As you all know, I am running my first half marathon, the NYC Half Marathon, on my birthday — March 21. I am so excited and happy to announce that my long runs have been going so well! No knee pain, no foot tendinitis pain. After (a surprisingly easy) 10 on the treadmill last weekend, I did get a case of the black toenails. It hurt. Turns out Jack Rabbit in NYC fitted me incorrectly and my shoes were too small, so I brought the shoes in and they gave me the larger size. Then I went to the podiatrist (why do I have 2 podistrists that I love and 0 gastroenterologists??) and he drained my toenails. He also confirmed that I am now, in fact, a true hardcore runner. Welcome to the club, Dori!

I was concerned about my upcoming 11 miler but my toes felt much better the day before. And yesterday I ran 11 miles outside in the gorgeous weather and my toes did not hurt! I felt great.

I am so excited for the NYC Half! I know it will be amazing. I am especially excited to run down 7th avenue through Times Square amongst cheering spectators! I think I should make a shirt that says it’s my birthday? Tacky? Thoughts?

My friend Melissa wrote a post the other day where she mentioned a half marathon taking place in Queens on April 3, two weeks after the NYC Half. I was intrigued. The race takes place in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, in my hometown! Just a 5 minute drive from my mom’s house. And the race sounds fun — it is the inaugural 13.1 Marathon — New York. This race is part of the 13.1 Marathon series, which is popping up all over the country. The tagline is “Where the party meets the pavement” and I found out they have live bands throughout the race and a fun after party that might or might not include beer.

I registered.

Am I crazy??! Maybe. But here’s what I’m thinking: I can run another half marathon and won’t have to train!! I will ALREADY be trained. Really, what’s the difference between running 12 miles next week and 13.1 the week after? And then 13.1 again two weeks after? Not such a huge deal. And it will be FUN. And in my hood. My mom can come (read: drive me) and cheer me on. My friends can come. The course is AWESOME. And running two half marathons is kind of like running one full one, just with a 2 week walking break. No?  :)

The race begins at Arthur Asche stadium, where I was fortunate to watch Roger Federer (swoon) play in the US Open this past summer. The race ends here:

[Source]

And there you have it. If you think I am crazy or if you just want to praise me, feel free to comment or email and let me know. I am open to all opinions. Not that it matters, because it’s ON!

Anyone else want to run it too?

If I can run 11, I can run 13.1. Twice.  Let half marathon season begin!

This has been a really tough week for me; a good friend of mine passed away unexpectedly. I was riding high from Tuesday night’s wonderful Core Fusion class when a friend called me with the news. Even though I got practically no sleep that night and worked a long day Wednesday, I decided to go to another class. I figured it would help take my mind off things and really, I had no reason not to.

I wasn’t sure how class would go, how I would handle it. I felt sad thinking about my friend Robin yet I was still able to find something that made me smile. The first plank we do in the beginning of class is a plank we have to hold for a very, very long time. For the first time, on this day, I was able to hold the plank the entire time and not collapse. When the plank was over I let out a small laugh. Despite how stressful the day was, how overbearingly sad, I was still able to find joy in something small like holding a plank. That is because it meant so much more than just holding a plank — it was proof that my hard work is paying off. It was proof that we can all accomplish what we want if we work hard and want it badly enough. It was proof that life does go on and we should live it as our best possible selves — as healthy, as strong, as accomplished as we can be. Yes, part of it was physical — I am physically stronger now than I was before this challenge. But it was also mental — I wanted to hold this plank more on Wednesday than I ever have before. I didn’t let myself collapse. I pushed and forced myself to stay in a position longer than it was comfortable (really though, is a plank ever comfortable?). And because of my commitment over the last 3 weeks, it simply was not as difficult anymore.

The rest of the class was just as good. I was able to up my weights for the bicep curls and use 4 pounds instead of 3. Another improvement; another minor victory. Thighs seemed to be getting better. My abs are have not yet improved the way my other muscles have been due to my struggles with the C Curve, but even that I can feel getting better. These small victories push me to work harder the next time, to keep going, to take an extra class. The more my body improves, the more my mind seems to improve along with it.

