Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Pumped Up Kicks

I got new running shoes. I love love love getting new shoes. Of course having a trusty broken in pair feels great, but I do love the feeling of fresh new kicks.

The thing about this new pair is that they're not Asics. I've been in Asics for about 5 years now, and I generally LOVE them, but this time they just didn't work. I went to my favorite running store, Marathon Sports, as I always do, with every intention of getting the one-up version of the shoes I already have. So I tried them on first and right away I was disappointed. For some reason, the newer ones are much more narrow in the toe box. I tried the wides, but they were too big in the heel, so I had to branch out. I tried a couple pairs, and I ended up in new Saucony Triumph 9s. I have to say, I'm kind of in love...


The bright yellow tongue and the blue laces sold me. I'm a sucker for snazzy shoes.

Even better, they felt great to run in. I did a short 3 miles last night while the clothes were in the wash at the laundromat (I seriously have to multitask to fit it all in), and the shoes felt great. Much wider than I'm used to (even though they're not wides) and I cannot complain. I didn't do a ton of running last night because I didn't want to set out in new shoes on a long run and be screwed. But it was a really nice night and the shoes were good, so I'm feeling optimistic.


Speaking of long runs...I did manage to bust out a 5 miler this weekend in Vermont! It was near perfect running weather (overcast, but not too cold, and not humid), but the course was not my favorite. Vermont (and the area where my mom lives) is REALLY hilly. So I either had the choice of running on the roads for a full on hill work out, or running a little through the woods and on dirt roads for a less steep route. I went less steep (#duh) but the trails did nothing but slow me down. I was lucky to have some great views, but I would have taken ugly and faster this weekend.


It was a good weekend overall, and I'm happy to be staying on track (mostly) with my training plan. I walked with my mom on Sunday and I got to see my brother, so once again, I have no cause for complaint. Not only that, but I'm heading back to Chicago for work tomorrow (which is quickly becoming a favorite city of mine) and that means more runs on Lake Michigan!

And because I love it oh so much, I'm leaving you with the fortune my mom got on Saturday night. Wiser words have really never been spoken...



(ps- all these pics are still phone pics, but I have my camera back from my sister now, so I promise higher quality photos in the upcoming posts lol)

Friday, March 23, 2012

A Week of Wonderful

I'm so happy it's Friday, but I have to say, it's been a great week. This week reminded me how much I love being outside and how much better life is when it's stays light later, and I actually get to play outside. (WARNING: all the pictures in this post are from my phone because I left my camera at my sister's last weekend and have not seen her to get it back).

It started last weekend with a ski trip with my sister. Our first ski trip was so much fun, so we booked another one almost right away. Little did we know it would be 60 degrees in the beginning on March and we'd be wishing for lighter clothes. It was still really fun, but the sloppy snow was a little tough. I held my own and only fell once before lunch, but after lunch it was really warm and the snow was slick, so when I fell, I slid WAY down, and at one point I even went off the trail. It was a little scary (read: terrifying) but I didn't actually run into anything, and I was wearing a helmet. Overall, I think I like the colder days better, but I loved being out in the sun!



After a wonderful day on the slopes, we had corned beef and cabbage that Johnny had made, and I was passed out by 11pm. I am a party girl like none other, so obviously I was at my finest on St. Patrick's Day.

On Sunday, after a day in the snow, we spent a day on the river, soaking up more sun...and I happily wore flip flops! We walked down to the Charles and hung out with our friends before walking back to Brookline for some outdoor drinking. It was quite possibly the best way to spend a Sunday.


I didn't get a long run in on Sunday due to skiing and then being sore from skiing, so on Monday night I set out for a run. I only did 3 miles, which does not make for a long run in my half marathon training, but it was one of those runs that makes me love running, and reminds me why I do it. It wasn't fast by any means (because I never am) but it felt so good, and I felt so happy. It being like 65 degrees out probably helped too.


I was going to go to strength class on Tuesday, but it was REALLY nice out again, and I couldn't stand the thought of being in a basement missing out on the sunshine, plus we had people coming over for dinner, so on Tuesday, I did nothing that even remotely resembled exercise, but it was the only rest day all week, and given my recent track record, I have one word for that: baller.

