Thursday Thoughts

1. Fact: when I was younger, I used to see my parents, family and friends with key chains and think, "I can't wait until I'm old enough and cool enough to have a key chain like that." Now? I don't know what the heck I thought was so cool about it but mine is getting a little too clunky for my liking. Oh the random things we wish for as kids.

2. I'm finally trying to add speed and hill training back into my workouts. For awhile when I was just starting to get back into running, I shied away from doing anything but slow and steady paced runs. This week I did a short progression run (WU, mile 1 (10:00), mile 2 (9:41), mile 3 (9:20), CD) followed by a shorter trail run the next day with plenty of hills. My hips/glutes are super tight today, so trying to remember to stretch and foam roll when I can, but so happy to have some variation back.

3.  This:

 
4. I don't like crunchy cookies. The softer, the better. I prefer dough, actually, but for some reason the directions always say bake. Oreos are my exception. A weakness of mine, if you will. My mom bought me this cookbook for my birthday after we tried out the bakery for lunch earlier this month when she came to visit. Earlier this week my little sister and I tested out the recipe for homemade Oreos. Oh my. They were delightful.

5. It's cool and rainy in the Boston area today. I'm diggin' it. The bf and I are planning to order pizza and (hopefully) watch a movie. I'm thinking of picking up the Great Gatsby without asking his input, since I've been dying to see it since it came out in theaters.

What's on your keychain? Or something you remember wanting as a kid that adults had?

Chewy or crunchy cookies?

Favorite pizza toppings?
I'm totally boring and almost always opt for cheese. If I'm making homemade pizza I'll be a lot more adventurous with toppings - veggie and avocado or BBQ chicken usually.

Thursday Thoughts & Blueberry Banana Muffins

1. Lately I've been having trouble falling asleep, which seems to have made waking up in the morning that much more painful. No, but really, those first few minutes after my alarm goes off, I kind of feel like the world is ending. I know I don't help my cause by pressing snooze 10,000 times, I just can't help it. I need to fix this, and fix it soon, since it's clearly not going to get any easier in the next few months once it's totally dark outside until at least 7am.

3. I came up with a new business plan idea! Recruit handsome men for runners to hire to help them stretch out after workouts. Anyone want in? Seriously, I think this has potential.

2. It's back to school season. This terrifies me. Not only does it bring back those nostalgic, "I remember when I was packing up to head back to school" feelings, it also brings a nice slap in the face of, "Hey Sarah, you're an adult. Get your butt out of bed and go to work." That abuse I consider tolerable, but chaos throughout my beloved Target? No, thank you. Aisles lined with massive cardboard bins filled with items to be snatched up by desperate college students who don't even realize that no, you don't actually need purple toaster for your dorm room.

4. Today begins a weekend filled with birthday festivities! Yes, it's true, I turn 25 on Saturday. I've been brainstorming ways to get out of it but haven't come up with anything good yet. I'm pretty excited though, since I'll be spending my time celebrating with lots of people that I love - including Kenny Chesney and Eric Church who so nicely agreed that Countryfest should be held on my special day. Aren't they thoughtful? Tonight I kicked things off with a fantastic mani/pedi after work, followed by dinner with a handful of my favorite people. I have the best girlfriends, they seriously make my world go 'round.

5. I made you guys muffins! Well, kind of. I made muffins and am sharing the recipe with you so that you can return the favor. This recipe is based on one my Dad has used for years and is one of my favorites. Simple and yummy. Enjoy!

Blueberry Banana Muffins
yields ~18 muffins
 
2 cups flour
1/3 cup sugar
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup vanilla or plain Greek yogurt
1 egg
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 medium ripe banana (mashed)
1 cup+ blueberries (+ if you're ambitious, or like me and just love blueberries)

Combine flour, sugar, milk, oil, yogurt, egg, baking powder, salt and cinnamon in a medium mixing bowl with a whisk until incorporated. Add banana and blueberries, mix well with a rubber spatula.

