I had good intentions...

My day started out with the saying "Your intuition is your best friend" on my Goji Berry tea from Yogi teas. I really believe this!

With three weeks off of work and daylight savings times, plus a few "life changes" the past few weeks, everything seemed to catch up with me today. I had every intention of starting my training again today and bearing the cold with a brisk 4 mile run. I had a hard time falling asleep again last night, and when I got home from work around 1:20 PM, I had one thing on my mind: catnap! Unfortunately, this catnap turned into a 2.5 hour slumber.

All day it was extra grey outside, but when I woke up it started to rain as well. In my mind I thought it would be a good time to test out the "running without music" experience, since I didn't want to ruin my ipod with rain drops, so I bundled up. I put on black and orange lululemon stretch pants, and a black long sleeve New Balance long sleeve running shirt (actually it's the official 2010 Detroit Half Marathon shirt, my dad gave me after he volunteered at the race). I put on a hot pink headband and long socks I used to wear in high school for lacrosse games! I was ready (or so I thought) for the cold. I even tried a GU Chomp (it was delicious, tasted like a giant gummy bear) in Cranberry Apple for some energy after my snooze, walked outside and made it almost all the way down my block. While I was on my "warm up" walk I was freezing, my glasses were getting fogged up (nerd), and rain was pouring down. I really was NOT enjoying the experience, so I figured I would start tomorrow and go to my nice warm home and do a few Exercise TV workouts. It all worked out! I did a abs and "walking" (lame) one before dinner, and after dinner did a total body toning, standing abs, and hips and thighs. I did about 70 minutes total in TV workout, I like to do short ones and mix them up, rather than do one for a long time.

Tomorrow is a new day, and I have a 8 mile run ahead of me. The weather is supposed to be 50, so basically 15 degrees higher than today. I can live with that ;). I'm really excited, my good friend Hannah is running the San Diego Rock 'n' Roll marathon in June and now I have someone to chat with during the marathon training experience going through the same thing. Although we have different training schedules and goals (mine is only to finish) and hers is speed, it was such a help to have her guide me through my half training it is great she is training now as well! She gets to run in warm San Diego however, while I'm stuck in Michigan. I am going to visit her in California April 15-April 22 and we coordinated our schedules to fit a long run together! I can't wait!

There are a few things I need to look into buying the next few days:
1. Running pack (fanny pack!) for long runs/ races- especially to hold fuel and phone/ etc.
2. A new running watch/ preferably GARMIN! 
3. Water pack/ some way to carry water for long runs I will be encountering
4. Any other suggestions?

12 mile run :)

I don't know why this lady is talking about a 5k and not saying anything about this being my longest run yet! Whatever.

Today was phenomenal! I went to sleep and woke up knowing today was my 12 mile run. My sister didn't like the idea of running 12 miles with me, so I went to track near my boyfriends house. I almost cried when the guy there told me the track was 16 laps= 1 mile, the one near my sisters was 7 laps=1 mile. I wasn't going to let that ruin my mood though. I had my playlist, my Princess outfit, and my Gel packets all ready for my run!

I ran 12.01 miles in 1 hour 46 minutes and 44 seconds. Pace 8:43.

I am proud of that time. I can definitely run another mile in under 14 minutes to equal my goal of finishing my half marathon in under 2 hours!

I wore my skirt, top, new running socks, and new flo y bra. I will post a picture of my entire outfit, laid out clean- not now because I look like a sweaty donkey.

My sister didn't like the longer shorts I bought, she didn't think they fit right, so I think I'm going to return those. For $48, I will wait until a short goes on sale. The skirt worked out really well with the Body Glide. My legs don't hurt at all. I noticed my nose kept running so I am going to need to bring tissues. I didn't have a fanny pack (I don't think that is the "cool" word for the running packs) because I am using my dads and he brought it Vegas with him this weekend to go hiking, but the only other thing I will need in my pack is a face wipe, tissue and my phone. I will need my phone to locate my friend after the race! My headband came off around mile 6 and I just threw it to the side, but for the race I will just stick it in my fanny pack, or I might try another one... However, I don't want it to interfere with my Minnie bow!

So I am happy to say, I am officially ready for my race :) I can't believe how fast these 2 months have flown by! I feel great right now. This is the longest I have EVER ran in one setting. I know I have a lot of support going into the race from my family and friends and that feels great too. Everyone has been really supportive answering my questions, and listening to me rant about my runs. When people ask what I've been up to lately though, really it's just been working and running. So, it really has been a big part of my life the last two months (and twelve years).

