Behind the Scenes

I'm Coming Back!!

Hey Guys --

I know many of you may have given up on me -- why not? -- I have let you down and haven't written since the marathon in November -- well in case you haven't noticed --  alot has happened to me since then - there is work to be done and a wedding to plan!!

So, in an effort to jump onto a new routine - a bridal bootcamp if you will - I'd like to return and could really use the support -- this is going to be short for now, but updates are coming --

I promise I'll be back soon....

Best,

Schully

November 5, 2008: 38,355 Runners and Me!!!

So it is done -- after all the training and complaining and running and running and running -- after 5 hours 12 minutes and 6 seconds, I completed the ING NYC Marathon on Sunday.  It was the most exhilirating, ambitious, amazing thing I've ever attempted to do and I had fun, am exhausted and very sore but if you ask me if I would do it again -- I would say yes without blinking an eye.

Saturday night, David took me to the famous pasta dinner at Tavern on the Green -- throughout the day on Sunday I grew more and more nervous at one point making myself so ill, that I almost threw up -- I followed an eating plan of all carbs and protein - no fiber or vegetables which would screw up my system before the race..   -- it was crowded at Tavern and I was feeling nervous and ill so I tried to have some pasta before David rescued me -- but not before taking a souvenir photo -- we then went home -- he bought me my favorite pasta from Quattro Gatti for the 3rd night in a row and I was able to fall asleep on the couch after he forced me to eat -- it is crucial to carbo-load....

Needless to say, I didn't sleep very well and with the time change and worrying if I had set my clock back (I set 3 alarms before I went to bed) -- but I got up -- took Molly for a walk and then at 6:00am set out for my great adventure -- thanks to ASICS (where would we be without the generosity of ASICS!!)  I got to go on a special VIP bus which left the city at 7:00am -- I sat next to some very nice Dutch guys who helped distract me on the way asking me to point out different NYC sites   -- but as we neared Fort Wadsworth in Staten Island -- my nerves were definitely in full force ---

I have to say it is all so organized - different villages depending on what color your number is - Elyssa and I were both Green - Cindy was Orange -- this was my view from the bus as we approached including a view of the (gulp!) starting line...

Once we arrived -- it was freezing cold -- I had worn extra sweatshirts and sweatpants, but it was so cold - Cindy wound up taking comfort in a garbage bag for warmth ..

Thankfully, my trainer Sid (god bless him) -- got up early and travelled to Staten Island just to stretch me so that I would be properly warmed up before the race -- he has been my personal trainer since the first fitness challenge, so he has stuck by me (helped me win twice) and wanted me to do my best -- he is a true gem -- my grandmother would have called him a "mensch!"

Then, before we knew it, the announcement was made to line up in our corrals -- so after taking some last minute photos - lined up and looked at each other when we heard a loud boom and realized it was the starting gun!! -- then off we went -- sadly the two of us were on the bottom of the Verrazano Bridge so we were freezing and I could barely feel my legs when we started to run -- but as soon as we started all the nerves and butterflies went away and I just was able to run and have a good time -- and as we passed the first group of spectators on an overpass (after passing all the clothes and people going to the bathroom on the side of the road) I realized this was going to be the coolest thing I would ever do...

Then the running started -- through the streets of Brooklyn -- really one of the highlights for me -- crowds on either side calling out my name -- cheering me on to keep going -- I was feeling strong - the training actually works!! -- It was amazing -- words cannot describe it -- then finally, I hit my first spectators --- my friends Tara and Bill were my "outer borough" cheering team -- stationed between mile 10 and 11 in Brooklyn -- all of a sudden I saw Tara's red balloons and ran over --   it was just the lift I needed to carry me through the remaining miles to Queens -- and Manhattan was only a few miles away...

Then after 2 hours and 28 minutes - I got to Queens and the halfway point   -- I was thrilled --- and then not long after that -- I was running through Long Island City and spotted what would be the turning point of the race for me -- the Queensborough Bridge (also known as the 59th Street Bridge) -- I was so excited --- because I knew the crowds of First Avenue were on the other side --

But it turned out to be much longer and much harder than I thought -- my legs felt like they were in quick sand - I was ready to walk -- my phone rang -- it was my friend Jan from work on the phone - she was telling me where she was on First Avenue -- I told her I was losing it -- she told me I wasn't -- and then before I knew it I started to hear the cheers and then end of the bridge and then I saw the crowds -- I actually started to cry I was so happy -- 16 miles down and I was finally in Manhattan!!!!

   Now I was lucky enough to have someone waiting for me every 10 blocks or mile depending on where I was -- I was on 60th street and Jan was on 71st street -- in my head as each block went by -- "7 blocks to Jan, 6 blocks to Jan....." until finally -- there she was!!!      

Jan has a good friend Amanda who was with her and who I also know and before I knew it -- she jumped the barricade and told me she would run with me -- it was a godsend!! -- she got me going - adrenaline racing and off I went up First Avenue -- next stop -- David, my brother Jason and stepmother Carol -- I was so happy to see them I started to cry!! -- Not the greatest photo I know -- but the best I have -- you get the idea --

Next up on Team Schully -- were my friends Joan, Rich , Rhonda & Jill -- who greeted me with tons of signs and cheers ---

Then came my friend Rainy who was at 115th and First Avenue at mile 19 -- now comes the hardest part of the race - your legs are starting to give out - I was eating "Gu" like it was going out of style to replenish my body and the crowds were getting thin -- she surprised me by dressing in her running clothes and she joined Amanda and me as we continued running out of Manhattan and into Borough #5 -- The Bronx ---  it was tough -- but the two of them kept me going --you are only in the Bronx for one mile but it is brutal -- but thanks to Rainy, Amanda and the return of Tara and Bill -- I made it through --

Now you are in the home stretch -- 6.2 miles to go as Rainy said to me it is an episode of "Desperate Housewives" -- but it was definitely starting to take its toll - I was slowing down -- but these two kept me going -- just in time to see my next cheering squad -- the return of David along with his mother and her husband Gary -- David's mother made me a banner complete with a sketch taken from my SELF magazine photo --  I was moving -- not stopping - only walking a short time at each water stop -- switching between gatoraid and water -- and then I got to see my college friends Celia and Lori and then finally my Dad, Barbara and my sister and her family - again complete with signs (I am very impressed with everyone's artistic instincts) --

Right after my dad -- the route turned into Central Park -- I was now felt that I had home field advantage -- I know every turn and every hill as I made my way south to the finish line -- along the way - Carol and Jason brought their dog Casey to the park who greeted me by rolling over for a rub and wanting to follow me --   

By this time -- Rainy had left me, but Amanda stayed with me(she ended up running 10 miles!!) -- I needed her to stay -- I can't tell you how tremendously helpful it was to have her there with me -- it truly kept me going and at a decent pace --

then came the sign I was waiting for --- 1 MILE TO GO!!!! ---   

With 400 meters to go -- they kicked Amanda off the course because she didn't have a number and then it was all me to the finish line -- there it was just like I had seen it a few days before ---

And then -- just like that I put my arms in the air and crossed the finish line

5 hours 12 minutes and 6 seconds after starting -- I was the 33,677th person to cross the finish line -- I had run the NYC Marathon!!!!

