Behind the Scenes

Making Strides

The running classes have been great. I finished last weekend's race in record time (my record time that is). Still slow but I finished the 10k in 1:05...not bad.
They gave out FrozeFruit at the end of the race. YUM!  A really skinny girl walked next me in the pic so I cut her out. :)

This is what it looked like pre-race. Runners stretching on the grass, meeting up and getting ready.

The running classes have us doing 9:30 minute miles and I would be so happy if I could maintain that average during a race one day.

On the show we've been doing a grilling contest "Live's Ultimate Hometown Grill Off"...it's been pretty cool to meet these restaurant owners from all over the country and learn their recipes. We usually tape on Thursdays which is good because I can burn off all of the BBQ food during my Thursday night class.

Today it is raining again. What a surprise! I normally love the rain...but this is too much! Today I created a blog for the umbrella that I am going to pass around. The umbrella was given to me by a NYC bus driver in a rain storm.  He saw I didn't have an umbrella...and he just gave it to me! So sweet. Anyway, I am planning to hit the streets soon and give it to someone else in need of an umbrella. I hope we can keep it passing around...a "Stay Dry" initiative. :)  Hopefully anyone who gets the umbrella will go to the blog and post their story...I would love to see where the umbrella travels to. Just curious..not trying to save the world or anything. Umbrella Blog

Thank you all for posting.
-Thank you for your kind wishes re: my grandfather's passing
-No I still have not ichatted
-Congrats to all of you who are running races and just running period.

I am trying to get my mom to be active again. Running is out of the question but I think a great walking program and some spin classes would be great. If anyone has suggestions please let me know.

-Elyssa

Running around...and around...and around

Crazy days at work lately. Grilling contests, Jonas Brothers, Dressing Art up as Adam Lambert , Denzel Washington, etc!  Thursdays are tough in the summer.

Speaking of summer....where is it?? It has been raining almost everyday for weeks now! The other morning I thought I could beat the rain so I left without an umbrella. I usually walk to work but the bus pulled up as I was passing the bus stop so i decided to hop on.  About 2 blocks from the office it started to pour! I mean it looked like it was midnight and the rain was super heavy. ugh no umbrella!! The bus driver was soooo sweet and said i won't let you off unless you take my umbrella. C'mon!  that was the nicest gesture ever!!  I wrote the MTA about him and how lucky they are to have him on their team (I am usually famous for my complaint letters, so figured I should be equally motivated to write a complimentary letter) anyway,  i heard back from the MTA ...they are giving him an award. yippee!! 

I have decided to take his umbrella and pass it on to someone else who left the house without their umbrella next time it rains...which is probably tomorrow since it now feels like we live in Seattle. Hopefully the next person will do the same and we can pass this umbrella around the city.

I started these classes with NY Road Runners Club. i go twice a week and it is awesome! I have already improved so much I cant believe it. Today I moved up a group. yay progress! It really does make a huge difference when you get a few tips...this is what i learned so far:

• when you start to feel tired make sure your abs are tight, and make sure to use your arms and lean into the run to help propel yourself forward. It really works.

• Mix up your runs - one day do sprints, one day do a quick pace at 1.5 mile intervals (2 -3), one day do a nice long run.

• Running in a pack helps to motor you through especially when everyone cheers each other on. it's pretty great!

That's about it for now...

So proud of all of you for keeping up with the running, or even just starting a running or walking routine. Keep me updated.

-Elyssa

Elyssa Shapiro

Catch Up

It been so long...but it is difficult to write when there is nothing to say.

This is what I have to report:

My Reebok membership has come to an end. It's a great gym but I think I'll keep my workouts outdoors for the summer and fall for now. That was a great plan until NYC turned into Seattle! It has been raining it seems like everyday for a month. 

Actually since we got back from beautiful sunny Miami it seems like it hasn't stopped raining! I should post pictures of the staff hard at "work" and by work I mean working on their tans in Miami. It was a lot of work but we made up for it with a lot of fun.

Sadly when I got back my grandfather passed away. I lost my last 2 grandparents in a matter of 3 months. That hasn't been easy.

