So I'm back at it!! I have decided to run the NIKE SF Half Marathon with Team In Training.  This will be my second event with TNT and I couldn't be more excited!!! But at the same time I am scared out of my mind.....for those of you who don't know San Francisco has A TON of hills and to make it worse, hills and I don't get along LOL.  So I guess for this race I may actually have to follow a training plan!!! (which is my weakness, I hate following schedules!!!)  I am super excited to be running for such an amazing cause, so many amazing people have been affected by Leukemia and Lymphoma and I have pledged myself to help raise money for research and to find a cure!!!  I can't wait to meet more amazing people this time around!!!  I am just getting started with my training and look forward to sharing my entire experience with you!!  Be sure to check back for updates on my journey from NJ to San Francisco!!!!

You can have an impact on cancer.  Join Team In Training (TNT)and run the Nike Women’s Half Marathon (NWHM) in San Francisco on October 19.  You’ll be helping The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) fund research to advance lifesaving blood cancer treatments.
TNT is the flagship fundraising campaign for LLS, and the NWHM in San Francisco is always sold out.  At its 25th anniversary last year, TNT has trained more than 600,000 participants and raised more than $1.4 billion.
 With TNT, in exchange for raising funds, you’ll train for four months with world-class trainers, have access to  clinics on nutrition and injury prevention and race through  San Francisco’s iconic landmarks.
Learn More About Team in Training and help TNT harness the power of physical activity to help LLS find cures and improve the quality of life for patients with blood cancer. Help patients feel better while you achieve your personal best.
Join TNT and help us get closer to a world without blood cancers. I'll be there, will you be joining me???

Can't run/walk the event??  Still want to help??  You can make a donation to my fundraising page by clicking here!!!!!

From 273lbs to MARATHONER!!!!

This past weekend was EXTREMELY emotional for me……I pushed my body to do something I never dreamed it would do.  I ran my FIRST marathon!!!  Now this is an extremely huge event for anyone but for me it was a breakthrough!!!  I  sit here thinking back on my life and tear up just thinking about how far I have come over the years……just a few short years ago I weighed 273 lbs and was short of breath just walking up the stairs to my apartment (which was one flight at that time).  I was extremely unhappy with myself and my confidence was at an all-time low……now I’m gaining confidence and each day becoming more and more proud of what I have accomplished and more happy with where I am!!!  But you all have heard that story a million times, so let me talk about the race!!  I was super nervous about running this race, my first full…..two nights before I couldn't sleep!!!!  I woke up race day, packed the car and went to work, and man that was the longest work day ever!!!!  After finishing up at work I hopped in my car, took a picture of my speedometer for my little buddy and was off to pick up my travel partner, Anna.  One last stop and we were on our way!!! 

An hour later we arrived at the expo to pick up our numbers, now it was getting real!!!  First thing we picked up bibs and shirts, then shopped the expo….being my first FULL I needed to get my 26.2 gear!!!  And then one more photo opp!!!!  Now off to the hotel for some dinner and R&R!!!

 

After some issues with SIRI we were finally at the hotel!!!  It was amazing, what a great view of the ocean and finish line right from my room!  After checking in I arrived at my room to settle and meet my Team In Training roomie!!!  We arrived just in time for dinner…….after an amazing and inspiring team dinner it was time to sleep!!  My alarm was set for 4am!!!!!

4 am comes earlier than I ever imagined!!!  Now to get ready to run!!  Nerves were running high, I was sweaty and nauseous and I hadn't even run yet!!!  A got down the lobby to be greeted by 100 other runners all with Team In Training…the energy was outrageous!!!!!  Shortly after we board our big yellow school bus and set off to the start line!!!  We arrived at the start at 5:30am, the half marathoners began getting ready for their race (I wasn't starting until 8am), while waiting I had a chance to meet up with some amazing runner friends for a photo opp. (Love me a photo opp)  Then back to waiting……..what do you do while sitting for that long??  The nerves kept building while I waited!!!!

