Marathon Blues

Knowing I am not running the upcoming marathon and not knowing when I will run one again has gotten me a little emotional. I'm cool most days then boom a wave of emotion overcomes me.

I don't know what it is. Marathons are hard and 2 out 3 marathons I have ran have been injured (although I didn't know till after the fact). So trust me, it wasn't all fun. I can still remember having to walk the last 4 miles during my last marathon because my feet were on fire!  

But yet, my body yearns the marathon. 

The sense of accomplishment.

Taking on the "impossible" is truly life changing and really indescribable.

I can envision myself lining up for the half, with marathoners trickled around me and it kinda hurts.

But I am where I am suppose to be.

Everything I have done, and not done has led to this moment.

I am going to accept the half, and remember after my injury the half is a big accomplishment.

Because "mourning" and being jealous of the marathoners will only elongate my suffering and take away from something that is still wonderful.

I can attempt to live with it and make the best or I can suffer. I have decided not to suffer anymore. I won't lie, there will be some kicking and screaming but its all about baby steps.

This is the reality.

And it is time to accept it.

How I Try and Be A Good Coach

If you've read my blog you know I am no stranger to training programs. I just love em and I am the point where I can volunteer and be a Coach. Before I started helping out I really though about what made "great" coaches great and here are my thoughts on how to be a good running Coach:
I try and keep a mindful eye that no one is running alone. Personally, my least favorite program I ever ran was one where the Coaches treated it as THEIR run. Mm mm. This isn't my nor any other Coaches run. I walk, I jog I do whatever it is the group or individual around me does because that is what you do to support and encourage other runners. You don't leave them in your dust and try to break any records sorry, but your an asshole if you do. (IMO)

I don't push anyone. I believe in listening to your body. I believe if you can't talk you need to slow down. I don't push people to meet a goal because "it's only a mile" or something like that. I let the individual set the pace. It's their goal, their run. I am there for encouragement not to come down on them like a boot camp coach.

Second, I try and read the runners. I'm a talker especially when running I could talk you ass off for hours but I try and gauge the runner to see if they want to talk or not. So far almost everyone wants to talk or at least they eagerly listen. Why do I do this? I remember running solo before, out of breath, dreading the remainder of the run and having someone talk really helped me get my mind off what lied ahead and it pepped me up. It also allows the individual time to ask for tips or tricks of they want. I get more questions while running then before or after the run.

Third, I celebrate milestones. Yes, if Jo Bob ran up that huge hill and couldn't last month then he deserves a little holla. I try and remember what it felt like when I made such accomplishments and how special they were to me. I try and recognize every step that the runner took to make that accomplishment or goal.

My first time running double digits- just a little excited

I suppose Coaching has some drawbacks. You give up your Saturday mornings and you don't get your own "long run in" but there is just something about working with other runners. They make me want to want to be the best and give them the best. What else can I say?
 
“As we work to create light for others, we naturally light our own way.” 

The Color Run

Happiness can not always be easily found, especially during tough times. But sometimes, it takes the right person and the right place to for you to let your guard down and let happiness consume you.

 

A friend.

 

 

 

Things like pretty colors and a pretty day.

 

 

 

Running without a care.

 

 

 

Its kinda funny actually, how such simple things can bring so much joy and happiness to ones world.

 

 

 

“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”

 

 

Breaking up is hard to do

I've been struggling with something for several months now.
Happiness at work.
I have decided to leave.
I knew this wouldn't be my forever job.
I knew I would leave to advance, one day.
But I did not know it would be now.

I tried to shrug it off.
But then it started to catch up with me.
Remember me talking about those bad jogs? The one where I passed my exit and pulled into the gas station crying? It was because I was thinking of work. Or the most miserable 20 miler ever? Yeah... I couldn't shake it no matter what I did.

Pray, work harder, stay longer...it just didn't matter.

There were several occasions where I wanted to throw in the towel and quit on the spot.
But that's just not how I roll.
I DON'T give up.
But I realized I'm not giving up.
I'm accepting that I deserve better.
I'm accepting that its not the place for me.

After an unbearable day last week I calmly shut my door and wrote my resignation letter.
I have never left a job because I wasn't happy.