I know it is hard to stick with exercises that hurt. And Core Fusion hurts. But how great do you all feel when it is finished? And if you’ve been doing it, do you see any improvements in your body, in your strength? Please let me know. For me, I see major improvements in my body and strength, yes, but also in my outlook. I feel like I am a more positive person and while I am distraught over my friend’s death, and tempted to feel guilty for the times I didn’t see her, I feel like I am handling this much better than I would have been just 4 weeks ago. Those last few minutes at the end of class after we finished the hard part and lie in savasana really makes me appreciate how lucky I am. If you are doing the DVDs at home, you should try just laying down flat on your back and just relax with your eyes closed after you are finished. I’m not usually “one of those people” who talks like this, but I really think it adds so much to the Core Fusion experience.

I hope you all have a great week. And please call a friend or family member and tell them you love them.

AUCTION IS CLOSED.

Thank you all for your generous bids. I will email each high bidder with instructions.

Welcome to my charity auction!

BID HERE: http://dorishinyblog.com/contact-me/

I am running the NYC Half Marathon on my birthday, March 21, to benefit Think Pink Rocks. ALL proceeds go to funding for breast cancer screening, treatment and research. My mom, a breast cancer survivor, was diagnosed at age 37. This is a charity that is extremely important to me and I am honored and excited to run my first half marathon to raise money for them!

I am holding this auction to try and reach my fundraising commitment of $1,000 — but if we just so happen to raise more money in the process, that would be lovely! My donation page:

http://www.active.com/donate/thinkpinkrocks/dysterious

AUCTION RULES

1) All items start at $20. They are divided into the following categories: Professional Services/Goods, Homemade, and Baked Goods

2) Each item has a title and corresponding number. You will email me using either this form or my email address dysterious at gmail dot com with the item NAME and NUMBER in the subject line. I will not accept bids left in the comment section.

3) The auction starts at 10 am EST and will end at 10 pm EST, Thursday, Jan 21.

4) I will post a list of each item and update the top bids throughout the day

5) I will send a confirmation email to the winners. Each winner has 24 hours to donate their winning amount to my donation page. If I do not receive their donation, I will contact the second highest bidder as the winner.

6) Serious bidders only! Please read item descriptions carefully as there are NO REFUNDS! I am really impressed with the generosity of people and companies who stepped forward to donate their time and products. I am so excited by how amazing these items are and I really hope you are too!

Top Bid List

This is the list of items and their current high bid. Scroll below or click here for item details and descriptions. All items start at $20.

1. Aurorae Yoga Set – $65
2. Pastry Girl Cakes (2 top bidders can win) – $25, $25
3. Exhale Core Fusion/Yoga 10-class Pack – $200
4. Professional Cooking Lesson (high bidder + 1 guest) – $80
5. Personal Training Session with Celebrity Trainer Brynn Jinnett – $50
6. The Blog Fairy Custom Blog Header – $50
7. Yoga OR Dance Lesson with Emily Oldak – $55
8. MyPublisher 20 Page Classic Hardcover with Personalized Photo Book Cover – $30
9. Personal Training OR Health Counseling Session with Catherine Hesse – $50
10. Tees for Change, Chase Dreams t-shirt (2 top bidders can win) – $20, $20
11. Six Month Subscription to TurnUpMyWorkout.com – $30
12. Bumble and bumble Hair Care Gift Pack – $40
13. Two Sign Language Lessons
14. P&G Prestige Fragrances Sampler Pack – $20
15. Health & Fitness Book Prize Pack – $30
16. Gold’s Gym – Bailey’s Crossroads (Falls Church), VA (4 top bidders can win)
17. PriorFatGirl e-Cookbook – $20
18. Colorful Bulky Afghan – $20
19. Handmade Passage to India Bracelet – $20
20. Handmade Earrings – $20
21. Handmade Necklace
22. Food Blog Charms (4 top bidders can win)
23. Seattle Cookie Bars – $20
24. Hot Milk Sponge Cake or Pumpkin Fruit Cake (2 top bidders can win)
25. Peanut Butter Butterscotch Brownies – $20

