My 90 Day Vegan Journey with Lasse Larsen

 

{New Fave} Cafe Frida

Two additional facts about me:
1.) I LOVE Guacamole.
2.) Margaritas are my friend.

For the past 8 months, I have abstained from alcohol due to my running/race schedule. My sole sister, Tiffany, raved about this spot on the UWS and we went there the Sunday following the Oakley Mini 10k. (My last race for 'this season'.)

First, can I just say that Café Frida offers Happy Hour on Sundays from 4p - 7p. {hands lifted}. The sangrias, margaritas, and guacamole were muy delicioso.

If you're ever on the UWS, stop by this gem of a restaurant and give it a try. :)

Scenes from the NYRR Oakley Mini 10k

I came. I ran. I pr'ed.
Fun times. :)

 

 

Scenes from the Brooklyn Half

The Brooklyn Half was everything I expected and more! It was a fun time running in my second favorite borough. Below are a few snapshots from an awesome expo and race weekend. :)

Happy Mother's Day!

Love you, Mom.

#visionboard2012 Revisit: Volunteer

Done!

Discovering Girls on the Run was definitely a highlight of my year. I enjoyed my time with the girls...so much that I went back for the winter season and ran as a running buddy with my favorite 8 year old.

 

#visionboard2012 Revisit: Maybe next year!

"Meet Lamman Rucker for a third time."

Yes, I did. Yes, I made Lamman Rucker a part of my vision board this year. If you know me, then you understand how much love I have for this actor. So, this goal makes perfect sense.

In my mind, it was quite simple -- I would go see the Off-Broadway play "Black Angels over Tuskeegee" a second time. The cast comes out after the finale, takes photos, and chats with the fans. It's was a win-win.

Lamman was set to star in the September 9th show, but for the life of me I could not bring myself to purchase tickets.  For one, I knew I wanted to see the show with my mom later this year, and secondly, I didn't want to come across as being 'stalkerish'. lol.

So, I didn't go through with it. Instead, I sent a "Happy Birthday" instagram tweet on October 6th using the photo below.

FYI - if you've not had a chance to check out "Black Angels Over Tuskeegee", you must. It's great!
 

Instagram Round-up

Joined @TheBigGirlBlog for #CurvyCardioNYC

It's okay -- I ran.

Tiff and I after our morning run.

'Tis the Season: My take on visiting NYC during the Holidays

Since I live in the city that never sleeps, I'm often contacted by friends and family who are visiting during the holidays. It is my goal to help them plan a great trip to the city. (It's the concierge in me!)

At any rate, I wanted to share with you the information that I pass along to them. In a future post, I will talk about scoring great hotels and airline tickets via Priceline, as well as other options you can use when traveling.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Things to Do

Past/Present

                      November 24, 2011                              September 14, 2012                     

 

A year ago today, I was in Brooklyn to take part in my first ever Turkey Trot 5 mile race. It would be my first official Black Girls Run! group race, and my second race in 2011. 

 

A year ago, I was at a 17-18 minute run/walk pace. I was able to do at least 2 miles in the weekly group run, and now I was aiming for five?!?! I've always been a sucker for a challenge. 

 

A year ago, although I'd came down from 320, I was still heavy -- 293lbs. My diet was in shambles and I was in desperate need of change. 

A year ago, my evenings consisted of late bed times and inactivity. Simply put: I was lazy as hell.

What a difference a year makes!

Today, I'm in training for my next two half-marathons coming up at the beginning of next year.

Today, I'm down 69 lbs, and I have 31lbs to go until I reach goal weight.

To date, I've completed two 5Ks, three 4-milers, one 5-miler, one 8k, four 10Ks, one 10-miler, and a half-marathon.

To date, I have ran 432 miles. Only 68 miles to go before I reach my goal of 500 miles in 2012. My pace ranges from a 12:30 to a 13:30 minute mile.

Over the course of a year, I incorporated strength training, cross fit, swimming, bikram yoga, and dance to my workout regimen. I even managed to pull my eating habits together (somewhat). lol. This has been quite the journey, and I can't wait to see what the next 365 days have in store for me.

Big Chop 2.0



First Big Chop 2009

"I liked it so much the first time, I had to do it again."



Meeting Khalil Kain

Good morning, Wonderful People! I had to write a quick post about my dream come to life moment last night.

So, here goes....

It's Friday evening and my work day has ended. I phone my friend Brandi to see if she wants to meet for dinner. We decided on Cilantro on the Upper West Side. (The Tamarind margaritas and freshly made salsa are top notch!)

After catching up on each other lives and sharing many laughs, we pay the bill and head out. We're walking up Columbus Avenue and when Brandi places her hand on my arm and says "Isn't that the actor...?" I look over to my right. There he is sitting alone and working on his iPad.

I made it to Friday!



"Make it to Friday."
That's what I've been telling myself for the past two and a half weeks.
Going to work some days at 4:30am and sometimes leaving around 8 or 9 was starting to take a toll. The hardwork paid off and the event is done.
Now, I need some shut eye.
Check you later.

Scenes from the Turkey Trot 5M

A Beautiful Thanksgiving morning

 



BLING!

The Haggertys

Run and DONE

 

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

the market

The Union Square Greenmarket is one of the best markets in NYC (so, I've heard). I decided to take a visit after work this afternoon, and see what was in store.

Upon my arrival, I noticed how busy the market was. They had everything from fresh herbs to homemade cheeses to fruits and veggies to flowers.
















I was impressed with the array of vendors on hand. After scoping out the place, I decided on fresh organic spicy lettuce (yes, I wondered what it was about also), two apples, two sweet potatoes, two regular potatoes, and a dozen organic eggs. Can't wait to taste my new purchases.