Many things Monday

1. I ran 7 miles on Sunday, and it was pretty awesome! It was just slightly cooler (still ridiculously hot and humid, but less so), and it felt so much better. Come on, Fall!

2. Also, after much discussion on Sunday, I decided to replace my February half marathon (St. Pete Rock 'n' Roll, which was cancelled) with a Gasparilla race. The Gasparilla Distance Classic consists of four races: a 15K and a 5K on Saturday and a half marathon and 8K on Sunday. The logical choice would be to replace the half with a half. But, I'm illogical ... and I really want a jacket. So, to get a jacket, I need to do a challenge. The plan: 15K and 8K (Bud Select Challenge). I really like half marathons and kind of want to throw that into the mix, too. Or maybe I'll just find another half (after I win the lottery).

3. I watched a lot of football this weekend. I even planned some activities around football games. Hopefully, this is just an NFL opening weekend thing because it could get kind of ridiculous. Well, I'm fairly certain I won't be watching the Tampa Bay Bucs anymore, so that's one less game each week.

4. But, my watching of football allowed me to see this.

5. EEEEEK! I just love this guy. I really need to chill out on him, though, so I don't become crazy-annoying fangirl. Sometimes I find myself telling myself, "Stop it. Not everyone wants to hear about Bruno. Not everyone thinks he's the best thing ever." So, after this mention, I'll lay off of him for awhile. Unless I win the trip to see him in Vegas. Or London. Or if he's on an awards show. Or if I dress up as Elvis for Halloween because that's something we have in common. But, other than that, I'll restrain myself (and the masses few people who read my blog rejoiced). 

6. Did you see the rerun of the Saturday Night Live that Bruno Mars hosted this weekend ... oops.

7. My dog's favorite thing ever is walks. Well, maybe walks are behind Milkbones, but they're a close second. She loves them. So imagine my surprise when she sat down and refused to walk. Stubborn dog. I have no idea where she gets that from, ahem. 

You think I'm moving? Funny.

Have you ever gotten a jacket for a race? I haven't, and I'm super excited about it! Did you watch a lot of football this weekend? If not, what did you do?

Many things Monday

1. After last Sunday’s run, I was so optimistic about running. I thought I had things figured out. I thought wrong. Back to struggling in the heat. Sigh. Is it fall yet?

The run wasn't pretty, but the view was.

2. I tried out a new handheld water bottle during the run (that I found on the cheap at Marshall's for $7), and it was actually pretty great. Unfortunately, I filled it with a sports drink I don’t usually use, and my stomach revolted after the run. I’m not blaming the bottle, though.

3. But, I have found a fun new way to hydrate after a run: coconut water. Why? It supports natural hydration and contains essential electrolytes.

(Disclaimer: I received these products via Fit Approach as a Sweat Pink Ambassador. I was provided these products at no cost for review purposes only. All opinions are my own.) 

And, my favorite brand by a long shot: Zola. I especially love the version with pulp. Getting little pieces of coconut in each drink is bunches of fun. I’m a coconut nut (well, you could probably just take off the “coconut” part), so I like anything coconut. But, I understand some people’s assessment that it tastes similar to feet. I can see where that comes from, but I totally did not get that with this brand. Yum. I also tried their Acai juice, which I did not love as much, but it had tough competition with the coconut water. I've never tried Acai juice, so I don’t have anything to compare it to. It was a thicker juice, and it's probably not something I'd drink again (especially if coconut water is around).

All the products and a sweet pair of shades

My favorite

4. I’m debating between a 5K, a 10K and volunteering for a race on Sept. 19. Since I’m disappointed in my running at this point, I tempted to not race. But, part of me thinks I need to race to push myself. I don’t know. Something’s happening that day, but I’m just not sure what.

5. So, lots has/is happening this week: the VMAs (yes, this is something worth mentioning), Bruno Mars concert (EEEEEEK!) and a trip to Kansas for the first football game of the season (K-S-U Wildcats).

6. Why are the VMAs worth mentioning? *NSYNC, duh. I can’t explain to you the level of excitement I had leading up to this. Well, I could, but it would be embarrassing. A reunion has been a dream of mine for some time. For a few minutes last night, it happened. And, it was glorious. 

7. And, Bruno Mars’ performance was incredible as usual. I just adore this guy. I really, truly do.

8. I went from loving Katy Perry when she first came out ("I Kissed a Girl"), then not liking her ("Firework") and now loving her again. I love "Roar," and the fact that she performed in a boxing ring just sealed the deal for me. You rock again, Katy Perry. 

