This didn’t make things any easier. It seemed like the longest 10k ever. Right before the three mile point I saw the sweep bus about a mile behind me which was a wake up call for me that I would HAVE to keep moving as stopping was not an option. I didn’t run four entire races last year for this opportunity and turn around and get swept for the first time? No sir.

Times Square

It was such a relief to exit the park on 7th avenue. The crowds had thinned but those that were still there have me so much energy. Even though I worked in Times Square for nine years, running through was a completely different story. It was breathtaking. It was hard to keep the emotions at bay but somehow I managed.

As we turned on 7th avenue straight down to the west side highway, the crowds were fantastic and I gave more than a few high fives to drivers on the left side. Body was hurting terribly at this point but the environment was a great distraction.

my hair was crazy but I was in Times Square!

The hardest was the west side highway. My thoughts took over here, thoughts of extreme sadness, wonder if the sweep bus was close or not, the cold of the west side highway penetrating my bones and desperation to finish. After what seems like forever I got to the Battery Tunnel. I have been through this route a million times so being there on foot was simply the coolest thing ever.

The Finish

As I pushed through towards the finish line, I really couldn’t believe I made it to the end. No music that I liked, no timing device, no phone. As I approached the timing mat the CEO of The New York Road Runners was there high fiving the back of the pack and really that simple gesture meant the world to me.

My cousin waited for me and I appreciated that so much because it was so nice to see a family member and talk about the race. She pr’d which was so great.

It was an emotional race. The kind that I had to dig deep, then dig a bit deeper in order to keep going. It was colder than cold, I wanted my bed. The technical difficulties made a hard situation almost impossible…but I did it. This seems to be the reason why I run. Sometimes the conditions are perfect, sometimes not, but each time–I complete it. I make it to the end. I toe the start line, I move at my pace, and I make it through. Some days I don’t even know why I run, but I know deep inside its because I impress myself. My times are never impressive to everyone else but to me they are matchless. Running proves to my inner doubts that I can do anything I put my mind to. It helps me in my work, it helps me in my writing. It is hard, so hard, but so is life. If I can push through these 13.1 miles, I can push through life as well. Through grief, through disappointment, through illness, through triumph. I can handle it.

View this post on Instagram

I finally get all the hype about this race! The #unitednychalf was so cold, I had a ton of technical difficulties, I didn't think I was going to make it past mile 3 (for real) but wow what an impressive race. Running through Times Square, the never ending crowds and the awe of running through the battery tunnel. What?! Crazy. I didn't have much in the tank (physically and emotionally) so I'm really proud that I finished. ? Half marathon #10 complete. ?

A post shared by Nellie @ Brooklyn Active Mama (@glamnellie) on Mar 20, 2016 at 10:15am PDT

[Tweet “When technology fails how do you cope? No watch, no music, in the COLD–My #UnitedNYCHalf Recap “]

Has technology ever completely failed you during a race? How often do you run without a watch timing you? Have you ever used fitness to get through something difficult?

11 comments

fitness fun

My Interview With Meb Keflezighi

by Nellie March 29, 2016

With blogging comes great responsibility but it also comes with great opportunity.

I got the amazing opportunity last week to interview a running legend, Meb Keflezighi. KT Tape held an event over at Chelsea Piers to introduce their new line of products with 4 of the best USA Olympians from a variety of sports including volleyball, Swimming, Gymnastics and Running.

What is KT Tape?

If you are not familiar with KT Tape it is an elastic sports and fitness tape designed for muscle, ligament and tendon pain relief and support. It is super popular and I often see it on most runners at all of my races throughout the year. They have so many amazing new products that we got to learn about and experience including:

KT Tape PRO EXTREME™: an elastic sports tape for pain relief and support in extreme conditions. PRO EXTREME is made of KT Tape’s exclusive synthetic material, engineered for maximum durability with our strongest adhesive for the ultimate adhesion.

KT Recovery+™ Recovery Patch: specially designed to reduce swelling and inflammation from muscle injuries and its accompanying pain.

KT FLEX™: specially engineered to provide more effective comfortable support for weak or injured knees. KT FLEX is for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, or those recovering from injuries who want extra support for knee joints without the bulk and restriction of a stabilizing sleeve.

KT Recovery+™ ICE/HEAT: KT Recovery+™ Ice/Heat Compression Therapy System, interchangeable ice and heat packs, is a new way to treat muscles for peak performance or to speed recovery from a challenging workout or injury.