After you cross and you stop running, they keep you walking to keep the blood flowing in your legs -- but believe me you do not want to keep moving and my legs almost buckled right under me -- I then had to walk quite a ways with my medal around my neck and my coveted mylar blanket wrapped around me and met David -- All in all, it was a tremendous experience  - one that cannot be duplicated but if you ask me if I would do it again -- partway through Brooklyn I already knew the answer to that -- it is a resounding YES!!! -- the people of New York are amazing, I saw parts of the city I had never seen before and I tested myself and my body in a way I never had -- I still kind of can't believe I did it -- from years of watching it -- to now running it -- there are no words to describe how I feel --

Actually three days later there is one word.....SORE!!!! -- Monday I couldn't barely move - Tuesday my muscles were not my own - and tonight I'm going to get a much needed massage --

To all those who have been cheering me on - Thanks -- and to my family and friends who had to listen to me talk incessantly about it and then came out in force to cheer me on words can't express my thanks and love - especially my running bodyguards Rainy and Amanda -- and to David who took the biggest brunt of my stint in "Marathon Crazyland" -- I couldn't have done it without you -- behind every runner there is a cheerleader and he is definitely mine -- complete with a dozen red roses!!

Sorry for the long blog, but 26.2 miles is a long way to go -- thanks for reading -- thanks for the support -- we'll talk again soon -- Schully   

November 1, 2008: Tomorrow......

So it is Saturday morning at about 10:30am and I am realizing that tomorrow at this time I will be with 38,999 other runners crossing the Verrazano Bridge starting (gulp!) The ING NYC Marathon.....

If you ask me how I feel right now... scared, excited, nervous, anxious, .....ready? -- don' know about that last one, but as the say.. here goes nothing!!

This week has been a whirlwind of emotions -- having to go to work, run a little bit, trying to eat right and just having to deal with the constant butterflies in my stomach which don't go away.

There has not been much training this week -- I ran 5 miles on Sunday, then 3 miles on Tuesday and 3 miles on Thursday and that is about it -- most people might jog a little bit today, but my body has never agreed well with running 2 days in a row, so I 'm going to wing and just go for it tomorrow.

Running on Sunday in the park - I couldn't help but notice the banners indicating the marathon route and I have to admit I got a little thrill running through the bleachers where the finish line is going to be...

This week has also been about Halloween -- I hope you all saw me with my nephews in the Kids of "Live" Halloween Fashion Show - that was a good distraction but once that was over it was just about Sunday.

Thursday, Cindy, Elyssa and I trooped off to the Expo at the Jacob Javits Center to pick up our numbers -- that was the moment it all became real...

Once the number is in your hand - you know you are really going to do this thing --

Friday, after the spectacular Halloween show (good job Elyssa!!) -- Elyssa and Cindy and I ran over to Tavern on the Green to meet Rachel and Heather from ASICS who had shirts and stick on letters so that I can put my name on my shirt while I run (ASICS has been our saving grace and have taken very good care of us throughout the training) -- I'm going to put Lori on the front and Schully on the back -- figured I could use all the help I can get -- after we met up with them I forced them to walk over to see the finish line --

seeing it made this thing made it very real -- odd to think the next time I see the finish line will be hopefully when I'm crossing it.   I think it made us all a little excited.

Today is all about rest, catching up on the television shows I didn't get to watch all week and eating lots of carbs and lean proteins.  I did start the carbo-loading and had pasta and the best meatball I've ever eaten from our favorite restaurant Quattro Gatti last night.   Parts of training - like eating anything you want is definitely one of the perks... that will all come to an end on Monday I'm afraid.

Anyway - tonight David and I are going to the big pasta dinner at Tavern on the Green -- I figure if you are going to do this thing... do it right! -- who knows if I'll ever do it again and you only have one first time.

I guess the next time I'll write will be after it is all over -- thanks to my friends and family who have all been assigned to their spots along the route -- my friend Fran checked in with me from London this morning to wish me luck and a delivery of flowers just came from Colette in Denver --

And for those who checked in with my blog and were pleasantly surprised to find I had actually written thanks for your support and Nancy who said I almost brought her to tears, well your comment did the same thing for me.

See you on the finish line!!! --  Best, Schully

October 23, 2008 - Running, Running and More Running....

I know, I know -- where have I been? -- why no blog from Schully -- so after several complaints from family members, friends and a few of you... here I am, back in my blogging seat to get you up to date..

I don't know when it happened, but sometime in the past month, I became a runner -- I don't feel like a runner, and I don't live to run, but what started as a pasttime and a way to lose weight, has turned into a rather time consuming pursuit.   I am currently in the home stretch of my training for the NYC Marathon and am happily doing what is lovingly called "the taper." which I am finding to be the best part of the training -- but I'm getting a little ahead of myself and since I haven't written since August!! -- wow -- has it really been since August? -- I will catch you all up a little --

Before I begin, let me tell you that training for a marathon, any marathon but maybe especially the NYC Marathon is a grueling, amazing, awesome and horrible task -- you don't run because you want to run, you run because you HAVE to run and if you don't run, you know you won't be able to complete those 26.2 miles on November 2nd -- did I say that is only 9 days away!??!!?

In the beginning, it wasn't that bad --3 runs a week which got progressively longer -- I, along with Elyssa and Cindy have been following a training plan sent to us by ASICS, we are all part of the ASICS Editor's Team -- the long runs are always on Sunday.  Like I said, in the beginning it wasn't that bad 8 mile sunday runs, 10 mile sunday runs -- and since I ran the half marathon in July, it especially didn't seem that bad -- although the mileage kept going up as the weeks continued -- then, just in time to help me out.... my prize arrived....you guessed it.... wait for it... -- the TREADMILL!! - Thank You Star Tac and ASICS -- (I actually kept putting off getting it because I didn't quite know where it would fit in my NYC apartment)  --But it arrived and after being taken apart and then put back together has found a permanent home in my bedroom -- it is huge!! -- but I have to admit, I love having it and there were many days during this training that I never would have gotten my mileage in without the help of the treadmill and my TiVo!! -- I took some before and after photos of the area in my bedroom -- the room definitely got a lot smaller once the treadmill moved in!

  -- no question it has definitely saved my training!!

