#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?!

Deep Thoughts During 50 Shades of Grey (Pun Intended)

You betcha' I saw 50 Shades of Grey. Who would pass up the opportunity to uncomfortably watch some BDSM action with a crowd of strangers? HA. The bff and I couldn't wait and hilarity undoubtedly ensued. Here are some thoughts I had throughout the experience.

1. Yep, as I thought, 90% of this audience consists of women with kids and are starving to add some spark into their lives.

2. The token men in this audience look really uncomfortable/nervous. Crap, I have to sit next to one of them.

3. Haha, he's spanking her right now...is this really happening? Watching someone spank another...is always awkward.

4.Girl this is a very bad part to walk in front of the screen...can you wait until after Ana is untied from the bed so I can avoid eye contact?

5.Jamie Dornan...you should have done more squats at the gym prior to filming.

6. Dakota Johnson seemingly neglected to shave her upper leg during a scene....how embarrassing...so is this scene.

7. Wow there's so much bush....is Gavin Rossdale going to make an appearance too?

8. Wait, is a plot going to be introduced sometime soon? I'm pretty sure the book at least had a hint of one.

9. I wonder how many people are going to get laid tonight thanks to this film.

10. Yep, this is as awkward as watching a sex scene with your parents. Should I look away? Should I laugh? Should I awkwardly excuse myself until it's over? Oh wait...this will go on throughout the whole movie. Shit.

As crazy as it may have seemed to make a movie based on a bunch of sexy time, the movie raked in $81.7 million on opening weekend. Insane. This could mean several things....A.) There are a lot of closet freaks out there. B.) A lot of people are so bored to death in bed, they need to watch it while eating overly-priced popcorn that will give them indigestion later. Also, I can't wait what my analytics will tell me after I post this.Also, while having lunch with my mother-in-law yesterday, I learned that she too saw it with my father-in-law...shut that convo DOWN.

In other news, Valentine's Day also happened over the weekend and I'm hoping that all of you ladies got plenty of chocolate, flowers and love! My hubs knows me inside and out. This is a huge indicator. (Ice cream sandwiches are the way to my heart. Move over box full of question chocolates.)

We then had amazing Chinese at home while continuing our Friends Netflix marathon. This outweighs waiting to be seated in ANY restaurant for hours despite having a res. NOMS.

 I also took my mom out for a Starbucks date and tried their flat white for the first time. YUM. They added some skinny vanilla syrup in there and it was SO GOOD. Gimme more....

Luigi was judging me all weekend long for seeing 50 Shades of Grey. According to him, he's all the Grey one needs.So much sass....stick that tongue back in that mouth WEEG!

I also registered for the Chicago Half Marathon in September. BRING IT ON. I'm ready for my next one. This will be my running buddy's first half so I of COURSE had to register with her. I'm pumped to get another half under my belt and training during the warmer months!

Did anyone else see 50 Shades this weekend? Please share your thoughts. Hahaha.

Happy Valentine's Day!

I know you either hate or love this holiday, but I happen to love it. Whether you're single or taken, you should always have a reason to love something whether it's your love for endless seasons of TV shows on Netflix, the wine Costco sells by the case or your significant other. My heart is overflowing with love these days since I can enjoy ALL of these things and more. Doesn't it just make you sick? I'm posting my Valentines I made below so if you feel nauseous already, for the love of God, look away now.

Happy Valentine's Day, hubs! You've been my Valentine for almost a decade now and I wouldn't have it any other way! And we're married now....so you're stuck with me fo' life. :D

I hope everyone has a wonderful Valentine's Day!!! xoxoxo

50 Shades of Confessions....

This is my first confessions post with Melissa! WOOT! Let's get on this...

* I confess that the hubs and I sang Alanis Morissette's "Ironic" (don't ask me why) before going to bed a few nights ago and started naming off the best 90's bands ever. I married the right man.

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* I confess that my father-in-law admitted to reading 50 Shades of Grey while traveling on business and was getting hit on profusely. This seriously happened. I can't even right now. He went on to say that apparently some women like that kind of thing...to be dominated. I've never laughed so hard in my life. Oh and this conversation occurred at a family event.

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* I confess that after realizing that Madonna's glutes looked better than mine I've added extra reps at the gym. Insert badass status here...because I want to look better than a 60-something....

