Just a delectable sampling.
xoxo
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Fancy-less
This is going to be a short post, for now. I started a new [non-fiction] book about Memphis, Tennessee during the yellow fever epidemic in the late 1800s. I know, sinister, but so interesting! (Title: The American Plague). I want to get outside to read before it gets dark on Monroe and I. Also...I dyed my hair, and well, it is not what I planned on (would be a nice way of putting it), so anything to get my mind off that is very welcomed.
So...
I don't have an IPhone, Galaxy, Blackberry, or any sort of "intelligent phone" for that matter. Therefore, when I run and see something amazing, weird, or beautiful, I can only capture the image in my head. Keep this in mind for the paragraph after I ramble about my shortcomings as a runner.
My long run on Monday was 11 miles...scratch that. My long run was a very rough 11 miles this week. I unfortunately turned off the thinking part of my brain and did not bring any water or fuel. It wasn't that hot, but 11 miles, for me, is a distance that requires a certain amount of respect for my body. I was okay through mile 9 and then it hit me. My muscles were aching and I felt lethargic. I kept daydreaming about a nice biker who would have an extra water bottle...apparently he didn't ride the trail that day.
Part of my issue is that I was going too fast. Duh, right? But, really. My pace was hovering around a -9 min/mile and right now, where I am at, that is a tad too fast for this length. I kept telling myself to slow my pace, but my pride and lack of pacing practice disregarded my body's warnings.
I have to admit that on this run I took too many walking breaks. This is NOT a bad thing, to take walk breaks, but I should have treated my system better and the outcome would have been a much cleaner and healthier run.
On a great note, I did see a gorgeous rainbow, two doe playing in a field together, tons of pretty butterflies, and made at least 5 friends. Go on a walk, bike ride, or run and I bet you'll make twice the amount of "friends" as you would in a bar or restaurant. There is something about being outdoors, treating your body right that puts people (usually) in a better mood.
Hope your week starts off strong, and remember to slow down sometimes ;)
So...
I don't have an IPhone, Galaxy, Blackberry, or any sort of "intelligent phone" for that matter. Therefore, when I run and see something amazing, weird, or beautiful, I can only capture the image in my head. Keep this in mind for the paragraph after I ramble about my shortcomings as a runner.
My long run on Monday was 11 miles...scratch that. My long run was a very rough 11 miles this week. I unfortunately turned off the thinking part of my brain and did not bring any water or fuel. It wasn't that hot, but 11 miles, for me, is a distance that requires a certain amount of respect for my body. I was okay through mile 9 and then it hit me. My muscles were aching and I felt lethargic. I kept daydreaming about a nice biker who would have an extra water bottle...apparently he didn't ride the trail that day.
Part of my issue is that I was going too fast. Duh, right? But, really. My pace was hovering around a -9 min/mile and right now, where I am at, that is a tad too fast for this length. I kept telling myself to slow my pace, but my pride and lack of pacing practice disregarded my body's warnings.
I have to admit that on this run I took too many walking breaks. This is NOT a bad thing, to take walk breaks, but I should have treated my system better and the outcome would have been a much cleaner and healthier run.
On a great note, I did see a gorgeous rainbow, two doe playing in a field together, tons of pretty butterflies, and made at least 5 friends. Go on a walk, bike ride, or run and I bet you'll make twice the amount of "friends" as you would in a bar or restaurant. There is something about being outdoors, treating your body right that puts people (usually) in a better mood.
Hope your week starts off strong, and remember to slow down sometimes ;)
Friday, July 26, 2013
Friday Shop Girls
Shi leather lace-up heels
Top Shop skirt
Evan Picone blouse
Vintage metal belt and silk scarf
XXI high-waisted shorts
Charlotte Russe top
Anthropologie vest
{My} Outfit of the Day
Now, don't get too excited, this is a pretty simple outfit. But, this yellow top is one of my favorite blouses and can be worn in so many different ways.
(Thanks Buffalo Exchange for the top!)
- Denim is XXI
- Tank is H&M
- Jewelry is handmade
- Shoes are Miss Me
Enjoy :)
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Happy Slowpoke
Ooooo weeeee! You know when you have an amazing and strong run/bike/swim/walk (etc.) and how that is better than encouragement? It is determination wrapped in shiny paper and tied with a big sparkly ribbon!
