Ice baths and Training Plans and New Playlist ideas… oh my!

Many people have asked me how I figured out my first training plan for my half back in October, and even how to start running. I know many people who have had a lot of success with the Couch to 5k plan for beginners, you can find the plans here, here, or here. I really believe that one of the most important aspects of starting out running is to take everything slowly. If you start running and feel great and think that it’s time to ditch the plan, don’t. Give the plan a chance, and though sometimes it may seem easy, it just means you are improving! Give yourself a chance, and allow yourself the opportunity to succeed.

Whenever signing up for a race, remember, every distance is an automatic pr or personal record. ENJOY your training! Realize what you are doing and how great it is, no matter the distance or time run. When I started, I didn’t think I could actually run 13 miles. The most I usually was running at the time was only 3 miles. Imagine my surprise when I was getting into the longer distances. You have to not be scared of the distance and improving either. Once I signed up, the race motivated me to get out there and complete my training runs, whether they were for 2 miles or 10 miles.

It sounds funny, but remember to breath and just go at your own pace. You are doing it for yourself and if that means 20 minute miles or 6 minute miles, focus on yourself. If you have to stop and catch your breath, do it! Don’t think that because you have to go ‘run’ a mile, means you have to run the whole time, do things in your own comfort level. If you are tired, slow down, I do it. It’s not a big deal. Sometimes I feel fast and can run 8 minute miles, sometimes I feel bad and I run 15 minute miles and walk and look around, it’s YOUR thing, no one elses.

Each mile you have to take one at a time, usually my first mile is much slower than the rest of the workout, but each mile is different. You have to be able to listen to your body and also don’t stop and don’t give up. For me, especially on the longer runs, I ALWAYS break my run into smaller runs. When I first started, I looked at every distance as a mile. If I ran 2 miles, I thought to myself, one mile out and then one mile back home, then I’m done. Then each distance grew and I made them into 5ks and then 10ks. I knew I could run a 5k, I told myself it was only 1.5 mile out and 1.5 mile back. Even in the longer distances, I always count backwards. If I’m feeling bad, I just think okay, just keep running to that sign, okay now to the next sign, now to that building. You realize you can keep going. I cannot say it enough, but Believe that you can do it.

As for some other training plans, for my first half, I followed a training plan loosely based on this article from Runners World, there are a lot of great resources on that website for training, workouts and everything, but remember, the most important thing is to do it for yourself, and to listen to your body.

Now onto my most hated, the ice bath. I personally dislike being cold and the ice bath is NOT my favorite thing to do, but I do have to admit, it does help me a lot. Each person is different though. I only do ice baths after a long run, which to me, now is anything over 10 miles, just because I know it will help me feel better. I usually fill my tub and then sit in it for 10 minutes. While I’m in the ice bath, I make sure that I move my ankles a lot. Up and down, back and forth in circles, and I make sure I move my toes a lot too. Those parts of my feet get really sore, and it feels so good to move them around and I feel like it makes them much less sore the next day.

Here are some sweet links to check out about ice baths: Ice Bath Therapy, How To Ice Bath, another bloggers ice bath, Post Run Ice Baths, A HOW TO VIDEO. First off the video is HILARIOUS, but the related videos, be aware don’t know what those are about, so be aware. I usually sit in there in my swimsuit bottoms and have my phone to distract me or listen to music. The first few minutes are pretty bad, no joke, but then you kind of ‘get used to it’ and you can handle it. Plus, reminding yourself how far you just ran and that you can TOTALLY do this, helps too

Now, some new jams you ask for?

Well, let me tell you, there are some great running jams out there right now. Also my friend Bama Belle helped me find some sweet jams too!

Faded by Cascada

Turn my Swag On by Soulja Boy (has a good beat)

Welcome to the World by Kevin Rudolf (another great super upbeat song)

Knock you Down by Keri Hilson (LOVE this song always gets me moving best line is “I’m the new slick rick”, for some reason I love that line, and they say, “It feels like I’m running a race, but I’ve already won first place! Yes! Running references!)

Waking up in Vegas by Katy Perry (first time I heard this song I didn’t like it, but now I love it!)

