What I'm Wearing.....Marathon Day

Well my friends,  Marathon day is less than 3 weeks  away and I finally have my final outfit picked out! 

Am I a running Diva?

HECK YES!!!! 

I figure you might as well look adorable if your going to be running 26.2 miles. I mean why not? Everything I wear is super comfy. It just happens to be super cute too!! 

Trust me, I do have my days when I could be mistaken for a hobo, except for my shoes of course. 

Anyhow, I think it's lovely to go out there and be a serious athlete and still look cute. Just because your a serious athlete doesn't mean you have to look like a dude.

Being a marathon runner is anything but glamorous most days. I am constantly blowing my nose on my shirt and peeing in the bushes so I deserve to be a little girly on race day! 

Okay, so on to the outfit!!! I might just happen to be the luckiest woman alive because I have a friend who I went to elementary school with who just happens to be an amazing seamstress. So she actually offered to make me a CUSTOM running skirt for my marathon., It's one of a kind and tailored to fit me exactly and it does......like a glove.......plus the embroidery is so amazing I can't even fathom how she does this.

The skirt is made from all high performance athletic fabric that is moisture wicking and it's the PREFECT length./ Sometimes running skirts make you look dumpy if their too long and too wide but not this one! 

SLEEK AND SEXY!!!! 

It would also appear that I happen to a tiny bit obsessed with fuchsia lately. Remember my jeans that I can;t stop wearing? HA!!! Well.....so naturally I chose fuchsia socks, headband and singlet to go with My custom made skirt. 

My brother passed away at the age of 31. We were very close. He died 4 months before my wedding day so I pinned a picture of him under my dress and he walked down the aisle with me. 

Well, He's coming on the marathon with me too. Blood, sweat and tears, this one's for you Tosh. I LOVE YOU! 

I will be wearing this bib on my back!

The skirt is AMAZING, right????

Well, let me introduce you to my friend Anna. She has a great little Etsy shop called {Sew Crafty Por Vida}where she sells all kinds of gorgeous embroidered things, like clothing, napkins, special  memoirs and her prices are extremely reasonable. 

Here are just a couple things you might find there

Meet the woman behind the shop

Anna Theresa

Not only is she smart and talented but GORGEOUS too!!! Can't go wrong here friends! 

So, if you like what you see my friends, honestly her prices are VERY reasonable and I can tell you first hand as a serious runner and athlete her clothes are amazing and blow all my other big name skirts out of the water. 

SO if you want one custom made.......feel free to give her a shout through her shop and tell her your a friend of mine. 

Find her shop {HERE}

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Inspirational Interview with Haute Running Mama

Good Morning!!!! 

Get ready to be inspired because today I am interviewing an AMAZING working mom of two who is an incredible athlete as well!!!! 

I would love to be at her level of athleticism. All in time my friends!! 

Plus I've only just met her and she is just about the sweetest person on earth. 

Nicole has a great blog where she shares her running adventures, please pay her a visit at {Haute Running Mama} and please enjoy her interview!!! 

#1. Why did you start running? and how quickly did you progress? 

"I started running because my Dad asked me if I would run the San Diego Rock N Roll marathon with him. He was a 2:40 marathoner at age 17 and had not taken on 26.2 since I was born! I thought he was crazy and at first my response was no. I hated running because it was HARD and I could not imagine having to run 26 miles. When he told me that my brother (an ex-baseball player that is 6'4 and 250 lbs) agreed to run it I couldn't resist the challenge. Smart Dad! I progressed pretty quickly because I did not have a choice. I did not want to go from not running to a marathon so I signed up for a couple of halfs and a 10k to learn how to race. When I was able to run 3,4,5 miles I was surprised that the sport I used to hate had turned into one that I loved! Each week I was able to go a little bit farther. I remember crying the first time I made it to 8 miles. I don't know why it was 8 that got me but it did. The girl who used to avoid dressing down for the High School mile test could go long."

#2. How long have you been running? 

"I have officially been running for 2 years 3 mos and 2 weeks. I know it down to the day!" 

#3  Does your running interfere with your "day" job? WHen do you have time to train? 

"I wish it was my day job! In order to be able train for races I have to run before the sun rises. With 2 kids and a full time job it's the only opportunity I have. That means getting up at 4:15 and hitting the treadmill no later than 5 am. A lot of my training is done on a TM. If I am able to sneak a run in at lunch I do it. My long runs are outdoors early on Saturdays so that they do not interfere with family time. When you love something you make it work."

#4 How many miles a week do you run and do you follow a specific training plan? 

"My weekly miles vary depending on whether or not I am training for a race. When I am just running to run I average around 30 miles per week. When I am marathon training I am up around 50-55. I don't have a specific plan but I do make sure to get in at least one tempo run per week and I am now focusing on slowing down my long run. I love to read running books and use several as guides to become a better runner."

