Traverse City: Bayshore Half Marathon Photo Dump

Hey guys!! Here to recap my fun weekend in Traverse City! For those of you that don't know, Traverse City is in northern Michigan (about 4 hours north from the Lansing area) on Lake Michigan, known for wineries, cherries, and beautiful lake views. And I'm sure the trees are stunning in the fall. Anywayyyy The Bayshore Marathon, half, and 10k is super popular and the spots sell out so fast. I got up at 8AM on registration day in order to be able to race it. It's no joke. So, Friday I drove to Grand Rapids to meet Kelly and we drove up. It was a beautiful drive! 

Pack light? What's that mean?

On our way :) 

So we got there and immediately got our race stuff together for Saturday morning. We had to get up early (4:20A) so we wanted to be ready! 

Kelly had some work friends who were running the race too, but were staying at the campsite next door to our hotel, so Friday night we went there and hung out/ate/laughed. It was really chilly so the fire was perfect.

It was STILL chilly Saturday morning. Like low 30s. Getting up and standing around for an hour and a half before our race started was not fun. We whined a bit (not a shock).

Yay the sun came out and was SUPER bright. I think this is a great look for us, agreed?

This was our view for basically the whole race -- and it was stunning.

We finished the race on the Traverse City Central track which was kinda cool. The post-race treats included: cherry ice cream (Moomers), homemade cookies, chocolate milk, bagels....and the kitchen sink :)

Driving up the peninsula!

Old Mission Lighthouse

Grand Traverse Chateau winery

Obsessed.

What a view :)

Post-race celebratory wine tasting!

We took about a million of these. For your sake I'm only posting one.

Saturday night s'mores!

Sunday we went to breakfast (feeling FAMISHED) and walked around downtown TC before heading home. It was suchhhh a great weekend. I finally got to see a part of Michigan people love.

Someone was happy to have me home :)

Soooo --- as we watched the marathoners finish, Kelly and I said,"You know...I used to want to do a marathon..but now, no. There's no way..." Apparently that lasted about an hour...because now..

this.is.happening. 

SAY WHAT?!
Yep. It's official. We have decided to do the Twin Cities Marathon October 6th. I've got my training schedule all finished, and will start next weekend with an 8 mile run. I'm using Hal Higdon's Novice 2 marathon training plan, and just ordered a book called The New Rules for Marathon and Half Marathon Nutrition: A Cutting-Edge Plan to Fuel Your Body Beyond "the Wall" by Matt Fitzgerald.

Happy training :)

All Things Fargo...You Betcha!

Well well well --- here I am, back in Lansing. Boo hiss.

Recap of my trip:
1. Arrived on Thursday to BEAUTIFUL weather (Thanks Fargo), and of course, my handsome man. 

We went to lunch and I had some Mexi. I normally wouldn't mention this, however I haven't had Mexican food since JANUARY, and it happens to be my favorite cuisine when eating out. YUM. I loved every bite. I didn't get to nap on the plane, so getting up at 3:50 made for a longgggg day. However, getting there early was totally worth it. So, I finished up the day by working in the yard, as M is refinishing his basement, and had some outside tasks to do since he knew rain was coming. I even got my very own lady work gloves -- ladies, he is quite the charmer ;)

2. Friday I went to the Fargo Go Far Marathon expo, and of course, I was in running heavennnn. They had THE cutest shirts! I really had to restrain myself from buying everything, and since the two shirts I loved didn't have my size, I left empty handed, which was probably for the best. But, I got a million sample things, including C4 pre-workout powder that I've really been wanting to try. I'll test it out and blog about it later. So, next time I'm there I will be hitting up Swanson's because they had lots of freebies and I fell in love with this shampoo and conditioner I tried out.

(Boston love)

3. Saturday. RACE DAYYYYY! I started my morning as I always do pre-race. 16 oz of water, PB, banana, and one cup of coffee. Kate and I got up bright and early and M dropped us off at 6:30 AM to get ready. He didn't complain once about getting up early or sacrificing his time when he wanted to be at the lakes. Very sweet. Anyway...