When the Sunday came when I had to do 14 miles, I had a horrible run -- it was an unusually hot September Sunday and I opted, having grown tired and restless with the Central Park loop, to run along the West Side Highway -- I ran from Central Park through to the West side and then got to 26th street from 95th Street,only about 6 miles, and then my legs wouldn't move -- I was completely discouraged -- bought some gatorade and somewhat worn down, took a taxi home where I only was able to run 3 more miles on the treadmill -- I was miserable -- how would I ever be able to do this thing!!?!!

Two weeks later, the mileage went up to 16 -- the day before I ate right - had lots of water and told myself if I couldn't make it through the 16  then I would bow out of the marathon -- I actually took a taxi to the westside from my home on the east side and started running -- it was an overcast cooler late September sunday morning and about 6 miles in, it started to rain -- but Schully did NOT give up -- after 3 hours, I completed the 16 miles -- wet, hobbling a bit -- but the run was done!!   Now I knew I had a chance at the marathon and so my training continued.....if I could run 16 miles in the rain, I could do anything and I knew that along the marathon course -- 16 miles gets you over the Queensboro Bridge into the screaming throngs of First Avenue in Manhattan..

The next week, the mileage went up to 18.. and I had a weekend planned to visit my brother in California and also to see my friends Fran and Steve who were travelling through the west coast from London -- I decided running 18 miles along the Pacific Ocean in the California sunshine would do me some good so Sunday morning I headed off -- it was gorgeous and made me want to move to California although I slowed down toward the end of the run and walked uphill from mile 16 to 17, but the 18 miles were done! -- another milestone accomplished.  -- Fran and Steve were staying at the very posh "Shutters" right on the beach and snapped some photos as I ran by -- clearly I am smiling because this was the beginning of my run - also I am wearing one of those "fuel belts" with gatorade and water -- essential when you are running long distances -- David likes to call it my "utility belt" like I'm batgirl or something.... but that and some "Gu" in my pockets defintely do the trick..

Following the long run of 18 miles -- I rewarded myself with a porterhouse steak at The Palm where my brother is the assistant manager -- I shouldn't have eaten it, but I i did -- all 20 ounces!!!    

The final long run was the following Sunday and was for 20 miles -- this is the longest run you do before you actually run the marathon.  Friday night of that weekend, I came down with a cold and Saturday I laid on the couch all day pretty sick.  I woke up Sunday morning with a plan to run with Elyssa and after much hemming and hawing and phone calls to more experienced runners - David kicked me out of the house and told me to get running!! (everyone needs a David in their corner - but you can't have mine) -- In the end, I figured if I could run 20 miles with a head cold, I could run 26.2 miles healthy -- so Elyssa and I met up on the west side and off we went - 4 hours later we had done it!! -- I felt good had a good run and feel like I can actually do this thing!! --

Now we are in "the taper," -- the runs are reduced by half every week leading up to the marathon -- last Sunday I had a lovely 10 mile run and returned to Central Park -- it was a beautiful fall day -- and you know that every runner out there was doing the same thing as me -- all trying to physically and mentally prepare.... On Tuesday, Elyssa, Cindy and I did a 3 mile run-- it seems like nothing! -- it is weird how your perspectives on distance changes as you train -- this Sunday is another 5 mile run  and then ....... well you know..

I definitely have had an ongoing relationship with the Marathon -- the very first year I lived in New York City, i volunteered and handed out water to runners on the 25 mile marker -- it was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had in New York -- little did I know that 23 years later, I would be one of those runners --- it is something I never thought I would want to do, yet here I am --- a year ago, my friend Rainy celebrated her 40th birthday which coincided with Marathon Sunday and I remember sitting with David and he asked me if I would ever want to do it .. I emphatically said NO WAY!! -- so you never know what could happen to you in a year -- and never say never --

Thanks to anyone who sent in your solutions to my chafing problem -- they were very helpful -- i have found a product that really works -- actually ASICS, the sneaker company sent out their brand of chafing cream and it definitely works like a charm and someone said that before putting on your undergarments to use a blow dryer to thoroughly dry the troubled areas -- this works too and if you add some cornstarch - you will be all set....

On other fronts in the life of Schully -- David has hung in there with me as chief cheerleader ..losing me for hours at a time every Sunday and also helping to kick me out the door when I start to procrastinate and I think the big de-cluttering may be almost finished -- there is still much to do, but I have been doing the hard part lately -- going through boxes of old photos and memorabilia -- every Monday night when Kathleen and I get together it is an unbelievably hard walk down memory lane.

David continues to travel every week and last week arrived home with 13 pounds of cooked lobster from his travels in Maine -- so over came some friends and we had our own "Lobsterfest," -- complete with risotto and a lobster roll that bested my favorite lobster rolls from "4 Seas" in Osterville, Massachusetts and "The Rotary" in Nantucket.  David, as you can see was very proud of his lobsters.. and he even set them out on display so our guests could appreciate the $4.00 a pound buy he made -- and he was quite the visionary on his trip -- there was a news story today which said that lobsters are a good buy..  

Right now, though -- it is all about the Marathon -- it is pretty much the only thing there is room for in my brain -- with 9 days to go it is ever present .....and there you have it -- most of the trials and tribulations of my training -- I'll let you know how it goes...

Anyway, sorry for the absence, I won't make any promises, but if you only could read the blogs I've written in my head you would know I've been thinking of you --

best to all --

Schully

August 10, 2008 : The NYC Half, the Rocky Mountains and More!

So guys.. I did it!! -- In 2 hours 30 minutes and 8 seconds I ran 13.1 miles through Central Park and the streets of NYC - it was hot, it was humid, but the important thing is I did it and now I look forward towards the NYC marathon in November.

I was nervous about this race, because as many of you know I had been suffering from tendonitis in my achilles tendon and have been in physical therapy for the past 7 weeks.   After not running for a month and quite honestly not doing much of any working out, three weeks ago my physical therapist gave me the go ahead, to not only start running, but gave me permission to run in the half!!

I was shocked and scared -- how would I be able to do it with only 3 weeks preparation.  I contacted Heidi Jones, the local WABC-TV weather person and avid runner and a great running role model as well as Michael Conlon who had been working with her to train for the half.  They were terrific and Michael, through e-mail, literally talked me through the process week by week -- I started slow and slowly built up more mileage.

A week before the race, I became discouraged -- I was supposed to run 10 miles -- my last and really only long run outside prior to the race -- it was terribly hot and humid in NYC on that Sunday -- we were still in a heatwave -- but I was determined to run the 10 miles -- Well, wouldn't you know that about 30 minutes into the run I completely lost steam -- I started walking which I NEVER do and I just felt sick. It didn't help that the night before, David and I went to see "The Dark Knight" and only had popcorn for dinner -- not exactly the meal you want to have prior to a long run in the heat -- so I ended up walking some of the way--

Once I got home, I was beaten and discouraged, but managed to run 4 more miles on the treadmill that is in my building's basement. -- With that as my last long run I wasn't even sure if I could run the whole thing!!