When I transitioned from my last job to come to this place I worked 10 hour days to help prepare for the next person, I cried, my boss cried but it was for the best or so we all thought.
Whereas here, I can't wait until the last day.

After I turned in my resignation letter I felt a huge sigh of relief. A huge weight was lifted. But at the same time I felt beaten down, worn, emotionally exhausted, and hurt...

And honestly, I thought I would never experience these feelings again.
But it turns out, you don't have to be with someone to experience the emotions of a break up.
I'm going through a break up and it hurts just as badly as I remember it.

The Weekly Chase: Goals I Am Aiming For This Week

I am linking up to the RoadRunnerGirl's blog "Weekly Chase." Why? Because besides running a marathon I don't think my weekly goals have been that transparent or expressed. I in fact, have weekly goals besides running "the marathon". (which is the major goal, the end goal, a joyous goal).

Running a marathon is a journey as is any race. So each week even though you may not think of what you are doing as goals they are...

So here are mine:

Goal 1: On the roads I don't listen to music. But when I'm on the treadmill I have to listen to something. Problem is I'm constantly fidgeting with my phone to find the perfect song. So this week I am going listen to an audiobook. I've heard that they keep you engaged in activities like treadmills, elliptical etc. so I'm excited to find out.

Goal 2: Cross train, get on the elliptical, focus on core, and lower back.

Goal 3: Run 6 miles Wednesday followed by core workout.

Goal 4: Continue to juice everyone morning. Monitor my sugar intake during the day and not gorge at dinner time.

Goal 5: Run 18 miles Saturday at the 3-1 interval pace the entire time, the only exceptions are for stopping for a bathroom break or to refill.

Goal 6: Book 2nd honeymoon! (dets to come)

So what are your weekly goals?

Snowmageddon 2014

If you didn't know, I live on the Westside of Atlanta. We get hit by a lot of storms because we get winds from both Alabama and Tennessee. And if you were wondering if my family was effected by the recent snow storm the answer is yes.

Was I prepared for snow for a snow day? Probably not...



Luckily, my 5 hour commute to go 30 miles wasn't as bad as many Georgians.

I had food...

I was able to get gas.

 

So despite the suckiness of the situation I was fine. As for the Champ it took him 8 hours to go 57 miles, three of which he walked.

Eddie and I might have jogged to meet him half way and save him.

Anytime I get the chance to jog AND be heroic is a win for me.

Have you ever been stranded due to weather?
What is the longest time you have been stuck in a traffic?

Winter Break

The past two weeks have been by far the most relaxing moments of 2013. The moment I got off for winter break I unplugged my life, well for the most part... I did tweet. Throughout December I felt the entire weight of the world on my shoulders. The Champ was working an easy 60 hours a week, I was gone 50, the house was a wreck, we didn't have time together, there was no "me time" and life just felt...overwhelming.

The moment I got off I decided my goal for the break was not to "have fun" and "relax" but to become completely rejuvenated.

I needed it, we needed it.

I joked and called it "Operation  Rejuvenation".

My goal was to clear my mind, have quality time with the Champ and myself, focus on the good and get rid of that "mindset" you know the downer, the one that is stressed, the one that thinks of the million things you have to do and doesn't let you just live happily in the moment? Yeah, that one. Adios!

Each day I made dinner. It was wonderful. One of my pet peeves is not eating healthy dinners when we work a lot. Truth is, it annoys me when we don't. Each night I made a healthy and delish meal for us.

I felt great because...
1. I was making something healthy for my family
2. I was proud of myself and kinda felt like a good awesome wife
3. We ate as a family. I realized when we pop something in last minute we typically don't eat together. He's in front of the computer and I'm in front of the TV. We both treat home cooked meals differently. They weren't "casual" nor did we go our separate ways, we enjoyed the meal together.

Since the tendonitis, I haven't been running.

Although I have experimented and enjoyed other workouts nothing is quite the same as running. I decided to make my runs more "causal."  I knew I had to build my mileage back up but honestly when your doctor says start out slow that's a subjective answer to a marathoner. Knowing I didn't want to injure myself  and knowing it was time to start back, I decided to take it really easy. Every other day I ran 2 miles. It honestly takes me about 3 miles to warm up and get in my groove. But not running for sometime I just felt everything loosen up fast.

