Category Archives: Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites: Thankful Thoughts

I’m back!

This morning I returned from sunny Los Angeles to a much less sunny Seattle. I do love this city, but it is a bit tough returning from shorts and flip flop weather to downpours. ‘Tis the name of the PNW game though, and despite having a lovely vacation I’m glad to be back home with my own bed, my routine, and Mr. BF.

Over the past few days, I’ve been feeling particularly grateful for various things in my life, and none of them actually have to do with running. While I’ve taken some steps back in my marathon training, I’ve been able to spend a little more energy on all the other things that are great…and it’s pretty refreshing. Sometimes I can get really consumed with how much focus I put on running, and I tend to forget that there are actually so many different things I enjoy in life.

With that said, I’ve decided to make this round of Friday Favorites another Thankful edition. Because, you know, the universe needs some positive feedback…just like the rest of us.

With that said…

I’m thankful for my siblings

Visits to grandparents' house yields many trips down photo album memory lane. This gem is circa 1998.

My sister and brother are two of my favorite people in the whole world, and whenever we get to spend time together we fall right back into the wonderfully hysterical world of inside jokes, childhood recollection, and quoting old movies we’ve all seen 200 times. Sure, we have our share of banter like any other siblings, but there are few people I get along with more than these two people.

And with that said…

I’m thankful my brother will be going to school ten minutes away from me.

The picture of beauty: Waking up after two days in the desert without mirrors or showers. Obviously the internet deserves to see this.

Although just about every school in the country would be proud to have my brother in their freshman class, he’s decided to attend Seattle University next year…which is quite literally a ten minute drive from my house. I am ecstatic, to say the least, and I hope he is actually able to make real college friends because I plan on being the most clingy big sister/Seattle tour guide of all time. Kidding Scott…but am I?

I can’t wait.

I’m thankful for chocolate bagels.

Chocolate + carbohydrates + cream cheese. GET IN MY TUMMY.

There’s a bagel place in Pasadena, CA called Goldstein’s (I know, could you get more classic?) and my family has been going there since I was born. They are famous for these hunks of chocolate cake disguised as a bagel, and they are seriously one of the best foods on earth. They are dense, they are soft, they are not too sweet, and they are full of flavor. There is no one in my family who will deny the deliciousness of chocolate bagels, and I can guarantee my kids will be fed them as well. That is unless I decide to keep them all for myself, which is more likely.

I’m thankful for my knee getting better.

I’ve been feeling better every day, and although running isn’t feeling superb yet, each run is feeling incrementally better than the one before. I am hoping by next week I’ll be able to hit the road pain-free, and in the meantime I’m enjoying some therapeutic cross training sessions to make up for the lost time.

This mini break has helped settle my feelings about my spring marathon. I’ve come to terms with that fact that although it might not go as I’d hoped…there will be many more opportunities, and I’m grateful to just be able to still run in one (we’re hoping…)

I’m thankful for Anne Lamott

An English major's dream come true! Also, my Grammy is beautiful.

So I know some of you may have heard of Miss Anne Lamott, but you should check her out. She is one of my favorite authors, and I got the chance to hear her speak and “meet her” {take a picture with her for approximately 15 seconds} while on vacay. She’s one of the most honest, graceful, and heart-felt writers I’ve ever read, and if you’re at all in need of an inspiring read I recommend any of her books, particularly Traveling Mercies or Bird by Bird.*

Also, she signed the back of my Nook. Happiness.

*If you are interested in literature about writing, Bird by Bird is a must read! Seriously, drop whatever you’re doing and go buy, download, or borrow it asap!

I’m thankful for vacation, and I’m thankful for coming home.

Number of hours spent convincing mother to let my 18-year-old brother have a beer: 4. Number of hours spent drinking it: .1

Vacation time, I think we can all agree, is fantastic. Whether you’re on a lavish Hawaiian vacation drinking fancy mai tais, wearing a new sun dress, and watching the sun go down, or drinking a gin and soda water out of a paper cup, covered in dirt, and hiding your greasy hair under a baseball cap…there’s nothing quite like a relaxing break from a regular routine.

I’m thankful that my job allows me to take some time off, and I’m thankful that I have some wonderful people to spend this time with. My family is nothing sort of sensational, and I’m so grateful to be able to see them whenever I can. My grandparents, so lovingly, take our wild clan in with open arms…and I love every instant we all get to laugh and play together. Lots of laughing. It’s magic.

I am also thankful, though, that when I come home I have one of the best people to come back to.

BF, you were missed in the desert. Also, my tongue is longer than your's. Also, one of my eyes is seriously smaller than the other in this picture. Awkward.

Ya ya, this is where I get all sappy. But I am indeed very thankful that despite all the time we spend together, I still get all giddy and excited to see BF when I return home. In all relationships, I think allowing time to miss one another is healthy and important. Also, I think allowing BF some time to hang around our house without my incessant coming-and-goings, enthusiastic “Let’s go do everything!!!!” energy, and eye rolls at certain inappropriate comment might make him want to stick around a little longer. Right boy? Right?!

