Where's the Beach?

Well, it's Friday. That means Fun for Friday of course - as well as the Happy Friday Dance! It also meant my long run for the week. This morning I accidentally set my alarm 10 minutes earlier than what I had meant. That meant a 5 am wakeup call rather than a 5:10 wake up call. And yes, those precious 10 minutes do matter. It was thundering with spotty lightening when I rolled out of bed. The plan was that Jason was going to run a couple of miles with me, then I was meeting Amy to run the rest of the miles. My goal was to get in 10. It was sprinkling a little before we headed out. Jason actually asked, "Are you really going out in that?" Um, yes and so are you buddy. It wasn't bad though, the rain part. The humidity, however, was oppressive. I need to grow gills apparently. Have I mentioned before how much I hate humidity? No? Surely I have... The rain stopped completely by the time I met up with Amy. Man I missed that rain. We were both dripping as if we...

Four-day work weeks always throw me off kilter. Compound that with just getting back from vacation and I am absolutely out of sorts with my days. It's Wednesday, but sort of feels like both Tuesday and Thursday at the same time. Just me? Not only am I feeling off kilter getting back into the groove of needing to know what day of the week it actually is, I'm also trying to get back into my usual workout schedule. Yes, I ran and did the elliptical and abs in Florida. But it was still not my normal schedule of times, or even workouts really. I did get in 7 happy miles on Sunday plus did biceps later in the day (I was itching to lift after not having access to weights on vacation). Monday I opted for weights (back and legs) and some kickboxing. This morning was an early-morning run - another 7-miles. It was warm and humid. Summer has arrived, and I feel like it's already affecting my running. It just felt hard. But now I need to figure out when to schedule in my other wei...

Rather than discuss in great detail about our recent Florida trip, I thought pictures would be much better. It's not like we did anything terribly exciting. No parasailing, no jet ski rentals. Basically, it was all about enjoying, sitting back, relaxing and soaking up the views. Birds skittering about Waves crashing Moon during the day Sunset on our final day Full moon on our final night I finished 4 books, ran a total of 26 miles (9 being on the treadmill because it was just far too hot and humid), we ate lunches on the beach each day, we visited our friends twice, they visited us once. We did not shop, we did not go out to eat, we simply enjoyed.

I thought I'd do a super simple, perhaps fun post of some pictures so far from the week. Basically, my views thus far. I can't say we've been doing anything super exciting. But, that's exactly the point of this vacation. We pretty much spend the entire day sitting down on the beach with our toes in the sand. Jason has been doing a little fishing. I've been doing a lot of reading. We pack a cooler with lunch and snacks and take that down with us. So lunches are on the beach. Snacks are on the beach. Drinks? Yep, on the beach. I've yet to put on make up or real clothes. And I'm in heaven. It's fun to do people watching from our balcony. We often make up scenarios for people, even make up their conversations. Wine always tastes better with the ocean in the background. Nothing more relaxing than the sound of the waves crashing. Birds are fun to watch. My toenails match my chair. One happy camper. Very interesting find ...

Well, Saturday we made it to Perdido Key, FL. So far we're having really nice weather. The highs are only reaching about 80 degrees. Couple that with a steady breeze and the shade from our umbrella and it's almost chilly. But chilly for a run it is not. Sunday morning I woke up just after 6 am. I was itching to get out for a run after being in the car the previous two days (we drove half way Friday afternoon then the rest of the way Saturday). I was hoping to beat the brunt of the heat, but avoiding humidity was impossible. Luckily, I know a route that takes you to a neighborhood where there's a running/walking path along an inlet. It keeps you from having to run down the main strip, for the most part. But there aren't really any trees shading the path. And since it's off the beach, you lose the breeze as well. So, hot. What is hot? Hot is having to run on this hot stretch of the road for 2 miles of a 6.5 miler. Hot is having zero shade. Hot is 100% ...

The other day, Melissa at Melissa Dishes did a post simply called Happiness . She named 10 things that made her happy. What better way to end the week but with a post about what makes me happy? Here are my top 10 in pictures (and in no particular order mind you). 1. The beach 2. This Guy 3. My Sis 4. My Family 5. Running 6. Friends 7. These crazy pups 8. Beautiful sunrises 9. Wine 10. My niece and nephew What makes you happy?

Took this as I was waiting on my running buddy It is finally Thursday correct? Good. I thought I would do an other " On My Mind " type of post for today. Partially because my mind is slightly mush right now, but also because it's kind of a fun post. Said during morning run - I would drink out of a toilet right about now.  Where are all the bunnies at?   Passing by a bakery near the end of a 10-mile run makes you suddenly crave things you never normally eat - like bagels. Rain can feel so good during the last mile of a long, hot, humid run. Talk about perfect timing.  Greatest compliment of the week was when my mom emailed about setting up a workout for her because she said I inspire her.  Pinterest needs a better search option. I just want to search within a category please.  What's on your mind today?

