Feature Friday: What's Currently On My Must-Have List & Favorite Story of the Week!

Happy Friday Friends! Any plans this weekend?!? Anyone racing?? I kinda feel like this is the "lull" in time between Summer races & just before Fall races begin. Is that just me? Alex's parents are in town (they got in yesterday- so we've been cleaning like crazy) & Alex is in the kickball tournament so I've got Saturday to spend with them (I've been brainstorming like crazy for things for us to do). I definitely think that the Farmer's Market is a must-do. I've only been ONCE this summer?!?! It's always so filled with tourists, but this time of year they're mostly gone which makes it a bit quieter. 

I am SO EXCITED to watch the NYC Marathon this year. The women's field is SO deep. Molly Huddle, Shalane, Desi, Mary Keitany of Kenya, Allie Kieffer, Sarah Sellers. It's going to be such an amazing race no matter who ends up on top! 

Also this story that I came across Runner's World is incredible. I cannot even imagine riding my bike 250 miles and then going on to RUN UP & DOWN a 14,000' (Pike's Peak)- not mention that he ended up WINNING the marathon. So amazing & inspiring. Does anyone else feel like they immediately need to go out and do something crazy incredible after reading a story like this or is it just me?

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Does anyone else ever get in a shopping cart craze like me? I suppose it's better than actually going to the store and spending a lot of money shopping, but I love love love to just fill up my shopping carts with products I really want (but don't necessarily need). Anyways, I figured that I'd share with you some of my top "shopping cart" wants ; )

• THIS BareMinerals Blemish Rescue Skin-Clearing Loose Powder Foundation. I haven't tried it before and normally go with their loose power foundation, but if anything will help with my break-outs then I'm SOLD. 
• THIS crop hop top & THESE Legs Lite shorts from Rabbit. I've heard so many wonderful things about Rabbit and haven't tried it yet, but I think that these two would make a PERFECT race day outfit come November. I've been dying to get a crop top and thinking this one may have to be my first purchase. Anyone a fan of Rabbit? What's your favorite piece? 
• THIS Lux Funnel Neck in Smoke/Curfew. I am SUCH a huge fan of lux and probably could live in it if I had more pieces. This one looks so cozy and the perfect addition to my Fall/Winter repertoire. 

What is something that one your "wish list"?

Anyone racing this weekend?!?

NYC Marathon- anyone RUNNING it?!? ...someday I'd love to run it!!

Feature Friday: Running Free & Why I Continue To Unplug On Sundays

Happy Friday! I hope you have some fun activities planned this weekend! I'm kicking off my weekend with a Honey Stinger Hive Athlete Meet Up run at 6pm! I'm planning to get in 8 miles this morning and will just consider the 4 miles later on as "extra" ; ) I've got 6 miles on the schedule for Saturday morning and then we will be off backpacking for the weekend! I can't wait because we've only been able to go backpacking ONCE this entire Summer. It will be a much-needed weekend of unplugging and being outside in nature. One of my favorite things to do when we arrive at our campsite is to set-up our Helinox Camp Chair and settle in with my book. I always get so much reading done whenever we backpack or camp anywhere! 

I've also continued to unplug from all social media on Sundays and it's one of my favorite days of the week! I *may* try to add in another day a week where I unplug from social media, but for right now, Sundays are the days where I'm honestly so productive and don't even miss checking in all the platforms. 

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I also (unintentionally) started to run once a week without headphones (completely free from anything besides my garmin!) and it was amazing. This actually happened accidentally on Wednesday this week when I brought the wrong headphones with me (I just got a new phone and the plug for the headphones jack was an old one). Side note: WHY did Apple decide to change up having the headphone auxiliary plug? Anyways, it was actually perfect and I was so much more in-tune with my body (plus it was pretty relaxing noticing the sounds of the water along the lake..). 

Ever run without headphones? What's been your experience?

Unplugging...yay or nay?

Favorite thing to do when camping or backpacking?

Feature Friday: Some of My Favorite Inspirational Podcasts & What Do I Do When Running Gets HARD

Happy Friday! We finally made it! I wonder if weeks will seem this long and drawn-out when I'm in a job I really love?? Anyone out there in this position? I kept thinking that each day was a day later than what it actually was (i.e. on Tuesday I thought it was Wednesday), but regardless I'm glad it's finally Friday. Since Alex is away, I'm planning on getting into the kitchen A LOT this weekend to bake some goodies, get in a bunch of meal-prepping, and cleaning out more of our closets (yes.. we have several closets that are filled with winter/summer/outdoor CLOTHES/ Equipment/ etc. ) and getting so many things on Ebay. I've also got 10 miles on the schedule tomorrow and then a rest day on Sunday (with an easy 6 miles this morning). What's on tap for you this weekend? I'm still debating where my long run will be- there's a really beautiful country road a bit of a drive from us that is a little hilly, but mainly dirt and so quiet that would be so nice to run on or I could stay closer to home and run by the lake..hmmm. decisions. decisions. 