Lovegame by Lady GaGa (kind of a crazy song but I still like it)

Goodbye by Kristinia Debarge (Love the beat!)

I’m the Ish (Remix) by DJ Class (totally have to give props to Tara for this one! )

A Punk by Vampire Weekend (it makes my head bob around)

We Run LA by Ya Boy (How can you NOT Run to this song?!)

Beggin by Madcon (like the song, once it speeds up)

AND MY NEW FAVORITE SONG RIGHT NOW:

Do what you do by Marz ft. Pack and Mumiez

I am obsessed with this song. It’s perfect for running because it has a beat in the back that makes you keep going and it’s HILARIOUS because it’s the song from the Kia Hamster commercial that me and my roommate are obsessed with. If you are listening to it on your run just think of the cute little hamsters bobbing their heads and you will seriously laugh out loud to yourself. I don’t even like hamsters and I think it’s cute. Check out the Commerical here. Our favorite part is the hamster in the backseat who just taps his fingers, and I love when they smile at the camera out the window. You smart people at Kia! Soon you’ll be thinking: Front, back, side to side, Front, Front, back, back, side to side.

and normal not running person side note: though not the best running song, I do love the Fray’s cover of Heartless, if you haven’t heard it yet, find it on youtube, it’s great!

Here are some more sweet running blogs to check out JoyRun, who is super cute and I love her site, Nitmos is super smart and has a lot of insight, Vanilla crosses the line in so many ways possible and is hilarious, but sometimes his jokes go over my head, ha ha, and the Running Laminator who is great in real world experiences, he’s fast and an inspiration to me as well!

Tomorrow we’ll tackle some topics like chafing and GUS ha ha ha, yes!

xoxo

PS Watched the Bachelorette last night. (obviously) WOW, not so impressed with that many guys on the show… but seriously, there are more tool sheds on that show that found in an ace hardware, and I’m sad that my hometown the LBC was badly represented. Fail ABC. I did notice there were a TON of guys from So. Cal and Texas? hmmm, a bunch of single desperate men in these parts? Weird. Still, I’m obsessed with Jillian and can’t wait till next week. Dancing with the Stars fans, get over Melissa, if she wins I will be sourly disappointed. She’s a cheerleader. She dances like a cheerleader. Her finale dance was sadly awful and I expected much more from her. What am I, a tv critic? Rant over.

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You ask for it, you got it!

you heard right and no, this isn’t an April fools joke….

IT’S GIVEAWAY TIME!!!!

Okay, enough of me acting like I’m at the circus and working for peanuts. This giveaway is for runners and non-runners alike. The wonderful and very generous Online Shoes contacted me to give away a $100 GIFT CERTIFICATE to their site to one lucky commenter. Wild, I know. Generous, I know. They have super great stuff for all occasions including heels, flip-flops and running shoes. Even better is that they have running clothes as well. The site is easy to navigate and with that much selection a girl can get in trouble!

I personally have shopped on Online Shoes, and they had superb customer service, easy transactions and great prices. With FREE SHIPPING and a 90 day return policy, how can you go wrong? I am a SUCKER for free shipping! All a super bonus to their sweet selection of shoes. They even have a pretty cool new section dedicated to New Balance Shoes, which I know some of you swear by. They have Uggs, Seychelles, Franco Sarto, Adidas… tons of great brands, so first off check them out.

Secondly, to ENTER THE GIVEAWAY…. Leave a comment with what shoes you would get with your gift certificate for $100… I know I’m making you work just a little bit, BUT it’s because it’s for ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS.

My comment would say, “Chic Runner would get these sweet Clark Wedges in black, because not all my shoes need to be running shoes (and I have a sick obsession with wedges) ”

Easy as me getting McDonalds for lunch yesterday, so enter away! Also, playing by the rules of most giveaways there are more ways to get more entries. If you want TWO entries and are not yet a follower, you can become a follower by clicking on the stalk me follow button on the right side (if you already are, or choose to become one, just put that in your comment so I can take note) and for THREE entries, post something about this giveaway on your blog and I’ll enter you three times. (leave that in the comment too)

Sadly, this giveaway is only available to US Residents. (next time all you Canadians, eh?) Also, if you are picked by the random number generator that I love, you will have to give me your email address and real first and last name. Don’t worry I won’t spam you or steal your identity.

