friday five: five things i love about...

Hey guys! It's that time again - Friday Five! I am linking up with the lovely ladies of DC 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 "Five Things I Love About...". I have chosen to write about blogging.

1. It keeps me accountable. I started the blog to keep detailed notes on how training was going, injuries that might be plaguing me, and goals I wanted to set. By making these things known public (especially training and nutrition goals), it's really helped to keep me motivated and on point. Though of course there are slip ups, generally I've been much better about sticking to my schedule and goals.

2. Making new blends. Who knew I'd 'meet' so many awesome folks that also blog about running, racing, nutrition, etc.? It's great getting to know other folks that have a passion for the same things – I hope to meet many of them in real life sometime :)

3. It helps me keep track of how certain workouts went – if there were pains I can see when they started, what aggravated them, etc. It's great being able to go back and check out, in more detail than is in my Nike or Garmin account, how training went and whether I had any aches or pains that were bothering me. It's sort of like a public journal that can help with training, and I really enjoy that. 

4. A great way to remember races (and be able to reference when next year's comes around again). I don't always have the best memory. Being able to go back and reference a race and how it all went, what the aid stations, bathrooms, and course were like, how I was feeling during the race, what type of fuel I took and when, is all very helpful for when I have questions about said race. I love keeping track of all of these things and being able to reference at a later point in time.

5. The support from others. In a way, I'm still pretty new to the whole running thing, and I often have questions. It's so great to be able to pose them to all of the wonderful runners out there and get helpful feedback. Everyone is so friendly and helpful, I'm really glad I started the blog and have gotten involved with the community. It's also great to get the support, motivation, and inspiration from others, especially if things aren't going as well as I'd hope. It's just such a lovely group of people!

I appreciate all of you! Your own training stories, woes, and triumphs really help others out, and the support and information I gain from you all is quite a gift, so thank you!

How about you – if you are a blogger, what's one or two things you love about it?

Thanks to Courtney, Cynthia, and Mar for hosting! Make sure to check out their "Friday Five" posts (direct links above in first paragraph) and link up if you are joining in on the fun. Don't forget to read/comment on some of the other link ups – there are always so many great ones!

friday five: free friday

Hey guys! It's that time again - Friday Five! Yay for Friday! 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 "Free Friday". Uh-oh. That means I have to come up with something on my own... haha. Here are some random thoughts/things I liked this week.

1. Christian Stoinev on America's Got Talent. I don't usually watch this show, but there's not much on in the summer, so this show has been getting more views in our house than usual, especially when we are just eating dinner and don't really have the time to get in to anything involved, like starting to binge watch a tv series. Anyway, this guy did an act with his dog, and I just loved it! If you don't know by now, I am a dog lover, and this dog was just so awesome. I can't get over it. If you don't feel like watching the intro, the act begins at about 1:15.

2. Bar Method class. Pure Barre didn't have much availability in their classes, my friend and I found another class that actually is in a better location (for our travels home) and offered more classes/times to fit in our schedules. We gave it a go this week, and today will be day 3. I'll do a post about it, but overall, I am really digging it. Even though it's still crazy hard, I feel like it's a little less intense than Pure Barre (read: I don't usually feel like I'm going to pass out), and I get more instruction on form/positioning, which I need/ like.

3. Nephew time! This weekend I have the privilege of hanging out with my nephew while my brother and sister-in-law go out on a date. I haven't had a chance to see him in a while, so I'm so very glad they asked me to watch him and that I was actually free! That's quite rare. 

4. I have a new book to read: 'The Cuckoo's Calling'. Anyone else read it? Did you like it? It was written by JK Rowling under her pseudonym, but was later revealed that it was her (not sure under what circumstances... was it leaked?). 

5. Cross training update. I had talked a while ago about starting to swim as cross training, but since I decided to do a month of classes at Bar Method, I couldn't afford to also buy the gym membership on top of it. Not to mention, I wouldn't have much time to go. I'm already pretty exhausted from running and bar classes, so I think I'd really be stretching myself thin if I also tried to do something else on top of those. Once my month of classes is up (unfortunately I won't be able to keep it up at the moment... $220 for classes is just to steep for me right now), I plan on joining the gym and getting my swim on. The gym also offers spin, yoga, and PiYo classes, which I'd like to try.

