Sharing my experiences with food intolerance, fitness-sass and (most importantly) living vibrantly. Brought to you from the San Francisco Bay Area. Helping one more person get to the healthy, happy, passionate, inspired - and - skinny diva they have always wanted to be! Because let's be honest, who doesn't want to be that person?!
It's that time of year again when we all start heading outside, moving, enjoying and - RUNNING!
So I have some great news. And (semi) bad news.
The (semi) bad news is that this year to train for the Nike Women's 1/2 and Full Marathon, there won't be an "official" training location. Instead, they have launched a 2010 Mobile Running Campaign. I have heard a lot of complaints about this, as many people were depending on that "group-based" training each and every Saturday/Sunday.
But never fear.....I come bearing GREAT NEWS here!
This year,you can still run. You can still train.And you can still fight your way like a champ all the way to the finish line with Coach Suzanne Cordes! In case you forgot, Coach Cordes was the Nike Coach last year for the runs. Here is more about her:
Suzanne is going to offer a "steal" of a deal for her training program! For 16 weeks, you can have the pro train youfor just $125! (See Sunday Training Runs)
You can run in any type of shoe that fits you and makes you feel like a million bucks when running! (Nike's are great. I'm just saying!)
So what are you waiting for? The clock is ticking. You have goals to achieve. You have an awesome summer to look forward to. And space will be limited (because, like I said - personal attention from the Coach herself!)
ClickHERE to contact me for more information! Or see the sheets above for all Coach Cordes Contact Information. And when you sign up with her...just say, "The Former Pied Piper Leader sent me:)"She'll like that!
In less than a week I will be going to my first ever "Sports Doc" appointment. I guess this could officially prove that I am an addicted health/fitness phene:)
My feet have not improved a ton, despite the fact that I have not been running. They have definitely "uncramped" to a degree, but they are not to the point where I feel like I should be running a marathon.
I do not know what the outcome will be post-visit. But what I do know is this: I have been enjoying myself and I'm not willing to sacrifice my time for the marathon "accomplishment." Let me explain.
I have been running and running and running. Mostly because I love that feeling of "accomplishment." There really is nothing better than knowing you've accomplished something. But what I was finding is that now, not even 13 miles, makes me feel that "accomplished" because I've already achieved it. So then I had to get to 15 miles to have that feeling....and so on.
And despite this "love" of accomplishment, I was beginning to wonder - "surely there MUST be another way to get this feeling without feeling feet-and-ache-death all the time." Between my addiction for my career, moving up and achieving other things in life WHILE still trying to maintain a personal life, quite honestly - I just don't have the time nor do I want to make the time. Running to achieve 5 miles might take 40-50 minutes. But then you get to 10 miles, 15 miles and more...and the time commitment to have that "feeling of accomplishment" just became a commitment that I"m not willing to make anymore.
I know there are people reading this thinking, "But I thought she loved it so." I do! But I can still run (willing the Doc says) just not running to the ends of the earth. Do you know how hard it is to run 20 minutes High Intensity? I could do that. Or maybe I could do hills for 20-30 minutes. The sky is the limit.
More importantly, I think I'd like to create NEW GOALS for myself - health, fitness and overall vibrant-type goals. I'm not sure what they are yet. I'm still working on figuring that out. Suggestions?! I will, without-a-doubt get some new goal in place. (Can you tell I'm extremely "goal-oriented" yet?!)
In the meantime, I'm loving that I am extremely excited to get to the gym each and everyday. Or be outside walking with my husband and our dogs. Or going for long bike rides. And guess what? I've lost 2 pounds, am less achy and am doing it all within 1.25 hours!
I think my foot is healing. But I'm still not up to a 3 mile run, let alone the 16 miles I was supposed to conquer today.
I have "benched" myself.
I am hoping this "benching" is just temporarily, though. I am really tired of being injured all the time. "I am much too young to feel this damn old" (yeah, I know - Garth Brooks says - and sings - it better than me - enjoy the video).
