tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62811483980676584182024-02-07T11:08:08.343-08:00Runs on Caffeine Runs on Caffeinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394119338118254532noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6281148398067658418.post-10073981207237782052016-06-02T10:36:00.003-07:002016-06-02T10:40:02.965-07:00A [Day After] Running Day Top 10<div>
<span style="text-indent: -24px;">Happy <i>belated </i>Global Running Day!</span><br />
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<span style="text-indent: -24px;">I would apologize for the late post, but I spent Global Running Day ACTUALLY running, so #sorrynotsorry. In an attempt to not write a novella about my love for running <i>you're welcome</i> I'm stealing this Running Favorites list from my spirit animal over at <a href="http://runeatrepeat.com/2016/06/01/in-honor-of-national-running-day-my-favorite-running-things/" target="_blank">RunEatRepeat</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="text-indent: -24px;"><b>1. Pre-Run Food:</b></span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -24px;">My stomach hates fuel, like all of it, so for a really long time I would barely eat anything before/during a run. Obviously a crap idea. I started using <a href="https://www.generationucan.com/plain.html" target="_blank">Generation UCAN </a> this year and I've seen a huge improvement. My energy levels are so much better, and my tummy has been a lot less unhappy. THey have a ton of flavors, but I'm the weirdo that actually the Plain Superstarch. I've downed it by itself, but it's really good mixed in with some coffee, Nuun or UCAN Hydrate. </span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -24px;"><i>I have not yet mastered how to use it without looking like this...</i></span><br />
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<span style="text-indent: -24px;"><b>2. Favorite Race: </b></span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -24px;">They say you always remember your first and I still think that my first marathon <i>Philadelphia 2013 </i>was the most fun I've ever had racing. I was genuinely happy the entire time and while I got tired <i>hi, it's 26.2 miles</i> there was never a point where I felt like I couldn't go on. Crossing that finish line was the total cliche OMG I LOVE RUNNING SO MUCH moment. I felt so awesome afterwords I tackled the Rocky Stairs before sticking my face into Banana Chocolate Chips Pancakes and a Venti Redeye. </span><br />
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<span style="text-indent: -24px;"><b>3. Favorite Running Song: </b></span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -24px;">Alright I'm gonna cheat on this one because I've been so into podcasts lately. My girls at <a href="http://runningonom.com/" target="_blank">Running On Om</a> and <a href="https://www.nicoleantoinette.com/podcast/" target="_blank">Real Talk Radio </a>are my obsessions, and of course I have <a href="https://serialpodcast.org/" target="_blank">Serial </a>on whenever they deign to release a new episode <i>although Season 2 was meh, can we bring back Adnan? </i>When I'm not absorbing podcast wisdom I'm most likely <i>totally</i> rocking out to Disney Pandora <i>#thisiswhyyouresingle</i></span><br />
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<span style="text-indent: -24px;"><b>4. Favorite Running Gear: </b></span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -24px;">Is all the things an option? No? </span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -24px;">Ok then, here are my can't leave the house without items</span><br />
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<li><span style="text-indent: -24px;">Shoes: </span><span style="text-indent: -24px;"><a href="http://www.newtonrunning.com/women-motion-mileage-trainer-iv" target="_blank">Newton Motions </a>are my jam <i>I did just add a pair <a href="http://www.hokaoneone.com/womens-road/infinite/1009649.html" target="_blank">HokaOneOne Infinites</a> to the rotation and so far I'm digging them!</i></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -24px;">Apparel: <a href="http://www.oiselle.com/" target="_blank">Oiselle </a>all day everyday, if I go a day without wearing Oiselle whether it be working out or actually at work, I would be shocked. Major shout outs to the Mac Roga Shorts, Wazzie Wool and Luxe fabrics. </span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -24px;">Gear: Garmin Forerunner <i>I</i></span><i style="text-indent: -24px;"> have the 225 but have used the 110 and 220 <a href="https://girlrunsoncaffeine.blogspot.com/2015/12/why-i-cant-have-nice-things.html" target="_blank">read more here </a></i><span style="text-indent: -24px;">and </span><span style="text-indent: -24px;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Jaybird-Sport-Wireless-Bluetooth-Headphones/dp/B013HSW4SM" target="_blank">Jaybird Wireless Earbuds</a> <i>it took me a long time to commit to these but they are a </i></span><i style="text-indent: -24px;">GAME CHANGER literally the only buds that stay in my tiny weird ears and wireless is heaven!</i></li>
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<span style="text-indent: -24px;"><b>5. Favorite Distance Race: </b></span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -24px;">Half Marathon by a long shot, you can tell yourself you are only half-crazy. </span><br />
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<span style="text-indent: -24px;"><b>6. Favorite Running Mantra: </b></span><br />
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This may not count as a mantra, but it perfectly describes where I am at with running right now.<br />
If I'm struggling while out on a run I'll use "I am stronger" or this one time I recited the locker room speech from Miracle for 10 miles of half marathon...<br />
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<span style="text-indent: -24px;"><b>7. Favorite Post Race Food: </b></span><br />
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<span style="text-indent: -24px;">AFTER coffee.... my post-marathon cal fest generally includes <i>but is not limited to </i>burgers, fries and some form of ice cream <i>preferably <a href="http://goodstuffeatery.com/locations/capitol-hill#menu" target="_blank">GoodStuff </a> the Toasted Marshmallow Milkshake will make you cry</i></span><br />
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<span style="text-indent: -24px;">Honorable mention goes to brunch at <a href="http://bluemoonbaltimore.com/" target="_blank">Blue Moon Cafe </a><i>Capn Crunch French Toast/Apple Bacon Pancakes </i>and <a href="http://cafeteriagroup.com/home/" target="_blank">Cafeteria </a><i>Lemon Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes/Green Eggs and Ham</i></span><br />
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<span style="text-indent: -24px;"><b>8. Favorite Running Joke: </b></span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -24px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/runnersbe/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/runnersbe/?hl=en" target="_blank">@runnersbe </a>makes me lolz daily</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokPZfaWz3-vZSD30koTpj_PEGOffX7-GxWXXt4ohTL9POgXzBoldw06QOf5UvMRKkUf8oDWdSQGOjdzYKWj1H4Y41ku_zUkxBghVKVc2yg7QsHoNmOqPGae2I0IEX_9MKgOdqESlcXGw/s1600/%2540runnersbe.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokPZfaWz3-vZSD30koTpj_PEGOffX7-GxWXXt4ohTL9POgXzBoldw06QOf5UvMRKkUf8oDWdSQGOjdzYKWj1H4Y41ku_zUkxBghVKVc2yg7QsHoNmOqPGae2I0IEX_9MKgOdqESlcXGw/s320/%2540runnersbe.PNG" width="311" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -24px;"><b>9. Favorite Place to Race Out of Town: </b></span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -24px;">DISNEY </span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -24px;"><i>I'm sorry were you expecting a different answer?</i></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Half-Marathon OBVIOUSLY a runDisney Princess</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/1512279_10100441067329513_1232432606946079645_n.jpg?oh=6478f83d2dbf638c7bed5e7baa229daf&oe=580ACB0F" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/1512279_10100441067329513_1232432606946079645_n.jpg?oh=6478f83d2dbf638c7bed5e7baa229daf&oe=580ACB0F" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Pops at WineDine Half </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A gimp-tastic TinkerBell</td></tr>
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<span style="text-indent: -24px;"><b>9. Favorite Thing to do When You’re Not Running:</b> </span><br />
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<span style="text-indent: -24px;">Talking about running? Shopping for running stuff?</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -24px;">But really I LIVE for coming home from a morning run, curling up on the couch with a HUGE coffee, something yummy to eat, and watching whatever awesome cinematic masterpiece I've DVRd for the occasion. </span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -24px;">Relaxation at it's finest. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #888888; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 15.3333px;">Let's hear YOUR running favorites! <i>because I'm selfish and want to steal all the cool things your doing and I'm not :) </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #888888; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 15.3333px;">How did you celebrate Global Running Day?</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #888888; font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 15.3333px;"><i>It was also my Mom's Birthday so I got to love on like 75% of my favorite things all in one day!</i></span></span><br />
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Runs on Caffeinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394119338118254532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6281148398067658418.post-45780113229013754552016-05-04T10:57:00.002-07:002016-05-04T10:57:48.696-07:00Monthly Review - April 2016<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I am ready for some freaking May flowers please and thank you! </i></div>
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I always love the idea of pausing to take stock of what has happened <i>good bad and ugly </i>over the past month, but have never able to find a way to follow through on it. Big thanks to <i>uber</i> #girlcrush Nicole Antoinette for sending out her Monthly Review Worksheet <i>if you're not subscribed to her </i><a href="https://www.nicoleantoinette.com/emails/" target="_blank"><i>newsletter</i> </a><i>you absolutely should be </i>which finally got me to sit down and say hey April, thanks for kicking my ass. Now you all get to listen to me complain about what went wrong in April and what <i>hopefully </i>won't go wrong in May!<br />
