Swimming!

I love swimming on a hot day! I don't like being cold, but when the water is the right temperature it is perfect. This morning was one of those days. I debated going on a walk, but I was a little sore in my back and it felt like it was going to be a hot one today! Instead I opted for the pool. I alternated between breaststroke and freestyle for one hour. My girlfriends sat by the pool and watched me while they gossiped and sunbathed, but I was happy to get my hour workout in. Sometimes it gets discouraging because I feel like I work harder than anyone I know, but still have the hardest time reaching my goals. I am just going to keep my head up and keep doing what I'm doing...

We are going to the outlets today, I am determined to get some "key" professional pieces and a Birthday outfit for my upcoming Birthday :) Wish me luck shopping!

The first picture is the pool I swam in today and the second is my sister and I out last night. I will say it here, I am probably one of the luckiest people in the world to have the sister I do. Not many people can say they have someone who has their best interest at heart 132432% of the time and cares for them the way my sister does. I am a lucky duck! My sister is truly my best friend and inspiration.

8 mile run in the Florida sunshine!

I woke up early, and was wide awake. Why? To run! I was excited for the warm weather, sun, and to get outdoors. I am really looking forward to living in Florida for the next 8 months, and bypass another winter. Anyways, the run. I went to Hanson's back in Michigan yesterday and they gave me samples to try of KT TAPE for my knee. My chiropractor recommended wrapping my knee when I ran so today I tried it out... I don't really know if it helped, but I felt fine. The beginning of my run was rough, I somehow ended up on a path in a golf course and got about 8 mosquito bites. I was itchy, sweaty, and my right ear bud kept falling out. As soon as I got out of the trap though, I felt 100% better. I walked/ ran 8 miles.

I ran/walked 8 miles in 1:43:15.

 I had two shot blocks around mile 5. 

 My running view... 

 After the run was the BEACH and POOL! We went to dinner tonight and I had clam chowder and a mango mahi mahi. It was delicious!

I'm in Bonita with my sister, and three other girlfriends Natalie, Kelly and Sarvy. We had Pinot Grigio at dinner and now we are back at the house the girls want to make drinks. I am going to attempt my 19 miles tomorrow so I need to get up early, so I don't really want to drink anymore...

This post is kind of all over the place because I feel bad being on my computer during "girls weekend", but I am proud and happy that I was able to accomplish 8 miles this morning while the rest of the house slept. I also swam a few laps in the pool, I love swimming! My left foot is bothering me a little, I'm really hoping it will feel better by tomorrow... I'm really hoping to get the 19 miles in before another fun day at the pool and hanging out with the girls. This will be one of my last chances before my big MOVE!

Packing!

Today was a very productive and fun Saturday. Rojo last night was really fun! I started with a Margarita, our table shared a guacamole for an appetizer and my mom and I shared the chicken and steak fajitas. It just opened last Wednesday so the restaurant was crowded, we waited for our table and it took us a good thirty minutes to get our food, but we had great company so it didn't matter. I would definitely go back, although I don't know if I would go for a full Mexican meal. The Guacamole appetizer was very unique, they made it right in front of you, and you watched someone slice the avocados, tomatoes, and everything needed to make it right in front of your table. The food was good, but I think it was a little expensive for traditional Mexican food. I can see my friends going there to the deck in the summer for margaritas and appetizers, but I don't know if I would go back for a sit down dinner! 

Pomegranate Margarita 

Corzo Silver tequila, pomegranate juice, fresh lime juice, agave nectar and garnished with an orange.

Fresh Guacamole 8.99  

Prepared tableside, with avocado, onion, tomato, cilantro and fresh squeezed lime. Served with crisp corn tortillas. Dressing-up the guacamole:

Steak and Chicken Fajitas 15.99  

Marinated grilled tender steak andchicken breast.

 I fell asleep last night at 11 PM, I couldn't even keep my eyes open. I woke up right away at 7:30 AM and contemplated going directly to the gym, but just loved not having to wake up so I didn't. I stayed in bed until about 9 AM then got up and got ready for my easy 2.5 mile run. The sun was shining today, even though it was still pretty cold, it just feels different when the sun is out!

I ran 2.5 miles in 24:45 pace 9'52. 

I am VERY dedicated to following my schedule EXACTLY. If it tells me to run at a easy pace, I do it. If it tells me to run 8 miles, I do it! Looking at the two months I can't believe how close it is to the half. I skipped about a week of runs when I was sick, but I didn't skip any long runs- I made up for it. I really can't believe how the time has flown! Although I didn't lose the weight I was hoping to while training, I am definitely stronger. I am a stronger runner, I have a stronger mindset on goals, and have already achieved so much completing a 12 mile run without walking one bit of it. If you would have told my cross country high school self I would be running 13 miles in a few weeks I would have laughed at you.

I was supposed to go to Thai On Main in Royal Oak for lunch today. I was so excited for their drunken noodles! I met a friend from Chicago who was in town and my other friend who is running the race with me. It was closed! I was disappointed but we ended up at Little Tree for sushi and my favorite Philippine fried rice. It had marinated beef, sticky rice, seaweed salad and two eggs on top.

After lunch I went to REI to purchase a few more Cliff Energy Gel Shots and Cliff Shot Bloks. I bought Mocha and Chocolate Cherry. I bought the Blocks in Tropical Punch. They are so squishy! I also bough TYR Soft Silicone Ear Plugs.  I have never tried this brand, but these are my favorite kind of ear plugs when they mold to your ears. I really started to enjoy swimming laps in Thailand, where the weather was over 100 degrees and it wasn't possible to run outside with the heat, pollution and traffic. I swim in the summers at my local park, and I love it! I know there is a pool where I am staying in Florida, but I don't know if I will be able to do laps yet.

Now it's time to pack! How cute is the Thai red bull shirt? I bought these in Bangkok for my guy friends and family. I am bringing one to my friend whose Birthday we will be celebrating in Orlando!

Happy weekend!