Last month when I wrote the title I Am Really Excited About Everything in the Month of July, I was actually saying that exact phrase to people before I decided to make it my post title. And while I don’t exactly feel the same way about August (August = end of summer, NOOOOOOOO), I do think that listing what I am excited about will help me maintain a positive attitude before and throughout the month. And since writing this post, I have been a lot more excited about this month! I think this will be a monthly feature. I added a category for it and everything.
{}Â A week off
Sadly, the luxurious week between jobs is over. Even though it wasn’t exactly a relaxing week — I spent most of the time running around like a crazy person doing a zillion things, including, actually, running around like a crazy person. Because what sane person chooses to run 14 miles, really?
Thanks for the photo, Ashley.
I did have one especially fun, vacation-y day with my boyfriend at Splish Splash Water Park.  I grew up going there every year, but he had never before experienced such an extensive collection of water slides. The day was perfect. After my long run around the Central Park Reservoir —
— I got to drive (I love and miss driving) out to Riverhead, Long Island — with a stop at our favorite bakery Teaspoon Bake Shop along the way. There, we went on many fun slides and ate Churros.
I love not working.
{} My Apartment (And Backyard Party)
I spent quite a bit of time organizing, cleaning and pretty much finding a place for all the crap that was all over my apartment overwhelming me, giving me anxiety and piling higher and higher each day. I mentioned some of my ideas last month, and now the project is complete (aside from still having a few small things to find places for). Thanks to Katherine who read my post and happened to be selling the exact makeup table I posted, I got to buy hers for so much less than I was about to spend. Sometimes blogging is even more amazing than we realize.
I am really happy with my “new” apartment and I am happy I got the bulk of the work done in time for my second annual backyard party next weekend.
It is guaranteed to be a fun time, if we can go by this photo of me and Missy at last year’s extravaganza:
{} My new jobÂ
After a way-too-fast week off, it is time to re-enter the working world. I started my new job yesterday. On Sunday night, IÂ took to Twitter with my excitement.
I am not typically an outfit-sharer, but I took a picture this morning to send to Andy to prove that I can, in fact, look decent if I spend hours trying really, really hard. But since the photo exists, I might as well show you all how I looked for my first day of work:
{} More Running
Marathon training started off rough. Really rough. Every run was hard. My legs felt heavy. The air was thick with humidity. I was pushing so hard and barely getting an 11:00/mile pace.
But then my last short run of three miles before the Queens Half Marathon was surprisingly great. My pace was faster and it just felt easier. I didn’t know what to expect for the race, since long runs have been scaring me this time around but the Queens Half ended up being the best run of my life. I was able to maintain a sub-10:00 pace almost effortlessly. And since then, training has been amazing!
Three days after the race I set off on my scheduled six mile run. I used to be totally derailed after a half marathon for at least a week because of soreness and knee pain, but I felt so good on that next run. And for my very first run longer than half marathon distance, my first 14-miler last weekend . . . I also did great!
I was nervous about this distance, but luckily I had Ellen to keep me company which not only helped the time go by but she pushed my pace much farther than I would have on my own. We ran into Jess and Ashley too, which also boosted my spirits. I finished that run in 2:20 — faster than one of my half marathons!
So I’ve been feeling pretty great about marathon training. And now my weekly mileages will be increasing, so I will be running a lot more.
More running also means opportunities to take photos like this:
Or this:
Or this:
Perhaps I should focus more on running and less on picture taking.
{} Summer Streets
I loved running on Summer Streets last year and I am excited to do it again this weekend! Just like last year, I will run another eight-miler down the middle of Park Avenue.
{}Â Top-Secret Thing I Said Would Happen in July But Hasn’t Happened Yet
Last month I mentioned I would share the reason I got profesionally made up and looked like this at Refine Method:
Obviously that didn’t happen. I think/hope I can share why this month!
{} Unlimited Month of Yoga
A new yoga studio opened near me a few months ago, and at $12 a class and rooftop classes, I was so excited to try. But I’ve been busy and I also have yoga at exhale so I didn’t get a chance to make it. Then Living Social had a deal for YoYoga! for an unlimited month for $20.
Going just twice would get me my money’s worth! And there is no better time for yoga than during marathon training. I also wanted to redeem this while it is still nice outside for the rooftop classes.
I went for the first time right after my 14 mile run, to an indoor class. I loved the studio and I loved the class. I definitely won’t be able to get the most out of my month (I already don’t think I can get there this week) but if I go just two or three more times I will be happy. I wish they had earlier morning classes, but they do have a good weekend schedule and some evening classes. I absolutely must get to an outdoor class!
