Best Decision I’ve Made Today and a Running Survey.

This morning- taught my spin class followed by a quick run on the treadmill. Breakfast was this colorful beauty. Spinach in a smoothie- probably the best decision I’ve made today.

I found this wonderful running survey from this chica so I thought I would talk a little more in depth about my history and love with running. Here we go…

-Age: 28
-Country/State/General Vicinity: Currently, I live in the Dallas area.

-Year you ran your first mile without walking: I dabbled in track a bit in middle school and part of high school, but I mostly did sprint work. I never really became a fan of running until I graduated college, and I probably ran my first mile on the treadmill at the gym. I do remember that it was slow!

-Year you became a “runner”?: I never really considered myself a real serious runner until I ran my very first full marathon back in 2010, the Chicago Marathon on 10-10-10. From then on, I was a bonafied 26.2 addict.

Me & Laurie at the Chicago marathon gun show in 2010. Pow!

-Why you run now: For so many reasons. Honestly, it started out merely as a way to control my weight, since I struggled so much growing up and was overweight back in college – there was a time when the scales tipped 200 lbs. Now, roughly 50 lbs of weight loss later, I am able to maintain my weight with running, but it has also become a way to clear my mind, relieve stress, let go of the cares of the world and everyday worries. It’s also my “me” time with God, to just be one with the sunrise and nature. What revitalizes me is chasing the sun and seeing all of the beautiful colors in the sky.

-What’s the most you’ve ever spent on a sports bra?: I am not big on pricey running clothes – I believe you can get great quality clothing for low prices. I think the most I’ve spent on a sports bra is like $20. I’m not working with much so whatever can hold ‘em in place works for me. My favorite places to get cute quality bras are Target, and TJ Maxx has some excellent choices in workout clothing!

-First race: My first race that I actually trained for was the Dallas Running Club half marathon back in 2009. It was a huge stepping stone for me in my running and got me interested in running the full. I remember not taking it very seriously – I actually went out the night before and celebrated Halloween with my girlfriends. Still managed to complete it with a 2:15 finish. It was an exhilarating feeling.

-Last race: My last race was the Dallas Half Marathon back in December. It was warm that day and pretty hilly…not my best race but completed it in under 2 hours which was my goal. Going over the new Margaret Hunt Hill bridge was the best part.

-3 races you most wish you could run:  My top 3 would have to all be scenic, destination races…Big Sur, Rock N Roll Madrid, Vancouver. I would probably stop and take pics every mile.

-Favorite race: So far it would have to be Rock N Roll New Orleans. I have a serious love for that city and it’s definitely great weather…plus any race with a mardi gras theme and lets me wear bright and crazy colors is basically made for me.

-Best running advice you’ve ever received: To trust your training. To have fun with it and never outrun the joy of running, and appreciate how fortunate we are to have the privilege to run.

-First running shoe: Asics. I will always be a fan of my Asics for running…they are the original gangsta of running shoes.

-Do you run with a watch?: Usually, when I’m outside, I run with my Garmin Forerunner 405. On occasion, I will leave the watch at home though and just run by feel.

-Running goals for 2013: To run some races for fun, and just relax and enjoy being in the moment. If I PR in any race distance, so be it. I also want to do more track work this year and work on my fitness, speed, and overall just getting stronger.

-PRs: Marathon- 3:54 at the Marine Corps Marathon in 2011, 1:45 in the half in 2012. See race recaps for more.

Now your turn, answer a question (or two, or three!)

 

Slackin’ and a Christmas Survey.

Alright alright, so it is getting down to that time of year again. Can you believe we only have 2 weeks left til Christmas? I have yet to do my Christmas shopping or even send out my cards. I’m definitely slackin’. This weekend…definitely this weekend. But I am getting into the Christmas spirit for sure, listening to holiday music in the car and at work. So I figured ’tis the season…for a survey! Thanks Janae for the idea!

1.  Favorite Christmas Album/CD/Song?

I really love the Christmas classics…but one of my faves right now has to be this song…it’s been re-done a thousand times but this original will be an all time fave.

2.  Run on Christmas morning or take the day off?

I usually don’t on the actual day but I LOVE running on Christmas EVE! Last year I did a group run with my amazing running buddies, we ran for miles and miles crazy early in the morning around the town of Frisco and then warmed up with yummy Starbucks drinks. Always a good time.

3.  What do you usually eat on Christmas morning?

My mom always makes a yummy breakfast consisting of grits, eggs, turkey sausage. Basically the works. Lots of kisses to the mama.

