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,

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! 

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.

New Music Tuesday(s) and Minneapolis Wrap Up

Two weeks of new music -- yay! 

My current favorites: 

JT's new album - The 20/20 Experience. GET THIS IN YOUR HEAD.  The 16-year old girl in me is swooning. Except now JT has ditched the fro and is way cuter. And married. My favorites: Don't Hold the Wall and That Girl and Let The Groove In (very Salsa-esque), Tunnel Vision. Obvi I like this album. 

Blake Shelton- Based on a True Story. LOVE me some Blake. I really like his first single, Sure Be Cool if You Did. But, honestly, I love this whole album after the first listen this morning. Really can't pick a favorite right now, but Small Town Big Town is what comes to mind first thing. This will be my next long run album. :) I really like Doin' What She Likes, too. Really cute. :) The lovey in me just gets the fuzzies. Lame sauce, I know. 

One Republic - Native. I love One Republic. This album doesn't change my mind on that. Really like  Feel Again (their single. Hasn't gotten old to me yet.) and I Lived. Love the lyrics and it rings true to how I want to feel at the end of this whole Michigan experience.  

50 Cent - We Up. New single. Really feeling this one! 

Willy Moon - My Baby. Such a fun song! 

Also, not "new" per se -- but I have been loving on Phoenix's newest album, It's Never Been Like That. It's a fun album, a good slow paced running mix, with some fun upbeat songs, too.

OK -- On to Minnesowwtah :)
Well, getting up at 4:00 AM to catch a flight is never fun, but doing it to see one of your favorite people after 6 weeks of not seeing them makes it a bit easier. :) So, Luckily on the way there I didn't have any delays or issues (Praise the Lord!), and arrived in Minneapolis at 9:00 AM! We did lots of fun stuff, inluding: Mall of America (all day!), downtown Minneapolis (so fun -- LOVED IT), the Walker Art Museum (I would NOT recommend this museum to ANYONE. So weird and we all left feeling creeped out and confused. You can't unsee things....that's all I'm saying), and some good eats! We had brunch at The Local, had giant beers and mexi at Acapulco's, and even cooked out. Last but not least, I got to hold a black chicken, and play with Duke :) Can't wait to go back! Special thanks to Michelle and Dan for opening up their home, and to Natasha and Sheena for checking on Bigs while I was away! Here are some pics:

One of the chickens, and Duke

Trying to teach Duke "up" -- not a success. 

Acapulco's 

Downtown Sculpture Garden -- Cherry on a spoon. 

Downtown. Yes, he's that tall. And I'm that short. 

On the train to downtown. ALMOST missed the train lol 

<3 So, that's my quick trip to Minneapolis with Michael to see his sister and Dan. Had so so so much fun. Even got a run in! Although I ate like shit, I'm getting back on track this week :) I do what I want on vacations lol

Posts will probably be a little inconsistent until the end of April -- my semester is starting to wrap up which means everything is due. Yikes.

Hope everyone has a great week!

Oh -- Special shout out to Rockwall Heath High School Gymnastics team and my bad-A brother Grayson for making it to STATE this year!!! Woo hoo.

Weekend Wrap Up

This made me laugh out loud. I know so many people who probably get tired of hearing about my running complaints/victories -- in addition to all the other fitness-y stuff I talk about. There's certainly a fine line, and I try not to ramble to the folks I know don't care about my race pace, newest ailment, etc. Everyone talks about something too much -- work, their kids, their significant other, money, etc. Mine happens to be working out/healthy eating. Shoot me. 

Ok, please don't shoot me. Just tell me to shut it. Say it nicely though, ifyoudon'tmind.

THAT BEING SAID: Let's talk about the WEEKEND! 

MSU played Friday at 9:00,  but I was in a MOOOOOD (What I mean by that is I told my boyfriend I wanted to "rip his face off for no reason" -- true story). So, after I got off work after working 11.5 hours -- yes, this glamorous life I lead :) -- I ran my 5 miles scheduled for Saturday because I just wanted to be able to sleep in a little. Took some IB Profen, and drank a Spark around 7:15 so I'd be ready to run right when I got home around 8:00. I was slow, but I got that shit done.
So, I did that and was in a much better mood, so we ended up meeting and watching State WIN.

Because it was snowing I ran on the dreadmill, er, treadmill. Snow? Yep. You read that right.

That day in March was last Sunday/Monday. I forced myself into shorts because I was irrationally optimistic. Oh well. We're still in Winter in my opinion (considering it snowed Wednesday and Friday and Saturday morning -- ew), so whatevs. Anywayyyy, I put on my green and got ready for a pub-run. About two miles with frequent bar stops. To support the National Food Bank, of course I had to :) Here's some pics: 

Me and Natasha

Capital Steps in downtown Lansing

Getting a little cray. at 1:00 PM.

So, we finished that up and came back to rest/watch Michigan State lose (ugh). We took a power nap and got ready to hit the town Saturday night. Ummm, this is probably the only decent picture since I had too much to drink. Ugh. Like, throwupinthemorning too much. So awful.