Running a "short distance" was nice because although I crave distance you do have to devote a chunk of time if you run anything more then 6 miles (at my pace at least). So two miles was perfect. It was so much easier to just put on a pair of shoes and run around the block. I am going to do this more often. Not every run has to be a training run...sometimes 20 minutes is all you need to clear your mind.

With work you dress professional, no statements and with running you dress for comfort. But what about "normal" days? Remember your teenage days? It would take me 5 minutes to just put on mascara. Every lash was perfect. I would paint my nails to match my outfit. I wore a facemask every night.

Well, no I didn't go to that extreme but reflecting on that time it was fun and I felt pretty.
No I didn't wear masks or paints my nails each day but I did experiment with new hairstyles.
You know the ones you pin on pinterest but never try?
Yep. I tried several.
Although they didn't turn out fabulous, I tried.
It felt nice to be feminine.
It felt nice to embrace a side that has been a bit neglected.

Neglect. I think that's a word to sum up stress. You neglect the wonderful life you have and focus on the bad. The past two weeks, Operation  Rejuvenation allowed me to push neglect aside to focus on the important things, to clear my mind, to be a better person, to be a better wife, and to be a better me.

I feel confident after this break that when I go back to work tomorrow I will be fresh, rejuvenated and ready to take on the world again.

Have you ever needed a break?
What do you do to clear your mind?
How do you change things up in times of stress?

DC Rogue Runners Holiday Party

This weekend was all about relaxing and finding my calm.

My day included lots of looming, a workout and keeping these guys in check...

After a stress free day the Bird and Champ joined me in our running club's annual Christmas Party.
It was kinda unbelievable.

Seriously...

There was a pianist...

There was a 16 foot tree and china...



It was an unexpected and wonderful surprise.
I didn't know how much they did it up!

By the way, is it just me or is it bizarre seeing your running friends in normal clothes or what?
After seeing someone in tights and compression sleeves and slicked back hair its weird to see them all cleaned up!

After a lovely dinner we made our way down to the media room for our meeting where several runners including the Bird earned their thousand mile jacket and ultra tribal patch.
Sigh.
I felt  like I was in high school and watching everyone get their Letterman's!
Dang, this made me want one!

 

We also went around and talked about out favorite race or goals we met. I'm not one for mushy stories but it was so fun hearing the newbies talking about running their first half, toying with a full, and the marathoners looking at ultras. I could relate to everyone's stories but was particularly moved by the newbies. Just a year and a half ago I was just like them and its exciting because as long as they stick with it they have no idea what amazing things lie ahead.

 Anyway, it was awesome and a perfect way to start the new year's running season.

Have any of your running clubs had holiday parties?
Does your running club have a 1,000 mile club?

I zumbaed

I don't even know if that's a word. Zumbaed? Well, what ever you get it right? I did zumba. Another first for me this week. I've heard people rave about it for about what, three years but never found myself drawn to it.

I went to the land of milk and honey this weekend aka Gwinnett. The Champ was out of town as was my father so it was the perfect time to head over with a bottle of wine and spend the weekend with my mother.

She recently drank the water and hoped on board the fitness train. FOR THE WIN! She has lost over 30 pounds and wait for it... loves going to the gym now. I always told her she would. At first I was hesitant about going to Gwinnett because I needed a good ol' workout on Saturday. Luckily with my mother's new lifestyle my need for exercise fit in perfectly with her day. My mother immediately brought up an early morning zumba class. (morning workouts are my favorite) Once she reeled me in with the workout, there was no going back.

The woman wouldn't shut up! Haha she kept talking about how fun it was and how she couldn't wait to work out. I figured that's how I must sound about running. She made me proud.

We got there early and women were huddled next to the doors just waiting for the current class to end. As soon as those doors opened a stamped of slender women with ribbons and bells on their pants swarmed in.

As soon as I walked in I went straight to the front and center. Its just what I do. Its not because I am a baller and know what to do but I want to see everything that's going on and learn. My mother quickly gave the nod to head over the sidelines by her. She does not share my thoughts on front and center and that was ok.

