Weekly Wrap - May 6

Linking up with Holly and Wendy for the Weekly Wrap. Be sure to stop by their blogs to see what everyone else was up to last week.

Whew! I just spent about 4 hours meal prepping for the week. I sure hope it pays off because that's a LOT of time on my feet in the kitchen. I'm very excited to get started on the TIU Bikini Series tomorrow and am very hopeful that I'll see some really positive results over the next 8 weeks.

Workouts

I took it a little easy this week since the Bikini Series is starting next week. I focused mostly on getting in my 3 runs and doing yoga to prepare my body and mind for the upcoming challenge.

Weekly Wrap - Apr 29

Linking up with Holly and Wendy for the Weekly Wrap. Be sure to stop by their blogs to see what everyone else was up to last week.

Hello from sunny 🌞 Las Vegas! It's been gorgeous this past week. Well, maybe too hot for some with near record highs! Workout-wise, this was a pretty slow week, but work was crazy busy! And there was a little fun thrown in as well.

Workouts

I was still experiencing quite a bit of pain in my ankle most of the week, so working out wasn't a high priority. I still managed to make it out of the office for a few walk breaks, which was nice, but I pretty much dropped out of my challenges this month. But I'm OK with that. It's better to be healthy and uninjured than to stick it out with a fitness challenge. 😏

9 Running Drills to Make you a Better, Stronger Runner

Transitioning to forefoot running takes time because you often have to reteach your muscles how to function while out on a run. Running drills focused on forefoot running can aid in the transition because they force your muscles to repeat these functions in various ways to build strength and muscle memory.

I've found a few running drills to begin incorporating into warm-ups before starting my runs. They focus a lot on getting used to how it should feel to have a forefoot strike as well as focusing on balance.

Good balance is key to successful forefoot running because all the action takes place in front of your body. Good balance will keep you upright, stable, and less likely to face plant. 😜

Some of the videos below demonstrating these drills are duplicates, but I've embedded each video to begin playing at the time of the particular drill I've just described.

Do you know what time it is?

Time for some Runfessions!

Happy to be linking up with Marcia once again for a little runfessing.

I runfess that...  while my forefoot running transition is going well it is still a bit scary for me. Last week, I shared my full 2018 transition plan and seeing it all laid out is both calming and terrifying. It's definitely feeling more natural but I'll really start ramping things up in April and the doubts are starting to set in. Am I ready? Can I maintain form for longer than 1-2 miles?

Join me! Time for the March Ultimate Coffee Date!!

March was off to a great start until I woke up with a running nose, sore throat, headache and zero energy. Booo...

Good thing this coffee date is virtual. 😉

If we were having coffee today, I would tell you...

I'm drinking tea with honey instead of coffee. Tea always sounds better when I'm sick. My husband got sick first. He doesn't like tea, so he's just been drinking hot water with lemon and honey. Did you know that honey and lemon not only taste good but also promote healing?


If we were having coffee today, I would tell you...

Weekly Wrap - Feb 11

Linking up with Holly and Wendy for the Weekly Wrap. Be sure to stop by their blogs to see what everyone else was up to last week.

In case you missed my Instagram post yesterday, I took my run outside! My slow transition to forefoot running is coming along. I wanted to run 5 minutes but ended up with 6. Doesn't seem like much, I know, but I could definitely feel it in my feet and legs. I'm excited about this step and hope to continue these short runs throughout the next week.

Here's what else I was up to last week.

Workouts

I'm pleased with my workouts this past week! 2 yoga workouts. Kept up with the Supermans, Squats, and Twists challenge. 3 days of Tone It Up workouts. A Random Kettlebell HIIT workout. Jeff and I even took Sallie for a 2-mile walk yesterday.

My Year of Running 2017

It's that time of year! When we start looking back at all the things we accomplished and start making plans for the year to come. I love this time of year.

Let's reflect back on my running this past year. I'm linking up with Courtney at Eat Pray Run DC for this fun end-of-the-year link-up.

Best race experience

Running Love: Reasons I Love Run

Happy Valentine's Day... and Tuesday!

Today's topic for Tuesday's on the Run is... (no surprise)... Stuff I love about running.

Obviously, I love so. much. about running.

Here are a few reasons why I love to run.

In no particular order.