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<b>The two things I’m most proud of from April are: </b><br />
<b>1. Taking chances even if they didn't work out</b><br />
<b>2. Being selfish with my time and saying no to things</b><br />
April kicked my bum no doubt. Even though the majority of things I did went belly up or fizzled out, I can say that I put myself there and tried. I'm starting to get a little better at accepting that things do not always go how we want them to, and am glad to have tried new things regardless of the success. Baby steps!<br />
In the beginning of the year I started working remotely on Fridays honestly just to see what it was like. I had clean clothes and my apartment was semi-clean for once in my life, but I honestly did not find it nearly as relaxing as I thought I would. Not only did I feel like I needed to "prove" I was working/was terrified to leave my computer, I also gave myself a laundry list of things around the apartment that needed to get done. It really kind of stressed me out. So now I'm back in the office on Fridays like a normal person and my apartment should be contaminated - life is back to normal. I also started working part time at local Fitness Studio. I would love to find some sort of fitness-related career and this sounded like a really great way to experience that world from a new perspective. Sadly, I just bit off more than I could chew with this. I didn't feel like I was able to give the position the time and commitment it deserved so I bowed out as gracefully as possible. Bonus: I met a lot of great new people and actually ended up renewing my membership at the Studio! Yay for the body, Boo for the wallet.<br />
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The two things I’m most grateful for from April are:</b><br />
<b>1. FAMILY</b><br />
My fam was front and center this month. My Aunt and Cousin met up with us to watch the Boston Marathon, my Sister's birthday was in April, and half my Dad's side of the family was up to go Bridesmaid Dress shopping for my Cousins wedding. It made for a super busy month, but when it comes to this family getting some quality face time in is always worth it.<br />
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<b>2. Coincidences</b><br />
Sometimes you just need a little reassurance that the Universe is indeed listening. I mean it may not give you what want necessarily, but its like hey I hear ya, working on it. There were plenty of little connections and moments in April that drove this home and I hope the Universe continues to have my back <i>although I think could do without SOME of the lessons it's trying to teach me...</i><br />
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<b>The lesson I learned and am carrying forward with me from April is:</b><br />
<b>You can do anything, but you can't </b><i style="font-weight: bold;">and shouldn't</i><b> do everything. </b><i>Totally stole this from my <a href="https://www.erincondren.com/prism-metallic-gold-lifeplanner" target="_blank">planner's</a> quote of the month.</i><br />
Over extending, over booking, over training, I over-ed everything except rest and relaxtion this month. Which is I am currently in an ankle brace hobbling around the TriState area asking God why he hates me. This month, more than anything, taught me that stress has a really negative effect on me physically. I am a worrier by trade, so this is something I absolutely need to work on if I would like to live to see 30 <i>without ending up in a full body cast. </i><br />
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<b>My intention for May is: <u>to have faith that things will unfold as they should without my interference</u></b><br />
I'm pretty sure letting go has been my goal for the past like 10 years, and I think I'm finally exhausted enough to put the hustle on the back burner and accept that things will happen how they will happen and all I can do is deal with it. <i>So far I am failing miserably #injurybrain</i><br />
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One thing I aim to do every day in May is: <u>be grateful </u></b><br />
Honestly this is the only thing that has gotten me through May so far <i>and I know all the people who have interacted with me in May are probably laughing their asses off right now </i>but even when I am freaking out, crying, in pain, or whatever... I'm trying to remind myself that I'm lucky to have a Doctor to go to, grateful for the people who have listened to my hysterics for almost 2 weeks, etc. I know it doesn't seem like it in the moment but I AM grateful for so many things <i>it would just be a whole lot easier if I could walk. </i><br />
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Because I am brave, here are two new/scary things I will do in May:</b><br />
<b>1. Keep blogging and writing </b><br />
Yup sorry, I'm still going to be here. I really have no idea what direction my wiritng will go, but for May I'm hoping to get myself into more of a blog-groove <i>suggestions welcome :) </i><br />
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<b>2. Do ONLY what I can at the Tinkerbell Half</b><br />
I can't even with this. The race is Sunday. I'm starting to be able to walk <i>somewhat </i>normally. I've pulled off some some pretty insane race comebacks in my day, but this would absolutely take the cake. I really don't know if running is on the table at all, I'm not saying no to walking as much as I can either, but it is going to be one hell of a close call for sure. I'm not sure what to hope for at this point, but a miracle <i>and some good sense </i>sounds about right.<br />
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<b>The one book I definitely want to read in May is: <u>Daring Greatly </u></b><br />
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Something I want to experiment with in May is: <u>New diets and foods</u></b><br />
Not in a cutting calories sense, more of a "taking a hard look" at what works best for me kind of thing. The stress of April did a number on my stomach, and since I won't technically be training in May <i>if I'm able to run at all </i>it seems like a good time to do a deep dive into what I need to stay healthy. <br />
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Just for fun, I will: <u>remember how to have fun </u></b><br />
Yeaaaa when you can't come up with an answer for this one, it's time to re-evaluate your activities.<br />
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As an act of intentional kindness, I will: <u>give myself a fucking break</u></b><br />
This I'm actually making some progress on! I haven't once blamed myself for my injury or tried to figure out what I did wrong to end up like this <i>monumental breakthrough status.</i> I'm doing the best that I can right now and that's all I can ask for.<br />
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Feel free to share your answers to any of Nicole's prompts in the comments below.<br />
April may have bitch slapped me, but it was a great month for SO many people and I always love a good story! Runs on Caffeinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394119338118254532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6281148398067658418.post-61295963644270984132016-04-29T10:29:00.000-07:002016-04-29T10:32:10.548-07:00Hurt So GoodGreetings from Injurytown, USA - Population: Me.<br />
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Pain sucks <i>I'm pretty sure we can all agree on that</i>. Pain especially sucks when it keeps you from doing things you really like, which is why in any sports store you will find a super fun little section called Injury Prevention/Recovery. While I was unpacking at my parents this weekend <i>yes I bring an assortment of rollers with me wherever I go</i> I was unloading about half of my roller collection while my cousins looked on in confusion and I remembered that not everyone spends their take home pay on torture devices. Runners just LOVE to spend money on this stuff and the time I've spent actually running vs. the time I've spent rolling around on the floor screaming obscenities is probably an even split<i>. </i>I always feel guilty when I find myself shopping for another recovery tool <i>how is it POSSIBLE that you NEED another roller</i> but I honestly use each of these on a weekly, if not daily basis. I rationalize a lot of BS purchases but these are legit.<br />
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Get ready to make it hurt so good with my favorite torture devices!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obligatory I AM NOT A DOCTOR or Professional ANYTHING reminder - based off personal experience only! </td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.tptherapy.com/product/GRID_STK_FoamRoller" target="_blank">Grid STK Foam Roller</a> This is probably the least used of my collection. I find that the grid <i>while awesome</i> makes it a bit awkward to roll over areas with any bone, but I will use it on my calves and quads. The BEST thing about this baby is the ends <i>which I think they do actually sell separately. </i>I use those suckers to dig. the. f*ck. into my hip flexors and it is epic. The length of the STK gives you a lot of leverage to wedge into these nasty tight places that nothing else really gets to.<br />
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<a href="https://www.tptherapy.com/product/GRID_FoamRoller" target="_blank">GRID Foam Roller</a> and <a href="https://www.tptherapy.com/product/GRID_Mini_FoamRoller" target="_blank">Mini Foam Roller</a> You'll be hard pressed to find a runner that does not own one of these. This is the bread and butter of my foam rolling, and if you're looking for a place to start your own torture cave - this would probably be my recommendation. Get at your calves, shins, quads, hammies, ITB, hip glute, back, it does it all. I'll also use it as a bolster for Yoga or psoas release, and sometimes as a head or footrest if I'm crashing on the floor <i>I do that a lot. </i><br />
I bought the mini size to keep at my parent's house and while it is easier to travel with, I don't find the size to be all that effective. It constantly rolls out from under me and just doesn't cover enough surface area in my opinion. BUT if you are hurting, it's better than nothing.<br />