The warm up was pretty sweet. It began with a lil Bieber and I believe. Then it got funky. Like one song, I cant remember the words exactly but it went something like "you aren't a pimp cause you did time" and my God all the women (including my mother were singing to it). The next minute I wasn't sure if we were performing African Tribal Dance. The movements and music were so diverse. It was pretty rad.

The age range varied I would say anywhere from mid 20s to 60s. But damn, those women can move. They basically broke it down like they were Fergie.

I remember just two years ago attempting aerobic classes at the gym and gasping for air. My endurance level defiantly has improved. Although I was stiff and didn't move as sexy and seductively as the others I kept going and just enjoyed it.

I did realize how tall I was. I hovered over the majority of the class at 5'8. I'm not use to that. Thank you mirrors! ;)

Besides being the jolly green giant of the group I realized how "out of place" I looked. Although it didn't matter I sure can giggle about it. When it comes to workouts I have my routine and gear. It was kinda cool to see what gear this group had.

First, I was also the only one wearing running shoes. Perfect for running not so much for zumba. Everyone else had shoes that looked so soft and you could tell they could just glide across the floor. My running shoes stuck to the floor and made turns kinda hard.

Second, their clothes were lose. I was wearing running tights and a tight finishers shirt. Honestly, at one point during some booty shaking I thought to myself God help me, I hope my fat ass isn't jiggling instead of bumping ha! Lesson learned, don't wear tights!

Third, I brought my good ol' hand held and popped a nuun tablet in it. No body and handhelds and I didn't see anybody popping glorious nuun tablets. (I think I can change that though) Whereas they had pretty plastic and glass bottles filled with ice.

All and all it was really cool. I loved exploring something new and different.

Again after this workout I felt great. I wasn't exhausted at all. I felt relaxed. Its defiantly something I will try again.

I think next week I'm going to give yoga a shot....

What about you?

Have you ever tried zumba?

I caught it

I caught it. Yep, that weird achy pain was something after all called perennial tendonitis. I'm not going to get all dramatic on you and tell you all the dets (yet) but since the marathon I have tried to stay off of it as much as possible.



(Source)



Let me tell you it sucks not running.
I knew it was a release but I never knew how big of a stress release it was until I couldn't do it! Now, my podiatrist said I could run but it had to be less then half marathon distance with an emphasis on not pushing it. Since I don't want to inflame anything anymore I rather stay off of it and I have been exploring other realms of fitness.

I tried the elliptical and biking but my perennial tendon was still being used so that didn't work. I did some weights (which I love-after a good run) but my heart rate wasn't elevating. So I decided to swim... When I asked my doctor what to do in the interim he suggested swimming. Of course I scoffed at him as all the pools are closed. Luckily, the Bird pointed out an aquatic center near by that I was oblivious to.

So after work we headed to pool. I was kinda intimidated at first. There were about 14 lanes and all but two were occupied by swim teams. Well, the Bird and I grabbed some noodles and spent the next hour and a half in the midst of teenage swimming angst while "running in water" from one end of the pool to the next. I might have been splashed and almost kicked more then once but whatever I was getting my workout on. Actually I had to really focus on my core to "run" because I kept tipping over.

Although my heart rate didn't go up like it does for a run I felt great. I was starving after the swim and felt so, so relaxed. It was a really cool change up. The next day my quads hurt. I wasn't expecting that but I am happy to know something was defiantly getting worked on. So until my next appointment to the podiatrist you'll catch me in the pool amongst hundreds of kids getting my jog on.

Rock on.

What do you do in the face of injury?
How have you adjusted your normal routine due to an injury?

"OK, You're a Runner. Get Over it." Examined

I saw this article on facebook this past week about the infamous 13.1 and 26.2 stickers. The title of the aricle is OK, You're a Runner. Get Over it. It was a really interesting perspective from a none runners point of view.  He writes:

I have a theory. There is no more visible form of strenuous exercise than running. When runners are dashing down a street in the middle of town or through a subdivision, they know that every driver, every pedestrian, every leaf-raker and every person idly staring out a window can see them.

Now for me, its running isn't about getting seen. Its about seeing things. Its about me, relaxing, taking in what is around me.