Spoon batter into lined muffin pan until cups are ~3/4 full. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.

Bake at 400* for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are lightly browned and a toothpick comes out clean.

Are you a morning person? Any brilliant tips/tricks to get out of bed?

Something you brought to college with you but never actually needed?
I remember convincing my step dad that I needed a tool kit (like, hammer, nails, screwdriver, bolts, etc.) going into each school year. I might have used the screwdriver once, which is debatable. 

A Weekend Collage

Similar to last weekend's festivities, it's safe to say I may need a second cup of coffee today. I swear I'm not complaining, since it was all good stuff, but I'm opting to keep this recap short and sweet with a collage of pictures.

Longest run (and pain-free) since March? Check.

Four concerts in five days? Check.

Sarah is totally spoiled? Double check. Trust me, I know... and am so grateful.

Country concert or rock concert?
Love both, couldn't pick one or the other. Love me some hip-hop on my iPod but no desire to see it live.

How do you drink your coffee?
Iced (always), a little extra milk and no sugar.

Thursday Thoughts

Yes, guilty. Published Friday AM again.
 
It feels like another gorgeous fall-like day in Boston and even though it's still August, I'm totally OK with it. If you could combine the long days of summer with the crisper temperatures of fall, I'd be one happy camper.

1. I'm thankful for: spending time with girlfriends. Between birthdays, concerts, dinner and froyo dates, and even early morning workouts, I've spent a lot of time with my girlfriends in the past week or two. Things have been busy lately, and though plans with them are still plans, I've really enjoyed them.

2. I'm frustrated with: running. This is not a new one. Coming back from an injury after having taken several months off of running is... surprise... not fun. Trying to come back in the middle of the busiest part of summer? Crazy. My mileage has plateaued around 3.5 mile runs, and though I have had a couple of strong ones, for the most part my workouts have left me tired and feeling really out of shape. I'm focusing on keeping things in perspective (I really have only been easing back to running for a few weeks), staying positive and continuing to make it a priority.

3. I'm loving: This perspective...

4. I'm listening to: Parachute. All day, every day. They're a band I fell in love with awhile back when they popped up on my Matt Nathanson Pandora station. Since then, I've downloaded a few songs here and there. When I discovered they'd be playing in Boston at a small venue in Cambridge, I jumped at the opportunity to grab my girlfriends, some tickets and go. The concert was Wednesday night and it was one of the best I've been to. Seeing them, and seeing them in a smaller, much more intimate venue was just awesome. If you like Maroon 5, Matt Nathanson, Mat Kearney, John Mayer or any similar sounding alternative-meets-rock-meets-pop-meets-R&B type music, check them out. Or just do it because I told you to.

5. I'm craving: All things fall. This weather has me all kinds of confused. I see pumpkin spice lattes, baked apples with cinnamon, crockpot meals and casseroles, and I can almost taste them. In my defense my Twitter and Pinterest feeds seem to be confirming that I'm not alone in these cravings. I won't wish away the freshness and simplicity of summer veggies and meals on the grill or tossed together in a salad, but sometimes a girl just needs gourds and comfort food in her life.

Enjoy your weekend!

New Hampshire Lovin'

After a long, emotional week, Friday was a welcome break. Since my family ultimately decided to wait on holding any services for my grandmother until our family from out of town can join us, my weekend was free and my original plans of escaping to NH held up.

It was a wonderful weekend with friends and a much-needed break to relax and get away from it all. We arrived late Friday night and relaxed in yoga pants with wine and yummy homemade brownies. As I'm sure some of you may have seen via my Twitter account, I adopted a new friend on Friday afternoon. Meet Stuart the minion. While I may be almost 25, this thoughtful little gift has made us laugh all weekend long!

Stuart enjoys wine almost as much as I do... almost.