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<a href="http://thebff.com/" target="_blank">The BFF </a> Meet your BFF 4eva! Out of all my torture devices, this is definitely everyone's favorite to play with. It's exactly what it looks like, a buffer for your body. When you hold it flat it just feels like a nice massage that warms up your muscles, but turn that thing sideways and you can start grinding into some really sticky areas. I use this ALOT on my calves and ITB/hip/glute - really dense areas that I feel like I can't always get to with a traditional roller. This is also great on your back and neck. <i>If you travel with this in a carry-on TSA will stop you and give you the side eye, please like THAT'S the weirdest thing you've seen all day? </i> The price tag on this is hefty for sure, but I fell in love at a Rock 'n' Roll expo and it was a done deal <i> #yolo.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.themaroller.com/" target="_blank">Ma Roller</a> For chronic back-achers this roller really gets into that junk around your spine. I've also used it on my calves, Achilles, and foot. Use it gently though cause those grooves are serious.<br />
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<a href="http://www.tigertailusa.com/products/the-classic" target="_blank">Tiger Tail</a> This was my first ever roller! I keep this guy at work to use on my legs <i>guys my coworkers love me</i>. You won't necessarily get a "make you cry" type pressure from this, but I love it for everyday use.<br />
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<a href="http://www.target.com/p/gaiam-hot-and-cold-therapy-kit/-/A-15695990#prodSlot=medium_1_10&term=gaiam+massage" target="_blank">Trigger Point Massage Balls</a> Another keep at the desk or throw in my purse fave, my feet would die without these. I generally use the spiky one since the regular ball always just ends up rolling away from me and I'm lazy AF. I grind the shit out of plantar fascitis with this and I would be lost without it. I'll put it on my desk chair and roll out my hammies, or even use it as scraper to get rid of fas<br />
cia and tendon fuzz. So multi-dimensional and I've never even tried to heat or freeze them!<br />
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<a href="https://www.rollrecovery.com/r8/" target="_blank">Roll 8</a> This is a beast! My Oiselle Volee girls got me hooked on this and holy crap it is not for the faint of heart. I have a really really high pain tolerance, especially when it comes to rolling <i>true life I actually punctured a vein in my leg once because I was working at a calf muscle so hard. </i>For right now this is a quad/ITB/hammie exclusive for me. I bruise really easily and I'm covered in marks from this one. But I have chronically tight legs and this gets into them like nothing else. like at all.<br />
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Now for some more unconventional <i>but easily accessible </i>options:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Mail Opener - don't want to spend bucks on a muscle scraper? Metal mail opener FTW I've also heard of people using butter knives, but I get a better grip/control of the mail opener. </li>
<li>Roller Chair legs - they're literally chilling there right next to your feet. I'll work out my achilles, ankle, and feet all while pretending to work or pay attention in a meeting <i>JK I'm a totally dedicated employee...</i></li>
<li>Kitchen Counters - people will look at you like you are a crazy person, and you kind of are. But presented with an optimal height counter lean and de-gunk those hip and glute muscles. There is nothing like it I promise! </li>
<li>Fingers - especially with my feet and ankles, sometimes you are just able to find the tough spots best when you get in there yourself. Or even better pay someone to do it for you! <i>Literally just booked a session with the Doc AND a massage because it is hot mess central up in here. </i></li>
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Any glaring gaps from my collection? Am I missing one of your favorites? <i>If so you better tell me now so I can Amazon Prime that shit STAT.</i><br />
<i><br /></i> Do all athletes have an obsession with this stuff or are runners just over enthusiastic about EVERYTHING?<br />
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Favorite show to roll to? <i>Seriously though, I'm still going through House of Cards withdrawal...</i><br />
<br />Runs on Caffeinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394119338118254532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6281148398067658418.post-89613284689390975342016-04-25T19:00:00.000-07:002016-04-26T18:47:52.659-07:00My Psychic Powers and Why They Can't be Used for Good <br />
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Well, it's been a solid 4 years, but my right leg finally decided to call it quits on Sunday <i>moment of silence</i>.<br />
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I can't even be mad because my right leg has been a freaking trooper. It's been picking up the slack for my bum left leg for basically 3 of those 4 years, and I guess it deserves a break.<br />
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Last week running did not feel great. I had been burning the candle at both ends and it was showing. My gait was off, I felt awkward, I was super tired and sluggish, my heart was not in it. I was not super concerned because it was my last high mileage week, I had a lot going on personally, and frankly I had a lot of reasons to feel tired and wompy. I was flexible with my training schedule rearranging workouts so I would not drive myself into the ground on super hectic days and I never felt like I was pushing myself through pain, I was just on the struggle bus express. I made it through the week relatively unscathed with one 14 miler left for Sunday. I was exhausted, stressed, and reallllly not looking forward to my last long run. Somehow I managed to scrape myself off the floor and started out for two 7 mile loops, so that I could stop at home for water and fuel if I needed to. Once I got started I knew that mentally I could make it through, the weather was epically gorgeous, and physically I felt the same if not a little better than I had the day before. But around mile 3 I knew something was off, my right ankle just wasn't right. My stride was super forced and awkward. I stopped multiple times to stretch and pump out my calf, but when I started to noticeably limp, that was it. I wasn't in any pain - but I had to admit defeat. I plopped my ass on the curb, called Mom, and stared off into the downward spiraling abyss until she came to pick me up.<br />
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I am just so over this injury bull shit that I could barely muster up the energy to throw a fit in the car on the way home <i>obviously I cried and whined but it wasn't one of my best efforts </i>and went straight to our deck so I could pass out in the sun and at least soak up some of the Vitamin D I was supposed to get that day. Even my pity party was fairly tame: Sushi, homemade chocolate chip cookies, a pep talk from Mom, and a long bath to keep me from trying to implement every injury remedy in my bag of tricks all at once.<br />
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I've always thought I was semi-psychic <i>but really a legit psychic </i><i>(guy I met on the street in New Orleans)</i><i> said I was </i>and I totally used to be able to use my powers for good.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGFyWHHrZ4m835QPXv1dIbTUonUXZkqUntFABOptZUXrYE_QwcdQhsrdMjSvopQalZIOqBLsb3YVWtgA2yDcqH2R6deZBDDxqUOxcsKjzuV0PMtUF_7D7hmd19JN9B0E6WsoNHEdLINF8/s1600/1923547_517478207543_3064_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGFyWHHrZ4m835QPXv1dIbTUonUXZkqUntFABOptZUXrYE_QwcdQhsrdMjSvopQalZIOqBLsb3YVWtgA2yDcqH2R6deZBDDxqUOxcsKjzuV0PMtUF_7D7hmd19JN9B0E6WsoNHEdLINF8/s200/1923547_517478207543_3064_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bid Day 2008<br />A day that will live in infamy</td></tr>
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Exhibit A - My senior year of college I was convinced that my parents were going to take us to Disney World <i>in all honesty not a huge leap there </i>after January Rush Week. I had this picture in my mind of Me and Megs in matching Bid Day tee shirts at Magic Kingdom. Well, I got back from my Study Abroad in Australia, my mom told me to repack cause we were going to Disney World, and then we drove back down to school so that I could could spend Bid Day with my <b>double </b>sister who had just pledged my sorority.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">True Happiness</td></tr>
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Now that I'm old and jaded my psychic powers have dwindled down to more of an "oooo I've got a bad feeling about this" situation, which usually turns out to be the case.<br />
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Exhibit A - How My Psychic Powers Knew I Had An Injury Coming<br />
<ul>
<li>Got all sentimental about how much I love running, how awesome it feels, and how excited I am to run all the races <i>just asking for it</i></li>
<li>I slept on my parents couch this weekend since we had family visiting - as I was getting all snuggled in I was like hey the last time I slept on the couch was when I twisted my ankle <i>twice </i>in January <i>foreshadowing blows</i></li>
<li>Made a list of possible challenges/things to try during my "off training month" <i>I really do wonder how many hours I would last on Whole30</i></li>
<li>Tried on my costume for the Tinkerbell Half Marathon, wings and all <i>I just can't</i></li>
</ul>
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This is just begging for a deep dive into manifesting and all that junk, but good Lord that is a post for a different time cause aint nobody <i>me </i>got time for that right now. I am less than 2 weeks out from our trip to Disneyland/LA for the RunDisney Tinkerbell Half, my goal right now is to be healthy enough to run it, but that is not really under my control.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where are you now that<br />i need you</td></tr>
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Time to try some of that manifesting-ness again!<br />
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- Stay moderately caffeinated friends <i>trying to cut back a bit this week</i></div>
Runs on Caffeinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394119338118254532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6281148398067658418.post-89602253644482615502016-04-22T11:11:00.001-07:002016-04-22T11:11:41.238-07:00Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">...<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">to get through this thing called life</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: normal;">In my constant </span><i style="line-height: normal;">and more recently </i><span style="line-height: normal;">frantic search to figure out wtf to do my with my life, I’ve been coming across the word Legacy pretty frequently. As a 29 year old it’s not a word I’ve felt the need to use just yet, it’s a biggie, it’s heavy and it seems a little final. But as I said, it keeps popping up, so I’ve been trying to look at it a little differently, letting it inform my day a little more than before. I approach decisions of all kinds with the same level of panic, what I’m having for dinner is equally as stressful as what my next career move should be. It’s exhausting and just completely rediculous. So I’m trying to take a step back from it all and consider Legacy. What is it that you’re going to want to remember at the end of all this, what would you want others to remember about you – whatever that answer is, do more of that, and maybe don’t worry so much about the other stuff </span><i style="line-height: normal;">omg easier said than done.</i></span></span></div>