Running clothes are super cute and comfy. Next to yoga clothes, I'm not sure anything beats running clothes. At least the stuff I buy. I mean, I get by without wearing a bra or undies - cuz they come built it. 😏

Running makes me happy and feel alive. There's just something about getting that heart pumping and sweat flowing. It brings an energy that just makes me smile. Yes, even when it hurts - though sometimes not exactly in the moment.

Running allows me to have lots of little personal victories. It's such a personal sport where you can challenge yourself to go just a tiny bit further - in time, distance, pace. You name it! It's 100% customizable, and when you've pushed yourself and beaten even the tiniest of goals, you just feel so. damn. good!

Running gets me outside. If it weren't for running, I'd hardly leave my house. I certainly wouldn't explore my neighborhood as much as I do. It's a great excuse to get out there and enjoy the weather. Sun, rain, snow, clouds. I've learned to find beauty and joy in it all.

Running can be done anywhere. I'm not going to lie. I'm sometimes a pretty lazy runner. I love that I can just lace up and run from right out my front door. Or if I'm travelling wish I could do this more often! I can run in the neighborhood of the hotel/resort. Never forget to pack the running shoes!!
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Despite all of the above, sometimes running is hard and we need to remind ourselves of not only why we love it, but how to enjoy it. Be sure to check out my tips to make every run enjoyable for those runs when you're not feeling the love.

Don't forget to visit our TOTR hostesses - Marcia, Patty, and Erika - to read more posts about running love.

Why do you love running?
What makes you wanna lace up those shoes and get out there?
Doing anything fun for Valentine's Day?

My Year of Running 2016

Wow! It's so hard to believe that this is the final week of the year! I've been enjoying reflecting on the year and reading lots of other recaps from other running blogs.

I'm especially excited to see that the Year of Running is still a thing. It started with Amanda at Miss Zippy (no longer blogging) and is now being hosted by Courtney at Eat Pray Run DC.

Without further ado, here is the 2016 edition of My Year of Running.

What Running Taught Me This Year

Last week, I stumbled upon a new {to me} link-up called Tuesdays on the Run. I'm excited to join in the fun {a day late}. This week's topic is Something new running taught you this year.

Back in 2013, I shared 4 Lessons I've Learned about Running and in 2014, I shared 5 Lessons From Running I Haven't Learned.

So, what's something NEW I've learned this year?

Week in Review 12/04

Mostly a good week last week. #RWRunStreak is going strong and I'm keeping up with my Nike+ Run Club training program, too. The cold weather sucks, but at least it's helping me run a bit FASTER! 🏃

Ultimate Coffee Date - December 2016

Happy December! Since it's the first Saturday of the month, it's time for the Ultimate Coffee Date with Coco & Deborah. It's always fun to catch up with all of you on what's been going over a nice hot cup of joe (or tea, in my case this morning).

The last Ultimate Coffee Date seems both like it was a long time ago and that it was just last week. Anyone else feel this way about November? Just me?

How much to do you LOVE my new December mug?
Not much snow here in Vegas, but I still love it SNOW MUCH. hehehe

Week in Review 11/27

Hope you all survived Thanksgiving and are getting in the holiday spirit!

I started the #RWRunStreak on Thanksgiving as well as a new Nike+ training program. To help hold myself accountable, I thought it would be a good idea to do a Week in Review post each Sunday.

I'm mostly focused on running right now, but this frog doing yoga was just too cute!

Ultimate Coffee Date - May 2015

Good morning!

It is absolutely gorgeous outside this morning as I sip on my coffee and catch up during the Ultimate Coffee Date. The wind is calm, the sky is blue, and the temperature is perfect.

If we were having coffee today... I would tell you about my winning week! I was the Week 3 winner for the #RockYourCore challenge in April, and got a huge box of goodies from Quest Nutrition - protein powder packets, protein bars, and even some protein chips. I also won entry to the Zion Half Marathon next March. Super excited for that!!

If we were having coffee today... I would tell you about all the races I have coming up - starting with a 16-miler tomorrow. A 16-miler that I decided to do last weekend (and registered for on Monday). Needless to say, I haven't really trained or prepared for it, but I'm excited about it nonetheless.

