Tag Archives: fitness

Pushing Our Luck: Week 4 Recap

Posted on by Run DMT
2

If you’re just hearing about March’s Pushing Our Luck Challenge for the first time, it’s not too late to join in the fun.  Basically, we’re following the One Hundred Pushups Program and tweeting about our achievements: #pushingit.  Then, each Thursday, I host a linky party for you to link up and share your recap post or add your Twitter handle.

Week 4 was pathetic.  With my dog dying, adopting a new dog, organizing a Tampa Bay Blogger meetup and baking for Purple Day, I didn’t know which way was up!  I was a complete slacker last week.

With all of that, I never completed the last two sets for Week 5/Day3/Level 3 and although I pinkie swore to do my exhaustion test on Sunday, I didn’t actually get around to doing until Tuesday.  See, I was a total slacker, who could barely push out 50 pathetic girlie push-ups for my exhaustion test.

However, my slacker behavior had some benefits once I realized new my placement after the exhaustion test: Week 6/Day1/Level1.

Postponing my exhaustion test means that I’m now behind and I won’t finish the final day of the Pushing Our Luck Challenge until Monday, April 2 with a final test on Wednesday, April 4.  Did I mention my girls have spring break next week?  Lord only knows how I’ll pull all this off!  Oh the pressure I put on myself!

How are you doing?  Are you in better shape than me?  Do you plan to finish the last week of the Pushing Our Luck Challenge strong?

Psst… My #pushingit posse (@ForrestGump49er ,@acraftychick ,@runningmom2boys , @amanda_mowry, @RunningRealtor1 , @runmama2girls, @SeeKateRun1 ) and I are planning a new challenge for April: “Spring into Spring with Burpees”!  Details to be announced on April 1!  Stay tuned!



Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

Spring Sprint 5K

Posted on by Run DMT
11

“Mom, do you plan to run this race easy or hard?”  Allana asked.

“I was planning to run with you, so whatever pace you want to do.”

“Well, Katie, Jackie and I are going to run easy, so you should just run how you want to, Mom.”

Before the start of the Spring Sprint 5K, my pre-teen gave me the “all clear” to run the race hard, but in reality I think she chose to be with her friends over me.  It was my first taste of the teen years to come.

Honestly, for the time being, I’m o.k. with it as this was a chipped race and selfishly, I wanted a good time on my Active.com profile.  I’ll worry about being blown off for friends another day.  This mother runner needed to finish a 5K in under 30 minutes!  (Just call me Domino’s, because I can get there in 30 minutes or less.)

Although the race was in its second year, this was our first time participating in the Spring Sprint 5K, race to raise funds for autism awareness and education projects.  What a great little charity race from start to finish!

As logistics go, the race event coordinators had it together.  Oakstead Elementary hosted packet pick-up the evening before the race which was a smooth operation. Parking on race day was also smoothly orchestrated.  As any runner will tell you, packet pick-up and parking are HUGE factors for any race and the organizers behind this race worked out every detail beautifully.

The start line was clearly marked as well as visible.  Both the 5K and 1 mile Fun Run had their own start line banners.

As for the course, it was right in my backyard, so to speak.  The 5K course wound through the flat and scenic streets of my neighborhood, the very same streets I train on.  We ran past my kids’ school, the middle school and high school.

We even ran past my Publix and my favorite running store, Suncoast Running, who cheered for us as we ran by.

The sunrise was like any other running day in my neighborhood, but the sun seemed to be shining just a bit more brightly today.  Maybe the sun knew it was a great day for a race?

For a small race with less than 500 participants, there were a great number of volunteers and spectators, many I believe to be faculty and staff of Oakstead Elementary.  The finish led us back to the high school where we ran a half lap around the track.

DJ Elvis called out our numbers as we ran past and people in the stands cheered for us as we crossed the finish line.