The day before the race I did eat the right thing -- here is too much info for you -- it is a known fact that some people who run get the "runner's runs" -- I'll let your imagination figure that one out -- well I did not want that to happen to me, so I contacted my good friend Joy Bauer who was the nutritionist from the first challenge and she gave me a "diet" and some advice on what to eat and not to eat on the Friday and Saturday and even the morning of the race --

Friday consisted of eating a lot of vegetables and fiber -- to completely clean me out -- Saturday I completely carbo loaded -- I had a bagel with some cheese for breakfast, a turkey sandwich on white toast for lunch and spaghetti and meatballs for dinner which was shared with David (of course) as well as Tara and Bill -- Tara is my WABC-TV running buddy -- we did the More Magazine Half Marathon together in April and I helped talk her into this one and Bill is her boyfriend who also works at Eyewitness News -- with all those carbs (when do I ever eat all those carbs!!!) -- I was set for the run and thanks to Joy's advice the "Runner's Runs" were a thing of the past!!

That morning I woke up at 4:30am and walked Molly -- and much to my chagrin we were greeted with thunder and lightening -- we got home without being rained on, but I was set to meet Tara and Bill at 6:10am and it was pouring -- they were not letting 10,000 people into Central Park in a thunderstorm, but miraculously at about 6:30am, the rain subsided and we got in our corral -- I met up with Elyssa and Barbara Warren as well as Tara and Bill and we all waited to begin the race.   

Before we knew it we crossed the starting line (it took about 15 minutes to get to the start line from where we were) and headed around Central Park for the first 7 miles of the race which also proved to be the hardest thanks to the hills at the north of the park

I tried to keep up with Tara and Bill, but they left me after the first mile -- thankfully I had told David and my stepmother Carol to be waiting around mile 6 and also just as I got there, my good friend Rainy (who ran the marathon last year) -- called me -- yes  I carried a cell phone --

I said hello and then I was on my way! --

The highlight of the race was running out of Central Park and running down 7th Avenue and through Times Square -- it was a thrill!! -- The hard part was over and now literally the course was all downhill from there -- I couldn't resist pulling out the camera and taking some photos -- it was fun!!

 After going through Times Square, the race took a right turn down 42nd street to the West Side Highway -- I have to admit I was struggling from miles 9 - 11 -- but just as planned, my Dad and other members of my family was standing complete with signs to cheer me on at mile 11 -- it was awesome -- you don't realize how important it is to have those spectators along the route -- it keeps you going -- and gets you to the finish --

I got to the finish line at 2:30:08 -- which was what I was hoping for -- not as good as my first half marathon, but I was happy that I didn't lose a lot of time considering I really only trained for 3 weeks -- so I was pretty happy -- and the best part is, is that you get a medal --- and seeing everyone at the end!!

That last photo is of me with my brother Jason who made the effort to wake up early and come down to Battery Park to see me finish.  Special thanks to my family who came through yet again -- under the direction of chief cheerleader David -who went from uptown to downtown quicker than me!  It was a good day and got me excited for the NYC Marathon in November -- I'm not sure how I feel about running twice as long or twice as far as I did on July 27th, but there is no better feeling that being cheered on in the streets of New York City!!

After another busy week at work -- we are starting to wind down for the summer, I took last Friday off and headed west to Denver, Colorado to visit my friend Colette and her husband Tom -- David stayed home and was in charge of watching Molly for the weekend, which he did with flying colors!

Colette and Tom come to NYC every few months or so, so  I haven't gone to Denver very often since she moved there 8 years ago - in fact I only went once - so it was time to go and what I found in Denver was not only one of my best friends, her husband and her dog, but the real beauty in America. Sounds corny I know, but the Rocky Mountains were beautiful.

On the second day of my visit, we hopped in the car and headed to Rocky Mountain State Park - no hiking on this day, but we drove to the top of the mountain where I found elk and lots of snow in the 100 degree heat of the Denver summer --

It was a fun day and the high altitude made walking difficult -- it is crazy that when you are 2 or miles above sea level makes you so short of breath.   

The next day, we all went hiking -- I thought that was pretty good exercise -- since the race the weekend before, I kind of took the week off from running - just needed a break before the intense marathon training begins -- We took Colette's dog Galley (a portuguese waterdog) -- as well as Galley's best friend Ben (a chocolate lab) -- and his owner Maryjo - it was time for Schully to embrace nature which I did -- it was a fun day --

It was a great weekend -- and like I said -- the rockies are beautiful, I can see why Colette lives there -- not to mention she has a backyard with her very own garden!! -- complete with corn on cornstalks which she grew from seeds!! -- and I wish that Galley and Molly could meet -- I know they would be best friends too -- it made me feel bad that Molly only has the rambles in Central Park and Galley has the whole of the Rocky Mountains!! --   

Once home, I arrived at 2:00am on Monday morning and then got up at 5:00am to go to work -- we had an interesting week of co-hosts with Kelly.   On other fronts, the clutter clean up is continuing, I promise to include photos of the progress in my next blog entry (yes -- there will be another blog entry!!!) -- and as far as my eating and exercise regime goes -- I have to admit to you - my weight has gone up a bit, but my clothes still fit and now with the marathon on the horizon, i think the weight will come off as well --

This week I started marathon training in earnest -- essentially I run 3-4 days a week -- Tuesdays are usually about 4 miles with some sort of drill - either uphill or aerobic which helps increase your speed and helps you with the hills - Thursdays have a shorter run -- usually about 6 miles and Sundays are reserved for a longer run -- today for example I ran 9 miles -- I'm hoping to increase my speed a little, but mostly I'm just hoping I can run the thing -- crazy!! -- I can't help thinking that I won't be able to make it -- but I guess that is what the training is for -- I am folowing a training schedule provided by ASICS for me.

Well, for the non- believers, I hope this catches you up on what I've been doing - and I still apreciate and read your comments and hope to check in more -- things have lightened up considerably, so I hope to write in regularly -- I hope you will have the patience to hang in there with me -- I appreciate it --

And just on a side note -- David is still cooking for me -- tonight he cooked a lovely chilean seabass with white artichokes and morell mushrooms -- it was amazing -- I ate it before I had a chance to take a photo - but it was right off a menu!! --

I guess you are all caught up -- thanks for your support as always -- sorry if you've felt ignored -- just because I'm not writing, doesn't mean I don't want to or have forgotten about it --

Have a good one ! -- Schully

July 23, 2008 -- Hello Again

So hello everyone -- you've been patient, you've been waiting, you check here everyday and you ask yourself -- where is Schully? -- thought she was back?? -- Well I am and I am constantly thinking of you all with the best of intentions -- On some days I think I have so much to tell that I get a little paralyzed in thinking about it -- On other days, I've been so busy I just don't have the time. The truth is, I think about this blog often and have forgotten how helpful it is to me -- just as a sounding board and to keep me on track.

