Friday can only mean one thing...

5 things Friday!! Happy Friday!!! Let's jump right in. 

#1- my new toy is all put together. Magnetic bike stand. It's awesome!! I really feel like I'm riding outside when I'm on it. It's a great way to get a good cardio workout inside. 

#2- Porter is very lucky that he's so darn cute. He decided to eat cat litter this morning. I wanted to kill him!! Then I remembered that I love him and that he's adorable. 

He likes to find sticks that are the same size as him when we go on walks. 

#3- our photographer for engagement pics is awesome!! This is how the cd was packaged. 

 And then when I opened it, I found this...

#4- sometimes I still eat like a college kid. This is what I'm making for lunch today. Grown ups can like ramen noodles too....right?!?

#5- The Bachelor is almost over. I must say that I can't wait for the "Women Tell All" episode. It should be crazy!!!  Also, I saw a TMZ article that Andi will be the next bachelorette. I thought I quit this franchise, but I'm sucked back in!!! 

What are your 5 things this Friday?

Do you still eat like you did in college?

Throw Back Thursday-NYC Marathon

I did my first and only marathon in 2008. I picked an amazing one so I could check it off of my bucket list. I think people who devote the time and energy into training for marathons, ultras, ironmans, etc are amazing!!! I love the half marathon distance because it is challenging, but still can be fit in on a busy schedule. I can do a 10 mile run after work if I miss a long run on the weekend. That is not the case for 20+.

Sorry, I digress. I highly recommend the NYC Marathon. The atmosphere is fantastic. There are so many people-runners and fans. The entire city shuts down for the event as well.

When I ran, my uncle lived in the city.  This means that my family and some friends came and piled in his one bedroom apartment.  It was crowded and so fun!  They cheered the entire day and met me at several stops.  By the end of the day, they were just as exhausted as I was from darting around town to catch me at different mile markers.

There are so many people that run the race and so many fans, that you have to carry a phone and have a plan of attack if you want to see your cheering section.  We had 3 planned meeting spots along with chosen sides of the road.  They were on the opposite side of the road because of a miscommunication for one of the stops and I never saw them...cue meltdown from me at mile 16.  I never expected a race to be emotionally draining as well as physically draining. 

This was our first meet up around mile 3.  It was so great to see them and stop for a quick hello.  It is so encouraging to see friendly and familiar faces during a race.  For all of you fans who come out to cheer-please know that it is greatly appreciated and super motivating!!!

One of the other amazing things about running the NYC marathon is the views.  I took this from my crappy 2008 phone (probably a Razor or something similar).

Most races thin out as you get towards the end.  The NYC lets more than 30,000 runners participate.  This means that there is very little thinning.  The following pictures are from mile 23 which is right before you enter Central Park.

I know you can't tell from my face, but I was thrilled to see my family.  I didn't train properly for this race, so I was pretty much done at this point and I still had over 3 MILES TO GO!!!  That is not a good feeling.

During the last few miles, you are in Central Park.  It is beautiful and peaceful because there are not as many fans lining the way.  I was having a rough time and walking for a bit when someone came and patted me on the back.  He reminded me that there were only 2 miles to go and I had already come so far that I might as well run then.  He was right!!!  I started running and by the last mile I felt like I was flying.  Turns out that it was an 11:30 mile (much slower than I had been running), but it still felt like a kick.  lol! 

Since you finish in Central Park, meeting up with friends and family can be difficult.  The finish line is packed with fans who have been there all day, so it is impossible for new people to meet you there.  I ended up walking 2 miles to meet.  We all look pretty worn out.  :)

Running is all about perception.  Attitude and being mentally in a race are just as important as having the cardio endurance and strength to finish. 

The NYC marathon was probably my favorite race that I have ever run.  It felt so good to be surrounded with so much love and support.  I was so proud of myself for finishing in 4 and a half hours...mostly because it meant that I got to be in the NY paper the next day.  (They put in the results for everyone who finishes under 5 hours.)  I have a shadow box with the paper, blanket, bib, and finisher medal to remind me why I love running and how much work it is to train for a marathon. 


What is your favorite race that you have done?

Have you ever had a meltdown while running?

What is your favorite distance to run?

Barre-ing a snowpocalypse, we will make it through the week!

