Workout Recap - Week 9

Sunday, February 24th – 8 mile run

Monday, February 25th – 4 mile run, Stretched & Foam Rolled

Tuesday, February 26th – 3.33 mile run, Stretched & Foam Rolled

Wednesday, February 27th – 75 minutes on the stationary bike, Stretched & Foam Rolled

Thursday, February 28th – 2 mile run, Stretched & Foam Rolled

Friday, March 1st –  Rest Day, Stretched & Foam Rolled

Saturday, March 2nd – Griffith Park Trail 50K, Stretched & Foam Rolled

My miles were on the lower side this week due to the taper for my 50K, but I am still stoked at how well my body has held up with these back-to-back ultra training cycles. I can't say enough how important PRE-HAB is - it's much better than having to do REHAB afterward! And now it's time to start training for #Ragnar4Rett in less than 6 weeks!

How were your workouts this past week?

Friday Favorites

Tomorrow is my first official 50K (even though I've run a 50-Mile race and the 50K distance in training), so I needed something to take my mind off the race... And what better than putting together a Friday Favorite list?! LET'S DO IT!

REI's Camping Project

I received an email earlier in the week from REI that talked about a new database they put together that allows you to easily find campgrounds. If you've been around these parts for a while you probably know the hubby and I enjoy adventuring, and camping is high up on that list. I have clicked around on the website and think it could be a pretty awesome resource. Not only does it show campgrounds, but you can also explore nearby activities, including find trails, rides and climbing routes using their free, community-built maps and guides. I think this will come in handy for future trips!

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Bean Goods' Adoption Series

You all know we love our Walt the Wiener Dog, but I'm not sure if I've shared our love for Bean Goods on here before. This is a brand made specifically to highlight the awesomeness of dachshunds! They offer everything from jackets specifically fitted for the wiener dog body to human clothes featuring awesome dachshund themed designs. This year they're focusing on giving back and you know I LOVE promoting brands doing good in the community! One of their biggest goals is to strengthen their giving initiatives by partnering with awesome rescues who share the mission of improving the lives of both pups and humans through rescue. Each month they'll support a different dachshund rescue with a new tee! By purchasing this month's tee you'll help save doxies lives and spread awareness of the importance of rescue. 35% of all profits from their adoption series tees this month will be donated to dachshund rescue L.A..

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Power to the Parks

Parks Project recently teamed up with Shepard Fairey's creative agency, Studio Number One, to create a free downloadable poster to help bring the power to our parks. National Parks are facing years of damage due to the government shutdown earlier this year. Progress is being made, but there is still a multi-billion dollar maintenance backlog that has persisted for years. Now is the time to join the movement and spread the word to help reignite the resilience and power of our parklands. Print it (preferably on recycled paper), share it, shout it; show your support for our parklands!

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The Russian Five

If you know me, you know I love my Michigan sports teams and the Red Wings are no exception (even with their terrible record this year). When I saw an article on MLive about a mid-March release of a new documentary, The Russian Five, I was STOKED! The movie is the story of the five Russian players which came to Detroit to play for the Red Wings. They struggled to fit in while practicing to help lead the Red Wings to become Stanley Cup champions. Now if only it would actually come to a theater in SoCal we'd be all set... I guess we will just have to wait till it becomes available digitally.

What are you loving lately?

February Books

I can't believe my goal of reading 17 books in 2017 (ha, I ended up with 88 in 2017 and 77 in 2018!) has morphed into this passion for books. Let's be real, not having cable TV to keep me "entertained" also gives me more free time to dive into a great book or seven ;) {PS One of my goals for 2019 is to read 19 books, let's see how many times over I can do that.}

There were SIX books in the first month, so when I add February's FIVE that brings my total for 2019 to ELEVEN thus far! If you're interested in what I read (or how I'd rate them), make sure to check out my previous recaps! {January's Books}