Finally time to check bags and head to the start!!!  At this point I thought for sure I would throw up, but that never happened!!  We entered our corral all set to go and then before I knew it we were off!!!!  

Everything was stiff at first but by mile 3 I was feeling good!!  Ok, I've got this!!  We had our team coaches and cheerleaders out along the way to keep us going…..amazing!!  Nothing was going to stop me…….famous last words LOL.  Around mile 11.5 I felt a pop in my hamstring……I kept moving, pushing forward but the pain kept getting worse….around mile 12 a team coach, Kathy came up and asked how I was doing…I explained the deal and she was amazing!  She told me she was going to stick it out with me, we were going to do this!!  Even with limping and having to walk here and there she stuck with me and crossed that finish line with me….I don’t think I would have finished without her amazing support!!!  The race course was beautiful….huge beach houses, running on the Jersey Shore board walk, and seeing the beautiful ocean really helped!!!  As I approached the finish I began tearing up just thinking about how far I have come!  I had not realized how emotional this event would be for me!  Not only was I running for me but I was running for a great cause (Leukemia and Lymphoma Society) and had dedicated my run to a few very special ladies who had suffered from the diseases…..after crossing the finish the emotion over took me….it still feels like a dream!!!!!  Well at this point a very sore dream LOL

If you would like to make a donation to my fundraising page please click the link below and help me make a difference in so many lives!!!

http://pages.teamintraining.org/nj/nj14/kjermain

Pretty Muddy Giveaway!!!!!

Have you ever wanted to get “down and dirty” with your friends?  Pretty Muddy the women’s only obstacle/mud run has events is 4 major cities this year including Chicago, Richmond, Dallas and Sacramento. 

Pretty Muddy has given me the opportunity to giveaway 2 regular entries and 2 family edition entries!!!!  How cool is that??  AND if you don’t win, you can use the code GIRLSGONESPORTY for $5 off any entry!!! 

Winner will be chosen on the 24^th of February at random from all entries received!!  Winner will be able to choose their city….how do I enter, you ask…..well that’s easy!!!  Go to facebook.com/coachkaseedeej on Sunday February 16, 2014 for full instructions !!!

A Race That Gives Back!!!!!! Pretty Muddy

So have y’all heard of the 5K race called Pretty Muddy?  Pretty Muddy is an all-female obstacle race, climb, jump and get dirty!!!  Sounds like a great day out with the girls!!!  There are no penalties if you can’t do an obstacle and NO time limit, love it….we just get to go out there and have a good time!!  I can’t wait to bust out my tutu and get dirty!!!!  There is also a Family Edition where you can bring the hubby and kids to compete as a team!!!

The BEST part?  Pretty Muddy has teamed up with the Susan G Komen Foundation and is giving FREE entries to breast cancer survivors!!!!!  Check out their page for more details!!! 

How AMAZING is that???  Stop by and like em on Facebook and share with your friends!!!!  If you know any survivors send em over to sign up!!!!  And you can sign up too!!!  The sooner you sign up the more money you save…..stay tuned here, I have a surprise coming this weekend for all you ladies, maybe a chance for a couple of you to get “pretty muddy”

I can’t wait to participate in this event!!!!  Check back later to see how it went!!  Locations are Chicago, Dallas, Sacramento, and Richmond!!!

Twitter: @Pretty_Muddy

Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/PrettyMuddy

http://prettymuddywomensrun.com/

A friend of mine posted on her Facebook page “Before you start making a list of goals or resolutions for 2014, take a few minutes and acknowledge all that you’ve accomplished in 2013. Make a list of at least 25 things you accomplished. Coming up with the first five or ten things isn’t usually too difficult. But when you get to 20, this gets a little more challenging. Keep going though! You’ve accomplished a lot in 2013. Give yourself credit for all of your accomplishments, big or small.”  Well this got me thinking, what have I accomplished this year??  So here I am compiling my list of things and in no order other than how they came out of my head LOL

1.       Tried some amazing new fitness styles!!!  Bought some Kangoo Jumps and started running in those….actually started running regularly this year as well!!!!  Where would I be without starting running…..I wouldn’t have met half of the amazing people I did!!!!  Also tried Barre classes

2.       Spent my first official year as a fully certified Pilates Instructor!!!!

3.       Met Nicholas Sparks, only briefly but it still counts!!!

4.       Went to the New Kids on the Block/Boys II Men concert (not an accomplishment but still cool!!!)

5.       Stood up for what I believed in and left a job that was not making me happy and I still stand behind that decision!!!

