TGIFriday Faves.

Gosh I love Fridays. Don’t you?

Hope you all had a marvelous week! I am ready for the weekend for sure. Time to kick back, relax…oh and more time in the day to RUN!

Today’s my rest day…oh how I love rest days. Recharging the batteries for tomorrow’s 11 mile run. Pretty pumped about it.

Let’s talk about my favorites this week…besides you guys, of course.

-Maxis and jean jackets. This outfit is basically my work day go to right now. Very lucky I get to dress pretty casual at the j-o-b….easy breezy.

-Loving this nude shade for spring and summer. OPI’s Care to Dance. Love all the sassy nail polish names.

I also kind of wish this was a real job because I would apply for it.

-Kind of wanting to make these cookies. I really have to stop looking at this girl’s blog because I want to make EVERYTHING she makes. All about it.

-I’m just a happier person when I work out. Aren’t you?

And just in case you need a good laugh…check out this little throwback of me getting my cert for Hip Hop Hustle. I’m the one hiding in the background on the right in red.

Have a fabulous Friday!

What are you doing this weekend? Anyone racing or long running it? 

What’s your favorite spring fashion (or running) essential? 

Do you like to dance?

Great Taco Run Recap.

Just another manic Monday…

This morning I was up early to teach my crazy spin class! We worked up a good sweat with lots of resistance, sprints and hills. I even had an instructor come take my class this morning! She also runs marathons and likes to get up early to teach spin classes like me. So of course we bonded. Good times.

After spin I ventured over to the ‘bux for my dark roast brew and spinach & feta egg wrap. Delicioso.

So this weekend…I did something I haven’t done in quite some time…I RACED! Let’s recap…

Saturday it rained…all.day.long. Which was kind of nice and put me in a lazy mood. I was off from running that day so I went to the gym to represent my Danceaton team at the Dance Off. Zumba, Hip Hop, and Body Jam were all there rocking the house as well. Took lots of video…Gaby and Ashley rocked it out on stage!

Got to see the sweetest Sharanda who has a little dancing muffin in the oven! I am teaching her classes now on Fridays while she is on maternity leave and she has the most fun students in her class.

After hanging out a bit I went home and did nothing! Put my feet up to get ready for the Great Taco Run Sunday morning…my first 10 mile race EVER!

I honestly had no expectations going into this race whatsoever. I wanted to start out saving up some energy and then really pick it up in the back half of the race. I wanted to stay right under a 9 minute pace range and just really play with my pace a bit if I was feeling good. Other than that, I went into this thing relaxed and with springy fresh legs that haven’t raced in a while…ready to go!

My awesome running group was out there as well…of course we had to take lots of pre-race photos.

This race was a Luke’s Locker sponsored event, so a lot of my friends ran it…it was so fun to see all of my buddies along the course! The course was flat and scenic, taking us through the beautiful design district in downtown Dallas and into the Katy Trail. Weather wise it was a cool 60 something degrees with light rain – a little humid but overall ideal running weather! Towards the back half you turn back around on the trail and go back into the Victory Park side of town. The finish was mostly downhill and made for a nice little negative split! I picked it up to the finish and managed to squeeze in around 1:24! I felt really good and mentally strong in this race…I never let myself give up or slow down, just fought and pushed through any mental setbacks I had in my head.

Overall I was very happy with my time. After a mediocre 10K race a few months back and overcoming injury I knew this race would be a comeback effort. I am starting to really trust my legs, my body and my mental strength. It feels good to really be BACK in the game.

Great Taco Run, you have been conquered. Marine Corps Marathon, watch out! I am coming for you.

4 weeks to go. 

Bring it.

How was your weekend? Is the weather starting to get cooler where you are? 

Keep Going.

Last night I went to Gaby’s dance class to brush up on my skillz. Put on my Danceaton shirt (which my mom made me herself…she is quite the crafty lady) and went to get a little cross training in.

Self pics are so classy.

We did a dance to this song. Love basically anything Nicki Minaj comes out with.

