The Hardest Step For a Runner to Take is the First One Out the Door

Today is National Running Day!!! Happy NRD to you =)
I love to run - alone, with the dog, with a friend.  It is therapeutic and helps clear my thoughts and emotions.   Last summer, I started running with my dad.  I had this crazy idea that I wanted to run my second half marathon.  So we started training.

It was HARD.  Especially because - super smart us - decided to start training in JULY! JULY People!! Here in July it is 85* on a COOL NIGHT! To say it was hot and muggy and 'heavy' is an understatement.  My dad likes to tell people that on our first two mile run together it was like trying to run in wet jeans and combat boots.  Yeah, it was tough.

By December we were ready though and I PR-ed =) YAY me! Although it was a hard run...about 10 days before the race, I started experiencing discomfort in my left knee.  Me and my imagination were mentally prepping for the worst. As in a small tear in the tendon or something that would need surgery and/or prevent me from running for an extended amount of time.

I finally went to the doctor in January and she told me I had to actually invest in for real shoes - not just whatever was on sale at Kohl's like I had been.  So new shoes and inserts were purchased.  Since that day in late January I have had no pain while running.  You read that right - NONE!!!

My dad and I started training again and are only up to about 6 miles for our 'long' runs.  We are really wanting to get back to where we are running 8-9 miles on Saturday mornings.  For now, we are happy with averaging anywhere between 10 - 15 miles a week.

Today we are planning on running - if the weather holds out for us.  and I am really hoping it isn't hurricane-ing since, after all, it's National Running Day!

Do you have a running buddy?
Are you planning a run for today?

Hitting the Pavement

Happy Thursday!! And last day of January!!!

Sooo I haven't been running really since the half marathon I ran in December. I miss it but I knew I needed some time off because I have had a lot of pressure in my knee. I took the time off i thought I needed and tried going for a run. I can get a mile into the run before feeling the pressure.
I started doing other things to work out but they just don't satisfy me like a nice long run. PLUS - and this is a big huge PLUS - I was running with my Dad and I loved the father-daughter time I got out of it.

I took more time off and tried running again. Same issue. So my dad has continued running and I have been pouting. I FINALLY got to see the doctor today.  She pulled and pushed on my knee. I am happy to announce that there isn't anything major happening.  She said what I need to do is get fit for shoes. And that my xrays show that I have been very active for a long time.  The pressure sensation I feel is internal inflammation in my knee - nothing to be overly concerned with, just take an anti-inflammatory before running and make sure to get enough down time in between long runs.

Soooo it isn't surgery or some weird thing where I can't run again ever! Hip hip hurray! I am bummed that I am going to have to for real get shoes.  You see I was one of those people who could just hit up a Kohl's sale and pick my favorite shoe. Those days are finally over and I'm going to be getting fit for my very own 'grownup' running shoe.

That is my satursday morning plan and training resumes Monday!!!!  Yay!!! I'm very excited to get back out on the pavement.

Do you enjoy running?
How do you pick your running shoes?

Run, Forrest, Run!

After almost NINE months, I FINALLY bought some new running shoes. I find that I have to buy new shoes close to every 6 months, depending on how often and how far I am running.  When my knees, joints and feet start to hurt, I know it is time for new shoes.

I shop for my running shoes at Kohl's...don't judge. I have lots of reasons:

1. since I buy them every 6 months, it can get pretty expensive.
2. I can try a new pair, go for a run, then take them back if I think they are horrible.
3. I get amazing deals on shoes
4. There is a store less than 5 miles from work, so I can browse/buy while on my lunch hour.

Ok so not LOTS but 4 is more than a couple =) Anyhow, here are my new shoes:

So they are $60 shoes...Kohl's had them on sale for $44.99....THEN I used my Kohl's charge and got an additional 30% off!! TOTAL: $31.50!!! WHAAAAAAT?!

I don't care if you think you know that I should go to a specialty shoe place.  For now, these types of deals are working for me. =)

AND aren't they so pretty?! =)

I also helped my sissy pick out some new shoes to run in and they are super comfy. I would have actually bought those except they didn't have the right size...I needed a half size bigger =/ oh well these pink lovelies make me happy!!