I've been listening to A LOT of podcasts lately (since most of my runs have still been easy paces) and I wanted to share with you some of my favorite ones that have inspired me:

• Oprah's Super Soul Conversations- June 17 & June 19ths Podcasts with Tom Brady. SOOO GOOD! Even if you're not a Patriots fan, I highly recommend listening to it. He speaks a lot about his training philosophy, life goals, and when he will stop playing football (only when it no longer becomes fun)
• Rambling Runner's Episode #74 with Sarah Canney- I'm a huge fan of Sarah's and think that she gives so much great advice in this episode. 
• Finding Mastery: Conversations with Michael Gervais Episode with Des Linden- I've never listened to this podcast before and this one really got me hooked. I listened to it on my drive to Copper a few weekends ago and it had me thinking the entire time and so inspiring. 
• I'll Have Another With Lindsey Hein episode #131 with Shadrack Biwott- I had never heard of Shadrack before this episode and he gives some of the best advice (including not taking yourself too seriously). He finished 3rd at the Boston Marathon and has an amazing outlook on life. 
• Ali On The Run Show Episode #70 with Katie Burke- I know Ali's coming out with a new episode with Katie Burke and I can't wait. This one was so inspiring for me (she talks a lot about finding her dream job and great advice for anyone looking to make a big career change). 

Most of the times, I'm able to really enjoy my run, but sometimes I still struggle (i.e. especially in the heat).

Especially in those first few years of running, I struggled A LOT.

I had enjoyable runs, but they were honestly few and far-between. I gave up more often than I pushed through in beginning, but now I've found a few tricks that have helped me work through those struggles and enjoy the run:

• Focusing on a different part of my body. Maybe I'll think about my ear or my big toe, but something to just completely get my mind off of running. 
• Channeling my inner Emma Coburn. Have you ever seen one of Emma's videos on instagram where she's powering-out to an awesome song and looking like a total badass? Complete #girlcrush
• Make a list of things I want to do after I run. Sometimes it includes what I'm going to eat, what I'm going to wear today, or what I have to look forward to doing after I run (i.e. lying on the floor in puddle of my own sweat)
• Try a new route that you haven't run before. I did this on Wednesday. I spontaneously decided to stay on a new road that I hadn't run fully before rather than turning around after a mile and hitting up my normal route. It was refreshing to see different sights and meet new cow and horse friends
• Focus on your breathing. This one helped me a lot when I was first starting out because I'd often try to run so fast and then get out of breath really quickly (and then get frustrated, which led to quitting). I started slowing down my paces by listening to my breathing, which led to me being able to run longer and gain more confidence. Once I built my confidence up, I was able to start speeding up. 
• Think of each hard section as a challenge rather than an obstacle. I used to always view a hill as an obstacle (one that I will never conquer) and would plan to walk up the hill each time. I finally got frustrated with walking up all the hills and started slowly jogging up them. Some hills are bigger now and still a challenge, but when I am able to run up it as opposed to walking I feel like I did something really powerful. 

What are some things you do when a run or workout gets hard?

Favorite inspiring podcast episodes?

Something you're doing this weekend BESIDES running or working-out?

Feature Friday: Top Products I Used For MS Run The US

Happy Friday friends! We made it to the weekend! I *think* we will be backpacking tomorrow night, but still deciding (ha, nothing like waiting until the last minute!...). What are you up to this weekend?!? I have an 8 mile run to do, but otherwise I'm cutting back for my 50k (one week from tomorrow eeeeek)! I've switched my original plan of my ultra to have a time goal (because let's face it, running UP a ski mountain is REALLY hard), to just having fun, enjoying the experience and finishing! Any ultra runners out there have any advice for a first-timer?

I wanted to share with you some of the products that were absolutely necessary for my MS Run The US Relay.

These items I was SO thankful to have throughout my 175 mile journey:

• Two pairs of sunglasses. Goodr sunglasses were perfect and if I couldn't find one pair, I had the second one there are a back-up.

• Oofos Recovery Sandals for post-run recovery. I couldn't tell you how many times when I was running that I looked forward to slipping my feet into my sandals. 

• Buff neck gaiter. I had never used a Buff before this relay, but I had read a bloggers article about the 'must haves' for running an ultra and a buff was on there. This seriously was amazing to keep my neck protected from the sun, as well as it kept me cooler and helped wick away sweat.

• 3 pairs of sneakers. I had 3 pairs of Brooks Ghosts and switched them halfway through my run each day. My feet IMMEDIATELY felt relief and often I found myself having an extra little pep-in-my-step after slipping into a new pair. Additionally, two pairs of socks for each day (AT LEAST). When I switched my shoes, I would also switch my socks. Sometimes, I'd go to compression socks and other times it would just be nice to go to something that wasn't sweaty or had some extra cushioning (really nice to have a few extra plush pairs of socks for those later days in the relay when your feet are killing you).