• Calypso by David Sedaris - A friend or two of mine had mentioned this book recently so I put it on hold at the library. As per usual I didn't know anything about it prior to checking it out - but that seems to be a recurring theme in my reading realm. I haven't read anything by David before, but apparently he is a pretty well known (and distinguished) author. When I shared on my Instagram stories that I had picked up this book I got a lot of feedback from folks who mentioned they had read it and that although his humor is a bit dark, it was a great book. I would have to agree with that assessment. This book is a bit of a memoir (a collection of essays from his life) that touches on some pretty deep topics - all while trying to poke a little fun at himself and keep it as lighthearted as possible. The stories center around him, his family and their relationships with one another. They are a dysfunctional bunch, but who isn't?! I wouldn't say each of the chapters made me 'LOL', but there were definitely some chuckles (and a few head shakes and maybe even a few gasps) throughout. I was able to read this in a couple hours (with short chapters I told myself "just one more" and quickly I was done with the whole thing) and it had me looking to see if our library carries his other books. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• Tyler Johnson Was Here by Jay Coles - The hubby and I were in search of an audiobook to listen to on the trip to and from Phoenix for the Mesa-PHX Marathon and grabbed this one. I hope this doesn't come out wrong, but this story line is similar to others currently on the market (i.e. The Hate U Give, Dear Martin, etc). Don't get me wrong, it is a truth that we need to have our eyes opened up to more and more, but the plot was comparable to ones I have read recently. With that said, the hubby and I both really enjoyed this one. At the end, the hubby mentioned that the conclusion he was expecting (or wanting) never really came, but I guess that's not really the point, is it? The heart of the matter is that (without sounding trite) black lives matter. These people killed were and are more than just a hashtag - they are someone's son, someone's brother, someone's friend. This is not a story hating on police or whites, it's a novel the author wrote based on true events in his life. This is reality in America - there is police brutality, there is racism, there is hate. We need to do everything in our power to overcome these truths and fight for a better world, a better life. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• We Were The Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter - When I shared The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah in last month's book recap I got quite a few folks who suggested I check out this title since I liked that book so much. I had to wait a couple weeks for it to become available at my library, but once it did I ran over (no, literally, I've been "running my errands" now that the hubby and I are sharing a car, so I physically ran to the library for the book) and snagged it. I'll be honest, this one was a little harder for me to stick with and follow. I love the idea that the book jumps from the different characters' perspectives, but at times it was hard for me to keep all of the story-lines and people straight in With that said, it was still an amazing (and gut-wrenching) story. Seeing as the cover of the book says that it's a novel, I was thinking it was made up (with some portions based on the history of World War II, concentration camps, etc), but when I got to the Author's Notes I was blown away that this was legit a family story. This family absolutely defied the odds and despite all of the death and destruction, they came out on the other side more "whole" than one could have every imagined - they truly were the lucky ones! I feel like so often we hear about the plight the Jews went through during WWII, but, at least for me, I feel so removed from it. This made their experiences so real (and raw) that all I could do was tear up, shake my head and pray that we never repeat the atrocities that occurred. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown - I have read another one of Brené's books, so when I saw this one become available at the library I decided it was time to give it a read. The book is a couple years old already, but it is just as relevant for today's political climate as it was then. Her research delves into how we can find true belonging and have the courage to stand alone (even when it's tough and vulnerable, because it is necessary and worth it!). This is not a book grandstanding and telling us that everyone should hold hands and sing kumbaya, but it is saying that when we do show up and stand up for our beliefs, we need to be civil and respectful. In the divisive climate we find ourselves in, the four pillars she mentions in her book - "People are hard to hate close up. Move in.", "Speak truth to bullshit. Be civil.", "Hold hands. With strangers.", and "Strong back. Soft front. Wild heart." are all topics we could be a little more versed in. Although I sort of wish I walked away with more 'how to' steps, it did raise quite a few great points - points I hope to simmer on and hopefully adjust my behavior accordingly. Let's dare to be better! I would give it an 8 out of 10.