May 3 - Ride the Wind 16-miler
May 9 - FroYo 5k
May 30 - WildLand Fire Awareness Trail Half Marathon
July 31 - Once in a Blue Moon - Shoot the Moon - Three 5ks, One Night
Dec 5 - Run Laughlin Half Marathon

This will probably be it for my 2015 race schedule (unless I get a sponsor or a race sugar daddy) due to financial reasons, but I'll still try to get in as much running as possible. It's what I do. :-)

If we were having coffee today... I'd also mention that I was an ambassador for the Run Laughlin Half Marathon. You should totally join me for a fun #racecation. Use promo code EnjoyTheCourse to save $15 off the Half Marathon or $5 off the 5K. Or enter below to win a free entry!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
If we were having coffee today... I'd tell you about our trip to the Grand Canyon at the beginning of April. It was magnificent - especially the sunset. We definitely want to go back again! I need to write a full post about that trip soon!

I'd probably also mention how we spent some time at Zion National Park, coming back from Ragnar Trail Zion last week. Again, another post I need to write.

Another reason to love living in Vegas. So many national and state parks within a few hours drive. Awe inspiring!!

If you really want to feel like we're having coffee together, check out my vlog from this morning. I talk about the above and more. :-)



Now that we're all caught up, hop on over to the Ultimate Coffee Date hosts (Deb, Coco, or Lynda) to have coffee with a bunch of other fun bloggers!
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Conversations with Non-Fitness Enthusiasts

This is my first time linking up for #TheFitDish with Jill Conyers and Jessica Joy.

I couldn't resist this week's topic.

We've all had them right?! Conversations when you mention an upcoming race, or a fitness accomplishment you've achieved, and you're met with a blank stare or a ridiculous response.

3 examples:

Me: I think I'm going to start biking into work again.
Co-Worker: Does that mean you won't have to...I mean...get to...I mean...will you not run as much?
Me, laughing: No, it just means I'll do both!

Me: I'm running a 5k this weekend!
Co-Worker: Are you going to win?
Me: Um. No. Probably won't even get a PR. :(

Co-Worker: How was your marathon last weekend?
Me: Marathon? Oh, you mean the 5k. It was really awesome! I ran my fastest one ever.
Co-Worker: Like 20 minutes?
Me: Uh. Not anywhere near that fast. Thanks for making me feel bad about my PR. lol.

These are 3 real life conversations that I had in the past few weeks with 3 separate co-workers.

After each of them, I could only shake my head and laugh.

They just don't it get.

And normally, I really don't mind. Normally, I just laugh it off.

But every once in a while, it's annoying. Every once in awhile, I wish everyone would just know what it means to run a marathon or get a Personal Record.

And share in my triumphs!

I did recently inspire a co-worker to start running again, so I guess all my blabbering about running has paid off. That's the best thing that can happen! When a conversation (or several) helps someone else jump on the running/fitness bandwagon. Now, that makes a girl feel real good. :)

What's the most ridiculous conversation you've had about fitness or running with a non-fitness enthusiast?
Has your enthusiasm inspired someone to join the fun?
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Review: Altra Running

At the end of a recent RunChat, my phone started blowing up with notifications!

I WON A PAIR OF ALTRA RUNNING SHOES!!

I was blown away. And super excited! I'd heard lots of good things about Atra Running Shoes, and I'd been wanting to try them for awhile.

By Thursday, my new shoes had arrived. That was FAST! Whoo hoo!!!

I chose the One² - their lightest weight and lightest cushioning women's shoe.



These babies are super light! When the box arrived, it felt EMPTY! After shaking it, I could hear a slight rustling, so I knew there was, in fact, a pair of shoes inside. :-)

I took them out for a 4-mile run the very next morning.
It was like running on AIR! So light, so comfy!

These are zero drop shoes, which I've been attempting to convert to for the past few months. These have a little more cushion than my other zero drop shoes, which I liked. I still need to work on improving my running form, though.

Since Altra shoes have significant differences from traditional running shoes, there was a pamphlet inside to help with the transition. There is also a page on Common Injuries & Self Care. So helpful!

You can also visit the Run Better section of their website for helpful info on running form, transitioning to Altra shoes, and details about the design of their shoes and how they should fit.

My 2nd run in my new shoes was during the Big Game 5k. When I announced to Jeff that I'd gotten a pretty significant PR, his first question was....

Was it the new shoes?! :-D

Not sure I can entirely give full credit to the new shoes, but, yeah, I'm pretty sure they played a part.

