Training Tuesday: Tips For Prepping For Your Week In One Hour

Happy Tuesday! I’ve got some easy miles on tap this morning (recovering from my speedwork yesterday) and I can’t believe how chilly it is now out there! Anyone feeling the cold or is it still pretty warm where you are? What do you consider being “chilly”? I think it’s under/around 32* for me (hat/ mitten weather).

I wanted to share with you some tips that I have to help you prepare for the week ahead when you’re BUSY!

The biggest thing that I have found that works for me is setting my clothes out for the entire week on Sunday. I know we can’t predict the weather, but working in a climate-controlled office environment REALLY HELPS!

Another thing that I almost always do is MEAL PREP. Normally I spend an hour or so on Sundays prepping my lunches (that I planned out on Fridays before we shop)/ breakfasts/ snacks. It depends on how much time I have, so sometimes I just pop Mondays meals in containers or if I have extra time, I pop each breakfast/ lunch/ snacks in individual bags/ containers so they’re easy to grab. I also prep more if I know that it’s going to be a really busy week. Saves so much time.

Setting the coffee maker the night before to go off when I wake up. One thing that’s REALLY helped me get on a schedule with meditating —> I meditate (once I’m dressed for my morning run) while the coffee is brewing. It’s normally a down-time for me and perfect to sit for a few minutes to ground myself for the day ahead : )

Charge everything that I’ll need for my run. Headphones/ headlamps are charging on Sundays and ready for my Monday morning run.

Set a bedtime and stick to it. By 8:30pm I always head upstairs and unwind/ read before sleeping. Once in a great while, we stay up until 8:45/9 (normally Friday/ Saturday nights). This really helps keep me on track for a good week ahead.

What things do you do to help you prep for the week ahead?

Meal prepping/ setting clothes out - yay or nay?

What’s one exciting thing you’re looking forward to this week?? —> Road trip to Lake Powell on Friday and four day work week!

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



Trail Thursday: Tips For Staying Warm Backpacking In The Fall & Wednesday Recap!

Happy Friday-eve! I’ve been brainstorming what to write about today since I’ve kinda run out of trails to recap (or at least I THINK I have for the moment…), but then I got to thinking on my run this morning how fun backpacking in the Fall is (but staying warm is always a HUGE factor in whether or not you enjoy the experience)! So that’s what I’m sharing today- some things that I’ve learned to stay warm out there and still enjoy the crisp air.

Speaking of crisp air….it was COLD this morning 28* to start my run and unfortunately it’s going to get COLDER before it gets warmer (i.e. 9* is the LOW for Sunday night?!?). 7.25 miles plus some strides for a total of 7.65 to kick off Thursday. I’m getting more and more excited for our trip to Lake Powell NEXT weekend - the high there right now is looking to be around 60 and low in the upper 40s…amazing.

Yesterday I tried out a new look at the salon…kidding. I just got some highlights since we’re planning on getting our engagement photos done tomorrow!

Also Brady is continually fascinated by the Fridge. I am slightly concerned that one morning we’re going to shut him in there and forget (and he’ll be stuck in the fridge the entire day). Hopefully this will NEVER happen.

So I’m pretty much always cold (my fingers and toes are just freezing at all times…sometimes even on the warmest Summer days!), so staying warm (especially when backpacking) is kinda my speciality.

One thing that I always bring with me whether camping, backpacking, or anytime of the year really (sometimes I wish I could snuggle up in it at home too…) - I love my Big Agnes Ethel 0*

A warm cup of coffee. I love to carry along a mason jar (normally fill it with water, but ya know…sometimes it’s wine instead) with a koozie for those warmer drinks. Also hot cocoa for dessert (especially when you can’t have a campfire) - Ah-maz-ing.

Warmer socks x 2. I have a tendency to somehow always get my feet wet when hiking in, so 2 pairs of socks (regardless of weather) is always necessary. When it’s expected to be really cold out, I wear 2 pairs of socks to sleep and also tuck in a pair of the Hand (or toe) warmers in between my sock layers. Also a water bottle filled with hot water also feels amazing.

A warm tent. We have the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV Ultra Light Mtn Glow (which isn’t the best for super chilly temperatures, but we made due with extra layers).

