TGIFriday Faves.

Happy Friday! Let’s do the TGIF dance. Whatever that looks like. I am thinking something like the cupid shuffle or maybe the wobble…

Finally the long weekend is upon us! Hope you’re doing something fun. I was up early this morning to kick things off with an 8 mile run. Humid, warm, a little bit of a breeze.

Sun peeking through the clouds to greet me good morning.

Moving on…what am I loving this week? A few things…

Stacked bracelets from Stella & Dot. I especially am loving the spiked ones. Love me some arm candy.

Skinny funfetti cookies. I made some for my mom last weekend and they were a big hit.

Running in my pink Newtons. They are like my power shoes this week.

Signature necklaces…how cool is that? Have your loved one tatted on your neck at all times.

Praying this week for Oklahoma. Lots of ways you can help out those in need here.

Stalking this girl’s Pinterest for yummy eats and inspiration. Holding onto this quote.

Getting off early from work then I’m off for the quick hour long flight to H.town to see my sweetheart!

Have an fantastic weekend.

What are you doing this weekend? Anyone traveling or going somewhere fun? 

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?

TGIFriday Faves.

Finally Friday! So ready for the weekend. I am already starting to count down the days til I get to visit the BF in Houston for Memorial Day and the start of SUMMER! It will be here before you know it.

My faves this week -

Morning runs by the lake. My time to reflect, ponder the day, and pound the pavement a bit. Plus how could you ever get tired of this view? Hasn’t happened yet.

Essie nail polish. I can’t wait to add to the collection. So many yummy colors.

This shirt. Describes me to a T as I am quite the party animal during the work week.

Watermelon and feta? Sign me up. Anything with feta or goat cheese and I’m on board.

Blushing a little bit at being able to Ship my Pants.

These triathlon ready Asics Gel Noosa running shoes. Just slip ‘em on and go. I have a love affair going on with Asics plus the colors are so right up my crazy alley.

This Trader Joe’s find. I am loving coconut anything lately. I must warn you though they are addictive and delicious.

Statement necklaces. Because every girl needs a little bit of sparkle in her life.

What are you up to this weekend? Are you going to spoil your mama silly for Mother’s Day? What’s your favorite running shoe?

Bird of Paradise and Wknd Snapshots.

Monday morning workout- 55 minutes of spin class, back in the saddle with my hardcore 5:45 am-ers.

Happy seis de Mayo! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend full of some r & r. Mine was quite lovely…lots of rest, an invigorating yoga class, and some yummy eats.

Starting off with 90 straight minutes of power vinyasa flow. Cashed in on my birthday freebie from my favorite yoga studio. Gettin’ bendy with it.

My favorite yoga move of all time has to be the bird of paradise. Such a beautiful pose. I am slowly getting back into it.

Mama joined me and she rocked it too. After class we went to our spot for some yummy Tex Mex. Rehydrating with sangria swirls on the patio.

I deviated from my usual dish and tried their veggie tamales which were super delicious and hit the spot.

We did a little shopping and browsing around at the boutique next door. I found the perfect wrap watch. Love this color too.

Later on I just chilled and finally saw Silver Linings Playbook. Such a good movie…forever girl crushing on Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper is a serious hottie.

This week in workouts-

Monday- Spin class/abs

Tuesday- Bodypump/3 mile run

Weds- Spin class

Thursday-6 mile run

Friday- REST

Saturday- 10 mile run

How was your weekend? Did you celebrate Cinco de Mayo? 

TGIFriday Faves.

TGIF! Of course let’s start Friday out with a dance…cuz that’s just what we do. Shake it like a salt shaker.

Today is all about my faves for the week…let’s get right to it!

-On the go smoothies with my favorite new greek yogurt…Fage…I think I will go as far to say I like it better than Chobani? It is so creamy and has great texture! I put some this morning in my strawberry/banana/green tea smoothie. Good stuff.

-Getting presents in the mail last night after teaching back to back spin classes…just icing on the cake.

-Kicking back in these new shamrock Pro Compression socks…definitely rocking these on this weekend’s 14 mile run. Believe it.

 

-This RW article on ways to have more fun on the run. Love the bliss list.

Word.

-The color mint…with this chevron print…loving it.

-Changing my nail polish color every 24 hours…just cuz I can.

-Digging morning devotionals right now…like this one.

-Great girlfriends that make me laugh and smile everyday…you know who you are.

What are you up to this weekend? Anyone running a St. Patty’s Day race? 

TGIFriday Faves and a Giveaway Winner.

Happy Friday! First off I want to announce the winner of Tuesday’s giveaway…congrats Amanda!! 