I joined a running group through NY Road Runners...the workouts are hard but great.  I really think this can help me increase my speed, endurance, etc.  I was in a bit of a workout slump but now i am back...for real...in fact a friend of mine in LA and I are going to do our own little fitness challenge. I am calling it the Summer Bod Project. Today I ran 5 miles after work. Trying to run with my butt and abs to take the stress off of my legs. make sense? sounds weird.

I am a mac convert. The lovely Jeff Probst showed me the light. He came with me to the Apple store and played it beautifully...what I mean by that is...if my husband came with me he would try talking me into getting the most expensive laptop and i would get frustrated and leave empty handed. Jeff tried talking me out of getting the mac after raving about it (pre shopping trip) ...as soon as he said "maybe you shouldn't get it" is when I said "i"ll take it". What is wrong with me?  But I love it....even though I have yet to find someone to iChat with me. 

Not sure how I feel about the iChat. The idea that you have to look decent to talk to someone is a little annoying...but I am still dying to do it. 

Great moment at work the other day...Art Moore dressed up as Adam Lambert....then a few days later Art dressed up as MC Hammer...and he danced. I love my job. 

Well that's the big catch up. I will try to post pictures. The blog will be easier to do now that I have a laptop and I don't have to be tethered to a desk to do it. 

Proud of all of you for all of your running progress. Now its your turn to catch me up.

Hit a Wall

Seems I have hit a wall.  I have been trying to get back into top shape to run the MORE Half -

Marathon

(end of April) but ever since I stopped that crazy NYC marathon training it seems like my usual workouts won't do. I can't seem to get any faster and I can't seem to lose any weight. I am just stuck. I have been working out everyday. Mixing it up with spin classes, fat burning interval runs, long runs, and weight training....and none of it is working anymore!

I even got back together with Gladiator Greg aka The Beast (my former trainer) for some tips. He gave me some great new ideas to work into my routine...lets see if it works. If anyone can get me back on track it's Greg.

Glad to hear from some of you. I am really happy that many of you are running and attempting half marathons, etc. It's a great feeling of accomplishment when you cross that finish line.

I have to look up Myrna's info and buy some of her Skinny Crisps and Pancake mix...I am adding that to my ToDo list.  Great snacks and awesome breakfast! I miss it all!

Now you see why I haven't been blogging because I have nothing interesting to report. Maybe I'll start adding some behind the scenes info . Any suggestions are appreciated!

I'll post the new exercises when I take some pictures to better explain them.

Any workout ideas???

-Elyssa   

PS Did another Sould Cycle class this morning...Damn it's good!!

Hit a Wall

Seems I have hit a wall.  I have been trying to get back into top shape to run the MORE Half -Marathon (end of April) but ever since I stopped that crazy NYC marathon training it seems like my usual workouts won't do. I can't seem to get any faster and I can't seem to lose any weight. I am just stuck. I have been working out everyday. Mixing it up with spin classes, fat burning interval runs, long runs, and weight training....and none of it is working anymore!

I even got back together with Gladiator Greg aka The Beast (my former trainer) for some tips. He gave me some great new ideas to work into my routine...lets see if it works. If anyone can get me back on track it's Greg.

Glad to hear from some of you. I am really happy that many of you are running and attempting half marathons, etc. It's a great feeling of accomplishment when you cross that finish line.

I have to look up Myrna's info and buy some of her Skinny Crisps and Pancake mix...I am adding that to my ToDo list.  Great snacks and awesome breakfast! I miss it all!

Now you see why I haven't been blogging because I have nothing interesting to report. Maybe I'll start adding some behind the scenes info . Any suggestions are appreciated!

I'll post the new exercises when I take some pictures to better explain them.

Any workout ideas???

I did another Soul Cycle class this morning. Damn it's good!!

-Elyssa   

Back on the Blog

Ok Elizabeth called me out...so here I am!

I really have been meaning to write. I have been taking photos with the intention of posting, but then my grandmother passed away and I have been thrown into major family time and trips back and forth to Miami.  I am not a fan of flying so the anxiety completely took over for the last few weeks.   The flights were great though...so now I am thinking I should keep it up and book another trip to kick the fear.