I have made the executive decision to "just" do theSan Diego Rock 'n Roll 1/2 vs. the Full. The truth is that I would give almost anything to say "I've completed a full marathon." But the reality is that I want to keep on running for a long time after that Marathon. And if I don't start pulling it together and getting smarter with what running is doing to my body, I may not be able to. I feel as though the 1/2 may even be streneous on me, but I love it. My heart hurts for the day when I can't run anymore. So I'll take my time between now and June. I know that on any given day I can run a half marathon. I am not worried about that....and that makes me feel better!
While I was "benched" today, Ryan and I went for about an 11-12 mile bike ride. It was absolutely gorgeous out. We went on trails, and I really enjoyed every single minute of it! I guess at the end of the day, working out is working out. However I can be active, moving, happy and strong is all that really matters!
I now have a new use for our Wine Chiller piece: Foot ice pack.
Don't think I'm crazy (and don't make fun of the sock - it's super comfortable)! I'm telling you - it's a magical "invention" that someone else created and I implemented for all injured runners!
And while we're on the topic, YES, I have a minor injury again. I'm frustrated and totally bummed. But even more than that, I'm just scared of failure. Now, I want more than anything to complete this marathon. And the only people that seem to "get" this are those who run - and run far!
I can't explain it. It's just something in me now.
And at the same time, I think I'm becoming smart enough to know when it's critical to just listen to my body. I'm at this stage. I fell short of one final 800 at 5K pace today. But I literally felt like the top of my foot was cracked. I stopped. I stopped in hopes that by Thursday (the next scheduled run) I might be better for my 7 mile run. If I'm not, I'll skip that one. And then I'll hope I'm better for my 6 mile run on Saturday. And again, if I'm not, I'll skip that one, too. I'm skipping it until this sharp pain goes away.
I've learned since my half marathon: A few days off prevents a few months off! If that happens again, it will absolutely kill me!
So until I heal, it's all about the Wine Chiller Ice Pack. And maybe I'll even have some wine with it! CHEERS!
This is the furthest distance I have ever run (2nd beind the Nike Women's Half Marathon). This was an accomplishment for me.
Sometimes, though, accomplishments go without feeling 100%!
That is what my run looked like. I made great time (probably went too fast for a long run) and stayed fairly consistent (especially during the last half). I have great physical energy when I'm out there running that far. I feel like I could run forever. But my problem is that my legs and my feet get so achy and sore. The second I stop (at a stoplight or to tie my shoe) I feel like I'm going to fall apart.
By the time I was to mile 10 or 11, it took all the mental power I had to keep plugging through it. Part of my problem, too, is that I am in desperate need of new running shoes. I have trained way too long with my Nike+ LunarGlides because I love them. But it's time for a new pair!
In the end, I did it! And that's what I believe is so powerful about long-distance running. We train our minds to accept, to endure and to finish anything!
I am trying to research more and learn as much as I can about what to do "post-long runs." After this run, I drank a ton of water. And I had a cup of cafffeine, as I've read numerous times that caffeine helps with post-recovery. As soon as I got home, I iced my legs and I used the Lacrosse Ball. Later in the day, I went out and got myself a Pedicure at Jellyfish Spa in Danville, CA! It felt so great and refreshing. And my toes look splendid again, don't you think?
Before I went to bed, I iced more, and I did the Lacrosse ball all over my legs and feet. It was painful - very painful! It had to be done.
When I woke up this morning, I felt a little stiff and sore. But feeling this way reminded me that - I did it! I'm still alive and I'm just one step closer to completing my first Marathon. But first things first....mentally preparing for the 16 miles I have this upcoming weekend! Cheers!
It was another great week in the world of Sarah Kay Hoffman. Sometimes I feel like these "happy-go-lucky" blog posts need to STOP! Really, who cares if I'm happy-go-lucky, right? But then again...my goal here is not to boast - my goal is to spread my cheer. It's to spread what I hope will be even one small thing for someone else to say, "Wow, that made me smile."