*Photo provided by Suncoast Running.*

Gun Time 28:39

Chip Time 28:34

Ave Pace 9:14

Division Place 10/35

Overall Place 139/415

 As for Allana, she did GREAT.  She ran it without stopping, a first for her.  However, I missed Allana crossing the finish line as I had to be at the start line for the 1 mile Fun Run with Emmalynn.  My husband snapped these photos of Allana and her friend, Jackie.

Allana’s Stats

Gun Time 50:16

Chip Time 50:00

Ave Pace 16:11

Division 26/27

Overall 409/415

For the 1 Mile Fun Run, we ran back onto the road in front of the high school and then looped back onto the school groups to finish on the track once again.

Of course, I was so proud of both girls, but I was extremely proud of Emmalynn.  She held onto a nice pace and avoided side stitches.

By doing so, Emmalynn earned a personal best for this race and redeemed her Gasparilla Jr. performance!  Way to go Emmalynn!

The sun was right.  It certainly was a great day for a race.  Even my friend, Chrissy, did well and finished  6th in her division with a chip time of 29:23.

On a side note, with this race falling on Saint Patrick’s Day, I thought everyone would be all decked out in green.  I totally expected to see others wearing sparkly green running skirts and silly St. Patrick’s Day hats or runners dressed as leprechaun look-alikes.  Um…not so much.

I did not expect to be one of the very few people wearing green not to mention being the only one wearing a green tutu.  Talk about feeling like the belle of the ball and making a spectacle of myself.  Wow.

Kermit wasn’t kidding.  It’s not easy being green but then I don’t think Kermit ever wore a tutu and a little leprechaun hat.  Well, at least I’ve raised the bar for next year.

And we’ll definitely be back next year.

Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

Pushing Our Luck: Week 3 Recap

Posted on by Run DMT
1

If you’re just hearing about March’s Pushing Our Luck Challenge for the first time, it’s not too late to join in the fun.  Basically, we’re following the One Hundred Pushups Program and tweeting about our achievements: #pushingit.  Then, each Thursday, I’ll host a linky party for you to link up and share your recap post or add your Twitter handle.

Before I could begin Week Five (my week three), I had to perform an exhaustion test.  Just like it sounds, I had to do as many push-ups as my little girlie arms could do. And yes, I am still doing alternate push-ups. Don’t judge.

I finished 46 push-ups.  Anymore and I may have landed face first onto my yoga mat. As @jellisfl1 would tell you, I’ve been known to kiss a gym floor with my forehead and I rather not do it again.  I love fitness and all but my forehead doesn’t need to feel the love.

Based on my good form pushups (46 total), I would begin Week 5/Level 3.  Truth be told, I wasn’t happy about making Level 3.  I wanted an easier, less vigorous, fewer reps placement.  Oh well.  There ain’t no rest for the wicked and I’m going to have some wicked arms in a week.  BOOYAH!

Due to a busy St. Patirck’s Day, I didn’t perform the exhaustion test until Sunday and then I had to rest for 2 days before I could begin Week 5.  On Tuesday, after finishing Week 5/Level 3/Day 1, I had such Jell-o arms.  Holy gelatin mold, Batman! But the next day, I had no pain, so I guess Level 3 was a good fit.

This morning, I finished Week 5/Day 2.  Even though I been through this program before, I don’t remember the increased number of sets.  I was worried, but I like more sets with fewer reps.  I pushed out those bad boys and showed them who’s boss honey badger.

Since I started the week a little late due to late start on my exhaustion test, I’ll do Day 3 on Saturday. Pinkie swear.  Then, it will be time for another exhaustion test (and another vlog, of course).  After that, I should be able to start Week 6 on Monday and have two days done for next week’s linky party.

So far, I’m excited about my progress!  On Saturday evening, my friend, Tara, complimented me on my back muscles and asked me what I was doing.  How freaking awesome is that?!  Of course, I told her all about the Pushing Our Luck Challenge and the Hundred Pushups program.  I think she’s going to give it a try.  Why not?  It doesn’t cost anything but a commitment to a better you.