Happy hump day!! Can you believe it is the last week of February??? It seems like just yesterday that we were toasting to 2014. Normally the weather is starting to warm up and winter is fading away...not in KC. We got a dusting of snow last night and a possible storm coming Sunday. I will be running on the good ole treadmill all weekend!

Last night I did a couple of 10 minute videos from Fit Sugar. One was an awesome barre workout (http://www.fitsugar.com/10-Minute-Booty-Barre-Workout-33939365)  All you need is a chair. My legs were burning!!! I have been wanting to try a class but they are EXPENSIVE and I am uncoordinated...bad combo! Maybe after a few more at home workouts with it, I will brave a class. 

I followed up with some tabata training and stretching. 

After my quick workout, I cleaned myself up and headed to meet my friend for dinner. 2/$20 entrees on Tuesdays at a local spot with a bonus of J Lohr pinot noir also for $20 = a perfect girls night of catching up!! 

I had the short rib with poblano grits and roasted brussle sprouts. It was delicious!!

We ordered a carrot cake beignet for dessert. Not too sweet and super fluffy!!

What are some of your tricks to keep boredom away while running on the dreadmill??

Have you tried barre workouts/classes? 

Treat Yourself Tuesday #2

Olives and Wine started Treat Yourself Tuesday in September. It is a cute way to reward yourself . The goal is "Treat yourself well and treat yourself often so that you will become the best you possible and in turn be your best for others in your life!" I think it is a brilliant idea.  I started it last week, but am continuing on this week.

#1-I made a delicious spicy shrimp and spinach pasta for dinner last night.  Bobby doesn't love pasta dishes, but they are one of my faves.  This dish was light and delicious!!

#2-I purchased some compression calf sleeves to try out.  When I first started running, I didn't hydrate properly, dress approriately, nor did I use Gu or other nutrition supplements for a race.  Now, I love Gu and I always make sure I am dressed appropriately for the race.  Overheating and freezing both suck!!  I am still working on the hydration, but I am a million times better than when I started.  When I saw a 40% code for the ProCompression sleeves, I jumped at the chance to buy some.  The code is CC40 for those of you who are interested in any of the ProCompression gear...shipping is also free and quick!!  Bonus: they're adorable!!

#3-I was really into training gear this week and last.  I ordered a new toy on Amazon.  I got an indoor bike stand so I can ride my bike inside.  Every year I try to become a better biker.  I'm TERRIBLE...like fall over on the bike terrible.  This year, I am going to start earlier and build up my comfort level and endurance.  It always amazes me how hard biking seems (even when I am in running shape).

#4-Tonight I am treating myself to some girl time.  I am meeting a friend for dinner and drinks at a local farm to table restaurant.  It is our monthly happy hour.  I'm pumped!!  She is moving really close to me next month too...which means we will get to hang out lots more!!  YIPPEEE!!!

#5-I ordered our save the dates.  I can't wait for them to come in.  I think they turned out so cute...thanks to our awesome photographer!!!  Here is another peek at one of the pics.

How do you plan to treat yourself today?

Motivations for Monday

Happy Monday.  It is the start of a new week and full of chances to hit training goals and other personal goals.  I have been SLACKING in 2014.  My goal to run 1000 miles this year is not going as planned.  If I run 15 miles this week, I will only be at 100 miles.  I think I have a bad attitude about working out in the cold.  I would rather be home with my fiance and furballs snuggled up on the couch. 

Last week we finally got some warm weather and I felt pretty motivated.  I only need 50 degree days to make me want to go outside and run and play.  Is that too much to ask!?!?  This was definitely how I felt when I weighed myself this morning...

As it turns out, you have to do a little more than a little more work to get spectacular results.  Who knew? :)  The main thing I have noticed is my attitude towards the slacking.  I'm not beating myself up and I'm not freaking out.  I have plenty of time to get in shape for my half marathon in April and more than enough time to be strong and lean for my wedding and I can still reach my goal of 1000 miles this year.  I think I am finally learning balance!!

Does anyone else go through periods of being burned out from work, exercise, anything really?

How do you get out of a running/exercise funk? 

How are your 2014 goals coming along?  On track? 

Weekend Recap

On my way to work on Friday I saw signs for an art benefit nearby. We decided to check it out on our way to dinner. I couldn't turn down free wine and art! 

After a 3 mile run and and 2 mile walk with Porter, we headed out to Arty Gras. 

