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Wedding Stuff + Refine Resolution Learnings + Ellie Workout Clothes

There are three parts to this post.  Wedding Stuff + Refine Resolution Challenge Learnings + Ellie Workout Clothes. I’m sure you could have figured that out.

Since all I’ve been doing is my modified version of Refine a few days a week (and a nice long walk with pup this morning) I don’t really see much of a reason to share my weekly workouts.  This leads me to…

Part 1

I’m really stressed about my injury; with just three weeks until my wedding in a dress that is even more see-through now that the seamstress removed the lining (on purpose), I want to be able to work my hardest! Instead, I’m modifying and going easy so I don’t make my neck worse.

It will be fine, I’m just in crunch time and stressed. I don’t enjoy wedding planning so I haven’t been doing it. That means that now, with only three weeks to go, I have to DO ALL THE THINGS. I’m not exaggerating. When I tell people how much I have left to do they usually interrupt me and say, “You really haven’t done anything yet!”

Just to give you an idea of what I still need to do: Contact and make an appointment with a florist, select the menu for appetizers and buffet, hire an alcohol vendor and beer vendor and determine how much to buy, contact vendor who does chairs/napkin colors, tablecloths/etc, create and print programs, log on to the DJ website and fill out all the song info (including dislikes, any specific songs that should play at certain times, etc), purchase and put together all decorations, put together gift bags for hotel guests and one other project that I’ll share after the wedding. And that is just what I can think of right now off the top of my head. I know there is more.

Dori's wedding tweet

So, there’s that.  In addition to wedding and injury stress, I’m also dealing with work, signing a new lease and moving, and a few other things. It’s an exciting time in my life so I’m not too negative about anything for the most part. I just am really looking forward to the wedding being here already and then being done and then being on a beach in Bermuda where I will forgo all technology except my Kindle and daily check-ins on my pup.

Part 2

The Refine Resolution Challenge changed the way I exercise. When I moved to Jersey City, I continued taking Refine classes. It was easy, one short train ride to Union Square, 30 minutes door-to-door. When that studio closed after Hurricane Sandy I figured I was out of luck. I made the trek to the Upper West Side on weekends, either one or both days but no more. The Resolution Challenge, however, forced me to take class at least three times a week. That meant I needed to get to UWS either before or after work at least once a week.

Through this, I learned that the two-train trip wasn’t really THAT bad. I learned that I am happier and less stressed when I can take more Refine. I learned that the social aspect of Refine plays a large role in what makes it to special. I got my muscles and my shape back after losing them from my extended break. I learned that I feel most like myself when I’m taking Refine classes. I learned that a closer in distance workout, like CrossFit Jersey City, isn’t worth it if I don’t love it.  I learned that I love Refine so much it’s worth two trains that don’t even connect with each other. I learned that I don’t ever want to take an extended break from Refine again if I can help it. I learned that I feel more confident in all aspects of my life when I get to take my favorite class throughout the week. I learned that I can, in fact, have abs.

Photo of Dori's abs after Refine Resolution Challenge

I took this photo in March and have had countless internal debates about whether to post it. Stomach-baring on the internet is scary.

I also learned (well, I already knew, but this reinforced it) that Refine is my happy place. So much that I am having my bachelorette party there tomorrow! (There will be drinking after. I’m not THAT crazy).

And my fiance even completed the challenge! Remember when we were the Refine Challengers of the Week? I am so proud of Andy for taking so many classes. He doesn’t find them fun the way I do. He seems miserable the entire time. I did not even ask him to do this; Refine owner/genius Brynn did. Andy has improved so much from when he first started – he can do more pushups, improved his ability to do lunges and can even bang out a series of jumpbacks (much to his chagrin – he HATES those!).

Andy Gray finishes Refine Resolution Challenge

My next post will get more into the details of the challenge — the perks, the rewards. That program got me my wedding shoes! More on that soon.

Part 3

In other news, I owe you an update on Ellie workout clothes: As you might remember, I was a pvBody ambassador. The service used to send members a workout outfit each month. Then there was some controversy as they changed their business model and became Ellie. Instead of receiving an outfit from different brands, members now receive an outfit from their own dedicated brand. Members can also buy the clothes directly from their site. Membership is $49.95 a month which gets you a full outfit — top and pants — each month. You take a quiz with your personal preferences when you join to ensure you get the type of clothing you like! You save 20% of this price by signing up through me, and I get $10 for every new member.

Of course, the question is, why would you sign up to get clothes from a new brand?

I’ve had a couple months now to test out the clothes myself and I can assure you they are fantastic. They fit me better than most other brands, are flattering, functional and comfortable. I’m picky with tight pants that touch my skin because I get really itchy and I haven’t had any issue with two of three crops I’ve received from Ellie. That is impressive for someone who can’t even wear most brands’ regular leggings, or any stockings or tights at all.

