Category Archives: Running

Calf Compression Sleeves

Food for Thought, Running, , ,

So I know I keep saying over and over….running is a learning experience for me. And training for my first half marathon has really kept me on my toes. I’m not even halfway through my training plan, and I feel like I’ve already learned SO much!

About 4 weeks into my life as a ‘real’ runner, I found some calf compression sleeves on Groupon goods. I thought I should give them a try! Well they finally arrived over the weekend, and I’m in LOVE!

image(7)I spent $20 on these babies, and they are worth every penny. It feels amazing to wear these things post-long run. Mac is still unsure about them though.

photo(129)I swear Nick thinks I’m turning into some crazy, psycho runner. But I’m really not. I just know what feels good after I’ve run 10 miles on a Saturday morning!

But I must confess, I bought something else. It was kinda premature, but it was on sale and I couldn’t resist.

photo(2)Isn’t it cute?! I’m hoping it doesn’t ship super fast. I don’t want to be tempted to wear it before my race in January. At this point in my training, I know I’m going to kill my first half, but I want to wait until I’ve officially crossed that finish line to start gloating by wearing things like this. 🙂

Lunch

So my lunch yesterday and today has been the same thing: a salad the size of my head.

photo(32)I put some romaine + spinach + carrots + broccoli + cauliflower + radishes into this large tupperware container. Then I poured in some balsamic dressing, put the lid on, and shook it all up. It was easiest and yummiest tossed salad I’ve had in a while. Plus, it was so much food that I wasn’t craving anything else. Win!

I usually eat more than this for my midday meal (more protein, etc), but I feel like I just haven’t been eating very clean/healthy lately. So I’m trying to stuff my belly full of fresh fruit and veggies this week before my 2 weekends of Thanksgiving meals begins! Plus, I know I just feel better if I don’t overeat. Eating too much before sitting at my desk all afternoon puts me in a food coma for the rest of the day. So just a little note while we are on this subject of healthy eating…

eat-like-crapI need to print this and put it up all over my kitchen!

Well this evening will consist of 2 Jazzercise classes right after work. Then tomorrow morning I will squeeze in my mid-week run of 6+ miles before work. I’ve already told myself that I will just run for an hour and see how far that gets me! If I can run at the pace I’ve been hitting lately, around 8:20-8:40/mile, I’ll be close to 7 miles by the time I hit the 1 hour mark. Fingers crossed for good weather. 🙂  Have a great night!

11 Miles and Christmas Sweaters

Daily Life!, Running, , , ,

Hey gang! Happy Sunday evening! It’s been a great weekend around here, and I hope yours was just as swell!

Friday evening kicked off with teaching a Jazzercise class before Nick and I headed off to a Taco Party at my boss’s house. Our whole department was invited, and we had a great time! We arrived extra late because of my class, so I didn’t get to take any photos, but the homemade tacos were out of this world! Nick and I both ate our fill and chatted for about an hour before we headed home for the night.

11 Miles

Saturday morning began somewhat early (I let myself sleep in until around 7:30!), and I took off on my longest run yet!

photo(128)11.26 miles! Woo hoo! It was a beautiful morning, around 45-50 degrees, and I felt great overall! I paused at the 5.5 mile mark to chew up some gu’s. I tried out the Jelly Belly brand chews that I found at Academy Sports. Loved them! They are small jelly beans that taste great and are full of B vitamins with a little caffeine kick! They also come in a small resealable baggie that fits great into the pocket of my running tights. I’m gonna have to try out some different flavors and stock up for my half marathon!

Lunch

After my 11 miler, I was tired and hungry (duh). So after a shower and lots of water, I decided I was craving Mexican food, especially guacamole.

photo(127)YUM. We headed out to Jose Locos for a quick lunch that began with a huge bowl of the green stuff! I ate my fill of the guac before my huge plate of food arrived.

photo(126)Beef taco + chicken flauta + chicken quesadilla. Even my post-run tummy couldn’t finish this whole plate. It was all amazing though! And it kept me full through most of the day, which can be quite a task after a run for me.

Doggie Christmas Sweater

photo(121)After lunch, Nick and I stopped by Walmart (ughh) to pick up a few essentials. While browsing the Christmas aisles, I came across the perfect Christmas sweater for Mac!

photo(125)I saw it and immediately knew I HAD to get it for him. He was super thrilled to see it when I brought it out of the shopping bag at home.

photo(124)Such a handsome boy. But don’t worry, to make up for the sweater photoshoot I also bought him a disgusting tasty treat.

photo(122)Yup, that is a bag of pig ears. Eww. But he loved them and completely forgot about the hot sweater I made him wear. 🙂

photo(123)Anyways, the sweater has been put away until we get a little closer to December. I’m holding onto my pretty Fall decorations around the house as long as possible! No Christmas trees around here….yet.

Today has been full of relaxing, Jazzercise, and grocery shopping. Exciting stuff to cap of a good weekend! I hope your have a great night and get in some good sleep to prepare for the coming week. I’ll be headed off to my bed shortly. Nighty night!