What about you?  How are you doing?  Did you have to repeat a week or are you pushing forward?

Link up and share your pushup progress.  Also, remember to tweet #pushingit to share your reps and progress.



Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

Pushing Our Luck: Week 2 Recap

Posted on by Run DMT
3

If you’re just hearing about March’s Pushing Our Luck Challenge for the first time, it’s not too late to join in the fun.  Basically, we’re following the One Hundred Pushups Program and tweeting about our achievements: #pushingit.  Then, each Thursday, I’ll host a linky party for you to link up and share your recap post or add your Twitter handle.

Wow.  Week Four (my week two) was brutal, but I pushed through it. Day 1 started simple enough (under 25 reps), but Day 2 was much harder.  I also pushed myself with the last max set by finishing 40 reps rather than 36.

But I’m not going to lie.  I dreaded Day 3 and its set of 33 reps in the middle.  I rested for the appropriate 120 second between sets, except for the third and fifth set.  For those two sets, I rested for 3-4 minutes before performing the longer sets.

The max set of 40 just about did me in.  As I pushed out the last two pushups, the pushups became slower and my arms shook, but I finished 40 reps.  Surprisingly, my arms aren’t killing me yet.

And just for the record, I’m still loving my abs with 200 ab exercises (80 crunches, 60 bicycles and 60 cross-over crunches) on my rest days.  I’m still doing planks too.

So, now I rest for two days and perform an exhaustion test.  I’m excited/nervous/anxious to see how I’ll do.  Of course, I’ll record it again so you can see my foolishness how I did.  I’m hoping to be higher than the 30 reps in my initial test.   I should be higher, right?  But then, I would be happy to be in the middle column or column one for Week Five rather than column three again.

I’d be ok with that.

What about you?  How are you pushing it? Are you happy with your progress?

Link up and share your pushup progress.  Also, remember to tweet #pushingit to share your reps and progress



Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

Armadillo Run 10K Recap

Posted on by Run DMT
9

Having never participated in this race before, I was excited and oddly nervous about the Armadillo Run 10K.  Despite the number of races under my belt, I still get nervous and have to pee a dozen times before the start.

In its 30th year, the Armadillo Run was held in the sleepy and beautiful town of Oldsmar, known for its history as well as its beauty.  (And also a stone’s throw away from where my husband works, which had me wondering, “Why is Vology not a sponsor?”)

It’s a small race (about 500 people) with a beautiful flat course along the bay.  We started adjacent to the Oldsmar library on St. Petersburg Rd and followed scenic Shore Drive.

Along the way, we passed three parks with a turnaround at the last park at the end of Shore Drive, which I never knew existed.  I thoroughly enjoyed our quick tour of the grounds but I was even more grateful for the shade and overcast which kept the race climate cool, especially after a scorcher the week before at Gasparilla.

For the last mile, I paced with a male runner at about 9mm.  Then, with only a quarter mile left to go, he sprinted and took off.  I just couldn’t push any harder and I was left in his wake.  Although my short-lived running partner left me, I finished alongside a fellow Suncoast Strider, Aaron.

When I crossed the finish line, my short-lived running race partner, Justin, stopped me to offer some gratitude and cheers. “Thanks for helping push it that last bit.”

“But you left me!  Next time give me a heads-up, some kind of warning when you’re going push it, like “C’mon, girl.  Let’s do this!”

Thanks, Justin for being there for me..or not (lol)…but definitely thanks for cheering for me at the finish, posing for a photo with me and introducing me to your Run Tampa friends, Johanne and Patricia.  It was wonderful meeting you all!  See you at the next race!

As much as I desperately wanted to finish under an hour, I just couldn’t do it.  Perhaps, if I hadn’t taken so many photos, I may have met that goal, but this is what I do.  It makes me happy to snap photos while I run.

I’d rather run happy and finish with a smile.

