Weekend Update

Good Morning!!! 

We had an AWESOME weekend!  It started out with our First Annual Pumpkin Carving Extravaganza!  I made so much food, and the weather turned out awesome, and everyone got into the pumpkin carving spirit... one friend even brought his power tools :)

Even though we had our friends over the night before, my running friend still wanted to get in a 12 mile run Saturday morning!  I met up with her for 6, but then it turned into 7... she wanted me to turn it into a 12 mile run, but I was good with 7 :)

Then I took little Lu to Dogtoberfest downtown and met this little beauty!

Um, he weighs 120 pounds!  He tried to lean on me and it knocked me over!  He was so stinkin' cute though!!

Today is a rest day for me, which is fine, I did 5 miles Friday, 7 Saturday, and 5 before Church yesterday. 

Hope you get an awesome run in today!  Let me know how it goes :)

Family Pictures

Good Morning!

Yesterday I went to the dentist, and boo, I have some cavities :(  But the dentist said that my teeth are very nice and once we get that taken care of, I'll be as good as new!

After the dentist I got in a 7 mile run, and to be honest, most of it sucked.  I started out totally fine, but pretty fast- 8:29 for 2 miles, but I couldn't slow down!!  So by the time I was at mile 4.5 I was so done, and so tired.  I made it through though with an average of 8:54.  Not bad.

So a couple weeks ago we got family pictures taken.  They turned out really well.  Here are a couple.

Have a GREAT Thursday!  It's almost FRIDAY!!  :)

Speed Work- Mile Repeats-- Kind of :)

Hello!!

Whew!!  Speed work is NO JOKE!  I decided to do some mile repeats yesterday and I didn't like it.  (I may like it when I start running faster) but it was HARD.  I decided that since my 5K PR is 7:52/mile, I would try to run one mile hard at 7:30, then sloooooowly jog for 3 minutes, one mile hard at 7:30, jog slow for 3 minutes, repeat until I hit 4 miles.  Easier said than done.  I did the first mile in 7:33, jogged for 3 minutes and decided I was done.  But, I remembered that I told you guys that I would push through.  So, I still did the run, just a little different.  The second mile I ran at a normal pace (9:00), mile 3 I did in 7:45, mile 4 8:54.  I averaged an 8:19 pace for a 4.11 mile run.  Better than I have ever ran so that was good, but I'm feeling sore today.  Wow, sorry I just wrote a novel on my 4 mile run.  I looked at this while I was running.  Aren't the trees so pretty??

We are having a little Fall Kick-Off/Pumpkin Carving Contest this weekend and I made these cute signs for our food.  Aren't the precious?

I am loving this fall weather and just may bust out my new fall skirt I got at Goodwill :)

Have an awesome Wednesday and get in a good workout :)

Windy Run!

Good Morning!

Yesterday morning I did a six-mile run, but oh boy was it windy!!  I averaged a 9:07 for the run, but two of my miles were 9:30 because of the winds! It was a good run and I'm glad I did it in spite of the wind.  I knew if I said I was going to do 6 miles and quit early because of the wind I would be mad at myself, so I trucked on through it. 

You know it's a good run when you take out your ponytail and your hair sticks that way.  Gross.


Today is work and then another run in the afternoon, not sure how far I'll go, but I will truck through it :)

And I'll leave you with this precious picture.  A tired beagle.

Hope you all have an awesome, incredible Tuesday!!!  Get in a good run today!! :)

Weekends- I prefer the weekends!

Happy Monday!  (As happy as a Monday can be)

So, we had no definite plans this weekend.  Hubby said he was excited to get work done.  So being the good wife that I am, I planned on helping him, but first I got in a GREAT 8 mile run with my good friend!  We started at 7 AM Saturday and it was still dark.  It was awesome and speedy (for me).  It was so humid though!  Here is proof.