When you get a chance please email me your address at chelshu02@yahoo.com so I can send you your arm sleeves and journal

I am definitely ready for some fun this weekend!! I have some party plans with friends and also am running my last 20 mile run of the training season tomorrow bright and early. Marathon #6 in 3 weeks here we go! Should be fun and a great way to get a nice burn before I go in on some Super Bowl party food!

What are some of my favorites this week? Yeah let’s talk about that.

-So I have already decided to vote for Kid President in the next election. Loving him right now. I think we all need a pep talk…

-I am loving anything with orzo in it! The other night I made some with fresh spinach, a little blue cheese and lotsa red pepper. Could definitely eat this every night. Tasty.

-Thanks to this girl I now want to make my own kombucha. How fun would that be?! I am already obsessed with this stuff so to make it at home would be even better.

-Cannot get this song outta my head at the moment. I think I was singing it in my sleep last night…can’t wait to snag it from iTunes.

-These booties my mom bought me. I still need to figure out what outfit to rock them with but I love them. And anything with studs really.

-I need this running shirt in my closet pronto tonto. Hello track season!

(Pinterest)

-And this is without a doubt the cutest argument I have ever seen.

What are you up to this weekend? Do you have a song you can’t get out of your head right now? What’s your favorite pre/post long run meal? 

Treat.Yo.Self.

Today’s workout – teaching my sweaty morning spinners. It was a bittersweet class I have to say since I will not be seeing them next week due to the holidays but thankfully we will see each other in the New Year. We rocked it out to some new tracks on the playlist.

 

After class I made myself a yummy post workout smoothie in my brand new ‘bucks tumbler.

 

Bananas, a dollop of peanut butter, ice and chocolate almond milk. Tasty, decadent, filling. Yum.

(Shameless plug)- I am teaching another spin class tonight at 6 PM over at 24 Hour Fitness in Bedford…come join me if you’re in the area for an awesome calorie burn!!

So since I could always use some new ‘work’ clothes…I heard about this awesome deal from Jen and decided to sign up to get some PV Body swag! I can’t wait to get my box of workout goodies in the mail.

Once you sign up they send you a full outfit from top to bottom to get your sweat on every month! Plus the membership comes with a Lululemon gift card…that’s enough to get me sold. Check it out here.

Just sharing the love. I try to keep ya’ll current…

And remember…always make time to Treat.Yo.Self.

 

Do you make post workout smoothies? Any recipes you want to share? I need ideas!!

What will you Treat.Yo.Self with today?

Cycle Party, Black Friday and a Little Running…Wknd Recap.

Hey hey! How was your weekend? Hopefully you are fully recovered from Thanksgiving mania. My holiday was nice and long so I am definitely ready for the work week! This morning I taught my 5:45 am cycle party – they were workin’ it! I have a feeling that might have something to do with all of the delicious food they ate a few days ago…just maybe.

Or I may just be inflicting punishment on them after all of the food I ate…

Backing it up to the weekend…after Thanksgiving BF and I participated in Black Friday just a little bit…we waited until about 5pm to go on Friday afternoon and the lines were still crazy long so I had to put a few stuff back…I did come out of there with some Christmas décor though. And this lovely candle from Bath & Body Works…

Later on I decorated and lit up the tree…

Saturday morning I was up early to get a little running in with my Luke’s buddies…it was nice to get moving again after the rest day on Friday.

I had to teach a spin class right after the run and I have to say that I LOVE teaching spin after running…because usually I’m all doped up on running endorphins and I mostly stay off of the bike and yell at them like a mad woman while they climb hills and do sprints. My Saturday class had so much energy – we burned off the pumpkin pie and then some.

Saturday night boyfriend and I went to church so we could sleep in on Sunday. The next day we were up for a little bit of brunch action. We went to the Riverwalk Cantina inside of the Gaylord Texan Resort for some grub.

How gorgeous is that water? Then this happened…

Oh and then this…yes that is a chocolate fountain…

We walked off some calories and looked at the trains and Christmas décor.

So overall a fun weekend. Nice and long and filled with running, rest, and love. Oh and today I am wearing what the boyfriend calls my Power Rangers bracelet. So I think I’m ready for the week, bring it on.

How was your weekend? Did you participate in Black Friday? Are you checking out any Cyber Monday deals? Shop for me cuz I’m done spending money, honey.

TGIFriday Faves.

Well hello Friday! It’s nice to see you again. I am so excited for the upcoming weekend! I foresee lots of fun in the sunshine coming my way! I am coaching a 12 mile marathon training run bright and early with my running buddies tomorrow, then will be resting up for a friend’s birthday party on Saturday evening! I am looking forward to lots of kicking back and letting my hair down.

