Tag team, BACK AGAIN.

Sooooo...another long hiatus from the blog world -- consistency isn't my skill, okay? 

Recap: Winter. Winter was *ROUGH* This was my second year in Michigan, and last year I thought that was how winter in the Midwest went. A little snow, some cold, you know.... 

No. This winter. Wow. Snow on snow on snow. 

(My first shovel experience!)

Snowy Sunset. February.

Ridiculous snow storm mid March.

Those are just a few. It was crazy. It definitely prepared me for post-graduate living in NoDak. For those of you that don't know (which let's face it, everyone knows because no strangers read this blog) -- I'm relocating to North Dakota May 4th! what? yep. This Texas girl will be braving the plains of NoDak. Lord help me. Seriously.

Future roomies! Long distance no more!

Super excited and a weeeee bit stressed with packing, school, work, and job searching. Oh, and marathoning in my free time *ha* Marathon #2 set for May 10th in Fargo, North Dakota. woot woot! Training this time around has been great. I'm still using Hal Higdon's Novice 1 plan, since last time around I was injured and didn't get to finish the training plan as scheduled. I feel great, my pace has been great, and I've enjoyed (most) of my runs. My Garmin Forerunner 220 watch doesn't hurt, either :)


Best running-related purchase (well, gift) ever.

SOOO -- after all the time I've taken off, not too much has changed :) Still a student (for a month more!), still running, and still making fun treats like this:

(Homemade "larabars")


Turkey meatballs - per usual.

I'm hoping to resume my regular schedule (at least once a week) soon to start blogging about graduation, packing to move across the country (again), job searching, nesting, and the hilarity that will ensue while learning to live with Mike Tidd. :)

Until next time,

Minnesota is ON

So, what do you do when you get when you add a healed stress fracture, renewed love for running, and a non-refundable registration for the Twin Cities Marathon? 

You get a marathon runner. My plane ticket has long been purchased, hotel arranged, family planning to be there, the whole 9. So, when this last weekend I was on my run and feeling awesome, I thought, "why not?" Then I said,"No...seriously. Why NOT?" 

And that, my friends, is how I decided to try to run this race. Although I am extremely undertrained, I don't mind crawling the last few miles. Or walking intermittently. I just want to do it. My very dear friend Kelly and I planned to do it, and although she will now finish before me (as she should!) -- I want us to start this together, as planned. I don't know what I would have done last year without my sweet sweet friend, and for that reason doing something this epic with her just feels right. :) I'm excited for our families to meet and celebrate this crazy event.

There's nothing better than this spontaneity -- this is something I rarely do. Spontaniety is not a word ANYONE would EVER use to describe me (sad, but true). 

I may have to drop out. I'm ok with that. I may not be able to walk right for a week, or do yoga as I do, or sit. Or bend over. I mean..let's not think about that any longer...but the point I was trying to make is...

I may not finish.
And that. is. ok.
I will be surrounded by the love of my parents, partner, and friends. That will be enough. Trying is what I am promising to do.



For those of you that know me, and know me well, this self-kindness is not something that comes easily, but I have really been humbled by this stress-fracture and I know that everything happens for a reason. And maybe the reason for it to happen this way was for me to be able to ENJOY this race. ENJOY the process, finish or not. PRACTICE self kindness. TRUST in myself, my feet, my faith, my determination, maybe even my pure stubbornness -- because lets face it, I've got plenty of that.


Twin Cities Marathon -- 2013. That's what I'll be doing this weekend :) 

Marathon Training: Week 1

Ok, ladies and gents! I've started my training :) I was going to wait another week but I was getting anxious, and the first week is light, so I went ahead and started it. I've tried to develop a phrase from my group therapy class that I love -- Go forward with relaxed intent.

Key word: relaxed intent. 
This is fun -- not a super stressful thing that I beat myself up over if I have a less-than-stellar run or I'm not feeling it one morning and my run ends up being a little short or whatever. The idea behind relaxed intent is that I will enjoy it, try to reduce stress over it because this is elective, joyful, and exciting. Something I (mostly) enjoy. A bucket-list goal. An insane decision that makes me feel like I'm a little bit unstable --- but whatever :) I'm not the only crazy one, and if I'm gonna be nuts, why not be fit, too? (: Yes, these things actually go through my head...
Anyway -  why freak out and give myself an added stress when the Lord knows I have plenty of other things to be stressing about.

Love this. 