#5 About how many races a year do you run and what;s your favorite distance? 

"In 2011 I ran 1 race per month. This year I am cutting back a bit to try to build a better base and run smarter. My favorite distance is the half marathon. It's long enough to test me without totally draining me."

#6 Does your hubby run too? 

"He does. His distance is the 5k which is crazy to me because in my opinion 5k's are HARD. There is no warm up. It's like ready, set, go...run fast for 3.1 miles! I have been trying to convince him to run a half with me. He said if we go back to Maui in 2013 (I raced there in 2011) he will consider running the warrior challenge with me. Um, he doesn't have to twist my arm! Let's do it!"

#7 I think the distance and speed you run is amazing. How does it make you feel to be such an accomplished runner and have two kids? 

"Sometimes I have to pinch myself. I am so proud of what I have accomplished. When I first started running I averaged a 9:30 mile on the treadmill and felt like I was going to die. I am now in the 7's! It just goes to show that I can accomplish anything if I want it bad enough. At 33 I am faster than I was at 17. It's incredible. My kids absolutely love it too. At each race after I cross the finish and get my medal they celebrate because they think I won. It is so so so cool!"

#8 Do you have a just a few tips to help any of my readers who are not runners but desperately want to be? 

"Take it one day at a time. Start slow and do what you can. Walking does not mean defeat! Remember running around on the playground as a kid? That was FUN right? Running can be fun! Try not to get caught up in reading running blogs and comparing yourself to others. Run for you. Set your own realistic goals and then smash them out of the park. You CAN do it, you just have to want it bad enough"

#9 Do you follow a specific diet plan or just try to eat healthy to keep your weight down? 

LOL!  I wish I could say I never weigh myself but I do. I don't want to get caught up in the number game but I need to be aware of whether or not I am eating and drinking enough."

#10 Do you plan on running races for the rest of your life? 

"It all depends. I think I will run as long as my body allows me to. Races are fun and I know that as I get older it will get harder. I will most likely start running races with my kids and helping them accomplish their goals. Right now my youngest is mastering the 50 yard dash. That's a distance I can dominate, HA!"

#11 If you ever had the chance to go pro, would you take it? "You better believe it." 

Thank you so much Nicole for sharing your story and your love of running with us. I am greatly inspired by you and I think you are amazing!!!! I'll be following you the whole way! 
Again, you can find Nicole on a daily basis over at {Haute Running Mama}
To see more inspirational running interviews click {HERE}
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Ask Me

Okay........I have to admit the Vlog (video Blog) yesterday was fun so I thought maybe I could do a Q and A session where I answer reader questions in VLOG format.
What do you think? I promise I will brush my hair and not use my iphone in the dark with no tripod to record it :) 

I tried to do a Q and A session before but nobody really asked me anything so it didn't go so well. Hopefully if a get a few questions this time around. I'll keep in open for a week and then next weekend answer:) 
So feel free to ask away. I am obviously not shy and will answer you like from running, to family, to past, to current. 

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My Very First Vlog

Yes, It's true I finally caved and decided to do a VLOG!!!!! A video blog!!!
Please discard my 3 hours of sleep exhausted face with rat nest hair. Hey, it happens! 

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Ruby Crystal

So my beloved Mizuno running shoes have 400+ miles on them so I decided to grab a new pair with enough time to break them in before the marathon.

Whenever I have run in the past I have always ended up with minor injuries here and there. This is really the first time I have been able to run 30-50 miles a week for months and months on end with NO INJURIES and  I am attributing it to my Mizuno's. So when I needed a new pair I decided to go with the same brand. In fact I may never wear any other brand.

Anyway to my delight as I started browsing their site, I immediately saw these GORGEOUS limited edition RUBY CRYSTAL Wave Runner 15's and knew I had found my shoe. The color is too die for. It's like a deep fuscia. 

L*O*V*E

Sorry to bore you all with pictures of running shoes but I am obsessing over them just a little bit!!!! 
Motivational interviews coming from amazing women runners!!!! 

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Great Songs to Run to!!!!

Great Songs for Running

Last summer, I trained for my first half marathon. I’m usually a

three-to-five mile a run gal and this was my first truly long run. One

thing I learned quickly while training: The mind is an incredibly powerful

tool that you can use to keep going when you’re ready to pack it all

up, drive home and watch Netflix for the rest of the day. Music is key for

me, when I’m working on keeping my mental state upbeat and positive

during a run. Here are some tracks that I’ve been turning to lately

to keep my mind going:

