Running Day Happy

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June 5th is National Running Day, but you likely know that since most people who read this blog are typically runners, people who like to exercise or they’re good family and/or friends who I force to read anything I post!

Anyways, I did a lot of things today, but running was not one of them. I ran the last two days and my ankle was feeling a little sore, so I thought it would be best to stay off it tonight.

I’m listening my body because quite frankly my running injuries are getting very expensive! Even with insurance, the cost of the walking boot I used for two days was more than my monthly car payment. Talk about painful. 

Back to running.

This evening at work, someone stopped in my office who I had never met before. He saw my numerous 13.1, 20K, 10K and 5K stickers on my wall and we struck up a 15 minute conversation about running, races, trails, etc.

What a perfect day to really feel a part of the wonderful running community. It’s crazy how much I love running, how I try to work running stories into every conversation and how I can talk to anyone (seriously, anyone) when it’s about running.

I have just three short days left until I hopefully can meet some new runner friends around my new home. I can’t wait! 

What do you love most about running? Did you run today?

Running & Clothes

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I do like the detail on the back of these capris.

I do like the detail on the back of these capris.

My second day running went a little better. By my first half mile, I had already worked up to an easy jog. I kept that pace for the next two miles and finished up a 5K in 29 minutes.

I wanted to walk another mile or two after my 3.1 miles, but I decided I should wait and stretch instead.

I came home tonight to a surprise.

My first surprise was my monthly delivery from Ellie. I love the capris, especially the blue/green detail on the bottom.

My tank.

My tank.

I’m not crazy about the top only because I don’t love tanks with built in bras, but I’ll give it a try.

I also have to be honest, I don’t think the two pieces go great together.

Ellie is supposed to send an outfit, which especially helps fashion-challenged people like me, and I’m a little disappointed in the pieces I got this month.

What do you think, do these two pieces go together? Maybe I need more fashion help than I think! 

 

Winning and Taking Chances

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For some strange reason, the concept of winning and taking chances came up a lot today.

Honestly, I don’t think of myself as a winner when it comes to running. I’ve never won a race, and I’m not sure that will ever happen.

I may never come in first, but I do consider trying as winning. If you asked me two years ago if I even wanted to run a half, I would have said “sure, but it’s never gonna happen.” Look how far I have come! I wouldn’t have even considered anything over a half MILE back then.

Every time I cross a finish line, I feel like I a winner no matter how many hundreds of people finished before me. That’s the amazing thing about running, you feel like a winner no matter what the actual outcome might be. 

Since I was taking chances tonight, I attempted my first run since my latest injury. It’s been long enough since I fractured my ankle, and I barely even feel the pain so I figured I could try.

I started walking for the first mile, and all felt good. By mile two, I worked myself up to an easy jog and slowly increased the speed until I reached 2.5 miles, when I decided I was done.

Nothing hurt, but I felt my muscles waking up and I didn’t want to push myself too far. I felt like a winner for trying AND for knowing when to stop. Don’t get me wrong, I would’ve loved to have logged 7 miles, but I’ll save that for tomorrow! :)

In running, what is winning for you?

In Moving Limbo

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Today was supposed to be moving day. I had been counting down the days (and hours) to an extremely reduced commute, and extra hour + a day and setting up my new place, but that won’t be happening today.

There were some minor wall/electrical issues that are holding things up for another week, which really isn’t a big deal. I’m just so ready to move, to live in a strong running community, to get involved and meet new people.

The only good thing is that in CT, it’s going to be 90+ today, which isn’t ideal moving weather and hopefully next weekend will be just a little bit cooler.

To stay excited about moving, I have checked out a new gym that’s located about a half mile from my house! I know how much I’ll love being walking distance from all sorts of exercising. This gym also has a pool which will be essential to help me recover and allow me to take it easy on my hip.

I’ve also explored the roads and streets around my new place. There are some awesome running streets, rolling hills and some more challenging ones. I can’t wait to start training again.

What is the first thing (after the house) that you check out when you move? Would good running routes be considered?

I hope everyone is having a great Saturday!

I Need Your Help, Please Complete a Survey For Me

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I’ve told you before that I decided to go back to graduate school, and now I’m spending my holiday weekend researching in order to write a paper!