This summer has been a whirlwind - it began in May with an amazing trip to Italy and France then wound its way through June and found me spending the weekend in Fire Island in July -- there was some sadness too as you all know, but I can hardly believe it is almost over. The de-cluttering has also been well underway and there has been a lot of progress made --

The exciting news this weekend, is that I will be running in the NYC Half Marathon -- yes, I am pretty much healed -- not as in good shape as I was when I ran the Half Marathon in April and I am running slower than I'd like, but finishing will be the key and I think it will be a fun race -- around Central Park and through the streets of NYC -- I can wave to myself on the big jumbo tron and then it goes down the West Side Highway and finishes in Battery Park.  Originally I wasn't going to run it because of my strained Achilles Tendon, but I have been working with a physical therapist and 3 weeks ago after not running for a month she gave me the go ahead -- so I headed back onto the treadmill and the streets of NY and started training -- I am pretty nervous about this one, but I think it is important to do it, so run it I will!! --so tune in for an update -- -- It is also good practice because I will be running in the big one -- the NYC Marathon in November so the more chances I have to run in a long race the better!!

Anyway, that is just a quickie update to tell you all I am still here -- still alive -- still trying to go strong -- but what I realized in my absence is that i can't do it without you guys -- I took for granted the support I was receiving --

So hello again -- I might disappear for awhile -- but I'm not gone -- next time I'll include some photos --

best,

Schully

June 20, 2008: Hello Again

So Hello Again everyone  -- sorry I've been absent for so long, but a lot has been going on in my life -- some good and some, unfortunately bad so I had to take a short break from blog writing, but, this time I'm really back --

First, I'll start with the bad, sad news -- last week, at age 98, my grandmother, who many of you have written so kindly about, passed away.  She had been somewhat ill the last few months and it was not largely unexpected, but no one is ready when something like that happens.   I must give a special thanks to my second family at "Live with Regis and Kelly" -- I couldn't have made it through the past week or so without their support -- they definitely came through when the going got rough.

As I said, many of you have written about her so kindly and I know most of you remember when she was on the show in 2005 at the young age of 95 to help choose a boyfriend for me. Nothing got her more revved up than being on television and becoming a celebrity -- she was recognized in her apartment complex in Coney Island and often would invite strangers into her apartment just to watch the tape of her appearance -

She was a smart, educated woman -- a teacher, she graduated from Hunter College in 1931and was honored a few years ago as their oldest living graduate.   For many years, when she was able, she and I attended every Broadway show -- especially musicals and even into her 80's, she was taking the subway from Brooklyn to Broadway without blinking an eye. 

I was thrilled that she had a chance to meet and get to know David and I know she liked him (not just because he was Jewish -- that always helped with her) -- but because often times when we arrived for a visit at her apartment, she would ask him to change the lightbulbs in her fixtures -- that is when I knew -- he was in....

I saw her often in the past few months, visiting every weekend and saw her the Saturday before she died -- I think she waited until I got home from my trip -- she left behind kids, grandkids and great -grandkids -- quite a legacy -- I could write more and more, but leave it to say she was an amazing woman -- she had suffered through much hardship in her long life but was stronger for it.  She was very accepting of everyone -- and straightforward to a fault -- she told you what was on her mind (often more than once) and was loved even more for it -- she told you if you were fat or thin or if she agreed with you or not -- her mind was 100 percent and sharp right until the end.

She was a woman ahead of her time who was a feminist well before anyone knew the word (she loved that a woman was running for President of the United States) and lived long enough to see technology change from the first lightbulb to having her own flat panel television and DVR which she programmed herself.--  I was lucky to have her in my life for so long, but definitely took for granted that she would live forever -- I loved her more than I can say and will miss her even more --- Here is one of my favorite photos from when there was a Schulweis family Relly nomination tri-fecta -- me, her and of course, Molly ---

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Now on to brighter happier topics --

First the blog name change -- since the challenge is over, it seems fitting to change the name of the blog to fit the times -- so if you are looking for me, it is now called "Schully's Rundown" -- a name thought up by my friend Colette out in Denver -- it seems fitting because my main job here at "Live" is doing what we call "The Rundown" --- it is essentially a format in print form of what is planned to happen on any given show ---- each segment is assigned a time and then depending on how long the first segment of Regis & Kelly's chat goes, Gelman can see if he has to shorten the times I've given because like it or not 10:00am we are off the air whether we are done or not --it is sort of a roadmap for the show   -- so while doing the rundown for work, I'll be giving you the rundown on what is happening with me -- sort of a roadmap of me -- letting you in on how I'm doing, what I'm doing, etc. -- so welcome to "Schully's Rundown!"  --- Thanks for sticking with me -- like I said -- sorry for being absent for so long --

Next -- where do I begin to catch you all up? -- I don't really remember where I've left off, but over the next few days we'll play catchup --

I guess let me start with how my weight and exercise regime has been going since the challenge -- I don't want to lie -- there has definitely been some ups and more recently a big down -- an injury is plaguing poor Schully ....

Until the trip to Italy and France, I was definitely maintaining my weight - staying within 2-3 pounds or so of my final weigh-in and truthfully I was happy with that -- exercise took a hit during May when I was working like crazy getting ready for the trip and working on the Mom's Dream special and because of all that contracted a pretty bad cold which took me out of the gym for a week --

Then... the trip -- I think I turned into a giant ball of cheese -- the food is so good!! -- meats, cheeses, pastas -- wine -- lots of wine!!! -- and what really did me in was the tail end of the trip in France -- I've never eaten meals so good or so rich and loaded with calories, but it was worth every delicious mouthful -- I will tell you more about the trip at a later date, but suffice it to say I put on a few pounds while away -- which unfortunately haven't gone away (don't get worried - all my clothes fit and it is all definitely loseable) -- but I feel like being back on the blog means back on the challenge!!  I guess I just wanted to share with you all that the challenge was one thing and life and vacations are another --- it is no joke that the challenge has to be for life!!

As far as my running -- right now I'm signed up to run a half marathon on July 27th, but 2 weeks ago, the inevitable happened -- injury!!! --- While training, I've been following a training schedule by Michael Conlon who is helping WABC-TV's Heidi Jones -- Here is a link to Heidi's training schedule - it is a good one -- I strained my achilles tendon -- I was running 8 miles on the treadmill and probably going faster than I should have because I was trying to increase my speed and the next morning I felt like someone had bruised both of my ankles!! -- I walked in pain for a week and didn't workout at all and finally this past Tuesday went to the doctor  -- Achilles Tendonitis was the diagnosis and no running for awhile is the prescription along with lots of ice and physical therapy -- having running taken away from me so abruptly definitely made me realize how much I love it!! -- running in the half at the end of July is now in jeopardy, but it has made me even more determined to run in the NYC Marathon in November.