Interview With Meb

Kerri Walsh Jennings, Meb Keflezighi, Kerri Strug, Tucker Dupree Russell Schleiden, KT Tape CMO, Gregg Venner KT Tape CEO during a Pree Event at Chelsea Piers on March 22, 2016 in New York City. *** Local Caption *** Kerri Walsh Jennings; Meb Keflezighi; Kerri Strug; Tucker Dupree; Gregg Venner; Russell Schleiden

Kerri Walsh Jennings, Meb Keflezighi, Kerri Strug, Tucker Dupree Russell Schleiden, KT Tape CMO, Gregg Venner KT Tape CEO during a Pre Event at Chelsea Piers on March 22, 2016 in New York City. *** Local Caption *** Kerri Walsh Jennings; Meb Keflezighi; Kerri Strug; Tucker Dupree; Gregg Venner; Russell Schleiden

From what I have seen and heard in the press, Meb is a really nice guy. I am here to tell you, it’s all completely TRUE. He is so completely down to earth and approachable, you would never think that he has WON the Boston Marathon or will be representing the entire United States of America in RIO 2016–he was just a guy who loves to run and happens to be REALLY good at it.

Check out the interview below!

Meb Keflezighi shows off his KT Tape

Q: You have one of the craziest interview/appearance schedules out there, how do you manage it?

A: The beauty of my sport is that you can do it from anywhere. This morning I had a full day and I got up at 5:30, I did my 12 mile run, I had my headlamp on–I’m not usually one of those crazy people but I was one of those crazy people today! Sometimes it’s just less sleep and get it done.

Q: where do you run when you are in New York City

A: I run in Central Park, I love that place. That’s the beauty of running, I had my jacket, my tight and my gloves–my gloves never leave my backpack. Just in case.

Q: I know you have your big Olympic appearance coming soon, are there any big changes that you are making to your regimen?

A: the big changes is simply recovery, as you get older you get a lot more aches and pains, and I’ve been using my KT Tape regularly since my UCLA days. I used it in Boston 2010. It’s important to take care of the leg muscles especially for recovery. Those muscles, supporting all of them becomes so important. But recovery is so important for me I just gotta stay healthy and consistent training–I’ve run over 100,000 miles. Actually 2 weeks before the trials my posterior tibialis got inflammed and I had to use KT Tape for recovery.

Q: when it comes to KT Tape do you have a few certain weak spots that you use it? I know you have had a lot of injuries as a runner–or do you use it on an as needed basis?

A: Usually it’s as needed but I have used it on the hamstring, the adductors, and the knee especially if I have a little tendinitis. You can cut it and put it on your knee as needed.

Q: as a mere mortal runner who is older you are the inspiration for us who wonder if we can really keep doing this–what tips do you have for us?
A: Do the small things. This morning I got up earlier to run, we can all accommodate our schedule as necessary. If you are running a 10-12 minute mile take a mile off your plan for the day and use the 6 minutes before and after to stretch. A lot of the times we all want to go go go but it’s important to stretch the calves and the hamstrings and nutritionally you know? Don’t wait until you get hungry to eat. Eating throughout the day is best. And obviously sleep is important (How much sleep do you get?) im good with 6-7 hours. When my wife was expecting she would urge me to take naps and I’ve had more naps since we’ve had kids.

Q: Do you train your kids to run?

A: I do train them to run, I teach them mechanics and my middle daughter she want to be like me–she eats what I eat, and she does all the planks and the push-ups. I don’t try to force them but my youngest who is 6 years old just asked me “Daddy can you run with me when I get back?” And I told him that I would love to do that just make sure you do your homework!

Q: Do you think your kids are runners?

A: I think they are runners. They definitely have the background. I try to help them as much as I can. It all starts at home, if you are active with the kids then they will be active as well. Usually every parent says “Stop running around!” But we are meant to move–we just need to provide the environment for them whether it’s the backyard or the park or even just going around the block.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do when you are not running?

A: I love to spend time with my mom, dad and friends and family. I also love to read autobiographies. (What is your favorite autobiography?) the autobiography of Coach John Wooden. Everybody has a struggle so it’s about seeing how they overcome it and be the best they can.

Q: When you are on the last leg of your race, what’s going through you mind? How do you get yourself to mentally be like this is it, I’m almost done?

A: You know it’s going to hurt, you know you are going to struggle, but you Have to work on your form, stay upright, the sooner you get there the sooner the pain is over.

It was such a great opportunity to interview Meb! Stay tuned for Part 2 of my KT TAPE experience where I interview volleyball champion Kerry Walsh!