I digress....
It was a great week for me. I feel so alive, so productive and so useful within Yolo Industries! I have waited a very, very long time to get to this point in my life. Now that I'm here, I'm working so hard to stay here, grow here and get "famously" successful here! The companyis growing at a rapid rate, and I feel that the success can be attributed mostly to the fact that everyone who works there is passionate about who we are!And that is something you cannot put a pricetag on!
I welcome each and every one of you to follow The Yolo Life Blog! Today we put up a posting, "Perfect for Your Spring Purse," and we are giving away a few goodies! Follow the blog and check it out!
In other news, I have a few more big things to look forward to this month:
Running: And a lot of it! (I am training for the Rock 'n Roll San Diego Marathon!) I will be completing a 14-mile run this upcoming Sunday. This will mark the furthest distance I have ever run! I am nervous and excited, but mostly excited! My long runs are getting up there in mileage. I like that - it's a great mental challenge for me!
Running:On Monday, March 22nd I will begin Ms. Ashley Kumlien's journey with her as she begins her 6-month trek across the United States! Ashley is running to raise awareness for MS, which her Mother battles. Ashely is amazing and inspiring. Though I was not able to go on a 2-month "tour" with her, I will see her off on an approximately 15-16 mile run in San Francisco (across the Golden Gate Bridge). IF you are in the Bay Area we would love to have you join us! Please post any comments if you think you might be able to come. I know Ashley would love to see them! In the meantime, you can check her out via: MSRuntheUS Website, Facebook Fan Page, Twitterand Flickr.
Social Media:On Monday, March 29th I will be speaking in Portland, OR at the social fresh Social Media Conference. I am absolutely thrilled to be doing this, not only to share my experiences, but also to meet some incredible people! Just to name a few:@gwenpeake with Ford, @skydiver (Peter Shankman) with HARO, @foomanpdx with Nike, @waynesutton with Twine Interactive, @cspenn with Blue Sky Factory, @mattsingley with M80, @shaunacausey with Comcast, @lorelleonwp with Lorelle on WordPress - and last, but not least - Mr. Social Fresh himself, @jakrose Jason Keath.(Side Note: These are just A FEW - there are so many I can't wait to meet!)
I'm hoping for a super productive and successful March! And I'm hoping that each and every one of you has the same:) CHEERS!
I was thrilled with my run this morning! My stats from the Nike+ Application read like this:
ran 12.07 mi on 2/28/2010 at 6:43 AM with a pace of 9'15"/mi
I have not run that much since I did the Nike Women's Half Marathon this past October. (And ps for all you - NIKE WOMEN'S MARATHON FANS OUT THERE CHECK THIS OUT - I would love to promote this amazing event for Nike, as I did the Human Race last year! Let's campaign for me to do this! Join in the discussion!)I felt alive and accomplished today!
Running long distances not only teaches you that you can do anything, but what I've also found is that it teaches you that you will be able to go above and beyond what you thought you could do! I thought I might absolutely struggle today since I haven't done this far in a long time. To my surprise, I was not tired (physically) at all! The only thing I felt at the end of the run was a little "achy - ness." I succeeded! And now I can be ready for the next long-distance hurdle!
I ran today with a new partner, Mrs. Joelle Diboki. I am so thankful and happy I found someone who is just as passionate about Nike Plus and Running as I am! We were perfect running partners, too, as we pace about the same on our long days! It's so important to find a great long-distance running partner. Literally, 12 miles can feel like just a few when you're gabbing the whole time! Thanks for running with me today, Joelle!
And once the run was over, I went straight home. I took a nice shower and then went out for breakfast - a nice, big, delicious breakfast! I was so hungry. I paid no attention to what I ate. My body was just screaming - FEED ME! And so I did. And it was just perfect!
It's been 4+ months since I've run as far as I ran today. In honor of this, I thought it would be only appropriate to give the Top 10 Reasons that I love 10+ Miles:
I feel free.
