Girl in Training

So it's officially that time where I need to reign myself in and stop eating cupcakes for breakfast (yes it's happened, don't judge). When I train for a long distance race, I find that it's best to just cut out all of the bad crap cold turkey. Cold pizza for breakfast? Nope. Skipping runs because of bad weather? Nope..deal with it girl. Oh and I pretty much live in running tights and sports bras for the following eight weeks or so. #Runnerlife.

I'm pretty sure I have more sports bras than regular ones. Before my half marathon, I have the Chicago Quarter Marathon (which will be a breeze when I look at my overall training plan) my Soldier Field 10-Miler and THEN my half marathon in September. This is what my half marathon training plan will be like starting this summer. Just look at all of those glorious miles....I'm going with more of an intermediate plan this time to push my limits and finish strong...with the help of Beyonce blaring in my ears. Legs don't fail me now...

 I'm loving this training plan because it has me running more than 13 miles, it definitely makes a difference if your training plan doesn't go the full distance or for longer! My playlist is being compiled as we speak and I'm pumped!! Now if Chicago would just get its shit together and stop it with this ice storm. I need to run, not ice skate. Okay Mother Nature? Thanks.

Until then....

Do you have any songs that just HAS to be on your running or general workout playlist? Anyone who says Kanye will be beaten with a kettlebell. JK JK...maybe...

Training Days & Tan Lines

This is  the part where everyone says, "OMG it's Monday?! Where did the time go?! Where did July go?! But really, even though there are a few more days left of July, this disgusting armpit weather says August. Unless I get up at the ass-crack of dawn, my training days are rough. The humidity makes me feel like I'm running through a bowl of broccoli cheddar soup! And these sports bra tan lines? Sad face. #firstworldproblems.

I WAS proud of myself though since I still managed to drag my ass out of bed every morning to train. Beast mode. Oh and it also helped that my new workout wear delivered on Friday. The little things right? But seriously...after running 7 miles, you would have thought I jumped in the lake with how much of a sweaty mess I was. Killll  meeee.

I also decided to go with a new running app, Nike+ Running and I'm LOVING it. You can earn various badges for distance, beating PRs, goals, challenges etc. which motivates me even more. The best part about this app though is that you can set various programs to train for your race distance!

For my next race I've decided to go with the intermediate half marathon program since the 15k is on par with a half and I really want to beat my usual time with this one!

This training schedule will kill me if this flippin' heat doesn't let up soon!

Saturday my in-laws had a pool party for my SIL's birthday and my BIL's 8th grade graduation. Did I take any photos? Nope. Oops. The hot as Hades weather definitely called for a pool party and it didn't rain! Yay! The party was a hit and it's always fun to enjoy fam time over amazing food and wine water.

Yesterday I ventured out to Ulta and made out like a bandit with their deals. I got $130 worth of stuff for only $60. BOOM. I got my huge liter-sized Paul Mitchell's KerActive Blonde Forever Blonde shampoo and conditioner for only $15 each that's only available in store! These babies run for over $40 originally so I was beyond excited.

I also picked up this new nail color too and gave myself a pedi and I remembered why I pay someone else to do this shit for me. Zero patience. I've never tried this brand before though and it went on very easy!

So basically Sunday was spent with a lot of "me" time which was beyond therapeutic. Queue Pharrell's "Happy" song!

How do you unwind and spend your "me" days??