4.  Favorite holiday or Christmas tradition?

Watching this Christmas movie. Never gets old.

5.  Real tree, fake tree or no tree?

I am a faker. Not even gonna lie. I love me some fake trees. Easy maintenance, no mess. And you can play with all sorts of fun colors. My white Christmas tree has been going strong for 2 long years.

6.  Christmas pajamas… yay or nay?

I would say more Christmas SOCKS…definitely a YAY. You can never have enough cozy Christmas socks.

7.  Where do you spend the holidays?  Your own house, your parents’ house, extended family, in-laws, friends?

Mama’s house usually…my dad is coming up from Houston this year so I will be looking fwd to spending lots of QT with my papa. Love my crazy fam.

8.  Food that you always have during the holiday season?  Favorite Christmas food/treat?

I usually always make some kind of yummy treat…and I have a feeling this recipe may be my go to this year…I made a batch last night and I foresee this being made into lots of coworker Christmas gifts. I like to call it the crack snack. Yummy yum yumm.

9. Open presents all at once or take turns?  Stockings… yes or no?

Definitely take turns. Oh and I bought these stockings last year for me and the boo, red for the girls and blue for the boys.

10.  Favorite Christmas(ish) movie?

Elf…for sure! Or Love Actually…yes that definitely tops the list. Love.

What are your favorite Christmas/holiday traditions? Have you run any fun holiday races yet? What’s your favorite Christmas song? 

Answer 1, a few or all!!!   Feel free to do it on your blog and link back too!

 

Worth it…to Work it.

Happy Wednesday! Hope your day is getting off to a great start. I taught spin class early this morning and then was strapped for time so got my morning run in on the treadmill before work. The run felt easy and then I picked it up a little bit at the end! 5 miles done. 

Feels so good to get it all done in the morning, even if I have to cram it in…just means I can spend my evenings with my feet up on the couch with a glass of vino…yep, I’d say it’s worth it…to work it!

Sooo since I’m 4.5 weeks out from the marathon I thought it would only be fitting to do another fun running survey (shout out to Another Mother Runner for the idea)…so without further ado…

 

1. Best run ever: So hard to nail down one really…but I would have to say the Marine Corps Marathon last year. Mentally I just felt like I was in the game, the weather was perfect, and there was just so much to look at to keep me distracted. Plus you know, a PR doesn’t hurt either.

2. Three words that describe my running: Heart pumping, stress relieving, empowering. Kristin said it best…

3. My go-to running outfit is: My Old Navy compression shorts from their Active clothing line, a dri fit top and brightly colored Asics Gel Lytes.

4. Quirky habit while running: Stopping to take pics of the sunrise/sunset. It’s a must. I promise you it will make you run faster.

5. Morning, midday, evening: Morning for sure…

6. I won’t run outside when it’s: A lightening storm…otherwise you can find me outside pretty much any other time of day. If it’s too dark I like to bring along friends for safety

7. Worst injury—and how I got over it: Pulled muscle in my hip flexor area a few months ago…how I got over it? A lot of REST…laying off of the running for a while, and cross training – spin classes, elliptical, and core exercises. Oh God bless you cross training, I don’t know what I would do without you.

8. I felt most like a badass mother runner when: Ran back to back half marathons earlier this year at the New Year’s Double…both in under 2 hours. Day 1 was a PR and an age group win. Definitely felt like a bad mama jama.

Cheers!

9. Next race is: Round 2 of the Marine Corps Marathon October 28th. Bring it on!! 

10. Potential running goal for 2013: To do a LOT more shorter distance races, and focus on getting stronger, fitter and faster. Also want to focus more on teaching group fitness classes. I just started teaching spin and I have to say that I absolutely LOVE it!

What do you love the most about running? Do you have a running and/or workout goal would you like to accomplish in 2013?

Busy Little Bee and a Runner’s Survey.

Yesterday I was a busy little bee and work got a little bit cray cray. I got my run in early morning with my running buddy in my ‘hood, then worked a 10 hour day. I know, living the good life. One exciting thing did happen though…I got some pretty fun news that I am pretty pumped up about…

Starting Sept 24th, EVERY Monday, I will be rolling out of bed at an unheard of hour to teach some indoor cyclists! I am super excited to finally have my own class. I have been subbing as a group fitness instructor for a little over a year now so it’s been a long time coming! I will keep you posted…in the mean time I will be building a crunk playlist for my cycle peeps. Should be a caffiene-induced good time!