[Photo: YoYoga! NYC]
{} Dave Matthews Band Caravan
I will be spending an entire day on Governor’s Island for the Dave Matthews Band Caravan. Outside. In the summer. Surrounded by water. For a whole day. With Andy. DMB and other good music. I. Cannot. Wait.
{} A Baseball Game
Still waiting on confirmation on this, but there is a chance I will attend a baseball game with Missy and Andy this month. I love any outdoor summer activities. I am excited.
The last time I went to a game was in 2009. The last time I took a photograph at a game was with Missy in 2008:
{} Joining a Gym for Marathon Training
The expensive fancy gym next door to my apartment sent me a card offering a three-day guest pass and zero initiation if I join by August 25. I was actually planning on joining in September anyway, for two months, so I can do my early morning “medium” runs (up to 8 miles) in the safety of the gym when it becomes dark outside early — which, based on this morning, already started. I have no intention of remaining a member (I prefer Refine and Core Fusion classes), but I am looking forward to having the treadmill available, and I am excited for the gorgeous roof deck and the option to take yoga or spin classes if I so choose.
And lastly, a quick correction:
I wrote and published last week’s recap without having any time to read it over. While I don’t care too much about my careless errors (like leaving the word “link” in to remind myself to link to something, or calling this my first half marathon when it was really my fourth) I do care about one huge oversight. Thanks to an anonymous commenter, I was made aware of my error:
Oops. In my rush to get this post up before rushing out the door for the best day ever at Splish Splash, I completely missed mentioning that Andy, the cute boy who cheered me on and took pictures of me at the Queens Half Marathon woke up very, very early on a Saturday morning and took three subways to get to the park. So, in response to the comment: Yes, yes and yes.
Please tell me what you are excited about this month — or write your own post and share the link!
26 comments on I Am Really Excited About Everything in the Month of August
2Pingbacks & Trackbacks on I Am Really Excited About Everything in the Month of August
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[…] Irene canceled the DMB Caravan Governor’s Island show I was excited for last month and it’s been rescheduled for Randall’s Island. I saw Dave there back in 2006. I am […]
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[…] — goes through periods where motivating to work out is hard.Luckily before that happened, I ran a strong 14 miles — the longest run of my life to date, and the first time I ran farther than the half marathon […]
Cameo
August 9, 2011 at 7:23 am (13 years ago)Here is my guess about the SUPER SECRET photo-shoot. You are going to be in a promo/ad for Refine. Am I right?
Oh, Dori, it sounds like you are having a fantastic summer and I am just so happy that you are rocking the marathon training.
I love that you took a picture of your first day of work outfit *LOOKS GREAT!* to prove “can, in fact, look decent”. I can relate, I think Andrew only ever sees me in sweaty workout clothes and PJs, so sometimes I like to prove to him that I still gots me a sense of style by snapping a shot too.
Dori
August 9, 2011 at 7:24 am (13 years ago)That would be a valid guess if not for the Chelsea Piers aspect of the shoot!
Amber
August 9, 2011 at 7:26 am (13 years ago)I love your first-day-of-work look! And your new boyfriend DOES sound absolutely dreamy! I love that this is going to be a regular feature.
I’m not really excited about anything this month, except that we just booked a trip to London in October so I get to start planning it. I am excited about THAT, and I am excited that the end of this month means (hopefully) the end of my insanity at work and I can go back to being a somewhat normal person.
ronni manela
August 9, 2011 at 8:18 am (13 years ago)you look amazing in your first day of work outfit!
Allie
August 9, 2011 at 8:36 am (13 years ago)Your August sounds fabulous! Yay for fitness deals, of course. Enjoy the first days at the new job! I’m looking forward to a bachelorette party in Charleston, a wedding in Ocean Isle, NC and the soon to come news that I have been approved to move to another apt in my building, so I will have a home come Sept 1!
melissa (fitnessnyc)
August 9, 2011 at 8:37 am (13 years ago)Gosh, now I am excited for you! Have a great day on your first job–stunning dress. I need to look into DMB caravan. Can’t wait to see you this weekend! And this post makes me realize I need to master the art of taking photos on runs!
Missy Maintains
August 9, 2011 at 9:25 am (13 years ago)I love all these photos of me today on your blog! Ummm…I look 10 years younger in the baseball photo! Why am I ageing so fast!! Love your first day of work outfit! Classy! Things I am excited about in August: your backyard party, our baseball game (I just sent my friend a text so we can confirm), a Phillies game I am going to on the 26th, and a Carnival at work tomorrow! Vodka at 3pm!
