My Top 10 Things On Friday

1.  I'm totally making this amazing Key Lime Pie recipe this weekend (hopefully tonight!)  You can find it here and I only know about it thanks to Amanda!  Key Lime is one of my favorite pies, but I haven't had it in so long. That's mostly because John worked on a project in The Keys for a year and he had his fill for a lifetime, so I get boycotted, but not tonight my friend.  We'll see if I can't change his mind!  Just look at it!

yum!

2.  I've been highlighting my hair for about the last 6+ years and I've decided to quit.  Only because I don't want to spend the money.  We'll see how long this lasts...my roots appear to have darkened over time, so I wonder what color hair I'll actually have now?

*no, I do not think brown hair is 'icky', just the color mine is looking...ha.

3.  I'm so incredibly excited it's the weekend!  Words cannot express.  

source

That is me, on the inside right now.

4.  This week has been less than stellar on the workout front.  I've made it to the gym once.  Count it. 1.  WTF Christina?!  Part of it was exhaustion, part of it was other plans were made, part if it was I forgot my shoes...so today, I'm off to run 10 miles and with 800's mixed in as speed intervals, and maybe a little bicep work.  My goal: finish the 10 in 90:00-91:59.  Can we do it?!  Well, lets just say, if I do, there will be a picture to prove it.

5.  I bought a dress for our friend's wedding we're going to this weekend.  It is hard for me to find dresses right now, but John is a fan...

with white sling backs (if I can find them) and a white cardigan to go over it for the indoor reception.

6.  In a little over a month, I'll be trekking my way up to the mountains again.  I'm so very excited!!!  Hopefully it won't rain the whole time we're up there this time!

7.  Speaking of travelling, I have spoken with an awesome lady-friend and we're going to try to swing a trip to NYC next fall!!!

We have lots of planning to do!  Girls trip!  Woo hoo!  More on this later!

8.  Right now, I'm reading

I was sucked in almost immediately.  It is well written and even though it jumps around from person to person, it is still easy to follow the story.  I'm about 1/3 of the way through it, but I would recommend it already.  I'll follow it up by going to see the movie I'm sure.  I really like Miss Emma Stone.

9.  Only 5 more weekends until:

That's right folks, 5 short weeks until the best season of the year rolls around.  Anyone that knows me, knows I live for Florida football!!  Woohoo!  AND they got smart this year and put the first few games at night instead of in the blazing heat of noon!  Novel idea...only took 106 years to figure that out...

10.  This one is on a serious note, so feel free to skip if you're only up for peppy today.  

Will the US elected officials EVER figure out their shit?!  

This:

solves NOTHING!  How about we realize that while we do need money to run our government, we can't live outside of our means.  Let's also realize, that while we can't live outside of our means, cutting everything in one shot is not going to work.  It is going to have to be a process.  Stop being selfish.  Figure this crap out.  K thanks bye.

Happy Friday!  Have a good weekend friends!

And the verdict is in!

I'm skipping Running Wednesday this week, but it will be back!

Today's workout:

Run 3 miles in 26:46

30 min shoulders and abs

So, as promised, I wore my Old Navy running shorts and here are my thoughts on them:

Pro's:

• lightweight
• comfortable
• cute
• reasonably priced

Con's:

• ride up if they're too big
• the sizes run big

I think the shorts would not ride up if they fit correctly.  The Old Navy shorts fit a bit looser than my Nike Tempo shorts and those shorts do not ride up at all.  We'll see what the ole dryer does for them! 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

I went and saw Captain America last night.  I loved it!  I wasn't much of a Marvel fan ever, but after Iron Man, I was hooked.  I didn't think any of them could top Iron Man, but it did for me...by a hair.  For Captain America they added in some WWII history.  I know most of it was altered to add in the Marvel aspect, but the fact that they used real people from that time period did it for me!  I really enjoyed the movie!  Ladies...even if you don't like the Marvel movies and your man does, there's a bit of eye candy if you join him.  

Happy Wednesday Ladies!

Instagram Fun and Deals!

