Weekend Recap & I think I've got my Nutrition Figured Out...

Happy Monday! How was your weekend?!? Our photographer that was going to take our engagement photos on Friday had to reschedule for today, so I think we’ll get our photos done this afternoon at Fishcreek Falls (pending she reschedules again). I’ve got my speedwork on tap this morning since we leave for Powell on Friday (my schedule is all switched around this week to accomodate for the race on Saturday/ travel there) and it’s expected to be NINE DEGREES OUTSIDE?!?!. I’m staying optimistic that it won’t feel too chilly and I’ll be able to get my speed work done outside, but also know that the treadmill is there too. Under 10* normally is my breaking point between outdoor vs indoor...

Let’s catch up on the weekend, shall we?

PS did you check out the Honey Stinger website?!? This was possibly one of the BEST days ever.

I got some new fuel that I tested out on my long run on Friday and I think it REALLY helped. I ate Picky Oats 1 hour before I ran (it’s SOOO tasty!) with some tailwind (I also put some tailwind in my water bottle to carry with me on the run). I tried the Roctane Gu gels in Blueberry Pomegranate flavor and they tasted really good. I was feeling just burnt-out from Honey Stingers and wanted a change of flavor and I really love how the Roctanes have carbs/ sodium/ caffeine in them too.

I wasn’t quite able to take both gels every 45 minutes (I took the first one after 1 hour since I forgot the gels/waterbottle in my car and the next one 30 minutes after that), so I think it will work out even better when I can consistently take them. I’m trying to work on my fueling strategy before my next marathon!

We took a short walk by the lake on Saturday before the weather turned not-so-great

​Took an Epsom Salt Bath then cuddled with the furry ones for awhile. 

Tacos, an IPA, and watching the Red Sox for our Saturday night  

Snowy walk for our Sunday morning  

Cuteness overload Sunday afternoon before heading out to teach skating!  

Three things you did this weekend?

Gels- what do YOU love?

Ever tried Tailwind?

Ever been in a photoshoot?

Whats your “must run indoor “ temperature?!? 

Feature Friday: Book Review & Pick ONE questions!

Happy Friday! This week felt like it went by so slowly. I mean like Turtle-speed slow. I blame it on the rainy/ cold/ cloudy/snowy weather that we’ve had this week. Also this weekend looks like basically another wash (tomorrow looks OK, but cold again) so looks like more house chores and epsom salt baths will be on tap! What do you love to do when it’s rainy/ cold outside? We’ll also have to stock up on more hot cocoa & whipped cream (what makes the cocoa extra delicious) since we consumed them almost every night this past week. I’m getting my long run (13-14 miles) done this morning rather than waiting until tomorrow since the weather will continue to get worse and I’ve got a crazy week of running on-tap next week before the Lake Powell Half. Hence the meme about being overly excited to get up extra early (I was literally wondering how I could possibly fit in swimming/long run/barre class tomorrow while also working —> I didn’t come to a conclusion yet, but I’ll let you know if I somehow miraculously fit it all in!)

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I also blazed through another book (less than 2 weeks time!), so I’ve got a book review for you! I recently read The Fault In Our Stars by John Green. I had purchased this book several years ago (got through maybe 30 pages?) and then it got lost among the shuffle of moving.

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I normally shy away from these types of books because 1. Reading sad stores —> meh. not really my thing 2. The writing was a bit “young” for my taste, but I wanted a fast read so I picked this up on our bookshelf, dusted it off, and used it as a “lighter” story. I wouldn’t say I really enjoyed it- I thought the storyline was cute and the characters were very well-written-, but it just wasn’t my “cup of tea”. I know some who are absolute fans of John Green and his books, so maybe his writing style isn’t “my style”.

The story encompasses two teenagers who both have cancer, fall in love, and one of them eventually passes away (spoiler alert!). It was pretty predictable, but had a fun storyline in regards to the “cute teeny love” that they showcase and the viewpoint of the young girl who has struggled most of her life in-and-out of hospitals. Anyone a fan of John Green? What were your thoughts on this book? I’ve picked up How Bad Do You Want It by Matt Fitzgerald at the library (since sadly my copy that I purchased was left at the hotel in Vegas last year and I’m too stubborn to purchase another one for $12 on Amazon).

I thought it would be fun to see your thoughts on some of the questions below to kick off the weekend! Let me know your preferences and have a great weekend!

If you could only travel to one new destination in your lifetime WHERE would it be?? —> I think mine would probably be the Pacific NW. I’m dying to see Seattle, Bend, the cascades….