Good luck to everyone!

Now onto a completely unrelated giveaway topic of my life, I got the opportunity to go to the House of Blues Anaheim to check out The Lost Trailers and Luke Bryan. I am not a hardcore country follower… but I do like the music and man, both these bands were GREAT. I really like the Lost Trailers new song, How ’bout You Don’t. You should check them out, they are really a fun band. I had randomly met a guy from the Lost Trailers and he got Mr. R and I tickets to the show and I am forever thankful to him. It was amazing and so cool to see him live. It’s weird to see so many girls screaming for them. Secondly, LUKE BRYAN I have a crush. Holy Moly, I must need to look at guys more often because DANG. Okay, I’m off that topic now. Thanks again Stokes and the Lost Trailers for a great show!

Finally tonight I am going to go for a short little four miler to see how I feel. I hope the cold is behind me and I won’t be hacking up a lung out on my run, and I know that easing myself back into running will be the best thing for me. Tomorrow I’ll have some sweet deals so keep your eyes peeled for those…. now, comment away!!

xoxo

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Power Playlists

So when I run I usually listen to music. Lately I’ve had some requests for some playlits. I don’t know why I got so many comments that I would love 80′s so much because I was born halfway through the 80s! I get crap at work when 80s music comes on that I wasn’t even alive yet to listen to certain songs. I do love the 80s though, but I am a gangster/r&bish lover as well. I don’t endorse anything Even when at the gym I usually am jamming away and have been caught mouthing the words to songs before. Awkward. Anyways, here’s a gathering of the songs that I listen to during workouts. I have divided them up into what I feel fit my workouts. There are ‘descriptions’ of the workouts next to the title of the ‘play list’. If there is any funny story related to the song as well I put it in () on the side. Enjoy!

Slog running songs and Gym Songs – Doesn’t really matter on these runs what comes on, as long as something is playing that doesn’t make me want to stop. They can be much slower than normal. Usually anything above 7-8 miles. These are also the songs that come on when I am doing weighs or sit ups. Don’t need to be SUPER upbeat but I like them to keep the workout going.

I’m in Miami B!tch by LMFAO
Crack a Bottle by Eminem
More than a Feeling by Boston
Turning Me On by Keri Hilson
Dead and Gone by Justin Timberlake
Suspicious Character by The Blood Arm
In this City by Iglu and Hartly
Single Ladies by Beyonce (whenever this song comes on I always want to bounce around)
Green Light by John Legend
Separate Ways (World’s Apart) by Journey
I wanna Dance with Somebody by Whitney Houston
Love Story by Taylor Swift (I almost cry during this song. Very wierd)
Love Lockdown by Kayne West
So What by Pink
Rock Lobster by B-52s
Right Now by Akon
Don’t Stop Believing by Journey
Anyway You Want It by Journey
Lazy Eye by Silversun Pickups
Body On Me by Ashanti
Leave Out All The Rest by Linkin Park
Closer by Ne-Yo
Beat It by Michael Jackson
Lights by Journey (I am obsessed with this song)
Summer Breeze by Seals and Croft (This is my JAM! I literally have a shirt that says summer breeze across it because I love this song so much, they always play it at the most random places and I’m like, “My JAM!” ha ha)
You Got Me by One Block Radius
Wake It Up by E-40
Just Dance by Lady Gaga
Shut up and Let me Go by the Ting Tings
Ridin and Rollin by Snoop Dogg
This is How We Do by Biggie Smalls
What’s your Fantasy by Ludacris ( I feel so bad listening to this song. It’s so dirty. ha ha)
Beautiful by Snoop Dogg
Thriller by Michael Jackson
Southern Hospitality by Ludacris (Another straight gangster jam)
Girls kiss Girls by Pittsburgh Slim (This song is so wierd but it keeps me going)
Get Buck in Here by DJ Felli Fel
California Love by 2Pac
Billie Jean by Michael Jackson
Forget about Dre by Dr. Dre (Straight old school)
Could you Be Loved Remix by Biggie Smalls
In Da Club by 50 Cent
Please Don’t Leave Me by Pink
Potential Break Up Song by AJ and Ali
Sexy Back by Justin Timberlake
Day and Night By Kid Cudi

Fast Running songs -These need to be pretty upbeat or they aren’t doing their job. I also like to use these for tempo runs. Usually anything below 7 miles.

