By the date of actual summer, I was in the middle of my first ever Running Streak. I was participating in the Runner's World Streaking Challenge, which began on Memorial Day and was lasting until Independence Day – 40 consecutive days of running! I extended it by 20 days, and ended with a 60 day running streak. I really enjoyed it, and it was very motivating to get out and run even when I wasn't feeling it. It was also a great way to push myself and showed me that even when I'm tired, I can accomplish a decent run.
This year, thanks to the running streak and being consistent with training, I have my first runner's tan! Now, I don't tan much. I have fair skin and generally just burn. This summer, however, I have actual tan lines, so to me, I am tan haha. I have the lovely watch white line on my wrist, visible shorts lines on my legs, and the racerback tank lines on my shoulders and back. As a reminder, I was very good with putting on my sunscreen, but for those long races, I didn't reapply.
Another thing I began in the summer (well, late May... but that's really the feel of summer starting) is joining up with the DC Trifecta for Friday Five posts - Cynthia, Mar, and Courtney. Here is my first link up post on Five Places I'd Like To Run. A few other favorites include: Friday Favorites, Fall Preview, and Five Things I Love About Blogging. It was also very exciting to be featured on one of the hosts Friday Five posts: Blogs To Love!
I've run a handful of races in the summer, but I generally just have fun and don't race race because I have issues with the heat (pass out type issues - my Irish body hates the heat and humidity haha). I'm still in the process of recapping, but here's a few: 13.1 Chicago Half Marathon, Burgers & Beer 5k, Rock 'n' Roll expo/5k. For all of my races/recaps, click here.
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| Rock 'n' Roll Chicago 5k - Shalane Flanagan's autograph! |
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| 13.1 Chicago Half Marathon |
In late August, I became a BibRave Pro Ambassador! It's been such a joy getting to know the co-owners, community manager, and the other pros over the past few months, and even more so now that I'm a Pro myself. I haven't had the chance to run any races officially as a Pro, but I've been rocking my tank and shirt during races I registered myself for and my training runs. I have had the opportunity to try out some amazing products, though, which you can expect reviews on in the next few weeks (Jabra Sport Wireless+ (went for the first test spin yesterday, which went well), Zensah Ultra Compression Leg Sleeves (will wear after my 15 miler this weekend), and Hoist (also tried yesterday – very tasty! Will bring on my 15 miler for more testing).
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I use them before running, in the morning when I need an extra boost (I'm not a coffee drinker), and before other workout classes. I've found them extra helpful for race mornings, as I have a nervous stomach and can't eat anything before the race – just pop some of these bad boys and I'm off (15 minutes later)! If you'd like to try a sample, send me an email, or if want to buy a bag (of any bits), you can receive a 25% discount using code 'HeatherRuns'. Let me know what you think!
It's been quite the whirlwind of a summer. A few fun personal happenings included a wedding for my college buddy, Lollapalooza, Riot Fest, girls trip to Michigan, dinners/drinks with friends, taking Bar Method classes (I still need to write up my review for that), and a lot of fun races.
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| Women Rock Chicago 10k - bubbly at the finish :) |
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| Greenbush Brewing Co. with some great friends. |
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| St Joseph, Michigan. |
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| Summer in the city. |
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| Riot Fest necessities. |
How did your summer turn out? Did you meet the goals you set for yourself? Anything you missed out on? Hope this post wasn't too long and boring for you!