6.       Met Danny J and Bex – how many of you know what that means?? LOL

7.       Ran 1 race a month from July-December

8.       Donated my hair to Locks of Love

9.       Ran my first obstacle race

10.   I was selected as the Weight Loss Guru for Girls Gone Sporty!!!

11.   Found the strength to get my health and fitness back on track after losing all motivation in the Spring (see it happens to the best of us!!!!)

12.   Created Mommy Bootcamp, to give moms a workout they can bring their kids to!

13.   I was part of the Sweat Pink Ambassadors Healthy Moms Spotlight

14.   I was quoted or guest wrote for multiple fitness blogs

15.   I took Stand Up Paddle board lessons

16.   Was selected as a Brand Ambassador for some AMAZING companies!!!

17.   Starting working for 2 AMAZING companies, doing what I love everyday!!!

18.   Got to meet some amazing people!!

19.   Moved my family from Manhattan to New Jersey, in the process meeting more amazing people!!

20.   Learned to LOVE myself and appreciate all the hard work I do everyday

Reflecting on this past year has me super excited for what’s to come!!!!

10 Gifts of Christmas

It’s mid December…..still need some gift ideas for that health nut or fitness freak??  Here is a list of my FAVORITE things to give this holiday season!! 

1.        The Running Buddy – wwwherunningbuddy.com   The Running Buddy is perfect for holding your keys, phone, money and whatever else you need while running or just running errands.  Keeps your hands free with the “fanny pack” feel.    ** Bonus get 15% off and FREE shipping by using code A23**
2.        Cozy Orange Yogawear – www.cozyorange.com  For the yogi on your list, this line is eco friendly and extremely stylish…from studio to street.
3.       Swirlgear – www.swirlgear.com  Womens running apparel, designed by women especially for women, flattering fits, and great colors….my go to for running apparel!!!
4. Hylete – www.hylete.com For the hard core gym goer/crossfitter in your life!!!!  Amazing fabrics that withstand a beating!!!  **Bonus get 20% with code TRTC06CC5**
5.   Enegybits – www.energybits.com  Natural energy from algae (I know it sounds odd but totally works!)  No added chemicals and comes in tablet form you just swallow with water.  Algae is good for energy and immunity, so jump on these during cold and flu season!! ** Bonus get 25% off with code JerseyDoll**
6.   Island Boost – www.islandboost.com  Perfect for the endurance athlete on your list!!!!  This fuel gives you the energy to keep going without the awful effects on your stomach and no crash effect!!!!
7.  Ripped Cream – www.rippedcream.com  For the coffee lover on your list!!!  Coffee creamer with protein in 2 yummy flavors, chocolate and vanilla!!!! 
8.  Lole – www.lolewomen.com  Live Out Loud Everyday in this amazing workout wear line
9.  Fitmark Bags – www.fitmarkbags.com Fashionable and functional gym bags and lunch totes.
10.   100 Hours of Kettlebells – www.strongfigure.com  Exactly what the title says…Strong Figure brings you the 100 Hours of Kettlebells ebook….100 awesome hours worth of kettlebell exercises!!!

Disclaimer:  These items are listed in no particular, only the order they popped in my head, and none of these companies paid me to put them on this list….they are all just things I love!!!

Thanksgiving, New Beginnings and Going Streaking!!!!!

Thanksgiving, New Beginnings and Going Streaking!!!!!

I’m sitting here on the couch after stuffing myself full, reflecting on the past year and looking ahead to the new year……so many new things, disappointments and exciting things have happened and I am looking forward to many more to come!!!!!