AUCTION ITEMS

Professional Goods/Services

(1) Aurorae Yoga Set

Includes:

• Brand new pink “Hope” yoga mat, which was created with the intention of supporting women who have or have had breast cancer
• Rosin bag (for slip free yoga practice)
• Yoga towel

I have an Aurorae mat in lilac and I am in love with it! I even get compliments from my yoga teachers. And when you put your hands and feet on the mat and then move them, you can see the imprints. An amazing mat! I also have the rosin bag and it keeps my hands from slipping.

*Note – the Hope mat debuts in February and will be shipped to the high bidder as soon as it becomes available.

(2) Pastry Girl Cakes – 2 dozen cupcakes, flavor of your choice

2 high bidders will each receive 2 dozen cupcakes of their choice

*Note – Cupcakes are available for NYC area bidders only. If you live outside NYC and would like to bid on Pastry Girl Cakes products, you will receive 2 dozen COOKIES.

Pastry Girl Cakes is a custom cake studio serving New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. We provide delicious and beautiful cakes, cupcakes and cookies for your most special events. We specialize in wedding cakes, birthday cakes, shower cakes and cakes for corporate events.

Pictured – Coconut cupcakes

Find a list of available flavors here: http://www.pastrygirlcakes.com/flavors2.htm

Find pictures of more cupcakes here: http://pastrygirlcakes.com/cupcakes_coconut.htm

(3) Exhale Spa 10-Class Pack of Core and Yoga Classes ($350 value)

Click here for Exhale Spa locations in NY, Massachusetts, Illinois, Florida, Texas, California and Turks & Caicos

Core (CORE FUSION!)

Build a strong core… Develop washboard abs… Improve your posture… Deepen your practice… Focus your mind.

Experience a transformational Core Fusion® toning class, based on Lotte Berk Method fundamentals, Pilates, and 50 years of combined fitness expertise, to achieve a strong, athletic, flexible, and youthful body. Improve your performance in sports with the total body workout, Core Fusion® Sport. Or strengthen your overall wellbeing within a combination of yoga asanas, Qi Gong, core strengthening, and stretching with a Core Fusion® Yoga class. All classes include a cardio element and are fueled by upbeat and inspirational music rhythms.

Yoga

A union of mind and body… linking breath with movement… a meditation in motion… the flow of energy.

Our yoga classes are ritual journeys that respond to the changing needs of urban life by infusing the highest quality of teaching with a revolutionary approach to yoga. For this amazing transformational practice we have created an equally amazing space.

Exhale as you discover your sacred space for this ancient healing practice.

Namaste.

(4) Professional Cooking Lesson for high bidder + 1 guest

New York City area only

Mercedes Vargas is a chef who currently works at the Ritz-Carlton. Formerly pastry chef at Gemma, Pair of 8’s and La Bottega. She also works with private clients on different functions as well as with Great Performances caterers. Her menus mostly consist of fresh, seasonal and local foods.

The cooking class for two people would be approximately 2 hours. The menu will be determined by Mercedes and the client, it would be three courses, all appetizers or dessert, depending on what the client would like to learn. The certificate will cover her fee of $300 for the class. All other expenses are covered by the client.

(5) Personal Training Session with Celebrity Trainer Brynn Jinnett

New York City area only

Join celebrity trainer Brynn Jinnett for this intense total body workout that combines the most effective movements from Pilates, yoga, ballet Lotte Berk and traditional strength training.

(6) The Blog Fairy Custom Blog Header

A custom blog header designed by The Blog Fairy, who has designed many blogs including Dori’s Shiny Blog, Missy Maintains, Just Flourishing and more! Visit http://theblogfairy.com to view samples of her work.

