Workout Recap - Week 40

Sunday, September 30th – 20 mile run, Stretched & Foam Rolled

Monday, October 1st – 5 mile run with the hubby, Stretched & Foam Rolled

Tuesday, October 2nd – 8 mile run, Stretched & Foam Rolled

Wednesday, October 3rd – 5 mile run, Stretched & Foam Rolled

Thursday, October 4th – 1 mile warm-up, 6 x .25 mile hill repeats {3 miles}, 1 mile cool-down, Stretched & Foam Rolled

Friday, October 5th – Rest Day, Stretched & Foam Rolled

Saturday, October 6th – 4 mile pace run, Stretched & Foam Rolled

And with this week's 47 miles, it's officially TAPER TIME! Last week had my last "long" speed sessions and the beginning of this week was my last 20-miler of this training cycle. I still have a few quality workouts between now and race day, but, for the most part, I just have some slow, short and steady miles to log before Ventura! I can't believe my fall goal race is almost here. Shoot, I can't believe October's already here! Where did the time go?! Now it's time to rest up and get ready!

How were your workouts this past week?

Friday Favorites

Although this was a "normal" week, it flew by (probably because we have A TON to do before leaving on our Hawaiian vacation next week). I didn't get in much blogging, but I can't forget to share some of the things I've been loving lately.

Sarah Marie Design Studio Sweatshirts

With fall comes SWEATSHIRT WEATHER! Okay, we might not be there in SoCal, but it's gotta come eventually... and, when it does, I'm ready! And you can be too because Sarah Marie Design Studio restocked their super comfy sweatshirts! I think I need at least five... NEED ;) My top picks (in case you wanted to gift me one ;)) are: Live Easy Run Hard Sweatshirt, Well Rounded Sweatshirt, Long Runs & Snuggles, Marathoner Sweatshirt, Kinda Wanna Run Sweatshirt.

Serial Podcast

IT'S BACK! The hubby and I were very late to the podcast world (okay, maybe it was just me, but since I introduced him to this specific series I am going to lump him in with me), so when I first heard about Serial there were already two seasons, but I'm pumped the third season is coming! If you haven't heard this season yet, it isn't about a specific case, like the last two, but about the judicial system as a whole (they spent a full year in the Cleveland system and are sharing their thoughts on why it works, why it doesn't, what they'd suggest needs reform, etc). I hope I'm never on the 'wrong' side of the law, but that doesn't mean I still don't find it interesting. (Fun fact: I grew up thinking I wanted to be a lawyer.)

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World Smile Day

Did you know TODAY (October 5th) is World Smile Day?! And, not only that, but to celebrate Menchie's is offering a Buy One Get One Free frozen yogurt deal from 4-7pm! You better believe we will be hitting our local Menchie's up for all the frozen yogurt and smiles we can stock up on! Find your closest Menchie's HERE (and don't miss out on the yumminess!). Harvey Ball created the smiley face in 1963. This image is the most recognizable symbol of goodwill in the world. He also created World Smile Day, believing we should devote one day each year to smiles and kind acts throughout the world.

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Joke's On You, Dad Podcast

Another podcast to share is Joke's On You, Dad (specifically Episode 4, but that's simply because it's the only one I've listened to thus far). Rob (@robschamp) reached out to me to see if he could share a little about my #Carlees34 project. I was honored (and maybe even blushed through the entire episode)! I truly believe we are blessed to bless others and my #Carlees34 project was just one small way to share some of that love and kindness with those around me. I hope that it (along with this podcast) will encourage you to do something outside of yourself to bring a smile to someone's face.



What are you loving lately?

