What a wonderful morning!

YAY! I did my last 3 mile RACE PACE today before my big run. And I really pushed myself the last mile! I ran at 7.5 for two miles and 8.0 on the last one. I went to breakfast with my mom and dad this morning and has two pancakes with blueberry compote and coffee! The sweet breakfast must have helped me because I was full of energy, and excited because my dad I decided to go to Yoga immediately after my run.

I ran 3 miles in 24 minutes and 2 seconds with a race pace of 7'59! My last mile was ran in 7.03!

I can honestly say something I never thought possible. I think I'm in love with Yoga. I have always wanted to like it, but never really has. I thought Yoga was the new "trendy" thing, but never really understood it. I have taken three classes at Yoga Shelter and it's totally changed my view on yoga. The stretching was exactly what I needed after a quick 3 mile run and perfect to do before I have to sit on a flight!

For lunch I had my favorite new creation but I did 1/2 of each and added strawberries. I love it!

Last night I wanted to check if there was a lululemon in Orlando and to my surprise, there is a OUTLET! There are only 3 outlets in the world, and one of them is in Orlando. I definitely over packed, I have two suitcases to check in and a carry on and a purse. I tried to go through my suitcase and take out clothes, in hopes the outlet won't dissapoint. I am headed to the airport in a few minutes! I am hoping I get bumped to the later flight for a $400 voucher. Then I will immediately book my spring break to California! Either way, I'm excited to get there! Orlando here I come!

No strawberries yet.

Yes, sadly there are no strawberries yet. I was hoping for a strawberry miracle overnight, and it just didn't happen.

I had a really busy day today. After work I ran my 3 miles at a race pace. It went by really quick. I tried to push myself a little more than usual since it was such a short run. I kept thinking about a 5k and how fun it would be to try to really push myself during one, now that I have been training quite a bit.

I ran 3 miles in 24 minutes 37 seconds. Pace 8'11

Since I have been feeling sore, I decided to finally try out Yoga Shelter with my groupon. It was just what I needed. This was the FIRST time with yoga that I actually broke a sweat and felt like what I was doing was beneficial. I have tried it a few times, at my gym, and haven't enjoyed it very much in the past, however I liked it today. If yoga really is equivalent to strength training (I have to research this) I would prefer to do yoga over weights. My tea has a very yoga message today! I went to a class called "Slow Flow" and would definitely go back to this style class. I also used my new YOGA mat, "The Mat" from Lululemon. I liked it! It was soft and I felt a lot of support. It wasn't slippery, and it laid out nice and flat. Today my wrists didn't hurt as bad when I was in certain positions, I don't know if it was the mat, the class, or my mood.

Yoga Shelter in Grosse Pointe is located right next to Trader Joe's. Trader Joe's became popular while I was in Thailand, and I actually haven't had a chance to check it out before today. I went in and was very impressed with the selection, the design and how shopping there felt different than just going to a regular grocery store. I bought two things to try, the Trader Joe's Roasted Seaweed Snack and the Trader Joe's Veggie Sticks, Potato Snacks. They were both delicious! I actually ate a lot of snacks that were "seaweed" flavored in Thailand, and I didn't think I would be able to find it in the states unless I went to a Asian grocery store. One thing about living abroad is watching the treats the kids eat there compared to the states. Kids in Thailand LOVE seaweed and fish flavored SNACKS! 

I borrowed the book "Skinny Bitch" by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin. I have heard a few mixed reviews about this book, but decided to read it during my Florida trip. Has anyone read this?

I am exhausted from running and yoga today! I am anxious to see if I will feel sore at all tomorrow from the class. I have a lot to get done this week before packing my bags and heading to Florida on Monday!

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

One week of food journal... Thoughts?

It's been one week of my food journal. At the end of the week it forces you to look back and go over the week. The weeks seem to FLY by, but when I look at my eating patterns, there were definitely a lot of days I wouldn't consider "healthy". Through the journal I realized (even though I always knew but never wanted to acknowledge it) that most of my eating is done at dinner time- and way too much. If I could eat around the same amount I eat for lunch, it would be perfect. Especially since I am adding in snacks and bars/ protein/ shakes to my diet with my running and working out.

Today was my race pace run.

I ran 3 miles in 25 minutes and 6 seconds, with a pace of 8:20.      
                                                   
This would be a awesome race pace if I could keep it up for 10 more miles! I think however I am aiming for anywhere under 9 minute miles to reach my goal of under 2 hours.

I might go to Yoga or Zumba tonight. I did a little bit of abs and strength training today with 8 and 10 lb weights, but if I have energy- why not? And it's only 2 weeks until Florida!

Update: I went to Zumba tonight. 

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!