Do you see that sweat dripping down my leg?  Disgusting.  Sidenote:  How much do you love my socks?  They were my grandma's. <3

A few exciting/scary things happened this weekend, too.  Little Lu decided to get caught up in a leash and I had to come to the rescue before she got hurt!  I don't know if you can see it too well in the picture but the leash is around her neck.

Then, she got herself into another mess!  She was scratching on the door to come in so I went to go bring her inside.  I saw that she had (what appeared to be) a stick in her mouth.  I thought "how precious, she wants to bring a stick in, I will take some pictures."  So I took some, and then opened the door to get the "stick" out and let her in.  It was then that I realized it was a DEAD CHIPMUNK!!!!  Oh my gosh, I was so terrified, I screamed and then hub came to the rescue.  Gross.  That beagle had a shenanigan-filled weekend.  

Oh, and Lu also wants to show you that she's not all crazy.  She can be very prim and proper.

All in all it was a great weekend!  Enjoy your Monday!!

Do any of you have crazy dogs?

Anyone get in a good run this weekend?

Pushing through

Good Morn!

So yesterday I had to run in the afternoon.  I used to do it all the time, but now I loooove running in the morning.  Well, after I left school I was pouting just thinking about having to run after a long day at work.  My principal even said to me "What are you all whiney about?"  Haha, apparently I wear my emotions on my sleeve.  I left school saying to myself that I would just make it a short run and do 3 miles.  But by the time my mile and a half drive was over, I was thinking more clearly.  I decided to do 5.  It was a great run time-wise, but I still had mixed feelings about it afterwards. 

Don't you love blurry pictures...

Anyway, back to the point of the post.  I knew if I did less than I usually do I would be all down on myself for the rest of the night.  I had to push through and do my run.  It won't always feel good.  It won't always be fun, but it will be worth it.

That's all.  Push through when it's hard.  Push through when it hurts.  Push.  That's what I did and it was good(ish) :)

When my hubby got home we went to Target, which is always a good time.  Then I watched Glee with this little face.

Cutest face I have ever seen!

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!

Any plans for the weekend?

How do you push through?

It's almost Friday!!

Good Mornin' to ya!

I would love to go out on my morning run today, but I can't.  I need to do some testing, so I have to be at school at 7:30, and it's too dark!  boo.  So I will be running after school today.  I used to run every day after school, but I haven't in a while.  We'll see how today goes...

Yesterday my parents came over.  By the time I got home from work, the dishwasher was empty and the trash was taken out! :)  We went on a nice walk with them after dinner with the dogs, and our dogs slept like babies!

I guess we'll be going on more walks with our dogs.  It was a beautiful day and we are trying to soak up all the good days before winter!

I feel like I don't have much to write about today, so I will be back tomorrow with how my afternoon run goes today.  I'm sure you all can't wait to read about it ;)

W.O.W. How to start running and How to stay motivated!

Hello Everybody!

This morning I want to talk about how to "start running" and how to stay motivated.  Disclaimer:  This is what works for me, and it may not work for everyone.  Everyone is different, but I think "my" way is a good way! :)

1) How to start running.  I was NEVER an athlete.  Growing up I played softball when I was 10.  I was never good.  I just got to play because I was 10 and everyone got to play.  In high school I played volleyball, I was not good.  I played soccer, I was not good.  I was a cheerleader, this I was good at! :) The only reasons I got to play these sports at all was because I went to a VERY small Christian School and everyone got to play because it was so small. 

Okay, all that to say is that I believe anyone can start running regardless of their "athletic ability." (Because I have none and I can run)  When I first started running, I told myself that I would run for 10 minutes.  I probably ran a half mile in that 10 minutes but I ran it all.  After a couple weeks of running for 10 minutes, I tried to run for 15 minutes.  Then I would try to run a mile, then two miles, etc.  I think a lot of times people try to focus on how fast they are going, and I think that is what gets so defeating.  Just focus on getting out there and doing something.