I went to my first physical therapy session today which consisted of ultrasound and a painful calf massage and ice -- as my doctor said "ice is my friend" -- she told me that the marathon was not out of the question, so I am committed to doing everything to get this thing healed as soon as is humanly possible. 

Here is the lesson in all this -- stretch, stretch stretch -- and don't push yourself -- know your body -- I knew I was pushing myself too hard and now I am paying the price.   Know your body -- it was the first time in years I had run two days in a row - I usually wait a day in between, but wanted to follow the training regime -- but I should have listened to my body -- I think I wouldn't have gotten hurt -- Now I am benched for a little while, but can still do strength training and the stationary bike and the rowing machine and Sid my trainer has given me some exercises so that I can stay in shape -- so, we'll see how it goes -- it will definitely be a test of patience for me -- I want this healed now!!   

I have to admit I'm frightened of gaining weight now that I can't do a lot of cardio work, but I'll just have to watch my diet and do what I can -- we'll see how it goes!!

Otherwise, things are status quo -- I think I'll leave you for now with this update, but in the coming days, I'll catch you up on my European adventure as well as the SELF magazine photo shoot and lets not forget the de-cluttering which resumes in earnest this afternoon ---- so as they say in the theatre -- always leave them wanting more --- thanks for checking in -- I'm back to stay -- best, Schully

June 3, 2008 - I'm Coming Back.....

Hey guys -- your requests for my return have not fallen on deaf ears -- I have had a busy few weeks and have just returned from a European vacation, so I have much to tell, but am still readjusting to being back and getting over jetlag as well as sorting through literally 1200 photos --

so have no fear -- I will be back -- I've also been accepted into another half marathon and so I will re-begin training hard -- I'm afraid a lot of cheese and pasta and wine in Italy and France have taken their toll, but I'm back and will be back on the blog --- by Monday, I will have a proper post -- promise!!

just wanted you all to know I'm still here and still thank you for your continued support even in my absence -- talk to you soon -- Schully

May 12, 2008 - Catch Up on the Clutter Blog

So guys, I'm back -- it was a rough week -- filled with Mom's Dream Come True and a full day of clutter cleanup -- work was pretty busy, so I wasn't able to write, but I'll try to catch you up on what I've been doing in the past week or so -- sorry I've been so out of touch --

Last weekend, my friends Colette and Tom arrived from Denver and I was happy to have them again -- I had dutifully stocked up on Skinny Cow Ice Cream Cones (Tom's favorite -- he is eating them instead of Crumbs cupcakes!) and they arrived Friday night and truth be told, visiting me was a fringe benefit for both of us -- they really came to NYC for a wedding and a stopover on their way to London on vacation - -- we went to our favorite sushi restaurant for dinner (actually only Colette, David and I went) -- and were happy about our bonus time together --

Saturday -- I woke up with a cold -- I have to admit to you that it threw my workout schedule into a tizzy -- I had every intention of working out last Saturday morning, but as the morning went on, I seemed to get sicker and sicker and what I thought was allergies, clearly was something more -- so I skipped the workout and we actually headed downtown to the TriBeca Film Festival to the family street festival to meet another friend from college Melissa, her husband and son -- we ended up being an hour late due to a long ride on the subway, but then we walked around the festival and stopped for a nice lunch outside

Then we headed back home -- took a nap and watched the Kentucky Derby -- before we knew it, it was time to leave for the theatre (this is what we always do with Tom & Colette - Colette and I are theatre buddies from way back) --- we went to see the Pulitzer Prize winning play "August: Osage County" -- when we realized we were too late to get a proper dinner, we walked around looking for a place that could seat us at 7:20pm for an 8:00pm curtain -- our prospects didn't look good until we walked into Carmine's - a great family style restaurant and were able to nab a cocktail table at the bar -- between feeling sick and being so late -- it was a time to throw the diet to the wind - we ordered fried calamari, stuffed artichoke and garlic bread which arrived at our table at 7:40pm -- with only about 15 minutes to eat all that food -- there was no talking -- just eating -- all of us trying to eat as fast as we could -- I felt like we were on "Survivor" and hadn't eaten for 39 days -- it was quite hysterical -- at 7:55 we walked out of the restaurant - smelling of garlic and very full, but we sat down in our seats with only a few minutes to spare -- (incidentally, across the aisle, was sitting Michael Patrick King who wrote and directed the new "Sex and the City" movie coming out shortly) --

The play was very good, what I saw of it -- I say "what I saw of it" because between having a cold, getting very little sleep and a belly full of Italian food I kept falling asleep -- at one point I I woke up to find David, Colette and Tom staring at me and telling me I had been snoring!!!! -- could that be more embarassing?!?!?!? -- yikes! -- so what I saw of the play, I thoroughly enjoyed - I wouldn't be surprised if it won the Tony Award in June.

Sunday, Tom and Colette were off to visit another friend of hers and David and I went to go visit my grandmother -- she is hanging in there -- 98 years old and still kicking, -- then we got home in time to go to dinner with David's father, aunt and uncle --

Mom's Dream week at "live" was eventful in the fact that everyone works around the clock and we are deep into May sweeps so it tends to be a busier time for everyone -- in addition to work, I still worked with clutter girl Kathleen on my apartment -- and all this with a cold no less -- while my eating has been fine, I'm afraid, like I said before my working out has slipped this week --it was 8 days between workouts -- -- I know I will go back, but it is interesting after so many weeks of being so disciplined, my body is really feeling the lack of exercise and I'm feeling pretty sluggish because of it  --

On the other hand, it was a banner week for my personal clutter challenge -- after working Monday night and taking the day off and working 9 hours on Friday, my bedroom is looking pretty empty and fairly clutter free -- the harder stuff to go through is definitely coming, but in the meantime I've gone through all my clothes -- got rid of anything I don't wear or is too big -- no chance of gaining weight now - I'll have to go to work naked!!