What do you have going on this weekend? What's your favorite kind of cross training? 

Thanks to Courtney, Cynthia, and Mar for hosting! Make sure to check out their "Friday Five" posts (direct links above in first paragraph) and link up if you are joining in on the fun, and then check out some of the other link up posts – so many great ones to choose from!

friday five: race memories

On Fridays, I link up with the lovely DC Trifecta ladies 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 "Race Memories".

1. My first race. November 2010. This was where the race obsession began, though it was quite small at the time. Running started as a way to exercise and stay fit before my wedding. Then it became something I enjoyed doing, so I thought a race could be fun. It wasn't anything fancy, just a local 5k. I don't think I did much 'training', or even know anything about making a training plan, but it was fun, and I realized that having signed up for a race is a great motivator. 

2. My first half marathon. May 2012. Even though this race didn't go as well as my training runs (I got sick at the halfway point, and was much slower than I was intending to be), the accomplishment of crossing that finish line and receiving my first race medal was amazing. I was so proud of myself for sticking it out and finishing, which has given me a lot of confidence during other races where I might be hurting or feeling ill – I've finished feeling that way before, and I'll continue to do so! haha. Of course I can't find any pictures, though I'm sure I bought a few haha.

My first runDisney race :)

3. My first runDisney race. Wine and Dine Half Marathon in 2012 was my first runDisney event. Of course I became obsessed after that race, because it is just so much FUN running through the parks, especially at night. I'm more of a night runner anyway, so this was right up my alley. Plus, all of the entertainment on the course, and all of the fun things to look at really made the miles fly by. Plus, you just can't go wrong with anything that is focused around running, wine, and food ;) Wine and Dine will always hold a special place in my heart, as far as runDisney events go.

Running through Sleeping Beauty's Castle. Magical!

4. My first runDisney race at Disneyland. Tinkerbell Half Marathon 2014 was another great memory. Not only was it my first race at Disneyland, it was also my first time AT Disneyland! I had a great time running with my mom and going on the rides at the parks with her. I'm hoping if we go back, I'll have the guts to hit up some of the crazier rides (California Screamin' or Matterhorn Bobsleds—Soarin' and Goofy's Sky School was as brave as I could get haha. Once on Soarin', I realized it wasn't much of a thrill ride, but I had no idea what to expect when going in, and I'm a scaredy cat).

She is just pure awesome!

5. My first time meeting Shalane Flanagan. Granted, it was the only time, but meeting Shalane was so crazy exciting! She was just too sweet and  adorable. I might have been jumping up and down for hours after the meeting, excited to have gotten her autograph on the ribbon of my medal AND a photo with her :) Score!

How about you — any fun, crazy, standout moments from a race? Tell me one of your race memories — good, bad, or ugly :)

Thanks to Courtney, Cynthia, and Mar for hosting! Make sure to check out their "Friday Five" posts (direct links above in first paragraph) and link up if you are joining in on the fun, and then check out some of the other link up posts – so many great ones to choose from!

friday five: goals

I am so happy it is Friday! The week went by quickly enough, but I'm pretty tired today after running a 10K last night on the northside of the city, and not getting home until about 12:30. Bed time was much later than I prefer it to be. Whoa is me. This weekend I am hitting up a beerfest, and then hopefully lots of housecleaning on Sunday (I really hope I'm not feeling lazy and end up relaxing on the couch all day haha) along with my long run of 5.5 miles AND, hopefully, finally joining that gym so I can start going to spin classes/swim laps (I guess those are some goals right there haha). 

Like most Fridays, 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 "Goals". Since I do a weekly post about my weekly goals (you can check out this week's here), I am going to look at a more general time frame. It's July now, more than half way through the year (WHAT?!), so here are some goals, life and fitness pertaining to the second half of 2014 that I would like to accomplish...