Workout Recap - Week 39

Sunday, September 23rd – 12 mile trail run with the hubby, Stretched & Foam Rolled

Monday, September 24th – 5 mile run, Stretched & Foam Rolled

Tuesday, September 25th – 10 mile run, Stretched & Foam Rolled

Wednesday, September 26th – 5 mile run, Stretched & Foam Rolled

Thursday, September 27th – 2 mile warm-up, 8 x 800 meters (with 2:00 rest) {5.55 miles}, 2 mile cool-down, Stretched & Foam Rolled

Friday, September 28th – Rest Day, Stretched & Foam Rolled

Saturday, September 29th – 10 mile pace run, Stretched & Foam Rolled

Another 51.55 miles in the bank! I got in my last "long" speed workouts this week and I'm pretty STOKED with how they went. My goal for my track session on Thursday was to have my 800s at or below 3:20 per repeat and I hit EVERY ONE! Then on Saturday my goal pace for my 10 miles was 7:37 and I ended up averaging 7:31/mile. Don't get me wrong, neither of those workouts felt easy or made me think "gee, I bet I could keep this pace for 26.2 miles", but I am super proud that I am getting the workouts done despite being nervous about the speeds I am supposed to be running.

How were your workouts this past week?

September Books

I am stoked that even with our MoviePass membership, I am still getting in a decent amount of books. Let's be real, not having cable TV to keep me "entertained" gives me more free time to dive into a great book or seven ;)

There were FIFTY-TWO books in the first eight months of the year, so when I add September's NINE that brings my total for 2018 thus far to SIXTY-ONE! If you're interested in what I read (and how I'd rate them) or need a suggestion on books to grab, make sure to check out my previous recaps - I try to post them on the last day of the month! {January's Books / February's Books / March's Books / April's Books / May's Books / June's Books / July's Books / August's Books}

• Shoe Dog by Phil Knight - When the hubby and I took a road trip to Mammoth Lakes at the beginning of the month we needed a book to listen to. He already had this one on his phone so we gave it a go. This is a memoir from the co-creator of Nike about how the company came to be. I will be very upfront and let you know that Nike is not a brand I'm normally stoked about, but even still, the story was engaging and captivating. We figured we'd probably get through half of it on the drive up and the second half on the drive home... I'll be honest and say I was a bit surprised that even halfway through we hadn't arrived at the point of the creation of Nike as a brand yet, but I guess there was a decent amount of back story we needed beforehand. Even though I do not expect to create a fast-growing company anytime soon, I still found it interesting (although I had heard a lot of positive things about the book, I was still a little nervous that a "business memoir" would be boring and dry). I think sports fans, economists, history buffs, entrepreneurs, etc would all appreciate this read (but you don't have to identify as any of them to enjoy this one). I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine - I didn't know anything about this book when I got in line for it at the library (normally when the line is 10-15 people long I have a feeling it has "got to be" good), but I had seen a few people I follow on social media reading it so I figured I might as well. When it finally became available I didn't even read the synopsis on the back cover - I just jumped right in. I'm sort of glad I didn't know anything about this one going into it, because it definitely kept me in suspense and guessing about where the story was going. I really enjoyed it. When I was describing it to the hubby I told him it was like a reality TV show plot - where everyone thinks the grass is always greener on the other side... and you don't realize that the green grass is actually green spray-painted cement. I think the catchphrase on the front cover "Some women get everything. Some women get everything they deserve." fits the novel to a T. No spoilers from me - but I really liked how the story was told from the two different perspectives so you can really get a sense of what everyone is feeling (and I actually love that the "author" is actually the pen name of two sisters who write together as one!). Although summer is coming to a close, I think this would be the perfect book to read while laying at the beach or swinging in a hammock - entertaining, suspenseful and thrilling. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

In fact, I took my copy camping with me ;) 

• The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han - After reading the "To All The Boys I Loved Before" series last month, I noticed that the author had another series (and our library happen to carry the books - whoo hoo!) so I knew I needed to grab them. Once they became available I rushed over and nabbed them. This is the first book in the series, and, I have to admit, I had high hopes. I really enjoyed her other series and was hoping I would love this one just as much. Well, let's just say it didn't live up to the other books. Now, I am not saying this was bad, it just didn't hook me as deeply (maybe it's because this series was written earlier in her career and she hadn't honed her craft as much, who knows?!). I am still a sucker for YA romances so gobbled this one up on a gray afternoon (when I had plenty of other things I should have been doing but flew through this book instead). Don't get me wrong, I am still planning on smashing the series, but from the way it currently looks, the other one will still rank higher for me. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han - The second book in the series, and it is exactly what I was expecting. The main character, Belly, is struggling between two loves and deciding which is the right one to go with. (I'll be honest, her flippant and somewhat immature behavior is a bit annoying, but, hey, at 16-17, I'm sure we were all a little silly like that, right?!) Like I mentioned with the previous book, I definitely liked the author's "To All The Boys I Loved Before" series better, but I still am enjoying this one. I wouldn't say it would be one that I would necessarily recommend to others (unless you are really a huge fan of YA romance books and have already read all of the other ones I would recommend ;)), but it is engaging and entertaining enough that I will still with it through the final book of the series. I would give it a 7 out of 10.