(7) Yoga OR Dance Lesson with Emily Oldak (Modern dancer, certified yoga instructor, former Cirque du Soleil star)

High bidder + up to two guests can select a private one hour yoga session or dance class

New York City area only

Emily Oldak was born and raised in NYC. She began dancing when she was 4 years old and became more serious when she attended “The Fame” School where she discovered her love for modern and contemporary dance. Following high school Emily graduated with a BFA from the Juilliard School in 2005. While at Juilliard she danced works by contemporary choreographers such as Aszure Barton, Paul Taylor, Ohad Naharin, Dwight Rhoden, and Robert Battle. Directly after school, she joined Cirque du Soleil for their new Creation of “Love” which was in collaboration with the music of The Beatles. While at Cirque, she learned others street forms of dance as well as aerial acrobatics. In her free time in Vegas she studied to become Yoga certified. After 3 years at Cirque she decided to return to her home to pursue a freelance dance career. She currently works with the Chase Brock Experience and Aszure Barton and Artists. Emily is represented by Mcdonald Selznick Associates. You can catch her in her latest commercial gig with MSA as a body double for Shakira in her newest music video “Did it Again”.

(8) MyPublisher - 20-page Classic Hardcover Photo Book with Book Cover

A customizable 20 page MyPublisher photo book with a personalized photo Book cover

http://mypublisher.com/products/classic

(9) Personal Training Session OR Health Counseling Session with Catherine Hesse (Core Fusion teacher & certified Holistic Health Counselor)

Personal training for New York City area only. Health counseling session can be held in person or via phone depending on location.

Catherine is a graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition with Columbia University and is trained in all the different dietary theories, eastern and western nutrition, modern health issues, personal growth and development, and health counseling. She is a Core Fusion Yoga Teacher Trainer, and a senior teacher of Core Fusion®, and Core Fusion Yoga, at Exhale Mind-Body Spa, in New York City. She specializes in body image, emotional eating, general wellness and healing through self love. Catherine is certified by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners.

(10) Tees For Change - Chase Dreams bamboo short sleeve t-shirt

*Two t-shirts are up for auction. I will accept two winning bids.

Made from 70% sustainable bamboo and 30% organic cotton, this tee is luxuriously soft and silky and has an amazing fit.pumpkin tee, yellow text on the front

• pre-shrunk and runs a bit smaller
• fair-trade and sweatshop-free, imported
• available in sizes S (0-2), M (4-6), L (8-10) and XL (10-12)

http://www.teesforchange.com/chase-dreams-bamboo-short-sleeve-tshirt-p-102.html

(11) Six month subscription to TurnUpMyWorkout.com

TurnUpMyWorkout lets you choose your favorite kind of music, pick the intensity level you workout at and each month you will receive a list of motivating workout songs! I’ve tried this service myself and absolutely loved it — it gave me a new list of awesome songs that pushed me through my first half marathon training run! (Will be posting a review soon)

For more information, visit the website at http://turnupmyworkout.com

**Please note the music downloads are not included

(12) Bumble and bumble Hair Care Gift Pack from Missy at Missy Maintains ($200 value)

Pack includes:

• 1 bottle Spray de Mode Hairspray
• 1 bottle Classic Hair Spray
• 1 bottle Bb Gel
• 1 bottle Gellac
• 5 oz. Holding Spray
• 5 oz. Styling Creme
• 5 oz Medium to Thick Curl Creme
• 5 oz Medium to thick Curl Conscious Shampoo
• 5 oz Medium to Thick Curl Conscious Conditioner

(13) Sign Language Lessons with Jenny from ColorHungry –Boston area only

Includes 2 one-hour sessions

Born the child of profoundly deaf parents, Jenny could sign the alphabet by 1 and a half. She went on to learn American Sign Language and as a hard of hearing individual herself, often serves as an interpreter at her workplace for deaf students visiting campus. She has over 20 years of experience.