Saturday we slept in a bit and lounged around before heading down to the lake for the afternoon. I had them drop me at the bottom of the hill (really, it's a mountain) and I ran the rest of the way to the beach. I'm loving being back to a point where I can run miles consecutively again but at the moment am reminded each time how out of shape I feel. I haven't lost all of my endurance, which I'm thankful for, but I'm definitely not where I was four months ago. Baby steps I guess.

We lounged on the beach, swam in the lake, and eventually took the boat out for a nice little sunset cruise. I started reading Born to Run this weekend and am liking it so far. I've heard good things so I decided to take the plunge, hoping for some motivation as I start back up again!

View from the boat as we cruised around Saturday evening. Gorgeous!

Each time we escape up north I'm amazed at how beautiful it is. The lake, the view of the mountains from the deck, and pretty much wherever you look. I woke up at 5am both mornings and just stared at the sunrise until eventually falling back asleep, which was pretty easy considering how tired I was.

View from the deck as the sun was setting. Please don't make me go home... ever.

Saturday night consisted of relaxing, snacking on fresh guacamole and crackers and cheese and watching some fabulous ladies cook me dinner. I stirred the risotto a couple of times but ultimately sat back and ate almost an entire wheel of brie by myself. Oops.

Chef Allie starting the risotto and popping some pineapple champagne - YUM.

Sunday we ventured into some local shops but ultimately ended up back at the beach before taking our time heading back down toward Boston.

We're completely ridiculous most of the time, but that's the way I like it.

Overall it was a great weekend and just what I wanted and needed after a long and exhausting week. It stinks that it often takes not-so-fun situations to remind you to be appreciative, but I'm so thankful to have the most amazing friends and family, and the best support system around.

Reading any good books right now?

Favorite place to get away?
My best's family's NH house is definitely up at the top of that list, but sometimes it's as simple as going home to western MA for a weekend - though those weekends aren't quite so relaxing most of the time!

Thursday Thoughts

Good morning!

1. I. Am. Done. With this heat and humidity. Holy moly. I feel like I'm melting. Thankfully this week has been an improvement over last, but it's still a bit much. Our apartment has a built in AC unit in the living room but since our windows are large and slide left to right there's no [easy] way to put units in our bedrooms. Typically I'm OK with the windows open at night and a fan but last weekend we resorted to sleepovers in the living room. Yes, I'm totally serious.

2. *Crossing fingers* runs are still going well. I've been taking it the every-other-day approach with strength/cross training in between. Thankfully this weather leaves something to be desired for motivation to get outside and go, but I'm still so appreciative of the fact that I am running again in the first place that I can't wait to get back to a regular schedule and more miles.

3. The boy is still in California through Sunday. Apparently my coping mechanism for missing him is to bake/cook. I know, I do that a lot anyways, but for real this time. I've made this delicious popcorn, blueberry banana muffins, black bean burgers, these cupcakes (twice), and tested out popsicle recipes. That's not including regular dinners and lunches. I'm hoping I can at least share the recipes so you guys benefit from my craziness.

4. I'm headed home this weekend (I feel like I've been saying that a lot lately) to celebrate the wedding of one of my high school girlfriends. From teaching Model UN together and traveling Turkey and the Netherlands, to countless late nights and sleepovers, to commiserating over running and marathons, I'm so thankful for the memories I have with her. I absolutely adore this girl and could not be happier for her and her soon-to-be-hubby!

Lily and I our senior year of high school in Amsterdam. My apologies for the
filter, I couldn't find the original!

5. On a slightly different and much sadder note, Twitter and other local news sources were blowing up yesterday with the news of a local homicide.

Clearly any time things like this occur my heart breaks for the victims, their friends and their families, but this time the horrific incident hit far too close to home. Amy was a fellow Bentley grad and while I did not know her personally my Facebook and Twitter feeds have been overcome with expressions of disbelief, sadness, grief, thoughts and prayers. Further, she was a 24 year old young woman living in the Boston community that I and so many friends call home. Other incidents, similar in nature or atrocity, have riddled the news lately and I find it literally sickening to consider that there are human beings capable of doing these things to each other.