What would be the LAST meal you had on Earth?? —> Mac ‘n cheese probably? or garlic bread? or peanut butter cups? all three maybe?!?

Chinese, Italian, or Thai food? —> Italian!

Run in one weather season for the rest of your life? —> definitely Fall. Hands down.

Iced or hot coffee?? —> Probably iced because most places don’t always have the best hot coffee (but iced it always tastes infinitely better)

What is your DREAM everyday schedule?? —> Wake up at 5am, drink coffee & read or catch up on emails/ the news, go out for a run at 6:30am, breakfast and showered by 8:30am, do some more work (ideally from home), run some errands around noon, pilates or yoga or read for a bit, lunch, get some chores done and a bit more work, dinner eaten by 6pm, in bed by 8pm

Hot Cocoa WITH or WITHOUT whipped cream?? —> with. 100% better



Travel Thursday- Pics from Las Vegas Last Year!

I'm getting SO excited about running in Las Vegas that I wanted to reflect on some of my favorite moments from last year. I think that I'm most excited about the warmer weather and amazing shopping/ people watching! I will most definitely be bringing my walking shoes and hopefully get in some time at the pool. Already also drooling over all the amazing eateries that we will be visiting. I think I'm going to need a bigger bag to pack all the goodies I plan to get....

Sunset view from our first night at the Excalibur! The hotel isn't anything fancy, but the location is fantastic from the start line of the race and situated near the beginning of the strip/ monorail. 

View from the top of the stratosphere! It was a perfectly sunny last day that we were here last year and hoping for the same weather again this year :)

Any recommendations on places to see in Vegas or things to do? We did the Beatles Cirque Du Soleil last year and it was AMAZING. Planning to see the Michael Jackson one this year!

Best places to eat in Vegas and any good bakeries you'd recommend? Already can't wait for some treats post-marathon! 

Weekend Recap

No crazy adventures were had this weekend (thanks snow...), since we had a giant stack of wood to pile, loads of never-ending laundry,  no food in the household, and bathrooms getting dirtier by the second (glamorous I know..); but we did manage to get out and enjoy the outdoors for a small amount! 

On Saturday, we took Stella out for a walk on one of the trails in town and enjoyed (probably) one of the last days of the beautiful Fall Foliage...

I also took Stella with me for a run around the lake that afternoon after helping stack some wood (not recommended)- I was SO exhausted after those 7 miles.

We made the Run Fast Eat Slow High Altitude Bison Meatballs and paired it with some spaghetti and sauce. Soooo tasty!

On Sunday, more chores, cooking, and stacking wood (boo...), but we also managed to get out and play with the kayaks for a bit! This was the first time that both kayaks were fixed so we could go together (one had a crack in it that we got fixed). 

There was a crazy amount of wind on the lake, so we stayed out for maybe an hour (luckily our kayaks were made for ocean-weather so neither one of us capsized!). 

Any plans for the upcoming weekend? #workingfortheweekend

We have our 3rd year anniversary weekend coming up and are still deciding where to go for dinner! Alex wants more of a fancy dinner and I'm really just wanting some good Mexican or Italian eats...What's your preference?! Settle this for us!

Kayaking...yay or nay?

Running & Traveling- mixing them together?

I've shared before a few tips that I have to fit in running while on a road trip, but I wanted to share with you a few tips that I learned how to fit in traveling when you're NOT training for anything in particular (also remember that it's always best to run where you either know your environment or run with a friend/ indoors)​.

1. Do some research on the most popular running routes and either know how far you want to run for or just "wing it" if you can!​

2. Pack for all weather conditions. You never know when it could turn to bad weather or get really cold! ​

3. Look up a running group where you're going. I've never done this, but have always wanted to! Report back if you do (or have done this)!​

4. Find a gym that has treadmills if the place you're staying doesn't have one. I did this when I was in Las Vegas for a conference and had a membership to Anytime Fitness , so I was able to go to another Anytime to get my run in safely!

5. Leave all expectations at the beginning of your run. You may be jet lagged/ exhausted/ eating different foods- just have fun and enjoy the experience!​

6. Find a great trail or nature path to explore while you're running​

7. Check to see if there are any local races going on and sign up for one! Bonus​ points if it's a half marathon! ;)

Any other tips you have to fellow runners when they travel?​

Anyone else wish there was an AirBnB type of platform where you can look up and meet new running friends when you're traveling?!?​