2) How to stay motivated!  This is my favorite part.  When you first start running it's best to sign up for a race to stay motivated.  When you finish the race you get a prize.  After my first 5k my prize was Taco Bell.  (Again, this may not work for everyone, or even be good ideas, but they work for me, and may help you.)  After I did my first triathlon I went and got a pedicure, and it was perfect!  They don't even have to be things that cost money.  Sometimes if I do a bigger race (10k, half, etc)  my hubby and I will do something special together like rent a movie and eat popcorn.  That is a cheap one :)  I am such a little kid when it comes to staying motivated so oftentimes I will say to myself if you finish this tough run you can go out to lunch with a friend.  I think I'm motivated best by food.  Which is probably really bad.  But hey, once again, it works for me.  I just have to remember to not go overboard :)

Brother and I eating after the marathon.

One more reason to stay motivated... I don't want this guy to outdo me :)

But for real, I love to do races with my hubby and that keeps me motivated to keep going when we are doing things together!  I hope you guys stay motivated- keep at it!!!

Any other good ideas to stay motivated?  How did you start running?

PR!! Yeah Baby!!!

Well, as you can see... I PR'd for the Half!!  My goal was to do sub 2 hours, and I DID!!!  1:59 :) But I will take it!

Me and Hub.  He got 3rd in his age group!! 

It was a fun, fun race!  My husband and 2 friends did it with me.  They all did an awesome, incredible job!  The first 9 miles flew by and I was thinking that this would be really easy.  The last 4 miles were tough mentally, and on top of that there was a huge hill at the end!  So, I just prayed and prayed that I would get through it!  And I did!!  It was an awesome race!

The rest of the weekend was a lot of fun.  We were pretty busy, we had our race, some church functions, and we celebrated my father in-law's birthday.  And we also tried to rest.

Sunday morning I did a 3 mile recovery run at a 9:19 pace and it felt so good!!

I did 5 miles this morning.  I went out and said to myself that if it didn't feel good I would only do 3 miles.  So, it felt pretty good this morning and I was glad I went out and got 5 miles in.  I averaged a 9:01 pace today. 

On a total side note... I'm concerned that Little Lu has chronic fatigue.  Friday morning she would not get up!  This is her at about 8.

I made her go outside, and she wanted to come right back in!  A little later when it was time to get ready for work, she came in the bathroom with me.  This is what I found.

Ignore the bra she's laying on :)

She is just always tired!!  She is a funny dog, for sure :)

Anybody else PR this weekend?

Half Marathon Here I Come!!!!!

Boy, oh, boy am I ready for the half!!  I seriously cannot wait...

Today is a rest day for me and I will spend it by eating some pumpkin oatmeal, drinking coffee, and making a birthday cake for my Father-in-law.  I am super excited about it.  Saturday will be quite the busy day for us.  Saturday morn we are both doing the half, then we will come home get ready and drive an hour and a half to the in-laws and then Sunday we have a pretty full day with some church stuff.

As for yesterday I tried to be a super cool and hip blogger and take an OOTD picture (it took me a long time to figure out what that meant) and you also are going to find out that I'm so not cool or fashionable.  I try sometimes, though.

Before I left for work yesterday little Lu did not want to get up.  She's just too precious.

Ready for this weekend and for the half!!! WOOHOO!!!!  I'll be back on Monday for a race update, and hopefully to tell you I PR'd!! :)

The most delicious oatmeal you will ever eat

Hello!!

This morning was my last run before the half on Saturday!  I went and did a short 3 miles just to get my legs moving.  I usually eat a gu before I go, but since it was only 3 miles I knew I wouldn't need it.  I started out pretty fast (for me) 7:50 and decided to slow it down.  I have only been able to maintain that pace one time for a 5k and I almost threw up, so I told myself that today shouldn't be a fast run, it should be a good, slow run to get ready for Saturday.  I didn't look at my watch the whole time and felt SO SLOW!  I thought to myself "What if I'm running 12 minute miles?"  (Which there is nothing wrong with, it took me a loooong time to get to a 12 minute pace.)  Anyway, when I got home and looked at my watch I was pretty surprised. 