• “Modern Love” – David Bowie: The beat
  of this song is excellent. It’s definitely got an ‘80s
  vibe and there’s an urgency there that makes you want to keep on
  going (or dance around in your underwear). It’s a good long one
  (nearly five minutes) and, of course, has a saxophone solo.
• “Close to Me” – The Cure: 
  Here’s another golden oldie that makes a good addition to a running 
  playlist. The hand claps and horns are light and fun, but fast enough to
  keep your feet hitting the pavement. It’s not your usual
  “jock jams” hit and I was surprised when my friend
  Janelle, a fitness trainer, put it on during one of our cross-training
  sessions. Guide
  to Healthcare Schools has more information on fitness training
  and degree programs if you’re interested in turning your
  interest in fitness into a career.
• “Bohemian Like You” – The Dandy
  Warhols: This is one of those songs that makes you just feel cool
  listening to it, as if you were traveling down a windy highway in a
  bright red convertible. The “ooh ooh ooooohs” of the 
  chorus are terribly addictive.
• “Land” – Patti Smith: The original
  queen of punk rock is an obvious place to turn for inspiration, when
  you’re trying to do something no one thinks you can do. Her
  vocals are fierce, and the guitar riffs have an urgency that makes you 
  want to run faster. Even though it is 10 minutes long, I often listen to 
  it more than once during a run.
• “Canned Heat” – Jamiroquai: I started
  training with a group of friends that were in one of my college
  classes, and they introduced me to this standard of their running
  track list. I’d heard it before, but didn’t know the name
  or artist. The beat is groovy, and the song’s order to
  “Dance!” is easily translatable to running. If
  you’re looking to go back to school or put together your own
  running club, check out online
  colleges for additional information.
• “Music Is My Hot Hot Sex” – CSS: This
  Brazilian group with a female vocalist makes a truly fun running jam.
  This is another song that can distract you from negative thoughts back
  into a groove and a natural flow. It’s hard to feel too dark
  when you’re simultaneously singing about these “restorative 
  properties” of music.

Sources

University

of St. Thomas (2012)

Case Western

Reserve University (2008)

Red Lipstick makes everything Better

I"M HAPPY!!!!! 

After an amazing 20 mile run yesterday........I just feel happy, content. 

Over the past couple months I have been truly enjoying my children and my husband!!1 

I have little butterflies in my tummy. I feel like a Little school girl! 

What Happened? 

Nothing specific......Just being grateful one day at a time and realizing how incredibly blessed i am. 

IN my humble opinion  A little red lipstick makes everything better. It jazzes up any outfit ans just makes you feel sexy and sassy!!!! 

L*O*V*E

I feel great about myself. I feel confident. Accomplished. Strong. Gleeful!!! Life has been treating my well lately and I am so grateful!!!

MArathon is 3 weeks away and I am PUMPED. I'm ready to tak on this incredible life long challnge. I can't wai to come out on the other side a changed woman!!!! 

A FEW NEW GOALS:

Look as cute as possible while running like a beast! I need many more running skirts! 

Remain injury free for as long as possible.

Qualify for Boston!....I'm working on it!

Run as many races this year as I can afford...working on it! 

Continue to feel GREAT About myself!!! Working on it!!! 

Sending so much love and  light to you all!!! I Hope your spring time days are filled with love and laughter! 

Get outside. Feel the cool spring breeze on your face and be grateful this gorgeous life God has given you!!! 

AND PUT ON A LITTLE RED LIPSTICK WHILE YOUR AT IT !!! 

Dress: J crewShoes: Cork EaseClutch: Kate Slade Made How gorgeous is this? In my opinion every woman needs one. I want one in every color!!! 


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Spring Training. 20 miles

Well......I did......I completed my LONGEST training run before the marathon. Now the tapering begins! Hallelujah!!!! 

4:30 AM HER I AM!!!! 

Trying to gag down 2 cliff bars at the crack of dawn. Not my favorite but totally necessary! 

Last week after my 18 mile run I strarted to devlop a bit on a shin splint in my right leg. DRAT!!! I have remained injury free for 6 months but Oh well.    It really didn't seem to affect me too much.

I did 20 miles in 3 hours and 11 minuets. 9.36 min/mile average pace! AWESOME!!! 

At miles 14 and 15 at the peek of my runners high I decided to do two miles of Boston Marathon pace just for fun. That's 8.30 min/mile!  

Slow finish but had hills on mile 19 and 20 so I was beat by then. 

I usually start refueling on mile 10 and then every 3-5 miles after that. I always use GU energy gels. I stick to vanilla and chocolate. All the berry flavors make me ill along with any of the wacky ones so I keep it simple. 

Me after the 20 mile run. I'm pooped. I hobbled into the shower and onto the couch shortly after this.

Now doing a little RICE

R: rest

I: ice

C: compression 

E: elevation.

Best treatment for minor leg injuries! 

Off to the grocery in my fave new Running T! 

LUNCH!!! Salad and chocolate milk. PERFECT!

Marathon is 3 weeks away and I now I got this in the bag. Oh and my wonderful friend Anna is making me a custom running skirt for the marathon! I can't wait to show to you all. It's crazy gorgeous!!! Here's a sneek peek!!! 

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