Category: Uncategorized
Remembering Mom
| May 9th, 2013 | Uncategorized |
Around this time, it’s hard not to think about your mom. Mothers Day is on Sunday. For me, this day every year I always think about the same thing. Mom. I think about what I’m going to write about at least a week in advance. This year was no different.
In case you’re interested, here is my post from last year– “Five Years Later”.
I’m not sure if I mentioned this is in past, but a lot of the memories from that part of my life is rather blurred. From what I do remember, my mom had cancer that eventually spread up to her brain.
Before my mom’s diagnosis, I knew a little bit about cancer but never knew anyone that close to me that had it. It seemed like such a far fetched disease until it happened to my mom. No matter what I imagined it being like, it was actually much worse. I can’t take credit for helping my mom that much during her illness, because I wasn’t there. That’s another story, but I was a raging teenager who didn’t know how to handle the situation, so I moved out and shut myself away from the whole thing.
I wasn’t there to help with Chemo & Radiation. I wasn’t there when they brought her home from the hospital. I wasn’t there to take care of her day-to-day.
I was there, however to see the side effects and I wouldn’t ever wish that on anyone. I was there when she started losing chunks of hair. I remember the smell of her radiation treatments. I was there when she was in a coma at home. Never sure if she was ever going to wake up (she eventually did for a short time). Never sure what the next day would bring. Being scared to visit her. Being scared if something terrible happened – would I know what to do? Would I know how to act?
There are so many things that I could say about this time in my family’s life 6 years ago, but it doesn’t seem right to divulge all that information here in a blog post. It just wouldn’t justify it. It would make it seem much more miniscule than it was. How can I truly express what that was like in a small blog post – I can’t. For those of you who have gone through losing a parent or anyone for that matter, to cancer, I commend you for moving forward. It sure is hard- but we have to. It’s what our loved one would have wanted.
Before I end this post, I want to mention a little bit about the National Brain Tumor Society. All of the info below has been found on the Brain Tumor Society website.
At the National Brain Tumor Society, their mission is to find better treatments, and ultimately a cure, for people living with a brain tumor today and those who will be diagnosed in the future. Their goal is to ensure that everyone in the brain tumor community has access to helpful information. The website provides different resources for those suffering with a brain tumor as well as opportunities for those looking for online communities or an in-person support group.
Me and Bryan at the National Brain Tumor Society’s Race for Hope 5K in 2011
Boston 2013 In My Heart
| April 16th, 2013 | Uncategorized |
I can’t believe yesterday happened.
Image via Photo by Alex Trautwig/Getty Images
I woke up yesterday pretty excited to track the Boston Marathon online, but around 3PM the news broke. I don’t need to write here about the details of the attacks. You’ve already seen it all. You’ve seen the photos, heard about the turmoil, and watched the footage on TV.
When I heard about the news I wanted to cry – and in fact when I got home after work and saw more of the news coverage, my eyes started to fill with tears.
I knew a lot of my blogger friends were running in Boston and I kept checking social media to make sure they were ok (and they were). But as the headlines kept coming in, the news just kept getting worse and worse.
As a runner, it makes me tremendously upset that someone would take that joy away on a day that runners should be celebrating their amazing accomplishments.
I can’t seem to get the words out to write anything else today.
20 Question Survey
| February 13th, 2013 | Uncategorized |
In the mornings, I like to wake up and relax in bed after Bryan leaves for work. Usually that means sitting on my computer in bed until I feel like I should start getting dressed. This morning, like most, I caught up on my favorite blogs. I came across this survey from Christina at HungryMeetsHealthy.com and knew I had to do it.
1. Name 3 things you are looking forward to.
- the weekend!
- finding a wedding venue
- Happy Hour tonight with my ladies
2. If you could have a dream come true, what would it be?
Have a gorgeous wedding and an even more beautiful marriage.
3. You have $200. You have to spend it on yourself, you can’t donate it, and it can’t be something you actually need. What will it be?
A Garmin sports watch. We returned the one I got for Christmas so we could buy a juicer.
4. What helps to pull you out of a bad mood?
Bryan, my friends, yoga and sometimes a good glass of wine.
5. What is your bedtime routine?
Shower, paint my nails, put on moisturizer, lay in bed, watch TV with Bryan, watch Youtube Videos, go to sleep.
6. If you are currently in a relationship, how did you meet your significant other?
College. I sat in front of Bryan in a psychology class.
7. What kind of books do you read?
I usually go for non-fiction. I love self-help books and general advice books on how to live a happy, healthy, carefree life. Oh, and running books are AWESOME.
8. How do you see yourself in 10 years?
Obviously married, a couple kids, living in our dream home and just enjoying life.
9. What’s your fear?
Deep water. Especially dark deep water. No nighttime ocean swimming for me.
10. Would you give up all junk food for the rest of your life for the opportunity to see outer space?
Hm… maybe. I’d miss my Swedish Fish though.
11. What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
Turn off my alarm and lay in bed until I feel like moving.
12. If you could change one thing about your significant other, what would it be?
Nothing. <3 GAG, I know. But it’s true. I have the best.
13. If you could pick a new name for yourself, what would it be?
I like my name. I don’t think I look like anything else.
14. If you had to choose between six months of sun or six months of rain, what would you choose?
Is this really a question… SUN!
15. If you could only eat one thing for the next 6 months, what would it be?
I love fruit. All kinds of fruit.
16. What is the thing you enjoy about blogging the most?
The great community in general and all of the great friendships I’ve made while blogging.
17. Do you prefer salty or sweet foods?
Usually sweet.
18. What items are in your purse right now?
My purse isn’t near me right now, but if I had to guess:
- Wallet
- A few receipts
- Makeup bag
- A pen
- Business card holder from Kate Spade with cards inside
- Coupons
- Nail file
19. If you had to choose between vacationing at the beach or in the mountains where would you go?
Depends on my mood. I used to say mountains, but I’m missing the beach right now so I’m going to go with beach.
20. What do you watch on television that you know you shouldn’t?
My reality TV addiction is crazy.
This or that survey– fitness edition
| August 15th, 2012 | Uncategorized |
