Perfect Summer Weekend

06.30.14

It was the perfect summer weekend! On Friday, I spent the afternoon helping out my friend Jenn organize her closet. Apparently, she caught wind of my Type A tendencies and needed some help. I will gladly assist in telling people what to keep and donate. I almost took home one of her dresses but resisted because I can't possible bring MORE with me to Tennessee.

Friday night, Allie and I caught up with our friend Kristen (Allie's running buddy) for the last weekend of Jazz Fest! We didn't get any pics of the night because we were too caught up in talking about future plans and, of course, the interesting people watching. 

The weather was perfect on Saturday afternoon and I couldn't resist soaking up some sunshine! Allie, Dad, and I enjoyed an afternoon beer on the porch. Mac joined us but he isn't old enough for a beer.

Mac wanted to get his base tan with me.

We met up with Mom and Aunt Mercy for lunch down the road at Schoen Place. Aunt Mercy and I had coordinating outfits!

The hot weather on Saturday made us all in the mood for an ice cream cone. Allie, my parents, Aunt Mercy, and Uncle Eric and I went across the canal to get a treat. Frankly, I wasn't in the mood for a ginormous serving of ice cream. Instead, I had a chocolate-covered frozen banana for the first time. It was delicious! I know what I'll be getting next I'm home visiting!

On Sunday, Allie and I went to the gym for some much-needed strength training. I had every intention of going for a run but it got way to hot out that morning so I resorted to strength training. Now that I've been running outside for months now, I cannot imagine going back to the treadmill.

I had been texting with one of my old friends from high school that morning and she invited me down to the lake with her family! I used to go with her many times throughout middle school and high school and we always had a blast. P.S. I drove a jet ski for the first time on Sunday! I'm a nerd.

Overall, it was such a fun weekend with my family and friends! It was an amazing weekend and I am so lucky to have these crazy cool people in my life. 

The Next Chapter

06.26.14

This week, I have been chipping away at all of the organizing and packing I have to do before the big moving day! The whole process has been truly cathartic. It is so bittersweet.

I have a real talent for advising others on what to donate or pitch. When it pertains to my own belongings, I have a difficult time parting with things that evoke wonderful childhood memories. Then again, they are just "things." 

I returned the myriad of tee shirts and sweatpants I "borrowed" from my brother while he was gone for a year. I gave Allie back her Something Corporate tee shirt I stole 8 years ago. I donated the sundress I wore to my high school graduation party. Honestly, I don't understand how clothing can evoke so many memories. But it happens. I am sentimental... to a fault.

Some of the wonderful treasures I came across included this gorgeous Britney Spears wallet I loved so much. 

 My collection of gel pens from 5th grade! Throwback!

My "Student of the Week" journal from 2nd grade! This is original artwork created by my best friend, Emma. This is pure gold!

An excessive amount of Spice Girls memorabilia. I have had an itch to watch Spice World so this pretty much confirms that I will be whipping out the special edition DVD very soon.

I found the "required" journal we had to write in during my time at camp. I would have never remembered the minute details of some of the best weeks of my childhood had it not been for that journal. Phenomenal memories.

I am donating old toys, costume jewelry, activity books, etc. from when I was very young to an urban family center near and dear to me. I have 3 ginormous bags of clothing that will be donated as well. It feels like a huge weight lifted off my shoulders getting these things out of my closet and into the hands of people who could really use it!

P.S. If you haven't already seen on Facebook or Twitter, we officially found our new home! After weeks of slight panic, optimism, and endless research, we finally found it! It is gorgeous, spacious, finished basement, beautiful backyard, and right near a park for running - jackpot! This announcement has become borderline obnoxious but we did a lot of jumping up and down and screaming with joy yesterday. I just wanted you all to be a part of it too!

Also, I did the arms and abs workout this week and holy soreness!

Ok, I'm done.

My Favorite Workouts: Legs & Booty

06.24.14

Last week, I wrote about my favorite abs and arm workouts. Today, I am including my favorite lower-body workouts for legs and booty!

On Thursday, I ran a quick 2.5 miles along the canal. At my halfway point, I turned around and really noticed how beautiful it is to run there. 

I took this picture while I was running. Not too shabby if I do say so myself! This view is something I really took for granted for the last 14 years of living in this neighborhood. Now that I'll be leaving town soon, I'm on a mission to find some beautiful trails in East Nashville!

After my run, I finished up with this leg workout (courtesy of Pinterest) and a couple rounds of sun salutations.

My sister and I have done this workout before and we really think it's effective! I was sore for two days following - which goes to show you how long it has been since I last did this workout.

I think it is easier to do this workout with a buddy because you push each other to keep going. One of the biggest shockers in this circuit are the leg raises. I didn't think they would do much but after the wall squats and sumo squats, I really noticed a difference.

I finished up with a couple of sun salutations, warrior poses, and half pigeon on both sides to stretch the hips post-run.