• We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han - Another series coming to an end, and I'm a little sad about it. I think this might have been my favorite book in the series because you could really sense the struggle and conflict in the characters. I was a little bummed when I got to the end (or maybe when I was 30-50 pages from the end) because I felt like there was so much more to the story that I wanted to know... but I guess that is sort of how much books end... letting the reader finish the story with their own imagination. I did appreciate having some of the chapters be from Conrad's perspective because throughout the series I thought he was a little aloof and not too likable, but seeing events from his viewpoint changed my opinion of him. If you are looking for a cutesy teenage summer romance type series, you'll fly through this one. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman - I'll be honest, I had no idea what this book was about when I got "in line" for it at the library - I just knew I had a ton of friends who were reading it, loved it or had it on their "must read" list so I figured I'd just on the bandwagon. Let me start off by saying I am so confused as to all the comments (both in reviews online and on the back cover of the book) that state this is "humorous, funny and hilarious". This is a dark story with very serious themes. I have never thought that rape, child abuse, depression, assault, murder, mental illness, etc were amusing. I actually spent the first half of the book thinking that maybe the main character had Aspergers and wasn't sure why a reader would consider laughing at the character's somewhat odd social interactions. With that said, I do believe this was a well written book (especially seeing as it is the author's first novel). It is a great reminder that we have no idea the demons others are battling and to engage with everyone from a place of love and respect. I think had I not read the notes mentioning how "amusing" this book was I probably would have gone in with different expectations and might even have liked it a little more. I would give it a 7 out of 10.

• The Power by Naomi Alderman - I swear, I should probably just the first few sentences of my synopsis on loop... This is yet another one that I don't remember where I got the recommendation from, but have been on the wait list at the library for a long while now. I didn't know anything about the book going in and I guess I didn't know what to expect. After seeing some of the reviews, I thought the comment that mentioned it was a mix of Hunger Games and Handmaid's Tale was pretty spot on. The premise of the novel is that females develop the power to electrocute people and subsequently seize control of society. The idea of a society in which one sex is systematically oppressed through the threat (or use) of physical and sexual violence seems outrageous, until you realize that is the society we live in on the daily. I really liked how all of the characters' stories eventually intertwined. At the beginning of the book I felt emboldened for being a woman and by the end I was scratching my head and wondering if in fact women would let power corrupt them just as much as men have. I know this is just a fictional story, but overall it was powerful and thought-provoking. There were a few parts that left me confused (who the end package was mailed to, why the author kept the letters at the beginning and end of the story, etc), but overall I really enjoyed it. I would give it a 9 out of 10.

• Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan - I was on the wait list for this book for quite a while (a few weeks before the movie was set to hit the theaters) and it FINALLY became available. Although I normally prefer to read the book prior to seeing the movie, it didn't work out like that this time. Even still, I think I prefer the book to the movie. Seeing the film first stifled my imagination a little than normal because I was picturing the events how the looked on screen rather than letting my mind create the scene, but I still appreciated reading the book. And, surprisingly, there were even a few parts of the movie that I preferred over the book (such as Astrid's character and the ending of the film). I also didn't realize that this book was part of a trilogy (although, from the reviews I saw online, it sounds like this was definitely the best book of the three), so I might just have to add the remaining two books to my "for later" shelf at the library. If you've seen the movie, I wouldn't say you need to read the book, but if you haven't seen the film and are looking for an easy, entertaining read, this would definitely be enjoyable. I would give it a 7 out of 10.