Phonography by Britney Spears
Shattered Glass by Britney Spears
My Life Would Suck Without You by Kelly Clarkson
Radar by Britney Spears
Heartless by Kayne West
Gimme More by Britney Spears
I Hate This Part by the Pussycat Dolls ( I love this song!)
I Don’t Care by Fallout Boy
Take on Me (Extended Version) by A-ha
Whatever You Like by T.I
Womanizer by Britney Spears
Keeps Getting Better by Christina Aguilara
Don’t Trust Me by 3oh!3
Krazy by Pitbull
Your Love by the Outfield ( I seriously want to dance around like a freak when this plays)
Disturbia by Rhianna
When I Grow Up by the Pussycat Dolls
Ayo Technology by 50 Cent
Black Mercedes by DJ Quik (This makes me want to have a black Mercedes so bad)
The Way You Are by Timberland (This is my all time going out song)
A-Punk by Vampire Weekend
Whine Up by Kat Deluna

POWER PLAY LIST – These runs are my fastest runs or the runs when I’m trying to hit specific times. These are also used for 5-10ks and when I run mile intervals. These songs are quick and upbeat and I love listening to them and they give me the kick that I need.

Poker Face by Lady Gaga (though new, this song has a great beat and keeps things moving)
If You Seek Amy by Britney Spears (dirty, but the beat is amazing
Higher by The Game
Right Round by Flo-Rida
Right Here by Brandy
Let it Rock by Lil’ Wayne
World Hold On Remix

*If you have limewire or itunes, search for Victoria Secret Fashion Show remix. They are the BEST upbeat songs. There is one by The Killers that I absolutely love. They have like 5-6 songs and they are really good remixes.

I realize, there is a lot of Britney on there! Weird. Anyways, I hope you all enjoy. With such a strong response about the gym people I’ve seen, I will be starting the Fitness Freak of the Week, hopefully next week. Last night I did another 200 sit ups and 20 push ups. The 200 are getting easier and easier I think maybe I’ll soon bump up the number slowly. Tomorrow I’m going to get in a nice little 5-6 miler before my race this weekend. This weekend I have the 25k (15 mile) trail run up in Malibu so look for a race report on Monday! I am excited for this race and all the people that will be there. Have a wonderful, running filled weekend!

xoxo

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Power Playlists

So when I run I usually listen to music. Lately I’ve had some requests for some playlits. I don’t know why I got so many comments that I would love 80′s so much because I was born halfway through the 80s! I get crap at work when 80s music comes on that I wasn’t even alive yet to listen to certain songs. I do love the 80s though, but I am a gangster/r&bish lover as well. I don’t endorse anything Even when at the gym I usually am jamming away and have been caught mouthing the words to songs before. Awkward. Anyways, here’s a gathering of the songs that I listen to during workouts. I have divided them up into what I feel fit my workouts. There are ‘descriptions’ of the workouts next to the title of the ‘play list’. If there is any funny story related to the song as well I put it in () on the side. Enjoy!

Slog running songs and Gym Songs – Doesn’t really matter on these runs what comes on, as long as something is playing that doesn’t make me want to stop. They can be much slower than normal. Usually anything above 7-8 miles. These are also the songs that come on when I am doing weighs or sit ups. Don’t need to be SUPER upbeat but I like them to keep the workout going.