I think I might be an Altra convert.

Have you tried Altra Running shoes?
Have you ever won anything on Twitter?
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Merry Christmas Run

Last night I was so super tired, but I still could hardly get to sleep!

I was too excited!!

For a visit from Santa? Nope!
For a race? Nope!
For a fun solo run in a holiday themed running outfit along the Las Vegas Strip? You guessed it!

I almost wore this outfit earlier in the week, but decided to save it until my run on Christmas morning. I thought it would be a perfect way to spread some holiday cheer.

Mother Nature was both with me and against me.

With me because the temperature was perfect for wearing knee high compression socks with shorts and arm sleeves with a short sleeve shirt.

Against me because of the intense winds.

You know that feeling you get when you're riding a roller coaster and your cheeks are blowing in the wind? That's what it felt like during some of the gusty headwinds.

But when I caught a tailwind. Man, it felt like I was on FIRE! Well, you know what I mean.

In addition to the super windy conditions, I had a lot of skirt issues. The slippery material of my compression shorts kept making my Sparkle Athletic skirt slide up to my waist. I like when it's down on my hips, so it covers more of my bum. :-) After about a mile, I rolled my shorts down so the waistband was more on my hips. That helped a lot!

Of course, then the wind kept blowing my skirt up - which seems more revealing and risque when you're wearing skin tight white compression shorts. lol.

It was still a super fun run with lots of smiles and thumbs ups (and yes, a few weird looks) from the people out and about.

This run was powered by the Get Merry RockMyRun mix. Kind of fun running to some random Christmas music.

I was a little disappointed in the lack of Christmas decorations outside on the Strip. I guess you have to go inside the casinos??

Around mile 4, I saw an older couple taking a picture outside the waterfall at the Wynn. I stopped to see if they wanted a picture together.

Totally made me smile stopping to take a quick pic for them.

And then mile 5 (my final mile) was my fastest - 9'31". Wowza!! Thank you, tailwind. :)

It was a wonderful way to start my Christmas Day!

Please kindly disregard my headphones cord.

Hope you all are warm and cozy today and enjoying fun times with family and friends.

Merry Christmas from Enjoying the Course!
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My Year of Running 2014

I'm super excited to link up with Miss Zippy again this year for My Year of Running 2014. It's been quite a good running year for me! :-)

What was my:

Best Race Experience? How can I possibly choose a best race experience?! I think I ran more races this year than I have in many years. OK, if I have to pick one, I'll go with the Ventura Half Marathon. After running it, I went on a blogging hiatus, so I never did a proper recap, but you can check out this Google Plus story about the race. I had a lot of fun running this one in a swimsuit cover-up (with running clothes underneath) and a floppy beach hat AND even managed a PR. Whoo hoo!

Best run? So many great runs this year! I loved hitting the trails with George training for Ragnar Zion and then Trails of Fury. Some of the best runs, of course, were the ones with my non-runner husband who trained for, and ran, his first half marathon this year. But one of my favorite runs was the one I did on Catalina Island in May.

Best new piece of gear? The Flip Belt. I broke down and bought one of these at the Rock 'n Roll Las Vegas expo. I love it so much - better than any belt or pocket I've ever tried.

Best piece of advice I received? Run more races. lol. And like I mentioned, I did run a lot (for me) races this year. :)

Most inspirational runner? I like to be inspired by regular people and well, people from Twitter. I'm going to go with my friend, George, this year. He inspired me to try out trail running again and pushed me to run some of the trails here in Vegas with him. He runs lots of crazy races and just has a lot of fun with running. He's always willing to run at someone else's pace to help them through a race, as well. If you're not following him on Twitter, you should be. :)

If I could sum up my year in a couple of words, what would they be? Amazing and fun!

How was your year of running?
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Ultimate Coffee Date - December 2014

The last post I wrote before going on blogging hiatus was an Ultimate Coffee Date in Sept, so I was super excited to find out this link-up is still alive!

Coffee with friends can be so much fun, so I'm excited to grab a cup and catch up with all of you!!

If we were having coffee today... I'd have to keep this short and sweet because I'm meeting some friends for a trail run this morning! I haven't hit up a trail in months, so I can't wait. If you're a long time reader, this might shock you because I used to really dislike trail running, but it kinda grew on me this past year after training with George for a half marathon/5K back in May. I'd ask if you prefer trail running or road running.