I've decided in the cleanup now to go one room at a time -- and there are definitely things I've learned about some of the reasons I've been able to accumulate so much stuff is that -- one  - I have an apartment in Manhattan (always known for apartments with very little closet space) that has a fair amount of closet space which I've added to with built-ins and two, in all these years I've never moved, so once I got the stuff - held on to it -- it just kept acccumulating in various spots all over the apartment -- of course I know there are other more thought provoking psychological reasons for keeping all the stuff -- but I'm going with the fact that I actually have the room for a lot of it --

This week's emphasis was on the bedroom -- I think most feng sui experts usually agree that the bedroom has to be the peaceful place -- a haven -- so that is what we are going for -- I started with the closet and a particularly troublesome corner of the room -- I really don't want to show the before shots - they are a little embarassing -- but to fully understand the after you'll have to see what we did -- so here you go: -- keep in mind the stuff in the corner was keeping me from opening one half of the closet before it was cleaned up:

all of this involved going through all of my sweaters -- in total -- I ended up giving away about 57 sweaters -- here is a look at the finished closet -- David is using this as his closet now - and the sweaters found a new home:

not bad I think -- and that is only part of what we accomplished -- also in the offing were my shoes -- I'm not like Kelly R. with boxes of shoes, but I can certainly hold my own - even Molly was amazed at the pile

There is also that corner I was talking about --and actually since I've taken this photo I've put Molly's bed in the corner --

Also thrown into the mix were my collection of baseball hats -- over the years it seems I'm pretty big into t-shirts, sweatshirts and caps and it was the caps turn to be gone through -- I ended up giving away 261 baseball caps -- I kept quite a few -- but the majority are being donated -- 

The numbers of things are staggering -- all in all it was a good day and it was great to have a chunk of time to work on the de-cluttering process --

Here are some of the resulting numbers in addition to the hats and sweaters -- staggering as they might be:

I'm also getting rid of 43 pairs of shoes, 44 blouses, 17 pairs of pants, and 15 purses and handbags -- and that is only some of the brick a brack that is leaving my apartment -- they are being donated to various spots around the city -- the nicer clothing is going to an organization called "Dress for Success" -- which dresses women in need for job interviews and gives them work clothes -- click here for more info on Dress for Success in your area - they are located all over the country -- I am continuing to donate to Housing Works as well as Abraham House when appropriate and it feels good that the clothes will not go to waste

The process is exhausting, exhilirating, emotional and exciting -- it is a weird feeling to finally do what you've only meant to do - to find the time to really rid yourself and your home of excess baggage -- Kathleen says your home should only have stuff in it that you really love -- that is what I am aiming for and nothing was better than David coming home on Friday night and seeing that he had a real space of his own -- he is waiting for me to do the kitchen so he can bring in all the proper utensils and equipment --

The rest of the weekend was a mix of things -- I saw 2 Broadway shows -- the first "Boeing Boeing" - a revival of a 1960's play which was just plain silly but you just laugh the whole time -- it stars Bradley Whitford who I loved on "The West Wing" as a guy engaged to three stewardesses -- actress Mary McCormack also of "The West Wing," steals the show --

Saturday, we went to visit my grandmother - I'm trying to go see her as often as I can and we saw the Queen Mary docked in the harbor .   David and I went to see "Gypsy" rhat night -- yes, I know what you are thinking -- didn't I see that a few weeks ago? -- yes, but it is my favorite musical of all time and I wanted to share it with David -- it really just makes me happy and it is all I can do not to jump up on stage with Patti LuPone -- who may be one of the finest Mama Rose's ever --- after the show we went back to Carmine's -- earlier in the day we had been watching the Food Network and Bobby Flay's "Throwdown" was on where he made eggplant parmesan  -- well, didn't you know that that is what we had to order!! -- not on the diet I know - but it is nice to splurge every now and then --- and on the way home we saw Will Smith filming his new movie in Times Square

Sunday I finally made it back to Central Park to do a run -- my chest was still congested, but it felt great to move again although I'm sore today -- I ended up running faster than I ever have -- tomorrow I'm looking forward to running with my half marathon buddies Diana and Tara -- it will be fun and will get us psyched for the next half marathon in July -- I'll keep you posted on that --

Thanks for all your supportive comments about the de-cluttering - I'm glad that it has struck a nerve with everyone -- I think it is all part of the same thing - weightloss - all of that -- it is about letting go and and letting a new life start -- I got a comment today from Shirley R. which struck a chord with me -- she says that her trouble is photos -- so is mine!! -- I'm dreading when we get to photographs -- and I agree I hold onto them because I feel that they are the key to unlocking memories in my head -- I'm not up to that yet -- but stay tuned -- and no Shirley I am not getting enough sleep which is why I came down with a cold, but until this thing is finished I think that is the way it is going to be!

Tracy asked me if Kathleen sets limits -- not really -- but we count everything as you can see - so I know exactly what I'm keeping and what I'm giving away and she definitely has told me I'm not allowed to bring anything new into the house -- but in general there are no limits -- but I sort of can tell when I should keep something and when it has to go -- and I go through the piles more than once --

anyway guys -- thanks for reading - sorry it has been so long and this blog is so long -- once a week means of novel of a blog for all of you -- I'll be back later in the week --

take care and thanks again -- Schully

May 1, 2008 - Family Time and Life with A "Mean Sark!"

So guys -- hope you have all been well and I gather from the many e-mails I've been getting that the new sneakers have arrived!! -- Congratulations! -- glad I could oblige! -- I'm trying my best to keep up with the blog, I know the entries are few and far between and not what you are all used to, but I can promise you, when I write --it will be jampacked with info --

For me, life has somewhat calmed down in the weeks since the challenge and I'm trying to find a balance in my eating -- I haven't lost more weight, but I've been successful in maintaining -- exercise is really the key -- if I overeat at a special event or dinner -- I am back on the treadmill the next day -- I am actually finding that the exercise is the part of my new lifestyle that is somewhat easier to maintain -- it is easy for me to head to the gym during the day and when I wake up in the morning I always plan in my head what I will be doing later that day -- but sometimes the food part is hard -- going out to dinner, especially on the weekends, I tend to let myself go a little bit -- but during the week, my eating does not really change that much from what I had been doing during the challenge so I'm finding there is a balance --

I'm afraid though, the challenge has taken a backseat to the new big thing going on in my life -- the decluttering process -- it is a long and hard process and I'm exhausted - it is not only hard to part with things, but hard work doing it -- I don't really know why I have trouble -- there is definitely something in my personality which is making me somewhat of a hoarder -- not as bad as that woman on Oprah, but I have my own issues -- I always hesitate to share them here -- but if I am continuing my change -- why shouldn't you all learn and change along with me!

Kathleen, my organizational consultant, has been a godsend -- and while it might be easy for anyone to part with as many t-shirts, sweatshirts and books as I have in the past week - for some reason, it is not easy for me! -- again hard to understand I know -- but Kathleen is there to help - to question - to cajole and to help throw out once and for all -- as I mentioned last week, we started with the book shelves in my office/guest room - I didn't take a very good before shot -- but here is the before and.... the after!

  not bad I think -- and a great start - the books were easy -- I looked online where they could be donated and it turns out that Housing Works has a used bookstore downtown, so we packed up all 246 books in 7 boxes and I got them out of the house the next day -- click here if you are interested in donating to Housing Works. 