Leggings. I love leggings and probably would wear them everyday if I could. Skirts + leggings = a cute, comfy look that I rock way too often in the winter/ late Fall. I sleep in them and then pop them on with my skort in the morning hours before we leave our campsite (super easy to take them off too when it warms up later in the morning).

A warm coat that can fold up into itself. My Big Agnes Shovelhead jacket folds into its interior pocket and feels like I’m wearing a sleeping bag every time I slip it on. If it’s really cold out, I also will keep it inside my sleeping for extra warmth.

I will definitely disclose that my boyfriend, Alex, works at Big Agnes so we did get killer deals on all of their products (which is why we literally have so many coats/ tents/ sleeping bags etc.), BUT all of the items are my absolute favorites to use when backpacking regardless.

How do you stay warm when camping outdoors in the Fall?

What’s the weather like where you are?

Sleeping bags- love ‘em or hate ‘em?

Las Vegas HALF Marathon RUNdown Week 12: 10/1-10/7

Happy Humpday! What do you have on the schedule today? Today’s a rest day for me and I’ve also got a haircut scheduled for this afternoon which makes me giddy like a child going into a candy store (which I also still get really excited for as well). I haven’t had my haircut/ highlighted since June when I cut about 7 inches off so I.can’t.wait. I also go to Comb Goddess here in Steamboat - Erika is amazing. I have so much trouble finding a good hairstylist who stays around town so very thankful that she’s still here!

Last week I switched up my rest days from Sundays to Wednesdays and I kinda really love this new schedule! I normally always use Sundays as my rest days, but it was really nice having a morning during the week off from rushing about from my run to the shower to breakfast to work (and also sleeping in a bit longer too….. ; ) …..). I hit all of my workout paces and had an unbelievably killer (confidence-booster) speed workout on Tuesday- isn’t it always amazing when things come together?!? When my paces started to feel hard, I envisioned the sun directly above my head filling me with positive feelings and energy (something I took from my current Headspace meditation pack). —> it REALLY helped!

Also, sorry I’m not sorry for all the watch + ring pictures. I just had to.

Monday, 10/1: 5.85 miles easy @ 10:16 340’ up / 60 minute Jumpboard Reformer pilates class during lunch. I’m working on slowing down on my easy runs even more to really push harder on my workout days.

Tuesday, 10/2: 7 miles. 78’ up. I did this workout almost ENTIRELY on feel. I looked at my watch only small glances and I’m SO happy about that. After all —> finding goal race pace should be done on feel anyways, right?

1 mile warm-up @ 10:24

2 miles @ 7:37

3 min rest

1 mile @ 7:21

3 min rest

1 mile @ 7:19

3 min rest

1/2 mile @ 7:06

2 min rest

1/2 mile @ 7:01

2 min rest

1 mile cool down @ 9:55

Wednesday, 10/3: REST DAY. Hot Cocoa & Run Fast Cook Fast Eat Slow Peanut Butter Cup. Oh yes, definitely #restdaybrags

Thursday, 10/4: 6 mile progression run 113’ up with 6 x :45 strides at the end. Pace splits: 10:20 / 9:57 / 9:40 / 9:17 / 8:56 / 8:35. 6.74 miles and 20 minutes of strength / recovery yoga. I wanted to get this run done with in the morning, but when I made it to the trailhead there was crazy amounts of lightning so I turned around and tried again later in the afternoon after work around 6pm (not ideal, but I got it done)

Friday, 10/5: 7.02 miles easy @ 9:53 73’ up. I didn’t go quite as slow as I would have liked, but it was pouring rain this afternoon and I was also a bit crunched for time so this is what I got. I also slept through my THREE alarms so Friday afternoon run it was.

Saturday, 10/6: 14.1 miles @ 9:36 880’ up & 20 minutes of strength. Super pumped with my overall pace (I slowed myself down in some parts), but I definitely overdressed during my run (so had to stop to shed some layers around mile 10).I gained quite a bit of elevation as well so that was a confidence booster (especially when running on trails!)

VERY upset that I’m doing my strength instead of throwing her squeaky toy again. I’m SUCH A BAD DOGGY MOMMY.

Sunday, 10/7: 5.15 easy recovery miles @ 10:20 on the treadmill. Wasn’t really wanting to add in too much more elevation gain so I just hopped on the treadmill at home and zoned-out watching This Is Us. Kept the pace really easy which was perfect.

Total Mileage: 45.86 miles

Total Elevation: 1, 504’ up