We were the youngest people at the event by far, but it was really fun. They had a cute band and some fun art work. 

One room even had art from local kids. So talented!!

Delicious wine with dinner and after dinner drinks at a new brewery in town made for a great night on the town!

On Saturday, i ran a little over 7 miles and then grabbed the pup for a 2.5 mile walk. It was so warm out! We had to take advantage. 

We also got new toys for the animals. New bone, rope, and ball for Porter. The cat got a box and shoestring. Both pets seemed thrilled!!

Dinner party with friends on Saturday night. Church and family time today. 

Now for some relaxing and tv time. 

3 things you did this weekend?

What is your pet's favorite toy?

5 Things Friday

Happy Friday. Just a few more hours and it is time for the weekend!! Today and tomorrow are supposed to be beautiful...so I am pumped to get in some good miles!

Here we go with 5 things:

#1-Tomorrow I am going to a shower for a 30-something woman and the theme is scrapbooking. I do not know how to scrapbook and I am not sure exactly how this will go. It's like arts and crafts for adults, but without wine!! I can't craft without WINE!!! It is kind of brilliant. Invite everyone to bring you gifts and to make a scrapbook for your wedding...hmmmm...if I thought I would ever finish a scrapbook, I might borrow this idea. (Sorry for the run-on sentence there. I got caught up in thought!)  Pretty sure this will be me!!

#2-I borrowed this one from Hungry Runner Girl.  She always finds the best stuff when it comes to candy/sweets!  How have I never seen these before?!!?

#3-I tried to be all domestic and make freezer meals this week.  I bought all of the stuff and got to work putting together 10 meals to be eaten whenever.  We tried the first one last night.  Buffalo chicken.  It was just okay.  I had high hopes for it because I LOVE buffalo wings, but these were just okay.  The recipe called for chicken, ranch mix, and Franks hot sauce...all things that I love!!  I think it probably needed some help from the garnish or to be served differently.  We made sandwiches with it on hoagies.  Next time I will use it to make loaded baked potatoes. 

I am hoping the other recipes are better!  I did a combo of some of the meals featured in this blog article:

http://www.lovingmynest.com/food-love/freezer-crock-pot-meals-round-2/  and some of my own.  I love the ease of having pre-made and healthier meals.  Makes busy nights a breeze!!

#4-This video is garnering lots of attention and restores your faith in humanity!!  A Norwegian charity made an ad to see what people would do when they saw a freezing 11 year old without a coat.  It is heart warming to see people's reactions to the boy!

#5-These little candy hearts are wonderful! The future MIL got them for us in our little Valentine's packages. I picked out the yellow ones to devour because they taste like bananas!

Do you scrapbook?  Other crafts?  I have succeeded on several wine cork crafts, but most of the time I fail miserably!!

Have you tried freezer meals?  Please share your favorite recipes!!

Throwback Thursday

This Thursday I am throwing back to my 25th birthday. I was looking through my snapfish account and came across some classic pics from my 25th birthday. I was newly single and living downtown in a tiny apartment. I wanted to mope around at home, but my friends had other plans.

We met for some drinks and I ended up on stage in a contest.  Drinking beer out of a straw...I think I took 2nd or 3rd...which meant that I got a free shot.  Just what a birthday girl needs!!

Did I forget to mention it was from a guys lap??  You only turn 25 once right??

The rest of the night consisted of dancing.  I should note that I am a TERRIBLE dancer.  I try to avoid it now as much as possible, but when you are drinking a lot it seems like a good idea.

Cap it off with a bull ride and a cab home.  It was a great night of celebrating!!

Now my birthdays consist of nice dinners out and drinks at low key bars and the occasional float trip since I have a June birthday.  It is always fun to look back!!

What is your favorite birthday memory?  This is not my favorite, but it is a good one. 

Have you ever ridden a bull?  I think we were on it for 1.2 seconds.  Definitely not an 8 second ride!!

Just for fun...Hugs this Thursday!!  I couldn't resist...too cute!

Splashing Through the Snow

It was BEAUTIFUL outside yesterday. 60 degrees and sunny with a light breeze. I decided to hit the trail for a longer run so I could enjoy the weather.  Something about shorts, running shoes, and snow looks funny!!