I found this survey from Clare’s blog and I knew that I’d eventually cave and do it. I like surveys, because they remind me of the days of MySpace and the multiple questionnaires I’d fill out per day. Please tell me that I wasn’t the only one…
1. Run/workout in the heat and humidity or freezing temps and snow?
Snow, snow, snow. I absolutely loathe running in the heat, because I live in the Philadelphia area and our summers feel like you are in thick air. I wish I was joking, but I’m not. I’m very envious of all you southern Californians with the perfect running weather year round. Therefore, cooler weather is my favorite time to run outdoors!
2. Have washboard abs or flat abs?
I’m alright right flat abs. I don’t know if I’ll ever have “washboard” abs, because I like sugary cereal too much to give that up, so flat abs are a O.K. for me.
3. Dr. Oz or The Doctors?
Dr. Oz 100%. I’m actually pretty bitter about this situation, because the year after I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree, Dr. Oz was the commencement speaker at my university. Talk about bad timing! However, I’ll forgive him for being late one year. I love his show, because he makes various health topics easy to understand (almost too simple) and I can appreciate the fact that he is an actual real-life doctor. He’s no actor, ladies!
4. Cardio or strength?
I can’t pick both? Eh, okay. I pick cardio. I’ve done cardio for as long as I can remember. I started dancing when I was 5 or 6 and since then cardio has held a place in my heart. Over the years I’ve integrated other forms of cardiovascular activity into my daily routine, such as RUNNING! Although I do love a good weight day, I don’t feel complete unless I do a little cardio.
5. Cravings: Protein or carbs?
Carbs. Yep, I’m not afraid to admit that. Give me a bagel, cupcake or piece of cheesecake, any day! I wish I had cravings for protein more, but I don’t. Now I’m not saying that I live off of sugary carbs, because I don’t. However, given the option of a piece of fish plain or on a sandwich, I’ll usually go with the sandwich for the bread. No shame.
6. Jillian Michaels or Bob Harper?
Jillian Michaels. She’s a tough cookie. During college, when I wasn’t dancing, I would do her onDemand workouts in my tiny bedroom. I’m pretty sure I’ve gotten bruises from her kickboxing video. I may have accidentally kicked my bedpost and nailed my ankle on the side of a wall once or twice…
7. Frozen Yogurt or Ice Cream?
Frozen yogurt! I love frozen yogurt and am pretty sad that there isn’t a froyo shop any where near my house. When we lived with Bryan’s parents there was a place only a few minutes away and I miss that luxury! Since I can’t get my froyo cravings met, and I really dislike the taste of froyo from the grocery store, I buy my favorite ice cream flavor of all time: Turkey Hill Vanilla Bean from their naturals line.
8. To train: Upper body or Lower body?
I would have said lower body a year or so ago, but I’ve been loving the free weights and really trying to build up my arm muscles. I have decently strong leg muscles from dancing my whole life, so doing leg exercises comes easy for me and I like to challenge myself at the gym.
9. Protein powder or food with protein?
Eating food with protein is always better than any type of additive, but sometimes there just isn’t any other option. When I get home from a tough workout, I like to make my simple protein shake with vanilla protein powder. Because I don’t eat any meat besides fish, I have to make sure that I get enough protein in my diet. My favorite forms of protein from food are eggs, tuna, and vegetarian meat products.
10. Lunges or squats?
Squats. No real reason behind this answer. I just like doing them more.
11. Sweet or salty?
Sweet. I tend to reach for sweet things like cereal more often than pretzels or chips.
12. Workout attire: cute or comfy?
Cute. Not saying I wear makeup and belly shirts to the gym, but I like feeling good about myself when I work out. I’ll never go to the gym in a baggy t-shirt and basketball shorts, because that’s not what makes me feel good. If that makes you feel good then wear that!
13. Body Pump or Heavy lifting?
I’ve never tried a Body Pump class or have done enough “heavy” lifting to make a decision on this one.
14. Yoga or Pilates?
Yoga all the way. I really dislike Pilates, and I’m not sure why. I took some classes in college and really preferred yoga. I try to go to yoga at least once a week, if I can. I’m lucky that I have classes at Whole Foods and lululemon to look forward to on the weekends!
15. Nike or Adidas?
Nike. I currently wear Nike sneakers and tempo shorts when I run, (I need NEW sneakers badly, and not Nikes) and my gym bag is from Nike, so I am going to go with Nike.
16. Running on the treadmill or outdoors?
I’d prefer to run outdoors, but the weather here is terrible and I am a wimp in hot temperatures. Cold weather all the way. The majority of people go indoors during the winter to run on the treadmill, but I prefer to get outdoors and embrace the cooler air.
17. Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s?
Whole Foods. I do like Trader Joe’s for their butternut squash raviolis, but overall I like the atmosphere and options that Whole Foods offers. Plus community yoga on Saturdays!
18. Summer or Winter Olympics?
Summer. But you probably knew that if you’ve read my blog lately. I’m all about the competitions in gymnastics, track and field, and swimming.
19. Steamed veggies or roasted veggies?
Roasted. I can’t seem to steam my veggies without making them soggy… and who likes soggy veggies? Not me!
What’s your favorite place to buy groceries?
If you had to choose cardio or weights, what would you pick?
What type of sneakers do you wear when you run?
Please fill out the survey and link back to my blog so I can read it! I’d love to read all of your answers!
Injured
| August 9th, 2012 | Uncategorized |
If you follow me on Twitter, you know that I wanted to do things other than run this week. Sunday I swam laps at our pool and Tuesday I went to Zumba. Then Wednesday morning happened. I woke up and thought to myself, “Wow my calves are killing me… did I run yesterday?” Nope, I didn’t.
I took a Zumba class with a terrible instructor. The class I went to was supposed to have the instructor that taught during my first zumba class, however I’m guessing she was sick b/c it wasn’t her. Instead it was another woman, who I’m guessing was not certified because she had no idea what she was doing. I don’t want to sound like a snob, but if I’m paying for a class I want a teacher who is a) certified and b) remembers the routines. This woman would start a routine and then kind of forget what the previous steps were and just make up the rest. This made it VERY difficult to follow along and really brought down the energy of the class. I talked about before about my first Zumba class and how I wished the energy was a bit higher… well that class’s energy was 20x more than the class I took on Tuesday. UGH.
ANYWAY, the purpose of the post was to talk about this pain I have. The pain is centralized on the inside of my calf (left side of right calf) up to under my knee. I’m in pain when I flex my right foot and when I walk and put pressure on any part of my foot.