As a young female, as a runner, and as a member of the Boston community, I ask you to please, please, please be smart and be careful, wherever you are. Be aware of your surroundings and look out for yourself and for others around you. Runners, take heed of advice to change up your routes, run with a buddy off-hours and try running without headphones to increase your awareness. It's sad that it needs to be said but you truly never know what could happen, and the more precautions you take to protect yourself the better.

What safety precautions do you take, as a runner or in general?
I've gotten better about always having my cell phone with me, I never run with headphones outside, and I try to always be aware of my surroundings - places, people and things.

July Workout Playlist

I'm loving this weekend. Since the boy is in Cali for the week and I only had an engagement party on my to-do list as Friday wound down, I really had free reign to do whatever I wanted. It was nice to go into the weekend not knowing that my time was booked down to the minute as it has been for the past several weeks.

Friday I headed to the gym after work for what turned out to be an amazing workout. It was one of those days where I couldn't wait to run, and that energy carried me through 45 blissful minutes. My lungs, legs and head all seemed to be aligned and I felt happy and strong. 

I'm still playing it safe with the knee, but I feel confident about how things are progressing and felt very little of any kind of ache/pain during the run. I actually miss the long runs, speed workouts and hills (don't quote me on that), but know I need to be patient and smart. Yay for 4.3 miles - new longest since March - and a new plank PR of 1:45. Clearly core has not be enough of a priority for me, but I'll take any kind of progress!

I have to tell you a secret... I'm not a music runner.

GASP.

I know, I get a lot of weird reactions when people learn that. 

Let me clarify. I'm not a music runner when I run outside. I like being completely aware of my surroundings, being in tune with my body and just enjoying it (usually). Indoors? Heck yes, anything to help get me through the dragging, long miles on a treadmill.

It has been HOT in Boston lately. Hot and humid. Needless to say, I've been spending a decent amount of time at the gym instead of outside, so I beefed up my playlist a bit.

1. Wake Me Up - Avicii
2. Cups - Anna Kendrick
3. Gone, Gone, Gone - Phillip Phillips
4. I Want Crazy - Hunter Hayes
5. Holy Grail - Jay-Z & Justin Timberlake
6. Radioactive - Imagine Dragons
7. Can't Hold Us - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
8. Counting Stars - One Republic
9. Church - T-Pain
10. Run - Kill It Kid
11. Brave - Sara Bareilles
12. She Doesn't Mind - Sean Paul
13. Anywhere With You - Jake Owen
14. Run the World (Girls) - Beyonce
15. My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark - Fall Out Boy
16. What I Know - Parachute

In total, this runs just under an hour. Clearly I have a diverse love of music (I really do enjoy nearly everything), but I love mixing it up to keep me going and entertained.

Enjoy!

Do you listen to music when you run?

What's a staple on your current workout playlist?

Thursday Thoughts

Happy Thursday!

1. I finally got a chance to dig into the latest issue of Runner's World this week. I always feel like they have such good timing with their articles, like they tapped right into my brain and said, "Let's write about this just for Sarah." ...hey a girl can dream right?

2. I keep coming up with new recipes to share on the blog, but the same thing happens every time... I get excited, I buy ingredients, I cook, and then realize I forgot to write down any kind of measurements. I tend to go by taste and guesstimates. I'll work on that.

3. Please listen to this song and download immediately. I adore Sara Bareilles and think shes such badass and a talented artist, so I was pumped when she released her new album. Most of the songs are slower, but I've been loving "Brave" as a new addition to my workout playlist. The music video is fun too.

 
4. I was worried after pushing it a bit too hard last week that there would be a lingering tightness/ache in my knee this week but have been pleasantly surprised. I've only done a couple of workouts so far and kept it easy to be safe, but for the most part no knee issues.