Oh and this song…I didn’t like it at first but it’s slowly growing on me.

After dance class I went to the store to pick up a few items and came across this Kombucha juice. I have heard great things about it but wasn’t sure what flavor to get…this flavor seemed safe plus it was almost gone off the shelf (which we all know means it’s in high demand, right? I thought so).

The juice was tasty, had a tangy sweetness to it and a nice fizz! I loved the words of enlightenment on the side.

I saved a little bit for after this morning’s run too. Got up and ran a little over 5 miles with a couple girls in my ‘hood. It was a nice run and I’m looking forward to it cooling down…the weather for my 20 miler this weekend is looking quite promising!

 

After my run this morning I grabbed an Autumn Harvest coffee from Einstein’s and today I’m wearing a little bling. Bling is a must for getting over the hump of Wednesday.

I was playing on pinterest and found this the other day. Loved it.

Some days, like my run this morning, just reminded me why I keep going with this thing called running.

No matter if it’s a good run or a blah one, I always get something out of it. And it’s always, always worth it. 

And those blah runs, always make the amazing ones that much better.

So tell me, why do you run? What inspires you to KEEP GOING? 

18 Miles, a Dance Off and Wknd Recap.

This weekend was quite the whirlwind. But I am back and here to tell you about it! Saturday morning started with the longest mileage I’ve conquered in quite some time. 18 miles dunski!

I ran with the Luke’s crew and with my friend Christy…it was her first time EVER running 18 miles! She is running Marine Corps as well, it will be her first time running the full marathon. So proud of her. Very facebook status brag worthy.

 

After the run, I went home and rested my legs a bit…then went off to 24 Hour Fitness for their Stomp the Yard Dance Off! I didn’t do a whole lot of dancing for obvious reasons, mostly took photos and video and was there to represent for the Danceaton crew. There were a lot of different dance formats there, including Zumba and Hip Hop, so it was fun to see all of the choreography!

Danceaton gettin’ at it!!

Later on in the evening (after resting my legs for a few hours…much needed) I went to see Journey in concert with some of my running buddies. Some of my buds I hadn’t gotten to hang with in a while outside of running so it was nice just to catch up with them! The concert hall has a lawn area so we took our blankets and had a great time.

Sunday was a REST day. I really needed the time off of my feet so I basically planted my behind on the couch for a majority of the day. I also got a little bit of cleaning done which was nice. The boyfriend and I watched Hardcore Pawn which was hilarious.

Ate some of me and the boo’s favorite pizza. Worth it.

How was your weekend? Have you ever taken a dance class? What is the last show you have seen in concert? 

Whirlwind Wknd Recap.

Happy Monday! Guess we had better get caught up since I’m a bad weekend blogger. I guess I have to go live life sometime so I can come back and write about it, right? Right.

This weekend was a whirlwind of busy things, starting with my Saturday long run. Mother nature was sweet to us this weekend and cooled things down a little bit in Texas. 12 miles, temps in the 70s. It was so pleasant and I enjoyed the conversation with my running group as the miles went by. Felt great at the end, again like I could probably do a little bit more but this was a recovery week for me after last week’s 16 miles. So I was happy with it!

After the run I grabbed one of the new Starbucks Cool Lime Refreshers. It tasted a little bit like a caffeinated margarita! I think this may be my new Saturday morning go to after a long run. Paradise on ice. And not so bad on the calories.

Saturday night I went to the Danceaton flashmob! I really have to do better at recording some of these dancing events. Since I didn’t get footage you will just have to go on youtube and look at an old one. Anyways, it was really fun.

Me and fellow instructor Sharanda represented for all of the other peeps who couldn’t make it. She is prego with a little dancing bundle of joy!

After a little bit of booty shakin’ Natalie and I partied on the rooftop of a fancy high dollar restaurant. Actually we parked on the top of a parking garage and took a photo before going to eat.

We went to RA sushi for dinner which is one of my favorite sushi spots! I ordered a tuna roll and some salmon sushi.