OK, I know, this isn't the case for all runners. Many of my friends who regularly run have done so for years, decades before there was a thing called social media to put humanity's self-absorption in overdrive.

I personally hate to think I'm a self absorbed but I wont ever lie and I am not one bit ashamed of posting my accomplishments. After all, I had someone flat out tell me this time last year I would NEVER run a marathon because I was to heavy. Yep, that was said right to my face. If it wasn't for daily mile, blogs and meet ups...I might just have listened to that bull. But instead my passion was fueled by other peoples stories. Sometimes you'll find support from people you didn't even know were out there and maybe your story will inspire someone else.

These folks also tend to be infatuated with fitness anyway. If they're not out on the streets showing the sedentary world how it's done, they're at the gym or in a spinning class.

I never try to push someone into running. For instance, The Champ will n.e.v.e.r. be a runner. He will play world of warcraft and reads for fun and to relax. That's how he rolls and that's fine.


Yes, that's a screen shot from World of Warcraft where my husband beat the Lynch King and yes 3 years later its still on his facebook...

Now if you were to tell me that you would love to run but could never do that well, yeah, duh, I'll cheer you on, I'll tell you that you can do it. But I wont push my mantra on you.

This "equipment," of course, is nothing but shoes and clothes. You can buy these same shoes at a sporting-goods store or online, probably for much less.

I once thought the same thing until I started getting shin splints, salt face and under boob chafe. Proper gear is kind of a must, for me at least. This one kinda made me giggle. My first thought was, I would like to see the author run in a white cotton shirt for a few miles without chafing cream and see if he changes his mind ;)

But in all honesty, this article didn't hurt my feelings. I found it...interesting.

What are your thoughts?
Are the infamous running stickers self absorbed? Or...are they a badge of honor?

The 20 Miler That Never Was

Satruday was suppose to consist of my last 20 miler before my taper. I knew earlier in the week my running buddy wasn't going to be there so I was going to be stalking other people so I wouldn't have to run alone. I was cool with that but last minute my girlfriend the Bird mentioned running with me. Of course I said yes but at 5am Saturday morning I got a text asking to postpone the run and a request to do it local (instead of dirving in to the city). Since it was 5am it didn't take much convincing to postpone the run. But then I slept in a little late and asked to postpone it a little later, then she postponed it, and before you knew it the postponed run didn't happen.

It was actually alright. The Champ and I needed a none running day together. Training for any race takes time and commitment and if your significant other isn't a athlete that means you are taking time away from each other. It is a two person sacrifice. The Champ knows I love and I am committed to Saturday morning distance runs however, I always check with him to make sure there isn't something he wants us to do. I don't ever want him to feel that my running trumps our relationship. Our relationship is and always will be number one. And lets face his support and encouragement is what helps make an OK run an epic one.

So instead of running we took advantage of "us time." One of the areas we recently ran through was Grant Park and I fell in love. Its also next to Zoo Atlanta so I thought it would be a perfect place for The Champ to see my running stumping grounds and see something new.

The weather was perfect. I think I enjoyed the animals much more then the children (that were everywhere). I was particularly intrigued by the gorillas. One of them gave birth to a baby in August and it was truly amazing to see her carry her baby on her back, and caress her baby. The natural instinct was amazing. Ok, I wont get all sappy but it was amazing.

Oh and that's what I look like in normal people clothes, when my hair isn't slicked back and I don't have salt face.

Speaking of clothes we went to Lenox Mall since The Champ has NEVER been there. If you aren't familiar its kinda fancy and pricey. So we walked around. I honestly haven't shopped for "normal clothes" in forever.  I spend my budget wisely, races and running shoes.

Well, I grew weak when I saw there was a two story Banana Republic.
(we don't have these stores where I live- a luxury we are deprived of for living in the moderate boonies)
Sigh.
Needless to say we had some fun and I may not be purchasing race shoes for awhile after our little shopping trip...

How do you dress outside of race gear?
Any "big" runs on your schedule you skipped? What did you do instead?
How do you make time for your significant other during training season?

Things that made me happy

Things have been pretty exciting the past 24 hours here in our parts and let me tell you why.