1. Add spin classes and swimming into my Dopey Challenge training plan. Most of you know that I have already begun training for the Dopey Challenge (I'm using the Galloway plan from the runDisney page), which calls for usually 3 days of running each week (eventually there will be some weeks that call for 4 or 5 days, but there are very few of those). Since I'll be 'resting' the other 4 days of the week, I want to add in cross training. I'll be joining a gym that has a pool so I can start doing laps, and then try some of the classes they offer (mainly looking at trying their cycle and yoga classes). 

2. Continue to eat healthier. I've been doing better with this, though not without some slip ups. I'm obviously not going to eat healthy all of the time, as that's an unrealistic goal for me at this point. Plus, if I'm being honest, I have no desire to completely cut out everything I love (wine, beer, and cheeseburgers to name a few) haha. I'm also logging what I am eating and how I am feeling throughout the day and on my runs to help give me a better sense of what helps fuel me best.

3. Lose 5% body fat. Along with eating healthier, I'd like to lose a few pounds/add on some more muscle. I've been seeing small results from the strength training I've been doing, so hoping if I continue to eat healthy, keep up the strength training, and add in some cross training, I'll be able to meet this goal in a couple months. 

4. Spend more time reading, less time watching tv. This speaks true for this summer so far, and I hope to continue the trend when fall tv starts back up (I don't find summer tv very entertaining, there's only a few I watch, but have plenty of fall shows on the DVR settings). 

5. Be better at blogging. While I keep up with my usual weekly items (Monday, Tuesday, and Friday), I am realllllly bad at being prompt with my race recaps. I'm hoping to catch up soon (that sounds familiar), and then be better about writing my recaps right after and posting either on Wednesdays or Thursdays.

How about you–do you set goals for yourself? Daily, Weekly, Monthly? What type of cross training do you do, if any?

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, and then check out some of the other link up posts – they're all great!

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 :)

friday five: fitness snapshots

Happy Friday, all! I am so happy that it's the end of the work week. Though we have some plans for this weekend, I will relish any down time and I'm really hoping to get at least one good night of sleep to try and kick this cold. 

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 "Fitness Snapshots", so here's some snapshots of my week...

Chicago River.

1. I did a bit of walking around the city this week, while taking short breaks from work. It's tough to sit at a desk all day when such lovely weather is out there – I wanted to enjoy it, as well as help get me to my step goal for the day. Not to mention my legs get tight if I am sitting for too long without getting up and walking a bit.

T-shirt and bib for the race on Monday night.

2. I picked up my bib and t-shirt for Monday's Burgers and Beer 5k. I love the shirt, though I think I'll need to exchange it for a larger size on Monday night (hopefully they'll have the next size up available – they weren't doing exchanges until everyone picked theirs up, which I understand).

runDisney training plan.

Snapshot of my schedule this week.

3. and 4. This week was week 2 of Dopey Challenge training. I switched it up a bit, since I didn't get in 45 minutes Tuesday, I did them on Wednesday. Also, it's funny how now, a 'long run' of 4 miles seems so short. There was a day when I thought that was such a long run. It's not nothing, but I've gotten used to running 8–13 on a regular basis, so a 4 mile run goes by so quickly now. The days of 15+ are really going to be the challenge, along with the back-to-back days. I've also done a bit more than what is on the schedule, including keeping my running streak alive with at least 1 mile every day that was a scheduled rest day, and I did Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred Level 1 on Monday and Tuesday—Day 2 and 3 of it—but stopped after that because I wasn't feeling great... going for a run was all I could muster.

Thursday morning run.

5. Having sinus issues was quite obnoxious while out running. I slowed down a bit, but there was a time when even on a good day I wasn't running an average pace of 13:37, so I'm still really happy with my progress so far this year. Even though it was a mere 63 degrees (which back in April/May I was complaining was too hot for running haha), the 88% humidity was a beast, and thus, I was a sweaty beast for those 3.46 miles.

How was your week in fitness? 

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!

friday five: fourth of july

Technically it's Saturday evening, so I'm a little late to the Friday Five. My apologies, but better late than never, right? I am linking up with the DC Trifecta again for another 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 "Fourth of July". Here are five things that are on my weekend calendar/to-do list (or things that at this point are already completed...)

