11 Miles, a Shakeout Run, and Wknd Snapshots.

Hey hey hey! How was the weekend? Back on that grind today. Workout done – 55 minutes of spin class to kick off my Monday.

This weekend was filled with lots of r & r! Time to charge the batteries and exhale a bit…oh yeah, and run. Lots of runnin’ and gunnin’ involved.

Friday night I did let my hair down a bit and went out to play with the girls for a vino tasting then dinner at Taco Diner.

Made it an early night since I had to get up for a sunrise run with my girl Elyse. 11 miles of straight hills and humidity.

That big steep one in the middle was a killer. It has been a while since I’ve done hill work and it kind of reminded me of this race but I got it done. Mounds of opportunity.

I came home and refueled with a smoothie – strawberries, banana, greek yogurt, coconut almond milk, and agave.

Also my favorite thing to eat post run. Nothing like ice cold watermelon after a hot hot run.

Saturday evening I went to church so I could get up and play some more on Sunday Funday. Love that Saturday night option.

The next morning I was up and thought I would get a quick shakeout run in. In 80 degree weather. Kind of reminded me of a sauna but I pushed the pace a bit to see what I could do. Not too shabby.

Cleaned up and had lunch with my cutie pie mama.

Tried the fajita chicken salad at our favorite brunch spot. The patio at Frankie’s never lets us down.

I really enjoyed the low-keyness of this wknd since next weekend I will be in Houston for Memorial Day with my honey. I can’t wait!!

How was your weekend? Restful, crazy fun, productive?

What’s your favorite meal of the day?

I would have to say brunch.

Did anyone PR or run a rockstar race this weekend?

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?

10 Miles, A Little Salsa and Mama’s Day Wknd Recap.

This morning’s workout- rolled out of bed and taught 55 minutes of power packed spin class amped up on caffeine. Always a good time.

My goal always is to make people look like that guy at the bottom. Torture is fun.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Mine was filled with the things I love the most…running, dancing, and fun times with the cutest mama in town.

Let’s back it up to Saturday morning. I was up early to hit the streets…10 miles in my ‘hood for breakfast at an easy 9:20 pace.

Marathon training season is ramping back up for me so time to start cranking that mileage back up a bit…this race will be here before you know it.

I of course did stop a couple of times for water and to take photos of the sunrise as usual. It was a good run and time flew by quickly. I love going for long solo runs when I have lots on my mind. Just to work stuff out in my head and think things through in my crazy brain. I always come out on the other side with just a little bit more clarity.

I didn’t fuel or eat much before this run, but afterwards I worked up a bit of an appetite and had this Clif Bar along with lots of water. It was delicious with just a little jolt of caffeine and reminded me of those Thin Mint girl scout cookies.

After the run I met up with mama for lunch at this swanky restaurant by Klyde Warren Park which sits right the heart of downtown Dallas. Gorgeous day for a stroll.

We shared a little vino and cheese on the patio.

Later on in the evening I recharged the batteries with a nap and met up with a few of my running buddies to celebrate this hottie’s upcoming birthday. A little salsa dancing at Gloria’s.

Sunday I took mama to church and we had brunch at our favorite spot with my cousin Crystal and her two daughters, one is 2 and the other is 5. Love these sassy chicks.

Busy busy weekend but I still made time to stop by Trader Joe’s for my grocery haul. Yummy spinach salads on deck all week long.

Fun fun weekend and happy I got to spoil my mama cuz she’s the best ever.

Did you spend Mother’s Day with your mom/family? Did you run a long run or RACE? 

Have you ever gone salsa dancing? 

It’s my favorite.

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.

Hello Friday! Nice to see you again. I greeted the sunrise this morning with a 7 mile run.

Turned on MapMyRun just for fun. Comes in handy.

I have to say that even though the weather has been playing with my emotions lately I am kind of digging the cooler weather in the mornings. This morning’s run was a chilly 40 degrees. I know it’s not going to stick around long so I will have to just enjoy it while it lasts and sip on hot coffee to stay warm.

I rocked it out in these new hot pink Asics I got from my dad for my birthday. Not sure how I feel about these yet, still breaking ‘em in. We will see if they make the cut.

Sure do love that color though.

On to my faves this week…

-This girl’s post…just read it, you will be inspired. She is an awesome ultrarunner and I am loving her blog lately.

-Two boxes…keep filling up the gold one.

-Mint shorts? I need to find these. Great color for spring and summer.

-Bellini scented candles from Bath and Body works. Loving all the smells of the season. Reminds me of being out on the patio for brunch on a lovely Saturday afternoon.

-Mango kombucha. Can’t get enough of these drinks. Plus I am just loving mangos right now.

-The runner’s high. Yes, it’s my favorite pretty much all the time so it should probably stay on this list.

 

What’s on tap for your CINCO DE MAYO weekend? Ever tried kombucha? 

What’s your favorite fruit? 

That would have to be a tie between bananas and strawberries.

Early Morning at the Office and B-day Wknd Recap.

Monday morning workout- taught 55 minutes of spin class, lots of sprints and rolling hills. Felt good to be back in the saddle after a 3 day weekend!

Just another early morning at the office…never get tired of this view.

