Monday I met up with Mary Kate and we ran 6 miles. It was a good run, I was happy with the pace and I also got Coffee Bean Coffee, which is my favorite, after the run.

The best part about running in Long Beach is the bike path! It’s great to run along and is also great training for the Long Beach Marathon.

Tuesday I went to the gym. All last week B was in Oklahoma helping with a group called Firefighters for Christ. They were there to help with the Tornado relief. As much as I missed him, hearing the stories of kindness that the people showed him was amazing, and I’m really glad he got the opportunity to go. It was kind of sad because when he came home I counted up the days in May and June that he’d been gone and I only had seen him 17 of the last 45 days. :(

Wednesday we did sprint work for 5 miles. We warmed up for .5 of a mile and then switched off from running ‘hard’ for .5 of a mile to a recovery run for .5 of a mile, following our hard run. It actually was much easier with someone else AND our ‘hard’ speed was about a 7:30 mile. We are going to continue to do this once a week during this training session.

Friday we wanted to do a longer run so we would have back to back long runs for the week. We ran 8.32 miles before work! I was pretty proud of myself and that is a before work mileage new record for me! It’s still very hard for me to get up in the morning, but I’m always so thankful I do get up!

Finally, Saturday we had our 10 miler, which wasn’t too bad, I actually felt better on it than the previous week. We talked about our upcoming training plans and how we were going to increase our mileage. The saddest part though was when I found out at mile 8.5 that one of my favorite water fountains was taken out!

We did run just a few seconds faster for our overall pace for this run compared to last week too. I have been stretching and foam rolling much more than usual and my legs are feeling good thus far! I could tell that I had more miles on them on Monday though, it was a rough one yesterday. I really was dehydrated and I struggled throughout the six miler that we did.

I am so happy with the way that the week went though. I haven’t had a consistent week of training like this in months and knowing that I’m back on the right path is invigorating, even if I have to wake up at 4:30 am! I’m so thankful for a great training partner and morning sunrises!

On Sunday we went to church where I heard one of the best sermons I’ve ever heard and we had everyone over for a BBQ for Father’s Day. It was a nice day and George and Sophie even got B some presents :)

xoxo

Yes – I have the new Mariah Carey Song AND Selena Gomez on this month’s faves… I’ve lost my mind. Personal on repeat favorites? Daft Punk, Bruno Mars, Capital Cities, Alt-J, The Royal Concept and as much as I hate to admit it because it’s so cliche, that dang Icona Pop song. All these songs are the #1 on my running list right now and they have good running beats. So upload them, or just listen to them at work to pump you up!

Anything to add to the list? xoxo

I was so blessed to be a part of the Team Sparkle Ragnar Ultra Team so I started training for that in March and had 42.5 miles for the month. April was a huge month for me, because that was the month that the Ragnar Ultra was and I ran 30 miles in one weekend! I ran over 70 miles in the month of April, but without Ragnar, it would have probably been right about 45 miles again. Then May was another middle distance month at 42.6 miles for the month. I have been playing with the idea of a fall full marathon, but what I really want is to be back in marathon shape again and have more consistency with my running. Yes, during every morning run I dream about the coffee I’m going to reward myself with after.

My new running partner, Mary Kate and I have been meeting up going on three weeks this week and it has truly helped me get up in the mornings at 4:30… Yes, that my new routine. Wake up at 4:30 am, run for at least an hour, head home, shower, and get ready to head to work.  I NEVER want to get up, but knowing that she’s depending on me makes getting up that much easier. We have been running a lot more miles than what I would normally be running as well, too!

This Saturday, we officially kicked off our long runs with a 10 miler, and it was a beautiful day for a run. Great weather, good pace and I felt great! On Sunday, I didn’t want to run at all, but I knew that starting my week with a clear head and thankful heart would be the best for me. I went for a short 2 miler and it did just that.

Sometimes you just need a little time in the fresh air to start your week off right, and this was perfect. I also realized that I have a billion fly aways when I wear my hair in a bun, awesome. I have been trying my hardest to keep track of my miles and I’m happy that it’s only June 10 and I’ve already got 30 miles this month! I’m stoked on how I’m feeling while running and know this summer is going to be great!

xoxo

During my recent morning runs I am putting in more miles and I can feel the stress leave my body as I take each step. I take a deep breath, step off the bricks in front of our house, clear my mind and just go run. The cloudy June mornings offer the perfect umbrella from the sun. The morning dampness means that summer is just around the corner, but for a few more miles, it will be chilly and humid, instead of hot and sunny. The people I see are starting to become familiar, and each morning, their smiling face, their waves and their friendly attitude reminds me how strong this community is and how awesome runners are.