In the single digits away from being in the beautiful land of Texas :) God's country, as we like to say :)
I cannot waittttttttttt. The joy my family (both given and chosen) brings me is nothing that I could ever describe in words. I am SO thankful - every day - to have them. Also so excited to visit my home church. I haven't been there *in the flesh* since last Christmas.
Very fun. Excitingggg.

Not so exciting? The bf is in Norway. While it's a 7 hour time difference, the pictures I've seen are GORGEOUS and I'm beyond jealous. :/ I'm getting pictures like this:

(going to the grocery store has never looked so glamorous)
Sup Norway?!

Anywho-
This is what I'll be doing for the next 16 weeks (:
Hal Higdon's plan for Marathon training (Novice 2)

So excited to get started on this!
Anyone who is doing a marathon HAS to read Marathon by Hal Hidgon. It is the BEST motivator and has some really great advice. I will forever be a fan of Hal. His system works, y'all.


Got some Clif Shots to try out, as they'll be the sponsored gel at the Twin Cities Marathon. I also got some Honey Stinger waffles and chews (previously written about) and I think I got another thing to try. I need to get some Powerade Ion 4, as that's the sports drink they'll provide. AND after research and lots of positive reviews, I got some compression socks. I'll let you know how I like them. My sweet friend Jodi gave me a heads up on a sale from pro compression so I got them 40% off! whaaatyessss.

I'm also implementing these diet changes starting this week from Matt Fitzgerald's book that I read, The New Nutrition Guide for Marathoners and Half-Marathoners. I would definitely recommend it for anyone that is super active. The "plan" isn't a "diet" but a way to look at food and nutrition for the rest of your life. I just really resonated with it. To start, I've got this DELISH dinner to appease my weekly pizza craving iaintmadatchaaa

ANDDDD --- I cut all my hair off. Again (:

#shorthairdontcare
#teenytinyponyhair (Erynn's word for ponytail. I now talk like I'm 2 years old).


Off to watch Dateline. Don't hate. I know I sound like an old woman.
I have 6 miles tomorrow, and then work work work.
Happy weekend, y'all! 

Mental Marathon Prepping Step One: Research.

Holy running. 

If you -- like many runners -- have ever committed to upping your distance racing after finishing a race -- the first thing you think is, "I can do this!" So, since I'm on a forced running break until I start marathon training, Ive decided to do some legit research. I already know I'm using THIS Hal Higdon marathon plan, so that's been settled :)

Call me a nerd, it's ok.
 I prefer to call it interested, desire to be prepared, super excited.....wanting to be able to run as comfortably and successfully as I can. And lets face it...26.2 miles of running doesn't make me think of ease or comfort :) However, I've been reading about macros and how to eat to run more efficiently. It's really interesting! To me, maybe (and probably) not to you. 

Another thing I'm doing is looking at potential gear I may need (or really want):

- My running belt water bottles are falling out. Ugh. Looking into why and how to get that under control...I really don't want to buy a new one. My dad got me this one, and I know they're around $50 bucks. I'm down to one water bottle since I lost one during the Fargo half. *annoyed* But I'd much rather buy a replacement bottle than a whole new belt, if I can guarantee it won't fall out. I currently have a Nathan's hydration belt (Speed 2).

- Compression socks/sleeves? I've seen a lot of info supporting wearing these. I don't want to shell out the dough, but will do some research and buy them if need be. Any suggestions or tips are welcome and encouraged :) 

- I'm gonna need some more Brandy bands :) Love those things <3

- cold gear -- I'm pretty much positive that it's going to be pretty cold early October in Minnesota -- so I may invest in a new cold gear outfit. I have a great pair of UA coldgear compression tights that I've worn for about two years. I would love another pair. :) Also, since discovering 6 PM I can justify buying it when it's cheaper than at Dick's :)

My sweet Dad just got me some new running socks (my favorite Thorko's Experia socks) that will be perfect for my long runs throughout the summer. Thanks Daddy-o! 

Luckily, Michelle lives just outside of the city, and has graciously opened her home -- and Kelly has a friend that lives there, too. ANDDD I don't want to speak too soon but I may have some family present, too. :)

Pre-race worship service?!  UMMM that sounds awesome! Good ole Midwest <3

SPOILER ALERT: Until my intern starts, pretty much all my posts will be about running and my Texas vacay coming up. #sorryimnotsorry
I'm SOOOO excited to go home for a much needed visit! My baby brother is graduating high school -- weirddd but fun :) Ready to party with the fam and celebrate all our blessings <3 

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 :)

For the Love of: Fitness

So many people run because they like it. I really do, but I didn't always. It started out as simply a weight loss means to an end, as it does with most people. But now, I run because I love it. I love getting new running outfits or shoes, to register for races and set new goals, to feel like part of a larger community of runners, to feel fab after a long run, or to increase my speed. What inspires someone to start running?  Better yet, what makes someone keep running?