Gun Time 1:02:16  

Chip Time 1:01:54

Ave Pace 10:02

Speaking of smiles, there was quite an awesome party at the end of this race.  I’ve had free beer at races for two weeks in a row.  I love the trend but I really loved this race.  It’s definitely one to keep on my To Do race list.

And next year, I’ll finish under an hour.

PhotoStory Fridaythe hollie rogue Look whooooo’s snapping Unknown Mami

Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

Pushing Our Luck: Week 1 Recap

Posted on by Run DMT
3

If you’re just hearing about March’s Pushing Our Luck Challenge for the first time, it’s not too late to join in the fun.  Basically, we’re following the One Hundred Pushups Program and tweeting about our achievements: #pushingit.  Then, each Thursday, I’ll host a linky party for you to link up and share your recap post or add your Twitter ID.

So, I performed the initial test and vlogged about it which placed me at Week 3/Column 3.  Even with the multiple sets, Day 1 and Day 2 was a piece of cake was a cinch.  (I suppose I shouldn’t use cake metaphors when describing my workouts.)  I had a bit more difficulty with Day 3, but I finished each set strong.  Onto Week 4!  WOOT! WOOT!  Awwwwww….push it.  P-P-Push it real good!

Since the pushup challenge is only 3 days a week, I also threw in some ab exercises (200 reps) and planks (2 x 30 seconds) on my rest days.  I’m not crunching every day, but at least I’m still loving my abs.

How did you do?  Are you moving on or are you repeating a week?

Link up and share your pushup progress.  Also, remember to tweet #pushingit to share your reps and progress.


Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

Raising Runners, Part 3

Posted on by Run DMT
11

As part of our annual running tradition, I registered the girls for the Too Good for Drugs Gasparilla Junior Distance Classic.  Due to her ripe old age of ten, this would be Allana’s last year to run the kids’ race.

For Allana’s age group she had to run 1 mile (four times around the University of Tampa track).  Last year, Allana was nervous to run the track, but this year she exuded confidence.

She paced herself nicely and thanks to her pink bandana, she was easy to spot.  She’s a stunner (stylish runner) in the making for sure.

And my little stunner wore her hot pink bandana and confidence all the way to the finish.

Unfortunately, Emmalynn didn’t quite have the same experience.

Due to a poor PA system, we didn’t hear the all call for the 6 year old start.  She missed her race (1/8 mile) and she had to run with 7 year olds (1/2 mile), although it didn’t bother her because she could run with her friend, Lily.

Emmalynn, like Allana, started with a lot of confidence but with a little too much speed.  About half way into her race, she got a cramp in her side.

But poor Emmalynn just couldn’t run and walked the remainder of the way.  The pain was too intense for her.

Allana tried to encourage her to keep going by running with Emmalynn for part of the way.

My poor baby learned an important running lesson that day.  Sometimes you have good races and sometimes you have bad races.  Just never give up and you’re always a winner.

But like The Penguin always says, “The miracle isn’t that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.”

PhotoStory Fridaythe hollie rogue Look whooooo’s snapping Unknown Mami

March Challenge: Pushing Our Luck

Posted on by Run DMT
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My Twitter running tweeps (@ForrestGump49er  @runningrealtor1 @amanda_mowry @runningmom2boys @runmama2girls @SeeKateRun1 ) and I love a good challenge.  I think we have an addiction to challenges.  100 Ab exercises?  No problem.  I’ll see your 100 and raise you 100 more.  Yes, it’s an addiction and it may be time for an intervention, but not before we start another challenge!

For March, we are Pushing Our Luck by taking on the One Hundred Push Ups Program.  Of course, we’ll still be working the abs, but if you follow #pushingit, you will be able to follow our push-ups progress and join our Twitter support group.

To begin the Pushing Our Luck Challenge, you have to first perform the One Hundred Push Ups’ initial test to determine your level and starting point.  I vlogged my performance test, so you can get a good laugh an idea on how it works.

That’s right. I do girlie alternate push-ups and there ain’t no shame in that. Hate the game, not the player.