I’m thankful that I have not shaved my legs in a week.

No, no photo needed here. And yes, this admission might make BF delay coming home to see me, but I don’t really care. I am normally pretty diligent about my personal cleanliness, however on this trip I couldn’t really muster the energy to shave my legs, and I didn’t care whatsoever. It was refreshing, and sure you have ever might to question my feminity (I do all the time), but I’m proud of the fact that I really took the whole “vacation” thing to the next level.

Interesting, I just told the internet about my body hair.

I’m thankful that Easter is next weekend.

You've seen this image before. But it's still appropriate, and still delicious.

Even though I’ve been celebrating Easter by means of eating and purchasing mini eggs for the past month, I’m thankful that it will be here next weekend, and we’ll be able to really get spring going. I always think of Easter as the official start to the second part of spring, which means that my birthday is almost coming, and then summer is almost coming, and then the sun will be around and life will be warm and perfect. Okay, I’m not that glass-half-full, but I do love Easter and springtime.

Also, Easter means that BF will be DONE with his ~~idiotic~~ highly admirable abstaining from sweets. Which means that we can go on dessert trips once again, and I can start making cookies again.

You better believe that I have been a chocolate chip cookie wizard since I was a scrawny fifth grade tomboy.

So there you have it! A thanks to Ali for inspiring thankful thoughts every week, and I hope you all have spectacular weekends. I’m hoping to get in some kind of long run, and if nothing else I’m excited to reunite with my beautiful beach-front running path.

Now please tell me…what plans do you have this weekend? Racing? Vacationing? Lounging? What are you thankful for? Are you planning to load up on as much Easter candy before it’s gone from the shelves like I am? Do tell!

Friday Favorites: California Love

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Happy Friday!

I am currently writing from the sunny land of Los Angeles, California. I’m here for a little spring break trip with my family, and it is SO nice to be out of the dregs of Seattle winter and basking in some sunshine. I wore shorts yesterday you guys, SHORTS.

My blogging may be a little sparse throughout the next week as I’m going to try and enjoy as much of the time I have here as I can, but I wanted to pop in for a Friday update and of course some favorites.

I was able to drag out 11.5 miles this morning, which I was happy about—however I think I was hoping that I would be completely pain-free which wasn’t the case. And when I say “drag out,” I am actually being too kind. I was over A MINUTE slower on my mileage pace, and although I know I should excuse my speed while I’m busy recovering…it’s still disappointing.

My knee has felt superb the last few days, pain is definitely going away, however I’m hoping the real-life recovery can start impacting my running recovery a bit more. I know I shouldn’t expect it to magically feel better all at once—but I wish it would have felt a little better. Stay tuned…I’m still positive, but still wary as well. Also, Aleve is amazing stuff.

I’m heading off to camp in the desert for two days, and it should be filled with some good hiking, camp-firing,’smore-making, and beer drinking. I’m looking forward to breaking the monotony of my day-to-day, technology filled routine to just enjoy being in the outdoors for a bit. It will be great fun, and given the fact that my family has been doing these excursions for multiple generations—the posterity of the trip in and of itself is fantastic.

So, in honor of my vacation, and in honor of the fact that my creative juices go ker-splat when I’m on a trip, this Friday Favorites is going to be devoted to a few of the things I love about Southern California.

Hometown Status

Despite the fact that I spent all but 5 years growing up in Colorado, I still have a small place in my heart for Pasadena, CA (where I was born) and the general Los Angeles area. Nearly my whole family still lives here, and I definitely still feel an “at home” sense of things when I’m here.

Sun

This is so unbelievably generic, but for real—sunshine is a wonderful thing. Even on its worst days, So. Cal can still be counted on for reasonable temperature—and the sunshine is pretty much present throughout the year. There’s less weather-related obstacles to stress about when you don’t have rain/cold/snow/ice to deal with, and I appreciate that. I love coming here and not needing to pack 15435 kinds of running equipment—just shorts, shoes, and a short sleeve tee and I’m good.

Outdoor Pools

As you’ve probably been able to gauge, I really love swimming. I love it both recreationally and for exercise, and in California you are able to take any pool activity outdoors. I swam yesterday in the Cal Tech outdoor lap pool in the afternoon sun and it was SO much more more refreshing and invigorating than swimming in a stuffy indoor pool where you have to share a lane with a way-too-wide breast stroker and the children next to you who are inevitably peeing every three minutes.

Fresh Fruit

Now, Washington is definitely not lacking in the fruit department (apples, HELLO) but there is SO much availability of year-round fresh fruit in California, particularly citrus-y fruit and I love that. This also means there are a ton of orchards, as well as naturally growing fruit trees that just pop up in people’s backyards—and it’s a dream of mine to just stroll outside for a fresh piece of fruit. It makes the whole state seem like a fantasy Narnia/Candyland/Oz type of place where there’s beautiful sun and oranges and fairies everywhere you look.