1. Hometown parade and fireworks/BBQ at moms house. Every year my hometown has a parade and fireworks the day before the fourth. I get the pleasure of spending time with my mom, sister-in-laws, nephews, parent-in-laws, and other family members (or family of family members, but to me, it's all the same :) ). During the parade, I help all the kids in our group gather as much thrown candy as possible – it's like Halloween for them. After the parade, my brother cooks up some burgers, brats, and hot dogs, and we eat lots of yummy food (this year I went with some pasta salad, potato salad, fruit salad, and a cheeseburger. And for dessert, a small piece of vanilla cake with strawberry filling) while the fireworks go off not too far from the house. It was a lovely evening.

2. Finish the running streak on July 4 with a 7.4 mile run. I actually ended up going about 8 miles total, but I stopped my watch at 7.4 for the purpose of the day. It was in the upper 70s/low 80s and sunny, but it was a pretty good run and didn't feel too miserable out. I almost stopped at 4.7 because I was having a bit of hamstring and arch pain, but after continuing at a slow pace during mile 3, the pain subsided, so I kept going for the intended 7.4 miles without any issues.

3. Another family BBQ. I was lucky enough to spend more time with family on the Fourth – cousins I don't get to see very often. More delicious food was eaten (bbq chicken, steak in tortillas, corn on the cob, and apple pie).

4. Relax. It's a very rare thing in my calendar to have nothing scheduled, so I plan on enjoying it with some couch time on Saturday and Sunday watching movies/tv shows, playing Super Mario World on Wii, and reading. 

5. Cleaning/errands. I have plenty of laundry and cleaning to do this weekend, along with a few errands. I'm hoping to make it to Target to look for some goggles and a swim cap. Then the only thing left to do will be to join the gym and start using the pool!

What were your Independence Day plans? Anything fun planned for Sunday? 

Again, sorry this post is coming to you late!! I wish I was better at blogging early and scheduling posts, but I'm just not there yet. I hope you aren't too upset. I'll get the hang of this one day...

I'm grateful for the freedoms we have in this country, and remember/think of all those that have helped us gain/keep these freedoms (both past and present). 

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!

Have a great weekend (what's left of it), everyone! I hope you were able to celebrate Independence Day with friends and family, and enjoy a longer weekend :)

friday five: five things about me

Happy Friday, all! I am linking up with the DC Trifecta again for another 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 "Five Things About Me". Now to try and figure out 5 things about myself that are (maybe?) interesting... haha. Let's just call them random facts, then I don't have to feel the pressure of trying to think of 'interesting' ones ;)

1. I like to read. A lot. I just finished The Book Thief on Wednesday, and started Gone Girl yesterday. I get very involved with books and their characters, and have trouble putting them down once I've started. I wish I had more time over this upcoming weekend so I could finish it!

2. I played soccer when I was a child. When I was younger, I played soccer. It was probably around age 8 or so that I had to choose between soccer and Irish Dancing, because they were on the same nights, and decided to keep up the Irish Dancing (which I did competitively for a little over 20 years, that's a bonus fact! You're welcome. Ha.).

3. The only coffee I will drink is the kind with ice and lots of sugar/caramel, and that's on rare occasions. I prefer tea—Earl Grey, Irish Breakfast, Chamomile, and Green Teas are my favorites. For Christmas, my husband got me a tea pot for steeping loose leaf tea – I love it! 

4. I'm not a fan of reality tv shows, but I do have 3 guilty pleasures: Dancing With the Stars, The Bachelor/Bachelorette (though I haven't watched Andi's season yet (and might not ever)), and The Biggest Loser. I pretty much hate all other reality shows. I know a lot of people enjoy others one, but I've never gotten into them.

5. I LOVE dogs. I didn't have any dogs growing up (my only pets were gold fish), though I had wanted one. As an adult, I didn't think I wanted one, but it was a deal breaker for my husband. Luckily for him (haha, just kidding! I'm the lucky one!) I liked him enough to agree, and now I have a bit of an obsession. Basically, any dog I see out on the street going for walks or playing in their yard, I have an 'awww' moment and just want to give them hugs. Don't worry, I don't. I understand personal space and that not all dogs are cool with strangers coming up to them and petting them. Doesn't mean I don't want to, though. I especially have a soft spot for larger dogs – any type of Pitbull mix, Mastiffs, German Shepards, Boxers, Huskies, etc.