I’m in Miami B!tch by LMFAO
Crack a Bottle by Eminem
More than a Feeling by Boston
Turning Me On by Keri Hilson
Dead and Gone by Justin Timberlake
Suspicious Character by The Blood Arm
In this City by Iglu and Hartly
Single Ladies by Beyonce (whenever this song comes on I always want to bounce around)
Green Light by John Legend
Separate Ways (World’s Apart) by Journey
I wanna Dance with Somebody by Whitney Houston
Love Story by Taylor Swift (I almost cry during this song. Very wierd)
Love Lockdown by Kayne West
So What by Pink
Rock Lobster by B-52s
Right Now by Akon
Don’t Stop Believing by Journey
Anyway You Want It by Journey
Lazy Eye by Silversun Pickups
Body On Me by Ashanti
Leave Out All The Rest by Linkin Park
Closer by Ne-Yo
Beat It by Michael Jackson
Lights by Journey (I am obsessed with this song)
Summer Breeze by Seals and Croft (This is my JAM! I literally have a shirt that says summer breeze across it because I love this song so much, they always play it at the most random places and I’m like, “My JAM!” ha ha)
You Got Me by One Block Radius
Wake It Up by E-40
Just Dance by Lady Gaga
Shut up and Let me Go by the Ting Tings
Ridin and Rollin by Snoop Dogg
This is How We Do by Biggie Smalls
What’s your Fantasy by Ludacris ( I feel so bad listening to this song. It’s so dirty. ha ha)
Beautiful by Snoop Dogg
Thriller by Michael Jackson
Southern Hospitality by Ludacris (Another straight gangster jam)
Girls kiss Girls by Pittsburgh Slim (This song is so wierd but it keeps me going)
Get Buck in Here by DJ Felli Fel
California Love by 2Pac
Billie Jean by Michael Jackson
Forget about Dre by Dr. Dre (Straight old school)
Could you Be Loved Remix by Biggie Smalls
In Da Club by 50 Cent
Please Don’t Leave Me by Pink
Potential Break Up Song by AJ and Ali
Sexy Back by Justin Timberlake
Day and Night By Kid Cudi

Fast Running songs -These need to be pretty upbeat or they aren’t doing their job. I also like to use these for tempo runs. Usually anything below 7 miles.

Phonography by Britney Spears
Shattered Glass by Britney Spears
My Life Would Suck Without You by Kelly Clarkson
Radar by Britney Spears
Heartless by Kayne West
Gimme More by Britney Spears
I Hate This Part by the Pussycat Dolls ( I love this song!)
I Don’t Care by Fallout Boy
Take on Me (Extended Version) by A-ha
Whatever You Like by T.I
Womanizer by Britney Spears
Keeps Getting Better by Christina Aguilara
Don’t Trust Me by 3oh!3
Krazy by Pitbull
Your Love by the Outfield ( I seriously want to dance around like a freak when this plays)
Disturbia by Rhianna
When I Grow Up by the Pussycat Dolls
Ayo Technology by 50 Cent
Black Mercedes by DJ Quik (This makes me want to have a black Mercedes so bad)
The Way You Are by Timberland (This is my all time going out song)
A-Punk by Vampire Weekend
Whine Up by Kat Deluna

POWER PLAY LIST – These runs are my fastest runs or the runs when I’m trying to hit specific times. These are also used for 5-10ks and when I run mile intervals. These songs are quick and upbeat and I love listening to them and they give me the kick that I need.

Poker Face by Lady Gaga (though new, this song has a great beat and keeps things moving)
If You Seek Amy by Britney Spears (dirty, but the beat is amazing
Higher by The Game
Right Round by Flo-Rida
Right Here by Brandy
Let it Rock by Lil’ Wayne
World Hold On Remix

*If you have limewire or itunes, search for Victoria Secret Fashion Show remix. They are the BEST upbeat songs. There is one by The Killers that I absolutely love. They have like 5-6 songs and they are really good remixes.

I realize, there is a lot of Britney on there! Weird. Anyways, I hope you all enjoy. With such a strong response about the gym people I’ve seen, I will be starting the Fitness Freak of the Week, hopefully next week. Last night I did another 200 sit ups and 20 push ups. The 200 are getting easier and easier I think maybe I’ll soon bump up the number slowly. Tomorrow I’m going to get in a nice little 5-6 miler before my race this weekend. This weekend I have the 25k (15 mile) trail run up in Malibu so look for a race report on Monday! I am excited for this race and all the people that will be there. Have a wonderful, running filled weekend!

xoxo

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Thursday Funnies

I saw this commercial the other days, and just couldn’t believe how smart those people over at Garmin are. I was laughing so hard. Nun on a run? Hiking Viking? Too funny.