 Kate and I stretched after she doctored my hellacious blisters with Second Skin, bandaids, and wraps on BOTH feet (I think my shoes aren't right or something). Anyway, once she tamed the monsters, I was good to go and super ready. I also ran into one of my fave IG friends, Jodi and her daughter!

 She was training for her first half and we ran into each other pre-race -- love the running IG community, and I think the fact that ND is super friendly helps too :) Anyway, that was super fun and added to the race excitement!

Readyyy to run like the ND winds!

So, Kate and I finished pre-race stuff and lined up. I found my 2:00:00 pace group and started the race strong, despite the rain and a bathroom pit stop (ugh). 

I'm somewhere in here. 

After mile 5, I decided to split from my pace group, because the rain had stopped and I was feeling great. So, I picked up my pace from 9:08 to probably about 8:30 until I hit 10 miles. I saw M twice early on, and again with his dad at mile 10 -- which was so fun as I've not had any family or friends at any other races yet! Such a great supporter. So, I ran quickly my last mile and a half..I don't even know how fast....and I ended up finishing 1:57:22. Under my 2:00:00 goal!!!

yeahhhhhhh!! 

So, the Fargo half was a HUGE success. So blessed and thankful for this body I've been given. I can't help but give Thanks throughout each major race or run. I'm truly blessed with so much. 

Post Race -- waiting for the first full finisher.

Post-race 2

 4. I stretched it out and spent the afternoon/night in Detroit Lakes with perfect weather and fun company.

View from Craig's boathouse. Love it. 

5. Then, M, his sister and I (and Duke!) went to "the farm" to see their grandparents -- and that was just the cutest day ever. :) Seriously. That's the only way to describe it. 

On the land behind the house

Sibs + Duke! 

Had such a fun time visiting. It was the last nice weather day we had there, too. 

Other than that, we relaxed together and spent time with his family. 

Please send some prayers, He knows the need. Thanks in advance ❤

Ready to rock the Bayshore this weekend! Recap for Race #2 to follow! 

Fargo (pre-trip post)

Ummm -- you know people that stress MAJOR when packing? Hi, my name's Kat, nice to meet you. I've packed and re-packed. And now instead of giving into the crazy of packing yet AGAIN -- I decided to post a quick blog. 

How excited am I? SO excited. I get to see the boy and run in a new half marathon this weekend! I've never ran the same city twice in a half marathon so far.. fun to think about! First was Dallas, then Chicago, next will be Fargo and then Traverse City. Look at me go. Anywho -- 

My cat is NOT excited to see me leave ...


Luckily I have some sweet friends to come check on him and give him some lovin' when I'm gone. 

Everyone has been saying I'm looking tan, and it's because I've been running outside.


SOOOO excited to get to Fargo! I'll update you guys when I get back.

Byeeeeee.

Rando Post

Hey guys! Hope all is well! The weather has been relatively nice and I've been seeing more and more people hitting the streets for their outdoor workouts!

 I think I'm getting tired. My legs, that is. My pace is slowing some days and I'm having a hard time getting my runs done with my average pace. I don't know if it's because I've been busier and working at a restaurant (so walking around a LOTTTTT) -- I don't know, but it's starting to frustrate me. I took a rest day Friday and then *killed* my run Saturday with an overall pace of 8:55 min/mile for 11 miles. I've got a race this weekend (Fargo) and Memorial Day weekend (Traverse City) -- and I really want to PR with 2:00:00. Fingers crossed! I don't think I'll have any problems, but starting my prep this week by upping my water intake and cutting carbs down until Friday. That means no eggy oats for a few days *cry* --

Love these babies!

Already thinking about my pre-race ritual: banana, coffee, water, immodium AD (for my awful runners IBS). My runners belt, Gu, water/gatorade, gum, and my iphone playlist. Already getting excited about it. Already packing :) I leave Thursdayyyy <3 

So -- I spiced up some rice on Monday -- yum. 