I feel strong.
My mind takes me to places that only 10+ miles can take you.
I can listen to one hell of a playlist.
I love the way "getting into a rhythm" feels.
I get a happy, sappy-kind of emotional.
I overcome the "what-if-Ican't" fears.
I am forced to stay fairly strict with the GAPS Diet. If not, my stomach will tell me at mile 3 or 4:)
I feel a high that only 10+ can give me.
Because I CAN love it!
I have been much too concerned these past few months about the fact that "running breaks down muscle." And I have been much too concerned with what other people think of long-distance running.
At the end of the day (as long as I'm smart about how I'm running and not in awful pain) running makes me happy. And perhaps that's reason #11 - the BEST reason - RUNNING. MAKES. ME. HAPPY.
I don't think one can understand until, literally, you walk (or run) in someone else's shoes. I'm a happier, more relaxed and energetic person. Want proof? Just ask my husband:)
So stop thinking, lace up and get running! Cheers! And ps. I'm taking the plunge - June 6th, San Diego Rock 'n Roll MARATHON!
P90X Doubles and Phase 2 began yesterday. I am already loving it! "Doubles" in Phase 2 = 3 times per week I'll do 2 workouts/day. One workout is cardio and the second a normal P90X Workout.
Yesterday I ran 4 miles in the morning and then did the P90X Chest, Shoulders, Triceps and Ab Ripper X Workout. I woke up today sore! I love that feeling!
I will begin training for the San Diego Rock 'n Roll Marathon beginning the week of February 15th. I am so excited. I have every intention of completing the full marathon! But the good news is that they just added a half marathon this year, too. If my body cannot hold up for the marathon training, I'd still love to do the half! This is my "next hurdle" to overcome - a marathon! But what better place than San Diego, June 6th, to do it at?!
Today for P90X was the Plyometric workout. It #neverfails, the Plyo workout is hard. When the workout is over I'm always drenched in sweat. But I love it. And this is why I #carryon with the entire P90X Program!
Tomorrow is another Doubles day. I can't hardly wait! Cheers!
Week 2 is the same as week one, as far as days/workouts go. So, here I was today back at Chest/Back & the Ab Ripper X Workout!
I had some great energy this morning, since I allowed myself that (fabulous) rest day yesterday. After my Saturday morning Cup-of-Joe at the best place in Tracy, CA (Baristas: It's no wonder they get a 5-star overall rating onYelp) I hit the gym to do a little cardio.
(Interject - Running - Rant) I have been cravingto run again! And today I finally was able to. It's been so long; oh how I've missed you my dear LunarGlides! I took it nice and slow. I did a nice, little warm up and then ran a very easy 2 miles, pacing at only about 8:49/mile. My sciatica felt great. What I'm praying for is that I can do easy, slow and light and be smarter with my running training so that I can do half marathons and (hopefully) a full this year! (Stay tuned for a *coming very soon* Running Goal posting!)
Once I got home, I ate to refuel, relaxed a minute and then dug right in to my P90X Workout for the day, Chest/Back & the Ab Ripper X. The overall workout was very similar to what I did last week (we keep sheets to track the weight/reps we do for each exercise to watch and ensure progress).
The difference this week, on my 2nd time around with this specific workout, was that I tried to do at least 1-3 more reps than last time. My goal is to "out do" myself, even if it's just a by a tiny amount! And I did it! By the end of the Abs, though, I was shaking so badly and almost got a little dizzy. I grabbed more water and persisted on. I am so thankful I did so! Today I truly did was Tony Horton preaches, "Bring It!"
When the going gets tough, the tough don't listen to negative thoughts in their minds. They just "get it done" until the muscles are truly and completely spent! It's all in your hands, you control that...and that's the beauty!
Good Morning! Only 7am, but I am up and full of life already.
As I was laying in bed, I couldn't help but think, "How can I help people get even more motivated to stick with their fitness routines?" And then I was reminded of two fabulous articles I have recently stumbled across. They worked for me, and I hope they will work for you as well!