Monday: 3 miles (5 min WU, intervals of 8 min run/1 min walk, 3 min CD)

Wednesday: Spin class

5. A small dose of inspiration courtesy of Pinterest. I love this.

[Source]

Explore the best that you can be, push those limits to be better and clear your mind of can't.

Are you a recipe person or go-with-the-flow when it comes to cooking/baking?

Recently discovered pump-up or workout song that you're loving? 

Thursday Thoughts

Happy almost Friday, all! Onto our Thursday Thoughts for this week.

1. If anyone wants to get me a minion as an early birthday present, I wouldn't hate it. Also, If you haven't yet gone to see Despicable Me 2, please do yourself a favor and go.

[Source]

2. I've been on a Greek salad kick lately. OK, so more for like the past 3 months. I love them, and can't seem to get enough. When I was younger I was strictly an iceberg lettuce, carrots, cucumber with Italian dressing kind of girl. Now? I tend to use the mindset of "the more the merrier" when it comes to toppings.

Lunch: Pasta salad and Greek salad with black olives carrots, cukes & feta.

3. I've had three solid workouts this week:

Monday: 4 miles (5 min WU, intervals of 8 min run/1 min walk x 4, 3 min CD)

Wednesday: 4 miles (5 min WU, intervals of 9 min run/1 min walk x 3, 6 min run, 3 min CD)

Thursday: .7 mi run, stair repeats, arms/core, .7 mi walk

Don't let the trees fool you - these go on f o r e v e r.

I would say I couldn't be happier, but I would be lying. I could feel the twinge in my knee toward the end of my run last night (hence the 6 min final interval vs. 9) and while I should have taken that as a sign to rest today I didn't want to break my workout date. The knee held up for most of the stairs but again, could feel it toward the end and walked instead of ran home. Lots of foam rolling and stretching, and will probably take the next couple of days off from running to be safe. I'm not so good at this "ease back into things" mindset.

4. Texting with my Dad this morning and this made me smile:

My family lives on-campus at a New England prep school out in Western Massachusetts so the roads and trails out there are prime real estate for some gorgeous (and often hilly) runs. My Dad had gotten into the sport awhile back, and at the time running was not on my radar aside from field hockey and basketball. 

I remember hearing him talk about running often - with friends, early mornings by himself, and being so proud and a little envious. It made him happy and it was something he was visibly passionate about. Life got in the way a little bit, as did some injuries, but I'm so happy to see he's starting up again - even if it's just once in awhile!

5. Finally, I've been thinking a lot lately about making the switch from Blogger to self-hosted Wordpress. When I started C&P I wasn't sure where it would go, but ultimately I've enjoyed blogging and would like more flexibility and freedom to grow. From some of the blog posts and articles I've read, there are plenty of other bloggers out there who have debated the same and made the switch successfully, and I'd like to explore my options. As a result, I'd like to know:

What were some helpful resources you used to help make the switch?

What's the best piece of advice you have to offer someone looking to make the switch?

I'd greatly appreciate any insights you can share - articles, links to your own blog posts on the topic, preferred design/theme source, preferred host, you name it.

Progress, America's Birthday and Thankfulness

I had the nicest blog post written up to recap this weekend. And then my computer ate it. No, but really, one second it was there and the next... POOF. Not what you want to experience on a Monday night, but hey - I guess it happens.

As a result, you get my lovely long weekend recap in photos: 

... I know, I slacked on photos this weekend big time too, but you get the jist. Awesome run progress, delicious cookies and BBQs with friends to celebrate America's birthday and Cape time with the family.

This past Saturday also marked a year since my big step-sister, Sarah, passed away. Yes, we shared the same name. Thinking back on the past twelve months, I can't believe a year has passed. I spent the majority of Saturday morning feeling guilty that I wasn't home to spend the day with my Mom's side of the family, remembering Sarah and celebrating her life. 

Me and my step-siblings, Tim and Sarah, when we were little.