I'm pretty sure I'm the last person to find Instagram, but I love it!  I couldn't sleep last night for a while, so I made fun pictures...or at least, I think they're fun!

I'm going to try to make one of these soon!

I thought it was a fun and easy way to edit pictures!

*DEALS*

Yesterday, I went to Old Navy in search of this dress:

It was wayyyy brighter yellow in person...to my eyes anyway, so I passed.  But while I was in Old Navy, I found some other great deals!

2 pairs of running shorts for John at $7.49 a piece!

$6 bathing suits!

$3 packs of athletic socks!

2 pair of running shorts for $10.00 a piece!

I feel like I made out like a bandit yesterday.  The shorts seem really comfortable, but they run big.  I'm hitting up the gym and a run in them tonight, so I'll review them for you tomorrow!  If I can find $10 running shorts I like, I'll be in heaven!

In store, they also had sports bras, workout tops, shorts, shoes...all kinds of things on sale.  I would go check out my local Old Navy if I were you...maybe you can find a steal too!

Recharged

This weekend was a wonderful recharge (for the mind, not so much the body haha) and just what I (and John) needed after this past month.

Friday night, we saw a sea turtle lay eggs.  We didn't see any babies going out to sea, but we know where we're going to look for some next weekend now!  It was a pretty late night getting back to the condo.

Saturday, we woke up and had a lazy early morning, had breakfast with my parents and headed out to surf.  It's been so long since I've surfed.  It was so much fun!  I missed it so much!  It was HOT but so very pretty out:

Some of our amazing friends joined us later in the evening on and we had a fun night of games, laughing and maybe some wine...

Sunday, we woke up to

Feels like 104* at 9am?! WTF?!

So we followed Lily's example 

Thanks for being a good example Lily!

This weekend was just what we needed...even though I'm exhausted today!

What did you do this weekend?

I have not had enough quality sleep this week, and it shows...

1. I confess I have a short fuse this week.  People are annoying me.  

I'm so sick of the people that make America a crap-hole because they suck off the government (not the people that have real needs, but the ones that are lazy or cheap), or people that take advantage of the system in general, and to those that sue, just because they can...you suck!  I'd like to thank that bitch that sued McDonalds and won because SHE SPILLED HOT COFFEE ON HERSELF, well, I can pin point you for frivolous law suits becoming a common thing in America.

It's just so frustrating to watch everyone be out for themselves instead of just doing the right thing.  Yes, I like to look out for myself, but if I slipped in a restaurant tomorrow because I walked on a wet floor and fell...well, too bad for me and my busted ass.  Stop trying to strike big and get something for nothing!  Just do the right thing and ask yourself if the roles were reversed, would you be happy with that reaction?

Rant over.

2. I confess that I've slightly slacked this week gym-wise.

But I did get in an 8 mile run with speed intervals in last night...and I liked it.

3. I confess that I'm a grudge holder.

It's not that I want to be. I just am.  I fight against it when it involves someone I like, but sometimes, that just doesn't happen.  It usually goes away, but until then, I'm left seething.  And if the person does something really offensive and intentional...good luck.  I doubt I'll be coming back around.

4.  I confess some days, I would like to go back to school.  

For a long time, I wanted to be a lawyer.  I got my political science degree and took the LSATs and did pretty well, but I don't feel so inclined towards that anymore.  Mainly because I don't want to be fighting against dumb-asses like those mentioned in #1.

I'm toying with maybe pharmacy school or something?  Not quite sure but it's a thought this week.  Anyone have any experience in this? 

I started looking into it.  With pre-req's and the program, it would take me 5 years.  Assuming I started this in the spring, I'd be almost 33 by then.  Ugh.

But I do like school.  I could have probably been a student forever.  If only students made money...

I just like that it challenges me and I'm still learning new things.

5.  I confess I'm delighted it's the weekend

Yea, so that's probably not really a confession, I'm sure most of you feel the same way!

I'm off to hunt down baby turtles to watch their cute little selves scoot into the ocean.

If that's not super cute, I don't know what is.