After last year and recovery from my training injuries, I’m really grateful for the miles I’ve been able to run lately. I’m thankful for the time it gives me to empty my heart out on the pavement, whether I’m running to release tension at work, gather ideas for our next project at home, or just listening to Maroon 5, it’s ME time, and it’s so important to have that time. It’s SO hard sometimes to get up and change into workout clothes, and it’s so frustrating to be exhausted for those first  5 minutes of every run, wanting to be back in bed, hitting the snooze over and over, but then my breathing becomes normal, I hit my stride, and I just relax. I find the zone where my legs just keep going and I don’t even have to think about it. The miles quietly tick by and before I know it, my mind is refreshed, and I’m cruising right back into my driveway, right back where I started… but with a new outlook and a thankful heart to start my day.

I’m so thankful for running and all it’s gotten me through in life. Here’s to National Running Day and putting in some miles of time that you’ll never regret.

xoxo

So here’s how to join in on the Timex fun. Post a photo and your running story on Instagram or Twitter, and make sure to use the tags #IMARUNNER and they will donate $5 to the One Fund Boston, which helps those who were affected by the Boston Marathon Bombings on April 15th. Awesome right?

Now, this is a win-win situation because they are ALSO giving away 60 Timex Ironman watches to runners who use the hashtag today…  I am still learning more about the watch itself and all it’s amazing features, but I’m loving it thus far, and it really has a lot of cool features. Probably why it’s taking me so long to figure it all out. 

You can also win by posting your story on their Facebook page as well, under their #IMARUNNER tab. Winners will be selected at random and official rules are located here: http://bit.ly/147ilKy.

Now get to RUNNING!

Stop by their facebook page on TOMORROW to log your miles and be entered for a chance to win some awesome prizes. Run Happy! Thanks Brooks for hosting such a fun virtual running event… And for making the best running shorts known to mankind, or myself.

And they made this awesome Running Trends Infographic about, you guessed it, running… I totally agree with number 1 and 4 on why people run!

Here’s to a great National Running Day!! Can’t wait to share more fun National Running Day events!

xoxo

Happy JUNE!! I can’t believe it’s already June and this summer is going to be so much fun, training for a full is on the schedule! I also wanted to share just a few of my Summer Running Faves…

Timex Ironman Run Trainer 2.0 – Okay, so I’m pretty sad to say this, but Claude is officially going to be retired. This new gem is AMAZING and I love running with it. It has awesome functionality and also comes with a heart rate monitor which I’m excited to start using and learn more about how to make the most of my workouts. It tracks time, splits, miles, and pace.

Dole Frozen Fruits – So this is pretty strange being on a running list, BUT I am all about convenience.  With over an hour commute both ways to and from work, long runs and a grumbling stomach, breakfast on the go and convenience is what is going to make my life so much easier. These are a GREAT option when I need fruit for a smoothie, or even to take to work for a snack in the afternoon. I love all the options that Dole has and the fact that it’s straight just frozen fruit, no additives. It’s also great to act as ‘ice’ in smoothies so they don’t get watery!

Coola Sunscreen SPF 35 – What’s a get ready for summer post without sunscreen? I love Coola because it’s organic, which I’m getting more into lately. I also love the spray because it’s great for on the go. When I’m prepping for a run in the morning it’s easier than lotioning and oiling! Name that movie!! I also like the tinted moisturizer on my face for when I’m running as well, because it doesn’t leave my face NAKED looking.

Balega Ultra Light Socks – I didn’t want to like these, because they are kind of expensive, but I LOVE THEM :( Poor B! He’s going to be mad at my expensive taste. I LOVE the cushion in these socks and also the light weight of them. They have a great little cushion in the ankle area as well. They’re great for longer runs when I know I’ll be on my feet for a long time, which are in my future…

Brooks Versatile Running Shorts – These are my new favorite. I want them in ALL COLORS. Brooks – Do you hear? MAKE THESE IN EVERY COLOR. The bigger elastic waistband make your waist look smaller, they fit better, don’t hit your leg mid thigh and make your legs look longer. Another huge bonus? They don’t creep up… BEST PART? POCKETS. I cannot even convey how much love I have for these shorts.

