#FitPeopleProblems

I think it's safe to say that we've all been there when you have these fitness goals and you just want to indulge in everything you shouldn't. It happens and hey, I'm human...and sometimes I just want a bottle glass of wine. We can Instagram, blog and tweet all of those post-run photos all we want, but deep down that sleeve of Thin Mints is just calling your name. So let's get started shall we?

+ Carbs. I love them. To completely cut them out of my life would totally through off my center of gravity. And in my defense, it's really dumb to COMPLETELY cut them out of your diet...but really the carbs I'm talking about is a pasta dinner for five people (because really, what's one serving?)

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+ The bastard of a scale. Sure I'm fully aware that the scale is completely inaccurate and you should never measure your fitness level and health according to this one little number, but let's face it, when you've worked your ass off (literally) and that number only creeps up or remains the same...you just want to punch a Kardashian.

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+ The Competitor. There's always that friend who wants to compete. Oh you ran 9 miles today? I ran 11. Oh you had a lettuce wrap for lunch? I had a kale smoothie with some cucumber water. Are you sure that wrap is going along with your training? What are you doing for your workout tonight? Because whatever it is I'm doubling it. AGH SHUT UP.

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+ Magic Junk Food. It just magically appears in the house and I'm tempted to eat it...#husbandproblems. I love him dearly, but last time I checked, Hot Cheetos doesn't really work with a bikini body and if they're there I must have some. Oh and while we're discussing the hubs, he seriously made a Girl Scout cookie sandwich and ate it right next to me after I went for my run. #shitmyhusbanddoes. I didn't know whether to laugh, cry or steal said cookies.

You thought I was joking....

 

 Also, let's back up a second...I'm purely to blame for said cookies for being in the house. Girl Scouts literally intercepted my run one morning. And who was I to say no? I was on my fifth mile and about to head back....and really I should be rewarded for not tearing open a box on my way home....this is what happens when you deprive yourself.

+ You have to deal with the bros in the gym. Like really. BROS. They call each other that when they fist bump each other in the weights area and subsequently STEAL your weights that are right by your feet. (This happened). OHHHH because I'm female and shouldn't be lifting right?....

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Also bro, you look like a douchewaffle with that weights belt on while you're on a treadclimber...just saying.

+ Morning Workouts. I usually workout at night because of my work schedule so when my training calls for a 7-mile run on a Saturday morning, I just kind of laugh a little....and cry. Also, you have to deal with even colder temps....

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 But overall it's just worth it. You feel better, you look better and you don't want to punch yourself in the gut for not following through with your fitness goals because you don't have one anymore! WAHOO!! 

What is your #FitPeopleProblem? Do you live next to a Starbucks? Does your husband make Samoa sandwiches like mine does? Spill!

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...

Chopped.

I don't know about anyone else, but when I feel like I need a change, I usually chop off my hair. And so I did. I chopped off 6-7 inches of my hair and now it's cute, short and sassy. I love it. I feel like a weight (literally) has been lifted off of my shoulders. Why is that? My mother said that now I look more "professional." Mothers are always great for constructive, yet backhanded compliments. Love ya mom...

I'm sure the hubs thinks I'm going through some early mid-life crisis between getting the tattoo and cutting off my hair...but I really don't think he needs to worry until I've sold my ovaries for a condo in France. Why is it that when you hit a certain age, people just think you should be at a certain stage in your life? I'm sorry, are you Oprah? Shut your face. When I want kids, I will have them....but right now I would rather worry about what nail color I want during my next manicure than picking out baby formula. I know, that sounds selfish doesn't it? Oops. Onto other news....


While it's colder than Antarctica in Chicago right now, I can't WAIT to start my half marathon training. I'm pumped. Getting another half marathon under my belt will be such a great feeling. BRING IT ON. And speaking of training, I just found out that once I re-installed RunKeeper on my phone in order to do a review of it for a feature I'm writing, I get a free year of its Elite version! While I do favor Nike Running, I always loved RunKeeper's training plans they have set. What I'm NOT a fan of is its wacky GPS tracking...has anyone else had this problem? I'm hoping they fixed it. It's been awhile since I've used the app, but I figured I'd give it a shot since I'll be hopping on board with their advanced half marathon training plan. For anyone else looking for a training plan, this one is highly recommended!

Tomorrow is also my hubs' birthday! Since he wasn't lucky enough to have his birthday land on a weekend, we celebrated it on Saturday by going to a great barcade in Logan Square. They have vintage pinball machines as well as newer ones. The best part is that you have to be 21 or older to get in because it's essentially a bar with rows and rows full of arcade and pinball machines. YES. It was a blast!

Naturally, Sunday was a day full of cleaning and prepping for the week ahead. I'm excited to start reading Hausefrau by Jill Alexander Essbaum, I'll be reviewing the book in March and hosting a giveaway so keep your eyes peeled! Apollo just liked to use it as a pillow...

I hope everyone else had a fabulous weekend! Is anyone else training for anything? What apps do you favor?!

Friday Favorites: Summer Essentials!

