Friday Favvs – Running & Wine

Tags

fitness, running, travel

This weekend will consist of a long 16 mile run. My longest to date. However, I’m unsure if I want to do it on the treadmill today before my 90’s themed spin or tomorrow. We also talked about going to the lake, and of course I have to schedule everything around my training schedule, anyways, I wanted to run at Katy Trail by St. Louis and then rent bikes and visit some wineries. I mean running, biking & wineries! Yes, please!

Would be such a pretty run!

A nice way to finish off the run by visiting this winery

I will go ahead and say I need this – so many times I leave the gym to go workout, so this top will hide my sweat.

Not gonna lie, I’ve became a fan. Yet, I still have to include this article and rethink…

HAPPY WEEKEND!!

Weekly Deliveries

Tags

fashion

Yes, I’ve been a slacker this week. I’ve been trying to get caught up on work, so I’ve ignored this blog. Plus, I wanted to find a fun topic. However, this is a fail. Anyways, I thought I’d share my weekly packages – especially since I get so many!

A total of 5 or 6 packages this week, I’ve lost count.

The first one that I was sooo sooo excited and totally unexpected this was my Chicago packet from Girls on the Run (Don’t forget to donate to this wonderful cause, HERE). It was filled with stationery, lip balm, training guide, tech tee and I’ll later on be getting a tech singlet (Race directors – I would much rather receive a tech singlet, instead of a tech tee). Really, I have a ton of tech tees that I never wear. Anyways, it also came with cute thank you cards, so if you donate, you will totally get one!

Next up, we have Forever 21. I’ve been trying to purchase items for fall. I actually have a ton of jeans, but I really never can pass up their $10 skinnies. The bow peplum top was actually cute on and I loved the peter pan embellished top.

I did some more clothes shopping over at Maude Boutique. It’s a super cute store in Fayetteville, Arkansas and again, I couldn’t pass up this little relaxed peplum top.

Last, but definitely not least were 2 packages from Arbonne. Not gonna lie, I love getting packages in and being apart of this company will definitely satisfy by love of that. I am loving incorporating their products into my everyday lifestyle as well.

I feel like I’ve totally neglected a package. Oh, my Advocare Spark came in too! Also, my local gym is putting on a 90’s themed spin class – any suggestions on what I should wear? So far, I’ve got a scrunchie, kinda wish I had a couple slap bracelets though 🙂

Weekend Recap – REST!

Tags

chicago marathon, food, running, training plan

I’ve basically been going nonstop for awhile, with hardly any rest days. This past week, it caught up with me. Thursday, I took a complete rest day. Friday was supposed to be my long run, but I only got in 3 miles before I was done. I just wasn’t there this weekend, physically or mentally to do anything. I actually got my long run in on Saturday, skipped out on the bike ride and had plans to go to spin and hot yoga on Sunday (FAIL!). This weekend was all about recovering and catching up on zzz’s…and I woke up truly refreshed this morning!

Friday night I ran 3 miles and watched the Olympics opening ceremony, I’ve been watching it nonstop! Love gymnastics and swimming! If watching swimming isn’t going to get me in the pool to practice, nothing will!

Saturday I actually got in my long run that morning, visited my parent’s house (which was spent chasing Bella around, she doesn’t get out much), and spending time with the two sweetest girls I know!

Chasing Bella. She thinks it’s a game, WORST GAME EVER!

Watching two sweet girls!

Since I decided Sunday (and was running late) was a no go spin and yoga, I planned out my breakfast and lunch for this coming week so I could get up early and actually go to yoga and swim. Here’s what’s on the menu for this week:

Paleo Strata Recipe for Breakfast

Cooking up veggies for the quinoa

Lunch for this week

I think I’m well rested and ready to eat for the week ahead!

Monday – 4 miles
Tuesday – Easy run in before Spin
Wednesday – Swim in the morning & 6 mi tempo run plus a team meeting on Ragnar Race – Have you guys seen this?! It looks AMAZZZINNNG! I can’t wait!!!
Thursday – Easy run before spin
Friday – Swim
Saturday – 16 miles – yikkees!
Sunday – Must go to hot yoga!

Friday Favvs – Up in the Air

Tags

running

I felt like I had this weekend all planned out, and now it’s not. I originally planned on doing the 50 miler Rider for the Cure. I haven’t signed up and now I’m questioning if I’ll do it…I may do the 20. It’s a pretty hilly course and I’m not good or prepared for that at all. I do have plans to attend an Arbonne party tonight to learn more before I actually do presentations, move my 6 mile run to tonight instead of Saturday, visit home, watch the Olympics (Love gymanstics), spin & hot yoga on Sunday and I’m stalking the Dancing with the Stars All Stars Cast announcement today (Obsessed, I secretly hold a grudge against my parents for not pushing me into dance).

Love her style

Trying paleo again

Such a cute book that came in the mail yesterday!

Where my 6 miles takes place – such a great place to run!

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Making the Switch

Tags

Arbonne, Beauty

I recently became a consultant for Arbonne. To me, they have a great product line that fits in with my lifestyle. I was a bit hesitant at first, I’m anti anything that I have to sell. However, I thought this was a good way for me to have a little extra spending money for my love of fashion, racing and to donate it all towards my Chicago marathon run. However, why do I enjoy the products and choose them?

This isn’t going to be a post where I tell you how wonderful their products are and why you should buy them. It’s to bring awareness to products that you use that are filled with junk that we lather on our body daily. Have you ever taken a look at the ingredient lists on your personal products? A lot of my products were made with parabens – methyl, propyl, butyl and ethyl (alkyl-p-hydroxybenzoates), Parabens are chemicals used as preservatives and can be harmful since there have been studies that have found them related to breast cancer etc…I’m by no means an expert at all and some people believe that there isn’t that much in our lotions, body washes, etc.. However, there are other ingredients that could be harmful, check out this article.