Ryders Sunglasses & Oakley Sunglasses – As the sun comes out more and more, it’s SO important to protect your eyes. I love my Oakley Sunglasses but they are expensive! If you’re looking for a less expensive alternative, try out Ryder Sunglasses. I did a review of the Ryders I wear a while back and I usually switch out between the two pairs depending on what mood I’m in. Both are comfortable and stay put even when doing long runs! My eye doctor always tells me to wear my sunglasses! (Ryders I have/Oakleys I Have)

Team Sparkle HeadSweat Visor & Violet Love Headbands – So my love for Violet Love continues. I first reviewed them here and cannot get enough. These are my go to for flyaways when running and stay put! I recently also got this Team Sparkle Visor during the Ragnar Relay and I’m obsessed. I’ll be wearing it all summer long when the sun is out for long runs and it’s true… Sparkles make things more fun. It’s a great fit and stays put as well, which is so important during the summer when you’re out sweating!

Under Armour Tanks – The Undeniable Tank & Mesh Fly By Tank are my newest loves. I will be getting quite a few more Mesh Fly By Tanks, they come in so many great colors! These tanks are a part of my every day wear and my running wear. I love how lightweight they are and the little pocket on the front of the Undeniable is so cute. I didn’t even realize the mesh tank was also Under Armour too… This might be a go to for the upcoming long runs on the weekend! The length on both of these tanks is awesome and they both are looser fitting, which I like a lot. The little elastic piece in the back of the Mesh tank is another great touch, and I love the razor back. Overall, these are my favorite lately!

Koss Fit Series Earbuds – I recently bought the SkullCandy Chops Headphones because I needed some new ones, and sadly, they don’t work at all for me. I tried these and LOVE them, they are PERFECT for staying in, long runs, and the gym. They’re lightweight and I hope they last a long time because the sound is also perfect. They are clean, neat and I have the FitClips, which fit around my ear and are soft on my ears as well. Now I need to find an armband that isn’t from 2007 that I love as well.

Happy Running and Happy {almost} Summer!

xoxo

This Memorial Day, CSX, one of the leading transportation companies in the nation, is asking people everywhere to drop and give 10 — pushups, that is — in honor and support of our troops.  I am going to be posting my pushups this weekend on twitter… I know I can do at least 10 in a row. This may be shocking to some, including B, but if you’ve got time, post your pushups so they will donate to the Wounded Warrior Project®!

This is only happening through May 29th, so you’ve got a few days left!

CSX will donate an additional $1.00 up to $50,000.00 total. Use the #GiveThem10 hashtag when sharing tweets or Instagram images so they can see the pushups!

Learn more by browsing the pushup gallery, and discover all the different ways to pushup for a good cause by visiting dropandgivethem10.com.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

xoxo

So I’m not a food photographer.. It was a good sandwich okay?

I got it the other day for lunch and have been craving another one. It’s only here through the end of May so get on it if you want to try it :) One of my other favorites is the Buffalo Chicken ~ With my addiction to Buffalo chicken still going strong this is a quick craving fix!

Subway is going to gift one lucky person a $25 gift card, so leave a comment of your favorite sauce to add to a sandwich, and the Random Number Generator will pick a winner on Monday! :)

Here’s a good example of a comment : “I would add Buffalo Sauce to any sandwich since I’m a Buffalo sauce monster.”

xoxo

* I received a gift card to try out the new Smokehouse Chicken Sub. Subway will mail out the giftcard to the winner of the giveaway.

I do have a lot of issues with the time I spend at work, and the commute does take a lot of time from my day, but that’s really my only major concern. With it being lighter longer, and the fact I can run after work, helps the argument that a fall full is in my future.

I am considering either doing the Long Beach Marathon, because I know the route, it’s relatively ’easy’ for a full, and it’s nearby, or I can do that race as a training run and then do the Malibu Marathon, which again, I know the route, it’s pretty and I ran it before. But then there’s the Ventura Half at the beginning of September  which might conflict with the Disney half…. Then there’s the Redwoods Marathon, at the end of October… or the Paso Robles Marathon, or I could just go out to Charlotte and run there again, since I love it there…  Decisions, decisions. I am thinking a half or two and then a full. Or a half, and a full as a training run and then a full where I really tried to push myself.

Either way, it looks like I’m leaning towards a fall full… I really want to make it a fun one and make it count too, since it will be my 10th marathon!

Do you have any insight on any of these races? I’m asking around to see what my best options are and what I would be doing. I am about to carve out my schedule for all the training runs and start putting some miles in!

xoxo