Why I love running (lately)

There have been quite a few motivating factors for running lately.

1. Carbs

I lovelovelove carbs. I could never go to the carb-free diet route. If there is bread in front of me, I will eat it. I don't discriminate against carbs. Bread, Cupcakes, Cake, pasta - i love it all. And running gives me a reason to consume it all. and so I shall.

Examples:

bread and cupcake dessert from a recent wedding

One of my most recent carb-fests was making a raspberry-rhubarb tart.

kind of disastrous looking, but so delicious. (realizing i need to work on my food photog) recipe here

Today's carb fest was this bread from Little Goat Bread in the French Market (so much self control necessary to prevent myself from going here ALL THE TIME). It is bacon gouda. say it with me, oh my freaking lord.

2. Lake Michigan

lake at dusk

I'm realizing more and more each day how much I adore the great lakes. and When I have views like this when I'm running. How can you resist? I always get the biggest grin on my face when I run far enough that I can see the lake. It is awesome.

3. running clothes

lululemon pace setter in pizzazz

I finally caved and bought a running skirt. It's orange. It matches my shoes. It could not possibly arrive faster.


4. Speedwork

I've been doing yasso 800's and seeing 7-something pace for half a mile is like the most exciting thing in the world. I think it's going to make me a better and a stronger runner. and that makes me so excited.



what makes you love running? or what makes you love what you love?

Running Things

Recently I've been acquiring new and exciting running things. Because this is a running blog, I'm going to write about them!

new kicks - Saucony Kinvara 4 in blue/orange/white (aka nemo stripes in the big blue)

For those who have been following my running since the beginning, you'll know that I trained for my first half marathon in vibram fivefingers. Every single training run was in those shoes. The minimalist thing was my jam.

And then the foot pain set in. Less than a week before the half. I ran the half, in pain. And then ended up with a broken 3rd metatarsal.

womp womp

Since that experience, I haven't ran in my fivefingers. But the minimalist shoe craze really appealed to me. I knew I ran fast and strong in shoes that complemented my actual feet - not ones with pounds of cushioning. But I did need some. Enter Nike Free's -- my go to running shoe for the next two years.

But when it was time to pack up this to head to chicago this summer, I was ready for a shoe change. About to embark on marathon training, heard awesome things about the kinvara. and I was sold.

Went to the local running store, tried them on, ran on the treadmill. done and done.

These shoes are serving me very well. fast miles. long miles. they do it all. and i'm in love.

hydration belt

used this sucker on sunday for the long run and other than some short chaffing due the belt pressing my tag against my back, all was wonderful.

I was reading the may april runner's world (yes the one with shalane/kara on the cover), and in an article on "bad habits to break" one was running with a water bottle in hand.

I have a nathan quickdraw handheld water bottle, and I think its time for it an I to break up. When I carried it during my half in April there were times when i considered tossing it to the side of the road. It was heavy, I was tired, and I just didnt like it any more.

My first swig of water from one of the flasks resulted in lemon-lime nuun all over my face though. whoops. apparently you dont really need to squeeze them.

The runner's world article cited the imbalance it creates, and I can vouch for that too. So Nathan Trail Mix Hydration Belt, nice to meet you. Welcome to all my long runs.

Gu

Hello my name is Lauren, and I used to be a hardcore shot block/sports beans addict.

And again, half marathon #3 -- I didn't really feel like chewing.

So I'm resorting to gu. And I trusted my fellow future chicago marathon-er friend, in her vanilla gu/pudding recommendation.

And she was right.

I took my first gu during last weekend's 8-miler, and it definitely fueled some negative splits. Didn't taste bad, no stomach issues. I will take it.

Vanilla gu, also welcome to my long runs.

(also I bought like exorbitant amounts at REI's anniversary sale.)

Oakley Twentysix.2 Sunnies

I am in love with these sunglasses. I have taken to wearing these ALL THE TIME, even though I bought them for running, and I should thus only wear them for running.

But they are pretty awesome. I do wear them running, and they stay on my head, don't push into the side of my head in headache inducing ways, and are in general awesome and comfortable.

Success!


Believe I am Training Journal

After the epic fail of a 1 minute PR at half mary #3, I figured it was about time to get serious. And I'm running my first full. And everyone is BQ'ing. And while I know BQ is probably out of reach for Boston 2014, it's still something I'd like to do. Boston is still a race I'd love to run. So let's get real serious about running. Let's track runs not just for distance, pace, elevation, but also for how I feel overall. Let's find that mental game.

So I turned to the believe i am training journal. because lauren fleshman and ro mcgettigan seem to know what they're doing.

Celebration Shopping

After the law school acceptance packet on Monday, I thought a little celebratory spending was in order.

Although my original intention for the trip to the mall was to return a few things for my mom, I ended up in a few stores, spending much more than anticipated.

My most exciting purchases:

Glee Nail Polish - Sephora by OPI

I am a GLEEK.  i love love this show, and although I recieved an email about some glee nail polish, I didn't actually look that much into it and therefore was completely shocked when I arrived at sephora to see this on the nail polish display.  I also recently became nail polish obsessed - I never painted my nails before last spring, but now I'm sad when they chip or are bare.  Although suzi skis just made its way onto my nails on thursday morning, I'll be doing one of these babies (either miss bossy pants, the rachel berry-esque pink or the gleek out lime) tonight.  don't worry, I'll post pics!
This mini-pack comes with 3 exclusive colors (the glittery topcoat - celebacy club, the navy blue - sue vs shue, and the coral - express yourself to yourself), and there are also four other colors to complete the collection - a pink, purple, glittery grey, and peacock green.  I didn't realize that I was missing 4 colors when buying the little one, so I might have to go back for more.  We'll see ;)

Reebok EasyTone Reeinspire

I'm always interested in things that claim to do this thing for your health or that thing for your health (see PowerBalance bracelets) (also if you really want to buy one of these, order it from amazon where they are WAY cheaper.  dont be dumb like me).  I always take their claims with a grain of salt, but I'm still always drawn in, just enough to justify the purchase if its something I want.  So now, see the EasyTones.  Luckily these are pretty cute for tennies, and a steal of a deal (1/2 off at von maur!), and I think that their weird circles will at least help with my balance, even if they fail to actually shape my buns.  and with the power balance band, I should be a yoga queen.