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* I confess that I was hating on Kanye all the live long night while the Grammys were on because it was obviously warranted. How dare he share the same stage with a worthy legend (Sir Paul McCartney) ON MY BIRTHDAY. *throwing major shade...you just can't take Kanye ANYWHERE. I like how Jay Z and Beyonce acted like the embarrassed parents while Kanye (the child) rushed the stage yet again to steal Beck's thunder.

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* I confess that I had to tell my mother that, "no you shouldn't see 50 Shades of Grey with Dad because it's not the sweet and cute chick flick you think it is. It's a BDSM story Mom. Not a JLo film." For the love of God, DON'T.

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*I confess that I'm milking this whole "I can't workout a lot because of my tattoo" thing for all it's worth. But really, I'm done rocking sag boob. adhesive bras just annoy the @#%$ out of  me.

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* I confess that on National Pizza Day, the hubs and I got a pizza from Costco since they make them there apparently....and ummm I about died at how good they are....this is how huge it was too. I now hate myself.

Oh and to close my confessions, people really need to start getting more excited about things other than the 50 Shades of Grey premiere and how Kanye still sucks at life. Move along kids.

I'm also focused on Bloglovin' now so show me some Bloglovin' love and follow there :).

You Say It's Your Birthday?!

This birthday weekend turned out to be one of the most epic. So let's start out with Saturday morning shall we? I went out to brunch with my sister despite my extremely low appetite for food at the time. In just a few hours, I would be in the process of getting inked! The anticipation was killing me. I forced myself to eat enough so I wouldn't pass out (big no-no if you don't) and I was pretty much jumping out of my seat in excitement when it was time to head on over to the shop.

He sketched it out and I was speechless. It was perfect. He made some modifications and suggestions to contour the feathers to my body and I'm SO happy he made those comments. I walked in at 1p.m. and walked out at about 3:40p.m. It honestly didn't hurt THAT bad. I was expecting to be screaming obscenities throughout the whole time. Instead, I held steady and listened to "Stairway to Heaven." He finished the first phase which is in the photo on the left and then the second is the piece finished with color!

I couldn't be happier with it! His line work is just beyond amazing and I skipped on out of that shop a happy girl! As you can imagine, I Instagrammed the shit out of it (thanks to my sis for being my moral support and personal photographer). Josh was a good sport, checked in and nodded at it when I showed him. Haha.

Sunday was my official birthday and man oh man was I spoiled with happy birthday wishes and gifts. I got up really early (thanks to not being able to sleep on my back) and started my day out right with some coffee in my new favorite Starbucks mug.

The hubs then gave me the best card and gift...ever. The gift of many books that I can now knock off my list of must-reads! My mother-in-law even came by and personally delivered these gorgeous flowers! How spoiled am I?! 

Josh and I also had our hilarious first trip to Costco. We're now members and to say that we were overwhelmed would be an understatement. We didn't know whether to buy a new lamp or to get a case of wheat thins. One thing I recommend you do before stepping foot inside of a place like this...is EAT. Never go in hungry or else you'll end up getting a year's supply of hummus and steak to feed a small army or Kardashian. I mean seriously, who needs this many pickles?! Again, the Kardashians don't frequent our household.

We managed to escape with things we actually needed despite how much I wanted a Fitbit AND a case of 100 ice cream sandwiches. By the time we got home and binged on some more episodes of Friends on Netflix, it was time to get ready for dinner at Kyoto, the most amazing Hibachi grill place. 

I'm pretty sure I could skip out on eating for the next few days with how much I ate. But it was oh so good. My sister was so sweet and gave me the most gorgeous Anne Klein royal blue peacoat and yes...THIS. My sister knows me so well. 

My mom also made the best lemon cupcakes EVER. I promise you I didn't have two of those...THEY WERE SMALL OKAY?!

Between all the texts, cards, calls and visits, I am so beyond blessed with the best friends and family. I can't wait what to see what 27 has in store for me. 

However it didn't start off TOO well...I had to witness Kanye West perform with legendary Sir Paul McCartney...thanks Grammys...I've never felt such pain before. Now if you'll excuse me I have to wash my ears out with real Beatles music.