Famous People

Please see my last post for more info on my love of beautiful celebrities. It’s just kind of fun being amongst the glitz and glamor of Hollywood, even if it is an hour away and the likelihood of me meeting and being friends with Drew Barrymore is equally as likely in L.A. as it is in Seattle.

The Houses

Dear Lord, talk about shwank. There are so many beautiful houses around Pasadena, both old and new, and it’s really fun to just drive along and ~~hate your life for not living in them~~ admire them. My brother and I, particularly, have a fabulous time imagining our lives in one of these mansions—and while yes this is a quintessential first-world game—it’s still a lot of fun.

Seth Cohen

Enough said. The mere fact that the concept of The OC originated in this state is just oh-so-comforting. And with that said…

Sandy Cohen

Summer Roberts

Luke

No, not Marissa. She always kinda sucked. And she died. Gosh I miss the OC. Okay, enough with this yammering. California is an awesome state, and it’s one of my Favorite Things.

Hope you have a good weekend! If you feel so inclined, tell me some of your favorite things! Or, tell me about your weekend plans!

Friday Favorites: Girl Scout Cookie Tangent

Friday Favorites: I love CAPSLOCK

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Get psyched friends, it’s Friday…and not only that, but this weekend we will be setting our clocks forward and crawling our way out of the dark and dreary dregs(alliteration!) of winter.

Boo losing an hour of sleep!

YAY gaining daylight!

I think I speak for, well, everyone when I say that longer days means an overall increase in daily morale. Unless, of course, you are a vampire, an owl, or a serial killer who uses the cover of darkness to make their kills and throw their victims into the ocean, then I’m sorry for the whole daylight savings thing.

(If you’re mega creeped out by the above example, all I can say is you should start watching Dexter.)

And I KNOW I speak for runners when I say that longer days are AWESOME. It’s easier to get up in the morning for an early run, you have more time after work for a late run, and it’s just generally safer/more enjoyable to run when you can actually see things.

Suffice it to say, I was chipper when I woke up this morning— which happened not because of my alarm, but because there was daylight coming through the blinds. I hadn’t even set an alarm because today is a rest day, which is quite lovely. I’ve been hitting it fairly hard recently, and I’m basking in some R and R today, complete with a relaxing lunchtime yoga session later on.

Also, I have never, ever said “suffice it to say.” Not sure why that one popped out…

However, despite my merriment upon a having a chill morning filled with cuddling in my bed and listening to the birdies chirping outside, there is a looming thought that’s beating in the back of my head. It goes something like this.

22 miles.

Tomorrow, long run, 22 miles.

This was the longest mileage I trained to last round of marathon training, and so there’s a definite extreme feel to it. Funny, because next week I’ll “get” to go even further, but we’re not talking about that yet. I have a few goals for this run, all surrounding preparation for the real marathon deal. I’m experimenting with a dinner tonight that I think could be really good for pre-long run fuel, I’m setting a very specific minimum finish time, and I’m going to be trying out new mid-run fuel.

After having a potentially TMI conversation with my friends at the local running store, they hooked me up with some packs of goop that they think could help my sensitive digestive system. They’re called Power Bar Energy, and they’re a lot more liquidy than other gummies and gel, which apparently will help deplete the stomach cramping that every other fuel source tends to give me. Stayed tuned.

Okay, let’s move on to the real reason for Friday blogging shall we?

FAVORITES!

–Magazine Day

I am obviously my most beautiful after long runs. Salt on my face and a smell being hidden inside a fleece. Mmmm. Right BF?

I think we can all agree that when you open your mailbox and you see the newest issue of a magazine inside, your day is instantly made. It sure beats getting endless credit card offers from various banks and pleads from your Alma Mater for alumnae money (Sorry UPS, but…really? LET ME PAY MY LOANS FIRST).

I get THREE magazine subscriptions, therefore the beginning of every month is normally riddled with happy mailbox days. Runner’s World day is the best, followed by Real Simple, with Women’s Health in third. I really love to hate that magazine. It always makes me angry, but I still resubscribe.

I digress.

Magazine Day is awesome, and it’s easily one of my favorite things.

–Blueberry Bagels

I ate 75% of this bagel before calming down to take a picture. I would be a horrible food blogger.

My sister has adopted the saying “TGIB,” which I believe should probably be made into a bumper stickers. Bagels are really, really good. Anyone who disagrees is lying to themselves, or they haven’t done enough experimentation with all the wonderful varieties available.

I need no experimentation. In fact, my bagel order has remained the same since I had teeth to actually nom on a bagel. I have ordered a blueberry bagel with plain cream cheese and raspberry/strawberry jam since before I could even string sentences together. And it will forever remain my favorite order. A go-to staple that is the perfect combination of comfort food and Sunday ritual.

–The Les Miserables Soundtrack

Okay, so this favorite should actually say Les Mis in all shapes and forms. It’s my favorite book of all time, and the musical is a part of my personal gospel. I adore everything about Les Mis, and recently I have taken to listening to the entire show while working. It’s fabulously entertaining, and it sends me through all the heartbreaking and empowering moments in the show. That said, I am elated because the traveling Broadway show has decided to come BACK to Seattle this summer after having such a successful show last year. I plan on ~~dragging~~ inviting my musical-hesitant-yet-culturally-experimental boyfriend this time, as I saw the show last summer and loved it all over again. You kill me Javert, every time.