Okay, okay, that might be quite the description, but there is nothing like a solid workout to boost your body's determination to keep going.
Yesterday was GORGEOUS...sunny and in the low to mid 70s. I didn't even leave for my run until after 11 a.m. I really like going before lunch (when I have the day off from work) so I can come home and reward myself with a delicious and well-earned meal.
I started off thinking I would do 4-6 miles at most since I lifted total body yesterday and was pretty stiff. My first mile was my warm-up mile at a slower pace. Like, a really slow pace. But, I was happy and just enjoying my surroundings. I then picked up my speed without really even realizing it. Isn't that a nice feeling? Pushing yourself but having it feel strong, healthy, and natural. When I got to miles 3-4 I was feeling really great and knew I could do a longer run than anticipated. I ended up running 7 miles at a 9:18 min/mile and walked another mile just because it was so pretty. People on the trail were extra sweet and that was encouraging in itself.
Once I got home I had my usual Vega Energizing shake (have fallen in love with the Choco-lot and Vanilla Almond flavors) with some fruit and a bowl of Nature's Path cereal (mmhmm, my second bowl that day; first was a small one with some protein pancakes for breakfast). Okay, FINE, I ate a third bowl at bedtime, it was small, I promise.
This run, as silly as it may seem, gave me hope for my future running endeavors and my half-marathon coming up in October. My pace and endurance has been iffy lately and this run proved that mindset can make THE difference.
Now, get out there! ;)
Okay, okay, that might be quite the description, but there is nothing like a solid workout to boost your body's determination to keep going.
Yesterday was GORGEOUS...sunny and in the low to mid 70s. I didn't even leave for my run until after 11 a.m. I really like going before lunch (when I have the day off from work) so I can come home and reward myself with a delicious and well-earned meal.
I started off thinking I would do 4-6 miles at most since I lifted total body yesterday and was pretty stiff. My first mile was my warm-up mile at a slower pace. Like, a really slow pace. But, I was happy and just enjoying my surroundings. I then picked up my speed without really even realizing it. Isn't that a nice feeling? Pushing yourself but having it feel strong, healthy, and natural. When I got to miles 3-4 I was feeling really great and knew I could do a longer run than anticipated. I ended up running 7 miles at a 9:18 min/mile and walked another mile just because it was so pretty. People on the trail were extra sweet and that was encouraging in itself.Once I got home I had my usual Vega Energizing shake (have fallen in love with the Choco-lot and Vanilla Almond flavors) with some fruit and a bowl of Nature's Path cereal (mmhmm, my second bowl that day; first was a small one with some protein pancakes for breakfast). Okay, FINE, I ate a third bowl at bedtime, it was small, I promise.
This run, as silly as it may seem, gave me hope for my future running endeavors and my half-marathon coming up in October. My pace and endurance has been iffy lately and this run proved that mindset can make THE difference.
Now, get out there! ;)
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Saturday Shop Girls
Our game (all day beach volleyball tournament!) is postponed for now because of flooding, so why not post what I was going to do tomorrow?
These are some of the ladies in the shop that I dressed on Friday. [Will post full labels by tomorrow].
Enjoy!
Evan Picone dress.
Guess crop top; XXI denim
These are some of the ladies in the shop that I dressed on Friday. [Will post full labels by tomorrow].
Enjoy!
Evan Picone dress.
Guess crop top; XXI denim
Free People knit dress
Friday, July 19, 2013
Devotional Turned Runvotional
Yes, I did come up with that title all on my own.
But, seriously, I have some encouraging news to share with you! Whether you run, walk, have a demanding job, kids, bike, swim, anything!...This post is about determination and why it never goes away even when we feel like we have failed.
Here is the devotional (via my Dad) that prompted this post:
...................................................................................................................................................................
July 19
Getting Back on Course
2 Peter 3:17-18
No matter how far away from God you have drifted, you're always welcome back. That's the lesson from Jesus' parable about the prodigal son--the foolish boy who followed a pleasure-filled path to ruin before returning to his father and finding redemption (Luke 15:11-32). Perhaps ruin has not yet come to you, but you know that your heart has grown cool to the things of God. Whatever your drifting story, make this the day that you point yourself back to the Lord.