So, 30+ alternate push-ups are still push-ups as defined by Steve Spiers (the mastermind behind One Hundred Push Ups) which places me at Week 3, Day 1, Column 3 for the start of our March challenge.

Where will you start? 

Perform your test. Write up a post or make a vlog, whichever you prefer, and then swing back here to link up share your post.  Please be sure to add the Pushing Our Luck button to your post and link it back to Run DMT to help spread the word about our March challenge.

Then, follow the One Hundred Push Ups program each week by doing your predetermined level of push-ups three days a week.

As for me, I will be starting Day 1 tomorrow (Friday, March 2) to be on schedule for our weekly linky party every Thursday in March, which will include a full report of my progress and a linky.  I would love for you to share your progress each week too.

Remember to tweet #pushingit to share your reps and progress.

Hope this makes sense!

If you have any questions, leave a reply in the comments section below.

Good luck!



Love My Abs Challenge: The Last Day

Posted on by Run DMT
8

Our Love My Abs Challenge is winding now, but the crunches will continue!

I am so in love in the results of the last few weeks.  After 4 weeks, I feel stronger, but I feel and look leaner.  I can’t believe how much I shaved off my waist in such a short time!  The shorts I’m wearing in this photo are size extra small and that just blows my mind.

Even though the challenge is over, I will continue to do 200 reps a day and slowly increase because I think it’s so important to continue strengthening my core.

How did you end the challenge? Are you stronger and leaner too?  Link up and tell us all about your lovely abs!



Little Lion Man caught a nasty cold and it was difficult to do crunches with a crying green snot toddler clinging to me all day.  So I totally flaked and missed Days 23 & 24, but I was back on track on Day 25 and finished the challenge strong by moving up to 200 reps and two 30 seconds planks a day.

Day 25

80 crunches

60 bicycles

60 cross-over crunches

2 x :30 planks

 
Day 26

80 crunches

60 bicycles

60 cross-over crunches

2 x :30 planks

 
Day 27

80 crunches

60 bicycles

60 cross-over crunches

2 x :30 planks

 
Day 28

80 crunches

60 bicycles

60 cross-over crunches

2 x :30 planks

 
Day 29

80 crunches

60 bicycles

60 cross-over crunches

2 x :30 planks

For March, I am leading a new challenge: “Pushing Our Luck”.  Basically, we will be following the 100 hundred pushups plan for the next four weeks.  The challenge starts tomorrow March 1, so stay tuned for my initial test (a vlog post) and all the specifics to the challenge tomorrow.

For a sneak peek and a good laugh, watch my initial 100 pushups test from three years ago.

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Recap

Posted on by Run DMT
14

Prior to the race, I had caught my son’s cold, but thankfully, I knew I wouldn’t be running the race hard.  Having run a Disney race before, I knew there were so many distractions along the course that I would want to stop for a few of the photo opps.

Originally, I had planned to stay with my non-runner girlfriends the night before the race, but the more I thought about it, the more I worried about not being able to sleep.  Typically, a girlfriend getaway leads to heavy drinking and not enough rest, which is not conducive to any race, whether you run it easy or not.  Then, last minute, my mom offered to stay with me in Orlando and you know, my mom (any mom) would make sure I ate right and slept well.

And I’m so glad we arranged that last minute decision, because my 3:30 a.m. wakeup call came fast!

Since I still hadn’t decided which princess to dress as, I packed both princess costumes.  Allana (my ten year old) suggested I be Tiana.  “You’re just like Tiana.  You can sing.  You have dreams and you set goals”.  (I just love that she said that.  It was a proud mama moment that warmed my heart.)

My old running partner, Tiffany, gave me some great advice.  “Wear the Belle costume because if you get tired of the tutu, at least you’ll still have a running skirt on and you’ll still look like Belle.”

Once I picked up my race packet at the expo, I finalized my princess plans.  “Belle” was printed on the bib as my favorite princess.  So, I had to be Belle.

