Running Punch

Last night, I had 11.5 miles on my schedule. In the beginning of the day, I was really excited. I couldn't wait for this run! As it got closer, I wasn't looking forward to it.When it came time for me to change into my gym clothes, I didn't want to go. I was trying to find any reason not to do it. I couldn't come up with anything that would be a good enough excuse (especially with my half marathon just over a month away). I needed to run this. 

I got changed, drove into the gym parking lot and got front row parking (which never happens, especially if it's raining, like last night). That was a good sign. I walked into the cardio area and my favorite treadmill was open (at the end with a fan directly above it, it's always taken). Another good sign. I put my things down, warmed up and started in. 

For about miles 6-8, I had this 20 something guy next to me (running, not just standing there) and while he was running, he would punch the air, really, really high. It was almost above his head. I've never seen anyone do that before. 

After some time had past, I looked down at the information displaying on the treadmill and it looks like I accidentally ran 12 miles (instead of 11.5). I guess I was really enjoying my long run! I hope that happens on race day. 

When I home, I just wanted to rinse the salt off my face and shoulders. I started the shower and shed my clothes. Here's my outer skin. 

Immediately after I got dried off, the first thing I put on were my compression socks. You  better believe I put on my lime green compression socks under my pj's. It's a must do after my long runs!

I have a pretty busy next few weeks. Every Saturday, I have a run date with my friend and we hang out afterwards. On Sunday, Jason and I are going on a day date, which should be fun! The first weekend in Feb, I have my first race of the year, a 10k. the following weekend is my second race, a 5k with my friend. And, finally, the first weekend in March is my first half marathon of the year. I'm also doing the Color Run 5k this year, again. 

Do you do the running punch (inside or outside the gym)? How far do you have to run before you put on your compression socks? What's your race calender look like?

Keep Getting Strong

Last night, right after my long run, I headed over to my parents house (they live about 5 minutes away from my gym). My brother was in town. After I said hi to everyone, I took off my shoes and smelly socks (I felt bad for everyone) and immediately put on my compressions socks. It felt so good to have these on. I love my compression socks!


My mom went and bought us a take-n-bake pizza. I don't know what was in there, but it was stuffed and a little piece of heaven. She even sent a slice home for hubs (btw, he loved it, too!).

Here's the reason my brother was in town. He was picking up his new dog (she is 5 years old and was our aunt's). She is the sweetest thing! Her name in Lacey!

Tonight, I had another 5k. I wasn't too concerned with how fast I could run it. I just wanted something to stretch my legs after yesterday's 10 1/2 miles. I ran it in 31.09. Not too bad for a relaxing, stretch run. After the nice warm up, I headed over for another sweat session in the spin room. I can't believe I lived without this class!

If you don't follow me on Twitter or Facebook (which everyone should, off the the right, you can find the links), you may not know that I have officially registered for my first 1/2 marathon. I'm so excited!

Well, I hope everyones night is going well and resting as needed.

Fun Saturday!

I set my alarm for 8am this morning. When I woke up I started the coffee and ate my usual cereal. Off I went to take my car in for normal maintenance. I wanted to get there nice and early, so I could get it back nice and early. When I got done, I came back and relaxed.

I was getting a little hungry, so I had a piece of toast with PB on top. It hit the spot. I think that is my favorite snack right now. A few hours later, we were off to our friends birthday party. We had some yummy food. I enjoyed a hot dog with mustard, fruit and veggies. Yum!!

Dessert was chocolate cake. Now, who could ever turn down chocolate cake? Super Yum!!

When we got home, I watched some shows (trying to stay up with my DVR since premier week has started). A few hours later, I started getting hungry again. I fixed myself an open faced PB&J whole wheat sandwich (with some chips). I swallowed that down with some ice cold water.

Everything is going well with the kittens. Everyone is now friends! No more growling or hissing (only on the first day).

Only 2 more "fans" needed on facebook until you guys get an awesome giveaway! I've posted a new poll. Take a look and vote. I may be looking for some new running shoes and want to know what's popular.

One question: I have a pair of compression socks that are in need of a good washing? Do you wash yours by hand or in the washing machine? Do you put them in the dryer or hang dry (like most running gear)?

Busy LIttle Bee

This morning started out a little different, than normal. Instead of my old cereal, I had a breakfast cookie. It was full of yummy things like: Kashi cereal, dry cherries, nuts and so much more. It was so filling. Kelli at Kelli's Cookies was so kind to give me these cookies. I can't believe how full I was. It was still moist inside. It was prefect. I couldn't believe that I was actually having a cookie for breakfast, but it was so worth it. I never felt guilty, or anything. It did have cereal inside.

You can actually pronounce everything inside the cookie. That doesn't happen often enough.

The rest of my afternoon was pretty standard. The gym, was pretty empty and I was able to fly through my short workout. I was there was 40 minutes and worked up a very thin layer of sweat. It was a decent workout. I just had so much going on at work (before the gym) and so much going on after I left.

When I got home, I unloaded my car and made a very simple dinner. I poured myself on bowl of cereal. I mixed it today. I had 3/4 bowl full of multi grain Cheerios and 1/4 full of Uncle Sam's cereal. It was a pretty good combo.

The Uncle Sam cereal is pretty tasty. The cereal itself is pretty tiny (the shape of coco crispies). The flavor is so good. You can taste how good it is for you. Before you pour the cereal, you have to shake it up to get the flax seed in every bite. Can't wait to have this combo in the morning.

Dessert was another new item. I had some Voskos Greek yogurt. I only ate 1/3 of the container (because of calories). It has about 290 calories per container, so that's a little high for me. I added a handful of the Uncle Sam cereal, a handful of dries rolled oats and just a hair of PB. I mixed everything together. It was pretty good!

The yogurt had a different taste to it. It's texture reminded me of sour cream. The flavor I had was honey, and it went perfectly with all the other flavors in the bowl. Yummy!! I see this mixture in my dessert future for tomorrow.

After wearing my compression socks for about 1 hour yesterday, my legs feel Ike I haven't ran in about 2 days. They are very relaxed and loose. I am definitely going to be making these a priority whenever I run. These are the best things that have happened to me in a long time!


Do you have any "short" days at the gym? If so, how long is your "short" day?

Give Aways!!

There are a couple blogs that I follow. They're giving away some pretty cool stuff. Go to they're blog and enter to win:


Rad Runner is giving away some pretty awesome clothes. Check it out.


I am Boring is giving away a pair of compression socks. Way cool!