[Tweet “[email protected] talks family, nutrition, the upcoming #olympics and @kttape! #runchat #rio2016”]

Did you learn anything new about Meb in this interview? Have you ever used KT Tape? What would you ask Meb if you had the chance?

14 comments

It doesn't have to be crazy long or even super exhausting but honestly if you have a 15 minute pocket in the morning and another in the evening why not take that time to take care of your body? The benefits are the same as a full gym session! --> Two A Day Workouts For Runners #fitness #runners #running #fitnesstips

fitness fun running

Two A Day Workouts For Runners

by Nellie March 23, 2016

It’s that time again!

I’ve linked up with my favorite runner bloggers to bring you some awesome workouts! Last month’s theme At Home Workouts For Runners was super successful so we are bringing you more goodness with some two a day workout for runners!

This month’s theme is Two A Day Workouts For Runners. Although pretty rare now, I used to have the time to pull off two a day workouts and it was no easy feat. Contrary to popular belief–you CAN workout twice in a day!

It doesn’t have to be crazy long or even super exhausting but honestly if you have a 15 minute pocket in the morning and another in the evening why not take that time to take care of your body? The benefits are the same as a full gym session!

My take on the two a day workout can be done at home and doesn’t take very long to complete. Sometimes you might want to work different muscles and you have a busy work week ahead. For example, I could take a spin class in the morning then go to the gym at night and do a zumba workout. Double the calorie burn and still not working the same muscles!

Two a day workouts may be seen to some as too much but sometimes it might be exactly what you need to get past a plateau or to shake things up a bit with your fitness routine!

Today I have some awesome TWO A DAY Workouts designed by some amazing running bloggers just for you! Be sure to check out the posts below for some amazing inspiration!

Check out the awesome two a day workouts below from my favorite runner bloggers!

Angela @ Happy Fit Mama

Sarah from Run Far Girl

Carly @ Fine Fit Day

This Runner’s Recipes

Allie @ Vita Train 4 Life

[Tweet “6 Different Two A Day Workouts For Runners!! #workoutsforrunners”]

Have you ever tried two a day workouts for runners?

11 comments

friends fun Ronald McDonald House volunteering

Ronald McDonald House Skate With The Greats 2016

by Nellie March 22, 2016

The Ronald McDonald house has a very special place in my heart. The work that they do is so incredibly unique and life changing that it is really the easiest thing in the world to be a Ronald McDonald House Blog Ambassador.

The Ronald McDonald House assist families of children with rare cancers. There are houses all over the United States, and the New York house is (in my opinion) the best of them all. A few years ago, I took a tour of the house a few years ago and seeing the beautiful rooms, spotless facility and all of the effort to make the families (who sometimes travel from SO far away) feel at home was overwhelming. The Ronald McDonald House really took up residence in my heart and never once left. Last year, I raised over 3k for the house for the NYC Marathon and it was such an honor to run for Team Ronald.

A few weeks ago I attended the Skate With The Greats Charity Event at Rockefeller Center in Midtown. It is one of the most awesome skating events in the city as hockey fans big and small come out for some amazing food, and to hang out with actual players from the New York Rangers!

My personal favorite part is the auction! So many great pieces of sports memorabilia, jewelry, artwork, vacations, show tickets–let’s just say I bid on more than a few items. I didn’t win, but it was pretty fun to try!

The food was so great, as usual, there was plenty of child friendly foods like mac n cheese and mozzarella sticks, but there was also a really great adult section with a meat carving station, great pastas and so much more. Plus there were all kinds of appetizers being served by waiters as well.

There was plenty of drinks, of course and even a hot dog stand!

The presentation was beautifully done where all of the awesome New York Rangers were announced and we were introduced a beautiful child with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, his mom shared with us how Ronald McDonald House felt like home because they were around other cancer families that understood.

The auction this year was super exciting too! My pockets aren’t deep enough to participate but the prizes were pretty fantastic. Golfing packages, Box Seats, full day adventures, I had such a good time spectating while the offers for bids went higher and higher…one day I will be a bidder, mark my words! 😉

For more information on the great charity events that Ronald McDonald holds year round check out the Ronald McDonald House Website and be sure to donate and/or buy tickets to events for this very worthy cause of helping family’s with pediatric cancer.

[Tweet “An amazing night of fundraising for @rmhnewyork! #skatewiththegreats”]

Have you ever participated in a silent auction? Do you go to charity events?

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