And yes, I know most of them get eaten...don't try and burst my bubble.

Running Wednesday: Heat and Hydration

Since we're in the middle of summer right now and all you hear on the news is of the heat waves hitting all around the US, I figured today would be a good time to address heat, hydration and running.  Here are some facts I've found online from active.com and runnersworld.com:

• It takes 2 weeks for your body to adapt to the heat.  Slow down your runs.  Listen to your body.  This will give you time to acclimate to the new temperatures and then you can safely go back to running at your normal pace and intensity.
• Run at the cooler times of the day.  Try running in the morning or later in the evenings. The sun can make it feel 10-15 degrees hotter than it actually is outside.
• Be sure to properly hydrate all day, every day...not just during your runs.  It is recommended that an adult intakes 64 fluid ounces of water per day.  Increase this if you are going to be sweating some of that out.
• Have a plan for hydration before you start.  Know where your water stops are going to be or be sure to carry enough water/sports drink with you so you can stay properly hydrated.
• For workouts shorter than 45 minutes, water works just fine. For longer runs, research suggests consuming about a cup of sports drink every 15 to 20 minutes to fuel your muscles and aid in maintaining electrolyte levels. 
• Wear light colors and light material clothing.  Sometimes it even helps to run without a shirt if you are comfortable with that.
• Don't forget the sunscreen if you are going to be running during the day.
• Don't be afraid to take walk breaks.  If your body overheats, you can be in serious trouble.  Here are some signs to look for:
• Headache or intense heat buildup in the head.
• Confusion or lack of concentration.
• Loss of muscular control.
• Oversweating followed by clammy skin and cessation of sweating.
• Hot and cold flashes.
• Upset stomach, muscle cramps, vomiting, dizziness.
  You should be very sensitive to the warning signs of heat illness, which, if not properly resolved, can be fatal. If you feel any of these symptoms coming on, stop running, find shade, drink liquids and find a ride or walk home.
• Use your head.  If it is too hot outside, find an alternative or plan your run for a different day.
• The treadmill can be your friend!

I live in Florida, which I know isn't the hottest place in the US, but it's consistently hot and humid.  We get, like, 2 good running months a year.  I have quite a bit of experience running in the heat.  I used to try and push through it, and sometimes I still do, but a lot of times I turn to the treadmill.  I really like it for speed work, plus you can get your runs in any time of the day, it doesn't have to be a 5am or 10pm.

When I do run outside, I usually will wear a sports bra and shorts if I'm running with a group.  (I always wear a shirt when I run alone.)  And I only wear dry-fit clothing.  I make sure to bring water, even if I'm only running 3 miles...the heat is no joke.  Summer running is definintely more challenging than any time of the year, but if you're smart about it, you'll get through it and fall will be here before we know it...at least that's my hope!

What are your tactics for dealing with running in the heat?

Do you wear a belt with water, a camel pack, or carry a hand-held water bottle?

Do you turn to the treadmill in the summer?

Another weekend...and confession...

Friday night, I was a really awesome wife and cooked a delectable dinner for John (and I).  He LOVES spaghetti.  I could live the rest of my life without ever eating a spaghetti noodle again.  I love pasta...hate spaghetti.  No, it doesn't make any sense...and no I can't explain it, I just hate it.  But, we hadn't spent much time together this week, so we had a little date night and I made us chicken parmesan 

It tasted great...minus the spaghetti.  You can find the recipe I used here.  It was pretty quick, easy, and yummy.

I've been having a lot of trouble getting motivated for long runs during marathon training.  I get my week day speed and tempo runs in all awesome-like, and then the long run comes and I. can't. run.  I realized why I vowed to never, ever, ever run another marathon.  I hated the long runs and how I felt the whole weekend after my long runs.  I mean, don't get me wrong...it feels awesome (to my ego-athletic side) to be able to actually run 20 miles, but I'm then shot the rest of the day...and playing catch up the rest of the week because of it.  So Friday, I decided I to bump myself down to the half marathon.  