• The Girl Who Smiles Beads by Clemantine Wamariya - This is a memoir written by an activist who grew up during the war, atrocities and genocide in Rwanda. She left her home with her older sister when she was six and migrated through seven African counties before being granted asylum in the US when she was twelve. Her story is eye-opening. Not only was growing up during the conflict unimaginable, but everything she had to endure afterward is something many people don't mention or take time to think about. This memoir is powerful, maddening, thought-provoking, impactful, heartbreaking and so much more. It is about humanity and inhumanity. So often we are fed news about war or genocide and then move on with life, but for so many people "moving on" is not an option. This is not a "happily ever after" type story, it is real and raw, but it is a story that needs to be told. I would give it a 9 out of 10.

With that, September has come to a close. My reading may slow, but I definitely hope it never completely stops. If you have any suggestions, let me know! I'm always willing to add them to my queue if our library offers them!

What was the best book you read this month?

Friday Favorites

It's Friday, Friday, who's excited for Friday?! Uh... THIS GIRL! And I'm extra excited for chips and salsa tonight - GET IN MY BELLY! But there are a few other things that I'm fancying these days I thought you might be interested in as well.

Handful Battle Cry Bra

If you've been around my corner of the InterWebs for a while, you probably remember that I was a Handful ambassador for a couple years. Well, just because I am no longer an official part of the team doesn't mean I can't support them 100%. With Breast Cancer Awareness Month coming up in October, I thought this was the perfect time to share about their Battle Cry Pink Handful Adjustable Bras. 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer in the US - which translates to 12.5% of the female population. Handful is doing their best to help support and empower these women by donating 12.5% of the revenue of their Battle Cry Pink bras to the Young Survival Coalition (YSC), the premier organization dedicated to reaching young women diagnosed with breast cancer, offering resources, connections and outreach. Not only that, all breast cancer survivors receive 30% off Handful products and FREE additional pad sets for use as prosthetics.

S'mores

Okay, so I don't have a huge sweet tooth, but there is one treat that I love more than most... S'MORES! And the best way to enjoy them (in my opinion) is with friends, at a campfire, and with a White Chocolate Reese's Cup (instead of your standard Hershey's bar). Well, when I was on Pinterest the other day I ran across some more s'more concoctions and I have to say, I'm intrigued. I think I'll have to grab some Andes Mints for our next trip so I can try the Grasshopper S'more.

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Christmas Music

Okay, okay, so I know it isn't even October yet, but I give myself a strict cut-off of September to December to listen to Christmas jams so technically I am in that window. I realize some of you may be shaking your head or rolling your eyes, but it is hard for me to sing a verse of "Frosty the Snowman" and not have a smile on my face... Christmas music is just so fun and positive that I need it in my life for more than just the 3ish weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

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Caprezze Capris 

With fall weather on the horizon (or at least I hope it is... because I have promised myself that Fall PRs are made from Summer Training ;)) I am STOKED to see rabbit releasing some capris! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE their "Catch Me If You Can" short shorts, but for when the weather is on the cooler side I definitely need a little more material ;) I am digging the color schemes of these pants! Here's to hoping Santa remembers how good I've been this year...

I don't even think I can pick a favorite of the three... I dig them all! 

What are you loving lately?

Why I Didn't Register For Boston

Registration for the 2019 Boston Marathon has come and gone... and I didn't register...

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I have a qualifying time (my 2017 Chicago Marathon and current PR), but decided to opt out of the upcoming race.

Don't get me wrong, Boston (both as a city and as a race) is AMAZEBALLS, but I have decided to sit this one out for a few reasons. If you've been around my corner of the InterWebs for a while you may know why, but for all of you newbies (WELCOME) or in case you've forgot, I thought I'd take a quick second to explain some of the reasons behind my choice.