One of my favorite booty workouts:

30 jumping jacks

20 squats

20 lunges

20 side lunges

10 plie squats

20 pulse squats

20 fire hydrants (each side)

20 leg extensions (each side)

10 ice skaters

For more of a challenge:

30 squats

20 plie squats

20 donkey kicks (each side)

20 fire hydrants (each side)

20 circling donkey kicks (each side)

30 alternating split jumps

30 alternating sliders (aka ice skaters)

30 hip lifts

30 lunge kicks

Repeat!

My Favorite Workouts: Abs & Arms

06.19.14

For weeks, my focus was purely on running, breathing techniques, post-run stretching, and ankle strengthening exercises. Just FYI, the training schedule I used for my 10k was an 8-week plan from PopSugar Fitness. But I didn't run much during a very busy Senior Week/Graduation so it was more like 7ish weeks. I skipped two of the long weekend runs and never did any cross training. I honestly do not know how I survived that race and finished with a decent pace.

ANYWHO...

After a race (especially one that requires weeks of training), the last thing I want to think about are my workouts. Personally, I'd rather just kick my feet up with a little Netflix. 

It has been almost two weeks since my race and I haven't been running much. It is really hard for me to stay motivated without setting goals! I simply cannot go into the gym without a plan or a goal in mind. I'd just lean on the treadmill and watch Real Housewives of Wherever.

At the beginning of this year, I started keeping a notebook of all my favorite workouts, organized by abs, arms, butt, legs, cardio, etc. Most of them are from my pinspiration but I tailored them to my needs and abilities.

If you know me at all, you know I like to share my goals with others! Right now, my goal is to consistently run 8-12 miles every week (whether that is two or three 4-mile runs or running 2 miles every day, whichever!) and to add in these body weight exercises. 

Disclaimer: I haven't done these workouts since probably early April due to training.

So I wanted to share with you some of the circuits I do during my workouts!

ABS 

1 minute plank
20 crunch pulses
30 Russian twists
40 bicycle crunches
50 oblique crunches (25 on each side)
40 reverse crunches
30 side plank hip lifts (15 on each side)
20 toe touches
1 minute stretch

ARMS

15 bicep curls
15 bicep hammer curls
15 tricep extensions
15 tricep dips
15 ovehead presses
15 side lateral raises 
x 3 times

Legs and booty workouts to follow!

Mama Daughter Weekend Recap

06.16.14

For a few weeks, my mom, sister and I had been planning a little girls' weekend! 

On Friday evening, we went to our favorite wood fired pizza place down the road. I wanted to try something different and not order wine. I went with a vanilla bean lemonade and Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey. It was deeeelicious. That is me stepping out of my comfort zone... scintillating, right? 

I think I'm going to LOVE Tennessee!

Initially, our mother daughter bonding time started off with me suggesting we go hiking at Letchworth Park or Mendon Ponds. Then, it turned into massages and cocktails. Don't get me wrong, I love the great outdoors. But when my mom asks, "massages?" I cannot turn that down. She suggested Mirbeau, a spa in Skaneateles modeled after Monet's gardens in France. 

Both my mom and sister had been there before. I hadn't gone yet and was dying to see what all the fuss was about! Monet's garden was one of my fondest memories from my trip to France when I was little so I was excited to see their interpretation. It. Was. Beautiful. I already felt less stressed just getting out of the car and walking to the lobby.

Walking in for our yoga class. Could they be more alike?

 Our yoga class was a bit too gentle for my liking. I prefer intense hot yoga, constant movement, and a swift kick in the ass. But this was essentially nap time. On a Saturday morning, who could complain? After yoga, we had lunch in the outdoor gardens. I ordered the most delicious grilled cheese (with smoked gouda, hello!) and tomato bisque. It was just I wanted after that rigorous yoga class/nap.

I didn't carry my phone around because, well, it was a spa day. So the next two photos are courtesy of the Mirbeau website.

Where we ate lunch. And in fluffy bathrobes.

With my glass of champagne in hand, we walked over to the waiting area. Once I put my feet up, I realized I have never been this relaxed in my entire life. The lavender-infused towel I put over my eyes was a nice touch too!

We all had our massages and met back at the waiting area to dip our feet in the hot baths. And, of course, what is a spa day without a trip to the sauna?

Gentle yoga - check.

Lunch by the water - check.

Champagne - check.

Lavender scented everything - check.

Aromatherapy massage - check.

Dry sauna - check.

Seriously, heaven on earth.

We got back home around 5 pm and cleaned up for dinner. We went to the best Greek restaurant in town down on Park Ave. It was a fabulous last hurrah before Allie and I head down South. (But we are already planning the spa weekends we will do in the Nashville area!)

Mama and her girls!

Happy Father's Day!

06.15.14

Today of all days, I want to give a shout out to the #1 guy in my life: my dad. This guy is the ultimate family man and I look up to him in so many ways. He is so proud of where he came from and the family he created with his beautiful wife. 

He and I were like oil and water when I was growing up. I think I was denying the fact that I am just like him. But you know what? There is no one else in the world I would rather be like. He is one awesome dude.

Thank you for being my basketball (yes, I was point guard) and soccer coach, encouraging me to try out for the tennis team in high school and being at every match.  Thank you for always taking us trick-or-treating at Halloween and sledding at the biggest hills in town in the winter. 