9. Other than those three performances, the VMAs were extremely not glorious. Yikes. Miley Cyrus scared me and made me feel dirty. Like, I can’t look at her anymore. It’s weird.

10. I remember buying Bruno Mars tickets in February. I had no idea how I could wait until the end of August for the concert. Well, I made it. The concert is Wednesday. And, I’m glad I did. Because one of the girls I’m going with has a hookup for a limo. We are riding in style to see my favorite little guy. 

11. I’ll probably still be on my Bruno high when I hop on a plane for Kansas State’s home opener. The game is on a Friday night. Not terribly excited about that since I arrive on Friday morning in Kansas City; as long as the flight is on time, it will be OK. But, my brother won’t be there because of work. I can’t remember the last Kansas State game I went to without him. Maybe I haven’t?

One of these people will be missing

12. I looked for a race in Kansas because my sister-in-law and her sister have been running, and I thought it would be fun for us all to do a 5K together. Unfortunately, I didn't find one. So running will happen, but without a race. And, I’m OK with that at this point.

What are you looking forward to this week? Do you drink coconut water? Did you watch the VMAs? Are you an *NSYNC fan? What are your weekend plans (yes, I'm already looking toward the weekend)?

Hump Day randomness

It's time for some mid-week ramblings.

• I’m always looking for new, fun and functional (i.e., soaks up massive amounts of sweat) headbands. When I came across Spandits!, I immediately loved their funky patterns. I kept debating which pattern I wanted to order. While I was deciding (I’m not the best decision maker), I participated in a “name the new pattern” contest. And, my name for the pattern, White Noise, won! Because of my fabulous naming abilities, Spandits! sent me a headband in the pattern. And, I’m in love. I love the fun pattern. I love its sweat-soaking abilities. And, now my decision is made. I’m ordering multiple patterns.
  
  Disclosure: I received a free headband from Spandits! because I helped named the pattern in a contest. That’s it. I’m just writing about it because I really like it. These opinions are entirely my own. 

White Noise winner

• Two of my favorite things are wine and baseball. So, when I heard the Rays are having a girls’ night out at the Trop with a wine tumbler, wine and baseball (duh), I thought they created the event just for me. They didn’t. But, I can pretend. Girls’ night out is Aug. 15 at 7:10 p.m. The Rays are taking on the Seattle Mariners. Use code GIRL3 here to get a $25 lower reserved ticket that includes a Rays wine tumbler and one glass of wine.

• The Bruno Mars concert is in three weeks! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! So much for keeping my cool. But, I’m super-duper excited. Love that little guy.
• Klout is a tool for measuring your online social influence. I look at it occasionally, and I’m not entirely sure what it tells me, but I did find this quite humorous (although I’m sure my parents are crying).

Charlie Sheen is my number one influence.

• I saw a movie in the theater for the first time in months recently and saw "Wolverine." I never expect to like the X-Men movies, but I always do. I also recently saw "Pitch Perfect," which I adored and didn't expect to, and the Katy Perry movie, "Part of Me," which I didn't expect to like and loved. Thanks for not meeting my expectations, movies!

Do you wear headbands? Have you ever named one? Do you like wine? Baseball? Have you seen any of those movies? What did you think?

A week in Florence

I’m back from a week in Florence … South Carolina. It really is less exotic than it sounds.

It wasn’t a vacation, but it wasn’t because I wasn’t in a vacation spot. It was because I was working … OK, and it isn’t a vacation spot. It really isn’t.

Why the heck was I there? Good question. I keep asking myself that. My boyfriend is there doing contract work. So, I drove up to South Carolina with him (with a stop in St. Augustine, FL) to spend a week there before driving back home (with another stop in St. Augustine).

Somehow I started watching “Ghost Adventures,” and I kind of fell in love with the idea of hunting ghosts (not with tight T-shirts and cheesy spiked hair, thank goodness). So, we did a ghost tour each time we were in St. Augustine. Amazingly enough, a ghost was spotted.

Perhaps it's time to try some bronzer.

My official ghost hunting tool was reacting like crazy, trust me.

But, the coolest thing about St. Augustine.

Beachfront Avenue!

I could not stop singing “Ice, Ice Baby” for two weekends. I know my boyfriend appreciated it.

Speaking of music and the boyfriend, that is one of the really terrible things about road trips with him. We do not agree on any music. Well, except for Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Prince, Nirvana and the White Stripes. That’s it. No beautiful Bruno Mars, boy bands or ‘90s rap. Or if the beautiful music is involved, lots of complaining follows. Sigh.

In happier times (not in the car listening to music)

Thankfully, I’m not going to the Bruno Mars concert with him.

Speaking of Bruno, how adorable is this? 