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Now I appreciate Prince as much as the next person but would never consider myself a super-fan, so when he passed away yesterday I was shocked and bummed but WAS NOT ready for the epic response to his death. I was completely unaware of his reach and the extent of his career. <i>Someone said yesterday that what Bruce is to New Jersey, Prince is to Minnesota and I was like OH ok got it! </i>I’m normally not one of those people who is big enough to be all “don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened” if someone is giving me a legit chance to lose my shit and wallow, damnit I take it. But watching the entire world share what Prince, his music, and his legacy, meant to them yesterday… made me happy? Everytime a new person, celebrity, whatever, paid tribute to him I thought holy crap, how awesome is this? This one person touched ALL of these people, from so many walks of life, he made their lives better in some way. I felt proud of him? I think sometimes we forget how much the world really does value uniqueness, creativity and somone who is willing to just be themselves unabashedly. It's so weird to call someone's passing refreshing, but it was for me, I was really moved by the outpouring and the celebration of his life and legacy <i>there it is again. </i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unfortunately I feel like I did own a similar shirt</td></tr>
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Obviously we can’t all be Prince <i>no one wants to see me dressed like this </i>but we can all be a little more aware of what we are leaving behind, be a little truer to ourselves than we were yesterday, kick a little bit of the bullshit to the curb and celebrate a little more of the good shit. And party like it's 1999 because the 90s were the best ever, Prince and I totally agree on that! </div>
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<i>Add waxing philosophical on Prince to the list of things I never thought I'd do...</i></div>
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FRIDAY FAVORITES TIME<br />
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1. Prince Tributes, goes without saying<br />
<a href="http://www.eonline.com/news/758989/jennifer-hudson-cynthia-erivo-and-the-color-purple-cast-bring-the-house-down-by-singing-prince-s-purple-rain" target="_blank">Holy balls get ya tissues ready</a> / <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/video-teacher-reacting-to-prince-dying-viral/" target="_blank">this teacher is everything</a> / <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NT7k_1HGKQU" target="_blank">James Cordon seriously stop making me cry</a> <i>everything is better with an accent</i><br />
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and for good measure: the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9CVAHH5rdg" target="_blank">best cover EVER</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoELyytEQNU" target="_blank">Julia</a>, because Julia…<br />
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2. It's Marathon Season! #MarathonMonday is easily every runner's favorite Holiday and this year was no exception.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.workouttowineglass.net/blogposts/2016/4/18/oiselle-cowbell-corner" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83Vc_hbQ4IUpJqEBx4zvQCpHouxOa4-kwbU0FRaXEBTQBOrVwDXD_HUdiepdgPXdo2Z2-lqMbZe8AhArLH-gKdZNHFZj2fy5xBv4zL8jDkP0pk2vlfmwlZ9W2jt2cIAvl1YxV93YCfUI/s320/Cowbell+Corner.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.workouttowineglass.net/blogposts/2016/4/18/oiselle-cowbell-corner" target="_blank">Photo courtesy of @wotowineglass Photo credit my mom :)</a></td></tr>
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The Boston Marathon is the reason I signed up for my first Marathon, and it is such a source of inspiration for me, and <a href="https://soundcloud.com/rw-audio/full-interview-dave-mcgillivray" target="_blank">this interview </a>with Dave McGillivray is awesome.<br />
I had guaranteed acceptance into this year's Chicago Marathon (I deferred last year to run Marine Corps) but the lottery was pulled this week for the rest of the racers and there are SO many Oiselle girls running! All the talk of meetups, group runs, and being surrounded by teammates has me so excited for my 4th <i>?!</i> go at 26.2<br />
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3. Finally getting to experience the beauty of grabbing some <a href="http://asklaurenfleshman.com/2016/04/picky-bars-in-trader-joes/" target="_blank">Picky Bars in Trader Joes</a>, and they were a special kind of magical let me tell you!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">good for the tummy, bad for the wallet</td></tr>
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4. <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/caseyrackham/disney-channel-original-movie-mega-marathon#.whODVnKKG" target="_blank">CLEAR YOUR DVR </a>the movie marathon to end all movie marathons is upon us!<br />
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5. Summer Kicks! The weather has been pretty bad ass this week and it's got me in the mood for some summer clothes and shoes that are not running sneakers <i>shocking I know </i>currently have my eyes on <a href="http://www.toms.com/women/stucco-suede-perforated-womens-majorca-peep-toe-booties" target="_blank">these booties</a>, finally getting a pair of these <a href="http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/06536/womens-sanuk-yoga-sling-2-prints/" target="_blank">sandals</a> and trying to decide which Adidas to get <i>between <a href="http://www.dsw.com/shoe/adidas+neo+baseline+sneaker+-+womens?prodId=347005" target="_blank">this classic </a>and <a href="http://www.dsw.com/shoe/adidas+neo+cloudfoam+xpression+sneaker+-+womens?prodId=352698" target="_blank">this new pair</a>?</i><br />
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What a random post but welcome to my life!<br />
- Stay Caffeinated my friends<br />
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Runs on Caffeinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394119338118254532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6281148398067658418.post-84577261519104216462016-04-20T06:27:00.001-07:002016-04-20T06:27:47.892-07:00WCW [#1] <div class="MsoNormal">
It is no secret that I have just about the most bad-ass family out there. This week in particular, I’m crushing so hard on my cousin Christine Marks (otherwise known as <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/marksypants" target="_blank">MarksyPants</a>). I’m a whopping 22 days older <i>and a couple feet taller </i>than Chris but girlfriend has always been my idol. Here is one reason why. SHE IS THE WORLD’S MOST AMAZING ARTIST <i>and way too humble about it</i>. Lucky for everyone she recently opened up her own <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/marksypants" target="_blank">Etsy</a> shop and now I have to be unselfish and share her with the world. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I mean just look at the Christmas present she made me this year!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPr31YqlGS8JnQJus7JVmmz2mX7inS2rmzx_kWfp26b_TjcuJQ1gGb8BgRHrkqbWoDFNJb0LhT78uFaYoorXJ9uZEPk6SwQAyT8VELYPsFwXA9hUs0VQmvg59VzrK9gRbVh48qpEH15M/s1600/IMG_4205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPr31YqlGS8JnQJus7JVmmz2mX7inS2rmzx_kWfp26b_TjcuJQ1gGb8BgRHrkqbWoDFNJb0LhT78uFaYoorXJ9uZEPk6SwQAyT8VELYPsFwXA9hUs0VQmvg59VzrK9gRbVh48qpEH15M/s320/IMG_4205.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And then she totally saved my butt this past week too! <o:p></o:p></div>
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My sister is notoriously hard to shop for, she is one of those super non-greedy people whose all “but I don’t need anything” <i>you can tell who got the gimme genes in this family for sure. </i>But I totally had an ace in the hole this year: in March she was going on and on about this Limited Edition St. Patrick’s Day Jameson bottle <i>not just because she loves whiskey </i>because the label was so beautiful! I was totally ready to start scouring the internet to find a bottle for her birthday, but the girl has a whiskey bottle collection to rival Jameson himself, and having it sit on a shelf somewhere just didn’t seem special enough. Enter MarksyPants. I sent Chris a picture of the label to see if there anything she could do with it, and this is what happened…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhclEPxt35Tkhc0PYNhyphenhyphenHcIu-gFysxCNMSd1EdBUEo5ZjSU5QhLGaErSacsfxMbo6lbpp-c01LrTCWNu9fNyrjnLPfHh-7GRcmL1k0h5arTafw1L7LvrkIBbf87ph0kQR62Ic0ZGudTLXk/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhclEPxt35Tkhc0PYNhyphenhyphenHcIu-gFysxCNMSd1EdBUEo5ZjSU5QhLGaErSacsfxMbo6lbpp-c01LrTCWNu9fNyrjnLPfHh-7GRcmL1k0h5arTafw1L7LvrkIBbf87ph0kQR62Ic0ZGudTLXk/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Seriously the pictures don’t do it justice; this thing is a flipping masterpiece <i>even the original artist thinks so!</i> <o:p></o:p></div>
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Christine has always had a knack for design and making things beautiful and I am constantly blown away <i>totally jealous</i> of her work ethic and attention to detail. I am just so so happy <i>and proud as hell </i>that she is getting the recognition she deserves. So basically you need to have MarskyPants make you ALL THE THINGS and then follow her on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/marksypants/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> to get sneak peeks at her custom work because it’s just the cutest ever.<br />
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Runs on Caffeinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394119338118254532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6281148398067658418.post-50035337807841382992016-04-15T14:07:00.001-07:002016-04-15T14:07:26.020-07:00That Feeling When... [#1]You turn around and all of a sudden it's the middle of April, your baby sister turns 27 on Sunday AND you still haven't filed your taxes? Yea that's where I'm at right now!<br />