I am drinking the Premier protein shake right now. I ate a Access bar, a Cliff shot turbo in Chocolate cherry and a GU Energy Gel in Jet Blackberry. I personally liked the Cliff one better. I went through two, and although I have two left I think I'm going to pick up a few more before I head to Florida.

In the beginning of my run, while I was doing my 5 minute warm up walk a lady told me I had great legs and it takes a lot of work to achieve that. She was a lot thinner than me so it was a nice compliment, I didn't know what she was talking about because I already had my headphones but it was amazing how much motivation a nice compliment can give.

During the 10 mile mark my right knee started to hurt a little bit and I actually could feel myself talking to my knee, just telling it to feel better and thank you for carrying me through. As weird as it sounds, it worked and I was able to run through another 2 miles which seemed like nothing.

I am exhausted, and going to a "surprise" Valentine's tonight so first is first- I need to shower.

I had a a Turkey on multigran and a pickle from Potbelly's before and it was really good. It's really cool you can go online and type in exactly what you had to get the Nutritional facts. I am really trying to make healthier choices! I am exhausted, must shower. Must rest. Must take off socks.

Calories: 626

Total Fat34%22g

Saturated Fat43%9g

Trans Fat--0g

Cholesterol26%79mg

Sodium100%2406mg

Total Carbohydrate21%62g

Dietary Fiber27%7g

Sugars--6g

REST Today, 12 miles tomorrow!

Today was BUSY! I worked from 7:15 AM-2:45 PM, then had to drive my parents to the airport- came home, made reservations to SKYDIVE in Orlando and ordered contacts, got ready and packed for a weekend at my sister's and boyfriends! I got to my sister's around 6:15 PM and we went directly to the Palace of Auburn Hills for the Detroit Piston's Game. It was a sold out game, just because of the fact they were playing Miami and Lebron James is on the team! He was explained to me as the "Michael Jordan" of our time, so that was cool to watch him. Even if I didn't "watch" it too much :) Aretha Franklin was at the game as well, and I could see her. It was fun. My sister's family had a suite at the game and there was dinner there. I had two great accomplishments- NO bread & butter and NO cookies! However I did have a margarita (well basically two since my sister didn't finish hers...)

Tomorrow is my 12 mile run. I found two tracks I am debating between. I am actually really excited. I am excited to try the GU Energy Gel and listen to my new playlist. Also, this will be the LONGEST run I have ever ran in my life... Until next weekend :)

I have been looking at a few health and running blogs which have inspired me to try a few "creative" breakfasts. The pictures on these blogs look so good. However, my pictures look like an small infant made my breakfast. It was actually good though! It was plain instant oatmeal with hot water, a small scoop of the organic peanut butter I posted, a little bit of whip cream, and blueberries on top!

My sister and brother in law got me the CUTEST little french macaroons for Valentine's Day. They are shaped as hearts and even have sparkles on them. I love them and ate 1.5 of them already, but I have 6 to share this Valentine's weekend or save for myself :)

These are from pinwheel bakery in Ferndale, Michigan.

How cute are these? It's almost midnight... Time to go to sleep, big run tomorrow...

Productive Saturday!

What a productive Saturday I've had so far! I went to breakfast with my mom, went to REI, Lululemon and BCBG at the mall, ran my 3 EZ miles, did strength training all in a snowstorm! I bought the two GU Energy Gel's in Chocolate Outrage and JET Blackberry, I bought two CLIFF Shot Turbo Energy Gels in Double Expresso and Chocolate Cherry and a pack of GU Chomps Pure Performance Energy Chews. I am excited to try these on my 12 mile run next weekend!

I bought the Reverse Groove Shorts, Flo Y Bra IV, and a sliplesss headband  at Lululemon.

I want to try the shorts because they are a little longer, and I want something that won't chafe at all, but not as hot as crops or pants. I am debating between wearing the shorts or a run skirt I previously bought. Nothing was on sale today that I bought, and I saw the skirt I bought a few weeks ago for $50 on sale for $19 so that was annoying. I love getting items on sale at Lululemon, because there is rarely anything great on sale- however I hate it's final sale! I still don't know what I'll wear to the Princess Half Marathon , but I am really excited for a trip to Florida and some nice weather! I can't decide if I want to be Minnie or a Princess for this day! How cute is the bow? I bought it in Tokyo Disney Sea!

I will also most likely wear this headband because it doesn't slip whatsoever! 