(14) P&G Prestige Fragrances Sampler Pack from Ashley at Healthy Happier Bear Includes:

• Flora by Gucci 2.5 oz
• Escada Marine Groove 50mL
• Lacoste Challenge 75mL

Value $192

(15) Health and Fitness Book Prize Pack from Melissa at FitnessNYC

Includes:

- 12 Steps to Raw Foods

- The Secrets of Skinny Chicks

- Extreme Fat Smash Diet

- Runner’s World: The Runner’s Diet

- Fast Track: Training and Nutrition Secrets from America’s Top Female Runner

- The 90 Second Fitness Solution

- 8 Minutes in the Morning to Lean Hips and Thin Thighs

(16) Gold’s Gym – Bailey’s Crossroads (Falls Church), VA – Washington, D.C. Area & surrounding area bidders only

Four items are up for auction. Limit one per customer.

- Three Month Membership to Gold’s Gym + 1 personal trainer session

- One Month Membership to Gold’s Gym + 1 personal trainer session

- One Month Membership to Gold’s Gym + 1 personal trainer session

- One Month Membership to Gold’s Gym + 1 personal trainer session

Please specify if you are bidding on the one month or three month membership when bidding.

(17) PriorFatGirl e-Cookbook

A collection of healthy recipes from the friends of PriorFatGirl! Over 50 recipes + tips from personal trainer MizFit

Homemade Goods

(18) Colorful Bulky Afghan

A gorgeous, high quality handmade multicolored afghan. Looks stunning displayed on a couch and will keep you warm and cozy!

(19) Handmade “Passage to India” Bracelet by Jenny from ColorHungry

Fully adjustable for smaller or bigger wrists

(20) Handmade Earrings by Katherine from Low Fat Kat

(21) Handmade Necklace by Katherine from Low Fat Kat

(22) Food Blog Charms by Mara from I Made Dinner

Four items for auction: 2 computer charms and 2 peanut butter jar charms. Please specify which charm you are bidding on when you send your email.

Charms are handcrafted out of lead-free pewter. They come on either a vegan-friendly nylon cord or cell phone charm.

Baked Goods

(23) Seattle Cookie Bars by Mallory from Bacon Wrapped Life

Up for auction: two dozen cookies – one dozen Cherry Almond and one dozen Hazlenut

A Northwest twist on the classic Magic Cookie Bar.

The flavors are inspired by Theo’s Chocolate, a local Seattle love that makes organic, fair trade chocolate that is unbelievable.

The Theo Classic Combination bar, Dark Chocolate with Cherries and Almonds is in the first cookie, along with lots of chopped almonds, dried cherries and shredded coconut. The sour bite of the cherries and the smooth, bitter dark chocolate from Theo cut through the sweetness of the cookie for a really addicting treat.

The 3400 Phinney Chocolate bar, Hazelnut Crunch Milk Chocolate is in the second cookie, along with a ton of chopped hazelnuts and of course shredded coconut. Wonderfully sweet, nutty and delicious. Plus, a couple Theo bars thrown in for good measure, so non-Seattle folks can appreciate the inspiration for the cookies.

(24) Choice of Whole Cake by Maggie from Say Yes to Salad

2 high bidders will receive one of the cakes listed:

• Hot Milk Sponge Cake with a brown sugar and coconut topping. Goes well with fresh fruit and whipped cream.
• Pumpkin Fruit Cake made with homemade pumpkin puree. A seasonal favorite.

Please specify which cake you are bidding on in the subject line.

(25) Peanut Butter Butterscotch Brownies by Jenny from ColorHungry

Jenny discovered these puppies one night when she was too upset to sleep and started baking. Imagine her surprise when these turned out to be some of the tastiest brownies she’s ever eaten. And don’t take her word for it- others have agreed!

Good luck bidders!!!!

http://www.active.com/donate/thinkpinkrocks/dysterious

All donations to THINK PINK ROCKS will benefit 501 (c) (3) charitable organizations. Beneficiaries are: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York; BRCH Women’s Center for Breast Care; The American Cancer Society / Making Strides Against Breast Cancer; Reach Global / Jacob International; The Florida Breast Cancer Foundation; The H.O.P.E. Project; University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

I have a race recap for you! I am so excited about it! But that will come tomorrow. Eeee! (I am giddy)

I want to talk about Thanksgiving this week. I feel like it is always Thanksgiving. Every time I turn around, it is time for Thanksgiving again. Last year was the first year I got in a workout on the holiday. I couldn’t go to my own gym because I had stayed over at my mom’s the night before. My little brother was visiting from The Seattles and I wanted to spend as much time with his mushy face as possible. I get guest passes to a bunch of a gym’s through my company’s Global Fit account and I was thrilled to see Meadows Spa on the list. Meadows Spa is an all women’s gym that I was a member of for a short time when I lived at home. I actually used to come home from my full time job, go right from the bus to my car and drive to the gym to take a class (never did machines back then) after work. What motivation!