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Normally I turn into a TOTAL basket case <i>annnd total bitch </i>when things get hectic and I feel like I am not "in control" of every second of every day. I've felt that fight or flight mode pop a couple of times during the past week, noticed myself jumping on the defensive a little more, and <i>my all time go to</i> being anal AF about what food I'm eating lately. BUT you know what, the fact that I can see that all these "faults" as for what they are (a reaction to stress and an attempt to assert some control over my day) makes me feel as though I have grown up a bit. Doesn't mean I wouldn't love for those things to not be kneejerk reaction to stressful situations, I can just accept the fact that I'm a little on edge at the moment. Doesn't make me a bad person, doesn't make me a failure, just makes me ME right? Well, I'll tell myself that for now anyway.</div>
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In addition to my new found self-awareness and acceptance <i>taking bets on how long that will last... </i>a huge help in the stress area has been running. TYBJ. Since the first big injury in September, running had turned into the source of my stress and it. was. awful. I am in so in love with running right now and it makes me so. freaking. happy. I think we all have that thing in our lives where no matter what other shit is going down, whatever else gets fucked up, as long as you have that thing to turn to - you know everything is going to be ok. For me <i>right now </i>that thing is running. I've even been doing my training runs after work and mid-day on the weekends, which is a huge departure from my usual schedule. A couple of hours in the sun with a good podcast on <i>looking at you Running On Om </i>and I'm usually as good as new. </div>
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Anyways, that's pretty much where I'm at right now. Wading through the crap, jonesing for my next run, and next meal <i>obvi</i>.</div>
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<u>Now it's time for Friday Faves!</u> </div>
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As part of the #fullhalfchallenge I finally subscribed to Oiselle fav <a href="https://video.jasyoga.com/" target="_blank">Jasyoga</a>. My original goal was to do 13 minutes a week, but I've been averaging at least 13 minutes a day. I am digging it! Peak mileage weeks are usually when my injuries flare up, so I'm trying to be extra good to my body this time around. So far, so good <i>everyone go knock on all the wood. </i>I LOVE that I can search the videos by length, category (pre-workout, cross-training, post-workout, recovery, even some meditation) and body part. If my back is bothering me <i>my back is always bothering me</i>, I literally just search "back" and get a list of all of the videos incorporating back exercises. It's really the little things in life that excite me. So yea, 2 thumbs up for Jasyoga, and if you're a person who finds it hard to make time for yoga and recovery I HIGHLY recommend it. Hips don't lie. </div>
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When my #girlcrush <a href="http://www.hungryrunnergirl.com/2016/03/tuesday-tangents-8.html" target="_blank">Hungry Runner Girl said she used an Instyler</a> to get her beautiful head of waves, I was instantly intrigued and skeptical that a rotating iron would ever work on my rats nest. But hey it was on Groupon so I got one anyway. I actually showered this week so I was able to try it out and I was pleasantly surprised! I got the wet to dry option, but still had to dry my hair 99.9% of the way. The Instyler was definitely faster than using a straightener and left my hair with a little more volum and polish. Not at HRG status yet, but a vast improvement! </div>
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Life after House of Cards. Yes it exists. Spring Baking Championship is back on Food Network, and while I haven't been able to catch this season's episodes yet, I have been watching the last season online. Seriously the only way I can make myself do my Strength Training is while watching the Baking Championships... I don't get it either. My other fave EMPIRE is back on and right now it's the only show I am watching live. And I mean hello <a href="http://www.fox.com/watch/661307971926/7684647168" target="_blank">theme song</a>!<br />
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Happy Weekend and Happy Caffeine-ating!</div>
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Runs on Caffeinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394119338118254532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6281148398067658418.post-75194637499652140942016-01-01T21:00:00.003-08:002016-01-01T21:00:30.623-08:00New Year - Same MeWell we made it through the first day of 2016 - go us!<br />
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What is it about a New Year that is both so inspiring and completely panic inducing? I haven't been that great about setting "New Years Resolutions" the past couple of years. My goals are usually either too vague or too specific <i>if you have not yet gathered this, there is not much grey-area in my life </i>so<i> </i>I end up not knowing how to go about pursuing my vague goals or I miss one day of drinking warm water with lemon and cayenne in the morning and all is shot to hell.<br />
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Some people like to focus on shedding the baggage of the previous year, getting rid of what did not serve them, which I am all for. 2015 was a bitch. Not totally bad, not totally good, just bitchy. A lot of what went down is not my story to tell - there were career changes to varying degrees of success; movings out, movings in, movings back out; truly amazing people were lost; injuries came and went and came back again; harsh realties were faced. That's not to say 2015 didn't have it's great times, it most certainly did. But for me, it was what I like to call a "learning year."<br />
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So where exactly does that leave on 1/1/2016?<br />
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Well, I spent the last night of 2015 having a wonderful dinner with the two greatest parents a person could ever ask for. Then I went off to ring in the New Year with my sister, Guinness in one hand Champagne in the other. <i>Yes I showered, put on makeup and real clothes, I also managed to get home at a reasonable hour AND take off said makeup before bed - if that's not adulting please tell me what is. </i><br />
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What are you doing New Years Day?<br />
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A whole lot of nothing honestly. My ankle and ITB are still pretty angry at me, and while the last thing I wanted to do was to start a new year injured, I can now honestly say that missing one week of training is not worth doing any more permanent harm to my body. So it was Pure Barre ftw this morning, maybe 2016 will be the year I get abs and an ass? <i>a girl can dream </i>I cancelled my Weight Watchers account, which is big for me. I joined forever ago to lose the pounds I gained post-college and pre-running. It originally held me accountable for poor diet and exercise choices, but eventually turned into a restrictive obsession that was at odds with a heavy training load. <i>See, major learning going on here</i> I got my first day of free coffee with my new <a href="http://store.starbucks.com/starbucks-coffee-and-tea-refill-tumbler-16-fl-oz-011051568.html" target="_blank">Starbucks Tumbler </a> <i>I love Chistmas presents. </i>I made freaking Broiled Lamb Chops from my Runner's World <a href="http://www.rodalestore.com/rw-meals-on-the-run/B001301.html" target="_blank">Meals on the Run Cookbook</a> <i>Seriously, I love Christmas presents. </i>And now I'm here taking to you fine people, getting ready for bed and focusing on all of the great things I already have to look forward to in 2016.<br />
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Tomorrow morning I am going to get up and try to have the best day I can, I think maybe that will be my 2016 Resolution.<br />
<i>Sorry Yoda. </i><br />
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<br />Runs on Caffeinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394119338118254532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6281148398067658418.post-36393941976311139212015-12-29T17:45:00.000-08:002015-12-30T05:57:12.413-08:00Tuesday Troubles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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1. Winter is here<br />
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<i>and by Winter I mean it's 46 and sleeted for a hot sec</i><br />
2. Ankle, still bruised and sore </div>
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<i>8 miles on the schedule today that are probably not going to happen </i></div>
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3. TUESDAYS </div>
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<i>what I can say, we just do not get along</i></div>
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But I'm pretty tired of being a Debbie Downer SO </div>
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Things could be A LOT worse, so here's a few things I should be/am thankful for this Tuesday</div>
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<li>Commuting from my parents house means I don't have to walk 3 miles to and from the PATH on a bum ankle</li>
<li>If I can't run at least it's on a SUPER gross day </li>
<li>I have a STACK of Disney DVD's from Christmas to distract me and make me smile</li>
<li>Instead of throwing a tantrum, WebMDing myself into a meltdown or just running anyway "because it doesn't hurt THAT bad" - I went to the doctor for some professional advice and found out Doc has some SERIOUS taping skills<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I feel like the Terminator just kicking back in my couch fort</td></tr>
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<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/_5HWupugoj/?taken-by=andreaduke1" target="_blank">A little perspective from Andrea Duke</a></li>
<li>Today is my Friday - no more work for 2015! </li>
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Not gonna lie I'm still really upset about my ankle and it's pretty much constantly in the back of my mind. But it happened, it's happened before, and let's be honest it will happen again. If I'm going to be a runner at some point I will have to accept that this shit comes with the territory, why not start now?<br />
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<u><b>Your Turn!</b></u><br />
<b>Are you a Debbie Downer or a Pollyanna?</b><br />
<i>If you're a Pollyanna will you teach me your skills?</i><br />