Dori
August 9, 2011 at 9:31 am (13 years ago)I know! Me too. We look like babies!
Danielle
August 9, 2011 at 10:05 am (13 years ago)You live right near YoYoga? I don’t exactly but I’ve been going there often. Hopefully I bump into you one of these days 🙂
Jess
August 9, 2011 at 10:08 am (13 years ago)Super cute first day ‘o work outfit! I hope the day went well for you! I can’t wait to hear more (hopefully SOON) about why you were all dolled up at Refine. Spill, girl!
Karen @ Run Shop Travel
August 9, 2011 at 10:23 am (13 years ago)I am planning to run about 8 miles at Summer Streets this weekend too! I saw it last year but never participated, so I’m excited. It will be a nice change from Central Park!
Ali
August 9, 2011 at 11:44 am (13 years ago)Dori, yay! So much great stuff in this post. A few comments:
1. I’m really sad I can’t come to your party 🙁 Have many, many drinks for me.
2. You look GREAT for your first day of work. More pictures, please!
3. I, too, use fresh sheets as a reward.
4. I’m so glad your marathon training is going so well! You’re going to rock NYC in November & I’ll be screaming my face off from the sidelines.
5. Enjoy Summer Streets! Sadly there were no dumpster pools this year. Have so much fun!
Yay August! Yay Dori!
Dori
August 9, 2011 at 11:48 am (13 years ago)Not fresh sheets specifically — sheets, as opposed to no sheets!
Stina
August 9, 2011 at 11:56 am (13 years ago)Thank you for answering my “What the hell is going on here?” question!
Saturday I was in NYC, and my boyfriend, his sister, and I ended up smack dab in the middle of what was apparently the Astor Place rest area. The three of us were completely confused and had no idea what was happening around us! Thanks for clearing that up.
Jen Correa
August 9, 2011 at 1:10 pm (13 years ago)Congrats on the new job! A new start is perfect for August!
Melissa Burton
August 9, 2011 at 3:13 pm (13 years ago)Love the continued positivity! Maybe I’ll see you on Summer Streets on Saturday – I have a 6 miler due!
Jess @ Fit Chick in the City
August 9, 2011 at 5:11 pm (13 years ago)You do have a ton of exciting things going on! So excited to hear that this man is such a good catch.
So when I lived in Williamsburg (Brooklyn, not VA) many many moons ago, I went to this studio called GoYoga. Every time I see the word YoYoga I’m reminded of that time, despite the differences in names. Because of that I really want to check out YoYoga.
Sam @ Mom At The Barre
August 9, 2011 at 11:55 pm (13 years ago)I love your outfit- you look great for your first day at work!
diana@mymarblerye
August 10, 2011 at 2:01 pm (13 years ago)I’m excited to have a 4 day weekend this month! I can spend time with the hubs and do more hiking! BTW congrats on having an official man. And can I say how I love these monthly posts? 🙂 BTW you look gorg!
Lindsey @ Eat, Read, Run
August 10, 2011 at 2:59 pm (13 years ago)August looks like it’s going to be exciting! Whereabouts did you move? Were on the UES before – still? You looked fabulous for your first day at your new job! Glad you are liking it. I am looking forward to a few well-earned days off in August.
Katherine
August 10, 2011 at 6:38 pm (13 years ago)I love the “I’m really excited about everything in the Month of __” idea! I may steal it 🙂
Have you run much on a treadmill in the past? I ran A LOT on the treadmill last winter, but haven’t been able to bring myself inside since it’s been “nice” out (nice being warm weather, even if it is 100). Curious if you had any tips for syking yourself up for a treadmill since eventually I will be back inside.
Kristen - Anywhere There's An Airport
August 11, 2011 at 2:24 pm (13 years ago)August is an exciting month indeed! Yours looks wonderful. I am so excited to be flying home in less than two weeks! I am melting in Spain and can’t wait to see family and friends. Hooray for August!!
Ben
August 11, 2011 at 6:16 pm (13 years ago)Quite a big month! You looked great for your first day of work – Andy is a lucky man! As for the Bing video… SOON!
Christine
August 14, 2011 at 7:12 pm (13 years ago)I love everything about this post. And I’m going to Dave on GI too! Need to figure out WHEN I’ll be doing my long run that weekend… ahh….
xoxo