My splits were all under 9 minutes!  I'm so ready to crush this half!!

Also, I wanted to share with you my favorite new recipe for oatmeal!  I eat oatmeal at least 6 days a week and I never get sick of it, I just love it!  Well, my hubby uses creamer in his coffee... I just use milk.  He got pumpkin spice creamer the other day and I wanted it so bad, but I know I don't like it in my coffee, so I added a tablespoon to my oats, and boy oh boy, that was a great decision!!!  I usually just put brown sugar and milk.  But for the last week I have been using just a little brown sugar, a tablespoon of pumpkin spice creamer, and a lot of milk, and it is so delicious!  You should go try it now :)

Any races coming up???

Visit with some family

Well yesterday was a good lil' Tuesday.  After the good run in the morning, I went off to work and finished a bunch of testing and it was a great feeling getting that done!

When I got home my parents were at my house, my mom had picked all the weeds from the front flower bed, my dad had let the dogs out, and brought my trash can in!  It was awesome!  Have I mentioned how great they are???  After that, we drove to go meet my precious Aunt and Uncle and some other family members at Panera.  I really do have the best family, my Aunt and Uncle live in North Carolina and for my senior trip they let my class (of 17) stay at their house for a week!  And to top it off... I had never met them prior to that!  They are just super super nice people!

Aren't they just the cutest things you ever did see? My Uncle is 84.

Here's a pic of the whole gang, we took up half the restaurant!

Last night, after getting home, I found some precious pictures of my family from long ago.

I just can't get enough of looking at old pictures, I love it!

This morning I did 4 miles and averaged 8:40 pace.  I'm tapering down for the half on Saturday... really hoping to do sub 2!  I talked to my friend who's doing it, she just did a 10 mile race at 8:53 pace, so I told her I was hoping to keep up with her the whole time, and she said "My plan was to try and keep up with you!"  So together, I know we can do it! 

Do any of you have races coming up??

Running in the dark

Good Morning!

I was so nervous this morning to go run in the dark.  So last night my husband bought me a new light to wear on my shirt.  I was still just as scared.  So he was a good man and ran with me.  At mile 2 I told him I wanted to do 5 miles and he didn't have time for that, so we separated (at that time, it was getting a "leetle" bit lighter so I felt better.  I got home and had barely any time to get ready and my hair is a "hot mess."  But driving to work this morning, knowing that my run was already complete for the day makes looking terrible a little better. :)

 I got some new nail polish made by CND (the same company that makes shellac) and it's called Vinylux.  I am very excited to see if it lives up to all the hype... it's supposed to stay on for at least a week, and you don't need a UV lamp for it to cure!  These are the colors I chose.  And, yes those are my crooked hot dog fingers. Ew.

I'd have to say that I did pretty good on my own little manicure :)

Last night I went on a nice little walk with my neighbor and her little son.  Lu went with us and of course was howling at the dogs we saw on the way.  It was fun and this friend of mine is doing the half Saturday too!!!  So exciting!!

When I got home, my precious man made us a little fire.

It was pretty cold out there so we only stayed out a couple minutes, but when I came in I decided that it's that time of year when my favorite pajamas come out!!

No, they aren't the most flattering pajamas... no, I don't think my husband loves them, and yes, my eyes are closed.  Hey it was night time and I was tired. haha.

Have a GREAT TUESDAY!!!

Monday Fun Day!!

Good Mornin'

Today is a rest day which is pretty exciting for me.  I used to do 4 days running, one day off.  But since the marathon is over, I've been doing 3 days on, one day off.  I got my haircut and my hairstylist/neighbor wanted to do a keratin treatment on it and I can't wash it, or put it up for 48 hours, so I ran Sunday, got my treatment, and then will take off today and by the time I run on Tuesday I will be able to put it up for my run :)  I don't know if that made any sense to anyone, but hey, it makes sense in my mind.