We all know I love me some surveys and with the marathon about a month away I figured it would be the perfect time to do a survey all about my favorite topic…which would be running, obvi.

What is your favorite type of cross training? I love me me some cross training. In the past few years I have been running marathons, cross training has helped me not get burned out and has prevented me from injury, which I am so thankful for. My favorite cross training activity is definitely DANCING! It is free flowing, non competitive, and just a great way to get your heart pumping.

What is your favorite song to run to? Lately anything on the Kanye West station on my Pandora. Jay-Z’s song ’99 problems’ is my fave right now for some reason.

What brand shoes do you wear when you run? I love my Asics Gel-Lytes right now, they are so lightweight and make my feet very happy.

Do you wear a hat when you run? Not always, I love wearing these headbands the most just because they are fun and keep the flyaways at bay.

What temperature is your favorite for running? COLD! Anything under 60 degrees is perfect. I love bundling up and just running FAST to warm up!

Do you have any big races coming up? The Marine Corps Marathon in October…I have been training all summer long for this moment! Also the Taco Run 10 miler which is in a couple of weeks. I have never run a 10 mile race so it should be fun, and an INSTANT PR!

What is your favorite distance? Half marathon for sure. It is just an easier distance to recover from and there are so many fun ones to do in the area that I live in. I loved running the New Years Double this year, and running back to back halfs on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day!  You can check out the recap here.

Are you a morning, noon or evening runner? Morning all the way. There’s just something about starting your day with a run, clearing your mind, and greeting the beautiful sunrise.

Do you run solo or with a buddy? During the week mostly solo, although now Weds have become a little social run morning with some of the girls in my neighborhood! Having a buddy to run with during the week is always a nice change of pace from always running alone.

What’s your favorite post run snack? EGGS! I don’t know what it is but I really crave protein after a run. I love boiled eggs the most.

What did you love about your first race? My very first race that I trained for was the Dallas Running Club half marathon in 2009. I loved challenging myself with that distance and I think that was the first time I realized that I had fallen in love with this thing called distance running.

Do you enjoy getting a medal at the end? Absolutely! So much that I hang them all over my bedroom wall and admire them every single day.

Who is your running idol? I love Sanya Richards! She is an amazing sprinter and I loved watching her snag the gold at the London Olympics this year. I got to meet her at an event with my running group a couple of years back and I have to say she is a very down to earth, humble person.

How long have you been a runner? I started running right after I graduated college pretty consistently, so I would say for about 6 years.

What’s your favorite workout? repeats? long runs? tempo? There is just something about long runs that is so rejuvenating for the soul. It really gives you that ‘runner’s high’.

Do you have any fall marathons or big races coming up? Do you prefer long runs or short fast distances the most? Do you wear hats/headbands/nothing while you are working out or running?

 

This or That.

I was inspired by Athena over at Fitness & Feta to do this fun little “This or That” survey…thought it was the perfect day for it. So herrre we go…

—>  Workout in the heat/humidity, or freezing temps and snow?

The heat is just so oppressive to me. Especially when your workout is outside (which, most times for me it is with running) I would much rather it be just a little bit nippy outside. I run a lot better when temps are in the 50s and below. Bring on the COLD weather baby!

Deck the Trails 5K race last winter. Running in the chilly weather requires LEGWARMERS!

—> Have washboard abs or flat abs?

Much rather have flat abs than washboard. Although washboard abs are much more fun to look at…I think it would take extreme diligence and discipline to keep that up. And let’s face it, I’ve gotta indulge every once in a while.

—> Dr. Oz or The Doctors?
Hmm…don’t really watch either one…but I’ve seen Dr. Oz a couple of times and he does have some good health info.

—>  Cardio or Strength?

I am absolutely the queen of cardio…but I can’t go a few days without getting a good strength session in. It makes me feel more powerful during my cardio workouts.

Gettin’ my lift on.

—>  Cravings:  Protein or Carbs?

Come on, let’s keep it real…carbs…but every once in a blue I do crave me a nice n’ juicy steak.

—> Jillian Michaels or Bob Harper?

Jillian all the way. I love her military kick in the pants approach.

—> Frozen Yogurt or Ice Cream?

Fro yo, fosho.

—> To train:  Upper Body or Lower Body?

I love training my upper body, more so than lower. Always makes me feel so strong to get a good arm workout!

—> Protein Powder or Food with Protein?

I have never really used protein powder so I will have to go with the food with protein. Eggs are my jam. Also I think nutella should count as a protein source, I’mjustsayin’.

—> Lunges or Squats?