First I randomly entered a giveaway for the Allstate13.1 half this weekend in Atlanta.
I've got the running fever right now, bad.
See what a couple of good runs can do to you?
You go from hating life and running to pure, exhilarating love.

And then I got this message

A free entry to the AllState13.1

I cant describe how excited I am and not just because I won but because I really, really want to run a race. So that was awesome and thank you Running Teacher for hosting this giveaway!

Second, I applied to be an Ambassador at the Asheville Marathon at Biltmore Estate and when I got home from practicing speed work last night this message was awaiting me in my inbox!

Yes, I was chosen to be a Ambassador! I'm beyond stoked and not just for the perks but because I will have the opportunity to get out there and connect with other runners and hopefully inspire them to get out there and get moving!

In fact one of the questions on the application asked how you want to be seen and I wrote, someone working hard to run the marathon, but filled with excitement and dedication! True story, I don't want to make it look effortless! But I want to share the enjoyment, the accomplishment, the fellowship and the fulfillment from running.

So you got your self one happy redhead right here!

So how has your week been going?

Marvelous in My Monday

Today is Marvelous because...

 

Its my 30th birthday.

 

My husband gently woke me up before he went to work for my first surprise.

A paper with 50 of his fondest memories with me.

Sigh, that dreamboat.

 

Today is Marvelous because I am the healthiest I've been ever. I may not be a size two anymore but I'm fit, active and feel great especially for my age ;)

 

Marvelous or maybe marvelously awkward is having to stop driving to allow a turkey to cross a road on my ride in to work.

Where do I live again?

 

Marvelous is seeing your husbands face after he beat you at the 100 meter dash.

Pure. Exhilaration.

Although he laid there in shock for several minutes as I jogged on...

But he won...and that's all that mattered or so he said ;)

 

Marvelous is the surprising your husband with sold out Mumford and Son tickets for his birthday!

He has no idea!

(source)

 

 My husband, aka The Champ just knows to be ready tomorrow after work.

Atlanta just opened a new Ferris wheel in Centennial Park where the concert will be held.

Once were are at the top of the Ferris wheel I'm going to ask what he thinks is going on down there and then hand him the tickets.

 

(source)

 

His reaction will be...marvelous, priceless and wonderful.

I kinda cant wait!

 

What are you up to today?

 

I am linked up to Marvelous in My Monday by the Healthy Diva check out her site to see what others have to say!

 

Surfside Beach Trip

 

This past weekend Michael and I headed to Surfside beach for a much needed get away.

Of course our vacation wasn't much different then a normal day.

I woke up at 6 and had my energy drink on the porch (except this porch had an ocean view).

 

 

Not long after that Michael woke up and we just sat on the porch and took everything in.

Once I felt awake I decided what better way to start the day then  go on run.

 

 

I never ran on a beach before. It was actually a little tough. I kept trying to run where the sand was hard but would have to swerve so the waves wouldn't hit me.

I also faced a ton of "creeks".

I have no clue what they are but they were everywhere.

They were just wide enough where I couldn't jump over it.

Typically I just run through creeks.

But... I was wearing my new road shoes and didn't want to get them wet.

I want to keep them fresh for the marathon.

So I literally stood there deliberating if I should take the dive or turn around.

 

 

Of course I took the dive and completely soaked my feet.

Around 3 miles I turned to see if I could see Michael and I didn't so I decided to turn back. I eventually saw him but poor guy. Jogging, walking...its just not his thing.

 

After he saw me he let out a huge sigh of relief. He looked tortured. Luckily, we both agreed the beach was a bitch challenge so we headed to my stomping ground, the streets. 

 

I ended up walking with Michael the rest of the way back.

 

 

 I think he appreciated it.

 

After that we showered up and hit the board walk and ate this.

 

 

Coconut Gelato with Coconut Shavings

 

You just don't know y'all...

 

I just found out after 20 something years that I am no longer allergic to coconut so this was a total experience. 

Totally made the trip worth while.

yummm.

 

I so miss the down time, the beach and that gelato, especially that gelato.

 

So how was your weekend? Did you get a run in? Try any new foods?