A lot of the snow is melting, which makes for a messy run.  My shoes were soaked and muddy by the end of my run.  I got frustrated with having to slow down and run around puddles, so I changed up my workout.  The first 2 miles were not too wet and I could jump most of the puddles.  Then the next mile was terrible.

I decided to turn around and head back after mile 3 took me 9 minutes...which is over a minute per mile slower than my first 2 miles pace.  After I ran 30 minutes, I walked some to avoid the puddles and to make sure I didn't slip and fall (I am know to do that!).  Then I did 10 minutes of speed work and walked the rest of the way back as my cool down.  All in all, it was somewhere between 5-6 miles.  Plus, I got to enjoy the weather!! 

I got Porter a new bed on Monday and he loves it.  He looks like I felt after yesterdays run!!  Tonight, I am going to take the pup out for a run/walk after work.  I have volleyball games, so he gets stuck in his kennel again until Bobby can get home. 

Last night's dinner-pork chop, roasted corn, and baked beans.  It was delicious and super easy.  Trader Joe's has frozen roasted corn.  It is amazing in soups, enchiladas, or just as a side.  I add a little salt and fresh ground pepper and that's it to ours. 

What is your favorite vegetable?  Mine has to be corn-I love it no matter how it is cooked.  Or broccoli.  I could eat broccoli all the time!

Have you been running outside?  Do you have any tips for avoiding the puddles?  Or do you just splash through?  I did a combo of jumping them, running around in the mud, and splashing through yesterday.  It made for some dirty shoes!!

What is your favorite way to cross train?  Mine is volleyball.  In the spring-fall, I play sand and indoor.  Sometimes over-committing to too many leagues!!

Happy Wednesday!!!  I hope you have a fantastic day!

Engagement Photo Preview and Treat Yourself Tuesday

Our engagement photos are up on our photographers blog!! Yay!! You can check them out here. It is just the preview. She is still working on getting the gallery done. She did a fantastic job and I think this one is my favorite!!  It was so nice to have a friend take the engagement photos.  We got to relax and just be ourselves.

Olives and Wine started Treat Yourself Tuesday in September.  It is a cute way to reward yourself .  The goal is "Treat yourself well and treat yourself often so that you will become the best you possible and in turn be your best for others in your life!"  I think it is a brilliant idea.

This week, I have done several things to treat myself. 
#1-I ordered new running shoes last week.  I don't need new shoes yet, but I am hoping that this will motivate me to get after it on my long runs to wear out my current shoes. :)  Plus, they were such a good deal!!

 

#2-Saturday afternoon, Bobby and I toured the hotel where we will get ready for the wedding and stay on our wedding night.  They offered us a cocktail while we discussed the contract and details.  It was a wonderful treat.  After our tour, we indulged in a gourmet burger.  I never crave burgers, so when I want one, Bobby is always happy to accompany me!!  We enjoyed some beers and amazing burgers at a local burger place called BRGR. 

#3-Later that evening I met up with 2 of my favorite girls for some drinks.  I haven't gone out with just my girlfriends in a few weeks.  It was so fun to check out a new bar and catch up!

#4-I plan to treat myself today with a nice long run outside.  It is supposed to be upper 50s, so I am excited to get some fresh air!!


How will you treat yourself today?

What do you prefer on your burger?  I just got a regular burger with cheese and caramelized onions.  I like fun toppings, but I really just wanted a standard burger on Saturday.

Dog Toys

Have you ever wondered what is in your dog's favorite toys? Well no need to wonder anymore...mystery solved!!

Porter is going through a teething phase and his toys are not doing well. He is destroying them left and right. 

You are not seeing things, that is a plastic bottle that was in one of his favorite toys. I assumed it was a custom designed piece of plastic inside. Hahahaha! I think I can make him a new toy, but I'll be making a run to Petsmart today to get him new toys. 

What is your dogs favorite toy?

Do you have a tough toy recommendation? We have some kong toys, but he likes softer toys too. Those are harder to find!! 

Love-ly Weekend

I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentines weekend. 

I came home Friday and snuggled with my furry Valentine

Bobby came home with my traditional gift of dove chocolates and a new and delicious wine for us to try. He's so sweet and thoughtful. The wine was good...I'll def jump on that Bandwagon! Bwhahaha! 

Then it was pizza time!! Rolling out the dough...I gave a little booty pat of encouragement.