 

I made it an early night because I had to get up early to volunteer at the Hottest Half and 10K on Sunday! My friend Jessi and I got out to White Rock Lake close to 8 am. The race had already started so we helped unpack the medals while waiting for the speedy runners to make their way in for the 10K.

Look at all of these good looking volunteers!

I have to say that I really enjoyed volunteering for this race. I had originally planned on running the half marathon but decided to save a little bit of cash and help out instead. Just seeing all of the runners coming in, for some of them it was their first 10K or half marathon, was so rewarding! I loved cheering them on and handing them shiny medals. I enjoyed being on the other side of the finish line and definitely plan on doing this more often!!

I was so proud of Team Luke’s for racking up some age group wins in the 10K!

From left – age group winners Lori, Bob and Shirley

We took lots of photos because that’s what runners (and volunteers) are best at.

Overall it was a fun filled weekend! I also had time to make a few tasty foods…I made a cucumber and tomato summer salad and topped it with some goat cheese! It was delish.

I also made the chocolate chip cookie dough fro yo I told you about…I didn’t add the regular sugar because I felt like it didn’t need it…instead I used just a bit of brown sugar and vanilla chobani. It wasn’t something I would make often but it was a tasty little homemade frozen treat! I definitely recommend experimenting and making it sometime.

How was your weekend? Did you make any tasty healthy eats? Have you ever volunteered for a race (if not you definitely should!) What is your favorite Starbucks drink? 

Like a Boss.

Today was a little rough getting up to run. Lately it has been dark out in the mornings which isn’t really helping matters so I have been a little bit naughty and sleeping in until about 6:30 am (yes, that is sleeping in for me.) I knew I wanted to knock out about an an hour of running (which for me ranges anywhere from 6 to 7 miles) and decided to take it to the treadmill at my apartment gym. Although I am mostly a pavement runner, sometimes taking your feet off of the constant pounding of the concrete will do your body some good. I watched a little bit of the news and the miles whizzed by. There was a lady next to me who tried to go toe to toe so I had to crank up the treadmill just a little bit…

Like a boss.

Just a little over 6 miles done. Tomorrow is my rest day then Saturday I will bust it out for a 12 mile recovery run.

This wknd the boyfriend is out of town in Miami on a business trip (jealous times a million) but I will be having a little bit of fun back here at home! Saturday night I will be participating in a little flash mob fun with my Danceaton class! We are going to Splitsville to dance to the “Shots” song. Then I am having a little vino fun time girls night with my friend Natalie!

Should be a good time, the flash mobs we do are always crazy. Time to start practicing!

What to wear?!!

Is anyone racing or running long this weekend? How many miles? Are you going anywhere FUN this summer? 

Simple Things A to Z.

Happy Thursday! I am doing a simple post today. As we all know, sometimes life can get a little complicated and it truly is nice to slow down a bit and appreciate the simpler things in life. I got this idea from the lovely Alex – go visit her awesome blog! So this is my A to Z list of all of the little things in my life that make me happy.

A-Almond milk. I obsessed with this milk so much that I no longer put the real stuff in my cereal. My favorite kind of course is the Silk chocolate almond milk in the little adorable juice boxes.

B-Being barefoot. Call me a hippie if you want. I would never wear shoes if it was acceptable. I love driving barefoot and must have shoes off at all times while I’m in the house. Shoes in the house should be banned and considered against the law.

C-Chocolate almonds. My job sells these in the bookstore and I am addicted.

D-Dancing. I love dancing because it makes me feel free, it’s non competitive and just allows you to let your hair down and be loose. I love teaching Danceaton and gettin down with these awesome people.

E-Easy breezy mornings. I am a morning person and I love the easy breezy peacefulness of mornings. There is something about a quiet morning especially outdoors that is just pure serenity.

Sunrise along one of my “quiet time” moments

F-Fartleks. I think I actually just like saying the word, but it’s a technique of including speedwork in your run and I love the little bursts of speed.