Anyway, I used the guest pass there in the morning and got a good 1:05 on two different ellipticals. It felt great and I was so happy to have done something great for myself before the huge meal. I was able to enjoy my meal much more too knowing I got a great workout in.

Which brings me to my Turkey Day Tips. I know variations of these have been floating around the blog world, but I’d like to throw mine in there as well along with my plans for this year. Oh, and while I do not eat turkey, I just love saying Turkey Day.

Turkey Day Tips

1. Schedule your Turkey Day workout. Otherwise it gets easy to lounge around with your family or watching the parade or football or whatever it is you do to lounge. I scheduled my workout — a Core Fusion class with one of my favorite teachers (my favorite teacher Brynn is no longer at CF, sad). I was so happy to see that my other favorite, Barbara, was teaching on Turkey Day, so I jumped at the chance to take her 11:00 am class. Now that I signed up, I am obligated to go. And excited to! If I happen to wake up early on Thursday I might try to get in a quick cardio workout as well, but if there’s no time, no worries! I know I will feel amazing after Core Fusion — I always do! Plus, I have been meaning to get my butt there more!
2. Plan your Day After workout. Knowing you have a workout planned and ready to go the following day might help you not stuff yourself to the point of food coma, or, as my brother and I like to say thanks to Chris Rock, “the itis.” And a workout the day after Turkey Day will just feel nice, knowing you had a fantastic day of indulgence and now you are back to treating your body well. I already scheduled my Day After workout – another Core Fusion class with the same great teacher! I was happy to see Barbara is teaching on Black Friday because it made me really want to sign up for the class. She usually teaches on Wednesdays when I am at my writing class, so now I have two great opportunities to take her class!
   I will probably do a cardio workout this day as well since I will have more time.
3. Work out throughout the week. From Sunday – at least Friday of Turkey Day week I will be/have been working out. More than I usually do but it makes me feel that much better about the festivities.
4. Enjoy! If you workout before or after Thanksgiving, great! If not, also great! The point of this holiday is to enjoy your time with family and friends and eat delicious foods you really only have once a year. So enjoy it and don’t feel guilty or bad or anything negative at all about indulging — or over indulging. Just enjoy.

Looking for a fun and challenging Turkey Day workout? Read this post from Well + Good NYC, a great blog I just found out about. While this blog is NYC-centric, there are great ideas in the post for everyone, so check it out!

Speaking of NYC workouts, remember when I struggled with the decision to join a gym? The day after I made the decision and joined, I received an email from the PR Director at New York Sports Clubs. She had read about my issues with having little money but wanting to work out in a motivating environment, and she offered me a complimentary month! While I was really happy, I had also just joined and wasn’t sure if the offer was still valid. After some working things out, I am happy to say I received my free month and that makes me so happy! I am very impressed with NYSC’s keeping up with what people are saying in the social media/blog world and their generous efforts to make sure I got to belong to a gym. The signs of a great company. Thank you, New York Sports Club!

Speaking of NYSC, I wanted to update you on how I’ve been doing with my new membership. As for my home location, I’ve only gone twice, both times to spin. My evenings have all been so busy so I haven’t gotten there after work and I have been too tired to make it in the morning. But that is OK — since I have been using the location across the street from my job! I can only use that location during off peak hours which has been working out well.

Remember I discussed scheduling a Thanksgiving workout earlier in this post? Well, I’ve benefited from scheduling all my workouts when I go during the work day. I’ve found that if I block off a time in my Outlook calendar, I make it to the gym. If I don’t, I tend to let work wrap me up and I don’t make it. So I block off a time, go across to the gym, get in a quick 30 minute workout and get right back to work. It is as if I was never even there! As if I didn’t work out, except that I DID.