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How you do deal with running injuries and setbacks?</b><br />
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<b>Can anyone beat Doc in the kinesio tape department?</b></div>
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Runs on Caffeinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394119338118254532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6281148398067658418.post-90951747626108591022015-12-28T09:30:00.000-08:002015-12-28T10:08:30.160-08:00Why I can't have nice things<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alternate title: Pity Party table of 1 </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alternate alternate title: When your Mom asks you if you would consider wearing a head lamp</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seriously you would think going in to work for TWO FREAKING DAYS would not be so hard, like suck it up Sally...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since I am only going to the city twice this week I figured it would be easier to take the train in from my parent's house instead of lugging all my shit back and forth to Hoboken, totally solid idea, until I remembered how much I hate commuting from my parents house. </span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">which hit home at around 10pm last night - or like 3/4 of the through Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 if you tell time by ABC Family Marathons which I absolutely do. </span></i><br />
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<a href="http://giphy.com/gifs/harry-potter-no-unimpressed-FYenMRUx3LGy4">via GIPHY</a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was one bright spot to my Sunday Bumday mopeyness, while I was loathe to wake up at the ACOD <i>that's Ass Crack of Dawn for all you nice adults who don't swear</i> to get my run in, I would get to do sporting my beautiful new <a href="http://bit.ly/1OUflsg" target="_blank">Garmin Forerunner 225</a> <i>my parents put Santa Clause TO SHAME this year, just, I can't</i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sure enough 5am rolls around, it is pitch-freaking black out and I am just looking for any reason to stay in bed. Whatevs. I suit up and gently put on my new 225 convinced I am going to somehow break it<i> ?</i> Me and the new watch are cruising along the dark. as. night. streets of my hometown and I make the idiotic decision to run through the park. Where there are literally no lights. And no sidewalk. I'm already pretty grumpy and trying to talk myself out of a bad mood when foot meets pothole and my ankle goes down hard. <i>Hey at least we know the pause button on the Forerunner 225 works?</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Luckily I had just hit my turn around point and only had to head back home. The way back was not exactly painful, but somewhat uncomfortable, and mentally stressful as I started rewinding back to how hard it was dealing with my last injury and what how badly I would lose my shit if I had to stop running again. I would like to think that I will take all of the lessons I learned from this year's injury and use them to make calm, rational decisions regarding my ankle and future injuries, but very little about me is calm or rational - so we'll see how that goes. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As for now I am slathered in <a href="http://bit.ly/1PsDatX" target="_blank">Pain Relief Foot Cream</a>, stuffed into Compression socks, sending my ankle healing thoughts and checking out my less than stellar <a href="http://bit.ly/1TmMDUK" target="_blank">stats</a> from this morning's run. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbfCIGJruPkOvlvgtyjS-5DIQlpehzpYUhwZARLeLsDcNrbGVPZ3WSG5IaBUwVNez8d4Uac1sRnyFmkOJgZIoiRs_fkykb7OZNzX7k8YnVTPfA0azoqRlH7w3bNDgKYTrRHNKqyglDNqg/s1600/IMG_4484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbfCIGJruPkOvlvgtyjS-5DIQlpehzpYUhwZARLeLsDcNrbGVPZ3WSG5IaBUwVNez8d4Uac1sRnyFmkOJgZIoiRs_fkykb7OZNzX7k8YnVTPfA0azoqRlH7w3bNDgKYTrRHNKqyglDNqg/s320/IMG_4484.JPG" title="Garmin Connect Stats" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now I can see when I fell in 3 different very pretty ways! </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2016 New Years Resolution = NO. MORE. INJURIES </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Now more about my awesome Christmas present:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have only ever run with Garmin Forerunners and I have loved them all, to the point where I'm sad to say good bye to my old ones even when my new watch is prettier and all technical and crap.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My first watch was the <a href="http://bit.ly/1TmMMre" target="_blank">Garmin Forerunner 10</a> <i>in pink of course</i> and I got Pops his own <i>not pink</i> when he started running. The 110 was great when I was a newbie runner, but I did run into issues getting a GPS signal. Some days it would take a while to sync, and if I tried to run in NYC fugghetaboutit, I never got anything. About two years ago I upgraded to the <a href="http://bit.ly/1Oh3Kr1" target="_blank">Forerunner 220 </a>and it was my everything, I named it Bob, we were besties. It's been with me ever since, without one single problem <i>well there were many problems but they all fall in the category of user error</i>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had my eye on the Forerunner 225 since it was announced in May, but never worked up the nerve to get it mostly because I was seriously that attached to my 220. I really try to keep myself away from the crazy bell and whistle running gadgets because all the hype drives me bonkers. Honestly as long as I can get my times, mileage, and plug in some interval training, I'm a happy camper. But, in an effort to be more aware of my health, and other such normal adult things, I was jonesing for a heart rate monitor and knew there was NCIH i would wear a heart rate strap <i>hello, chafing, no thank you. </i>Multiple doctors this year asked me if I monitored my heart rate, especially during my runs, and I started to think there may be some value to what they were saying. So the Forerunner 225 made it's way to the top of my Christmas List this year, and as previously mentioned my parents are completely insane, because it was waiting for me underneath our tree this year!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5w1bpHCjkXCmkDpDBCLN2iwo8iwv6EgZfBd5856prZpoWUKbowEgS-9KrhJtyIm81SFV3mZ1tFwxKcbXMleWuUeKOga3FPNX2RUL2q35xGa15TypvRY9CVvukWVglbCl7vgY-F5_yCM/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5w1bpHCjkXCmkDpDBCLN2iwo8iwv6EgZfBd5856prZpoWUKbowEgS-9KrhJtyIm81SFV3mZ1tFwxKcbXMleWuUeKOga3FPNX2RUL2q35xGa15TypvRY9CVvukWVglbCl7vgY-F5_yCM/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" title="Garmin Forerunner 225 Day 1" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MOVE bitch</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am the opposite of technically savvy but I really do want to pay more attention to what I put my body through during training so stay tuned for more adventures as I try and figure out how to use my new toy! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Now I know half of you are at home and the other half are at work doing nothing so let's #runchat!</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What should we name the Forerunner 225?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What is your must have running accessory?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Is Monday being a bitch to you too? </b></span><br />
<br />Runs on Caffeinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394119338118254532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6281148398067658418.post-76600512071430816112015-11-10T06:10:00.000-08:002015-11-11T06:11:39.238-08:00Found Dory!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I mean you're probably already aware, but if not.... Just. Keep. Swimming.<br />
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That's all.<br />
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-Stay caffeinated my friendsRuns on Caffeinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394119338118254532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6281148398067658418.post-42019988740744742742015-11-09T17:36:00.000-08:002015-11-11T17:36:58.127-08:00Girl Power, Sisters before Misters<br />
Last week was a very odd combination of lots of good things and lots of really annoying things that just would not go away, I felt like I was trying to play Whack-a-Mole at times. By the time Friday came around I was just over the unnecessary worrying and tired of trying to control things that were in fact outside of my control. Which is when I came home to this.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qqAzTXPgPTSNwyB3CmCLTqIZ_2N1nkWYSTNgiFfn99f0CV2NkrLQOjTrOKaKx5ZWd_uge31E12cljaq1dOAknP3vAGkdzUdWUTeVYadHKiZJE2ooVZvZQ0pqtFEkvLJlWUmsXIdD7-A/s1600/IMG_1361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qqAzTXPgPTSNwyB3CmCLTqIZ_2N1nkWYSTNgiFfn99f0CV2NkrLQOjTrOKaKx5ZWd_uge31E12cljaq1dOAknP3vAGkdzUdWUTeVYadHKiZJE2ooVZvZQ0pqtFEkvLJlWUmsXIdD7-A/s200/IMG_1361.jpg" title="Fleshman Flyers" width="158" /></a></div>
Now, I worship at the church of Lauren Fleshman. Period. Not only is she an amazing athlete, creator of one of my favorite snacks (holla at ya Picky Bar), Oiselle elite, and an all around bad-ass. I swear she is also psychic. Whatever stupid crap happens to be going on in my life, running related or otherwise, Lauren Fleshman will appear in some form with the most insanely ridiculously appropriate advice and I'm just like YES.<br />
For example:<br />
When I basically broke the left side of my body and was having a complete meltdown about being injured, she posted this story about her Achilles - <a href="http://asklaurenfleshman.com/2015/09/an-unexpected-victory/" target="_blank">Ask Lauren Fleshman</a><br />
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When I was terrified of attempting to run the Marine Corps Marathon after said injury, this popped up as Runner's World QOTD<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtuiTdNdh0h4qt-futiZEXlIt05fWBFGggshaXtsAK3f1DuwzNQk0G3xPlbHzioqq6fHWfVy663KFKB7WFR-Ngt4Z0r2aeKt7LQ1M9TRzkwG6oh68MJA_9HeH_j2hGlLA8NmECqMkyVyQ/s1600/10671502_10153279415612635_6670176786804910002_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtuiTdNdh0h4qt-futiZEXlIt05fWBFGggshaXtsAK3f1DuwzNQk0G3xPlbHzioqq6fHWfVy663KFKB7WFR-Ngt4Z0r2aeKt7LQ1M9TRzkwG6oh68MJA_9HeH_j2hGlLA8NmECqMkyVyQ/s200/10671502_10153279415612635_6670176786804910002_n.png" title="Runner's World QOTD" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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I'm down to my last Picky Bar and have a Oiselle Wishlist out the Oisoo (hahahahah) she's like here, let me give you a discount on all your favorite things.<br />