Article 1: Runner's World - 101 Kicks in the Butt (by Calvin Hennick) I will not list them all, but here were my most favorite:
"CREATE A BLOG where you post your daily mileage, then give out the Web address to your friends and family. Do you really want Aunt Ellen to ask why you skipped your four-miler on Wednesday?" (Side note: My Blog has kept me super motivated. It allows me to become "accountable" for my health, fitness and nutrition. I recommend blogger.com OR wordpress.com)
"GOOD-TO-GO PLAYLIST
Country
"Cocaine Blues," Johnny Cash
"Ain't Going Down (Til the Sun Comes Up)," Garth Brooks
"Wide Open Spaces," Dixie Chicks
"Chasin' That Neon Rainbow," Alan Jackson
"The Devil Went Down to Georgia," The Charlie Daniels Band" (Side Note: Yes, this playlist was from Mr. Hennick, BUT the point is that it's his playlist. Country, hip-hop, jazz, classical, pop - whatever it is that makes you move, create it! I am biased with this Country List, since I'm a total country girl. THANK YOU, Calvin, I will now add these songs into my own!)
"PAY YOURSELF. Set a price for attaining a certain weekly mileage goal. When you hit it, pay up. Keep your mileage money in a jar, and once it accumulates, buy yourself that new running jacket you've been ogling." (Side Note: I have now incorporated this into my life. I have saved various gift cards and money. When I reach a certain health, nutrition or fitness goal, I'll dig into my stash and buy me something new. Notice - I did not say, "I'll go get me an ice cream cone!")
"RUN FOR A REASON. Do a race for charity. Helping kids with diabetes or women with breast cancer makes it much easier to get out the door." (Side Note: Do anything for a reason. It will inspire you. I'm working on a couple "reasons" currently. One I am very passionate about is Ms. Ashley and her fight against MS. Check out what she's doing HERE.
Thanksgiving is still one week away, but I can already smell the Thanksgiving Day feast!
This is OK. This is normal! BUT.......BEWARE! Thanksgiving is loaded with calories. Furthermore, Thanksgiving is the "kickoff" to a season of feasting on foods that only come around one time a year. And because these foods only come around one time a year, we think we can gorge day in and day out. The problem is, the season lasts for 1+ months (if you consider that you don't stop until your "New Years Resolution").
This year, join me by kicking off the "season" right!
Here are the Top 3 Things I'm doing to Combat the Turkey Day Bloat:
Move It to Earn It - That's right, you've got to move it to earn it! I would guess that most of you will not do a Thanksgiving Day meal until at least 11am. Even if you choose not to wake up until 10am that day, you would still be able to get in a good half hour walk/run/lift/swim/bike/etc. Any way you can move prior to your meal will help in combating the Turkey Day Bloat. Better yet, lift your weights in the morning or do a circuit training workout. Both will help burn optimal calories post-workout! I will be leading a 10K Turkey Trot at our local Club, which will be a fun way to move it and earn it!
Protein + Favorites - If your Thanksgiving is anything like ours, it includes plates and platters and dishes and tins and jars of item after item. There really is no end in sight. My eyes are always bigger than my stomach. But, Thanksgiving is not the day to be on a "diet" or attempt "self-deprivation." ENJOY yourself, but do it in moderation. I will load up with turkey and any other proteins I can get my hands on (mostly because this is part of my GAPS Diet I follow). After that, I will look at my options and I will choose a few that look the best to me, even if they are the highest in calorie. Eating something that's second best in order to skimp on a few calories will not do you any good. In the end, you'll end up going back for seconds, thirds and fourths - all because you aren't getting what your body is screaming at you to take! Protein + (moderation) of only your favorite items will help reduce the Turkey Day Bloat.