-Ellen, and more specifically: Ellen “on” The Bachelor

I really, really love Ellen. Her comedy, her talk show, and her general sense of humor is just spot-on hilarious to me. Ellen should be a Friday Favorite all on her own. In fact, she might pop up again. However this week, this video wins the favorite spot. I will never actually put The Bachelor on my favorites list….yes because I’m ashamed, but mainly because it’s not an authentic favorite. It’s a guilty pleasure that I hate to love (different than love to hate, mind you), mainly because it’s fun to talk about with my fellow watchers. I gave up this crap for YEARS people, why has it dragged me back in??? I’m hoping this is a one season fluke, but who even knows what the intrigue of free On-Demand will bring about.

Anyway, Ellen does a fantastic job of playfully mocking this show without totally poo-pooing it like every other non-watcher does. And, you know, if Ellen is willing to talk about The Bachelor…it makes me feel better about myself for giving into it. Oh, and my mom watches (sorry Ma, I’m outing you) therefore again…my conscious is slightly less burdened.

That’s all for favorites for today! Post was getting wordy, that never happens right?

Happy Weekend-ing!

What are your favorite things? Weekend plans? Long run? Hot yoga? Jager Bombs?

Friday Favorites: Chocolate Eggs and Little Spoons

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Not to mimic the probable ranting of everyone you know on Facebook and Twitter, but seriously…

TGI friggin’ F

This week has felt super long, and I haven’t been this ready for the weekend in a long time. Also, while I’m normally all jazz-hands and sunshine on Fridays, today I’m feeling a little blah. Not too great, not too bad…just sort of mediocre.

Which I hate. As someone who gets kicks out of the simplest things in life (free cookie samples! dogs playing fetch! a cute baby sighting!) mediocrity and I do not get along well.

However, it is in fact Friday, which means that some acknowledgment of my Favorite Things is in order.

Fun Fact: I recently discovered that “Friday Favorites” was not in fact the work of my oh-so-inventive imagination, and actually—just about every blogger and their moms do Friday Favorites (Speaking of, mother—what are your favorite things today?). I actually really enjoyed learning about this, because I think these communal favorite-filled posts create a cyber vortex of internet positive energy.

Happiness is infectious people, it’s science.

Anyways, before I get into some Favorite Things, I’ll update you on my Eugene 2012 training, as well as my 2012 miles goal:

Eugene: I don’t really know what “week” I’m in, but this particular week of training is actually a cut-back week in terms of long-run mileage. My run this Sunday will be 16 or so miles, as I get ready to amp up next week for an over 20-miler. I am allowing myself to get passed Sunday before I go into anxiety-mode over that one.

Overall, I’m feeling pretty good. I’m being a little more intentional about my goals for each run in terms of my speed, and although I’m Garmin-less (which would make this endeavor much more legit) I’m finding that my Timex and runningmap.com are working just fine.

2012 Miles: This was originally a “just for fun” goal, but I’m realizing it requires some serious tracking! I normally log my miles in the very official location known as my brain, so I think I’m going to have to start logging somewhere like Daily Mile or even just a planner so I can stop doing long math equations over and over. However, the results are in!

Miles Run in 2012: 373.65

Percentage of Goal: 18.57%

Percentage of Year Over: 16.93%

Hoorah! Still on track. Now, I need to actually get some official recording devices. You people and your fancy things…I don’t know how you do it.

Okay, I’m done with numbers…my right brain has had enough. Time for Friday Favorites! Ready….GO

Trader Joe’s

The sun shines for TJs, even when it's raining throughout the rest of Seattle.

Not to get totally stereotypical young-adult-in-Seattle on you, but I really can’t help myself. I adore Trader Joe’s. Anyone who’s familiar can relate; everything from the free samples every time I go in to the insanely low prices for the unique, natural, and fantastic food selections just drives me wild about this place. I go out of my way to grocery shop here (not every time I shop, of course) and it always feels like an occasion.

GO TJS!

Cadbury Mini Eggs

So, I recently had a bit of a battle royale over Facebook about the debate between Cadbury Mini Eggs and their goo-filled counterparts, Cadbury Creme Eggs. Amusingly, the two people who shunned me the most for choosing the Mini Eggs over the Creme ones were Anna, my best friend, and BF, my…well, you get it.

There may be some domestic disputes erupting shortly, but I’ll hold my ground. These little chocolate eggs are SO much better than the creme eggs. Not that I dislike the creme ones necessarily, but there’s something a little off to me about “creme” that’s been sitting inside something for a likely exceedingly long period of time. Side Note: “Cream” is actually the correct spelling for non-artificial, honest-to-goodness milk cream. I bet you are PSYCHED you know that now.

Also, you can eat more of these little eggs due to their size and packaging, so obviously that makes them better.

Small Silverware

Please note, this is a dramatization.

