Yesterday’s track workout with Birdie kicked my butt. She was doing ladders, I was doing stair-step repeats. We were both sprinting at breakneck pace all over the track. And man, oh man!, was it COLD out there.

It seems that I can’t do a track workout without it being #1. FREEZING and #2. WINDY. What is the deal? I know it’s on the East River but it’s not like it’s on the Atlantic Ocean. Gimme a break.

Deceivingly beautiful view. Don’t be fooled. It’s cold as hell and windy to boot.

But we still gave our workouts our all and powered through, dry heaves and all. That workout is exactly why I was a lousy track runner: distances less than 15K are not for me.

The one thing I do like about running on a track is the home stretch. Finishing on a 100 meter straightaway is one of my favorite places to give that little extra something. I run a little harder (or not, maybe I’m just maintaing pace at that point–who knows?), I push a little more. I love that finish line.

Cookie Monster knows what I’m talking about.

I have a harder time giving a little extra something in the gym. All I can think about is doing too much and hurting myself. It happened in spin class once and I ended up with a really angry TFL.

So I tend to steadily increase my weight and difficulty of exercises. In my professional opinion, this is a much safer way to go for more difficult, strenuous actions.

Me and my 20s are BFFs. Outside of leg and back work, these bad boys are all I really need.

I’m SO EXCITED to share with you a very special person and family friend who gave a little extra something to add to the already awesome raffle prize pool. Are you ready? Hold onto your hats!!!

**7 night stay for 10 people in a beautiful villa in Acapulco, Mexico**

You could be here. You and NINE OF YOUR FRIENDS!

Your own 5-bedroom villa in Acapulco for a week, including:

• 20,000 sq. ft. of luxury overlooking Acapulco Bay
• 5 air-conditioned bedrooms, each with en suite bathroom
• 2 swimming pools
• Breathtaking gardens with waterfall
• A full-time staff of 4

(Flights and transportation are not included)

I’m totally serious. This is something you can win and here’s how you can get more raffle opportunities:

1. $15 donation gets you one entry and a race bib for the Kick Ass 5K, every additional $10 gets you another entry (don’t forget to email me that you donated!).
2. If you’re already registered, each additional $10 gets you another entry.
3. Sharing the Kick Ass 5K on your blog or Twitter gets you another entry (don’t forget to send me the link so I can credit you!)
4. Sending me a picture of you wearing your race bib on race day (April 9th) gets you another race entry.
5. Donate to my fundraising page, no need to participate in the 5K.

A couple of things:

• The raffle will close on Friday, June 7th at noon. Only donations up to that point will be considered to be entered into the raffle.
• The raffle winners will be announced the week of June 9th (when I get back from the race).
• Winers will be contacted via the email you give to Active.com when you donated.
• Winners will have ONE WEEK to respond to me to claim their prize. After that, another winner will be chosen.

Phew. Things just got real, y’all. Help me meet my $20,000 goal. Viva la Mexico!

Now go out and run!