 

A Restful Weekend

I didn't accomplish as much as I wanted to fitness wise this weekend. The past month has been crazy at work. I tend to workout harder during stressful, busy times and this week I needed a rest. Although it bothered me a little my husband and I came to the consensus that I didn't need to wake up at 5 to go run a 14 miler. In fact, my boss who knows all about my running told me he thought I deserved a day to sleep in! So I slept in till 7:30! A first in a long time.

It was so nice to just wake up naturally. I haven't done that in months! Then Sunday I woke up at 10!!! 10 o'clock people! I am usually up already for 5 hours plus! I felt so refreshed this weekend and I am so glad I took a break.

On Saturday husband and I went to our hardware store. He built a net to keep the mutt in while I'm working out in the garage. We love that little guy and we are always so afraid he will run out of the garage if he sees someone or another dog. We had built a hodge podge wall of lawn supply consisting of random boxes and electronics etc. to block Eddie but it looked bad... So husband build a net and we cleaned up the garage. That my friend felt so good too! My OCD side was getting a little erked by the messy looking garage.

 

 

 

I also did weights and worked on my core while husband did his manly thing and that felt great too.

Sunday was also relaxing. We went to the Dekalb Farmers market at noon and it was off the chain.  I don't think we will be going back there on a Sunday ever again. Either way it was awesome. We had lunch there and I tried ginger tofu, spinach lasagna, some type of pastry filled with lentils with a organic ginger drink. I don't think I've mentioned it but I've been getting some killer migraines lately which is totally new. I don't know what it was but once I ate that lunch the migraine magically went away.

When we got home I made some protein bars (recipe to come this week), I started soaking almonds to make my own almond milk and flour (recipe to come next week). After that I jogged 6 mile at a 10 minute pace on a 2 incline. I felt great but was dripping sweat. I went through 3 water bottles and was covered in salt post run. My body is having a really hard time adjusting to the heat. I think I may have to start taking salt tabs for short runs!

After the run I felt great, relaxed. Oh, here is a cute picture of me and my boy. As I am stretching he brought not one but two of his balls over to play. Man I love that mutt!!!!

 

 

After my jog we went on a family walk, and then we came home and I took a shower. For dinner we made paleo chicken nuggets. It was fun. I could totally see doing this with kids one day. It reminded me of when I lived at home and my family would all sit around the table making meatballs. They turned out pretty good although we used way to much coconut flour. I am not ready to share this recipe yet as it could be definitely better. But overall no complaints and it was something fun to make with the hubs.

 

 

 

Overall, it was such a nice restful weekend. But starting tomorrow it's back to the marathon training schedule!

 

What did you do this weekend?

 

 

 

Foodie Pen Pals. Yes, Please!

Foodie-Pen Pals. When I was a crafter I saw this type of thing all the time but it only happened around Christmas (it takes time to make shit I guess) and I always missed out. Well, I came across the Lean Green Bean and they do foodie pen-pals on a monthly basis. And guess who just signed up? This hungry redhead right here. As a child I always dreamed of having a pen pal then we got older and we had AIM and the dreaminess of a pen pal faded. But alas, it has returned with food!

 

 

source

 

So here's the deal:

 

-On the 5th of the month, you will receive your pen pal pairing via email. It will be your responsibility to contact your pen pal and get their mailing address and any other information you might need like allergies or dietary restrictions.
-You will have until the 15th of the month to put your box of goodies in the mail. On the last day of the month, you will post about the goodies you received from your pen pal!
-The boxes are to be filled with fun foodie things, local food items or even homemade treats! The spending limit is $15. The box must also include something written. This can be anything from a note explaining what’s in the box, to a fun recipe…use your imagination!

Then there is a big reveal day where you link up your goodies. Check out May's HERE

 

I am already thinking what I want to send to my pen pal definitely something southern! Maybe teacakes from our local bakery. Ahhh, the possibilities are endless and I hope I get someone that's eclectic in the kitchen and sends me something really unique. Well, I have to wait a month till I find out who my pen pal is but I'm pretty stoked. 

 

Do you have a pen pal?

 

Have you ever done anything like this?

Make Up or No Make?

I was reading the Hungry Runner Girl over lunch and one of her "questions" was do you wear make up on runs. My goodness the majority of her followers said no. In fact I think I'm the only one that said I did. I kinda snickered. Now, I don't on jogs or training runs but for races? You bet ya. I love putting my hair into pig tails, brushing on some blush, and putting on my gear.