If we were having coffee today... I'd tell you all about how 2015 is going to focus on speed! I've had breaking a 25-min 5k as a goal for the past 2 years, and right now I'm not sure I could even break a 30-min 5k. I've got a lot of work to do in 2015, which means I'm committing to no marathons in 2015 and lots of speed work and strength training. :-) I'm toying with an idea of hosting some kind of a virtual 5k race series that would last all year long. I'd ask if you were focusing on speed in 2015 and/or if you'd be interested in joining a virtual race series.

If we were having coffee today... I'd tell you how I'm *this* close to 1400 followers on Instagram! How fun would it be to get to 1500 before the New Year?! You can follow me here and I'd ask if you were on IG as well.

If we were having coffee today... I'd tell you how excited/frustrated I am that we are planning on buying a house in 2015. (yes, 2015 is going to be one hell of a year!) I'm excited at the possibility of moving into a place all our own. Our current apartment is getting more and more ghetto. The people who are moving in and the people who are walking around aren't making us feel the safest, so we're definitely excited to get out of our current complex and area of the city. I'm frustrated that it's not happening right now! When you make a huge decision like this, you just want it to happen right away. We're trying to save a little more money and find the perfect (for us!) house. We're probably several months away from actually moving, and I'm sure there will be a lot more frustrations to come, but it's still very exciting. I'd ask about your first time home buying experience.

If we were having coffee today... I'd probably apologize that I haven't mentioned anything about the holidays - shopping, decorating, baking, etc. Truth is over the years I've gotten less and less into the holidays. Jeff really doesn't get into them, and when it's just me, it just doesn't seem as important. Maybe I'll start getting into all the holiday decorating and baking again next year when we're in our own place. I'd probably ask you about any holiday parties you have coming up.

OK I've got to get ready for my trail run! It's been fun sharing with you!! I hope you'll go check out everyone else who stopped by the Ultimate Coffee Date over at Confessions of a Mother Runner today!
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December - You're going to be a great month!

Happy December, everyone!

Here are a few reasons why I'm excited for December.

#1. Today I'm starting a 21-Day ‘Re’-Bootcamp program with Tamara over at Fitknitchick.

After spending the past few months focusing on running and marathon training, I definitely need a reset. I want to get back on track with better eating and exercising more than just those running muscles.

Today's task is to Find Your Exercise Why to focus on during the 3 week program. She gave us a list of benefits of exercise to help us choose our why. I'm choosing to focus on how exercise will (hopefully) reduce my desire for sweet and fatty foods. Let's just say we've gotten off track with our eating a while ago, and I need some motivation to get back on track.

It's too late to join in this challenge with Tamara, but if any of you are already registered, let me know! I'd love to follow your journey on this!

#2 Running is not completely going on pause. It's just not going to be the main focus. :) Today is also the start of the holiday #RunChatHunt - 12 Days of finding fun things on your run and posting them on Twitter! Click the link to see the list of things to find!

I'm also attempting the holiday #RWRunStreak - 36 Days of Awesome! This started on Thanksgiving and goes until New Years. At least 1 mile a day.

Anyone else doing either of these challenges?

#3. And probably the best one. Dec 21st is my 10th anniversary!

12.21.2004

It's crazy to think that I've been married for almost 10 years! We don't have anything too crazy planned to celebrate, because we are also trying to save for a house. Probably just a nice dinner and a show. We live in Vegas after all. :) It doesn't really matter what we do, as long we we're together. Cheesy, I know!

What fun plans do you have for December?

Before I go... Don't miss out on these Cyber Monday specials!

• 20% off at Cocogo. Plus an additional 10% with code: ENJOYINGTHECOURSE (Yes, I do believe the code needs to be in all caps)
• 30% off any plan at Diet-to-Go
• Runtastic Running Set for only $84.99

Plus the girls at Sweat Pink Partnered with some amazing companies to offer you the best CyberMonday deals like:

• 15% off at prAna. Code: pranastillsweatspink
• 40% off Pro Compression. Code: pink2
• 10% off Flip Belt. Code: sweat10
• 3-month Bulu Box subscription for $10. Code: SWEATPINK

I'm off to squeeze in a short run before work! Make it a great Monday!!