Letting Others Experience Boston

First and foremost, the reason I am sitting this Boston Marathon out (and subsequent Boston Marathons) is because I don't want to take that place away from someone else. You see, in case you aren't familiar with the Boston Marathon, there are a couple things you need to know. Boston, to a large contingency of runners, is the grand daddy of them all (okay, okay, maybe that's the Rose Bowl, but still...). It is the world's oldest annual marathon and ranks as one of the world's best-known road racing events. It is so sought after, in fact, they have qualifying times you must run to be able to register. And even if you hit those times, it doesn't guarantee you an entry to the race! Due to field size limitations, as well as a heightened interest in participation, a varying "cut-off" time (a time below the minimum qualifying standard for age and gender) is in place. For the 2019 Boston Marathon, the cut-off for qualifying times was drawn at those who beat their qualifying standard by 4 minutes and 52 seconds or faster. (To clarify, I am a 34 year old female, so my BQ {Boston Qualifying} time is 3:35. Then you subtract the "extra" 4:42 ,which means I actually needed a 3:30:08 finish time to be able to register for the race. {Thankfully my Chicago time gave me a 9:58 buffer so had I wanted to register I would have been able to get in.}) Chasing that elusive BQ time can be extremely difficult, sometimes a lifelong goal. (For me, it didn't happen until my ninth marathon and after multiple training cycles and failed attempts.) I feel it would be a little selfish of me to take a spot from someone else who put in the hard work to get there, seeing as I had already experienced the magic that is Boston. (Hear me on this - I am NOT judging people who go multiple times - if they qualified, they deserve to be there - but, for me, I think of friends who have been right on the cusp of getting in and would feel terrible if they didn't get in because I potentially took 'their' spot.) And so we're all on the same page, just because I feel this way currently doesn't mean I don't reserve the right to change my mind. Maybe one day the hubby will qualify and I'll want to run with him, who knows. But, let's be real, my 2018 Boston Marathon was EPIC, MEMORABLE AWESOME & HARD TO TOP! 

Cost

If you know me, you know I am extremely frugal. Well, let me just say that Boston is a pricey city! Even with staying at an AirBnB outside of the city and splitting the cost with my parents, purchasing flights months in advance, etc the trip is a pretty penny! To be fair, because I knew last year would probably be the only Boston I would run, we made sure to "live it up", stayed an extra couple days and got in as much sight seeing as possible. If I was returning, I would cut the trip shorter and could probably dial back on some of the touristy things we did, but even still, the trip is NOT cheap.

Travel Time

The Boston Marathon is always held on Patriots' Day, which is the third Monday of April. Although some areas in the Northeast observe Patriots' Day, it is not a nationally celebrated holiday - that means race day is on a work day for the majority of folks. And then, unless you are leaving town right after the race, you probably will also have to take another day off on Tuesday to travel home. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't have a full time job that I have to request time off from, so this isn't a huge issue for me, but my hubby does so if I didn't want to go alone this is something to consider.

Other Goals

If you read my Tuesday's post, you know I've got a HUGE goal on the horizon... my first official ULTRA MARATHON! Yup, I drank the Kool-Aid, took the jump and registered for my first 50-Miler! Don't get me wrong, I am not giving up on running fast (shoot, I am still planning to attempt a new marathon PR in a few weeks at the Ventura Marathon), but I am excited to change my focus up a bit - swapping roads for trails - and see how far I can push this strong AF body of mine. ;)

So, with those reasons (and probably a few more), I didn't register for the 2019 Boston Marathon. Like I said, maybe I'll be back again in the future (whether to run, spectate or volunteer), but for now I'll spend Marathon Monday like the majority of folks - sitting in the the comforts of my own home, glued to my computer watching live streams and social media.

**PS They've updated the qualifying times for the 2020 Boston Marathon (which will hopefully alleviate the need for a buffer time, but I guess we'll have to wait and see how many people register next year) and made them 5 minutes faster.**

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What is the next big goal you are chasing?

Walt Wednesday

Some people do a "Wordless Wednesday" post, where they simply share a photo or image, but I thought I'd make a little series out of my Wednesdays. And since I love alliteration so much, why not go with Walt Wednesdays (obviously everyone can use a little break from the seriousness, scariness and sassiness of life - and what better way to help put a smile on your face than with a cute wiener dog picture, am I right?!)... So, without further ado...

WALT WEDNESDAY!

When life gets overwhelming, how do you de-stress?