I have a confession to several restaurants out there: If you are missing some of your miniature silverware, it’s because it is currently sitting in my utensil drawer.

I am in love with cute little flatware, and I use it as frequently as I can. My “little spoon” (as she is so creatively and affectionately named) gets washed more than anything else I own because of her ample usage. I’m someone who doesn’t understand the meaning of eating slowly or pacing myself on a meal, so another benefit of my little friends is that they sort of force me to at least somewhat control my bite sizes.

And yes, I do use proper pronouns when referring to my possessions.

And before you call the Seattle Police Department, I really have only taken three items from restaurants. Wait, four. But once I have a little knife, I’ll be done with my thievery.

Until then, the hunt is on…

Starbucks Blonde Roast

Now that's a hot blonde.

I have to give accolades to this new brew that you have inevitably heard all the hype about already. While I don’t like super sweet coffee, I do think that when coffee is too strong it tastes like dirt—therefore when my customary drink (a soy cafe au lait) is made with a really bitter roast, I huff and puff a bit about how my coffee is ruined.

The blonde roast, however, guarantees a drinkable cup o’ joe for me, and I’m thankful to have something I can count on.

Glee’s Version of the Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger”

So, I actually thought I had previously favorited the original version of this song, and apparently that’s not true. Just so K.Clarkson knows, I adore the original version and think it’s insanely empowering—and I love the fact that Glee decided to cover it with an all-female ensemble.

Girl power is a wonderful thing. Go Glee. Go Kelly.

Alright people, what are your favorite things this week? Long run plans for the weekend? Exciting plans for the weekend? Tell me please!!

Friday Favorites, with a Thankful Twist.

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I am riding a wave of overall excitement heading into this weekend. There really isn’t anything particular that’s given me this merry kick-in-the-butt, but I’m loving it—and hopefully you aren’t scared off by my inevitable cheerful banter to come.

Sorry, but actually—I’m not sorry.

I’m generally feeling very thankful recently, and I am a firm believer that a little bit of gratitude goes a long way. Gratitude humbles us, it relieves the stresses of every day life, and it helps us realize that despite all else, we really do have it pretty good.

That’s why this week, for Friday Favorites—I’d like to do a little bit of a spin on my weekly round-up of wonderful things. As inspired by the weekly tradition of one of my favorite running bloggers, Ali on the Run, I’m going to recount some things I’m thankful for recently. It is kind of in the same light as my favorite things, but this week I’m vying to offer up some genuine thanks for some awesome things in my life.

On that note…

I’m thankful for faulty weather reports.

Inaccurate! Hooray!

Wednesday had the promise of rain written all over it throughout the entire day. I was pouty because I was planning on/needed to run that day, and although I have handled the rain before—many times in fact—I was resounding myself to the fate of the treadmill. Alas, no rain came.

And in fact, the weather forecast could not have been more wrong. Apparently “gusts of wind with a 90% chance of rain” actually means “50 degrees and a lovely, windless sunset.” I merrily covered 8 miles in 64 minutes and relished in the weather people’s incompetence for the day.

I’m thankful for the first signs of spring!

I am a liliac! And I smell good! And I'm not a cold, dead tree!

Last week I was on a really early morning run, and all of a sudden a waft of something glorious filled my nose. Because I’m used to the smells of the steel mill and exhaust from the ferries, this took me by surprise. Lo and behold, there were lilac blossoms making their way out of their winter cocoons!

It’s so exciting to see the first buds surfacing for springtime, and coupled with the daylight that has extended both in the morning and at night, I would say we are making our way out of winter folks! Yesterday morning, I was outside at 7 am and I could see everything! It was miraculous!! I think it’s funny how we forget just how light it gets in the summer when we’ve surrendered to the darkness of winter, and vice versa.

Welcome spring, I cordially welcome you to the Pacific Northwest.

I am thankful for homemade trail mix.

chocolate and coconut are totally good for you when you blend them with nuts and fruit

You are looking at the snack that I now have nearly every afternoon. Almonds, sunflower seeds, coconut, chocolate chips, cranberries, and raisins. I love trail mix, but I never buy it, and then I discovered this groundbreaking idea of combining ingredients I already have in my cabinet to form my own custom made trail mix! Innovation is the name of my game people.

Well okay, maybe not, but I am psyched to have welcomed this fantastic new snack friend into my culinary repertoire.

Note: I have no repertoire, which is why I find joy in simple, new food discoveries.

I am thankful for rest days.

This morning, I made the spur-of-the-moment, matter-of-fact decision that today was going to be a rest day. If you regularly read this blog (thanks for doing so, by the way!), you know that I love doing something active nearly every day, and rest days and I don’t normally get along. They stress me out, and I normally prolong having them as much as I can. (This is a fault, please don’t follow this lead.)

But, this morning I woke up at 5:30 am with the plan of going to spin, and my body simple said, “No.” I was feeling a little sore and achy, my head hurt, and due to the heavy exercise-filled weekend I have ahead, I decide to front load it all with a little R&R. I have 20 miler number two coming up tomorrow and a super fun but super long spin session on Sunday, therefore I felt it was best to sleep in, rest up, and focus on hydration.

