friday five: friday favorites

Happy Friday, all! I've got a busy weekend ahead with a 5k tomorrow morning and a half marathon Sunday morning, along with housework and errands, but I'm looking forward to it all! What have you got on your agenda for the weekend?

I am linking up with the lovely DC Trifecta for Friday Five: Courtney at Eat Pray Run DC, Cynthia at You Signed up for What?, and Mar at Mar on the Run. This week's theme is "Friday Favorites" – I am sharing some things I'm loving this week.

1. Have you watched any of the new music videos Weird Al released this week? I can't decide which is my favorite... I really liked 'Tacky', 'Handy', and 'Word Crimes' haha. Above is 'Tacky' – notice all of the cameos? I was laughing out loud watching these.

Picky Bar Flavors. Which would you choose?

2. Picky Bars! I mean, I've been loving these for a while, but haven't shared my love here on the blog yet. Yuuuummm. Have you tried any of their flavors? My faves are Lauren's Mega Nuts, All-In Almond, and The Need for Seed. I don't care for coffee, so I didn't love Smooth Caffeinator, and I thought Boomdizzle was just ok. For those that have dietary restrictions, they are dairy and gluten free. I love snacking on them during the day when I'm hungry, or even pre-run. They have a 4:1 carbohydrate/protein ratio that's ideal for recovery and maximizes absorption of nutrients, and each bar is 200 calories.

3. I had a great time at the Burgers and Beer 5k on Monday night! It was a beautiful night for a run, plus the after race refreshments were phenomenal! Billy Goat Tavern cheeseburgers, Nuun samples, Goose Island beer (312 or IPA), Rainbow Cone ice cream, and Skinny Pop popcorn. Plus, they had a great raffle at the end of the night (I didn't win, but appreciated the amount of prizes they gave out). 

4. This week's weather! I am loving 60–70 degree days in July with less humidity and even going into the 50's during the evenings. Windows open and AC off? YES. It can feel free to stick around the remainder of the year. Unfortunately, we'll be back to (sort of) normal with 80s over the weekend. But still, if mid-80's is the highest we go this summer, I'd be quite pleased, as even 80 is too hot for me unless I'm laying in a pool ;) I'm really grateful for the cooler weather, especially when running. 



5. Have you seen this video of Kacy Catanzaro at 'American Ninja Warrior Dallas Finals'? She was the first female contestant to qualify for the competition's final round, taking place in Las Vegas. I mean, the strength this woman has! It's amazing to watch and I was definitely in awe. She rocked that course, and I can't wait to see how she does in Vegas. Girl power! P.S. No one has ever been crowned winner of this competition, as no one has completed the final course. Yikes, that's tough!

What are some things you were loving this week? Any new workouts, races, products, foods you tried and liked? How's the weather where you are? What's your ideal running weather?

Thanks to Courtney, Cynthia, and Mar for hosting! Make sure to check out their "Friday Five" posts (links to the specific posts are at the top of the page) and link up if you are joining in! They've been having great turn-out, and lots of great blog posts to read, if you have some time :)