 I graduated college, started my new job as a social worker in a Medicare rehab facility, and moved out with my then-boyfriend -- all within the same month. Talk about overload. I didn't realize the adjustment to actual adulthood would be so difficult, but it was. I started gaining weight a little before graduation (thanks to my study abroad experience being awesome with OMG-OOD food) --  but really it was the first six months of working full time that I packed on the pounds. 

I didn't work out, I didn't watch what I ate or how much of it I ate. Spoiler alert: it caught up to me. Quick. And stuck to me. Other than my general self esteem, I noticed myself more stressed out and anxious, generally more negative, and feeling gross. Obviously, when I finally jumped on the scale and noticed I was slightly over 140 -- I died. I'd never weighed that. Or ever been close. You can't trick the scales. You can post pictures that make you look skinnier, wear more black, whatever. But the scale means business. And it's not subtle, or kind. It's honest. 

My coworkers were registering to do the Dallas Marathon in groups in December of 2010, and I joined. My friends and I went through one summer doing 5ks a lot, so I knew I could do my 5m leg easily. I started working out, and I just kept going! I didn't lose a lot of weight working up to my 5 mile race, but it certainly jump started my journey. In January, the same group of coworkers and some new ones decided to do a weight loss challenge (general Biggest Loser style) -- and I think it lasted 4 or 6 weeks. I can't remember. Well, I didn't win the contest -- but I did lose almost 15 pounds. I was doing to cardio kickboxing 3x a week and spinning 3x a week with a friend. I was in love. Not only with the classes, but I had a total lezzie crush on the cardio kickboxing instructor. She was in rockin' shape, and super cute. Plus, she kicked my ass three days a week. Totally made getting up at 4:45AM worth it.

 So, I'd lost about 25 pounds at this point, and decided to start incorporating weights in order to gain some muscle and put some healthy weight back on. 

The following December I did my first half marathon (2011).  

After that I started and finished the Insanity program.

September of 2012 I did the Chicago half and shaved over 20 minutes off my time. 

I'm doing the Bayshore this May, and hope to finally reach my goal time of under 2:00:00. YEAYUH.

And this is where I'm at:

Early Dec 2010          January 2013

Aside from feeling comfortable and confident in my own skin -- which is enough of a reason to exercise right there -- my anxiety has decreased so much so that I haven't had a panic attack in over a year and a half. I sleep better (and less), I have found friends through running socially (which also adds accountability), and I'm healthy. Disclaimer: my happiness is not solely due to running and exercise. Let's be clear about that, it isn't a magic wand. But my commitment and loyalty to taking care of myself has been the best thing I have ever done. Somewhere it stopped being about the weight, but the joy I found when I started taking care of me. 

Do what makes you happy, today and every day. 

"Running Season" is coming!!!

Y'all -- March is fiiiiinally (almost) HERE! (praise the Lord -- the end of winter is in sight!) -- and for me, that marks the beginning of running season :) I couldn't be more excited about hitting the pavement rather than the...belt on the treadmill. One of my goals for 2013 is to also do a triathlon, so I guess for me it's also "tri season" :) I'm set for the Bay Shore in Traverse City May 25th, and I'm SO excited about seeing a new city this way. P.S. - I realize all the Texans have been able to run all winter, and I don't want to hear about it. It really irritates the shit out of me, as I sit in the freezing ass cold up here. 

I AM that crazy planner that prints out a calendar with my different runs/cross train/yoga days on it, so I can mark them off as I go. Some think that's weird, but it's my very own "pat on the back" every day when I can check DONE every day.

My apartment "gym" is a joke -- and Saturday I had to kill a huge spider (for those of you who know me, you know I don't do spiders. Ever). There's one treadmill that works, and one cross-trainer that works. Everything else is awful. They don't even have free weights. Ok, ok -- rant over. But, just to prove it, here's a pic:

Yeah, I wasn't joking. Pretty sure Jesus used to work out here.

I want to talk about my running Must Have products/eats and drinks, because I am just THAT excited.

Running Shoes/footwear:

- Asics or Brooks. All the way. I'm planning on trying Mizuno's next -- so opinion pending.