Good decisions, Robyn. And although I know by the afternoon I’ll be vying to pound some pavement, I’m glad I made the decision to make today a sweat-free day.

I’m thankful for cute dogs. Particularly, golden doodles.

Hey little guy, I know I'm a creeper discreetly trying to photograph you while walking down the sidewalk so your owner won't see, but will you please let me pet you and give me your doodle-filled kisses?

Of this I am sure: I will own a golden doodle. I am quite frankly obsessed with them, and it’s gotten to a point where I will stop in my tracks if I see one so I can say hi (see photo above). There are the perfect combination of fluffiness, sportiness, and cuddliness (WOW, I am 7 years old), and I’ve never really wanted another dog more than these bundles of love.

For now though, I will enjoy walking up to strangers and asking them to pet their doggies. Or, stealthily photographing people’s dogs while they obliviously buy their coffee in Starbucks. That’s not weird, right? Oh ya, it is.

LOOK AT THAT HEAD!

Prepare to hear more about golden doodles. I can’t help it.

Lastly, I am thankful for blogging. I am so grateful to have a place to come to where I can write out my thoughts on running and life. I feel like my love for writing has heightened, and I can’t say I’ve learned more about myself as a runner as I have through writing down my progress, regressions, and goals. Thank you for allowing me to share this true love of mine with you. I am thankful for you, dear reader.

NOW YOU! What are you thankful for today? What are your favorite things?

Friday Favorites: Comfortable Pace and Being Kind

Friday Favorites: Girly Weekend Glory

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I always love Fridays, however this one is especially awesome because (drum roll please…)

I get to spend ALL WEEKEND with my sister Corey. She goes to school about 2 hours north of me in Bellingham, and although that’s not that far, it’s far enough to where we don’t get to see each other as often as we’d like. Hence, when we plan a weekend together—we take special care in ensuring that it’s the best kind of fun possible. My sister and I have fairly identical lists in terms of the things that make us happy, and so when you couple together mutual excitement for certain activites—oh, it’s just great.

Nevertheless, our weekend will be filled with perhaps the girliest activites possible—including but not limited too: Pedicures, shopping at the Lululemon OUTLET (yes, it exists), eating delicious food, and seeing The Vow.

C'mon, you know you're curious...

So I’m not a diehard fan of these super cheesy chick flicks, but they’re always fun to get wrapped up in—and The Notebook may have changed my 16-year-old life, so here’s hoping for a Rachel McAdams repeat.

Seriously though, do you remember the raining/”It still isn’t over!”/bedroom scene?

Holy hell.

Anyways, amidst all these fun endeavours, there will be some running involved. My sister is getting her hot yoga on tomorrow morning, so I really have no excuse to not do my long run. Plus, Bellingham is where I ran my first half marathon, so I have a running soft spot for it. I’m hoping for 16 miles, but we’ll see what happens.

I’m also bringing my sister and housemates these to ensure they let me come back.

Heyyy Corey I hope you don't read/see this before I get there!

In a nutshell (I really don’t like this expression, but there aren’t too many alternatives) , I’m pumped for the weekend.

Now for some Friday Favorites…

-Thumbhole Shirts

pink thumbhole shirts get bonus points

So I have been having this issue recently where I wear a grand total of three different outfits—all the time. It’s bad, and I should really encorporate the rest of my wardrobe because I’m sure it’s cold and lonely in my closet.

But for now, running and yoga clothes are really what I’m preferencing—specifically long sleeved shirts with thumb holes. I love these shirts both on cold runs and in everyday life (see latte-holding photo above). For someone who is chronically cold, a little added coziness really makes me happy.

– Target

I fully own how ridiculously American it is for me to be so passionate about a corporate chain store, but I really can’t help it and I’m not going to try and stop. I love everything about Target, even just being there smelling the buttery week-old popcorn in the cafe. I spent a solid hour there yesterday just kind of wandering around looking at the myriad of things, and I loved it.

Yes I bought a few necessary items too…it wasn’t a total “Oh my God Robyn what a waste of your life” moment. And by necessary items, I do mean Valentine’s Day things and a new shirt.

– Cooking

My medallion-shaped masterpiece!

I know what you might be thinking…

“Isn’t this the chick who only posts food pictures of Chipotle and store-bought cookies?”

I’m not out to fool anyone…I do love to cook, I just don’t happen to do it too often. Which is why, unlike many fitness bloggers, I don’t put up every meal I eat. First of all, because that’s super boring, and secondly because I really don’t think you want to see pictures of green smoothies and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches repeated over and over again. I’m a creature of habit, what can I say?

That being said, when I do decide to get crazy and actually cook something, I really do enjoy it. Last night I decided to go nuts and make a main dish AND a side. Really out there people. I made two things I know BF doesn’t particularly care for because he’s out of town, and it was delightful. Roasted eggplant with tomato sauce and zucchini fritters—both easy, healthy, and delicious.