I can't wait to try them out this weekend.

Happy Friday!

If It Weren't Tuesday This Whould Be Titled Miscellany Monday

Welcome back to Reality, peeps! How was your weekend? Was it totally fabulous?!

I have a lot going on and lots of thoughts to share. Who knew I would miss putting it all out there for you?! Apparently writing it all down is helpful for me =)

We put an offer in on a house on Friday night. Please keep us in your thoughts today. This home is so beautiful and everything we want in a home. Seriously -- The only way it could be any more perfect would be if it CAME with the appliances lol. We should hear back by the end of today whether the offer was accepted or not.

Saturday was a 'work' day -- J did work for his company and I did chores...booo chores! Once J got home, he was exhausted, so I made a quick/easy dinner and he was asleep on the couch very early. I stayed up a little just so I wasn't WIDE awake in bed.

Sunday was spent on the lake -- well a few hours were. We had a great time -- unfortunately I didn't upload any pictures yet OR get the ones from my friends. We took Ruger out with us -- which was interesting haha. I had taken him for a 5.5 mile run that morning and then we had him swimming and playing. Needless to say he was exhausted by the time we got him home.  Sunday night we went up to Home Depot and Lowe's to start price checking to figure out how much we are going to need to spend initially to get into the home, since there are NO light fixtures or appliances.  That's OK -- we'll get to pick what we love. =) But we needed to figure out the costs IF we get the house and where the money would come from. That was a lot of fun -- I LOVE looking at light fixtures. I don't know why -- but it makes me really happy haha!

Monday we went to see what kind of deal we could get on another nightstand -- when J bought his bedroom furniture I wasn't in the picture SO he only bought ONE nightstand. We found the one he bought 4 years ago, and DANG furniture is EXPENSIVE when you don't buy it as a package deal! hopefully we can work out a deal with the next sales associate we have to deal with. For now, we are just price checking because EVENTUALLY, whichever home we get into, I want my own nightstand! =)

It has officially been about a week and a half since I cut off all my hair. I don't have the issues like I was having -- I was SERIOUSLY upset about cutting it off.  It can ALMOST go into a ponytail now. That helps. The bad thing is that I have to ACTUALLY style it every day -- so no getting up late for this girl! It is already almost touching my shoulders, so I am starting to like it all the time =) J LOVES it. he touches it a lot but I think that is mostly due to the fact that it is so different.

I have decided that I am going to run 2 halves coming up -- 1 at the end of this year and then the other at the beginning of next year.  I extended my runs this weekend -- I ran 5.5 and 5 Saturday and Sunday.  I know I probably shouldn't have done back to back long runs but I felt SO amazing! The dog really enjoyed it too =) I am really looking forward to getting back into the training.  I did realize that I am in desperate need of some new running shoes!

I also need a new bra (s) -- BAD! I just can't find any that I really love that actually hold up for a bit. I have tried VS but they don't really fit me well =/ I have considered going to the VS Pink store, hoping that since their stuff runs smaller that they would be better for me? I have been buying them at Kohl's -- they fit well but seem to stretch out quickly. Any suggestions???

I am so happy it is a short week -- I always have trouble getting back into it after a long weekend.

In happy news! Christina @ Lou Lou Runs Florida gave me an AWARD! WOO! Thanks sweet lady!

I have to share 7 randoms about myself and tag 7 bloggers!

{1} I can't get into the Twilight movies. I LOVED the books -- seriously, I read them 2 times. The movies...well I saw the first one and thought it was an absolute train wreck! I wouldn't have made the same casting choices they made. I was very VERY disappointed. (please don't hate me lol)

{2} I only eat mints until the stripes are gone.  Weird, right? I notice when they are dissolved based on the taste. No, Really. I think they taste different without the stripes. J usually eats the rest -- it grosses some people out that we do this but, hey, he kisses me and it is just a mint...it isn't a toothbrush or anything haha

{3}I get really wrapped up in things and attach myself emotionally very quickly.  Like this house we put an offer on, I know I will probably cry if we don't get it. I get my hopes up really high really early.