• Looking for Alaska by John Green - Yet another book I'm not exactly sure how it ended up on my "must read" list, but I do know I have enjoyed others by this same author (Turtles all the Way Down, The Fault in the Stars, Paper Towns, etc). After the somewhat serious books I had been reading recently, I welcomed this young adult novel. Don't get me wrong, it still had its dark sides, but I think the overall feel was a little more lighthearted (or at least there was more of that thrown in throughout the story). I was able to read this book in an afternoon and couldn't really put it down. I really liked how it was set up as a "before and after", it kept you engaged and interested to find out what the turning point in the story would be and then how the characters would move past it. This is definitely a different take on a "coming of age" story, and I can see why schools are using it in their curriculum. The characters all felt real, raw and relatable. I wouldn't say it was a tearjerker (it may had been a little predictable), but it definitely gave me the feels. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

With that, February has come to a close. My reading may not be going gang-busters like it has in the past, but I hope it never completely stops. If you have any suggestions, let me know! I'm always willing to add them to my library wait list!

PS I created an Amazon list that includes all of the books I've read and would recommend to others. Check it out!

What was the best book you read this year?

March Madness // Four 30-Day Challenges

Don't get me wrong, I love me some good college basketball (#GoBlue), but the March Madness I'm referencing is a little different than the standard basketball bracket tournament you're used to hearing about during the third month of the year.

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This March Madness will be all about getting back on the muscle building wagon and getting our STRONG on! And who doesn't love a great 30-day challenge to ignite the spark?! In fact, since 30-day challenges are (in my opinion) a great way to kick-start a new habit, why not combine a couple of them?! If one is good, then four is better, right?!

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For the month of March, I'm going to take on FOUR 30-day challenges and I challenge you to join me! There is a squat challenge, a plank challenge, a push-up challenge and a crunch challenge. I figured March was the perfect time to start because many of us have let our "resolutions" slip from the forefront of our mind and we need a kick in the booty before our spring races come around/ the weather gets nicer/ more time slips from our grasp / whatever your reason may be.

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My plan is to split up the different exercises throughout the day (maybe one before breakfast, one before lunch, one before dinner and one before bed) so I'm not trying to fit them all in at the end of the day, but we will have to see how I do.

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Feel free to join in on any or all of the challenges (if four is too much, pick one or two - YOU DO YOU!)! Accountability is great, so the more people we have doing it and routing each other on, the more likely we will be to stick with it. By the end we will be doing 250 squats // 5 minute plank // 5 push-ups // 150 crunches - WE WILL BE ROCKSTARS! Well, shoot, we already ARE rockstars, but by the end of the month hopefully we will be even stronger, fitter rockstars!

March 1st: 50 squats // 20 second plank // 5 push-ups // 25 crunches
March 2nd: 55 squats // 20 second plank // 5 push-ups // 30 crunches
March 3rd: 60 squats // 30 second plank // 6 push-ups // 35 crunches
March 4th: REST squats // 30 second plank // 6 push-ups // REST crunches
March 5th: 70 squats // 40 second plank // 7 push-ups // 40 crunches
March 6th: 75 squats // REST plank // 7 push-ups // 45 crunches
March 7th: 80 squats // 45 second plank // 10 push-ups // 50 crunches
March 8th: REST squats // 45 second plank // 10 push-ups // REST crunches
March 9th: 100 squats // 60 second plank // 10 push-ups // 60 crunches
March 10th: 105 squats // 60 second plank // 15 push-ups // 65 crunches
March 11th: 110 squats // 60 second plank // 15 push-ups // 70 crunches
March 12th: REST squats // 90 second plank // 15 push-ups // REST crunches
March 13th: 130 squats // REST plank // REST push-ups // 80 crunches
March 14th: 135 squats // 90 second plank // 18 push-ups // 90 crunches
March 15th: 140 squats // 90 second plank // 18 push-ups // 95 crunches
March 16th: REST squats // 120 second plank // 20 push-ups // REST crunches
March 17th: 150 squats // 120 second plank // 20 push-ups // 100 crunches
March 18th: 155 squats // 2.5 minute plank // 20 push-ups // 105 crunches
March 19th: 160 squats // REST plank // 25 push-ups // 110 crunches
March 20th: REST squats // 2.5 minute plank // 25 push-ups // REST crunches
March 21st: 180 squats // 2.5 minute plank // 30 push-ups // 115 crunches
March 22nd: 185 squats // 3 minute plank // REST push-ups // 120 crunches
March 23rd: 1900 squats // 3 minute plank // 30 push-ups // 125 crunches
March 24th: REST squats // 3.5 minute plank // 35 push-ups // REST crunches
March 25th: 220 squats // 3.5 minute plank // 35 push-ups // 130 crunches
March 26th: 225 squats // REST plank // 40 push-ups // 135 crunches
March 27th: 230 squats // 4 minute plank // 40 push-ups // 140 crunches
March 28th: REST squats // 4 minute plank // 45 push-ups // REST crunches
March 29th: 240 squats // 4.5 minute plank // 45 push-ups // 145 crunches
March 30th: 250 squats // 5 minute plank // 50 push-ups // 150 crunches