The topic of my paper is on luxury brands. I decided to write about what I know best – EXERCISING! I’m specifically writing about Lululemon, but I’ll take any answers you can provide.

SURVEY LINK:

http://freeonlinesurveys.com/s.asp?sid=1wmlbrawpufrnua272986

If you don’t feel like completing the survey, please consider leaving a comment/quote about anything related to Lululemon.

As always, thank you so much!

All surveys responses are confidential.

Big Changes

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Today I was a ball of stress and frustration. Mainly, I’m stressed about moving next week. After roughly 15 moves in my adult life, you would honestly think I have down by now, but that’s totally not the case.

Moving requires so much energy and organization. It’s a lot of work, but it’s also fabulous exercise. I’m trying to stay positive about everything that’s happening over the next few days because not only is it the right thing to do, but I’m ready for a big change.

I’m moving to make everything in my life just a little more simple. I’ll be much closer to work. In fact, if all goes according to plan I’ll save 60 – 90 minutes EVERY day, which is absolutely crazy!

My reduced commute will be good for my sanity, car and will free up time for something else, once I figure what that is I’ll let you know.

I’ll also be close to school and to the gym, which will reduce my daily miles even more.

Most importantly, I’m moving to a town with a lively sports community, and I’ve found a few different running groups that start in the next few weeks that I’m ready to join.

I really want to get involved and meet people, and I think that participating in a couple of exercise/running groups is a great, or so I hope.

Any other suggestions are welcome because I really don’t want to be stuck in my place all alone!

To work through my frustration this evening, I went to the gym let it out! However, first I had to cancel my membership, which I was less than thrilled about.

I’m so comfortable at my current gym. You may have heard me talk about my favorite treadmill or stretching mat, it’s totally weird, but it works for me.

I’m excited for a routine change, but I hope it doesn’t take too much getting used to!

 

Return From Vacation

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Coming back from vacation (ok, not really a vacation but a four-day weekend) is always hard.

Last night I truly didn’t want to exercise. I wanted to veg out, relax and get ready for the rest of my short week.

It took until 8:00 p.m. for me to finally get my behind to the gym. It shouldn’t have taken that long, but I was busy with some work, school and a massive paper.

The second I got to the gym, I felt a million times better! I had a burst of energy as I peddled as fast as I could on the boring bike.

Then I switched to focus on my core and finally I worked on strengthening my legs with way too many squats to mention.

I finished up lifting some easy weights, and called it a night feeling quite accomplished.

I rarely regret working out, I mean, a half marathon on no training comes to mind, but generally I always feel better after I get some exercise, even if I’m not running.

On your days off, when do you usually exercise? Do you have any work outs you regret?

Also, if you love running gear as much as I do, you should really check out the new Fleet Feet store in Stamford, CT.

Review: The EveryGirl’s Guide to Life

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Ok, so you all know that I am slightly crazy about celebrity gossip. I love to know what’s going on with people who I actually know nothing about. Regardless, I faithfully check People, E!, Perez Hilton and TMZ more often than I should.

Although I love the gossip, there are few celebs who I actually talk about besides their current relationship status, scandal, movie, etc.

Screen Shot 2013-05-21 at 2.20.42 PMI recently read Maria Menouno’s book “The EveryGirl’s Guide to Life,” and I honestly have to tell you that it rocked!

Maria came off as so down-to-earth, real, honest and fun in everything she talked about from DYI home projects, to exercise and careers.

Maria is a champion of being organized, taking control of all aspects your life and making things happen.

She is a hard-working TV host, actress, spokesperson and journalist who has her life all together and is doing it all her way!

While she sometimes talks about high-end products, she also recommends comparable alternatives at a lower cost, some of which I can even afford.

She believes in being financially responsible, saving for a house instead of a designer bag and being independent but keeping good friends around.

Mainly, I think I enjoyed reading about her healthy relationship food. Maris struggled with her weight in her freshman year of college, gaining around 40 pounds that year. She worked hard and smart to lose the weight, and I enjoyed reading about how she has found a happy balance.

Honestly, this book was the kick in the pants I needed. While I already follow some of Maria’s tips, I still have a lot of work to do.

I’m about to move and start a new life and I really feel like reading this book will help me make my new place and life better!

Thanks, Maria!