As with any sin, the first motion toward getting back on course is to acknowledge that you have slipped away from the Lord. Then you confess and repent, which is like turning your boat in the opposite direction and paddling toward God with all your strength. If you're wondering exactly how to do that, I suggest a strategy I use every morning. Before I step out of bed, I give myself to God by acknowledging, I surrender my entire life to You for this day. When something comes up that runs counter to His plan and I consider pursuing it, the Holy Spirit reminds me that I am not my own. Only God's way will do for me.
Every day we choose whether to row or drift. As for me, I choose to vigorously pursue God.
Peter gives a warning to be on guard against attitudes and ideologies that would carry you away from truth (2 Peter 3:17). Instead, choose to paddle your lifeboat toward the Lord by meditating on Scripture, praying, and living obediently. Practicing the spiritual disciplines keeps a heart warm toward God.
Getting Back on Course
2 Peter 3:17-18
No matter how far away from God you have drifted, you're always welcome back. That's the lesson from Jesus' parable about the prodigal son--the foolish boy who followed a pleasure-filled path to ruin before returning to his father and finding redemption (Luke 15:11-32). Perhaps ruin has not yet come to you, but you know that your heart has grown cool to the things of God. Whatever your drifting story, make this the day that you point yourself back to the Lord.
As with any sin, the first motion toward getting back on course is to acknowledge that you have slipped away from the Lord. Then you confess and repent, which is like turning your boat in the opposite direction and paddling toward God with all your strength. If you're wondering exactly how to do that, I suggest a strategy I use every morning. Before I step out of bed, I give myself to God by acknowledging, I surrender my entire life to You for this day. When something comes up that runs counter to His plan and I consider pursuing it, the Holy Spirit reminds me that I am not my own. Only God's way will do for me.
Every day we choose whether to row or drift. As for me, I choose to vigorously pursue God.
Peter gives a warning to be on guard against attitudes and ideologies that would carry you away from truth (2 Peter 3:17). Instead, choose to paddle your lifeboat toward the Lord by meditating on Scripture, praying, and living obediently. Practicing the spiritual disciplines keeps a heart warm toward God.
...................................................................................................................................................................
Lately I have seen my pace slow (I know in part due to the super warm weather) but also because I have not been as consistent with my training and diet. So, I renewed my gym membership so I would not have an excuse to strength train, cross train, and run inside if need be. I just go 2-3 times per week and run outside or bike the other days. It has only been a couple weeks but I want to feel myself "Getting Back on Course." I got a little freaked out when I saw a substantial amount of unwanted lbs. pop up, but I have to remember that those are not everything. I know I am gaining some of my 'old' muscle back and I also KNOW I need to make better diet choices to enhance my workouts and overall health/energy levels.
Just like God will always welcome us back with open arms, our bodies are always ready for healthy habits or lifestyle changes. It is never too late to either begin these practices or return to them. As discouraging as weight gain, slower paces, or shorter distances may be they do not own us. Just like you accomplished something before, it is possible again.
The 'sin' in this scenario might be food (too big of portions, not the right choices) or lack of determination. Does God turn away when we sin? Uhhh, no, because if He did we would all be feeling a lot more lost right now. He actually opens His arms wider when we are wandering without Him. Our bodies and our minds crave a healthy lifestyle. It does not mean we won't "flub" here and there, and it also does not mean we cannot enjoy food- that's just ridiculous! What it does mean is that you always have the power to surpass what you thought your potential was...you have all the abilities in the world to get to where you are proud of yourself.
There will be days better than others. There are days I am a more loving wife...there are days I am a more loyal friend...there are days I am a better listener. There are also days I workout harder...drink more water...am proud of my food choices. Each day is new- so treat your body and mind the same. Each day is an opportunity, don't get down on yourself for what may have happened before, get ready and excited about what is to come. Plus, they say stress makes the body hold onto fat more anyways ;)
Now, GO HAVE A FANTASTIC day!
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