 Word of advice: GET "fitted" for  your shoes! Go to a specialty running store with a lot of shoe options (Like Luke's Locker in Dallas, or Playmakers here in Michigan) and ask someone to look at your stride to figure out what type of shoe you need. This is dependent upon what kind of feet you have (flat feet, high arch, or a neutral foot). I have to wear stability shoes. I'm currently running in Brooks Adrenaline 12, and this is my second pair. That means love.

Socks: Thorlos for regular temps. They've got extra padding on the balls of the feet, which I love. They fit perfect, and that's hard sometimes with midget-sized feet. Smart Wool socks have been a dream for my colder runs, but they make socks for all seasons.

Running Gear:

- I love my Nathans belt. Ok, fanny pack/belt/water holder combo. It's pink. And it holds my stuff without digging into my sides, and it stays put. Can't complain. My dad got it for me before my first half, and I appreciate it/him every time I use it :)

- Body Glide -- amazing when you sweat and chafe on long runs, which I did a lot before learning about the right materials to run in. You're welcome for all this extra info :) But seriously, it's saved me a few times.

- I love my Nike and UA gear, but as I've said several times, I'm a second-time student and have to be thrifty. Therefore, I have to say, old navy and Target have decent workout clothes -- I have several, super cute outfits from there that I've had for over a year and still look like new. Also, my friend Kelly recently told me about 6 P.M. -- they sell "past seasons colors" of name brand stuff! Love it. Also, Department of Goods is a good website with the same concept.

- GET A ROLLER. Like, yesterday. They are amazing. They soothe sore muscles, aid stretching, and increase blood flow/circulation. STRETCH STRETCH STRETCH (says the girl that doesn't stretch properly).

- If you run outside a lot, seriously look into getting a RoadID. They're great, especially if/when you want to run sans phone. You can get the bracelet or buy one that attaches to your shoes. My parents got me one for Christmas a few years ago, and I almost always remember to slap it on before I hit the road. They even make some for dogs, too!

- I have yet to find a great headband, but I know that Skinny Meg likes Brady Bands. Again, I've not tried them, and the ones I've tried in the past never stay on, which is why I don't have a favorite. Ordered some Brady Bands this week though to test these babies out on my big head! I love that 10% of proceeds go towards childhood cancer research. Sold.

- As for sports bras, I stick with the C9 ones at Target. I love them, and my ladies are regular sized, so I don't have any special needs in that department :)

- I just invested in a Polar Womens FT4F. I've heard nothing but good things about them. I was in desperate need of a heart rate monitor watch (wayyy past due!). And lately I've been loving pink, which is not like me at all? Weird. Waiting for it to show up in the mail!

Eats:

- Gel/juice/etc: Gu. Love the brand. The texture still grosses me out (think room temp pudding, yum?) but they're easy to pack and they do give me the extra boost once I up my mileage. If I'm running more than 7 I will take one with me to "eat" (AKA slurp up) around mile 5. Directions suggest every hour. When I did my first half I took one at mile 5 and mile 9. The blocks are okay, but hard to chew when you're getting your run on. There are several other brands, but I prefer Gu.

- I also stick with one water bottle and one gatorade with my long runs, especially when it's hot out. Or if you sweat like a man, which I do.

- Make sure that you are taking in enough protein and complex carbs. If not you could feel sickly or binge eat. I love my sweet potatoes, and regular potatoes piled with veggies/salsa.

- Running gives me some sort of IBS. I'm not joking -- I used to do a loop so I could either stop off at home mid-run (around mile 5-6) or make sure there were bathrooms that I could jet into. And y'all -- sometimes those portapotties are awful. So, I've learned to take some sort of anti-diarrheal medicine pre-long runs (just once a week). It helps and doesn't mess me up otherwise.

- tips: i get irritated when I buy running jackets or expensive tops that don't have pockets -- this may just be me -- but I've learned to double check before buying stuff. Pockets are necessary in my opinion.

- if you're training for a big(ger) race for the first time, i highly recommend Hal Hidgon's training plan (for halfs) and have heard a lot of success stories about the Couch to 5k program for beginners. Also, a lot of specialty running stores do training groups if you need the extra motivation, or join a running Meetup group like I did :) Seriously improved my pace late last summer/early fall.

Hopefully I didn't bore anyone to tears with my running talk (: Feel free to comment below with your running must haves! Please know I am no expert, just someone who gets excited about Spring and running here and like hearing myself talk. Ok, love hearing myself talk.

Toodles!