With that being said, I did absolutely NOTHING today. My head was POUNDING all morning (er, afternoon), and I finally got up and moved to the couch at 1:00. Went and sat in the sauna for an hour to sweat all that alcohol out, and am feeling much better. People that legit drink all weekend every weekend amaze me, I just have no desire to feel like shit all the time. Or waste all my money.

Going to hit the hay early tonight after PAAAAAAACKING for my trip :) Can't wait to get to Minneapolis soon! 6 weeks is a long time to go without seeing your love *blush* and I am so so so excited to spend some quality time with the one that I love. Ok, sweetsy stuff *over.*

Also -- thanks for family prayers. Keep em coming if you can! Reminding myself that God is in charge and everything happens for a reason.

Hope everyone had a fun and safe weekend!

Recipes: Healthy "Classics"

Ok -- so I love me some food. Please show me someone who doesn't -- even 'rexis like food. Luckily, my fam eats pretty much healthy. Except Dad -- if it weren't for my mom, we'd have pizza or macaroni and sausage every night. Or cereal. These are my dad's favorites. Luckily, he doesn't do the cooking or we'd all be unhealthy fatties. Sorry Dad, it's true. 

Anyway, my mom makes the World's Best Turkey Burgers. You've probably seen her famous recipe  floating around on Pinterest -- joking. I've been making them between burger patty and meatball sized, like sliders-ish and throwing them on my salads, like this: 

They're so good. I LOVE them. More than traditional burgers. That's a little mozzarella cheese on top, it looks like squeezable mayo but it's not -- that would be gross. For two patties it's 194 calories.

Anyway, you need, ground turkey, and a veggie mix pack.

This is the only brand if veggie mix I've been able to find. But, this is all you need. None of that 20something-ingredient list. Ain't nobody got time for that. So, thaw the meat and dump in the mix and mix together with hands. Clean hands, preferably. Unless it's just you eating it -- then do whatever you want. Form them into whatever size you prefer, and bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes. I just cut one open and make sure they're done, I don't own a thermometer. I just make sure it's not pink in the middle.

Finished product from today -- makes 11 (I ate one pre-pic) 

Put them over sandwiches, toss with spaghetti squash and tomato sauce, put it in between bread/pita for a makeshift sandwich/wrap. They're so good! These also freeze well, so there ya go. My go to "I'm sick of chicken what do I eat" meat. :) 

New recipe from my Pinterest board I tried -- Ok, I'm trying to branch out and I've sworn off pinning new recipes until I start trying the bajillions that I've already pinned. I LOVE Mac and Cheese, but it is clearly not diet friendly, and since my last cleanse I've really reduced my dairy by like 75%. But, this looked delicious and I kept thinking about making it. So I did. This is how I modified it to make it a bit healthier:
 1 cup of spaghetti squash /1 cup whole wheat pasta instead of the 2 cups of pasta
1.5 cups of the cheese and 1/2 cup of fat free cottage cheese instead of the 2 cups of cheddar
I made my own "bread crumbs" using my Ezekiel bread, garlic powder, and flax seeds.
of course made it spicyyy (more cayenne, dried japs, red pepper flakes, paprika)
I used coconut milk because that's what I use ** I'd recommend getting some skim or 1% because the sweetness is not masked by the cheese. **

This is my "breadcrumb" mixture. 

My roasted veggies. About 25 minutes in the oven at 350 

 Cheese mixture. 

FINISHED! and tastyyy. 

I put all the ingredients in My Fit Pal and figured out that one serving (if this dish serves about 4) is approx. 500 calories -- the average mac and cheese dish is anywhere from 400-600 for a cup, and that's just as a side. I ate mine as my main dish and was totally full.

Other news:

GOT MY BRADY BANDS! Love them. They're so cute. And they seriously stay on. So, for those that need some great hairoutofyourfacethatdontfalloff headbands, these are super affordable, and cute.

Green chevron, gunmetal sparkles <3

Just when you think winter is over, you go on a night run and fall on the damn ice. Hard. Thanks, Michigan. I forgot that March is still freakingggg winter here. Lesson learned. I'll stick to daytime runs or the treadmill until April (ughhh).

Since this pic, it's only gotten uglier. Ugh. 

ANDDDD I got my triathlon training book in AND my super cheap new Mizunos (Amazon Student prime + gift card + late 'model' shoes = 100+ shoes for about half the price. Bonus), so my plan is to read some on Sunday and pick a triathlon -- I'm torn between the Grand Rapids one in early September or the August 25th Playmakers one here in Lansing. Leaning towards the local Playmakers one. 

ANDDDDDDD finally -- cheers to me for securing my next job! I'll be working at the River House (yes -- waiting tables for the first time in three years) this summer when my nanny job ends and my internship starts. Bittersweet :( I am going to truly miss my Michigan family, but it's nice to know I won't be jobless and can still go over to harass them whenever I want :) 

Root Cabernet <3

ANDDDDD -- wow it's been a busy eventful week -- I'll be visiting Minneapolis in less than TWO WEEKS! So so excited to visit a new place and spend time with M/his sister :)


Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend, I'll be spending the rest of this SPRING FORWARD day working on school stuff, since I already ran my 4 miles and can't procrastinate anymore. Happy Sunday!