After looking online for different things that this pain could be, I found the following things:
- Muscle tear.
- Muscle pull.
-
Muscle strain.
- Ligament tear.
Last night it pained me to do so, but I took out Mr. Foam Roller and tried to massage my calf. OUCH OUCH OUCH.

I’m not sure what I’m going to do with this pain today, because it honestly hurts to walk around. Some advice I received said to do the whole RICE thing.
- Rest
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevate
Doing these things at work may be difficult. Let’s take a look…
Rest: I can only do this so much, because I walk around a lot at work. However, today I plan to stop running around the office like a crazy person and just sit.
Ice: I can probably bring an ice pack to the office with me. That shouldn’t be too big of an issue.
Compression: I can’t really wear my compression socks at work b/c I only have them in obnoxiously bright colors.
Elevate: The only thing I can do to elevate my leg is to place it on my computer tower. I guess that will have to work.
Any other advice? I plan to rest this thing, and if it’s still really hurting on Monday I’m going to have to see someone.
Olympic Survey
| July 31st, 2012 | Uncategorized |
Good morning! Have you all been watching the Olympics? I think Bry is tired of me at this point, because all I’ve been watching and talking about has been the Olympics. From Jordyn Wieber’s disappointing performance that didn’t get her a spot for the US all-around to Ryan Lochte’s hotness, I’m happy Bry hasn’t totally gone crazy yet. There are many more events to watch, especially the Olympic Marathon on Sunday! I already have plans to be at home watching it! It’s normal.
As I was reading through blogs yesterday, I found this Olympic Survey from Running With Sass and figured I’d do it as well. Let’s get started.
…………………………………………………………..
Favorite Olympic Sports to Watch:
SUMMER: marathon and gymnastics
WINTER: figure skating