Brown rice with green onions, lime juice, cilantro, cumin/paprika, anddddd japs. Duh.
DELISH. Wish I snapped a pic :(
I always forget to spice my rice up a bit..but I loved it. LOVEDDD it. Trying to really eat healthy (no treat meals) this week. My workouts will start tapering down in preparation for my races, anddd I want to feel tip-top since I'm going to be visiting the boy. :) SOOO happy about that. After 7 weeks of no phone calls or actual time together, I am certainly ready to spend some QT. I give people who successfully do long distance relationships and do them well props. It is not always fun and easy. #truestory 

Fast feet? Yep!

I am LOVING this weather, and have been getting my runs in early. Which I also LOVE LOVE LOVE. If you follow me on Instagram (katdavi), you already know this, because I always post my runs. Get over it if it bothers you, k? Thanks. But pretty soon...


Yep. It will happen :)

Sad note: two of my quiet neighbors have moved out and I'm nervous I'm going to get some crazies. I will NOT be pleased. Happy note: We got new carpet and paint and tile in the hall/entryway of my building, and I reallllllly like it. Love new stuff! Fancyyy. Plus, if my rent is going up I wanna see some improvements.  A while ago I posted and ranted about our god-awful gym, and that's under construction so I am anxious to see how it's going to look! Did I mention i'm getting a roomie in July? We will see how that works out, but living on the cheap will be nice. Adjusting to not living alone will be rough but it's just a year :)

whats up grades?! Glad to finally see you! Ended up with a 3.7 for the semester. #poundit! So happy with that. This semester was ROUGH. So happy to have the hardest semester behind me. Ready to start my year of interning at the MSU Counseling Center and making the most of what I know. :) Been toying with the future idea of getting my doctorate...I know. #whatsmyproblem.

*adios! Happy Monday!

Happy Michigan Anniversary to ME!

Holy cannoli --- it is May 5th. This day, last year, I had my Penske loaded up, my boys (pets) drugged and kenneled in the front, and I was making the long trek from Dallas, Texas to Lansing, Michigan. It was such a bittersweet day, saying goodbye to the only state I'd ever lived in, on a new adventure. My sweet parents went out of town, as they didn't want to be around to see me leave (needless to say -- they weren't so much on board). 

My room at home -- all packed and clean.

Little did I know how much of an adventure I was starting :) 

If I knew what I now know, I would probably not be here...which makes me so happy that I took the chance and huge leap of faith by coming here. Did it turn out like I expected? No. But the Lord has provided me wonderful friends, a job that I love with littles I LIVE for, and a school program that I enjoy thoroughly at Michigan State.

 The phrase,"If God brings you to it, He will see you through it" has never resonated like it has this entire last year. Not only was I able to make a choice that I knew was rooted in Gods will, I was able to really flourish and grow here on my own, which is an opportunity not everyone gets. I will forever be grateful for this experience, and I've got a year left :)

That's not to say I haven't had hard times, I mean come on...
I picked up my life and moved to Michigan to go to school and be closer to my then-boyfriend. Well...when that wasn't working, I was so mad at myself.
I'd barely even been here in Michigan.
I mean, it was still summer...yikes. 
I was so embarrassed because I knew everyone saw this happening, and felt like my dirty laundry was being aired for everyone to see. I did feel like a failure. Now it sounds silly, but that's only because I've moved past it. I'm no longer angry, because I made the choice not to be. I decided to stay and continue with grad school and make the most with what I had going for me: school. With that being said...

This year -- I have:
Joined a running group that I thoroughly enjoy and have gotten to know so many great people through a common love of running. And eating afterwards lol I have continued to make fitness and healthy eating a priority, which adds so much to my overall well-being.

 

Showing my parents around my new home! 