I love, love, love this new arrangement. I am kicking myself for not doing this sooner. Then when my day is done, I am done. No workouts hanging over my head, taunting me. I’m in, I’m out, I’m done.

I was doing elliptical mostly. I did the arc trainer once and I did the elliptical/stairmaster hybrid once. Then yesterday, inspired by Janna, I did a machine I haven’t done since I belonged to my old gym: the stepmill.

I forgot how hard this thing is! I did 30 minutes and I was dripping by the end. My shirt was soaked through! What an amazing workout when you are strapped for time. I will probably incorporate this into my workouts much more often now. Hopefully soon I will have less of a hard time on actual stairs! I definitely recommend the stepmill if you need a quick but tough workout. Just don’t attempt to pick up a water bottle or a BlackBerry during it because you might fall off. It requires focus and balance!

Another reason my gym membership has been worth it. The building gym doesn’t have this machine! And NYSCs are everywhere. The other day, I went with the boy to his haircut appointment and there was a NYSC across the street. If I’d known, I could have brought clothes and gotten my workout in. Next time!

I am kickstarting my return to Core Fusion with my Turkey Day schedule as well. I opted not to participate in Angela’s Whittle My Middle challenge because I have 25 Core Fusion classes to use up and I know they would whittle my middle and strenghten my core better than I could ever do on my own. But I haven’t been using the classes aside from a really great beginner yoga class that I didn’t hate a couple weeks ago. Starting Thanksgiving, I am back in Core Fusion mode. I will be whittling my middle there and strenghtening my butt, legs and arms as well. I can’t wait to get stronger again!

A quick random note on workout clothes. I was on eBay trying to find the Lululemon Run Swiftly Tech L/S shirt that is sold out in my size everywhere, and I came across some auctions for the Brisk Run Gloves that I have. In Lululemon stores & online, they cost $26. On eBay, they were being sold as Buy it Now for $40. Rip off! You could just buy it straight from Lululemon.com with free shipping. Always check to make sure you aren’t being ripped off on eBay — that made me really angry.

And lastly, some quick food news. I made amazing pumpkin pancakes. So perfect and fluffy — without a doubt the best pancakes I ever made. I used Arrowhead Mills Buttermilk Pancake & Waffle Mix. I replaced the vegetable oil with coconut oil and I added in a couple healthy spoonfuls of Whole Foods organic canned pumpkin. Perfection.

And if you want a book of healthy, easy, yummy recipes please check out Jen’s PriorFatGirl e-Cookbook. It is an amazing collection of over 50 recipes submitted by Jen’s readers and put together by Jen herself, with tidbits on getting some movement into your day from the ever popular MizFit throughout. It makes a great holiday gift and is an invaluable resource for yourself. I have one and I can’t wait to use it. The cookbook costs $5, with $4 of it going to the YMCA, which promotes healthy living for millions of Americans. Click here to learn more and order your copy!

How do you fit a workout in on Thanksgiving? Ever done anything unique?

I will be back tomorrow for my 4 mile race recap and playlist!

Hi all!

Thanks so much to those who took my Dori’s Shiny Exercise Survey and entered for a chance to win either a Core Fusion DVD or a Physique 57 DVD!

Some of you took the survey but didn’t comment or email to let me know. If I don’t know who you are, you might not be eligible to win! I can’t announce you by your email address, so please either comment here or email me to let me know you took the survey so you have a chance to win.

If you haven’t taken the survey yet, I’d really love it if you did. I’m working on a project and your answers will really help me out. And really, who doesn’t want  Physique 57 or Core Fusion DVD? Those classes are the best!

A few little updates and then I will be on my way:

Tonight is the first night of my Humor Writing class. I can’t help but be very nervous. I tend to take the easy way out and don’t challenge myself often. I do feel that the blog has gotten a little stale and I hope to spice it up and get some more in depth ideas on what kind of writer I am and want to be. I need to be forced to leave my comfort zone. I expect the class sessions to be full of laughs but I am dreading having my writing critiqued by others. I’ll be sure to tweet about how it went.