G-Going on vacation. Having a drink with an umbrella in it. Who doesn’t love that?

H-Having friends over for brunch. Just gives me excuse to cook a bunch of yummy stuff and motivates me to clean my apartment from top to bottom.

My last brunch…served up a bunch of yummy eats to some hungry runners!

I-iMac. I am in love with my computer. It’s user friendly and can do just about anything other than cook me dinner…I think I am officially becoming a MAC girl rather than a Windows girl.

J-Jazz music outdoors. Nothing beats a beautiful evening outside with some soothing relaxing music. I love me some outdoor music in the summertime with this fella.

K- Kicking back and doing nothing. There really is something wonderful about doing absolutely nothing. Just feet up, relaxed, empty space.

L-Letting your hair down. There’s no problem that a flat iron can’t fix.

M-Magazines. US Weekly, Runners World, I love them all. Give me a good magazine and I will go to town with it. Especially fun for reading right by the pool.

N-Nice people. Nice people make me smile. I like to surround myself around them.

O-Oatmeal. I love oats, could have them every morning.

P-Popsicles. My favorite thing in summer. Especially the ones with fresh fruit. My favorite flavor is strawberry.

Q-Quiet time to myself. As much as I love people…I’ve also gotta have me some quiet “me” moments of reflection.

R-Running. We all knew I would put this one in there.

S-Smiling. A smile really is the best accessory.

T-To do lists…especially this one

Check, check and double check.

U-Under armor. They have the best running tights a girl could wear.

V-Vino

W-Water

X-Xtra cheese? Yeah, I like that.

Y-Yoga. My favorite pose…the crow, fo sho.

Z-Zebras? I really couldn’t think of anything that goes with Z. Zebras are cool. Actually I do like zebra print.

What are some simple things in your life that you enjoy? Any fun plans for the upcoming weekend?

A happy running moment and lazy girl meals.

Wednesdays are the days I like to meet up with my buddy Elyse for a sunrise run- the miles go by while we chat and catch up on each other’s lives. We met at 6 a.m., just before sunrise. We ended up covering a little over 5 miles. I always enjoy getting out with friends to run, especially with the hustle and bustle of the work week it’s nice to just have a little happy running moment with a friend. Good times.

How can you not be a morning runner when the sunrise is this beautiful.

 

We talked about the Olympics which is coming on this Friday. Will you be watching? PRO Compression socks is doing a special deal on their limited edition “USA” marathon socks to celebrate. If you are a runner and you do not have at least one pair of compression socks you are truly missing out on life. They are great for recovery after a hard run or workout. I have the pink ones and they are heaven.

Tonight I will be teaching dance class and I am excited about it! I have said it before but I love teaching at the 24 Hour Fitness gym in Murphy. As a fitness instructor, when you know all of the proper equipment at the gym is ALWAYS working, like the mic, stereo, pitch etc. this makes your life a happier one. Plus I love the energy of the Murphy club, they work hard and they love to dance. My trademark move is getting them to drop it like it’s hot so we will be incorporating this oldie but goodie.

After dance class I will likely come home and pass out on the couch. I am rarely ever hungry after my high impact sweaty dance class but I have to force myself to eat…my little quick lazy girl meal when I don’t feel like cooking is now something I would like to introduce to you as Laughing Cow Skinny Zesty Mac n Cheese. I know, that’s quite wordy. Anyways, here’s the recipe. Serves 1.

1 serving of elbow macaroni

1 wedge of laughing cow light cheese (I have been using the blue cheese kind because it has so much flavor but I also like original swiss)

Garlic powder

Basil

Red Pepper Flakes

1 tbsp of light butter, or I can’t believe its not butter

Cook the mac, then mix in laughing cow cheese and light butter. Sprinkle with garlic powder and basil. Top with red pepper flakes. That’s it! It really needs no salt, no pepper. It has flavor all on its own!

What is a quick lazy go to meal you like to whip up? Are you going to watch the Olympics? What is your favorite Olympics event?