Stress Free Vacay Happy Hump Day everyone. It's one of those weeks where I'm a day off. It feels like Thursday. I think I'm just eager to get to the weekend because we'll be headed to the beach! That reminds me, I need to pack. Funny how I freak out about packing for almost every trip except this annual trip to Florida. There's not really much you need for the beach other than towels, bathing suits and a few books right? I used to pack outfits for each day (day and night). Then I began to realize how rarely I wore even 1/3 of what I was carting along with me. This vacation isn't about getting out and sight-seeing around a city. We don't go out to eat. At best, we might venture to the outlet mall, but that's only if it's a rainy day and we're somehow bored. We will visit with some friends who live there now. So, that makes packing so much easier. Just a few outfits, lounge clothes, bikinis, oh and running attire. Luckily the condo does ha...

This weekend was all about enjoying the beautiful weather, enjoying the idea of slowing down and relaxing, and enjoying time with my mom for Mother's Day. Saturday started off with a run with Jason. It was warm, but not terrible. Wind was directly from the north and slapping you in the face. Though, as I started to get warm, it actually was welcomed. Jason dropped off at the house at 6.25 miles. I was planning to hit 8 miles since I had already done my weekly 10-miler on Thursday. As I set off to finish my run, I realized I was feeling really good. My legs were itching to keep on running. I was just enjoying the beautiful morning. So I ended up with another 10-miler. I almost went on for 11, but decided it'd probably be in my best interest, or my foot's best interest, to reel myself in. I've never done two double-digit runs in a week before. After getting cleaned up, I studied a bit for my ISSA Personal Trainer Certification before heading out to meet my mom for l...

I've read some really amazing posts over the years about over-coming self-hate, self-doubt, negative thinking. I've also read posts where people are still struggling with inner demons. I don't talk about those topics often. I tend to keep my blog posts fairly light, trying to find positivity. However, when I read such posts, they almost always strike a chord with me. Why? Because I am human too. I have people make comments about being an inspiration, being dedicated, a machine, super fit. But you know what? I have my own self-doubts to contend with. I might be a fantastic cheerleader for those around me, friends, family, bloggers, co-workers. However, I often spend all that energy outward so as to avoid dealing with my own negative self thoughts. Sometimes I don't like what I see in the mirror. I pick myself apart, am too self-critical. Of course I want to ask, "Why are women so hard on themselves?" But that's rhetorical of course. You'd think it...

The super fab Nichole at Live for the Run does a post called, On My Mind where she basically lists out things that are, you guessed it, on her mind. It's a simple post in concept, but really speaks volumes at the same time. Sometimes fewer words are better. Kind of the less is more concept. Sometimes an amazing view and sunrise are the best reasons for getting up and getting in a super early 10-miler on a Thursday. I don't think you truly appreciate a good phlebotomist until you've had a bad one. Stopping to take pictures during a run means really enjoying your surroundings more. Sometimes an outfit is chosen based on whether or not you can wear your compression socks or calf sleeves underneath without anyone noticing. Seeing a friend happy is sometimes the thing that can make you happy too.

Working Out This is one of those weeks where Wednesday feels like Thursday. Anyone else having that kind of week? I guess I'm still thrown off after returning from Long Beach last week. It's always hard to get back on track after any vacation. You spend so much time just trying to play catch up that you don't really even get to rest up. Luckily, I have another trip coming soon. We'll be heading to FL for a super lazy week on the beach in a couple of weeks. I always look forward to this particular trip as a way to completely unwind. No agendas, no scheduling, no set plans other than to enjoy. While I enjoy checking out new sights, scenery, restaurants, shopping, etc. on vacations, sometimes it's nice to not have any plans. Just "be." Do you prefer to "be" or "do" while on vacation? Maybe a combo or maybe just depending on where you go? One thing I've been doing is keeping with my workouts at least. I may not be able to ke...

Rather than go through and detail my recent trip to Long Beach in great detail, I thought it would be much more fun to share the trip in pictures instead with just a little bit about each day. It started off with an early flight out. My sister was on a different flight (airline as well). Thankfully, Cris and I were flying out together. She was a great hand-holder when I had my mini-meltdown as we started moving for take off.  We landed in CA just before 1 pm. It was sunny, decently warm with incredible blue skies. The first order of business was food. We found a place near our hotel called Rock Bottom Brewery . Loved the patio seating, pretty good food, but even better company. Mostly, the first day was just walking and exploring. Sunday morning I set out for an 8-mile run. It was rather gloomy, and upper 50's. For running, that was ideal, but we certainly wanted blue skies for the day. Thankfully there was a running path just out from the hotel that ran along the coast...