{4} I make everything a competition, even when I don't realize or intend to do so. I made picking the house into a competition. I have even done it with paint colors and who makes better eggs or washes the dishes better. It is a really annoying habit that I am trying to at least keep an inner struggle.

{5} I am very passionate -- especially about friends and family. If you do anything to wrong them, even when it doesn't involve me in any way, I get really made. I don't have a short temper, but the people who I have in my life mean a lot to me, so don't mess with them. Especially my little sister -- mess with her, I'll take you out ;)

{6} I am the sports fan in this relationship. We only go to bars to watch games because it is the one I want to see that isn't on. J couldn't really care any less but he has fun and I am determined to make him a Steelers fan yet =) This past season he actually started cheering -- we'll get there with the help of Marc and Daddy.

{7} I have a hard time coming home from work when J is home and doing my workout. I just want to chill out with him when I get home. It is really hard finding motivation to do things when he is there...I just want to do things with him =)

Tag!!

Kate @ Every Mile a Memory

Syndal @ Synfully Delicious

Megan @ Macky Madness

Cherish @ Southern Soulmates

Miss K @ Love, Lipstick and Pearls

Newlywed and Decorating

Shalyn @ The Nelson Diaries

Well -- I think that is enough randoms for one day =) Happy TUESDAY! YAY only a few days of work and then we are back to the glorious weekend!! WOOT! haha!

Easily Distracted by the Excitement of the Impending Weekend

Happy FRIDAY! FINALLY! UGH! this has been such a long week. I'm sure it is because I have been desperately seeking the 3-day weekend. My husband is FINALLY going to get two days off in a row. I'm pretty stoked -- I'm not going to lie. TWO whole GLORIOUS days with my main squeeze! OOO I can hardly contain my excitement!

Meanwhile, here I sit, at my desk, at work. I wish we had season transition breaks -- you know, that first week of each season everyone gets a paid week off. How freaking awesome-sauce would that be?! Yeah that's right -- it would be....side tracked, what was I saying again? Oh right...

J has worked every day for at least the past twenty days. He has to work tomorrow doing HIS company work. But then Sunday and Monday he is ALL MINE. I don't even know if I want to share him.

You know what is a lot of fun -- looking at homes. all of them -- even the nasty ones, where you walk out thinking, someone would need to throw some cash at you before you would make an offer. Yeah, we looked at one of those last night. It wasn't completely bad -- had super potential and the kitchen was ultra cute. BUT yeah it was THAT BIG...it looked like the pretty slate tile was DIY...which I am not against, but it was done poorly. They also put an addition on the house that didn't have central air. The bathrooms were disgusting and would need to be immediately gutted. The master bedroom had a small window -- it felt like the timeout room! It was very interesting haha. Had it been 50K LESS we may have entertained the idea of getting it and completely re-doing the home. THAT would have been a lot of work. In theory it would be great...I don't know that I am ready to take all that on. I am tired. I don't know if I want to take on that kind of project when our days in our current home are numbered. I am tired...have I mentioned that?!

Every time I say that I think of Monster-In-Law when Wanda Sykes says:

" I am sick. I am sick, sick, sick of yo' shit. And when I'm not sick, I'm tired. I am sick and tired"

It makes me giggle, usually during complete silence and then people look at me out of the corner of their eye like I'm a loon. I'm not a loon, I just feel the need to be entertained at all times if I am not sleeping. =) It's a fun quality although I think it catches J off guard because a lot of times, the giggling or comment comes out of the blue...to him, for me I had a completely normal train of thought...

So I'm not 100% sure about what we will do this weekend. My boss invited us out on the lake on Monday with some other people from work. He wants to see J, it has been a while since they got to hang out and he really likes J. I guess it depends what we do on Sunday and how late we are out and whether or not I'm tired...