RUNNING: My knees have been giving me trouble since the marathon and it really took the fun out of running. Then along came an article in RUNNERS WORLD MAGAZINE that changed everything. It's called "Never Get Hurt" and it is a simple exercise plan that you do before each run to fire up the muscles you are supposed to use. The very first day I tried it I ran pain free it was amazing! There are little tips in the article too ...such as: lift your leg with your heel, not your knee. It takes a little concentration but what a big difference!  Now I plan to sign up for all the NY Road Runner races coming up this spring. Fun Fun!

SPINNING: Just started to mix things up with spin classes at SOUL CYCLE on west 72nd Street. I never knew spinning could be so much fun! The room is dark and lit only by candles. The music is great. The instructors are in great shape (don't you hate taking a class when the teacher looks out of shape?...makes you think "if it doesn't work for her...why am I bothering?")  ...but the instructors here have bodies that inspire, and the class incorporates spinning with arm and ab work...and a little yoga too. Genius!

TENNIS: While in Florida visiting my grandmother and attending her funeral :( I worked off some steam by playing tennis first thing in the morning with a great instructor, Gustavo. Anyone trying to take their game to the next level...no matter what level you are at...should try to take a lesson. You can cut the cost by getting a group together, or looking into lessons at a public court. If you can't do that I suggest video taping yourself...that will get you to improve your form tremendously...once you see that you don't have the same form as the Williams sisters.  :)

CPR: A bunch of us took a CPR course with the Red Cross...If you haven't done this I highly recommend it. Here I am with my dummy...

SCHULLY'S WEDDING PLANS: We are all so excited about Schully's wedding. I personally love to plan a wedding so I am trying to get involved...whether she likes it or not. :) If you missed the proposal check it out on our website.

"MA": Just a few words about my grandmother aka Etta aka "MA". She was 96 years old and the funniest person I've ever known. She quit smoking at 90, played the slot machines up until a few months ago, loved M & Ms, swore like the Bronx girl she was, and always made us laugh...she will be missed!

BLOG: I will try to keep it up...problem is I don't have anything that interesting to report.

ART: (no not Art Moore) I went to a friend's art show on Valentine's day Leah Tinari...she is soooo talented I want to save all my money and buy one of her paintings. Here we are in front of one of her pieces. Might I add she just had a baby...talented...and gorgeous...not fair!!

DOMINO: RIP Domino Magazine! I am still in mourning! I am hoping that they will cryofreeze Domino and bring it back to life when this crazy economy turns around. It really was the highlight of my month...I just love that magazine and now all i have are back issues...which I do constantly read because you find something new every time.  Dear Conde Nast, Please, please, please, bring back Domino!

Ok thats enough for today. ..Happy Elizabeth?? :) Deanna, How is the training going??

-Elyssa

 

Running in the New Year!

I rang in the new year with a run. It was the coldest NYC New Years Eve in 10 years but that didn't stop me.  We went to a party at our friend's (Lance and Perry) apt only one block from the starting line so I had no excuse.   Friends Jen and Ryan just moved here from Atlanta. Jen spontaneously decided to run with me so at 10:30 pm we went back to my apt. and I outfitted her up.   We dressed as if we were going skiing...since it felt like 0 degrees with the 60 MPH wind. 

We got to central park and it was amazing! So many people (but not at all crowded like Times Square). There was a DJ ...all the runners and their friends and family were dancing...then came the countdown...then at midnight the fireworks went off and everyone started running.

The run was 4 miles through central park. They had water and non-alcoholic champagne at mile 2 but all the cups were frozen solid! Thank you to the volunteers that was a cold night to work!

Victoria (she worked with us on the High Heel A Thon) met us there and ran too. We finished just before 1am.

It was an awesome way to start off the new year...and no hangover the next day!