– The Stick

I hate you. But my muscles love you. So we can be civil.

So, I should first say that I actually loathe this device. BF and I take turns kneading out each other’s calves with this little devil, and by the end both of us are in so much pain I’m surprised we don’t break the thing in half. Seriously, I nearly have to bite a pillow just to keep my composure while getting ~~massaged~~ horribly abused by this God foresaken thing.

However, this little guy makes my running so much better, and I’m convinced it helps save me from injury and chronic soreness. Therefore, it makes the favorites list, despite all else. You can stick around my painful friend. (Do you see what I did there? I hope so, because otherwise I just giggled by myself.)

– Chocolate Soy Milk

Mmmm this stuff is the best. Both BF and I use it as a run recovery drink (if you haven’t heard, choco milk is stellar for muscle repair post-run), and I use in my coffee as well when I make a pot at home.

Truth be told, dairy and I don’t get along well thanks to my digestive issues (please ignore the feta and sour cream in the picture above). And so, soymilk and almond milk are life savers—and delicious ones at that. If you aren’t a fan of soymilk but are trying to lessen your dairy intake, I do recommend trying this chocolate variety—because chocolate makes everything better, and I know a lot of anti-soy people who are sold on this variation.

There you are! 5 more Friday Favorites in the bag, and I’m feeling peppier than when I started. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

NOW YOU! WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE THINGS THIS WEEK? WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE WEEKEND?

Naked Running and other Happy Things

1 Reply

This morning, I ran naked.

Except that I was wearing clothes, unfortunately.

Actually, I think running naked would be uncomfortable…both physically and socially.

Anyways, I did run sans watch and iPod, and I realized that it may have been the first time I’ve ever done this. Even though I’ve been growing accustom to running without music, I always know the start and stop times of my runs, at the very least. Obviously wearing a watch is essential to training properly in terms of gauging speed and splits and such. However, there is added pressure when wearing a watch—and this morning I found that it can be quite freeing to do some runs without knowledge of time.

I wasn’t too set on running this morning: My legs have been tired recently, I had a very poor performance on yesterday’s run, and I was kinda blah about the idea of running. However, building my mileage right now for Eugene is necessary, and I knew that a slow, short run-around would actually make my legs less stiff. The lack of strictness to this run is what inspired me to throw aside my watch and iPod, and just like that…off I went, naked, into the sunrise.

And it was beautiful; Seattle has been taken over by sunshine (I know, RIGHT?) and although I didn’t feel too fast, it was nice to just be. I also saw two lab puppies, which inevitably helps any situation go from 0 to perfect instantly.

I love puppies, I need one.

Anyways, let’s get to talking about our favorite things, shall we?

– berry veggie Naked juice

I am definitely a smoothie-at-home kind of person, but sometimes it’s quite nice to just buy a pre-made blend of fruits and veggies. This (new?) Naked juice is just the ticket, and I love it. If you don’t like beets or beet juice, I recommend staying away from this concoction, but if so I definitely suggest giving it a try. There’s also not as much sugar in it as other juices, which I appreciate because I prefer my added sugar to come from cookies, not from juice.

See? Like this big beauty.

-Neon Sports Bras

Yes, I realize this is a picture of my boobs. Sorry about that.

Yes, you are looking at that picture correctly. My shorts bra STAINED my shirt via profuse sweating. If that isn’t cool, I don’t know what is. It’s also disgusting, sure, but like…have you ever seen this happen before?? Remember yesterday how I told you I was super dehydrated from excessive sweat during spin? Here is my proof.

I’m reallllyyy hoping that my shirt isn’t permanently stained, but for right now I’ve determined that not only is this my favorite sports bra, its my favorite piece of clothing. It’s bad ass, and it tells my other clothes whats up.

– Optimistic Forecasts

Is this real life???

See that right there??? That’s SIX days of sunshine predicted for the Pacific Northwest. Not only sunshine, but temperatures that don’t warrant wearing two pairs of wool socks and devoting my paycheck to the heating bill.

LOVE IT.

Sure, it might not pan out exactly as predicted, but I enjoy feeling excited for our weather.

– Scramble with Friends

I’m. Obsessed.

If you have the ability to download this game (it’s free), and you feel the need to procrastinate an excessive amount, I insist you get this game. It’s just like Boggle, but online and less noisy.

Find me, I’ll play you.

– Single-Tone Hair

Awkward self-portrait in the car...but no longer two-tone! And look! Sun!

I have been on a bit of a hair-maintenance hiatus since August, and although I can typically withstand a few months of root-grow out, enough was enough.

I was starting to look a bit like I belonged on People of Walmart, therefore I gave in and finally returned to my pretending-to-be-a-blonde hairdo. And I love it, and fineeee….I guess I don’t need to wear a baseball cap every day of the week.

That’s all for Friday Favorites! I’m starting to think I’ll compile a master list of all the random favorite things I recount every week…I feel it would make me happy to read. And happiness is good. Speaking of, if you are looking for a good pick-me-up, I highly recommend this video:

Questions:

Do you ever run/workout without a watch or iPod?