I have decided that I am going to run a half marathon in December and then the Rock 'n' Roll half marathon in February. I am really intimidated because after the first marathon I ran, I couldn't run for about a month. I'm hoping it was just my body adjusting. I am consistently running 4 miles so I figure if I start training now, I can take a little more time and be Little Miss Amazing by the December race. Then I can sorta take it easy and just keep up my miles for the February race. Anyone else try to run 2 halves that close together? I am hoping to motivate my dad into it and maybe train a little with him. I think I would like to set the goal of running better than my first half. I also didn't sleep or eat well the night before my first half -- seriously may have only gotten 3 hours of sleep. SO I am hoping that I can figure out better eating and get more sleep. I think that all really had an effect on my time.

I realized last night that EVERYTHING in my life becomes a competition. It is ridiculous. While looking at homes, I was so hell bent on making sure everyone loved the house I picked out not the house J picked out. I was being so stubborn I couldn't see good things about the one he picker OR bad things about the one I picked. How silly of me! J and I walked back into the homes on our own to discuss with one another what we did and didn't like about each house. We also discussed furniture position and use of each of the rooms. That helped me not be SUCH a baby and though I pouted inside for a long time, before we made the trip home, I found myself being excited no matter what because it was a new start for J and I and we were looking at beautiful homes that WE liked as a couple. YAY!

I hope you have an amazing 3-day weekend. I can't wait for the day to be over so I can make my way to the store for some wine and head home to snuggle with the man...although after his LONG LONG day, I am pretty sure he will sleep from the moment he gets home until the alarm goes off on Saturday haha. Oh well, I like to snuggle with him anyhow =)

Happy Friday!

A Little Bit of Life

*Life has been pretty low key in our household.  We are quickly approaching our first anniversary and trying to plan for that weekend.  We thought we would get away for the weekend but that doesn't seem to be possible due to J's work schedule and when his coworkers have taken time off. So we are going to make that weekend about us.

I want to go to St. Augustine on Saturday and then on the way home stop in Port Orange at Red Robin. Have you been to this restaurant? It is a chain that is found mostly in the North but there are a few in Florida! I am VERY happy about that =) I mean really -- how could you NOT be excited about a place that serves this:

Yeah that's what I thought haha =)

On Sunday we have already planned a dinner date to a really nice steak place in town. I am looking forward to that.  I am thinking we will hit up the movies that day  -- I am wanting to see Red Riding Hood and The Adjustment Bureau. The former is one of the first scary movies I have wanted to see in a WHILE so The Husband is excited =)

*Do you think it is weird that I plan on sending out another round of Thank You cards as we are approaching our first anniversary?  I am thinking to our photographers -- since they gave us the photography as a wedding gift, our parents and the wedding party. So would that be odd??

*My mom bought a Groupon for a 16X20 canvas print and bought my sister and I one.  We were able to decide which picture we wanted. I used one from our Trash the Dress session.  J picked it actually -- it is one of his favorite pictures:

I haven't figured out where we will hang it.  I LOVE the quality though.  It is so pretty! This one was ordered through Canvasondemand.com

I definitely plan on ordering a couple when we move to our new house and definitely a split canvas:

I love it! I think I will crop it a little differently when I officially order it but I was just playing around real quick =) This one was 'created' at personalizationmall.com. I am in LOVE!

*Week 7: Time*

I am really pleased with my photo interpretation of 'Time' =) What do you think?

*I played with Ruger-dog this weekend -- actually he played, I photographed.  I have been taking him for runs again which I'm sure he loves.  He was starting to get a little thick -- I don't want me a chunky dog haha!

 

Isn't he handsome?! =) And yes his tongue is ACTUALLY that huge and barely fits in his face haha! =)

*I am officially back to working out -- well at least for the past 2 days. I hope to stay with it, I have missed it.  The running is so good for my spirit and overall demeanor! What helps keep you level?