Most importantly, thank you for always expecting the very best from your kids because that's what you gave to us.

Happy Father's Day to my amazing dad, Tony! 

My baptism - but Allie is stealing the show with her cuteness and enormous bow.

Back at the ol' farmhouse.

The farmhouse at the world's best backyard.

At the Tower London when my parents visited me abroad.

London Eye - I wonder where I get it from...

The text I received during my graduation ceremony.

The North Face Endurance Challenge 10k 2014

06.10.14

I officially completed my first 10k ever! The North Face Endurance Challenge at Algonkian Regional Park was amazing. The trail was equivalent to running on the Erie Canal path so I felt completely prepared (with the exception of one or two miles that required a lot more focus on footwork). Running those five very hilly miles at Mendon Ponds a few weeks ago was much more challenging and prepared me really well for this race.

My only complaint about this race was that they were very poorly marked. Because I didn't have a watch or my phone, I had no idea where I was on the course and how long I had been out there. The course had two mile markers and they happened to be incorrect. I just kept focusing on the finish line!

We got really lucky with the weather. Plus, most of the trail was shady so there was no issue with overheating. My only regret was that I did not bring my phone/music with me on the trail. I wasn't sure how challenging the course was going to be so I didn't want to bring my phone out there and hold it the whole time. But it ended up being just fine! I wish I could have been jamming to Beyonce but I'll have to save that for my next race :)

Around mile 4... I think

Got my first medal!

There's my #1 chica after her half-marathon!

Post-race pic!

I ended up finishing in 01:02 for the 6.2 mile race. I can't say I'm disappointed in my time but I definitely could have shaved a few more minutes off if I had my music with me.

One of my goals was to keep a steady pace throughout the entirety of the race and I did just that. I never stopped for a walk break and I never cramped up. I felt really confident in my running and I am glad I did this! A year ago, I couldn't run 2 miles without stopping for a walk break. I really feel like I have come a long way with my fitness and I am motivated to keep pushing myself to my next goal!

I can now officially say I am a yogi AND a runner!

Busy Bee!

06.04.14

What a week it has been! It is officially race week! I am getting myself mentally prepared for a crazy weekend ahead. 

On Friday afternoon, I had a spontaneous moment and bought tickets to the Tim McGraw and Kip Moore concert during my lunch break. I went with a co-worker and we had a great time! It was perfect weather for a concert in Canandaigua. I spent the rest of the weekend hanging dog-sitting for Allie and hanging out with my favorite furry friend, Mac.

Saturday night, we all couldn't resist dusting off the fire pit and enjoyed the beautiful sunset. It was the perfect summer night.

On Sunday, I couldn't resist visiting my friend who was suuuuper sick. It was a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon - catching up with my best friend! We got dinner again on Tuesday evening. Let the mutual obsession ensue.

 

Selfie at the concert. Kip Moore is totally photo-bombing me.

First fire of summer!

For the last week or so, I have been obsessed with flavor-infused, detox water! It is the only way I can keep guzzling water while I have been running in this hot weather. I have been really boring and just adding cucumber slices to my Nalgene bottle. If anyone has any great flavored water recipes, please send them my way! I am going to do citrus and berry soon.

I'll be spending the rest of the week adding new music to my running playlist and packing my water pack, fuel, and dri-fit clothing for my weekend in DC... nerd alert!

There will be a post early next week recapping my very first 10k trail race! WOoOoO

Corporate Challenge Recap!

06.01.14

On Thursday evening, I ran the Chase Corporate Challenge with friends from work. This was my second registered race in one week! Never in my life would I have thought I'd be "that person." I think I'm hooked!

The weather was perfect (there was a total downpour at last year's race apparently) so we got really lucky! Typical pre-race jitters ensue and I always think to myself, "Why do I do this?" 

Once we arrived at the starting line, I was really ready to get started! The race was 3.5 miles and I had a very lax goal to finish in under 35 minutes. (Don't forget, I have really little legs and I consider myself pretty slow.)

I was really happy to have found a great running buddy from work. We never get to see each other much at work because we work on different floors. She and I made plans the day prior to carpool and run together. I was immediately relieved. By this point, you know how much I hate running alone.

We had a really consistent pace and I was feeling good. I always hate the first mile but this wasn't so bad! I usually have throbbing pains in my ankle and trouble breathing but I felt completely in control. It was one of the strongest races I have ever ran.

At about 2.8 miles, my running buddy was having breathing trouble and stopped to walk and catch her breath. She gave me the go-ahead to keep running. I was bummed that we separated but I wanted to finish strong. At mile 3.1, my other work friend caught up to me to cross the finish line. I didn't have to run alone for very long!

Pre-Race Pic
Total coincidence that the company shirt perfectly matched my shoes!

Pic I took during the first mile, still very congested.

Finish line selfies!

Feelin' good!

I ended up finishing the 3.5 mile race in 33:11 min. I got an email update as soon as I crossed the finish line and averaged a 9:29 minute mile! The next day at work, I found out I finished 2nd for females for our company team. I was beyond excited and proud of the hard work I have put in the last couple of months with my fitness. 

Only one more week until the 10k!