The tops — particularly the gray tank top, called Truth or Dare Carbon — fit me far better than any of my Lululemon tops. It’s also more moisture-wicking and comfortable.  I’m wearing it tomorrow to the Refine Method portion of my bachelorette party!

My favorite pieces so far are Truth or Dare Carbon tank top and the Heartbreaker Capri, which are so comfortable.

I’ve also seen people at Refine in Ellie clothes (like Laura who writes a hilarious blog where she reviews fitness classes) and they always look great. I didn’t expect to love this brand, but they assured me beforehand that the clothes would be high quality and flattering, and they are right.

I’ve even gotten a Refine instructor ordering the Electric Love Capris!

Has anyone else been wearing Ellie? Has anyone attended a bachelorette party that included a workout? Has anyone waited until three weeks before their wedding to begin planning?

I think these are resolutions?

In 2010 and 2011 I worked on elaborate “Year In Review” posts. In 2010 I had so much fun doing it; it was the best year I’ve had up until that point. I did so much more than ever before and I adored reminiscing about it this way. I had to push myself a little more last year to get the post done but it still turned out great. This year — despite getting engaged and running two sub-2:00 half marathons — no interest.

Instead, I’d like to discuss . . . I think they are resolutions? Goals? Things I’d like to do in 2013.

DSB 2013 Resolutions-ish

  • Be less of a jerk. Back in February 2010, I made a resolution to not be an asshole. I failed. I accepted my failure because at least my heart was in the right place, right? This is the variation of that resolution. In other words, be friendlier. I am not a friendly person and it never really affected me until a few months ago. Andy and I were at an Amy Schumer show and we were seated at a table with another couple. Because I automatically assume that everyone is from NYC and hates me, I just ignored them. Then they started talking to us and I still wasn’t that nice in making conversation. When Andy started engaging them in conversation, I realized they were not from New York and therefore likely did not automatically hate me, and were actually nice people. And they were, they were very nice! And then I felt like a jerk for ignoring them at first and not being super friendly until later on, thus proving the New Yorkers stereoptype I was trying to protect myself against in the first place. So, try to be nice, don’t assume everyone hates me, don’t ignore people. I still plan to be a jerk to those who deserve it.
  • Get hot for wedding. This means finding a way to get to Refine midweek while they currently lack a Union Square/downtown location. Even if I have to waste absurd amounts of time between work and class and then get home at 10pm, or if I have to wake up at some ungodly hour in the morning despite the PATH train still not being fixed after Sandy, I need to find a way to make the midweek class work – even if it’s just once a week. Alternatively, I could suck it up and stop being such a pussy about CrossFit and buy a class pack and just go there since it’s right down the block from my apartment. Speaking of CrossFit, I owe you a review of the 6-class fundamentals program + 2 regular classes Andy and I did together. I’ve got bruises on my legs, lashes on my arms and missing skin on my butt to show for it.
Dori and Andy graduating CrossFit Jersey City Fundamentals

Dori and Andy graduating the CrossFit Jersey City Fundamentals program – towards the left.

Also speaking of CrossFit, I resolve to post reviews in January for the three new studios I’ve tried recently: Work It Out, Revolve Fitness and, obviously, CrossFit Jersey City.

Did I mention “not being a jerk” extends to getting up timely reviews of places nice enough to extend a free class? I’m looking at you Work It Out and Revolve.

  • Train for a marathon like a real runner person. I trained according to the mileage on my plan last time, but this year I want to train more seriously with jargon such as “speed work” “tempo run” and “hill repeats.” Ideally I’d like a coach or some type of coaching program and I might already have something in the works. TWT kids. TWT.
  • Run a 4:15 marathon. This goes with the above but it deserves its own bullet because even if my training ends up sucking, this time is still my goal.
  • Run in the cold maybe once a week. Let’s not get crazy here, I’m thinking maybe once every other week, or once every week and a half if I can’t do every week. I bought warm weather running clothes from my favorite store Lucy that were heavily on sale, cozy and comfy. Actually, they were full price when I bought them but then they were heavily on sale less than a week later so I did a little re-buying and returning. Either way, I have cozy warm fleece lined pants, a matching jacket and matching hat. I wore them once and I’d like to see a repeat performance in 2013.
  • Suck it up and run on the treadmill. For when the cold is just too cold.
  • Wear sweats to work and shower less often. Self explanatory.
  • Do girlfriend things. Not to be confused with fiancee or wife things, both of which I will do in 2013. For some reason sometimes a girl likes me and wants to be my friend. I never understand why as I do nothing to encourage such behaviors. But I figure I might as well give in. So, hi Ashley Runningbun. You’ll probably see a little more of me in 2013. Maybe we’ll run. And drink Bloody Marys.
  • Get drunk at my wedding without getting painful hiccups. I don’t know how exactly I plan to accomplish this but it’s a goal.
  • Get a dog. So something will love me.

That’s all I’ve got this year. Do you think I will accomplish them all? I don’t.

What do you want to do in 2013?

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