*This girl has motivated me a LOT.  She is funny and she runs for her mental and emotional health. If you haven't checked her out, head over to The Hungry Runner Girl -- she is amazing and motivating. Her husband decided (through research) that chocolate milk is an excellent source of protein for workout recoveries. I'm loving it! It is like a happy reward/treat for working out =)

*My finger has healed very well -- the tiny stitches are still existent.  I haven't had a band aid on it for the past 12 hours but I am thinking I need to put on back on because I keep messing with the stitches.  That can't be good for it haha =)

Happy halfway through the week lovelies! I hope you are having a good week!!

The Fabulous Freckle Is No More

Hey Peeps! How goes it?!
So I had my out-patient minor surgery on Friday morning.  They numbed my finger and I couldn’t feel it AT ALL until close to 4 that afternoon!! Weirdest thing I have experienced in a while.  I had to have it taped up so I didn’t pop the stitches for the first 24 hours.  I took the tape off as soon as I could on Saturday morning to check out the doc’s handy work.  It wasn’t very pretty Saturday morning and I was a little pouty.  As the weekend progressed it started to look better and better as the swelling subsided.  I have 2 teeny tiny stitches and it is healing really well.  I won’t share pictures with you as I don’t want to make you queasy. You’re welcome, Christina haha ;)
As for the rest of my weekend, it was fairly low key – especially Sunday, which was spent on the couch with The Husband all day.  That is my kind of day! =)
I have a feeling I am one of few that actually have to work today --  President’s Day. However, after work I have a shopping trip planned with the lil’ sis! YAY! I haven’t been shopping in a while – at least not for stuff that I want.  I am looking to score some new tops – so we shall see what kinds of sales are out there!

    

Tonight I finally get to hop back on the fitness train.  I have been sick for 3 weeks with symptoms of not being able to breathe haha. SO workout took a back seat unfortunately. Tonight I plan to do treadmill (hooray!) and begin Week 4 of P90X...no I didn't skip the first 3 weeks...I did those successfully before I got sick. Luckily I have been able to maintain and keep the weight off that I had lost while working out. I started upping my intake for energy yesterday and have felt so good the past couple of days - I am seriously looking forward to getting back to my training.

I painted my nails last night an awesome shade of pink.  It's Nicole Collection by OPI and the color is Ink a Dink a Pink

 I know pale pink is 'in' right now but this shade of hot pink really lifts my spirits and makes me happy =)

Happy President's Day Everyone!

Weekend Recap $

Saturday morning I kissed the hubs good-bye and headed out of town with Christy and her mom.  We were headed to St. Pete where we would compete in the:

It would be Christy, her mom and my FIRST Half Marathon. 
We stopped in Tampa to pick up the lovely Christina from the airport and headed out to the race expo.  We picked up our race packets and personalized bibs (I LOVED the personalized bibs lol).  We didn't stay at the expo too long -- there were a lot of vendors wanting me to spend money I didn't have on some stuff that I could make myself. 
We made our way towards the hotel, but before getting there stopped for lunch -- hello Chick-fil-a.  We picked up a couple things at Target -- can you believe I forgot my toothbrush at home?! What the heck!! We had pre-purchased tickets to see Harry Potter at 5:50.  We had an hour or so until then and decided to see if they would trade the tickets for an earlier time...so we went to the 4:20 showing!!

I really enjoyed the movie.  I don't know that I would take my 5 year old to see it (if I had one) but there were children that young in the movie.  I guess I kind of feel like with something like this, if the child can't read and comprehend the language/storyline, they don't need to see it.  But, hey, to each their own.

We went back to the hotel after dinner where we all painted our nails the color Sunrise, Sunset.  It's kinda orangey but I really like the color =)

We attempted bed early...I tossed and turned for several hours before residing myself to the couch.  There I used a pillowcase and a shirt as a blanket haha! I actually got some sleep though. Not NEARLY the amount I would have liked when competing in a half marathon.

Morning came quickly and we were up, fed and headed out by 6 am to get to the start line. We got there JUST in time -- as in 8 minutes to start.  NOT how I wanted to kick off the morning but we were there in time.  J and Christy's husband made it to the race and we were able to find them before the start.  That was so nice -- it really is amazing to have a supportive and loving husband. 