Source: Google Images
Favorite Athletes:
SUMMER: Kara Goucher, Jordyn Wieber, Ryan Lochte
WINTER: Michelle Kwan

Kara Goucher | Source: Women's Health
Sport/game/race most excited to watch:
SUMMER: Phelps vs. Lochte
WINTER: figure skating

Source: Google Images
Most boring sport to watch:
SUMMER: basketball
WINTER: curling
![curling[1]](http://www.simply-nicole.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/curling1.jpg)
Source: Google Images
Toughest sport in my opinion:
SUMMER: men’s gymnastics. the rings require SO much control!
WINTER: figure skating

Source: Google Images
Who I root for if no American is racing:
SUMMER: I’m not really interested otherwise
WINTER: IDK

Source: Getty Images
Where I am going to watch the Olympics:
At home either in my living room or in bed.

What Olympic sport I wish I was good at:
SUMMER: gymnastics. When I was younger I made my own balance beam with tape on the floor!
WINTER: snowboarding

Source: Google Images
Fill out the survey on your blog and let me know your answers!
What’s your favorite summer and winter athlete of all time?
HIIT Treadmill Workout
| July 4th, 2012 | Holiday, Running, Uncategorized |
First off, Happy 4th of July!! I am so happy that I’m off from work today. That means I have the entire day to do as I please. A gym session will start around 10, then heading to Bry’s parents’ house for some pool and dinner, then back home for fireworks! What are you doing for the holiday today?

No, I don't look this pretty when I'm running like a crazy person on the treadmill, and I also don't have that amazing view.
High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a “form of exercise where you do a short period of high intensity exercise followed by a short period of low intensity exercise.”
The reason that I like HIIT runs on the treadmill is because it really makes it interesting. Normally on the deathmill treadmill, I get super bored. There’s only so many TVs I can watch or people I can watch going to and from the pool. HIIT makes running on the treadmill bearable. When doing a HIIT treadmill run, you have to be constantly watching the time, so you know when to adjust your speed. The miles actually felt like they went a bit faster as well! No problems there!
I developed a 2 mile HIIT treadmill run that works for me right now. The speed might not be as fast as some of you are used to running, so you can obviously adjust the times and/or speed according to your personal preference and abilities.


After completing my 2 miles (9 miles left to complete this week!), I was dripping with sweat as usual. I stretched a bit and did a few ab exercises. I did 100 regular crunches + 50 bicycle crunches + a 1:30 min plank.

I got to take gym pictures without having people stare at me! The gym was empty!
Have you ever tried HIIT runs? If so, what are your thoughts.
Do you take pictures in public places, like your gym?
I’m Back in the Race
| June 8th, 2012 | Races, Uncategorized |
I’m back in the race peeps. This weekend, I’m running my first race since December!