Looking back on this past year and what I am thankful for…….there is so much!!!  I don’t even know where to begin!!!  I am most thankful for such a supportive family, without their support I never would have been able to quit a job I didn’t love in order to pursue one that I am so in love with that it is hard for me to stop working J  This year alone I have been selected as a Brand Ambassador for some AMAZING companies…….including Sweat Pink (Fit Approach), Girls Gone Sporty, Janet TV, Cozy Orange Yoga Wear, Swirlgear, The Running Buddy, Fit Mark Bags, Strong Figure, I am on the Train Team for Hylete  and most recently was selected to be the Weight Loss Guru for Girls Gone Sporty!!!!!!  I consider myself so blessed and thankful for the opportunities that these companies have given me!!!   I am also super thankful for the AMAZING companies that have worked with in other capacities and those that have supported programs that I have developed or events I have done……Island Boost and Ripped Cream have been awesome!!!!!  I can’t thank you guys enough!!!!!  The support of all of these companies has helped me get my message out there J  I am also SUPER thankful for the AMAZING companies that I work for, they allow me the opportunity to create programs and help those that need it!!!  If y’all are ever in the NYC/NJ area and can get to Hoboken please come by and visit us at Harmony Pilates and 35 Minute Bootcamps….programs for ALL!!!

I am also EXTREMELY thankful for the journey that I went on, had I not gone through my journey I may have never found my true love – well besides my husband LOL- fitness!!!!!!  Had I not gained the weight (and I’m not saying you should go out and gain a ton of weight) I would have never found fitness…..I would have never met so many amazing people…..everything in life truly happens for a reason, I was meant to take that journey so I could turn it around and help others!!!!!  Yes, I have made mistakes, I have had set backs, but I continue to push forward and strive to make myself better and more toward my goals………I have learned so many lessons in the past year as well, I have learned to be happy with myself (oh that one took a LONG time), not to get discouraged by the little things, and most importantly to put myself first!!!!!  I was stuck in a rut of constantly putting others first and being a people pleaser but no more!!!  I am focusing on what’s best for me, be it life, family, business….I will no longer be a stepping stool for others J  I am developing my own fitness brand, with apparel, motivation, training plans and much more!!!!

I am also thankful that I am healthy enough to perform the fitness fetes that I love so much!! I am thankful my body is able to run, lift, teach and do my daily activities.  I am thankful for the friends that have stuck by my side through everything (moving, cancer, the struggles, moving again LOL), they are my rocks!!!  I am also thankful for the new friends that I have made during all of those things as well….my fitness friends, who keep me pushing even when I don’t want to…..my clients who remind me why I do what I do on the tough days……my son, who can make me laugh no matter what……

New beginnings….as we embark on the holiday season and the new year that is fast approaching I am focusing on my new goals.  The New Year is a fresh start, a push forward…..a clean start!!!!  I have set myself some pretty hefty goals BUT I am also designing the action plan to make em happen!!!  I have found that putting your goals out into the universe they are more likely to happen, so here you go……

My 2014 Goals

-to qualify for the NYC Marathon

-to complete the Spartan, Tough Mudder and whatever other crazy shit Dave convinces me to do!!!

-complete 5 marathons (I want 40 by 40 LOL)

-compete in a Kettlebell competition

-complete a duathalon

-run the stairs at Rockefeller center

-build my programs (increase my classes)

-be more active on my blog and social media (I get so distracted…..squirrel!!!)

-get kettlebell certified

And that is just the beginning I am still brainstorming!!!!!!! I can’t get past my addiction of fitness!!!

I am soooo excited to start my marathons!!!!!  I NEVER thought my body would be capable of so many of the things that I accomplished, especially at almost 300lbs!!!!!  I never imagined I would get excited to run, go to the gym and especially run 26 miles but now just thinking about it I get giddy!!!!

And lastly, I’m GOING STREAKING!!!!  Not that way, get your mind out of the gutter!!!!  I am joining the crew at Runners World and making this year a running streak!!!  I vow to run at least a mile EVERY single day for a year!!!!!!!  Who wants to join me???