I know myself and if I'm already fighting the "long" runs, I'm screwed.  It's not that the 13 miles I was supposed to run makes it a hard, long run...it's the anticipation of those much longer runs.  So...I'm going to be moving myself down to the half.  I can run one of those right now...so my goal will just be speed.  I felt like I didn't want to just give up, but a marathon is no joke and if I'm not all in, I'm going to fail.  Props to those multiple marathoners...I ran one...and one is probably all I want to run. I told John if I get all over-zealous again to take away my credit card - ha.  I won't say never, but I realize it's not something that's working in my life anytime soon.

Saturday morning, we woke up and biked 22 miles instead of the run we were supposed to do, since now the half marathon is the goal.  Biking 22 miles is a breeze compared to running it.  Plus, I'm apparently pretty fast on the bike.  John was totally jealous of my skillz...  Ok, not so much jealous, but I was pushing the pace.  I have an awesome burn line on my back due to the sun-that-hid-through-the-clouds-that-made-me-think-I-didn't-need-sunscreen...what kind of Floridian am I?!  Ugh, it's still painful today.  I'd show you a picture, but the shirt I have on today does not allow for an ideal image of those lines.  I am at work...trying to be a professional here :-)

Saturday night, we had a Harry Potter movie night.  We watched 

and John and I made Harry Potter cupcakes for our friends.  I like to theme things...I'm not that big of a HP fan, although I do enjoy the movies.  We needed to catch the boys up to Part 1, so we can all go see Part 2 this week!

These were my inspiration...from here.

Sunday was a day of fun!  We took the boat out for a while.  It was not so sunny so it wasn't quite as hot as it has been, but it was a beautiful day out with friends.  Then, we went and saw 

I thought it was pretty funny.  That about covers recent evens in my life.

Catch me up on you!

Did you see any movies this weekend?

If so, what?

How were your runs or other workouts?

Have you ever changed your plan part way through training for a race?

Oh Friday, I love you!

This week has felt like it has dragged on f-o-r-e-v-e-r (you gotta say it like The Sandlot did)



 Well, this week has been my first week of training from Run Less Run Faster and it's gone pretty well. I got in all my weights this week, plus my runs...minus the run I have to do this weekend.

I know, 13 miles isn't that far.  But that is my ideal race distance.  It's just so hot and humid...and weekends are sooo good for lazy mornings.

But, Ham told me I have to train...

I told him there was nothing wrong with running like a girl.  Just ask Wendy Peffercorn...

Thanks for handling that Wendy.

Good luck on your training runs this weekend friends!  I'm out!

I ♥ Patrick Swayze

I got a Patrick Swayze fix today!  In the cardio cinema at the gym today they played

then...

while flipping through the tv channels I found

*gasp*

My favorite!

Nobody puts Baby in the corner!

What's your favorite Swayze movie?

I miss the fall line up...

Yesterday ended up being an impromptu rest day.  I didn't feel like waking up for the gym and I had dinner plans last night, so rest day it was.  Today I ran my tempo run.  6 miles in 55:54.  The workout was 2 easy, 2 at 8:34, 2 easy.  I pretty much followed the rules...

So, I know it's summer and we're supposed to be outside sweating to death enjoying ourselves, but during the week, after a long days work, I really just want to veg some nights in front of the TV...and right now it just isn't as enjoyable.  I have 3 shows recording right now...The Bachelorette (which I fast forward through half of), Covert Affairs and Burn Notice.  Well, with DVR, that's an evening of TV and I'm done.  Let's just say on my nights at home, Netflix has been getting lots of love...and they're about to be dumped.  So, I've decided to do a tribute to the shows I miss...

For whatever reason, I can't seem to add Grey's or Private Practice...I guess I hated how they both ended last season and with Patrick Dempsy leaving Grey's...well, we've all seen the demise of that show coming for a while...right?  Right.

And let's just observe a moment of silence for a few other gems:

I miss you...

 Only a few more months...right?  September/October...I can do it!

What shows are you excited to see again in the fall?

What shows do you watch repeats of wish were still on TV??