Training…we meet again

You’re never too old to realize how crazy you are. (Or you’re never too young? Can’t decide)

Murphy has a new kind of crazy every day. His new thing is following me when I leave my office. Yes, my dog gate is slightly broken and yes, sometimes I just choose not to close it, giving him more than enough freedom to waltz around like he owns the place.

Tuesday AM weekly meetings in the boss’s office…”step aside, can’t be late!” He not only opens my gate, but he has also learned how to maneuver hers, and yes…everyone makes room.

Happenstance, end up in a co-worker’s office to chat about a big work event? “Don’t mind me, I’m just going to sit here in this very small basket designed to hold petite, small things.”

See?  There is more than enough room on the crazy train.

Walker and I signed up for the second half-marathon of the year, the Folsom Blues Half.  In some countries this qualifies you as having run an entire marathon….err…something.

Shamrock’n Half-Marathon (March 2013)

Either way, I’ve gone-done impressed myself that I honestly think I can do this again. Walker of course helps boost my ego when I question why???? Training January-March was pretty enjoyable. But August- October? Helllloooo Sacramento.

We ran the first big run (6-miles) over the weekend and it went OK. A mixture between terrible and OK. But that’s fair! I haven’t run farther than 4-miles since March so I’d say that’s quite the accomplishment. A mere 7-miler on the books for this Saturday. Wahhhhh.

Ever thought about running a half-marathon?

Here is my 9-week training schedule in case you’re curious:

Saturdays are the long days. This means say goodbye to Friday night and hello to one hungry-girl Saturday/Sunday.  I think I ate an entire loaf of bread between Saturday and Sunday. Eat your heart out caveman!

So you start with 6 miles and work your way up to 12.  (That’s 7 Saturdays total, with one break before the race.) The run is October 19 which is PERFECT timing because I’m in a wedding October 12 and plan on dancing and running to the bar and that’s about it as far as physical exertion goes.

So what do you do during the week?

It’s good to fit at least a 4 or 5-miler in at some point…just so your legs remember who is boss. And if you can squeeze in a boot camp or yoga class that’s a winning combo!

My goal this time is to stretch more so I don’t feel like a jelly donut for a week after. And of course, to PR (personal record and yes it’s a verb. “To PR” Google it!)… Because if I can’t race the guy next to me I sure as hell better race myself!

So what new, fun, crazy, things are you enjoying lately?

Sunday from Scratch ~ Super Food Salad

This ain’t your mama’s salad.

Except I got the recipe from my mom…so maybe it is?

Hmm.

When I was told that kale, cabbage and red onion was being served- the first thing I thought was bad breath.

And then I tried it, got hooked, made it for the roomie, she’s hooked…boyfriend is next…it’ll hook him for sure. And then there is you dear reader. You’re on deck!

It’s full of super foods like kale & cabbage, AND it’s raw, AND it’s made from scratch.
Even though it has Parmesan cheese, is it still considered ‘clean eating?’ Someone please advise.

Super Food Salad: Makes 2-3 servings (Best served fresh and cold)

Salad:
2 handfuls of raw kale (I buy the chopped bag at TJs)

1 handful of raw cabbage (shredded white cabbage- sold at TJs)

2 TBS chopped red onion

1-2 TBS parmesan cheese

1/4 cup chopped nuts (mom uses peanuts, I used almonds/walnuts. It’s all yum!)

Dressing:
1 TBS dijon or spicy brown mustard

1 TBS olive oil

1 tsp red wine vinegar (apple cider vinegar works too)

salt & pepper

Notes:
-Make sure your kale, cabbage and onion are chopped and/or minced. You want this to be somewhat of a ‘slaw’ type salad.

-Mix the dressing on the side and throw everything into a container with a lid.

-Shake what your mama gave ya.

-Put it in the fridge and serve it cold! I also like to saute chicken-apple sausage and toss it in.

Enjoy!

“Sunday From Scratch” ~ A little spritz

Do you ever feel like your bed needs a little spritz?

I have weird sheet wang.

I’m sure it’s all in my head, but I seriously sleep better knowing that my sheets and especially pillow case, are clean and free of sleepiness.

I wash my sheets once a week, but did you know that you should really be switching out your pillow case at least twice a week? Not only is it one big sponge for facial oil but it’s basically a breeding ground for acne. If you have blemishes, I highly recommend switching out the pillow case every other day. Experience the magic!

So I found a “recipe” for this spray and it was so easy to make, I couldn’t help but share! It’s basically a 3oz spray bottle full of water, with abut 6 drops of tea tree oil added. (Any essential oil will do). Tea tree oil is of course nice because of its natural blemish/acne fighting power.

I spritz my pillow before bed and also did my makeup brushes after washing them recently. (Another tip I highly recommend!)

Happy spritzing!

To see more from my “Sunday from Scratch” series, click here!

A Celebratory Weekend Ahead

Happy Thursday!

Do you do the #ThrowbackThursday thing? I don’t either.

Moving on. I’m heading into a crazy, busy weekend which means a couple of things:

– I won’t be blogging my normal “Sunday From Scratch” post unless I find a bottle of 5-hour energy that lasts for 4 days. 

– And I’ll hopefully have a fun recap post with pictures for next week!

Walker and I are headed to Vegas to elope for our friend Rick’s 30th birthday! I checked the flight status for our 8:40PM departure (tonight) annnnnd it’s delayed. What? How do they already know this!? We won’t get in until about 11:20PM which is practically dinner time in Vegas, but oh well. The only reason I realllly care is because I’m only in Vegas until Saturday AM. 

Did you know they have flights at 8:30AM on Saturdays? I didn’t either. I think I’ll most likely be the only one on the plane. This is great news considering I’ll probably be sleeping in the aisle and asking the flight attendant to rub my back.

….

I’m heading back early on Saturday for my friend Jenn’s wedding shower partay! It’s at 3PM which means I’ll have time to nap and get my life together. It’s a tea party/Kentucky derby theme which is awesome. AND she now lives in DC so I never get to see her. But I’m in her wedding in November so we have fun things lined up from now until then 🙂

And guess what kids!? The celebration keeps going. I have another wedding shower on Sunday. A brunch type shower for Heather, who I’ve known since high school but became besties in college. I’m in her wedding in October, she lives in San Diego. Fun filled times ahead with her too! 

And then after that, I head to Chelsey’s baby shower! I have known Chelsey since 8th grade and was in her wedding as well! (I know you’re already singing “Always a bridesmaaaiiiid“)

You might think I’m tired already but you are wrong. All the gifts and outfits are lined up and ready to go! 

I love celebrating all the stages in people’s lives. Who doesn’t like birthdays and weddings and showers and fun? Crazy people. That’s who.

See you guys next week!