Another Runner's High

It's been over a week since my last post....oops! Time just flew this past week. I had to finish my final project for my photography class so exercising and life (and blogging) was put on the backburner while I finished my project.

I ran a 5K this morning and felt absolutely fantastic. No cramps, no pain, no discomfort = awesome. I realize that I run my best when I am lost in conversation or in my thoughts. If I'm not thinking about how far I still have to go or about the pain somewhere in my body, I feel like I can just keep going and going. I think about life, work, what groceries I need to buy, anything really, and it works.

Today my friend Julie and I just chatted about our weekend plans and who knows what else while keeping a good pace. Before we knew it, we were on the final stretch feeling strong and racing across the finish line. Gotta love that runner's high!

I sported my new shirt - Team Grundy. My old job made these shirts in memory of a friend and co-worker who recently passed away. He was a marathon runner and such an inspiration. In November, I am part of a marathon relay in honor of him.



I ate this before the race this morning.



I got a free one at an expo yesterday. It tasted pretty good. High calorie though but I know that's OK before a long run. Maybe I'll pick up another before my upcoming relay race.

What's everyone's fun plans for this weekend/Halloween?!

Shoe Obsessed

I used to be a flip flop only girl, but alas my tastes have changed and I only own two pairs of flip flops now. I’m really into cute heels but unfortunately just don’t have the budget to buy them all!

Here’s my current wish list (I do a lot of online “window” shopping!):


ShoeDazzle
So pretty. Love the sparkle and the detail of the flowers. But they’re out of my size. :(


Overstock
I’m all about that ruffle! So feminine!


Go Jane
I’ve in the market for a small and tall boot and I think these look relaxed and comfortable.


BCBG
I could never afford these nor would I let myself buy $300+ shoes, but I love the embellishment on this classic black peep-toe.


BCBG
This screams “the holidays!” to me! I’d love to have something like these for Christmas and New Years. They are so fun and makes my heart go pitter-patter.


BCBG
I love these edgy booties! And apparently I just have a thing for BCBG’s shoes. I only own one actual pair that I got on sale.

Now I want to hear from you. What are your recommendations for dressy, knee-high boots?

I’ve been cursed with large calves and small feet. For years now, I’ve been searching for that perfect, dressy boot. Last year I finally found a casual pair that fit! Feel free to share your wish list shoes, too!

32 Days Until... and Sweaty Bands.

I usually don’t win things. Giveaways, contests, anything. I’m just not that lucky. Well, that is until recently…

Holly at Rust Belt Runner did a recent giveaway for Sweaty Bands – cute workout headbands. And I won! I got two of them in the mail last week and tried them out on my runs this weekend. I really like them. Comfortable, stayed on my head (which I was worried about) and kept the sweat out of my eyes. Oh, and they’re cute! Thanks again, Holly!


One of the Sweaty Bands!

Speaking of runs, I am in the midst of training for a marathon relay. This newbie runner is a little nervous about my 5.2 miles. I know I can do it because I ran 5.4 for the first time this past Friday. I also know I’ll be able to keep on going because I’ll be inspired by all the marathoners around me (I mean, wow!). I’m mostly nervous about my time. I don't want to let my teammates down!

I have been running or at the gym every day, getting ready and trying to increase my endurance. I’m really seeing and feeling the results, but boy, am I tired.

32 days until the relay! Think I can shave off 25 minutes from my time by then? Yeah, not likely. ;)

Two questions on this post! What is something you are “training” for? And athletes, how do you increase your endurance?

Blog Awards!

Alice, from Guys, Boys and Men, recently gave me a blog award! Drum roll please...

Voila! Yay! Thank you, Alice! Everyone should check out her blog. She's definitely versatile... her latest post is a poll on the hottest vamps out there, so go vote! She also has many other great posts, including tips on meeting the parents. Thanks again, Alice!

The rules of acceptance of this award are as follows:

1) Thank and link back to the person who gave me this award.
2) Tell everyone 7 things about myself
3) Pass this award to 15 other bloggers
4) Contact the bloggers that I've picked and tell them about the award

2) Okay, seven things...

My DVR is stuffed with TV shows that I don't have time to watch. The only shows I make time to watch each week are Glee, Real Housewives and Jerseylicious. ;)

I always wanted to be athletic like my three older brothers. I try. I like to bike, run, play golf, volleyball, tennis, dance. Not the best but at least I'm trying!

I'm a real softie. I cry VERY easily - good and bad tears. Being so sensitive, I oftentimes feel guilty for no reason. I wonder if it's from my Catholic upbringing. ;)

My weakness is cheese. What's food without cheese to make it taste even better?

I hate door knobs with a passion! As you may have gathered from previous posts - I'm a bit of a germaphobe. (A "bit" doesn't accurately describe it.) I think all doors should open automatically!

I'm really shy when I first meet someone and it takes me a while to warm up. It may come off as rudeness or disinterest, but it's not intended that way.

I love to volunteer and help people. Probably explains why I work for a nonprofit. I take on too much but it's always a great feeling to help someone out!

3) Pass this award to 15 other bloggers.... here's my list of 15 GREAT bloggers!

A Girl in the Sunshine

Puzzle Pieces

Southern Belle Simple

The Juici Life

All in a Day - my cousin!

LesleyRaes

Stop. Listen.

Sunny Days & Starry Nights

How Not to Fall in Love

Laura Darling

The Roaring 20s (Mine that is...)

You Talkin' to Me

Life of Meg

ponderific

Weaver Family

Stay tuned...

I'm alive! I feel like training has taken over my life.... training, you say? Basically my life is devoted to exercising right now. But I'll save that for another post.

I won a blog award - yay! So be on the lookout this weekend because I am going to pass it on to some awesome bloggers.

P.S. I uploaded lots of pictures to my flickr. Finally!

Happy Thursday!

Wedding fun

I love that moment right before a wedding when I think about how excited the bride must be. I am filled with happiness and excitement for her, but I can't imagine how she must be feeling. I look forward to living that moment myself one day.

Friday night, I watched a co-worker get married. There's something about that beautiful glow, lighting up a bride and groom's face. I just love it. But I'm a sucker for weddings in general.


Happy bride and groom!


You all know I love red heels!

What's your favorite part about weddings?

Volleyball and Jersey fun

I’ve been MIA from the blog world these past few days. I’ve been trying to catch up on my blog reading today and decided I better post something, too.

I discovered my gym has open volleyball on Tuesday nights and I am so excited. I used to play intramurals in college and missed it. I was so envious when I read my friend Sarah (A Girl in the Sunshine) was playing in a league! ;) We played for 2.5 hours and although I was rusty, I didn’t want it to end. I’m definitely going back next week... even though every muscle in my body feels sore today!

I also figured out my Halloween costume. I’m going to be a Jersey girl. Fitting because I was born in Jersey, right? Except that I don’t have an accent and I only lived there four years.



I want to model my costume more after the girls of Jerseylicious. I’m talking big hair, lots of makeup, a fake tan (mine will be spray tan), lots and lots of bronzer, fake nails, high heels and animal print. I need to find a cheetah dress. Is there anything else I am missing?

What do you want to be for Halloween?