Who tried 2 new fitness classes ...

Before we get to our regularly scheduled blogging, I wanted to update you on the future schedule of the blog. I think quality is more important than quantity for this blog, so I am going to be blogging on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. I am hoping to have some guest bloggers pop in on Tuesdays and Thursdays too! The easiest way to get the newest posts is to sign up on the right to get emails =)
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It was definitely hard to get up and get ready for work this morning! Mondays after a holiday weekend are just cruel!

But, after my work trip to Boston, I have a lot of follow up to do, so hopefully today goes by quickly and is productive.

Speaking of my work trip to Boston, I wanted to share some highlights with you. When I travel for work my days are filled with meetings, but sometimes my meetings are in cool locations. For example, I got to go down to Mystic, Connecticut (about 2 hours south of Boston) to meet an alum for lunch.

The area was gorgeous  - right on the Long Island Sound with sailboats everywhere. I love the smell of salt water and that sticky feeling you get near the ocean. Mystic is known for having the largest maritime museum too (I did not have time to go through it).

Beside touring Connecticut, I also made time for TWO new workouts while I was in  Boston. On Tuesday evening I went to a cute, local boutique gym called Btone  to take a class called Tone & Blast. The first 20 minutes of the class were on a machine called a Megaformer, which is described on their website as, "representing a significant evolution of the traditional Pilates reformer. It is designed to cater to both upper and lower body muscles, using a system of springs and pulleys to accomodate the resisteance and counter-resistance elements of the workout." 

Everything was new to me, but I feel like I caught on quickly and got a great workout on the machine. You had to use your core to balance you a lot which I loved! The last 30 minutes of the class were at the barre - but it was very different than a typical barre class... I was SWEATY! It was a lot of cardio and quick moves. I liked it because it was a great contrast to the slow, deliberate moves on the megaformer. 

The second workout I squeezed in on Wednesday morning, I woke up early to check out the November Project . It was probably one of the coolest workout experiences ever - and I think it will be hard for me to describe. Their website states it well - "November Project™ is a grassroots FREE fitness movement that was born in Boston as a way to stay in shape during cold New England months. Now present in multiple cities in across four time zones in North America, the movement is using a simple sense of accountability to motivate and encourage people of all ages, shapes, sizes and fitness levels to get out of their beds and get moving."

The group meets 3 mornings a week in Boston, and each morning the group meets at a different location and does a different workout. On Wednesday mornings they meet at Harvard Stadium and do stairs. I consider myself to be in shape, but this workout kicked my butt! You run up the big stairs and come down the little stairs, and let me tell you the big stairs were HUGE!  As a newbie, we started at section 37 and went to section 19 ... does sound too bad, but my legs were shaking sooooo bad by the end! Veterans went all the way to Section 14 AND back ... cannot imagine.

The whole group that was there for the morning workout! See me??

So the workout was tough, but what made it such an amazing experience were the people. The November Project was started by 2 guys -Bojan and Brogan - and they have SO much energy -  it is contagious. They really stress that the movement is about creating a sense of community. As a newbie, I had to introduce myself to people and also give 3 people big bear hugs. Sounds silly, but it was so much fun.

Lastly,  I knew there would be a lot of people there - but there were at least a 100... but it did not feel cramped because everyone went at their own pace and spread out. 

If you imagine doing a really tough workout with over 100 people encouraging each other ... that is what November Project is all about, and it is such a cool idea! Look to see if there is a branch in your city by going to their website!

It was a pretty busy trip, but also pretty amazing! 

Have you tried any new workouts recently? And how was your 4th of July?

Who loves Boston ...

Done and exhausted!

Welcome to the week! I know Mondays are sometimes not the most fun - but this is a holiday week ... so only 4 days and then it is fireworks! WHOOO!

This Monday I wanted to share my love of Beantown!

Boston Creme Pie after the race!

I first went to Boston in 2012 for my first Boston Marathon. My biggest fan (my momma) made the trek with me and we had an amazing trip.

My race time was not the best (it was the 85 degree day), but I fell in love with Boston on the trip! My mom and I took an amazing food tour and did all of the tourist things ... Cheers, Faneuil Hall, Boston Commons, Harvard, and more.

Expressing my views on the Newton Hills - thumbs down

The Boston Marathon is an incredible tradition, and after working very hard to get there - the race is even better than you can imagine (especially your first time). The whole city of Boston welcomes you and everyone seems so excited for you to run the race. And the crowd support is better than any other race - there are people along the entire course and everyone seems to genuinely want to wish you good luck. The best tradition along the course is Wellesley College! You pass Wellesley around mile 13, so it is a great time for a boost ... and it is right before the horrible Newton Hills! It is called the scream tunnel, because as you are approaching the College, all you can hear is screaming! All of the girls (it is an all girl College) are lined up screaming their hearts out and holding signs that say - "Kiss Me Because ... (and then listing a unique reason)." AND runners all go up and kiss the girls ... it is a tradition for 20 - 70 years old men and women to go kiss College girls, I love it! =) It may sound inappropriate, but you have to experience it!

About 2 years after falling in love with the city and my first Boston marathon experience, I got my current fundraising job that involves traveling to the East Coast, mostly New York City and Boston, about once a month. Thus, I have gotten to know the city and surrounding area even more ... and I am loving it even more!

I am posting this blog post now because I am currently in Boston and soaking in the views! My favorite thing to do is run along the Charles River. I did not grow up with sailing and rowing, so I find it fascinating to watch the boats on the river.

I also got the opportunity to run the Boston Marathon again this year (2014). It was such an emotional year, remembering the bombings and hearing all of the stories of those affected that are rising up and being BOSTON STRONG! I got pretty choked up turning onto Boylston Street and running hard trying to make it to the finish line!

Also, in 2014 there were about 20 runners that came from my running group in Ann Arbor, so it was so great to be able to cheer each other on through the whole process. I will post about running groups later - love them and relationships made!

Running Group Friends that kicked butt in the race!

This post is getting long - but just wanted to share my love of Beantown and tell a bit about my Boston Marathons! For those out there with the goal of qualifying and running in Boston ... keep working hard because it is so worth it!

What are some of your fitness goals? 

Momma and I at Boston 2014 Finish Line