I had no idea he was in “Honeymoon in Vegas” until last week. I am now certain he is my favorite singer, and we have so much in common. 

Theresa and I are just like Bruno.

Well, aside from the fact that he’s 5’5”, and I’m 5’10”. And many other things, really. But, we both wear Elvis suits and that counts for something.

Now that I’m back in town, and it’s confirmed that Bruno and I are best friends, it’s time to focus on a race this weekend.

Yes, a race. In May. In Florida.

I’m wondering why I decided to do this.

It’s a 10K-5K challenge. I’ve done anything like this, and I’m guessing it’s a good thing I decided to do it in May.

So, I run a 10K, and then I line up and run a 5K. It sounded like a good idea at the time. Now, I’m a little worried. Heat makes me nervous. So I definitely won’t be running it in an Elvis suit (those things are super hot; ask Bruno).

Have you visited Florence, South Carolina? St. Augustine, Florida? Have you worn an Elvis suit? Have you ever run a 10K-5K challenge? Do you like running in the heat?

Ramblings of a fool

• I now realize the poor timing of my 5K race recap. A turtle posting about a 3:11 personal best and an almost sub-30-minute 5K on April Fools' Day was probably not the best decision. But, every word is true. 
• By the way, I'm really not a fan of April Fools' Day. I guess because I'm a fool. I'm just too darn gullible and naive, so I'll believe almost anything. Please don't remember this next April 1.
• For the past week, I've had hip/hamstring/quad pain. I tried to run on Sunday (after not running the past week), and I just couldn't do it. It really felt like my hamstring was going to snap. Yikes. So, I started getting mopey and dramatic, assuming I'd miss my scheduled races, and knowing I'd have to write about an injury. Thankfully, I'm not doing that. Instead, I'm writing about the wonders of a massage therapist, stretching and foam rolling. I ran last night, and I felt fabulous! You should be quite thankful that you don't have to see me mopey and dramatic (even if you don't realize it). 
• The girl who recently highlighted my hair said that Bruno Mars is "give-you-goosebumps good" in concert. I figured this, but it is nice to have it confirmed. Now I just have to wait until August 28 to see for myself. 
• Want to see my recently highlighted hair?

It sprinkled for two minutes, and I kept my rain coat
on the entire game. I'm also a nerd that keeps score.

• All of my recent photos are from spring training games, where I have to wear a hat to protect my Caspar-like skin from the sun. The other photos involve sweat-soaked, pulled back hair (thanks to running) that don't show it either. So, I have some lighter pieces of hair now. Take my word for it.
• Back to Bruno, I'm still majorly obsessed with this song.

• Radio stations don't play it nearly enough. If they could quit playing the "I Will Wait" song and play this instead, that would be fabulous (sorry to the many, many, many Mumford & Sons fans).

Do you like April Fools' Day? Ever work out a potential injury with massage, stretching or foam rolling (or all)? Bruno Mars or Mumford & Sons?

Pretty things

Lately, I've noticed a lot of pretty.

• If you're going to have a torture device, why not make it pretty? My coach had this brilliant thinking and made this massage ball for me. Awesome, right?

• Speaking of pretty things, take a look at this masterpiece. My incredibly talented friend drew this with chalk over three days at a Tampa art show.

• Securing tickets to the concert of one of my current favorite artists was pretty sweet! Now, I just have to wait five-plus months ...

• Another beautiful thing: Swedish Fish Jelly Beans. My running buddy, Lori, rocks for introducing them to me (and for a whole bunch of other reasons)!

 

• And, one last pretty thing: the sunrise on an early morning run. This makes bridge running worth it ... well, and the fact that I'll be trained to run the bridges in the Iron Girl Half Marathon in April.

Have you seen anything pretty lately? Do you use a massage ball? Have you tried Swedish Fish Jelly Beans?

I'm obsessed

I'm one of those people who easily becomes fixated on things. Right now, these are the things:

• Running races. I've run a race the last four weekends, and I'm a little sad I'm not running one this weekend. I want more. (If you're obsessed, too, check out my Iron Girl Half Marathon giveaway.)

• Soup for dinner. I'm not a huge soup fan normally. I like it, but I just don't eat it that often. The last two weeks, that has changed. Every night for dinner (yes, every night the last two weeks) I've made a soup consisting of beef broth, shiitake mushrooms, enoki mushrooms, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil and sriracha. Sometimes I'll throw in some additional vegetables, but it always contains those items. I just made it up, and now I want it for dinner every night.
• This song. I adore Bruno Mars, but I'm particularly really loving this song. Loving it as in listening to it 50+ times each day. That much.