My resolution? "Anger-free in 2009"...we'll see how that goes...maybe I should just work on my patience.   :) 

Happy New Year! 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Just wanted to wish all of you a Happy New Year! My New Year's resolution is to start blogging again.  :)

I might do a midnight run in central park tonight if the weather holds up so that should be interesting. I'll keep you posted. Hope you all have a great night!

-Elyssa

OMG I DID IT!!!!

I am sooooo sore today! yikes!  Here is what we have been up to... I picked up my # at the EXPO...it's official! uh-oh!  Here I am with Cindy and Lori checking out the finish line a few days before the race... are we really doing this??? Yes we are!

Friday, Asics held a breakfast at Tavern on the Green. We got to meet all the Asics people who have been helping us get to this point so that was fun and we got to make our own shirts ...however...the night before the race i realized it was going to be cold so I switched to a long sleeve shirt...but I also ran out of letters... so instead of "Elyssa" I put "Lys" on my shirt..I can't tell you how many people called me "lice" out on the course.

The night before we watched the Marathon fireworks from my roof

RACE DAY: To sum up the day...I woke up and I was surprisingly calm...it was the first day in 4 weeks that I woke up without knee pain YIPPY!...We got a police escort to the start (yay ASICS!) so we felt really lucky and really important :)...then we waited for hours...it was freezing, windy, and cold.   (here I am with Cindy she is inside the garbage bag!!) We stretched...and Schully's trainer Sid (Cyd ?)showed up to stretch her...I got lucky because he stretched me too! THANK YOU! (Schully and I ready to go!)    This is the chip that tracks your time.

The start was not as dramatic as I expected...I guess after all that waiting we were just happy to get up and go.

The first half (in Brooklyn) was incredible...hands down the best experience of my life! I have lived in NY my entire life and I have never been to some of these amazing neighborhoods before... the people were so warm, encouraging and fun! Everyone yells out your name, the little kids want you to slap their hands, the gospel choirs were outside the churches singing, people were cheering us on and handing out candy, etc. 

Here I am with my friend Delissa in Brooklyn (as you can see I stopped for a picture with her...as I did with all my family and friends along the race route) 

Next stop Queens: My mom, brother (below), sister and Adam held up signs in Queens (see I stopped for another picture)  

The second half my knees started acting up as I went over the bridge and I couldn't get the pain out of my head.  I pushed on though... luckily once i got to Manhattan Jan jumped in and ran with me for a bit to help distract me. (thank you Heath for the pic) Then I saw Billy and my dad and Linda Then my best friend Nicole and her husband Yosi, daughter Chloe, son Rex and father-in law Willie were waiting for me at mile 18 Then at mile 19 Barbara  jumped in and stayed with me through the Bronx and back into manhattan.

I finished before dark (which was a goal of mine)...as I approached the finish line, out of nowhere, the tears just started pouring down my face... I was hurt, everyone was cheering, I could see the finish line and I used every ounce of strength to cross it. It was awesome!!

...

When I got home all of my incredible neighbors were waiting in the hallway with champagne, balloons, cards etc. SO SWEET!

All in all it was an incredible experience. Everyone should try it once in their lifetime.

The pain I am feeling today is totally worth the experience. If I can do it anyone can! If you recall I just started running about 9 months ago...so this is something I never thought I would ever do...but I did it!  (my back bib read "38 year old Marathon Virgin"

Thank you all for your support and encouragement. I knew my BFs were cheering for me!!

-Elyssa

OMG Its sooo Soon!

Well the Halloween Show and the NYC Marathon are just days away!  I am a nervous wreck over the Marathon... I've done the Halloween Show a million times so I am not really worried about it...it's just a lot of work!

I have been going to the Physical Therapist and today I got a crazy deep tissue massage so my legs are starting to feel better...I just hope I recover in time for Sunday. I know my knees will hurt thats a given...I was just hoping to at least start off pain free.

I ran into my ex (ex-trainer that is) at the gym today. I haven't seen him in months.  I miss him...but he doesn't seem to care that we are broken up. :)

I just wanted to take a few minutes to thank you all for your support, suggestions, encouragement, etc. It means so much to me!!

I have to get back to Halloween now!
-Elyssa