Photo courtesy of MS Run The US

• Some type of windbreaker/ all-weather jacket. I LOVED my merrell 1/4 zip windbreaker/ waterproof jacket. It's actually discontinued, but you can find something similar HERE. It kept me visible in the fog, but also had me feeling prepared if a rain storm where to come out of nowhere. 

Photo courtesy of MS Run The US

• Ultimate Direction Hydration Vest. I really loved this vest, EXCEPT that mine was a bit too large (so it actually rubbed against my neck and created this lovely hickey-looking scar that is STILL faintly there). Some type of hydration vest is needed.

Photo courtesy of MS Run The US

• Some type of small iPod Shuffle/ Nano/ similar product. Although my iPod Nano didn't have bluetooth, it really saved me (and my phone battery so I could take more photos). Plus it was nice to go from listening to music on it, to my phone for a podcast and then back. 
• Two Hats. I brought along my Honey Stinger Trucker hat, as well as my Boston Red Sox visor. It was so great to have the option of what I wanted to wear each morning and also gave me a break from wearing the same thing every day. 

Photo courtesy of MS Run The US

• Some type of light top layer. When it was expected to be in the 90s in Denver on Day #6, I was so thankful for my Oiselle Flyout Shirt. It provided UV protection and felt so light that I didn't even realize it was there! Also kept my shoulder protected from the sun, unlike a typical tank top would do. 

• Gels/any recovery items if you're specific. The relay ended up not having a full supply of Honey Stinger gels (they got restocked at the beginning of my segment, but didn't unpack them yet) and they only had some Hammer Gels (I've never tried those). I'm really hesitant to try new things when I'm running long, so I was SO glad that I brought along (and had Alex drop more off halfway through my relay segment) some Honey Stinger gels with caffeine. I also brought along my own Tart Cherry Extract (it's pretty expensive), which I would take after running to help aid in recovery and reduce inflammation. I felt slightly bad about bringing my own things, but looking back- I shouldn't have. If it will help me with my run, then there's no reason not to break it out. 
• Icy Hot & Lotion. My feet really started to get torn up in the later days of the segment, so lotion was sooo nice to have. I'd put some lotion on, then some icy hot all over my feet and calves, then my compression socks before taking a nap in the afternoons. I also always do this after I race to help aid in recovery (plus it feels amazing). 
• Inspiring book to read. I read Scott Jurek's book during my relay and I remember drawing on some of the things I learned while out on the run each day. It was also just a nice break later in the afternoon to look forward to reading something I really enjoyed. 

What are you up to this weekend?!

Any ultra runners out there have any advice?!

Favorite must-have products when running long?

Friday Feature: Book Review & 2 Things We're NOT doing this Month!

HELLO WEEKEND! I hope the weather will be beautiful where you are and you've got some fantastic weekend plans! I'm debating signing up for the half marathon on Sunday morning here (my legs feel great and I LOVE this race!). The sign-up is a minute away from where I work, so I think I'll head over there this afternoon and if there's space- sign-up and if there isn't, I'll take it as a sign and do a run by myself instead! Anyone else ever sign-up for a race last-minute? How'd it go?!? We were originally going to go camping this weekend, but decided to do some gardening/ go see Star Wars/ Relax and go backpacking next weekend!

2 things we're NOT doing this month --> NO purchasing new clothes & NO pizza! We have a habit of getting frozen pizza when there's nothing left in the fridge and it's starting to become a bad habit...so we're squashing that one. 

I'm also really looking forward to finally getting in more trail running over the Summer since the trails are finally starting to dry out. I think adding in trails will help me get stronger and get me closer to obtaining a BQ for 2020! I'll share my outline that I'm putting together to help me get closer to a BQ when it's finished (probably sometime next week), but right now- getting stronger is key (especially since I've got my 50k coming up in mid-July!). What are some goals that are slightly out of your reach, but keep you motivated?

I just finished Scott Jurek's book, North-Finding My Way While Running While Running The Appalachian Trail and I have to say, it's been one of the BEST books I've read in a while! It molded two of my favorite reads, running & hiking. I'm pretty obsessed with reading about anyones journey on the AT and this book had so many wonderful tips to help you get through difficult runs or moments. 

I read it directly before and during my relay and I found myself on my relay run reflecting on Scott's journey. He made it through a difficult section and was pretty seriously injured and just kept repeating to himself 'just keep moving' --> I continuously repeated this to myself during Day #3 when the weather made things hard! 

I found myself relating to Scott and his wife, Jenny (who also narrates in the book and shares her view...she provides humor and also very relatable viewpoints from the significant-other side). His journey throughout the book is incredible and I highly recommend reading! I breezed through it in 2 weeks! Another amazing thing that I didn't know- Scott began running to cope with his mother's MS diagnosis! So incredible. 

What book are you currently reading? --> just started Deena Kastor's new book, Let Your Mind Run, and already having a hard time putting it down!

What are your weekend plans?

Star Wars- yay or nay? -->waiting a week past the opening date to go see it in theaters is pretty rare for us!! ; )