• The OJ Simpson trial. I realize this is so 1995, but I am on a serious kick of reading trial books (the ones I haven't read yet) and watching documentaries. I think about it and analyze it constantly in my head. (I obviously need more hobbies.) I'm currently reading "OJ is Innocent, and I Can Prove it." I'm not done with the book yet, but I'm still leaning toward OJ being guilty. 

Do you become obsessed with things? Do you like soup? Can you eat the same thing every day for weeks? Do you like Bruno Mars? Do you think OJ is innocent or guilty?

Monday mashup

I know Monday isn't everyone's favorite day (or anyone's favorite day?), but I don't mind it. Except when I have to wake up at 5:40 a.m. to take someone to the airport. Morning is not my favorite thing. As you can imagine, this has left my brain in a state of disarray. So, randomness it is.

• I recently bought a foam roller. I'm told that it will be one of my best friends. This hasn't happened yet, but I just got it. It's going to be a big part of my life since it is a required part of my Peak Wellness plan.

Unsure of my feelings at this time

• I also recently bought a new pair of running shoes. They are pink. And pretty. And my feet love them because they are Brooks.

• I don't watch much TV. Well, let me rephrase that. I don't watch much TV besides sports or "Two and a Half Men" reruns. And, ahem, "Jersey Shore." (I know, I know ...). Aside from "Jersey Shore," there is no show that I watch on a regular basis (and anxiously await the next week's episode). Last season, I loved "American Horror Story." It was my show. I watched it. I loved it. I anxiously awaited each episode. The new season starts on Wednesday. But, with almost all new characters ... in a new location. I am somewhat concerned that I won't like it anymore. I liked those characters, darn it. I liked the location, darn it. Sigh. 
• I recently made the declaration that I would like anything Bruno Mars sang. Stupid me for making such a proclamation. I don't like this song. It's monotonous and boring.

• Here's a little sneak peak into tomorrow's "This week in running" post: the long run and I are back in love. Hugs and kisses!

Do you have a foam roller? Is it your best friend? What's your favorite brand of shoes or do you switch it up? Do you watch "American Horror Story"? Anyone else watch "Jersey Shore"? Do you like the new Bruno Mars song? Are you currently in or out of love with long runs?

Missing the music

When I first started running, I loved going out late at night with my iPod. I’d run my three miles to Michael Jackson, Notorious BIG, Puff Daddy, MC Hammer, countless other rappers, boy bands and other poppy goodness. It was sweet. I saved my iPod solely for running, and I looked forward to it every other night.

One of those "countless other rappers," LL Cool J

Then, I started realizing that I was dancing while running (yes, it’s possible), doing the hand motions to “2 Legit 2 Quit,” and rapping or singing along to each song. All of that extra motion took its toll on my attempts at running. So, I quit the music. And, I got better at running.

Now, after months and months of running (and getting better) with no tunes (so I could listen to my coach and chat with running group members), I want to hear the music again. Not on training group days, but maybe just one day a week when I run on my own … or a day when I should be running on my own.

The progressive run has been a bit elusive. It’s on my training schedule; I’m just not good about following my schedule on that particular day. So, maybe the incentive of some old favorites, as well as some new additions (hello, Bruno Mars), can sway my legs to get in that progressive run. 

I can't wait to run to that ditty. I heart Bruno in a serious way.

Wacky Wednesday

I wanted a post where I can be completely random and not necessarily write about running, so the weekly feature, Wacky Wednesday, was born. Look for it here each Wednesday.

Now, onto the randomness:

• I finally saw "Bad Teacher." I LOVE Cameron Diaz, so I've wanted to see this movie forever. My boyfriend doesn't necessarily like her, so when I told him I wanted to see this movie I knew he probably wouldn't want to see it in the theater. Imagine my surprise when he said he saw this movie with a friend and liked it! Hmph! So, last week I finally got around to renting it (thanks, Blockbuster Express with your $1 rentals). And, I found it quite humorous. Cameron is funny stuff, and I love the fact that Justin Timberlake's character can't dance.

• I can't get enough of Bruno Mars. The majority of his songs are cheesy, sappy and totally unlike something I'd normally like. But, I don't like them, I love them. Seriously, this guy can sing anything, and I'd be enthralled.

• I'm sad the "American Horror Story" season is over. There aren't many (any?) shows I look forward to watching each week (well, since Charlie Sheen got fired from "Two and a Half Men" anyway), but this is one I anxiously awaited. Each episode was suspenseful and explained part of a mystery.  And, it was superbly acted (Jessica Lange is just awesome). And, now it's gone. Boo!

If you don't watch, I bet this makes you want to start.