Remember this crazy outfit?
I am sponsored to run the Delaware Valley Strides for Stroke 5K on Sunday. I found out about the race a week ago, so I didn’t have a lot of time to prep or train. However, I have been running a lot these past few weeks, so I’m sure I’ll be fine. As part of my goals for June, I want to run the 5K in under 30min. I know I can do it!

I’ll be doing a pre-race post tomorrow, but I just wanted to let you all in the Philadelphia area know a little bit about the race!
Who: YOU!
What: Strides for Stroke 5K Run/Walk
When: Sunday June 10 from 7am-11am
Where: Philly Museum of Art
Why: Registration is only $25, it’s for a great cause and you don’t have to run if you aren’t a runner! You can walk!
According to the Delaware Valley Stroke Council website, their mission is to
“reduce the incidence and impact of stroke through: Heightened public awareness, continuing professional education and legislative and patient advocacy. Our guiding principles are: ensuring the best quality of care regardless of race, religion, gender or socioeconomic status; speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves, informing our decision-making through the collection of comparative data and outcome tracking, and collaborating with others to ensure state-of-the-art stroke care. We envision a reduction in the incidence and impact of stroke through: a lay community that values stroke preventing strategies and has the knowledge to act upon the signs and symptoms of stroke; and a medical community that delivers state-of-the-art stroke care. In the Delaware Valley region we are recognized as The Stroke Authority, the leader in improving stroke care and outcomes.”
If you are going to the race, comment below or send me an email. I’d love to meet up with you!
5 Things I am Looking Forward To
| June 5th, 2012 | Uncategorized |
Good morning everyone. Thank goodness Monday is over. It was a rough one. It rained on and off all day and was a bit chillier than it has been. I wore my long black pants and a scarf! A scarf in June. Crazy talk, I tell ya! As it was raining cats and dogs today, I thought about some things I’m looking forward to in the next few months. Here you go:
- The 2012-2013 Lilly Pulitzer agendas! I love these. They have such cool designs to choose from and are perfect for my Type A personality. My two favorites are the Gimme Some Leg and Skip On It. I plan on getting one of these soon and using it to keep all of my work deadlines in order. You can pre-order them from LifeguardPress.comand get them in July. The large is $26 and the small is $16.

- A trip to Washington DC. Washington DC might be one of my favorite places, aside from San Diego of course. Bry and I have talked about making a drive down to DC this summer or fall, so I’m hoping we actually plan it out and we go. My favorite place in DC is the Washington Monument area, and Bry has never been outside of the White House. Thus, I think a trip is in order.

Washington DC 2009
- Running more and more. I’m looking forward to training a bit this summer in hopes to run a few small races and my first half marathon this fall! There’s nothing than I love more than finishing a long run (for me that’s 4mi at the moment) and having that feeling of accomplishment. I am looking forward to many more long runs this summer both in the gym and at some nearby parks.

- Finally finish Fifty Shades of Grey. I am looking forward to finishing this book for two reasons: to have more dreams about Chris Hemsworth (my pick for Mr. Grey) and to start the 2nd book. Yes, I jumped on the bandwagon to read this book. Yes, the writing isn’t the best– at times, it’s completely terrible. But ask any female out there who has read this book… it is addicting!

- Long drives. I really enjoy taking long drives with the windows down and the music up– especially during the summer months. I’m looking forward to finding new places in my new town to check out and going back to old favorite places in Bucks County.

What are you looking forward to?
June Goals
| June 3rd, 2012 | Uncategorized |
Although I’m a few days late for this post, I spent some time thinking about what I wanted to focus on for my June goals. I’m starting this month more determined than last month. After May ended up being not so great for my goals, I’m starting fresh with June. Here are my goals for this month in the following categories: fitness, personal, and blogging.
Fitness

- Run the Strides for Stroke 5K in under 30min. I’ve run 5K on the treadmill in under 30 minutes, but haven’t been able to break the time during an actual race.
- Run at least 4 days a week with 1 day for a long run.
- Attend all rooftop yoga sessions. I missed the one this Saturday, but I plan on attending the next 3!
Personal

- Strengthen my nails & stop biting/picking them.
- Drink at least 60 oz of water per day. I really do need to drink more water. It’s been a goal for a few months now!
- Transfer at least $200 of each paycheck into saving account.
Blogging

- Develop a blogging calendar. Purchase a moleskin notebook to use for blogging ideas/inspiration.
- Continue to pre-write posts the night before.
- Communicate with other bloggers for guest posting.
What are your June goals?