I know many of you are hardcore Garminites, so here’s the video for your viewing pleasure.

Pretty hilarious, unlike the Amp’d Abs class last night! Holy Cow! I wish I could record it and play it out for you guys and how redic the trainer in there is. I mean I love it but it does seriously take your abs to a whole new level. I’m definitely going to try to do it at least once a week. Then a 45 minute run on the treadmill, which oh by the way, I’m pretty sure was the LONGEST I’ve ever run on a treadmill at the gym. Sad, but true. Told you guys I just can’t hack it at the ‘mill, but can go for days on the streets. Oh and I decided instead of doing a manual no hill run, I would do a random hill infested run on the ‘mill. DEATH! I have never been so disgustingly sweaty in my life! It was good though, and I was glad I got through it.

Speaking of the dreadmill wars, last night I felt like I was involved in another one. The gym I went to was in a different part of town that I am used to and had quite a few interesting characters. This guy was next to me wearing a bright striped tank top, and reminded me completely of the character Glen, in the movie “The Ringer”. He had a crazy bowl cut, shorter bright shorts, pale skin. They could have been identical, and if it wouldn’t have been the most creepy thing EVER, I would have taken a picture.

I almost swear it was him. He was going next to me at a blazing 8.5, and I was chugging along at the slower pace of 6.3, (the hills people! they were brutal, cut me some slack) and he kept looking over at me to see what my pace was. I wanted to look at him and say, “You are on manual! That’s why I’m not going as fast as you Glen!” Let me tell you, I wanted to bump up my speed SO badly, but I knew he wouldn’t be on for that long, and I didn’t want to not finish my 45 minute run. He hopped off at 15 minutes, and I continued my hill domination for the 45 minutes.

This morning I went for a 3.5er, and wore shorts. Wrong idea, my legs were FREEZING. I thought after the first 5 minutes they would warm up, alas they definitely didn’t. Oh well.

And to all who think that hat is by far the coolest thing ever. It so is. I’m so excited to get my hat with BUILT IN SPEAKERS in the mail. Are you kidding me. I’m so high tech. Not! And the whole Vicki saga. I am just waiting for someone to email me sometime along the lines of, Vicki’s my friend, and she’s nice! Seems like a crazy B on television!

Now onto a new great song that I’ve recently stumbled upon.

First off we have “B-Rock” aka Brandy’s new single called Departed.

Brandy – Right Here (Departed) (Watch at your own risk)

Really good, upbeat song with good lyrics. I have listened to this song at least 50 times since I got it online. It’s really great as a pump up song. Hope you enjoy the latest from B-rock.

Tomorrow I will return with the result of the biggest football game tonight that I’m going to that will be televised. High school football people, it’s crazy! If you have Foxsportswest, look for me, I’ll be freezing my entire body off in my gray peacoat Go Lancers!

xoxo

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Thursday Funnies

I saw this commercial the other days, and just couldn’t believe how smart those people over at Garmin are. I was laughing so hard. Nun on a run? Hiking Viking? Too funny.

I know many of you are hardcore Garminites, so here’s the video for your viewing pleasure.

Pretty hilarious, unlike the Amp’d Abs class last night! Holy Cow! I wish I could record it and play it out for you guys and how redic the trainer in there is. I mean I love it but it does seriously take your abs to a whole new level. I’m definitely going to try to do it at least once a week. Then a 45 minute run on the treadmill, which oh by the way, I’m pretty sure was the LONGEST I’ve ever run on a treadmill at the gym. Sad, but true. Told you guys I just can’t hack it at the ‘mill, but can go for days on the streets. Oh and I decided instead of doing a manual no hill run, I would do a random hill infested run on the ‘mill. DEATH! I have never been so disgustingly sweaty in my life! It was good though, and I was glad I got through it.

Speaking of the dreadmill wars, last night I felt like I was involved in another one. The gym I went to was in a different part of town that I am used to and had quite a few interesting characters. This guy was next to me wearing a bright striped tank top, and reminded me completely of the character Glen, in the movie “The Ringer”. He had a crazy bowl cut, shorter bright shorts, pale skin. They could have been identical, and if it wouldn’t have been the most creepy thing EVER, I would have taken a picture.