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<img border="0" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6qdFm0cgDGP9CEWpNrC_P7X9PfhSHkDlEByoFZSQ49fC9z2aooHEWzpwIyXfsyjWO2UMdfOkJYCWsFapLCcktuULylXjx8AoWFl6gh-OwbSProksdeAXJUqBKW0HCSAvpPqjc6atsL8/s320/join-flyers.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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...and I have just come to the realization that LF is actually my Fairy Godmother...so add that to her list of accomplishments.<br />
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The girl crushing continued on Saturday when I got to spend some much needed quality time with my Mom and Sister getting ready for my Cousin's "Engagement Party." Aka it wasn't a real engagement party, we just all happened to be getting together and will use any excuse necessary to buy large quantities of Champagne and make multiple trips to Michael's. The McCrystal girls far outnumber the men in both quantity and volume, so it was obviously all about us Saturday night.<br />
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<a href="https://instagram.com/p/932b69jP0D/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A video posted by Kaitlyn McCrystal (@ktmccrystal)</a> on <time datetime="2015-11-09T17:35:58+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Nov 9, 2015 at 9:35am PST</time></div>
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And the Happy Couple, of course.</div>
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We're going to politely gloss over the majority of Sunday morning, as said Champagne and cookies took quite the toll on my poor sad body. But sometimes you really just need an excuse to load up the DVR with Quantico and crush on Priyanka Chopra and that chick from UnREAL who was also on Greek and you just kind of hate to love. I could have quite literally spent all day moping on the couch. But this chick decided to win the Big Sur Half Marathon, and I was like ok Kara would want me to get up and be productive.<br />
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Been a long time since I broke the tape! Thank you for all the support today! 71:13. Onward and upward!! ❤️❤️ <a href="https://t.co/bEzTvBr2C2">pic.twitter.com/bEzTvBr2C2</a>— Kara Goucher (@karagoucher) </blockquote>
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script> So in her honor, I pulled on my <a href="http://www.oiselle.com/shop/new-arrivals/new-arrivals-spotlight/kg-tights" target="_blank">KG Tights</a>, <a href="http://www.oiselle.com/shop/running-tops/sweatshirts-and-hoodies/trials-hoodie" target="_blank">Oiselle trials hoodie</a>, and managed to do semi-productive (normal people things) like laundry, errands and a quick 3-mile recovery run + conditioning. This is why you should always ask yourself WWKGD because chances are it's a lot better than whatever you're currently doing. [unless you are watching Quantico, because it's just a really good show and I'm sure Kara would agree].<br />
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Life is a whole lot better when you're surrounded (physically and digitally?) by people who inspire you. I was reminded this weekend that I am a lucky did, let's see how long the warm and fuzzies last when faced with weekdays!<br />
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-Stay caffeinated my friendsRuns on Caffeinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394119338118254532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6281148398067658418.post-34587900265802418052015-11-06T12:02:00.000-08:002015-11-10T12:03:28.246-08:00Friday Faves<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For someone who is extremely anal about when/where Holidays can be celebrated I feel like the majority of the things that I’m loving this week are Holiday related. Perhaps I am getting lax in my old age. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-96d5798f-f2d1-4e15-1f56-dfe6d12172ea" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b> </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>My Favorite Things, from Oprah’s Favorite Things</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Believe it or not, I was not really aware of Oprah’s Favorite Things Episode until I got to college. A suitemate had it on her room when I walked by her room and needless to say I never made it to my class that day. Pretty much the entire suite ended up piled onto the two twin beds, hysterically crying, because </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Oprah</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="330" src="//giphy.com/embed/h2Hxx8vuFVb0c" width="480"></iframe></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://giphy.com/gifs/reaction-selfie-oprah-h2Hxx8vuFVb0c">via GIPHY</a></span><br />
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<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ever since I’ve been addicted to Oprah’s Annual Christmas list because, the chick has pretty awesome taste, and it always reminds me of happy college days. While I sure as hell can't afford the majority of the things on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/oprahsfavoritethings?ref=spkl_1_1_2269454382&qid=1447185003&pf_rd_p=2269454382&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_t=301&pf_rd_s=desktop-signpost&pf_rd_r=1540QQDECRTDG72TD6MN&pf_rd_i=oprahs+favorite+things" target="_blank">Ms. Winfrey's Wish List</a>, there were a few things that stood out and might just make their way on to mine! </span><br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://typhoon%20vision%20stainless%20steel%20digital%20food%20kitchen%20scale%2C%20red/" style="line-height: 1.3;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Typhoon Vision Stainless Steel Digital Food Kitchen Scale</span></a></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 1.3;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01699NP3Y?ref=oft15_B01699NP3Y_AL_37" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Arlington Milne Women's Large Wallet</span></a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016IX1736?ref=oft15_B016IX1736_AL_53" target="_blank">Modern Sprout Kitchen Herb Kit</a></span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016VTBAPC?ref=oft15_B016VTBAPC_AL_70" target="_blank">Peace Love World Women's I Love Sundays Comfy Cozy Sweatshirt</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016IXPW32?ref=oft15_B016IXPW32_AL_75" target="_blank">Butter London The Ultimate Lacquer Wardrobe</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016QTN99C?ref=oft15_B016QTN99C_AL_62" target="_blank">Carousel Cakes Elvis Cake</a><i> but please don't get it for me cause I will stick my face in it </i></li>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>The IKEA Commercial that gives you ALL THE FEELS!</u></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 20.24px;">A </span>rando<span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 20.24px;"> posted this on Facebook, and I was legitimately bawling my eyes out at work, no shame. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">[Deep thought of the day: Holy reminder that I tend to try and fill a lot of “holes” with “stuff.” I really do have everything that I need and all the extra is just gravy. Yum.] </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b> </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>JT at the CMA's yaaaaassss</u></b></span><br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/2KkoYOexplQ/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2KkoYOexplQ?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">I do not like Country</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I used to hate JT</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">but damn</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b> </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.fathomevents.com/event/home-alone-25th-anniversary" target="_blank"><b>The 25th Anniversary of Home Alone</b></a></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have a very strict “No Christmas before Thanksgiving Rule.” But even I will concede for a special occasion. Home Alone is one of the most treasured movies in our Christmas collection and a family favorite around the Holidays. No way in hell I was missing out on seeing in theaters for the first time (it came out when I was 4). </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img src="http://www.liverunsparkle.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/tumblr_mxkouoCOoy1rr883co1_500.gif" /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hope everyone out there in blogland is enjoying Friday and their own favorites!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">- Stay caffeinated my friends</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>and keep the change ya filthy animal</i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Talk amongst yourselves:</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20.24px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oprah’s Favorite Things - yay or nay?</span></b></span></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two thumbs up from this girl!</span></i><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fan of Country music (try going to college in North Carolina before you answer that particular question)</span></b></span></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Um, no. </span></i><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What’s your policy on the start of the Christmas season? Chose your answer wisely because I may hunt you down…</span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>The Christmas Season officially begins at 12pmET Thanksgiving Day when Santa Claus makes his first appearance at The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Favorite Home Alone line? Character? </span></span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Character: Uncle Frank, obviously. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Line: You supposedly can't pick a favorite child, I imagine this is a similar situation</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">.</span></i></span>Runs on Caffeinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394119338118254532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6281148398067658418.post-82857249622383126992015-11-03T17:16:00.002-08:002015-11-03T17:16:48.787-08:00Don't Call it a ComebackWhy is it that regardless of the training plan, coach, whatever I'm using - Tuesdays always equal speed work? Let's just also say that Tuesdays and I don't really get along in general. Monday I can handle because you're all "it's a new week, anything is possible, I'm going to change the world!" then you wake up Tuesday morning and it's all nope, still the same, of and you still have four more days until the weekend! But I digress...<br />