For the first 5 miles I just could NOT find a rhythm. I knew our pace was fast but somehow we couldn't manage to slow down.  I think my competitive nature was in control and my speed stemmed from the fact that I was being passed by people.  I know, that's not the point.

I saw J at the end of Mile 7 and the beginning of Mile 9, where I grabbed a quick kiss.  That helped me get to Mile 10...and I had to slow down.  My goal at this point was to run the entire race.  Thankfully I had my girl Christina to help push me forward.  Mile was probably the most fun -- not because it was any easier, but because we ran around Tropicana Field -- as in INSIDE on the playing field.  That was pretty cool and gave me a different view of the stadium.   Mile 13 was easier as it was on a decline and the last quarter mile was motivational.  There were so many fans cheering and clapping and I was able to finish strong.  My finishing time was 2:31:02.  Right around where I had hoped to finish -- 2.5 hours for my first half.  I'm pretty proud of that.

I barely walked -- only through a couple water stations.  During the final mile, I remember thinking "I don't know that I want to run a Full Marathon".  My mind may change later but as of now, running a half works for me =)
I mentioned earlier that our bibs were personalized -- yes they had our names on it! I LOVED it! People could encourage your personally and that seemed to help keep me going, along with Christina. 

We each received a medal at the end and it had a charm that you could remove.  A lot of ladies were putting them on bracelets and necklaces.  I made mine into a key chain! I love it!

Christy had a great finish especially with her lack of training due to a broken toe about 2.5 months ago.  She came in well under her target time, as did her mom. 

Way to go ladies! I look forward to our next!!

+ Wanton Wednesday +

{1} Last night J and I watched "Killers" with Katherine Heigl and Ashton Kutcher.  I really enjoyed it =) It was fun and entertaining...albeit highly unrealistic BUT like I said it was entertaining. The story line doesn't drag on for days, the whole movie is about an hour and a half.  I like Kutcher in roles like this where he isn't playing a complete idiot.  Actually this movie kind of gave me a little celeb-crush on him!  I think Heigl looks gorgeous the entire movie and I think she's funny. 

{2} Tonight I am going with my sister, mom and one of the other bridesmaids to check out a few more bridesmaid dresses ... the ones I showed you in Monday's post. I hope we can have it narrowed down and I am keeping my fingers crossed that we can pick the shoes also (the ones from Monday are my choice lol) BUT Jess IS the bride so obviously we will wear whatever makes her happy =)

{3} I am highly looking forward to this coming weekend.  That's right -- it's the 1/2 marathon, my VERY FIRST!! I am so excited and nervous.  I hope I don't psych myself out!  Thankfully I have my girls to go with me and push me through it.   We are driving out Saturday; the race is out of town on Sunday, so we are staying the night before.  It's going to be a mini-girls weekend! WOO!!

{4} We have decided after going to the Expo, that we are going to go see Harry Potter!! I am SO EXCITED! Maybe not as excited as others, but I have high hopes for this one. I read all the books and since then I have been seeing the movies.  Not always in theatre because, let's be real, some theatre people get crazy AND it really bothers me when I go to the movies and people talk/text/etc.  Just because texting is silent doesn't mean the screen light doesn't bother me A LOT!

{5} J is driving out Sunday to cheer me on.  I told him he doesn't have to be at the race when it starts at 7 (he'd have to leave the house no later than 5!) but to make sure he is at the finish line.  If I know him, he wants to surprise me some where along the course.  If not, that's OK, I completely understand PLUS he doesn't really get the whole running long distances for no reason thing. 

{6} Does anyone else feel sexier when their nails are painted??  There is something about looking down at my peep toe shoes and seeing a pop of color staring up at me.  I just LOVE it!  When I paint my fingernails, I feel so polished (unintended pun) and, not proper, but feminine, I suppose.  I feel like my entire look is complete when I wear nail polish.

{7} I really want to buy a new color.  I have lots of pinks and reds and I was daring once and bought purple.  Sometimes I want black, but I just don't think I can pull that off. Any color suggestions or favorites??