Truthfully, I've spent a lot of time feeling guilty in the past year. Guilty that I didn't spend more time with her, guilty that I didn't reach out as much as I could have, guilty that I never got a chance to say goodbye, and then guilty that I was grieving when I felt as though I didn't deserve to... if that even makes any sense. I can imagine these often come along with coping with a loss, but they certainly aren't easy feelings to dismiss.

If there has been any particular lesson I've learned in the past year, I'd say that I've become that much more of a thankful person. Thankful that though Sarah passed, she passed peacefully. Thankful for my amazing family and friends who love me unconditionally and who I love right back. Thankful for my job, living in such a wonderful city and being able to support myself. Thankful for the little moments and things that often go unnoticed but mean so much.

"Life is short. Break the rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably, and never regret anything that made you smile."

I hope you had a wonderful long weekend, full of things that made you smile.

What's something that reminds you to be thankful?

Closing Out June

It's July?! How is that even possible? I'm loving that this will be a short week and a long weekend.

This past weekend was a great one - though slightly expensive - and I enjoyed spending time with lots of favorites.

Friday I skipped down to the Seaport after work to meet up with the boy and some friends for some post-work beers. It's been grossly humid in Boston for the past week with constant thunderstorm warnings, but it was nice to be on the water and enjoy the breeze and atmosphere.

Saturday was spent having breakfast with one of my college roommates for her birthday at In a Pickle in Waltham. This was one of our favorite spots while we were at Bentley and they just recently moved to a new location on Moody St. I'm totally in love with their breakfasts so we both thoroughly enjoyed celebrating her 25th over eggs, bacon, home fries and chocolate chip pancakes! If you're ever in the Boston area, I highly recommend you stop by. There always seems to be a line but I can assure you that it's worth the wait.

Post-indulgent breakfast I lounged around for a bit and headed to the gym to complete my PT "homework." I have to admit that I've become a much bigger fan of said homework since it's started to include running intervals along with the strength training exercises. After a 5 minute warm-up I finished 4 rounds of 1 min walk/5 min run intervals and a quick cool-down. I was thrilled that I felt good the whole time - no knee pain and strong strides. It has been so long since I could say that, and it's such a blessing. Here's to hoping the progress continues!

Saturday night was spent at the Comcast Center with Love and Theft, Brantley Gilbert and Tim McGraw with my best, her mom and her mom's best (so fun!). This was the third time I've seen Tim live and it was a great show. He definitely started the hot country hunk phenomenon.

Sunday was fairly low key - running some errands, baking, relaxing and foam rolling. We topped the weekend off by heading back into the Seaport to meet some girlfriends for a surprise birthday dinner for previously-mentioned college roommate. It was a perfect summer evening.

Favorite breakfast food?

I don't know that I'm capable of choosing... It's all good!

Thursday Thoughts

It's the most wonderful time of the week! I actually look forward to writing these posts. Primarily because I've forced myself into at least one weekly blog post (structure is clearly lacking here), but also because I can write whatever I want - even if it makes no sense at all. Lucky readers, you.

1. So this happened:

...see that?! That's a treadmill! I haven't seen one of those in MONTHS! My PT surprised me on Tuesday with an interval assignment. I'm fairly sure my face lit up at the thought of running again, so she immediately killed my vibe with a, "Don't even go there, Sarah. Think of this as a task you need to complete - not a RUN. You've got a ways to go before you're in the clear." ...party pooper. Truthfully I'm glad she did because it's so easy to think you can just jump back into things full force and potentially ruin the progress you've made - cough, what I did with my last PT, cough.

Anywho. Intervals at the appt. Tuesday were 1 min walk/2 min run x3 for .8 miles total. Intervals as homework yesterday were 1 min walk/3 min run x 4 (plus 10 min walking warm up) for 2.15 miles total. Intervals at the appt. this morning were 1 min walk/5 min run x 3 for about 1.8 miles total. It's frustrating to have to reign myself in, although slightly easier since it's glaringly obvious how out of shape I am vs. even 3 months ago. I can still feel tightness start to develop in my knee toward the end of the workout, but not the same sharp pain I was feeling before. Baby steps to greatness.