Any book recommendations (I'm always keeping a running list)? Do you have any pets that you are obsessed with? Tell me one random thing about yourself :)

Thanks to Courtney, Cynthia, and Mar for hosting! Make sure to check out their "Friday Five: How to Beat the Heat" posts (links to the specific posts are at the top of the page) and link up if you are joining in! There are always a lot of blogs linked up, and it's interesting to see everyone's takes on the theme. I always find some great tips/ideas. I suggest taking a look at a few (or all, if you have the time). 

Have a great weekend, everyone! If you have any runs or races, finish strong! If not, enjoy some relaxation, if you have some time (make time!) :)

friday five: five ways to beat the heat

Happy Friday, all! I am linking up with the DC Trifecta again for another 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 "Five Ways to Beat the Heat". A great topic, now that summer is arriving (and with it, the heat and humidity - eek!)

1. Wear moisture wicking and breathable materials. I can't tell you how many people I see wearing cotton t-shirts out when they are running, and I always wonder how they can stand it. I hate being hot and sweaty, so it's important for me to wear a shirt and shorts that pulls the moisture away from the body to the shirt, where it can dry quicker. I wear looser tops in the summer, because I like some airflow, plus, I'm very uncomfortable when the clothes are sticking to me from all the sweat. Loose is better (in my opinion, anyway). I'd also suggest wearing lighter colors that reflect the sun, rather than absorb it.

Source

2. Wear a visor. I can't do a hat in the summer, even if it's a sporty one, because my head gets too darn hot. I like the visor because it keeps the sun out of my eyes and off my face, absorbs some sweat that's on my forehead (helping to prevent sweat in the eyes), and allows the top of my head to breath. I also cannot stand if hair is on my neck in the summer, so I wear a high bun on the top of my head, and then the visor tames the flyaway hair. Often times, if it's extremely hot out, I dump water on my head to help cool me down. Which brings me to 3...

3. Wet your hair down before heading outdoors. I find my runs to be more bearable if my hair is already wet when I begin, because it (at least seems to) help prevent over heating. 

Source

4. Hydrate. This one is sort of like a 'duh!', but you know there are plenty of runners that don't drink enough water (myself included, though usually on a run I drink a lot, it's pre- and post-run where I have trouble). Plus, even more so in the summer, it's important to also hydrate with electrolytes. With the heat comes more sweat, which means your sodium and potassium levels drop, two items you can help replenish by drinking some Nuun, Gatorade, or whatever your sport drink of choice is (water on its own doesn't replace the sodium and potassium lost, hence the need for electrolytes). I prefer Nuun, because it's a lighter flavor than other sports drinks. You can read more about why I love Nuun here (from last week's Friday Five). 

P.S. Does anyone know if you can still get a bottle like the one in the photo above anywhere?

Source

5. Take some frozen grapes with you. During a hot/humid day, it can be a nice treat to eat some frozen grapes while out for a run. Not only is the cold factor refreshing, but you are also getting some sugar and vitamin C.

A few extras might include (but certainly aren't limited to): running early before the sun is up (or even after, either way it's usually cooler in the morning than the evening. I will admit you will never see me waking up to go for a run before the sun has made its appearance), working out indoors on the unbearable days, and go swimming! I sometimes switch up my training schedule (move days around), depending on how the weather is looking. If the day after my scheduled long run is going to be cooler, I'll switch my long run to that day instead.

What do you do to beat the heat/humidity? Any special tips, tricks, or advice? 

Thanks to Courtney, Cynthia, and Mar for hosting! Make sure to check out their "Friday Five: How to Beat the Heat" posts (links to the specific posts are at the top of the page) and link up if you are joining in! There are always a lot of blogs linked up, and it's interesting to see everyone's takes on the theme. I always find some great tips/ideas. I suggest taking a look at a few (or all, if you have the time). 

Have a great weekend, everyone! I hope you have a chance to enjoy the outdoors, and it isn't too hot/humid where you are!