Dare I even say it? Summer is almost over so let's recap my summer essentials! Because everyone has them. Right? Linking up with Amanda today of course since these essentials are also my favorites. Lez go!!!

I have a usual collection of things that I MUST HAVE with me every single time I go to the lake and this year is no different with the exception of a couple of new things.

I really can't leave for the lake without these things. I've been favoring Victoria's Secret's bikinis (although the one in the collage isn't, but it's similar to the one in my photo). My ancient iPod Touch is also a must because uhhh you can't have a day out on the lake without tunes. Duh. That thing goes everywhere with me and it's erring on the side of a fossil when it comes to Apple products. I haven't been allowed to add new apps for years because of how old it is. Zero effs given. I'll be the saddest person on Earth when I can't use it anymore...but let's not talk about that.

A hilarious, light read is also an essential. I.e. any of Chelsea Handler's books. I also recently downloaded Confessions of A Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella yesterday for only $1.99 on my iPad! What, what!! I've always wanted been tempted to read this series because uh...duh #2 the title alone defines me. Done.

I also need some kind of primo sunblock because I kind of DON'T want to get skin cancer and look like an old, wrinkly nut sack by the time I'm in my mid-thirties. My fam also has a history of skin cancer and this girl right here has fair skin soooo I'd rather avoid looking like a lobster as well.

My Sperrys DEFINITELY made it to the list this year. These babies were my first pair and I'm loving them (even though I ordered a half-size too small) I literally dropped my effing iced latte all over them and my shoes were FINE after they dried less than an hour later. What the hellio??? Clearly these shoes were made for me.

These are my FAVORITE reflective aviators too and excuse me how much were they at H&M? A mere $4? Hell to the yes, sista.

And lastly, I obviously need my fav messenger bag that I got at ALDO to fit all of my other crap in. It's big enough to hold all of my essentials plus a Summer Shandy or two....or three or four. Done and done. I can't wait to get some more wears out of my collection of bikinis and other beach essentials too before it gets too cold! This summer has been unseasonably cooler overall and I can't flippin' believe it's August!!

Hopefully I'll be able to make it up to my fam's lakehouse this weekend, get a couple of trail runs in there to continue my training and add a lot more strength training into my routine. I definitely have a love/hate relationship with my kettlebells. I'm thinking of stepping it up a little bit and getting heavier ones. Because...#beastmode. :D Happy Friday everyone!!!


What are your summer essentials?!

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?? 

Sunshine On A Cloudy Day

For the past week, it's been a monsoon around these parts. Enough already! Luckily the rain stayed away for most of the day so my mom and I could go to the local Farmers Market and go shopping at my favorite shops downtown. We were a little late to the party, but we got some great jarred honey, dill pickles and apple turnover yummies. I'm all for supporting local businesses and call me weird...but I LOVE pickles - especially these. I'm a honey nut too. It's great for you and gives me a great energy boost before my morning runs. (I usually just have a spoonful and go.) Highly suggested!! Putting honey in tea is another great energy booster instead of snagging a sugary soda.

 

After we got these goodies, we had a delicious lunch at Benedicts La Strata where I feasted on a lovely veggie white omelet with deliciously made lemonade. It definitely hit the spot after my morning run. It was a long run day (7 miles) and did it without music. I figured I should start running sans iPod since I won't be able to run with it for the Spartan race. I thought I was going to have a tough time since my master running playlists really motivate me through each and every mile, but to my surprise, I did great without JLo blaring through my earbuds! Running without my music really enabled me to listen to my breathing more and improved my pace! Refueling was in order!

After lunch we headed over to do some more shopping and to my surprise, we ran into some amazing Blackhawks throwback jerseys. Being a HUGE fan (but jersey-less) I was salivating at the mouth. My mom told me to try on a Hossa one and I fell in love even though it was way too big. She took it from me and handed it over to the cashier...I was in awe and disbelief. I'm definitely spoiled. It came just-in-time too so I could sport it for game one of the playoffs against the LA Kings. I knew it would bring me good luck.

And guess what? IT DID. Hossa even scored a goal in the second quarter (all because of me sporting his jersey of course) and the Blackhawks won 2-1. That Stanley Cup is that much closer, Chicago!!!

Spice Up Your Life

It is the start of a new work week...hooray...*yawn. Before this week is reported on, I shall recap this past weekend's events since it was packed full of family wonderfulness. Saturday was my cousin's fabulous bridal shower so I finally got to rock that new dress I bought (also one of my cousin's colors for the wedding).

My mom hosted the venue at this amazing restaurant where we reserved a private room. The food was AMAZING and I'm pretty sure I gained 10lbs post lunch. We played a bunch of really cute games that my aunt came up with including matching up famous couples (Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson were included....oops!) My cousin is also a pastry chef so there was also a game where we needed to guess the price of some baking products...I had no idea...it's a rare occasion when my ass is in the kitchen to actually bake something....if I am, it's to snag a bottle off of the wine rack or to throw some stuff in a pan and pray that it turns out somewhat edible. The third game we played was really cute. There was a list of candy on one the right and wedding terms on the left to match the candy up with. For instance, airheads were the bridesmaids and the groomsmen matched with the three musketeers. 