I almost swear it was him. He was going next to me at a blazing 8.5, and I was chugging along at the slower pace of 6.3, (the hills people! they were brutal, cut me some slack) and he kept looking over at me to see what my pace was. I wanted to look at him and say, “You are on manual! That’s why I’m not going as fast as you Glen!” Let me tell you, I wanted to bump up my speed SO badly, but I knew he wouldn’t be on for that long, and I didn’t want to not finish my 45 minute run. He hopped off at 15 minutes, and I continued my hill domination for the 45 minutes.

This morning I went for a 3.5er, and wore shorts. Wrong idea, my legs were FREEZING. I thought after the first 5 minutes they would warm up, alas they definitely didn’t. Oh well.

And to all who think that hat is by far the coolest thing ever. It so is. I’m so excited to get my hat with BUILT IN SPEAKERS in the mail. Are you kidding me. I’m so high tech. Not! And the whole Vicki saga. I am just waiting for someone to email me sometime along the lines of, Vicki’s my friend, and she’s nice! Seems like a crazy B on television!

Now onto a new great song that I’ve recently stumbled upon.

First off we have “B-Rock” aka Brandy’s new single called Departed.

Brandy – Right Here (Departed) (Watch at your own risk)

Really good, upbeat song with good lyrics. I have listened to this song at least 50 times since I got it online. It’s really great as a pump up song. Hope you enjoy the latest from B-rock.

Tomorrow I will return with the result of the biggest football game tonight that I’m going to that will be televised. High school football people, it’s crazy! If you have Foxsportswest, look for me, I’ll be freezing my entire body off in my gray peacoat Go Lancers!

xoxo

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Oh the bear necessities…

The simple bear necessities, forget about your worry and your strife, Yeeeeaaaa Man! I love the Jungle book and can just see Mogali singing that with Baloo. Anyways, sometimes the necessities of life are also those that are necessary to have a safe, productive and fun run. Here are some of my latest things that I think are cool, fun, or just plain cute.

Overton Fitness is selling this handy dandy little belt that is kind of like a new age fanny pack, with much better color selection I might add. Um, hot pink Spibelt anyone? By the way, Spibelt stands for Small Personal Items belt. Way to draw the right attention to yourself while running. The fabric looks super durable as well. This classy little pack is designed and claims not to bounce when you run, which is amazing, since us girls already have enough bouncing to worry about, don’t we? What I love about it is that it holds more than just a key or an ipod, but you can also carry your phone, camera, up to 5 GU packets, and it’s expandable as well. Talk about packing it all in, Overton fitness thought about all the necessities. This just seems too goo to be true, and I’m hoping to get one as soon as possible because they are inexpensive at only 20 dollars for a non-reflective spibelt and 30 for reflective spiblet. http://www.overtonfitness.com/spibelt.php

Stay tuned for a review of the spibelt.. does it stand up to it’s not bouncing claim?

Another thing I love, and you would too, once you got past the wincing pain, is the foam roller. I finally bought one after using a dirty, old, sweaty one at the gym on occasion. Having one to call my own has allowed me to really develop my stretching habits, and helped me to become more flexible, especially loosening up my calfs and hamstrings after a long run. This tool is vastly underused, and is actually simple to use, you might just look a tad bit awkward using it the first few times, but hey awkward is what running is, right? You can find tons of pictures online on how to use it, but I usually use mine mostly for the hamstrings and calfs but rolling my body over it, kind of like a beached whale. Check it out at http://www.performbetter.com/ (hurry, right now they are having a end of season summer sale right now too! )

Though I normally go to Starbucks for a delicious cup of soy Chai to get me through my day, I have recently been chugging down their new Banana Chocolate Blend Vivanno Drink. It’s freshly prepared with a whole banana, bittersweet cocoa, 2% milk and Starbuck’s own whey protein & fiber powder, and is blended with a little ice. On the way to work in the morning after a workout is just delightful, and there are 21 grams of protein in it and 270 calories. It’s a much more cute than sucking down some Muscle Milk (which by the way is the worst packaging ever, you can tell they are marketing to the male population)… or lugging that 42 oz. tub of protein off the top of the fridge. Learn more about the Vivanno drinks and flavors at http://www.starbucks.com/retail/nutrition_info.asp
Ask for it without whip cream, that adds a hefty amount of calories.