Squats. My favorite type of squat has to be sumo squats. I feel like such a boss when I do them.

Good stuff.

—> Sweet or Salty?

Sweet all the way. My sweet tooth is pretty bad.

—> Workout Attire:  Cute or Comfy?

I love stylish workout clothes that are also comfy. I would say that I have more in my running wardrobe than real normal person clothes. I think having fun workout outfits is so motivating…especially tutus.

—> Body Pump or Heavy Lifting?

I love working out to the Bodypump tracks and being motivated by the music…and since I’m really more of a fan of group exercise classes than working out solo I’m gonna have to go with the Bodypump.

—> Yoga or Pilates?

Definitely yoga. I’m still working on my dancer’s pose.

what a show off.

—> Nike or Adidas?

Love the Nike Frees, they are like candy for your feet.

Nike Frees and Starbucks…match made in runner’s heaven.

—> Running on a treadmill or outdoors?

Love being outdoors way more than running inside…just being immersed in nature kinda makes you forget you are “working out” which I love. Love running to the tune of the sunrise.

—> Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s?

TJ’s. Cannot wait until they get one in my area!

—> Steamed or Roasted Veggies?

Roasted! My favorite type of veggie is roasted asparagus. It’s my specialty.

So tell me what do you prefer…pilates or yoga? Sweet or savory? Rock or hip hop? Strength or cardio? 

11 Things.

So I thought we’d have a little bit of fun today. My friend Amanda over at Miles Gone By tagged me in her 11 Things post the other day so I thought I would play along. Here’s the rules…

The Rules:

#1 You must post these rules.
#2 Each person must post 11 things about themselves on their blog.
#3 Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post and create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.

Are you ready? Let’s do it…

11 Things About Me

1. I sang in the choir all throughout middle school, high school, and then Gospel choir in college. I’m an Alto.

2. I’m an only child. Spoiled rotten and I love it.

3. I worked at a gourmet deli/wine shop in college. Not only did I learn how to properly make a deli sandwich, I learned a lot about different types of wines from all over the world. It was a lot of fun.

 

4. My favorite wine is Argententian Malbec.
5. I am allergic to penicillin.
6. My first job was working at a local movie theater making waffle cones in the café. Hated every minute of it.
7. One of my favorite holidays is Mardi Gras. Me and my boyfriend go to this local Mardi Gras parade every year, it is so much fun.

 

8. If don’t have a cup of coffee in the morning, I’m a total zombie.

9. I am horrible at keeping up with jewelry, especially earrings.

10. I am addicted to Pinterest. How else would I know how to cook, pick out my clothes and decorate my home?

11. I do not know how to roll my tongue. It really made for some awkward times when I took Spanish classes in school.

Amanda’s Questions

1. What was the first concert that you ever went to?

I went to see Dru Hill & Immature back in the day. I had a thing for R & B boy bands. Anyone remember Sisqo?

I still have nightmares about the "thong song".

 2. If you were on Death Row, what would you choose for your last meal?

Sushi and red wine.

3. What was your most favorite Halloween costume that you have worn?

I borrowed my friend’s Southern Belle costume a few years ago…it was super cute and hoochie mama-fied.

 

4. Which actress would you like to star as you if you had a movie made about your life? Sanaa Lathan…or Zoe Saldana. I have a girl crush on them both.

5. If you could open any type of business what would it be?

A boutique that specializes in running clothes and accessories for women. Because who doesn’t love running in loud colors and skirts?

6. You have a free plane ticket to go anywhere in the world, but you can only stay there for 24 hours. Where are you going?

Somewhere tropical and sunny, umbrella drink in hand.

Ahhhruba...would love to be there right now.

7. What is your favorite TV series, past or present?

The Real Housewives on Bravo. It’s my guilty pleasure; I watch them all. Housewives drama all day every day, I love it.

8. When did you first feel like a runner?

When I ran my first marathon, the Chicago Marathon, back in 2010. There was something about checking that 26.2 off of my bucket list that made it feel official.

9. What is the last thing that you splurged on? Probably a race entry.

10. Night owl or early bird? Definitely an early bird. There’s nothing more beautiful than a sunrise, a new morning to start fresh.

11. What is one thing that you wished you would have learned to do? Play the piano. I tried to learn when I was younger but it just didn’t stick.

My Questions

• If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go?
• What is your favorite time of year?
• Would you rather go to the mall or go shopping online?
• What is the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
• What one thing would you like to accomplish in 2012?
• What is your most valuable possession?
• List 3 must haves in your purse/handbag.
• Tea or coffee?
• What is your favorite dessert?
• Describe yourself in 3 words.
• What inspires you?