Start Today - Start preparing for Thanksgiving Day today! No, I do not mean physically preparing food. I mean, work a little harder at the gym and be a little more conscious about your current food choices. If you ran on the treadmill for an extra 5 minutes a day for the next 7 days, did one extra set during your weight lifting sessions and skipped dessert just 3 nights, you will have saved up (or earned) about 1,000 calories (give or take, depending on the various factors). And couldn't we all use those 1,000 calories to combat the Turkey Day Bloat?
I am looking forward to Thanksgiving! I love knowing that I work hard almost every single day of the year, so when it's time to eat a little extra on Thanksgiving I can do so - with Thanks - and a full, (unbloated) stomach!
I really have not been taking care of myself when it comes to food in...my cup has (negatively) runneth over! And I am now down to T-less than one week until my 1/2 Marathon. Every single thing I put into my body is going to be critical for me on this final week.
Time to have this cup filled up with vim, vigor & vitality!
Just so you all know, here is how I handle it to ensurenothing less than 100% success on Sunday for the 1/2:
IMMUNITY by New Chapter
Probiotics
Multivitamin
Digestive Enzymes
HCL
Sauerkraut Raw
Magic Mineral Broth
Tea
Coconut Milk
Honey
Lean turkey meat
Chicken
Chicken broth
Bananas
Side note on the IMMUNITY: I thought I was getting sick last week. Everyone at work is sick, too. This product was suggested to me. I got it at Whole Foods. I didn't end up getting sick. Fabulous!
That's it! I'm SO ready. I'm SO determined. I'm SO focused! I can't hardly contain my excitement for this upcoming week/weekend events. Stay tuned....I'm working on a "13.1" List!
Did you try to get in to the San Francisco Nike Women's Marathon or 1/2 Marathon via Lottery, but not get chosen?
Well here's your second chance at it!
This is a Sold Out event! The event is in San Francisco on October 18th. For all the details please click HERE.
And if those details don't excite you, maybe a few more details will:
NIKE+ MEMBER REWARDS - Make sure you are a Nike+ Member. Hands down one of the best features to Nike Running (in my opinion).
LIVE RUNNER TRACKING - Nike is going to alert (via text) your biggest fans on race day your progress throughout the race. (My Mom will love this, since she'll be 1,000+ miles away!)
And yes, it's TRUE. Once you cross that finish line, there will be men in tuxedo's waiting for you - to give you that little Tiffany's box!
Today I bring to you yoursecond chance of getting into this! I have a few ways to do this. Here they are (PLEASE MAKE NOTE: For ALL winners - you will still need to pay the entry fee. What I provide you is the access code to get in. You take it from there!):
Pied Piper (Entry to) SF NWM Challenge -
As most of you know by now, I am an Ambassador for the Nike Human Race 10K for the Pied Piper Team (October 24th).
1. Join the Nike+ Human Race: http://bit.ly/UZ1xd 2. Join my Pied Piper Ambassadors Challenge: http://bit.ly/152Z2N 3. Join the Pied Piper (Entry to) SF NWM Challenge: http://bit.ly/14vlAQ
4. Start syncing your miles (Yes, this will mean that you are a Nike+ Member. To see a full list of Nike+ "Gear," click HERE.
The person to sync the most miles AND recruit at least 1 person to join the Pied Piper Nike+ Human Race Team (that person must also have at least 5 miles synced) will win their entry to the NWM.
Per the Challenge description, contest will run from Monday, September 21st - Wednesday, October 1, 2009.
Spreading Pied Piper Passion
The Pied Piper (who has synced at least 10 miles) to recruit the most new people (each new person MUST have synced at least 6.2 miles) for our Human Race Pied Piper Team will win their entry to the NWM. (I will take a screen shot on Sunday night so that I know who was already on the team before contest begins on Monday.)
Challenge runs from Monday, September 21st - Sunday, September 27th. Please email me (sarahkayhoffman@gmail.com) your new recruits on Sunday, September 27th. I'll let the winner know who they are on or by Monday, September 28th.
Good Luck! See you at the Finish Line.
And ps. There is still one more way to get in.....see my next Blog posting.