THEN! On Wednesday (I'm telling you, this week was awesome. You're just going to have to deal with the day by day play by play) I went for a run on the trails by work. I've done this all of one time before, almost exactly one year ago, and it proved itself to be just as difficult. Something about having to dodge roots and sticks that makes running a bit more challenging. It was a really nice change of pace from the city running, and although I only had time for two miles, I got to do them before the sun went down! Bonus.


Thursday I ended up getting home later than I'd wanted thanks to an annoying amount of traffic, so once laundry and dishes were done, it was dinner time and I didn't want to run. I did, however, get in a great walk with the husband. It was an so warm, I wanted to make our destination a fro-yo place, but wisely chose to walk in the direction that doesn't have any fro-yo. We did end up a Trader Joe's, but we mostly bought stuff for my mom (Vermont still has no TJs) and managed to get out only spending $30!

Since I didn't run last night, I wanted to get in a couple miles before my long run tomorrow. Because I'm such and on again off again runner, I know that I need a kind of not so great short run before any long runs, or my long runs are going to suck. I didn't want to miss out on that seriously important crappy run before tackling 5 miles tomorrow (yikes!) so I dragged myself out of bed just before 5am. I could only squeeze in 2 miles because it took me forever to get moving and I had to be back to get ready for work, but I felt it did the job. I'm not really used to being a morning runner, but since races are in the morning, I know I need to get more used to it. It was also really warm this morning, so I came home looking all kinds of gorgeous.


Seriously, I ran 2 miles, but it looks like I tried to do a marathon or something. Part of it really was the dying of heat thing, and the other is that I'm actually really sunburned. Because it's been so nice out, I've been spending my lunch hour outside. My coworkers and I take out our lunches out to the park across from the office and soak up some vitamin D. We've also been playing Frisbee, which is absolutely hilarious. We have some pros among us, but I'm sure not one of them.


Being the fool that I am, I have not been wearing sunscreen at lunch. Each day I've ended up a little more burned, and now I straight up just look like I spent a day frying at the beach. I have REALLY fair skin, and I most definitely know better (I wore it on Sunday at the river and was burn free!) but I didn't want to take the time before lunch and get all sunscreensticky. Lesson learned (for the 6 millionth time in my life). Lather it on, or stay in the shade. 

Now I'm up in Vermont hanging with my mom for the weekend. The plan is to get in 5 miles tomorrow morning, and see my brother tomorrow afternoon. Otherwise, there will be lots of nothing. And I love lots of nothing, especially when it comes with beautiful scenery!

And that concludes my really long post about my really wonderful week. Tune in next time!

Thursday, March 15, 2012

A Quickee

Greetings! Just thought I'd do a quick update while my meat is loafing and my clothes is a washing. I will work on a real update soon! For now, here's what has been going on:

1) I met my parents, sister and the BFF in Chicago. We had a blast and most importantly (well it was the entire reason for the trip) we found my wedding dress!!!!! I am beyond excited and have thought about that gorgeous dress everyday (all day errr day). Love it. And it was amazing to finally be there picking out a dress with people I love and who have been planning this trip with me for ages.

2) I learned to ski! I am not good. At all. But it was fun and I am excited to go again.

3) Work has consumed my life. It's not healthy and I need to make some changes so that I can have a well-balanced life.

4) The Lobos made it to the NCAA Tournament. I love my Lobos and am thrilled.

5) Jay, Chaca and I are going to Texas this weekend to hopefully order my wedding band, finish registering and so Jay can practice a bike trail before a big race this Spring.

That's what's new, I'll put some more details (and pics!) soon. Have a happy Friday!!!

Monday, March 12, 2012

Oh Hi There...

So now that it's been a month since either of us has posted anything, I figure it's about time to let you all know that we're both alive, and well, and have not stopped blogging for any reason in particular. We're just busy gals with just a little time to squeeze it all in.

For me, I've been doing my best to stay on track. March has been good for me, for the most part. I'm having trouble fitting in my long runs during the weekends, but I've done more exercising this month than I have in quite some time, so I feel good about that (yes I know we're only two weeks in, but it's still be a good two weeks!)

I'm nervous for the half marathon and am definitely having second thoughts about it. I'm not planning on dropping out or anything like that, but I'm just not trusting in my ability to be ready by then. I know it's still a long way away at this point, but I'm terrified. I was before the tri too though, so I think it will all work out...

So I don't have any great pictures to leave you with, even though I've been doing lots of fun things, because none of them have to do with exercise or food...but I promise to get back with the regular scheduled blogging!