Reflexology has beaten pancakes as the top search term that gets people to this blog. Congratulations, Reflexology.

I did it! I traded in my Polar F7 for the Polar RSX300 SD. My new Polar comes with a foot pod (and I can add an optional GPS) to track my distance, pace, time, heart rate and more. I chose a foot pod monitor because I heard NYC skyscrapers aren’t the best for GPS systems, although I like that I can add on on if I choose.I played with my new toy last night and worked on setting it up. This morning, I went out to calibrate it. I HATE calibrating! Hated it with my Nike +, hate it with the Polar. There is a small track along my running route, and I know it is 1/8 of a mile, but I don’t know which part. The innermost? Outermost? Middle? I decided not to calibrate there. I didn’t have time to get to another track today (thinking Central Park) but I was so excited to start using my new Polar, so I decided to calibrate on city streets using MayMyRun.com. I got it to tell me what 1.01 miles would be when I realized the Polar only calibrates in kilometers. I went through more trial and error and finally decided that I would run about 1 kilometer — I got Map My Run to tell me that 1.01 K would be from the near corned of 70th street to the far corner of 82nd street.

So I did it. But the thing is . . . I don’t know how confident I am about this. I think it is fine for now but I hope to get to a track this weekend to recalibrate and be sure of my accuracy.I am still figuring out how to work my new HRM and I need to get set up with uploading my workouts to the computer. I also don’t know how to see on the watch screen my average pace and all. I hope to figure that out over the weekend as well. Today’s run was strange because I used the first kilometer to calibrate and then I recorded the rest normally, but I plan to run again on Friday morning and I am excited to run my usual route and see what the Polar says in terms of distance and time!

Speaking of my new Polar, the chest strap it came with is not my size. I have an unusually small and close together ribcage and need the tiniest chest strap they have. The fantastic @ChrisPolarUSA, who helped me with my RSX300 SD decision, responded to my plea for help on Twitter and will be sending me my size strap! Have I mentioned lately that I LOVE Twitter? If you have any questions about heart rate monitors or just want the latest news about Polar, I recommend following him.  I know he has been very helpful to my friend Jen, a PriorfatGirl!

Because I made a wise and safe decision and ordered a Road ID, the company is letting you all receive $1 off your Road ID order. Road ID is crucial for anyone who does any type of outdoor exercise — walking, running, biking, rollerblading, hiking, etc. It contains your contact information, insurance information (if you want), whether you are allergic to medications and your location. To receive $1 off your Road ID, type this code at checkout: ThanksDori548069. The first 20 people to enter the code can receive the discount.

I took advantage of a great flight deal and booked a trip to the Seattles! I am so excited to be going to see my brother and Mallories and the pup Santana from October 29 – November 1. My first request was a breakfast at my favorite breakfast place in the entire world, Portage Bay. They are sustainable and beyond that, have the most amazing breakfast menu I have ever seen. Which includes a trip to the TOPPINGS BAR! I love knowing I would be comfortable eating everything they have their because I share their philosophy about local, organic food. I am also excited to go to my favorite bookstore in the world, Elliot Bay.

Why is my favorite everything in the world located in the Seattles?!

CAN’T WAIT TO SEE THAT PUP!

I bought an Urban Rebounder! It was my very first Craigslist purchase and it came with 2 rebounding DVDs. Not that I know how to set up the DVD player yet (it’s only been a year — HELP!!) but I am excited to be able to have a convenient workout I can do anytime at home. Read the health benefits of rebounding here.

Anyone interested in buying my Regina Spektor tickets from me that I can’t use because of my writing class? Wed, Oct 14 at Radio City in NYC. Let me know!

I thought I figured out how to make spaces between bullets because it worked, but then once I finished typing this blog it unworked. Going into the code and typing in line and paragraph breaks does not work. It worked for a second, what’s with that?! I really would have liked this entry to contain bulletpoints for your reading ease.