After we handed out the prizes for those who won the games, it was time for the bride to open up the gifts! Since my cousin and her fiancee already live together, they had this awesome idea of having more of a honeymoon shower where they suggested things we could get them for their honeymoon. They're stopping at various places on the West Coast so they made a website so people could actually get them certificates for a rental car for a day, things to do on their trip like going on a winery tour, etc. The last gift was of course my Aunt Heidi's (my cousin's daughter). She started to unwrap the box and BAM all of us ladies saw that signature teal color. Tiffany & Co. for the win. My cousin always wears these keys around her neck and just loves keys in general so my aunt had this necklace personally made for my cousin that was made up of three keys on a necklace. SO PRETTY. We gasped, we applauded and my cousin was speechless.

After the bridal shower I got to spend some quality time with the bride-to-be and my other cousins and aunt from out-of-town. The weather was gorgeous and called for margaritas and enjoying them poolside....so we did. After that, (since I obviously hadn't consumed enough calories that day) we got Lou Malnati's deep dish pizza. Go big or go home right? At least it was veggie? :p

Since I was recently outed by my lovely fiancee that yes I have a problem with shopping, I've been keeping the addiction at bay by focusing on running and mentally preparing myself to run for 13.1 miles. Luckily I was due for my long distance run the following morning of my calorie fest. I ran seven miles which didn't seem too bad (I swear by my personally-crafted playlists). There's nothing like still feeling that alfredo sauce sloshing around your stomach though when you're running in humid weather and only halfway through the run...

After my run I retreated downstairs which is my cool-down haven. However, this is Apollo and Luigi's lair during the summer as well so I had the pleasure of having their fluffs stick to my sweaty bod as soon as I collapsed on the couch....awesome.

The weekend came to a close with going to a family birthday party for Josh's cousins and watching Hoarders/ the closing ceremony for the Olympics. I don't know about you, but I instantly regressed to my childhood and freaked the hell out when I found out that The Spice Girls were reuniting and going to perform. Oh.My.God. It was perfect and everything I would have hoped for. Josh was a trooper and watched it with me while I pretended like I wasn't 24 going on 12. Now if only Nsync could reunite....

Shopping Therapy

Alright so I'm on week two of my training schedule for this fricken half marathon. Yesterday morning I threw my plan of getting up really early to run out the window and slept in a couple of extra hours...yeah that was a horrible mistake. Little did I know that doing so would have me running four miles in blistering hot and humid weather. My legs felt like lead and I thought I was going to collapse on the pavement iPod and all. My time was awful but I did it...so yes...lesson learned. If I don't want to run in the fiery pits of hell, I need to drag my ass out of bed bright and early whether I like it or not. I also bought some new running shoes since my other ones were pretty awful for running longer distances. I got Brooks Glycerin shoes and my feet cannot be thanking me more for making this purchase. They were not cheap by any means but if you run long distances on a regular basis, I personally recommend these shoes.

This past week was definitely a frustrating one too with the possibility of not being able to have an engagement party. A while back my parents said they'd help out with some of the cost but not that might not happen since my sister needs some financial help from them. Am I bitter? Yes....not going to lie. So instead of sitting at home and stewing about it I decided to do some shopping therapy. Nothing turns a frown upside down than some new outfits...or at least distract me temporarily. Some may say that's running away from your problem, I just find it easier face them looking fabulous.

I was beyond ecstatic when I FINALLY scored this teal maxi dress. I absolutely fell in love with this color for the summer and it's now hanging in my closet and ready to be worn to my cousin's bridal shower next weekend. It came with a black belt but I'm planning on pairing it with a white or brown belt.

 

After I scored the cute dress for the bridal shower, I bought some cute tops to celebrate the remainder of the summer. The first was a striped, over-sized yellow top that I coupled with a white tank underneath. Normally, a top like this usually makes me look sickly and pale...but I'm currently rocking an awesome tan so I felt like I could ignore my "no yellow" rule. 

Next, I got this really cute silky white and navy blue top that had little tie details on the straps. I always try to aim for versatility when shopping so I figured this top would work for both a nice summer night out or at work with a blazer.

I snagged this midnight blue bow tie blouse that I thought was fabulous for work or for some other event that requires something other than a T-shirt and shorts.

Last weekend I also spotted this whole display of area rugs on the side of the road that I had to check out. I've watched too much HGTV in my day so for me to pass by a great opportunity to spice up a room...yeah not happening. I stopped to see the prices and the initial asking price was right around $200 for an 8X5 that I had my eye on. The second he told me the initial price though he nudged me and said, "for you though...$170"....it was then when I knew that I could get this awesome rug for a steal. He was not very subtle that he was attracted to blondes...even asked my age and commented that my pedicure was "sexy"...thank goodness I was sporting some sunglasses because there was some serious eye rolling involved. I talked my way into getting the rug for half the price he initially offered. I remember seeing a rug identical to this one for over $300 in a gallery too so I left feeling quite victorious...and made sure to pay in cash. The last thing I need is to leave any kind of paper trail leading to me. Total creeper to the max. But hey, thanks dude for the awesome rug!