So, for me, choosing all-natural ingredients and products fits better in my lifestyle. I’d like to avoid at all costs (something that I can control) harmful ingredients in my body. And, I’m that vain that I’ll try anything to keep me looking as young as possible 🙂

Currently Craving for Fall

Tags

fashion

It’s definitely like me to start planning for fall now, especially since I’ve already seen fall items floating around stores and online. Yes, the weather will be hot until who knows when, but I like to plan and do a bit of comparison and find the best deal. Plus,  I’m already planning outfits for what I would like to wear in Chicago & Las Vegas! Yup, 2 months & 4 months out and I’m already planning. Here is what I’m currently craving and what I think would be suitable for Chicago & Las Vegas!

Chicago

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Obviously, there’s a pattern. I have a thing for white and leather. Jeans, tanks & blazers for the day and leather for the night. As of now, we’re only going to one restaurant that I would like to dress up UP for, so I’ll find a leather skirt, like this one and pair it with a white blouse and booties.

Las Vegas

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Really. I’ll probably wear jeans and leggings in Vegas. It’s definitely all about being comfortable to me with all the walking. However, we do plan one night where we eat at a great restaurant and go to a show. So, this year, I plan on eating at Lavo in The Palazzo, and maybe going to see “O”. I haven’t decided on the show yet, there are so many! I’d really love to see Peepshow again with Holly Madison, especially since her last show is at the end of December, Absinthe or if by chance, Dancing with the Stars continues their run at the Tropicana after the new season, that’s hands down one of the shows I’ll go see! I’m obsessed.

Now on to what to wear for the races…

Runs, Duathalons & Food!

Well, my weekend consisted of a lot. Yet, it went by wayy too fast, like they always do. Friday started off with a quick trip home to drop off my presh pom Bella since I would be out of town and poor baby can’t stay alone, then it was back to AR to run my longest run to date, 14 miles!! It was a long, slowww run. I run around a pretty scenic park that has a 3 mile outside loop and a 2 mile inside loop. I ran the outside, which has a few hills and which I walked up since I wanted to save my legs. Throughout each of the loops, I’d walk some, especially since I had a duathalon on Sunday.

14 Miles!! (Minus a 17/mi pace)

Saturday, we left for the Riverside Duathalon in Little Rock. First up, was picking up our packets. I wish I would have taken a picture, the park was beautiful and had various activities from golfing, playgrounds, trails, bike trails and even a dog park! I was a bit envious of their dog park, they had 2 sides, one for pets under 21 lbs and over 21lbs. Bella would probably hate it and be terrified of all other dogs, but lets pretend she’d love it! We then went and ate at Cafe Bossa Nova, that features authentic Brazilian cuisine. I had the tilapia and it was delish!

Sunday, we had a bright and early start at 5am, got ready and was off to the duathalon. I’m not sure of my official time, it was a good run, except it was extremely humid and the bike course kicked my butt with the hills! I knew I had to push through the hills because I was clipped in and did not want to make a fool by falling over on my bike.

Ready to go

Yes, it happened. Funny story, we took pictures like this because I finished. However, my friend over at Everydayactive, did not get to finish because she first had a flat, and then her tire blew while she was changing it.

It was a good weekend, however, like always, it was fast.

Friday Favvs – Duathalon + Cupcakes

Tags

running

This weekend consists of a 14 mile long run, Riverside Duathalon and a finishing sweet treat of a delicious cupcake to reward myself. I had initially planned on doing the MightyMite Triathalon, but considering I haven’t been in the pool but once since my last tri, I figured it’d be a no go. So, this will be my first duathalon, pretty excited! Hope everyone has a HAPPY WEEKEND!!

via

I will need this for my long run & duathalon!

Which one do I choose?

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I’ll just ignore this…

Hairstyle – Cut or Not to Cut?

Tags

fashion

I’m having a dilemma. Should I cut my hair or not? Yes, I know, big dilemma. It has taken me forever to grow out my hair, yet  now it’s so flipping thick it just weighs down my hair and it’s not attractive. I’m perplexed. If I leave it longer, maybe take off an inch and thin it out, I can still do all these fun hairstyles (that I never do anyways, because my hair is in a ponytail or sidebraid for the  most part.

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OR

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Lets be realistic about this shorter hairstyle, it’s not that much shorter than my hair now and I will never fix it like that. Or, maybe I should chop it off and invest in some hair extensions, that’s what the celebrities do right…

Have you guys heard of Birchbox? It’s a monthly subscription for $10 and you get beauty samples to try! I look forward to it everyyyy month! They even throw in little extras, like these…exactly what I was needing for my runs and to match my colorful shoes and workout outfits (Recently purchased hot pink shoes, hot pink Lululemon pants & purple Lululemon pants).

Planning a Trip to Chicago!

Tags

chicago marathon, travel

I have registered for the Chicago Marathon to run for Girls on the Run (Here is my donation page). Therefore, I’ve been researching like crazy! I know we don’t leave until October, but I like to have a plan on what we’re going to do and when we’re going to do it. We plan on leaving Thursday and staying until Sunday. So, here is my list to do so far! Also, anyone who has any recommendations, I’d love to hear them!!

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However, the most important aspect of this trip is where to eat! Yes, I already have reservations!

Our first stop is at Girl & The Goat owned by Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard! So excited and hopefully she will be there! I would be beyond excited!!!

Next up is RPM Italian owned by Giuliana & Bill Rancic! I absolutely adore these two and love their show together! I also believe that she is a true inspiration! Crossing my fingers they are there!!

Now I’m on the hunt for a place to try out some Chicago style pizza!! I feel like it’s an absolute must. Any suggestions?