I celebrated my 29th birthday this weekend with family and friends. The boyfriend was in town from Houston so we spent much needed time together. Friday was my actual birthday…I slept in for a little bit then ventured out for some easy running by the lake. Felt good just to get outside and get some fresh air.

After the run I went to yoga over at the gym, ran some errands, grabbed a chai from the ‘bux…and waited for the boo to get in since he was road tripping it from H.town. Met up with my mama and some friends of ours for a little ‘rita action on the patio at Frankie’s.

Me & mama

Finally Eric got in and we hit the town for a bit.

Saturday was more birthday fun with friends! We all met up at the swanky Victor Tango’s. Dressed up and ate fancy food ‘cuz that’s what you do in fancy pants Uptown Dallas. They are known for their delicious cocktails, small plates to share and of course some chicken n waffles which were delish.

Eric bought me some sweets so I had my cake and ate it too.

 

Took some pics with my favorite ladies in the whole wide world…

And then went out for some dancing after dinner. Good times.

Sunday E and I slept in a bit, went to church, and then chilled it out. A little bittersweet to see him go but we had an amazing weekend together. I am already counting down the days til I see him again.

Did you have a busy weekend or a lazy one?  What’s the last fancy restaurant you’ve been to? 

Been There, Run That and Faves a Day Early.

Happy Friday! I know it’s not really Friday, but in my little world it is since tomorrow is my birthday and I will be off from work

I walked into the office this morning to this little sweet surprise from my coworkers. Fun décor and they know me and my running tendencies so well. 26.2 – been there, RUN that.

This weekend I’m looking forward to enjoying some time with my honey who is driving up to Dallas from where he lives in Houston Friday morning. I was going to pace the Irving half marathon on Saturday but decided I would rather enjoy my time with loved ones and friends.

And this hottie.

Will probably do a little fun birthday run on my own though…cuz that’s a tradition.

So, since it’s Friday over here at thedancingrunner how about we talk about my faves – a day early? Yeah let’s do that.

-Free birthday drink over at Starbucks. Yeah, I enjoyed mine a little bit early but it was so worth it.  Gotta love those perks of being a ‘bucks gold card member.

-The perfect wedges. I have some similar to these in black but I have to get some in this color to go with all of my sundresses.

-Anything Paris themed. Plus reading about this girl’s adventures makes me seriously want to book a flight there. Until then I will have to just enjoy my little Eiffel tower at home and keep my jewelry on it.

-Chevron maxi dress? Yes. Must have.

-Birthday fro yo. Nuff said.

-The name of this half marathon. Can’t wait to run it in June. I will actually be racing it and I’m so excited to get my jalapeno on.

I hope you all have a great weekend!

What is your dream travel destination? Favorite spring accessory or outfit? 

What’s your favorite birthday treat or guilty pleasure?

Fro yo fo sho.

Cookin’ and Bookin’….Wknd Snapshots.

Hello hello! Hope your Monday is coasting along smoothly. My morning started with a nice cycle burn…55 minutes of spin with my peeps. We ended the workout with this track. Lots of resistance and sprints out of the saddle. 

 

 

My weekend was actually very restful…and much needed! I am loving taking a little bit of down time before marathon training for this race starts back up again this summer. Lots of time poolside and some vinyasa yoga flow…

 

 

I have to say I am actually pretty sore from Sunday’s yoga class. We did a LOT of planks, side planks, and low pushups so the upper body is seriously feelin’ it. 

 

This weekend was the Thrill of the Grill 5K at Central Market! I actually did this race with my mom so I didn’t ‘race’ race it. It was just a fun run with fam and friends! Cookin’ and bookin’!!

 

 

I’ve done this race for the past few years and it is always a lot of fun! The course was a little bit different this year and with more hills than what I remember but still a good time. There’s live music, breakfast and lots of freebies afterwards! Ultra marathoner Dean Karnazes was even there to join us for some speedy miles!

 

(Source) 

 

Sunday morning was church and then I was feeling like getting my yoga on…I found a new class to go to on Sundays at 12:30…the girl who teaches is great and I loved the pace of the class. I haven’t been sore from yoga in a long time so I will definitely be back for more. Yeah, I like to be tortured. 

 

I even had time to make a new dish…the quinoa version of ‘fried rice’…get on board. This is good stuff…nice healthy alternative!! Lots of leftovers for the week. I will be posting some new recipes too so stay tuned!

 

 

How was your weekend? Did you go out to eat/try a new restaurant or dish? 

 

What strength training move do you love to hate? 

Seriously have a love/hate relationship with planks…and lunges…hurts so good!! 

TGIFriday Faves.

Thought I would share a few of this week’s favorites with you…

-26.2 bible verses for running…love these for running and for just life in general. I plan on putting some of these up on the wall as daily reminders.

-I saw this video on a couple of blogs yesterday. It really is amazing how we see ourselves.

-All of the Boston tribute shirts popping up. I’ve got to get my hands on one of them to wear in my next race.

-This post on the bond that we share as runners. I could not agree more. There is just something unbreakable about the friendships you share with your running buddies. We are such a tight knit community and I am so thankful for that.

Rock N Roll Dallas 2012

-Sharing a little sangria on the patio with my mama after a long long Monday. Totally needed that this week.

-I also had some of the most amazing ceviche ever in a little pineapple shell from this place. I love when my food looks like artwork.

Have a safe, fun, relaxing weekend!