{8}Most of you know, I am a Steelers fan.  I was at the very first game the kicker, Jeff Reed played in Jacksonville against the Jags.  He has had a rough go this season and Tuesday, he was waived from the team.  I was very sad to hear the news but I can see why the coaches/owners made the decision. Bye, bye Jeff Reed, Hello Shaun Suisham -- who was actually originally on the roster in 2005.  Fingers crossed that he does well -- he IS kinda cute though!  I will miss you, Jeff Reed!!

I think that's all I've got for now, my week hasn't been overly exciting and I am just trying to stay focused for this weekend.  Happy Half-way-through-the-week!

My First Race

SO this past weekend I ran my very first race...ok so not my VERY first. I ran cross country my sophomore year in high school but that was like ten years ago!  I haven't raced since that year, though I have threatened to several times. 
My very good friend Christina has talked me into a 1/2 marathon.  In theory, this is awesome and fabulous! In reality, it scares the crap out of me! How am I going to be able to RUN 13.1 miles?! "Easy" she says - "we'll train"!  You will have noticed that I have tracked my running since that fateful day that she asked.
October 23rd was our 8 mile day. Christina's fiance, (also a) J, and his company were running a 5k and needed participants.  She asked me and I agreed.  We still had to get the first 5 miles in for the day though.
We (Christina, her J and I)  met bright and early on Saturday morning and drove to the race site. we were well over an hour early to make sure we had plenty of time to run the 5 miles. 
And time we had! We ran the five miles mostly in the dark -- yeah it was that early lol. I felt good...our pace was a little sporadic but that's ok, the three of us were tired from lack of sleep the night before.  We finished and had THIRTY minutes to stand around and wait for the race to start.  ICK! My legs were starting to feel heavy and my energy was dwindling.  How would I SURVIVE?!
We met up with people from J's company and some of his family who were joining.  I tried to keep moving and not remain stationary.  At last it was race time!
I felt pretty good for the first 1.5 miles -- although I had Thunder Foot running right in my ear.  You know that person, the one that runs so LOUDLY you think they are coming to get you and stomp you in the ground.  Luckily he wasn't able to keep our pace by 1.5 miles. 
We hit the 2 mile mark, and though I was feeling winded and my quadriceps hated me, I was still feeling good.  Then we hit 2.5 and I wanted to burst into tears! I was tired, my legs hurt and I needed something to drink in a terrible kind of way.  Christina and her fiance were trying to be so supportive and I love them for that but I HAD to slow down a little.  I was also mad at myself -- I know I had a million reasons why this felt hard but I feel I'm in pretty good shape and, still, I had to slow down. 
They finished a whole 11 seconds in front of me -- it would have been more but I dug deep and strided out the last tenth of a mile.
For the 8.13 miles we ran that morning, we timed 1 hour 18 minutes, averaging JUST UNDER 10 minute miles. I think I would have felt a lot better had we not had the break for 30 minutes. For the race, I finished 9th in my age group and 28th of 165 female runners.
In two weeks we are doing something similar to this again -- 6 miles and then a 5K. Hopefully we can time it a little better so the waiting time isn't so long.

DIY Headband: Tutorial

I was over at Skinny Runner (last week?) and she was hosting a giveaway from Sweatybands.com.  They are these SUPER cute bands that you wear on your head, that don't slip off and they hold your hair back.  I, of course, jumped at the chance to win one!  These would be just PERFECT for running (it's what Skinny Runner uses them for too) I didn't win, no surprise lol.  After staring at the picture she posted of hers for a bit, I determined I am crafty enough that I could probably make something similar!

{SUPPLIES}

Ribbon
Velvet Ribbon
Elastic
Sewing Machine

1. Cut the Ribbon and velvet to length.  I used about 2.5" of elastic and made sure it would stretch far enough to stay on my head well - but not too tight or loose.