This weekend was awesome!  First off, it's now officially FALL!!  And the weather here is matching it, so it's awesome!  Friday night we went to go see our friend who works at a running store and got new shoes!  The first pair of running shoes I got were Mizuno Wave Inspire 8's.  After that I switched to Brooks Adrenaline.  But, my good ol' friend had me try on the Mizuno's again, and that's what I got. They are the new 9's so I'm pretty excited... and it doesn't hurt that they are pink!

Saturday morning, we got up and got a good run in.  I did 5 miles and decided that I was going to go out easy and that I didn't care about my pace at all.  It felt easy and good and I averaged a 9:06 pace :)  Pretty happy with that one!

After our run we went to the Farmer's Market and got some goodies.  Then we went to another little market and got stuff to decorate our house with.

Sunday, we did the run thing, church thing, and then took little beagle down to the pier for a walk.  She loved it, and everyone loved her, of course!!

Oh, and I almost forgot... Hubby and I are doing a Half Marathon this coming Saturday!  Pretty pumped and hoping to get a sub 2!!

Any races coming up for you guys?

Did you have a good weekend?

FRIDAY!

Great News!!! 

My hubby is home!!!  I missed him so much while he was gone!  Last night after he got home we rode our bikes downtown, got some coffee, and walked around. 

I need to get better at taking selfies.

Yesterday I had a nice 5 mile run.  And when I say "nice" I mean, the majority of it sucked.  Today was better the same!  6 mile run- stopped a couple times, and I think it was so tough because it's been humid yesterday and today.  It's not hot or warm even, it's just humid enough to sweat and feel gross the whole time.  ew.  But running along the water makes me feel better every time!

When I got back I realized how truly sweaty I was... And a picture of what my new hair looks like when I run- it's a little nub!

How was your run today??

Just Another Post

Aaaaah....

Yesterday was a rest day for me and I had a training at work.  Other than that I went shopping with my parents :)  So, no blogging for me.

This happened last night... Lu just can't stay away from my mom.  I have been having such a good time with my parents.  Very grateful for them :)

Sorry, blurry iPhone picture.

 I feel like I don't have much to blog about.  I will be back tomorrow. 

Visits and Food

Good Morn!!

So my parents are in town because I get too scared when my husband is gone.  So we are having a good ol' time!  We went out to dinner last night and did a little shopping.

Aren't they precious?

Today, I had a six mile run... but not before I had the breakfast of champions!!  P.S. I did not eat both.
Note to self: If it's under 50 degrees, wear more than shorts and a t-shirt.

I like the kind with 20mg of caffeine, the ones with more make me sick :(

My parents and I are off to Goodwill because we have the best Goodwill EVER!  And, it's senior day so my parents get an extra 20% off!  After I get out of work today my mom and I are going to do some more shopping, of course!

Lu and I were sad after my hubby left yesterday and this is how it made her feel... poor lil' beagle :(  Good thing Papa and Grandma are here to help make her feel better. 

Hope you all have a great day!! Does anyone else shop at Goodwill?

Monday, Monday

Hello Everybody!!

I got in a nice run this morning before taking my hubby to the airport.  He will be out of town for business for the next couple days and my precious parents are staying with me :)

This weekend we were quite busy, but in a good way!  We didn't really have any plans but then we made some :)  Friday night we hung out at home and then went downtown for some coffee and the weather felt just like Fall and it was awesome!!

Saturday we ran a couple errands and then I got my haircut!!!  My neighbor cuts my hair so it's super convenient.  And she does a great job!

Saturday night we had some friends over for a bonfire and it was a good time.  It was nice to relax and talk around the fire.  

Sunday we went to church and I had a great 8 mile run!!  My splits were 8:53, 8:52, 9:00, 8:53, 8:57, 8:57, 9:08, 8:46!!  I was so tired, but it felt so good to be back to where I want to be!

Ready for another work week, and hopefully some more good fast runs!! :)  How was your weekend?