 It makes me feel good.

 Now, by the end of the race I've sweat it all off but when I start the race I feel fresh and fierce. And I won't lie I rather like the before and after photos. You start as a lady and end as a beast! Ha.

 

I suppose I treat races as if I knew I had an important meeting at work. I take the time to wake up early, freshen up and make sure all my ducks are in a row.

 

What about you make up or no make up?

 

Oh and even if your just going for a "natural look" you are still putting on make up and it still counts in my book.

 

Just sayin' ;)

 

With make up

 

followed by a free spa treatment...

Food Prep for Busy, Busy People

My husband and I are away from home anywhere from 50 to 60 hours a week. Its more convenient for us to get take out or live off frozen dinners and that's how we lived the first year and a half of marriage. Once I started running my body craved vitamins! I wanted to eat healthier. It is still hard to eat healthy when you are always on the go but I have realized that if food is easily at your disposal you will reach for it.

 (I mean isn't that why you stop at a fast-food restaurant...because your busy and its convenient?)

So in recent months I have started to "prep" for the week.

 

So every Sunday we go to the market and get our weeks bounty. Like, I said it was to tough to get up in the morning or after a long days work and prep everything for a meal or snack.

Here is what my Sunday looks like.

washing

slicing like an Iron Chief

 (Lemon obsessed-Ill talk about my love for lemons another day)

 

I chop up all my lemons, kale (for smoothies), lettuce (after dinner snack), strawberries, and grapes (because its something semi healthy that my husband will eat if he sees it)

 

After a lil chop chop I put them in containers or if its fruit leave it out in a bowl again, so husband can open the fridge and just grab a handful of berries on his way out.

 

And this is what our go to foods look like.

 

  It may seem like a really little thing but it makes the biggest difference. Its nice just tossing a hand full of kale into a blender and making a shake or just adding some lean chicken to a perfectly cut salad. I dare you to try it out for a week and see how much healthier you will eat!

 

Oh and we aren't perfect, here's something else in our fridge...drunk watermelon.

(prepped and ready nonetheless)

 

One of those days...

After yesterday afternoons grand finale I felt mega lost. I was so pissed at myself and cant even really describe the emotion I was experiencing because it was a new one. Neat, huh?

I decided more then ever I needed to get up and workout before work. I needed to be fresh, and on top of things. So I woke up at 4:50 and hopped on my treadmill at 5:00.  I was still out of it and was in the midst of my warm up when my ipad lost Internet. I restarted it, and it played again and I started running. About 5 minutes later it happened again. Well, I kept going without music (ugh) I think I was at a half a mile and ol' wild arms knocked off the emergency belt and my time and distance was erased. Um, boo.

At that point I was pissed. Instead of throwing in the towel or not working out to music (give me a break guys it was 5am I needed something to help pump me up) I climbed up into the attic to get a stereo system and set it up. By this time I killed 30 minutes of my workout. I knew I couldn't do everything I wanted but dang it I got up at 4:50 and I need a good, sweaty, hard run.

 

With funeral for a friend blaring in the background I ran on a 3 incline alternating a 15 minute pace to a 7:30. I finished my mile at 9:34. I really wanted to keep going but I also wanted to work on some other body parts. So I did 100 bicycle crunches.

In the picture below the extended leg was not low enough. In fact, it was way to high (for me). I like for my leg to hover over the ground- I feel a major difference doing it this way. If your curious, yes I have my husband take photos of me when I try new things out to ensure I have proper form.

My mans a champ!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I did only one set of 30 15 lbs. bent-over roll

 

Followed by 2x15 modified push ups. Hey, you have to start somewhere!

 

At that point I called it a morning. Warmed down by taking wild man Eddie (my dog) on a walk.

 

I was still feeling pretty frustrated with myself so I completely made myself up for work.

I may have felt bad emotionally, but I wanted to at least feel good about myself.

 

And then... I went to the bakery and I bought a ton of goodies for me my colleagues and I.

 

See that?

Its an apple fritter and it was longer then my pen. I ate the entire thing.

Major Noms.

 

My day may have gotten a little better after that.