Fearless.

Happy Monday! I have been nonstop busy today but I guess that’s just the nature of the start of the work week, right? This week is already proving to be a packed one…I am teaching dance class after work at the gym on Wednesday, and I will be hitting the ground running (literally) with my marathon training schedule. Here’s what my week of workouts is looking like:

Monday- Cross-training (dance class + strength)

Tuesday- 6 mile run (including hill repeats)

Wednesday- 5 miles easy AM, teaching dance PM

Thursday- 6 mile progression run + strength

Friday- REST

Saturday- 14 mile long run

Running has been going well as of late, and I am slowly gaining my speed and endurance back. I have to say that my favorite part of the week is when I do my hill training. With every hill I climb it is helping me to gain my confidence back as a runner, since bouncing back from injury a few months back. It feels good to finally be able to run without much insecurity.

I was reading my blogging buddy Candice’s most recent post about conquering your fears, and I thought it was so empowering. I think we all have those fears or doubts at times, whether it be fear of being able to accomplish a goal that you’ve set or facing a challenge that is out of your comfort zone. In the past year I have had to overcome certain fears and I think it has made me a stronger person. I think a lot of times these obstacles are ones we place in front of ourselves for whatever reason, be it comparison, overanalyzing, or not feeling like we are adequate enough.

 

So many doors have been opened up for me as of late, with my career and also in the arena of health and fitness…it is both exciting and scary for me. Looking back over a year ago, I never would have thought I would be an instructor teaching group fitness classes, standing in front of an aerobics room with as many as 60 people at a time, leading my very own class. I never would have thought a few years back I would also have my dream job as a producer working in television production. God has truly opened up so many doors for me, and I am so grateful to be able to share my passions with others.

I really do think that overcoming whatever fears you have requires you to be a little comfortable being uncomfortable. Training for a marathon is not comfortable. It requires you to step outside of yourself, to push your fitness abilities and to go farther than you EVER have before. This requires great mental strength, and most of all HEART. The marathon truly is a great metaphor for life. Just when you think you have a limit to something, you realize you can do a little bit more. You can push a little bit further. You can be that fearless person that you’ve always wanted to be.

So, whatever it is that you are debating on doing that may be challenging or new to you, I want to encourage you to step out. Do it. Get uncomfortable. It is a feeling that is both freeing and exciting. You might surprise yourself when you realize you have a lot more in you than you think.

Have you ever had to face a challenge that was uncomfortable for you? How did you step outside of your comfort zone? Anyone training for their first marathon?

The Most Awesome Combination.

I know you guys don’t hear from me often on weekends, but I had a free moment so just checking in! I hope everyone’s weekend is getting off to a good start.

This morning’s 12 mile run went great! We had storms come in late Friday night so it was a humid, hot and sticky one. Everyone finished strong with smiles on their faces! We started the run bright and early (5 AM start) so by the end of the run I was pooped. I stopped in to Starbucks for some organic chocolate milk. It was icy and delicious.

Our long training runs are all about just gettting the miles in, not racing, taking it at an easy pace and being able to talk to your neighbor the whole way through. Since I work so hard with hill training, cross training and speedwork during the week, I always welcome these easy breezy runs!

The thing I love the most about about our long Saturday morning runs is the conversation. This morning we talked about Australian hurdler Michelle Jenneke that does a little warm up dance before busting it out on the track. See, I told you dancing and running is the most awesome combination.

I am back tracking a little bit but here are some pics from the ice cream social run that I went to over at Luke’s last Thursday. We ran in 90 degree heat and then ate ice cream afterwards. Sweaty runners love them some ice cream. Can you find me?!

We also got to carry the olympic torch that was being passed around from store to store! One of the runners from Dallas ran 20 miles to the Plano store to deliver the torch. How awesome is that?!

That’s all for now…I am going country dancing tonight for my friend Pepsi’s birthday so I’m off to go find some cowboy boots!

Happy Birthday Pepsi!

Have a good one!