PS I am planning to post daily in my IG stories {@CarleeMcDot} as a reminder for us to all get after it, so if you don't follow me already, make sure you do so and tag me so I can share everyone who is joining in on the challenges!

Which of the four challenges do you think will be the hardest to do?

Limiting Screen Time

I know I've mentioned it a few times, and even still, folks may not believe me, but I promise... I am not super tech savvy. Don't get me wrong, the majority of time I love my social media, but the technology behind all of it just boggles my brain.

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I'm the type of person who feels the need to read through the entire user guide before turning on an electronic to make sure I'm using it properly and getting the most out of it. I am normally late to the game for most technology advances. With that said, it probably wouldn't surprise you to find out that I often don't update the operating system on things like my phone or computer because I "like the way they are". I don't need the newest or best, not to mention I feel like the early adopters are often the guinea pigs... I'd much prefer jumping onto the bandwagon when the kinks have been worked out ;)

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So I'm sure it won't shock you when I say I held off on downloading the new iOS on my phone till very recently (like within the last week) and now have access to some of the new fan-dangled high tech options like how it tracks your screen time!

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Let's just say when I saw the numbers I was a little floored... and maybe more than a little disgusted... Don't get me wrong, you could say I'm on social media (or my phone) for parts of my job, but still, the numbers were shocking.

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When I was on my run Sunday morning I had the thought that quite a few of the parents I know put limits on their kids' screen time, yet I don't know too many of them who limit their own. I know, I know, kids' brains are still being molded and shaped and don't need the constant bombardment of shiny things... but if they shouldn't be inundated with it, should we?!

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That got me thinking... maybe I should restrict my own screen time. In fact, there's a feature now that my phone has been updated that allows me to put self imposed limits! Obviously it's not a perfect fix (since you can override the functionality), but it's another way to make you THINK before you mindlessly grab for your phone and feed that phone addiction.

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Shoot, it was just last week that I posted about wanting to unplug and recharge more regularly, so this is the perfect way to practice what I preach and put that intention into action. Apparently someone in the blogosphere read my post and made this update just for me (alright, I DOUBT that was the case, but still, it felt like it was exactly what I needed!)!

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And I don't necessarily believe there is a magic number (or that the number matters at all - my number may be twice as much as you think works for you and half of what works for your friend), but if it causes us to think through why we are actually grabbing those little magic boxes, if it causes us to get up off our booties and get outside, if it causes us to be more present, if it causes us to stop spectating and actually participate in our lives, it's something I wanna do.

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I'll be honest (because you know I've aways gotta #KeepItReal), yesterday was the first day I turned on the limit feature on my phone and I really don't know how it's going to go long term. Maybe last week was a relatively high amount of screen time and the limit I put for this week won't make much difference (or maybe, conversely, I blow through my allotted time before lunch). I plan to tweak and play with this until I find what works for me and my lifestyle. #YouDoYouAndIllDoMe

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PS This is in NO WAY a drive-by guilting, saying you need to put down your phone immediately (shoot, if that was the case I'd lose all of my readers and followers ;)), but I'm saying we need to make sure the things that we are consuming - whether it's physical food, social media content, etc is nourishing us {and in a positive way} - not simply filling time!

