let's talk... about running

I feel like we haven't talked about running in awhile. Which you know is kind of the main focus of this blog so....

let's talk about about running!

Every summer I say that I will NEVER do this again. I will NEVER train for a marathon during the summer. But here I am, once again, training for a full during the summer. And not only for a full, but for a 1/2, and a trail 20k. And that last race? The 20k? It's billed as the toughest race in the South. A hilly, curvy course with a ridiculous amount of elevation change - it's definitely going to be a challenge.

Is it hot where you are? It is very hot here. Like fry an egg on the pavement kind of hot. I've been using my treadmill 2 days a week so that I can sweat in my basement at 9 am instead of sweating outside at 5 am.  I have discovered "Call the Midwife" on Netflix and between the tears and laughs, the miles fly by. The other three days of running consist of me slowly making my way around town and hoping that I don't look as terrible as I feel.

It always surprises me how hard it is to run during the summer. I always forgot how heavy the heat can be, how it envelopes you, and how it can suck your life force away. Coming off 50k training, I was putting up big numbers and now I'm lucky if I can run 3 miles outside without falling into a heap in the gutter.

I constantly have to remind myself that this ALWAYS happens. That I spend the summer whining and complaining and then fall comes with the cooler weather and running is fun again. Putting in the hard work now means that I can reap the rewards later.

Part of the problem is that my calves HATE summer. As soon as the heat hits, my calves seize up like bacon on a hot frying pan. After a few years of this nonsense, I realized that my primary issue is my water/banana consumption gets all wonky during the summer. It might be all in my head but I believe strongly that bananas are the key to happy lower legs. I've been home for over a week now and I'm pleased to report that they are much better and I ran practically pain free this morning. I have, however, seem to have developed a slight case of shin splints which at this point is just annoying. I haven't had shin splints since 2006, when I was training for my first marathon. I keep having flashbacks of me icing my shins while watching Gilmore Girls - which ironically enough could be me again in a few months (thanks again Netflix!).

I'm looking forward to the kids starting school next week so we can get into a routine - one that includes me going to yoga and trail running once a week. I know what it takes to make me happy :)

previous post: so many favorite things

so many favorite things

Working from the head down, these are a few of my favorite things...

If you know me at all, you know that other then running (and maybe my children), I love nothing more then a good book. In fact, if I'm not running, there's a good chance I'm reading. Just recently, I read a sci-fi thriller, Sleeping Giants, by Sylvain Neuvel that I finished in one afternoon and when I turned the last page, I looked up and was desperate to tell everyone just how good it was. I'm terrible at reviewing books - I find it difficult to say more then yay or nay. Thankfully, NPR has a great review on their website, which you should read and then head over to Amazon to buy the book. Trust me, it's a good one.

Moving on...

I'm not sure how I found out about puravida bracelets. I think Facebook algorithmed me and decided that I needed a new obsession. Well, they've got my number because I am completely and totally hooked on these bracelets. They lured me in with a Flamingo clutch that I drooled over and passively aggressively posted to my Mother's Facebook wall until she finally said, "what is it with that bag you keep posting about?" She bought it for me for my birthday and I'm in love. Since then, I've bought another clutch, and got three free bracelets. Speaking of their bracelets - they are fabulous. My biggest issue with bracelets is that they never fit right. I have little wrists and can not stand it when a bracelet sits in that space above your wrist bone. These bracelets are easily adjustable so I can find that perfect spot. They have every color imaginable, braided, flat braided, charms, the options seem endless. It's really taking every ounce of self control I have not to buy EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. I'm already planning (scheming) on how I can get myself a membership to their monthly club so I can get new bracelets in the mail and pretend its Christmas twelve times a year. #lifegoals.

picture courtesy of puravida

 Last but not least...

I don't know about you but I'm a big fan of leggings. I like to sit cross legged without my thighs feeling like their going to explode out of my pants. I tend to stick to basic black because most patterned leggings are for juniors and not attractive on my ample bottom half. Then, I discovered LuLaRue. It was purely by accident. Brenda, a high school friend, became a rep and instead of flooding my newsfeed with buy this or buy that, she simply posted pictures of herself wearing the leggings and living life. She looked so cute and so stinking comfortable, I had to be in the loop. I joined her Facebook group, LuLaRue VIP Closet, and was surprised by the number of people in the group. So many women, so many women in love with LuLaRue. It wasn't until I won a pair in a giveaway that I truly understood. These leggings are soooo soft. and soooo comfortable. Mine are a pattern in a soft pink color. I can't wait for the weather in Northern GA to turn cooler so I can wear them out into the world.

If you like to see what all the fuss is about, head over to Brenda's Facebook Group, https://www.facebook.com/groups/LuLaRoeBrendaLavan/?__mref=message_bubble, and check it out. She often offers giveaways and is having a pop up party tomorrow, Wednesday, August 3rd. You can email her, Brendalavan@gmail.com, with any questions. 

how cute are these? photo courtesy of LuLaRue

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