8 days 14 hours 39 minutes 40 seconds

That's the countdown until the marathon! I did a easy 4 mile loop today.

I ran 4 miles in 39 minutes 22 seconds.

It started to rain on me halfway so I threw my ipod in the car and went "zen" style. I don't know what I think about running without music, it was interesting to hear my breathing- but it got old after like two seconds. 

Look what I bought today! Aerial Arts! I am going to try it with my roommate. Maybe afterwards I can join the circus!

 I am starting to get e-mails for the marathon. It's coming up! I'm going to meet my friend who lives in Orlando tonight and go out a little for my Birthday. I don't even feel like it, but at midnight I will be 26.

WOW Run

I can't think of any other word to describe my run just now. WOW. 8.5 miles? Really? They FLEW by. And by that I mean I could have went on another 8.5 miles, easily. Back to my favorite running area, Celebration. Every detail about today's run was perfect, the setting, the weather, my energy, everything. Maybe it had something to do with my lunch ;) Or the fact I was sitting all day and antsy to get out and RUN! I took some pictures along the trail to share. The trail was like my private trail, I saw very few people on it the entire time. I have a feeling I am going to run miles, and miles, and miles on these trails. I LOVE them!

I ran 8.51 miles in 1:32:03. 

I really feel like I'm exactly where I am supposed to be at this moment. These trails are just perfect in every way, I'm on the path to getting my dream job, and feel strong. Although I'm not where I want to be with my weight, I think this is definitely the best shape I have ever been in. I don't think there has ever been a time in my life where I could just go for a 8.5 mile run on a random night during the week, and not think twice about it. Happy!

Now it's time for Parks and Recreation! Night!

Best Lunch Ever

I am working from home today. Busy! Not "working" like job sense, but working on applications, taxes, boring grown up things. I decided to treat myself with a yummy lunch since I have been working all morning!

I made a boca burger with 100 calorie bread, spinach, tomato, ketchup, mustard and relish. I had a few tomatoes on the side as well (I LOVE tomatoes). It was quick, easy, and delicious! I can see myself making a lot of quick boca burger meals in the future :)

For dessert I had frozen green grapes. They tasted so sweet! I need to do a few more things, then depending on how hot it is I will decide on what my workout will be (running or swimming). Until then, back to work!

Weights

I tried out the gym in my apartment complex today. (The picture is taken from my apartment's website, but I don't want to put the link up)

I was not impressed. I wanted to do free weights in front of the mirror but there really wasn't anywhere to stand, and they didn't have 8 lb weights which I usually use- only a set of 5's and ONE 10. They didn't have any mats so I laid towels down to do abs and weights on the floor. I did 10 minutes on the elliptical with the 5 lbs in my hands. I tried to do a few different sets with what I had in the area I had, but I think my best bet for free weights is to buy a set of 5-8- and 10 lb weights and do DVDs. I will check my TV tomorrow to see if I have any programs. I ended off my awkward workout with a mile on the treadmill- at 9.0 speed, I did a mile in under 7 minutes! I think it ended around 6:50. It felt good.

Tomorrow I am going to see if I can use our pool for laps. I think I should be able to as long as no one is there, and it did NOT look crowded. That would be the perfect summer workout. I already finished my 24 hours for the week and I'm thrilled to have a long "Thanksgiving" weekend. I always call having Thursday and Friday off a Thanksgiving weekend, because that is what it reminds me of.

Here is a picture of my pool, again taken off the website.

It looks nice, so I will attempt this tomorrow. I am not setting my alarm tomorrow and going to sleep until I wake up- which means it will probably be too hot for a run by the time I'm up. I have a TON to do tomorrow, and I haven't slept in yet!

My newest FAVORITE thing since I've been in Florida is flavored water. I drank a lot of cucumber water during my trip to California so every morning I put a different fruit in my new favorite tumblr by Aladdin that I bought at Target for around $12. I love it! We have a water machine at work and I will fill it with ice and water and all day it is delicious! Monday and Tuesday I put cucumbers in, and today oranges. I am obsessed!

I'm starting to feel a little more settled. It's my Birthday this weekend. I have a few plans, so that is exciting! I'm not sure what yet, hopefully a combination of going out, Disney, working out and relaxing before my big marathon the following weekend. Ahh!

Roommate Bonding

We walked (with one mile run) 7.9 miles in 2:01:25.

I dropped my dad off at the airport this morning before work. I miss him! My roommate and I decided to hang out after work since we haven't been able to yet with all of the visitors. We went on a 6.5 mile walk around Celebration and I ran the last mile. I'm working tomorrow, but then I have Thursday and Friday off. I will update my move when I have some time off. I have really been trying to eat healthy and drink water at work.

Spud made a new friend! My friends brought me this cute little koala bear from Australia.

First day!

My first day of work outfit!

Celebration Run!

What a perfect morning. New shoes, check! New running belt, check! New running trail, check! Sunshine (maybe a little too warm) check, check! My new shoes felt awesome. I woke up before 8 and had a healthy breakfast of english muffins with almond butter, flax seeds and fruit. We drove the short distance to Celebration and I was thrilled to check out my new trails.

I actually got lost a bit in the woods/ trails and didn't know if I would ever get out of it, but I did.

I ran 6 miles in 57:35. 

I bought a SPI belt yesterday at Track Shack for my upcoming marathon. WHAT A DIFFERENCE! I ran with only my phone in it today and I couldn't even feel it on my waist.

I didn't take any pictures on my run because I was trying to keep a pace (even though it was HOT!) and try to start learning my way around. My room is finally coming together :)