We worked for 9 hours last week -- after the books, we tackled the sweatshirts - I fancied myself quite the collector -- i have (or should I say had) all the Ivy League schools -- tons from Northwestern (my alma mater) and even more from Nantucket (my favorite vacation spot) --

At one point we had all the sweatshirts laid out on the bed, and Kathleen held them up -- one at a time -- I fought her on some - it was a real give and take and at one point she actually was a little insulting -- but it is all "tough love" -  

she continues to point out and she is right - that I'm 30 pounds thinner than I was and that none of these sweatshirts are the least bit flattering -- I tried a few on and I forgot what she said, but it wasn't very nice and so she has now been given the nickname of being a "mean sark" -- (the saying is derived from a saying that a former "live" producer Dana Dodge and I used to say which is taken from when Dana was a kid and couldn't say the word "shark" and so it came out "sark" -- so whenever anyone wasn't the nicest -- they were automatically a "mean sark!") -- hence Kathleen was transformed into one during the sweatshirt escapade --

To her credit, Kathleen has her own language which hits the points home -- calling me a "schlumpadinka" if the sweatshirt was the least little bit too big -- it is my cue to show off the new body that I've got and the time to wear sweatshirts is done --- once finished, my living room was filled with shopping bags filled with them -- all of which will hopefully find new homes where people really need them -- even Molly looks happy the sweatshirts are gone.. 

It was a good week and a good start to the de-cluttering process --  the more I do this, the more I realize that part of the reason I hold onto these things because I think I can't remember things without them, but in reality -- I can remember what I want and it is time for new memories to be made in this apartment -- I do have to point out that although I am as Kathleen says a true "clutter monkey," it is true that I have never moved -- I've lived in my apartment for all of my adult life -- Now it is time to make room for someone else (David) -- it is really like having to move for the very first time -- Kathleen is definitely pretty tricky -- she gently encourages me to throw away much more than I would have liked, but the empty shelves and room for the stuff I do have is the trade off -- it is all pretty good.

My cleaning was interrupted on Friday by a trip to Ann Arbor to see my little brother Jason graduate -- so the Schulweis' descended en masse upon Michigan and enjoyed a happy event -- for the first time in the history of the University of Michigan, the graduation ceremony was held in the middle of campus on the "Diag," rather than the "Big House" -- the football stadium which is undergoing renovations -- -- Bob Woodruff was the speaker and it was kind of cold grey morning -- but we were all happy to be there --

  my favorite photo of the whole weekend was when we were able to find my brother in the crowd of more than 4000 University of Michigan graduates!! It was very exciting to be able to find him and considering there is no playing of pomp and circumstance and no walking across the stage to receive a diploma -- it was a thrilling moment for all of us and I'm pretty sure my dad may have gotten a little teary --

After the graduation, we headed back to Jason's house which he shared with 6 other fraternity brothers and we took the necessary photos -- -- here are some of the highlights --

those are 4 of the 5 Schulweis kids -- all beaming with pride -- it was a pretty great weekend -- nice to spend quality time with my family and I'm pretty proud of my brother -- as they say -- a good time was had by all -- that night when we went out to dinner -- David called me just as we were ordering wine and so he helped out a bit with the ordering -- well when they brought the wine -- who do you think the waitress poured to taste -- you guessed it ....me!! -- Kind of funny -- but I put my newly learned wine expertise to work   --- the next morning -- there was only my sister, brother and Dad left, so we all went to breakfast --- and then as fast as it started -- the weekend was over -- and Jason was about to enter the real world with the rest of us!! -- One last Congratulations Jason!!!

On the plane ride home --as we were flying over Manhattan, we flew right over the Verazzano Bridge -- I started to seriously think about running in the NYC Marathon -- and that is where it starts -- I'm seriously thinking of trying to run it -- but who knows -- then I get on the treadmill and think - how in the world would I ever be ever able to run for  5 hours -- there is still a little time -- but like I've said before it is much more fun to run when there is something to train for -- so we'll see -- I'll keep you posted.

I was greeted when I got home by David who had been dogsitting Molly all weekend andt they both survived the experience brilliantly!! although Molly gave me quite a greeting when I got home -- she was definitely glad to have me back -- they both were -- and it was good to be home --

This week has found me feeling like I've been burning the candle at both ends -- getting up early to go to work -- then running home and continuing to clean for 3 or 4 hours when I get home -- I'm definitely staying up way past my bedtime -- and after going to bed last night about midnight I'm definitely feeling it today --

After tackling the t-shirts on Monday night, Kathleen was back last night to box them up and have them ready to ship out to donate to a  shelter in the Bronx --  click here for more information on Abraham House -- and I continue to clean my guest room to anticipate the return of my friend's Tom and Colette who will be visiting this weekend --

I have to admit to you all, that unlike most NYC apartments, I have a fair amount of closet space, but taking up room in most of it are a gazillion t-shirts -- here is a before and after of one of them -- I definitely did not take enough before shots -- when Kathleen comes over -- we zoom right into work and start cleaning right away and before you know it -- the closet is cleaned out!!

again -- not bad -- I think ---

All told -- and here comes the embarassing part -- I packed up 13 boxes of t-shirts, sweatshirts and shorts -- the final tally ------- gulp --- and I hesitate because why do we keep these things (the answer is because we can) --- I gave away 355 t-shirts (included were t-shirts from every U.S. Open since 1983!!, countless Nantucket t-shirts and others from various sporting events and god knows what) --- 63 sweatshirts and about 20 pairs of shorts --- I couldn't even start to wear everything even if I started today!! ---

Kathleen and I piled them onto a cart -- here she is as we headed -- trapped under the boxes!!

down to the lobby -- who knew one person could have so much stuff!!

it is a little sick I know -- but after losing 30 pounds -- i'm not done -- I'm losing hundreds of pounds -- literally and figuratively --

It all feels good -- exhausting, a little sad, a little weird, but essentially all good -- it is how I know the weight will stay off for good this time -- because this stuff was weighing me down as well -- change is being able to let it all go -- and you just have to be ready for it and I guess I finally am.....

Just a couple of quick notes -- first, Betsy -- yes -- Bob Woodruff was an amazing speaker -- but you didn't see me in the Campus Inn because I wasn't really staying there -- my Dad was -- I was staying at a different hotel -- but that is a weird coincidence --

Second -- thank you all for your encouraging comments about the de-cluttering -- they mean as much to me as always -- I guess the weight problem and clutter problem go a little hand in hand -- and just like I'm continuing to try not to put things in my mouth -- I'm trying not to buy anything or bring anything new into my apartment -- it is all the same - all things that weigh you down and keep you from being (to borrow from Oprah) the best you that you can be -- thanks for continuing to take this journey with me (now I just sound like I'm on a reality show -- they always use the word "journey" ) -- I mean it....

Another long blog -- sorry -- but I think you may only get an entry about once a week - but it will be a good one!!  I'll fill you in on my weekend next week -- but there will be more de-cluttering news I'm sure!!

And one more congratulations on the new sneakers for those who got them -- thanks for supporting me -- now get out there and exercise !

Thanks for reading -- have a good one -- Schully