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Do you have a limit on your personal screen time?

Workout Recap - Week 8

Sunday, February 17th – Rest Day

Monday, February 18th – 6 mile run with the hubby

Tuesday, February 19th – 10 mile run, Stretched & Foam Rolled

Wednesday, February 20th – 60 minutes on the stationary bike

Thursday, February 21st – 10.10 mile run

Friday, February 22nd –  4 mile run

Saturday, February 23rd – 10 mile run, Stretched & Foam Rolled

If you remember last week's workout recap, I was out of town from Thursday through Monday and had to swap around runs. As you can see from the beginning of this week, that effected my workouts a bit (at least when and where my different runs were done), but thankfully I was entering TAPER TIME so I was cutting down on my runs anyway. PS I really need to get back on the foam rolling and stretching train... especially with my 50K NEXT WEEK!

How were your workouts this past week?

Friday Favorites

Another week, another list of what I'm loving lately. I hope you find them somewhat helpful or informative... but even if you don't, I still like reflecting on new-to-me products or services I've come across ;) So, here we go, let's get after it!

Momentum Ambassadorship

I've been a Momentum Ambassador from the get-go. In fact, I was actually the first official ambassador. I love this brand (and everyone behind it) to my core! They'll be opening applications for the 2019 program soon and I wanted to give you the heads up so you can mark your calendar. The window to apply is short - like two days - so if you're interested, make an alert on your phone, set an alarm, whatever you need to do to remind yourself! You can put your name in the hat on Friday, March 1st through 11:59pm CST Saturday, March 2nd. Do you love to inspire and motivate others? Momentum Ambassadors are eager to share a message of strength and positivity - they work hard every day to change the world by encouraging others to live more active, healthy, and inspired lives. If this is you, don't forget to apply next week!

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FedEx Delivery Manager

I mentioned almost a year ago in a Friday Favorites about the USPS Informed Delivery program - where you receive email updates with images of your scanned mail/ packages in the United States Postal Service system. Well, I had no idea you could sign up for something similar with FedEx... A fellow Brooks Ambassador told me about it earlier in the week when we were chatting about an upcoming shipment and you better believe I signed up right away. Signing up (along with most of the features) is free, so what do you have to lose?! I love that even if I'm not sent tracking information from a company I'll still receive updates on when a package addressed to me has shipped and when it'll be delivered!

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AWESOME Giveaways

Who wouldn't want to win this AMAZING giveaway?! NATHAN + Charity Miles is proud to present the Riviera Maya FITlanthropy GIVEAWAY! A luxurious 3-night stay at the 5-Star Gourmet (All) Inclusive Spa Resort, El Dorado Royal, by Karisma in Riviera Maya, Mexico + Garmin, Aftershokz Headphones, Pair of Brooks Running Shoes and Nathan VaporAir Hydration Vest. Winners Announced 3/1/19. Enter here: https://sociali.io/ref/SB20903456

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Treat yourself this winter. Enter to win a simple winter giveaway for your very own cozy Getaway, with great bonuses valued at over $3,150. Enter to win the following: Two night Getaway at their New York, Boston, or DC Outpost ($400 value) // $500 transportation credit // $200 gift card to Parks Project // $500 gift card to Snowe // $500 credit towards a 12-month furniture subscription with Feather // A pair of Forsake high tops + low tops for the winner and a travel companion ($550 value) // $500 gift card to Sleepy Jones. The sweepstakes ends 3/11/19. Enter here: http://swee.ps/JAZRakoPL

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Fundraising for #Ragnar4Rett

I know I mentioned the #Ragnar4Rett #TeamSparkle Virtual 5K last week, but this week I am STOKED to share I am personally fundraising for the cause. If you haven't already, make sure to check out my fundraising page - and if you could spare $5 (the cost of a cup of coffee), consider donating! All the proceeds go to Girl Power 2 Cure to fight Rett Syndrome.

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What are you loving lately?