On the morning of the race, traffic into Epcot parking was very congested and I worried that I wouldn’t make the 5:00 a.m. corral call, but then things started to move and I arrived at the park at 4:40 a.m.  However, I still had to walk to the start line and Disney is not kidding when they say it takes 20 minutes.  I forgot about that walk!

It was a chilly morning, but not freezing and I warmed myself with a stolen hotel towel and the aluminum wrap from Rock ‘Roll Half.  I looked even more like Belle with a red cape around my shoulders.

On the way to the start, I spotted all types of princesses and Disney costumes: Dalmatian princesses, villains, Tinkerbelles, Minnie Mouse, Lumiere and Mrs. Potts, and of course every variety of Disney Princesses.  I wished that my girlfriends were running the race with me. Each of us was supposed to be a different Disney Princess.

Strangely, as I walked and wished for my friends to be there, I met Melissa dressed as Cinderella in corral B.  She looked just like Lori.  It freaked me out a bit, but my stares probably freaked her out too.  I explained to her that she reminded me of one of my friends and she said, “Well she’s here with you in spirit”, which is something Lori would say.  I was so grateful to have a Lori lookalike and Lori’s spirit running the race with me.

Fairy Godmother spoke the magic words and fireworks launched in the dark morning sky.  The race was underway.   Even though the start time is staggered for the corrals, it was still pretty congested and hard to run faster than 10:30 and I was o.k. with that.  I liked the easy start pace.

Since it was dark, I just focused on getting through the first few miles and didn’t stop for many Kodak moments.  I also knew we’d be running the same course back to the finish.  My plan was to run the roads faster and slow down in the parks since the Disney characters and cast members would be cheering for the runners as we ran past.  I had my mind set to stop for Belle and Tiana if I saw them.

Once in the Magic Kingdom, I intended to pop into the Tomorrowland restroom for a potty break, another little Disney race secret.  All the restrooms in the park are available so you can avoid the port-o-potties. Plus, in a full service bathroom, I could readjust my tiara if need be.

I literally whizzed through Tomorrowland and moved onto Fantasyland to stop for a photo in front of the castle.

Once passed the castle, we ran through Liberty Square, where Tiana and Prince Naveen stood waiting. Of course, I stopped.   As I stood in line waiting for a photo with Princess Tiana, I met another Tiana, who I would continue to meetup with throughout the race.

After a quick photo with Tiana, I was on my way through Frontierland and then through the cast member exit where we were on the road again back towards Epcot.  Just outside the Grand Floridian, I bumped into Belle.  “Hi me”, she said when I posed for a photo with her.

Shortly afterwards, I met my Prince Charming outside the wedding pavilion.  His glass slipper was so fitting for a running princess.

On the return trip along World Drive, I decided to pose for some pictures that I missed on the way to the Magic Kingdom, like Captain Jack and some of the other Disney fellas.  But my camera died.  Fortunately, my Disney Princess running partner, Tiana, saved the day and snapped some photos for me.

Next to the characters and cast members, the spectators were superb and their signs were so entertaining.   “Worst parade ever!” “Villains run faster.”  “I am so proud of you complete stranger!”  With louds cheers and cow bells, they had such enthusiasm as the runners flew by.

The “hill” near mile 11 was definitely the roughest, just as @clairgp had warned me.  I had to walk most of the overpass, but as bad as that overpass was, my plantar faciitis heels didn’t bother me.  I guess all the stopping to visit with characters had its benefits.

After a quick photo in front of Spaceship Earth, I ran the last mile hard.  I wanted to finish under 3 hours and even with all the stops along the way, I met my goal 3 hour goal.

Like I told my friends future Disney Princesses, I would totally run it again and take just as long.  You just can’t take this race too seriously or you’ll miss all the Disney magic.

But next time, I’ll be Tiana.

Chip time 2:51

Clock time 2:59:23

Ave Pace 13:04