What are some of your favorite things?

2012 Miles and Friday Favorites

5 Replies

Happy Friday all 🙂

Today is spectacular is Seattle, WA—blue skies, sunshine, and a nice-end-of-January crispness of 40 degrees. If you’ve never experienced the phenomenon of seeing Seattle residents break out of their cocoons when the sun comes out—I highly recommend it. Watching a bunch of people used to rain and clouds react to the sunshine is hysterical, and results in a lot of smiles, shirtless sun bathing despite the temperature, increased beach occupancy (again, despite temperatures), and wayyy too many, “How about the weather???”

I fall for it too, though, and you really realize how awesome sunny days are when you’ve been layered in clouds for three months.

The sun started yesterday afternoon, and I purposefully moved my morning run to later in the day for this exact reason. I woke up to hard rain on my window, and knowing that the sun would be out later was reason enough to sleep a bit more.

I was antsy and restless without my morning dose of endorphins and sweat, however the wait was worth it—the run was spectacular. Shorts and a t-shirt, no iPod necessary, AND I finished the 12.25 miles averaging 7:49 splits. This, for me, is very quick—and I’m not sure if it was the restlessness, the extra fuel/hydration, or simply the sun, but this time amped me up.

Moving on, along with scheduling marathons, half-marathons, and various other endeavors that require carbohydrates and result in a medal, one of my goals for 2012 is to run 2012 miles. BF came up with this idea, and once I hear a number—I have a hard time not wanting desperately to reach it. This goal is very dependent on staying injury free, and even with marathon training it will definitely be a stretch to reach it. I’ll keep quarterly updates on how this goal is coming along, but as of right now…the year is 7.37% over and I have run 7.68% of my goal. A bit ahead, which is great, but stay tuned…

Now onto Friday Favorites!

For those of you who are new, I decided that recalling your Favorite Things are a great mood booster…therefore I have devoted my favorite day of the week to listing some of my all-time and current faves.

1) My Shower, specifically…My Shower after running.

mmmmm, cleanness

So BF and I scored when we moved in terms of our shower. We live in an older house, so the tub is one of those raised, claw foot tubs with a curtain that wraps around the inside. The shower head, however, is a rain shower head and therefore engulfs you beneath it.

Also, for whatever reason our water heater is up way too high and our shower can get HOT. I love being warm, and therefore I steadily increase my shower temperature throughout the duration of my bathing.

Showering after running, also, is almost better than a huge bowl of oatmeal after running—ALMOST. Specifically during this time of year, I feel like my body and muscles totally thaw out and relax in the shower after I run—and because running is refreshing on its own, adding a smelling good/clean factor to the cleansing runner’s high is magical.

2) Over-sized Food

14 inches of goat cheesy heaven

Okay, let me first say that I am the first person to criticize the American idea of portions. In my opinion, it’s the biggest reason for the obesity epidemic.

HOWEVER. Sometimes, I really really really love/need a massive piece of pizza, or a really big cookie. Lucky me—last night, both entered my belly, and they were very happy to be there. This slice of heaven came from Tallaricos, a restaurant in West Seattle BF and I had never been, and it was insanely large and insanely good.

3) Born to Run

I will admit….I started this book a longgg time ago, and put it down because it just wasn’t holding my interest. However, thanks to the persuasion of numerous friends and family members, I decided to give it a go once again. And I LOVE it. This book is all about those crazy runners out there—the types that do ultras every other weekend and enjoy running 100 miles up mountains.

These people absolutely fascinate me, and this book has me totally hooked!

4) Peanut Butter; or really any type of nut that has been turned into a creamy, delicious spread.

I honestly feel like I’m downplaying my love of peanut butter by putting it in my Friday Favorites, but seeing as this Tuesday was National Peanut Butter Day, it felt appropriate.

I actually feel that I should be writing an epic poem, an ode, or perhaps a love song about my affection for peanut butter. It’s deep, passionate, and above all—everlasting.

5) My iPhone

SO. This past weekend, I finally converted to being an iPod person. I’ve never had a smart phone before, and although I hate to admit it, this thing is…awesome. I don’t exactly know how to work it correctly yet, however it’s very shiny, simple, and allows for ample procrastination. All good things.

Also, it will make chronicling my experiences for my blog much easier, so that is quite nice.

In the words of Cartoon Network, “That’s all folks!”

I’ll be spending the weekend in Spokane with my dear friend Anna, so recap on that on Monday. Happy Friday!

Question: What are YOUR Friday Favorites?

Run Birdie Run

…because it's the only way to fly.

Category Archives: Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites: Thankful Thoughts

Friday Favorites: California Love

Friday Favorites: Girl Scout Cookie Tangent

Friday Favorites: I love CAPSLOCK

Friday Favorites: Chocolate Eggs and Little Spoons

Friday Favorites, with a Thankful Twist.

Friday Favorites: Comfortable Pace and Being Kind

Friday Favorites: Girly Weekend Glory

Naked Running and other Happy Things

2012 Miles and Friday Favorites