2. Lay ribbon and velvet together, wrong sides together.

3. Sew the elastic end between the velvet and ribbon ends.

4. Sew along the length of the ribbon, attaching the velvet to the ribbon.  I suggest using a longer stitch to keep the ribbon from getting too tight and rippling at the edges.

5. When you reach the end, repeat step 4 and then 3. 

VIOLA!

I went running immediately after making this and it didn't move AT ALL! I was impressed.  I will end up making some fashion head pieces as well as a variety of workout pieces.  These are quick, cheap and so fun!  My sis already asked me to make her one.  The possibilities for themes and colors and patterns are endless! =) YAY!

 

My Random Wednesday

{1}It is really annoying that some things are sold online EXCLUSIVELY.  I finally find a coffee/creamer combination that I enjoy and our single cup coffee maker poops out! =/ BOOO!!!! SO I get online and see that Target, Walmart, Home Depot and Lowes all carry the product I am trying to find.  It's perfect! So I head out to the stores only to find that NONE of them have it!!! So I get online again and BAM! There it is -- ONLINE ONLY!!! WHAT?!?!  but WHY?! So now I have to decide if I want to order one online and wait a couple days for it to get here OR if I want to buy a small 4-cup coffee maker.  While I spend time attempting to make this decision, I could have already ordered it and received the darn thing in the mail. 

{2}Oh yes, didn't you hear -- I found a coffee and creamer that i like! YAY!!!!  So we now need 2 single cup coffee makers: one for home and one for my desk at work.  The coffee I found is a Hawaiian bean by Brother's (I think) it's found at Publix where you can grind your own beans! =) WOO!  The creamer is a delicious thing -- it's by International Delight and is one of their new flavors: Vanilla Caramel Cream!! YUM!

{3}This past Monday I realized that there are a mere FIVE, yes you read correctly 5 , weeks until the 1/2 marathon I have been training to run.  EEEP!!! Needless to say I have been pretty slacker.  Monday was my turning point and I have found new motivation! WOO HOO!!  Since Monday I have already run 7.5 miles and I have a 4.5 mile run scheduled for tonight! Go me!!! Our 7 mile run is planned for Sunday so that also helped get me into gear.

{4}Today, J and I have been married for SEVEN MONTHS!!! YAY!! Where in the world have the past months gone?  I had to count a couple times to make sure we were right on how many months it's been.  It seems like yesterday I was with my girls getting our nails done and packing to leave for the wedding.  For our parents, we decided to make albums as the thank you gifts.  I finally finished both and we gave them to each set of parents.  They have taken them to work to show them off (aww) and thanked us repeatedly.  The real thanks goes to them for their love and support!

{5}I spoke with one our photographers (a family friend of J's) and he has agreed to do my TTD (trash the dress) photos -- mine will be more of a rock the dress since I won't trash it!! I am hoping to talk J into taking some of the pictures with me.  Since the weather is finally cooling down I feel way more up for it!! I can't wait!! He said one afternoon after work or on a Sunday. So now I am stalking the weather waiting for a beautiful day and I have to make sure he's available!! I have been wanting to do this since we returned from the honeymoon but here in CFL it gets hot quickly once you get through March. 

{6}J and I are dealing with some things -- some of you are familiar with them others are in the dark about them.  If you could find the time, we could really use positive thoughts and/or prayers for something to give for us.  *No we aren't trying to be parents yet, don't get carried away* I will probably discuss in more detail once we get through it but right now is not a good time.  Part of what we are hoping for is a good job for J.  He has owned his own business since 2003 but there isn't enough work or income as it was a company involved in construction and site maintenance.  As you can imagine, work as decreased tremendously.  So, if you are one that needs a specific 'something', that would be the biggest help for us, that J will get hired.

{7}To end on a positive note, we are half way through the week! WOO!!  The Steelers are coming off their bi-week on Sunday and Big Ben Roethlisberger will be returning to the head quarterback position against the Browns! J and I will be going to my parent's house to watch the game and have some family time.  It's always more fun to cheer with people that enjoy the same team and who love you. Maybe this week we can make J a Big Ben Believer! =) Go Steelers!!!

*All images found via Google Search