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)?

Just another random Tuesday

I have lots of random thoughts. What's new, right? Well, the thoughts are new.

• For the first time ever, I ran 400-meter repeats (nine of them)! I didn’t even know what they were before tonight. I heard people mention them, but it was a foreign concept to me. But, I love them. Love them. This was my best running performance in a long time. Yay! 
• When I was in Kansas, a group of us (me, boyfriend, brother, sister-in-law, sister-in-law’s sister and sister-in-law’s sister’s friend) went to see “Lawless.” Lately, I’m completely clueless when it comes to new movies so I’d never even heard of it. But, I’m so glad my brother and sister-in-law had and took us to go see it. I loved this movie. And, I’ve determined that I really like Shia LaBeouf (who my brother calls “The Beef,” and now I do too). I was kind of embarrassed about it at first, but I figured this should not be embarrassing to a girl who loves Justin Bieber, boy bands and Jessica Simpson. So, I love The Beef. 

Source

• Funny thing: the movie is about bootlegging brothers in Prohibition-era Virginia. When I went to my brother and sister-in-law’s house for dinner (a few days before the movie), my brother asked me if I wanted to try some apple pie moonshine. I was worried he put in a still in the backyard or I could go blind from drinking it, but thankfully, that was not the case. He just cooked apple cider, apple juice and brown sugar, and then added vanilla vodka and Everclear (yes, really). It was awesome … and it was in a mason jar. My brother also made some pickle vodka and bacon vodka … both in mason jars (and both delicious – especially the pickle vodka). My boyfriend mentioned the movie was just like going to their house for dinner. 
• Last week I was pumped to watch the MTV Video Music Awards. After the fact, I’m not sure why. Maybe I’m getting old, but I just didn’t really like any of the performances. My favorite was probably One Direction (hello, boy band). I used to be a big rap and hip-hop fan, and I’m just not impressed anymore. I only get excited about one rap song coming on the radio these days (and it has more to do with it being Desmond Jennings’ (my favorite Rays player) walk-up music. I found it extremely irritating before. 

It's your fault that I like this.

 

• But, rap I do like: Snoop Dogg (or Snoop Lion now?). He’s coming to Tampa in October. I want to go. Problem 1: he’s coming to a music festival-type thing with many artists; I only want to see him. Problem 2: I’m not sure if I know anyone that will go with me. Problem 3: concerts are expensive. But, if I resolved the first two problems, I’d probably pay the high ticket price. I mean, I’ve liked this guy since high school (a long time), and “Doggystyle” was the first rap CD I owned (Shh! My parents didn’t know).