 

Explored downtown Chicago and ran my second half marathon solo -- which was such a wonderful experience -- and PR'd at 2:05:something.

Appropriately dressed for a REAL winter -- and survived it, too!

Spent my first birthday without my family and home-friends, and celebrated 25 with some new forever-friends without crying or getting (too) homesick!  

Met this girl -- who happens to be one of my favorites. 

Met this handsome fella, who I love very much. 

I've missed some things too..like my friends and family.
My youngest brother's prom and state competition, seeing my little cousin Brock grow faster than a weed, enjoying family dinners and my home church, having to taking my dog back home because my schedule made it too hard to give him the attention he deserved, etc etc etc.
The list could go on and on and on. But, I can honestly say the good outweighs all the bad, and at the end of the day, what else could we hope for? I have learned to listen to my heart, and trust my gut.

I've also learned that true friends are hard to find, and I'm so blessed to have found some here as well as hold on tightly to the ones at home.

Here's to another year in the mitten :) 

Mix it Up Monday - New Music Tuesday - Running - School

Still on my post-semester high of no school. So, what do I fill my time with? More work, of course -- and running, yoga, and READING BOOKS. Not textbooks...just fun books. Imagine that concept :)  Loving my Kindle -- and reading all of my mom's awesome archived books. Fo free. #awesome.

Hallelujah.

My post-semester "treat" to myself :) 

 Also loving the weather. Now Texas can be jelly of our awesome weather :) 

BEAUTIFUL Michigan weather. Finally.

Trying not to obsess over my grades, because it's really out of my hands. Working on not trying to be "perfect" 24/7 -- and a part of that is not trying to control things I have no say over (i.e., grades post-semester). So, here's to that *cheers* 

Mix it up Monday -- Protein "Cheesecake" 

Ingredients: 

4 oz FF cream cheese

2 tsp milk (I used almond)

4 tsp sugar (I used 3)

1 scoop protein powder (I used vanilla non-GMO soy based protein powder by Body by Vi). 

*Mix it all up and refrigerate. I refrigerated mine overnight. Serve with fruit. Or if you're adventurous with graham crackers or teddy grahams. I don't keep that stuff at my apartment, so I didn't use either, just threw some blackberries and crack (AKA cinnamon...same thing) on it and had a few spoonfuls. YUM. Trying to eat more protein, and since I am a salad queeeen it's kind of hard to do that, other than put chicken and eggs on my salads, which I don't do often. So, this is a sweet treat, that has protein. Double bonus.

DELISH.

Fun fact -- I ran 3 miles at 8:01 per mile -- new consistent pace for me! Speed work Monday worked well for me :) Ready to PR these races Holllaaaaah. 2:00:00 here I comeeee :) Also -- my strengthening exercises are seriously working, along with shortening my stride and trying to stick to the 180bmp. WHATUP NOW, KNEES. 

Look at these muscles popping out. Not complaininggggg.

Fun fact #2 - I have been developing an unhealthy love for chocolate milk, thanks to the bf. YUM. I realize that these may not be fun facts for you guys...but they're fun for me...so, I write about it :) 

New Music Tuesday

1. Will.i.am - #willpower uh yes please.
Love it so far. Listened to it on my quick run Monday and LOVED it. I love it because I don't cringe at the awful language. I have a teeny potty mouth, but frankly I am conservative when it comes to some rap songs. Contradictory I know. Whatevs, I own it :)
2. Alt J - An Awesome Wave. This isn't new this week, but I am officially obsessed with this albummmm.
3. Just discovered Liz McDaniel -- AMAZING voice. Look up For Memories. LOVE LOVE. 

Fun pics from the last week: 

Just my creeper cat admiring me first thing in the morning. Clearly I wasn't awake yet..but I had to capture this moment.

obsessed with eggs these days. And per usual, salads and Sriracha.

Leaving you guys with a #flexbreak. Don't be scared :) 

Catch ya later! Happy graduation week to all those workin' the stageeee this weekend! <3