<br />
Today was my first real day back to "training" which means my life once again has some semblance of order, at least before 9am. I'm using Jason Fitzgerald's Injury Prevention for Runners plan, and am looking forward to cutting back my mileage a bit and putting more focus on improving my running from the bottom up. Let's just call it getting back to basics.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXS5nq8rODEPBtxoWA2D9ZsO78Ee9OQOzR64YPDpktkNtti-S8aA0I-_LCDtnTYp1DlY9rNWTKUPbdaqz53fMQ-wG-fBYv9kNKusATkcjGMBae4LaMarrP62VhLVtd4SOMaFj5AVmZ3NM/s1600/IMG_4323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXS5nq8rODEPBtxoWA2D9ZsO78Ee9OQOzR64YPDpktkNtti-S8aA0I-_LCDtnTYp1DlY9rNWTKUPbdaqz53fMQ-wG-fBYv9kNKusATkcjGMBae4LaMarrP62VhLVtd4SOMaFj5AVmZ3NM/s320/IMG_4323.JPG" title="Back to the track" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who's not amused it's Tuesday!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Today's workout called for a quick warmup, 6 miles with 8x1' Fartleks at 10k pace, followed by some core work.<br />
Here's how that goes:<br />
<i>(day before)</i><br />
Psht, 6 miles that's not too bad<br />
<i>(night before - cut to me trying to do the math on how long the Fartleks and corresponding jogging rest will take)</i><br />
hmmmm this is adding up, I'm going to go to bed at 9:30pm and get up at 4:30am and conquer life!<br />
<i>(9:30pm the night before)</i><br />
crap<br />
<i>(4:30am)</i><br />
zzzzzzzzzzz<br />
<i>(4:50am)</i><br />
alright alright I'm up<br />
<i>(5:30 am)</i><br />
Finally out the door - OMG this is perfect running weather, I feel great, this is awesome, best day ever!<br />
<i>(runs the 3 miles to get to the track)</i><br />
Alright let's freaking do this<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheuMHcGUCK5472kXQt_gJgAxAegbVmU9JkbmTnZqvP0hZbtzrYV-3FCAsmCGL7vHFWisOR4l07OBX6L5Hu12ILhMF0LE-cIlWIfTYmilG9d-xFHSjos1QH9mcl2K99L8BCBTUxGO_lp1s/s1600/IMG_4322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheuMHcGUCK5472kXQt_gJgAxAegbVmU9JkbmTnZqvP0hZbtzrYV-3FCAsmCGL7vHFWisOR4l07OBX6L5Hu12ILhMF0LE-cIlWIfTYmilG9d-xFHSjos1QH9mcl2K99L8BCBTUxGO_lp1s/s320/IMG_4322.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you're must do Fartleks, do them with a killer view!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<i>(Round 1)</i><br />
I'm so fast<br />
<i>(Round 2)</i><br />
starts sweating<br />
<i>(Round 3)</i><br />
how many of these are there<br />
<i>(Round 4)</i><br />
HALFWAY<br />
<i>(Round 5)</i><br />
speed work is the devil<br />
<i>(Round 6)</i><br />
you are so going to be late for work<br />
<i>(Round 7)</i><br />
Tuesdays suck<br />
<i>(Round 8)</i><br />
Boom...done...<br />
now go run 3 miles home<br />
<br />
<br />
Not only did I go home and do my core work (all like 10 minutes of it) I freaking showered, ate breakfast, put on makeup, and generally acted like a normal human being - which is impressive for me.<br />
<br />
I then spent the rest of the day feeling entitled to a nap/being cranky, because hello I did speed work this morning, so no I do not feel like being productive, thank you.<br />
<br />
Takeaway: Training again, complaining about training again, life is back to normal.<br />
<br />
-stay caffeinated my friendsRuns on Caffeinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394119338118254532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6281148398067658418.post-55928665724225664542015-11-02T09:39:00.001-08:002015-11-02T10:59:45.855-08:00Let's Hear it for New YorkMarathon Monday just isn't as fun when you didn't <i>actually</i> run a Marathon and have to go to work.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekeUna4jsQBBIcmW2bFHAaJ3QFcKljDyjqawx7QtIs6F87jtvJPr6q2MkgG2JDKdJFNJzWNelgoPUpN3EQfhrqAG2oKqICEfmqh0bTYKtfpMMKTX3BQ-QDd21N7uu7bNwKmgtxeKtc2c/s1600/IMG_3986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekeUna4jsQBBIcmW2bFHAaJ3QFcKljDyjqawx7QtIs6F87jtvJPr6q2MkgG2JDKdJFNJzWNelgoPUpN3EQfhrqAG2oKqICEfmqh0bTYKtfpMMKTX3BQ-QDd21N7uu7bNwKmgtxeKtc2c/s200/IMG_3986.JPG" title="2015 New York Marathon Mug " width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running + Coffee = lifelong happiness</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That being said, I took in as much of the NYC Marathon action that I could and am as equally tired today as I was post-Marine Corps last weekend. That's actually pretty sad. Anyways, I hit up the Expo at the Javits Center during lunch last week and was insanely jealous of all the crazy awesome 2015 gear (there was SO SO much), 2014 I am disappointed in you. I had some serious separation anxiety from this coffee mug and was really proud of myself for only trying one free sample. Who is this person, and where did the restraint come from?<br />
<br />
Saturday morning, I actually dragged my non-Marathon running butt into Manhattan for a run with the Oiselle girls. They were shaking out their legs and race day jitters, I was shaking off the cobwebs from a week of "recovery" (my attempts at recovery are extremely feeble) and was just hoping that my feet would stay connected to my body. Mission accomplished. Central Park TURNED IT OUT and the weather was on its best behavior for the pre-race festivities.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0YMl34DT7ybU5ql2h5HEmeZOnjALq9-PD9zsZpXk_fHCf4h7x6cZpPEXnU2rk26tqnnzVqoPJWK8SoLmYbkf2Gbx493j3ZDH6tbhUiboiJwWVTZygGmSlvH_2Jet7nENIcYnwYlgaOs/s1600/IMG_3991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0YMl34DT7ybU5ql2h5HEmeZOnjALq9-PD9zsZpXk_fHCf4h7x6cZpPEXnU2rk26tqnnzVqoPJWK8SoLmYbkf2Gbx493j3ZDH6tbhUiboiJwWVTZygGmSlvH_2Jet7nENIcYnwYlgaOs/s320/IMG_3991.JPG" title="Oiselle Shake Out Run NYC" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When a shakeout run turns into a Oiselle Fall15 Fashion show!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I very rarely do group runs, so this was a really nice treat. It was so great to meet the girls who were running the race before hand so I knew who to look out for on Sunday. Of course, the park was practically electric with pre-marathon energy and while I was very glad NOT to be running, I was more than happy to join in all the excitement I feel like I missed out on last year since I was so flipping nervous about race day. Being a total nerd, I wore my 2014 Marathon shirt and therefore, spent half the day saying "thank you" to the nice people wishing me good luck. [I got tired of explaining that, no I wasn't running this year, but ran last year, and ran Marine Corps last weekend - because I desperately needed to validate my lack of participation to complete strangers - I ran last weekend I swear!] I made myself feel better by saying that I was dressed up as a 2015 Marathon runner for Halloween....<br />
<br />
Halloween night was spent in a Sushi/Red Wine coma while I attempted to make signs for the Marathon, while really just trolling through Facebook looking at pictures of everyone's hilarious costumes and the most adorable children trick or treating - seriously good job this year guys, I was thoroughly entertained.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
[Sidebar: do not make Running on Veggie's <a href="http://www.runonveg.com/recipes/homemade-kind-bars-syrup-free/" target="_blank">Homemade KIND Bars</a> while drinking, you will eat half the tray and you will feel extremely ill the next day. You should totally make them sober though because they are AMAZING]</div>
<br />
HAPPY MARATHON DAY - I was up bright and early finishing my signs and finally watching Quantico [how much do I want Priyanka Chopra's hair] and then it was off to get my spectator on, in head to toe matchy matchy 2014 Marathon gear [toolbag]. The Oiselle cowbell corner was stationed at 100th and 1st right around Mile 18.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CSxBdsEWoAAvKQK.jpg:large" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CSxBdsEWoAAvKQK.jpg:large" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oiselle Cowbell Corner courtesy of <a class="ProfileHeaderCard-screennameLink u-linkComplex js-nav" href="https://twitter.com/ModelAyshaMirza" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none !important;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: xx-small;">@<span class="u-linkComplex-target">ModelAyshaMirza</span></span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Not only did I get to hang with my fellow Volee ladies but, my cousin, fellow 2014 Marathoner, and love of my life was there to help cheer everyone on.<br />
Yes, she was Chewbacca for Halloween.<br />
And yes, I think I've convinced her to run Chicago with me in 2016.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1xs_f1iK-n6dLOMkATZ5NstkWxRKdNS78_cTq3I9GZvyVBEYfHyFbwx49muIGiCySAadXNxuDb8smeeTWgP30IM3bOWw_LWd1B9VMzxfsdWknXMYwWk7DJwkScyiiJAK-A4xKmiXIaU/s1600/IMG_3998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1xs_f1iK-n6dLOMkATZ5NstkWxRKdNS78_cTq3I9GZvyVBEYfHyFbwx49muIGiCySAadXNxuDb8smeeTWgP30IM3bOWw_LWd1B9VMzxfsdWknXMYwWk7DJwkScyiiJAK-A4xKmiXIaU/s320/IMG_3998.JPG" title="Katie and Lynne at NYM" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">McCrystals <3 NYC</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We were able to see the Elite Women and Men bust through (looking like they were out for a stroll in the gd park) the majority of the Oiselle runners and stayed long enough to watch the masses pour up 1st Ave like a multicolored stampede. Let me just say, I have always declared my undying love for spectators because every single person makes a difference to me when I'm running. But after yesterday I have new found respect for them. My nose was running, my throat was sore, I have bloody knuckles from cowbelling and by the time I made it back to my parents house I was thoroughly spent, so EXTRA kudos to you race day spectators, that shit is no joke.<br />
<br />
I've just been up to my ears in Marathon highs these past two weeks and am so damn happy and proud to be a runner. This year has been nasty in terms of the goals I was hoping to reach, and the whole having to take a month off of training/still not being 100%) but I am in such a better place mentally, that I'll take it and roll with it. While I still have my fair share of NYMarathon ptsd, it really never fails to inspire, and maybe one day I'll be back to run it in style. Until then I have to figure out which organs of mine can be sold on the black market so I can buy ALL the Oiselle and register for ALL of the races.<br />
<br />
-Stay caffeinated my friends<br />
<br />
PS<br />
I leave you with this moving tribute to my 2014 New York City Marathon...<br />
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<br />Runs on Caffeinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13394119338118254532noreply@blogger.com0