2. My gorgeous cousin had a beautiful baby boy this morning! I am so thrilled for her and her husband, as well as the rest of my blonde-haired, blue-eyed Jacksonville family. Tripp is the first great-grandchild for my grandparents as well which is super exciting, and I can't wait to meet the little nugget ASAP.

3. What's up with this weekend's forecast, Boston? Not cool.

4.  I spent the latter part of this past weekend on the Cape with my family for a belated Father's Day celebration. We ate fresh seafood, went out for ice cream, played mini golf and went to the beach - all packed into about 24 hours. It was a bit hectic, but I loved every minute.

Sisters at sunset!

Nutella and black raspberry ice cream w/ rainbow sprinkles

Marylou's ice coffee - famous on the Cape (and YUMMY!)

Gorgeous day for the beach

Sister & I locked up - clearly these stocks were not made
for tall people. Rude.

5. Remember when I confessed that I'm lucky enough to go to a LOT of concerts during the summer? Yeah, this weekend we'll be seeing Tim McGraw. He puts on a great show AND has great opening acts this year in Brantley Gilbert and Love and Theft. Totally pumped, minus the fact that the rain will probably put a bit of a damper on our tailgating festivities.

Finally, I'm not ready to talk about what happened earlier this week regarding a certain Cup. Yes, I'm heartbroken. Yes, I cried. Yes, I cried again watching this video. Oh man, what a season. I'm certainly not wishing summer away but I cannot wait to have hockey back. Thanks for the crazy ride, Bruins.

I hope you all have wonderful weekends planned, some of you hopefully with a bit better weather than is expected to grace the Boston area!

Favorite ice cream flavor and topping?
Flavor is a toss up between anything chocolate (shocking) and black raspberry. Topping is most definitely rainbow sprinkles... in case you haven't noticed.

Favorite family pastime? 
Mini golf always seems to be a part of any family vacation, but I'd say wiffle ball is up there too. My family is only slightly competitive.

Running Survey

Heather over at Fit n' Cookies re-posted this fun little running survey the other day and I thought I'd take the plunge myself. Thanks for posting, Heather!

1.  On average how many races do you run a year?

I've only really been into races for the past few years, but I'd say 3.

2.  Head accessories, things you have to run with:  a hat, a visor, sunglasses, chapstick, sunscreen, head band, ponytail, braids, sweat band?

I always run with my hair in a ponytail, and on sunny days (especially for long runs) will wear a hat. 

3.  Where do your workouts come from?  A training plan, a coach, whatever you feel like doing that day or what your training partner is doing that day?

When I'm training for a race I'll have a training plan in place that I follow pretty religiously. I actually LOVE training plans, because it takes the pressure off of trying to think of a workout and makes me more likely to complete it. I can thank my type-A personality for that. When I'm not training for a race my workouts are much more variable and can range from a group class, to something I read on a blog or pinterest, to a run around town.

Snapshot of my Philly Marathon training plan

 4.  How many miles on average do you put on a pair of shoes?

Only in the past year or two have I started paying closer attention to mileage on shoes. I'd say I log about 400+ miles per pair, but start incorporating a new pair in around 300-350. Sarah [over at] OUaL shared her baller training log template early this year and I love it. I've made a few tweaks for myself, but overall I think it's a great resource for tracking mileage per shoe and overall miles logged. 

5.  Cell phone=  do you bring it with you on your run or leave it at home?

When I first started running I left it at home, but now typically have it with me. I don't listen to music when I run and use my Garmin for data so my phone is kind of dead weight, but I enjoy the safety net of having it.

6.  What was your last running related injury or have you been an injury free runner? 

I was lucky enough to be injury-free until a couple of months ago. Now currently battling knee issues and waiting patiently/working hard to get back out there.