Lastly, I have two new songs that I am madly in love with. They are what I have been listening too lately to get me pumped up to run.

First off there is Rhianna’s Disturbia. I don’t know why I love this song, but I do, and it gets me started off on the right pace, and gets me in the mood to run.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6zdhHLvT7k (Watch video at your own risk.)

Also, with summer coming to a close, there is a Jerry Mungo song that I like to listen to while running, even though it doesn’t really pump me up too much it always puts a smile on my face. It’s such a cute, bubbly song and it always makes me bob my head out on a run. I feel like I should be doing hopscotch while listening to it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zc9wIzi96_E (Watch video at your own risk.)

xoxo

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Oh the bear necessities…

The simple bear necessities, forget about your worry and your strife, Yeeeeaaaa Man! I love the Jungle book and can just see Mogali singing that with Baloo. Anyways, sometimes the necessities of life are also those that are necessary to have a safe, productive and fun run. Here are some of my latest things that I think are cool, fun, or just plain cute.

Overton Fitness is selling this handy dandy little belt that is kind of like a new age fanny pack, with much better color selection I might add. Um, hot pink Spibelt anyone? By the way, Spibelt stands for Small Personal Items belt. Way to draw the right attention to yourself while running. The fabric looks super durable as well. This classy little pack is designed and claims not to bounce when you run, which is amazing, since us girls already have enough bouncing to worry about, don’t we? What I love about it is that it holds more than just a key or an ipod, but you can also carry your phone, camera, up to 5 GU packets, and it’s expandable as well. Talk about packing it all in, Overton fitness thought about all the necessities. This just seems too goo to be true, and I’m hoping to get one as soon as possible because they are inexpensive at only 20 dollars for a non-reflective spibelt and 30 for reflective spiblet. http://www.overtonfitness.com/spibelt.php

Stay tuned for a review of the spibelt.. does it stand up to it’s not bouncing claim?

Another thing I love, and you would too, once you got past the wincing pain, is the foam roller. I finally bought one after using a dirty, old, sweaty one at the gym on occasion. Having one to call my own has allowed me to really develop my stretching habits, and helped me to become more flexible, especially loosening up my calfs and hamstrings after a long run. This tool is vastly underused, and is actually simple to use, you might just look a tad bit awkward using it the first few times, but hey awkward is what running is, right? You can find tons of pictures online on how to use it, but I usually use mine mostly for the hamstrings and calfs but rolling my body over it, kind of like a beached whale. Check it out at http://www.performbetter.com/ (hurry, right now they are having a end of season summer sale right now too! )

Though I normally go to Starbucks for a delicious cup of soy Chai to get me through my day, I have recently been chugging down their new Banana Chocolate Blend Vivanno Drink. It’s freshly prepared with a whole banana, bittersweet cocoa, 2% milk and Starbuck’s own whey protein & fiber powder, and is blended with a little ice. On the way to work in the morning after a workout is just delightful, and there are 21 grams of protein in it and 270 calories. It’s a much more cute than sucking down some Muscle Milk (which by the way is the worst packaging ever, you can tell they are marketing to the male population)… or lugging that 42 oz. tub of protein off the top of the fridge. Learn more about the Vivanno drinks and flavors at http://www.starbucks.com/retail/nutrition_info.asp
Ask for it without whip cream, that adds a hefty amount of calories.

Lastly, I have two new songs that I am madly in love with. They are what I have been listening too lately to get me pumped up to run.

First off there is Rhianna’s Disturbia. I don’t know why I love this song, but I do, and it gets me started off on the right pace, and gets me in the mood to run.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6zdhHLvT7k (Watch video at your own risk.)

Also, with summer coming to a close, there is a Jerry Mungo song that I like to listen to while running, even though it doesn’t really pump me up too much it always puts a smile on my face. It’s such a cute, bubbly song and it always makes me bob my head out on a run. I feel like I should be doing hopscotch while listening to it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zc9wIzi96_E (Watch video at your own risk.)

xoxo

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