Today is the day where I tell you all of my favorites and what I’m loving lately. So here it is…

New running shoes – Asics Gel Lytes

Introducing new favorite speedy running shoes! I bought them a few weeks ago and have finally broken them in. They are great for a track workout, for running shorter fast distances, and even for cross training! They are soft, cushiony and light! If you are used to the more minimalist feel (similar to the Nike Free shoes) then you would like them too.

Teaching a hardcore (and FUN – yes you can have both at the same time!!) dance class

It always makes you feel good as a fitness instructor to know that the participants loved every sweaty morsel of your class. So much that they even care to talk about it on facebook afterwards…

haha…after teaching my first 90 minute Danceaton session on Wednesday, everyone talked about how sore they were the next day! We did a bunch of songs that required them to drop down to the floor, do some high knees, squats and lots of burpee like movements. Awesome. I love combining strength and cardio together –they are a match made in fat burning heaven! My quads are still pretty shredded after all of that dancing combined with the running. I kinda dig it, that so sore I have to go down the stairs BACKWARDS feeling. 

Sriracha

I love this hot stuff. I bought a huge bottle of it and I pretty much want to add it to everything. I love it with sushi and I also hear it’s great on eggs. Way to kick up the spice in your foods!

What I’m listening to – Sade on Pandora Radio

I know she’s old school…but to me she never gets old! I had the privilege of getting to see her live in concert a few months back and she is an incredible performer. Such a great concert to go to with your significant other.  I love her music, it’s mellow and relaxing. Sometimes you need to unwind to some chill music. Solider of Love is one of my faves.

Fun jewelry

Every Friday I always like to celebrate the fact that it’s the end of the week by wearing fun jewelry. Last week I wore some pink bling, and today I am wearing my blinged out earrings that make tons of noise.

Fartleks

No I didn’t just say a bad word. Fartleks are a fancy term for “speedplay” in your running workout.

From Runner’s World:

I love including fartleks in my runs, I think overall it makes you a more efficient runner to be able to include short bursts of speed. Last night I did a few of these during my run and it felt awesome! I definitely recommend it during a tempo run or even on a day where you are doing an easier/relaxed pace to mix things up a little bit. These short quick strides will make a big difference in your workout.

Do you do anything special or fun to celebrate the fact that it’s Friday? Do you prefer spicy,  savory or sweet foods the most? What are you doing this weekend?

Friday Faves.

What a long week it has been…although it was a short work week for me since I was off Monday, it really kind of dragged a bit! I am looking forward to teaching Danceaton class and running the White Rock Half Marathon this weekend! Not sure that I will set a PR for this race since I’m not really looking to, but I am looking forward to just being around some pretty awesome and motivating runners. It will be a good time!

So…here are some of my winter / holiday faves on this chilly Friday morning.

Asics Reflector Jacket – $90 from Athleta

I love this jacket and pretty much wear it everywhere now since it has been cold and windy lately down here in TX. I was lucky enough to receive it as a gift for volunteering as a coach at Luke’s Locker but it is totally worth the investment IMO. The women’s version is in a fabulous color and it even has a battery operated blinking light you can turn on in the shoulder if you are running in the dark. Or if you just like bling, like me.

Well, it wouldn’t be a HAPPY Friday without some delicious coffee…now would it?

The Starbucks Christmas Blend is my absolute fave…perfect bold roast for this time of year. It has a mellow taste to it, but it’s pretty strong. All I need is a grande Christmas bold and I’m rockin’ and rollin’! It is usually the bold on tap most days in December – I also think that they’re doing a special, buy a pound bag for $9.95 (reg price 14.95) but let’s just be real, I don’t have tons of time in the morning so I’d rather someone else make my coffee. Just keepin’ it real.

Peppermint chocolate bark

I made these last year as gifts to pass out to coworkers. They are so yummy and addictive. Here’s a very simple recipe. For a festive twist you can also buy these trays from the Dollar Tree and fill them with the chocolate, pop them in the freezer for a bit and woof! You have your bark.

Leggings & boots

There is nothing more comfy than rocking some leggings with your boots. Goes great with a sweaterdress and/or a dress w/ a blazer for work. Leggings are so great for fall and winter, they are inexpensive and you can buy them pretty much anywhere.

Nike Free TR Fit Winter Women’s Training Shoe

Via the Nike website: Built for cold weather, the Nike Free TR Fit Winter Women’s Training Shoe delivers great flexibility and support with an upper that’s designed to help keep your feet warm and dry.

I received these as an early Christmas gift from the BF’s mama (such a sweet lady she is, thanks mama). They are great for gym workouts, and very lightweight…I’m thinking they would also work great for shorter distance races like a 5 or 10k. I feel very springy and bouncy when I wear them.

What are some of  your winter and/or holiday favorites?