 

7.  Is your current running goal about running a farther distance (adding more mileage) or getting faster or BOTH?!? 

Current goal is to just get back to running, but ultimately it will be getting faster and stronger. 

8.  Speedwork—->  at the track, on the treadmill, on the roads or never do it?

A mix, but primarily track or treadmill. 

9.  Stretching after a run:  hit the ground after a run and get stretching, stretch in the shower, stretch once you get to work/school, skip the stretching?

I would love to say anything to do with stretching right away but I'm notorious for not stretching and need to be better. 

10.  What was your reason(S) for starting to run?

I ran my first half marathon to benefit the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) with their Team Challenge training program in Virginia, 2011. I was lucky enough to complete the program with a few close friends of mine and was totally hooked on running. It was an awesome experience. You can read more about my running story here.

Your turn! Answer one or a few of the questions. I'm going to toss in a couple of my own, just out of curiosity...

11. How do you track your training? (Excel, Daily Mile, Run Keeper, etc.)

I like excel for tracking mileage during marathon/half marathon training but love Daily Mile for the journal-like feel to track how I feel. I also use Garmin Connect if I want to refer back to pace data for runs. I kind of love running data. :)

12. How do you carry your cell or other gear with you on your runs? (Arm band, SPIbelt, etc.)

During the winter I love the convenience of jacket pockets. I've yet to find something comfortable and easy for summer running though - I feel like an arm band might be uncomfortable in heat?

Thursday Thoughts

Yes, I know, I published this on Friday morning. I promise you all the thoughts occurred on Thursday though, along with 99% of the writing...

Has it seriously already been a week since I last wrote a Thursday Thoughts post? I give all you bloggers out there who write every day so much credit. I would love to be able to balance it all and come up with new and fabulous posts on the daily but I'm afraid I'd fail miserably. I guess that gives me something to work toward.

1. My amazing grandpa turned 90 yesterday. 90! This man has been one of my best friends since the day I was born. I look up to and respect him so much, as does everyone else who has ever been blessed with his presence.

It has been so hard to see him age in the past several years. I think one of the harder parts of getting older is suddenly realizing that those people you admired as invincible heroes as a child do, in fact, have weaknesses. I don't mean that in a bad way, we're all human, I just mean it takes a different perspective to fully appreciate what you have and to cherish every moment and memory with the people you love. All things considered, this guy is doing pretty darn well. Of course, it doesn't hurt that he has my grandmother's TLC to keep him in line.

My grandparents on their wedding day - 55 years ago!

 2. I've had two more PT appointments since I admitted last week that I was trying out a new doc. Both have gone well, and even though my knee continues to nag me with soreness here and there I feel much more confident in how it's being treated this time around. We're not only treating the injury (Graston, cupping and massage), but also spending more time around strength training for my hips/glutes and stretching. I actually have homework to do, which I'm happy to report I have stuck to and enjoyed... even the resulting soreness.

3. This basically describes my life:

4. I made pie last weekend. With strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries. It was berry delicious. I feel like pie is one of those desserts that kind of gets lost in my love of all things chocolate, but then when I eat it again I scold myself for having gone so long without it.

5. I met up with my running partner last night for a pedi date. She just got back from running a huge trail run in Wyoming over the weekend with her Dad and, well, I just needed a pedicure. I also finally opened the newest issue of Runner's World. I haven't finished reading it cover to cover but... wow. I've read a few pieces that were just what I needed to dig into. More on those later. Cute toes, fabulous date and running goodness? Yes, please. All that was missing was wine.

I hope you all have wonderful weekends planned! I'm playing in/working a wiffle ball tournament to benefit the children's hospital I work for and then headed to the Cape for a belated Father's Day celebration with my Dad.

Who was your hero growing up?
I definitely think mine has always been my Grandpa, with my Grandma, Dad and Mom as his close and trusty sidekicks.

Favorite kind of pie?
Tough call, but I'd say a tie between apple and strawberry rhubarb.