Tag, you’re it!

Marathons N Martinis

Mom’s Gotta Run

Hungry Hungry Hippie

Happy Runner

Sprinkle Massacre

Want in on the fun? Answer any of the questions and/or tell me some fun facts about yourself.

Holiday Style Survey.

Last night’s purse party gift exchange was a good time. One of the rules was that once a bag was stolen twice, it was considered dead. I got lucky since I was one of the last ones to go…and my bag had already been stolen once. So I got exactly what I wanted. Success!

This morning I got up bright and early for a 3 mile run, then did some strength training at the apt gym. It was a wham-bam-thankyou-ma’am kind of a workout, but glad I got it done. Then I went to work and had a little holiday treat for breakfast. A mini caramel apple w/ sprinkles (gift given to me by a coworker) and holiday tea. Yummy!

So the holiday fun continues tonight…headed to Luke’s Locker in Plano for their Nike sponsored Ladies Night and ‘Beat Goes On’ Spring Training Orientation. It should be a great time. I am definitely looking forward to training for some races with my buddies in the spring and coaching some new running faces. And the Ladies Night is always great because you get to hang with the girls and there are such awesome giveaways!

At the last Luke's ladies nite event

I thought it would be fun to switch it up today…and do a fun holiday survey (inspired by PB Fingers)! So here goes…

Holiday Style Survey

Colored lights on tree/house or white?

Colored lights of course! Nothing is prettier to me than seeing a beautiful mix of colorful lights.

Christmas lights at the Gaylord Texan resort in Grapevine...so beautiful!

Real tree or fake tree?

Fake…so easy to just pull it out of storage, plug it in, and you’re good to go. Last year I literally kept all of my ornaments and lights on my tree, so all I had to do this year was slide it out, make a few adjustments, and done decorating. No fuss, just like I like it.

What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?

I’m a sucker for mac and cheese…what can I say. Thankfully I make a mean skinny version of mac n cheese!

Favorite Holiday memory as a child?

Waking up early to all the gifts under the tree…and most of them were for me since I was an only child. Spoiled rotten.

Snow? Love it or dread it?

Well…since I live in TX and it hardly snows here…I can’t say I’m the biggest fan…it’s pretty for a little while, but I need my roads clear so I can do all of my running around…

Snow outside my apartment last year...it's pretty but trying to run outside in it is not.

Do you hang mistletoe?

No but I would like to…maybe I can find some pretty mistletoe at a crafts store somewhere and put it up…like this one I found on Pinterest:

fancy.

Hot chocolate or apple cider?

Mmm I cannot resist me some caramel apple cider…especially from Starbucks…with a little bit of whip and lots of yummy caramel. I can always find an excuse for a Starbucks apple cider break.

What’s the most important thing about Christmas for you?

Spending time with family, friends, and just cherishing and relishing in every moment. I am quite fortunate to be living so close to my mom, dad (who lives in Houston, but still get to see him a few times out of the year) boyfriend and lots of fun girlfriends and running buddies. I love getting to go to the annual gift exchange parties, catching up with old friends, and just enjoying each other’s company.

Me & the BF last year at an ice sculpture exhibit...chilly fun times!

Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?

Wraps them, of course? Is there any other way?

What is your favorite Holiday dessert?

Peppermint bark. Hands down. Well, that and my new fave, pumpkin peanut butter brownies.

I could devour it in one sitting, honestly.

Do you have a Christmas morning tradition?

Always get up Christmas morning…have breakfast which consists of my mom’s homestyle grits, turkey bacon/sausage, eggs & toast…and open gifts. Last year, me and E exchanged gifts Christmas morning at my house, and I got up and made breakfast…french toast, grits, bacon. Yummy.

Me & E's first Christmas together last year! Gifts galore.

The yummy Christmas morning breakfast I made...may have to re-create this one this year.

What tops your tree?

A snowflake tree topper I bought from Walgreens…hey, don’t hate on Walgreens! They have some rockin’ Christmas stuff there for great deals!

What is your favorite Christmas Song?

Oh, this is a tough one because I love me some Christmas music, so it would have to be a tie between “Carol of the Bells” & “This Christmas”

Do you prefer to shop on-line or at the mall?

At the mall…because I’d rather have whatever I’m buying in my hand than have to wait for it. Being the impatient, bratty only child that I am.

Now you tell me: YOUR favorite Christmas tradition? Favorite Christmas food/drink/dessert?