I also finally caved in and bought a Yoga mat. I bought "The Mat" at lululemon, because the reviews online were much higher than for the regular mat. The regular mat said it was slippery, and since I know I will be starting yoga with my groupon, I wanted a good mat. My goal is to learn the technique enough at the 24 classes I purchased to be able to do videos at home, and this mat can go on carpet- which is what I have in my room. I bought it in light purple, it's heavy and kind of smells weird but I'll see how it is in YOGA!

Today was my EZ run, and 3 miles seemed so short after the 10 yesterday! 

I ran my 3 miles EZ run in 29 minutes and 50 seconds.

Today was my last day at the gym I joined on a week pass to use the track, it was fun to run on the track today because it was snowing so hard.

I also got my new CDs in the mail today from Amazon! I can't wait to update my playlist. I will review all of the items I bought, as soon as I use them. Happy weekend!

Diet & Fitness Journal

Although I hate the word "diet", my mom bought me a "diet & fitness JOURNAL your personal guide to optimum health" book. Basically you record EVERYTHING you eat. I am not opposed to this, I have tried in the past but get sick of it. My goal this week (starting today even though it's Thursday) is to do ONE WEEK of 100% commitment to recording what I eat. I will review it after a week, since it's my first day I don't really know if I like it yet or not.

I had my 4 miles at "race pace" run today.

I ran 4 miles in 33 minutes 57 seconds on a track.

I tried not to concentrate on "how much distance" I covered, rather kept my watch on the pace instead. I tried not to even look at that, just to get a feel for it. My pace was a lot more constant with 8.13 miles and one at 9.13, overall average 8.28 minute miles. I wore shorts today to the track and ran outside to my car after and must have had three different people scream at me "you are going to get sick! put some pants on!" It was quite amusing.

I have been switching my morning coffee to tea. This morning I had a Earl Grey Organic Tea, and it was great! I also love green tea. I drank green tea every morning when I was living in Bangkok.

I really love my Nike watch. When you run your fastest time, or run 5 days in a row a athlete pops up and tells you how proud they are of you. I love it!

My friend Hannah is a marathon pro! I'm not sure how many she has completed, but I know she has completed a few full marathons and her mom is a fan as well. I have basically asked her 100 questions. She recommended these, and I can't wait to try them!

1. GU Energy Gel: Simple & Fast.

DESCRIPTION:

GU is simple. Simple is fast.

Simple to take, simple to digest, GU Energy Gel provides just what you need for premium exercise fuel and none of the extras that slow you down. GU takes you where you want to go, fast.

Launched in 1991, the world’s first energy gel is still the most efficient sports fuel available today. GU’s carbohydrate blend delivers high-quality, easily-digested and long-lasting energy for athletes in every sport and at all levels.

I am going to head to REI this weekend to pick them up. I am debating eating a access bar during the race, however I think these Gel shots will be easier! Like I said in my earlier post, I am going to try a complete run through next weekend on my 12 mile run, meaning wear the outfit, try the gels, basically do everything I am doing for the race. I might even try my Minnie skirt! People on the track that day will be extra confused. I just want to make sure everything is right for my big day! I also ordered those lululemon ultimate running socks! I am expecting my Amazon CDs and socks any day now!

I love getting e-mails when lululemon gets new products. I think these Hot Class Shorts are really cute in coal/ purple crush, but I definitely want to try them on before buying. Also, they might be something I would only wear to the pool!

Today I wore a BRIGHT YELLOW and black Brooks running long sleeve that I bought from Hansons Running Shop and black Ralph Lauren, RLX Sport shorts. I love these shorts. I can't find pictures of either of these online, but I'll take a picture soon to put up. The shirt is obnoxious yellow, obviously made for night running but it's really comfortable although I was a little hot in long sleeves for the run. The shorts are great except I felt they were a tad bit too short, I forgot a headband today but had a bandana in my gym bag my parents gave me for Christmas. I tried to fold it like a headband but it was off after about 10 minutes and I had to wear it around my wrist! It's really cute, the bandanas just don't stay on my head. I did abs and free weights of 8 lbs today. I have been researching new strength training, I am going to print out some exercises.

Tonight I am going out to dinner and finally going to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows: Part I.  Although I have not read all the books, I have seen (and enjoyed) all the movies. I would like to get around to reading them one day, I just personally prefer to read non-fiction books. My brother has read every single book, and loves them. He came home with the last book the day it came out and I read the last few pages to see what happened, which made him very upset. Opps!

UPDATE- 8:48 PM We missed Harry Potter :( My mom decided to come to dinner with my brother and I, so we ended up staying for a while. I WILL SEE THIS SOON THOUGH!