Boston Bound

Thursday:

The Brentwood Breakfast Club celebrated Dave’s birthday with mustaches and mini sombreros.

I made sure to drink tea from my Good Luck mug from Jenn!

I have a weird quirk.  Before I go out of town I like for all of my laundry to do be done and I put clean sheets on my bed. Coming home to fresh bed is the best!

Friday:

I arrived to the airport at 5am…eek!  My first stop after security, was Starbucks.

And then there was a travel miracle…the seat beside me was empty!

Jason was working in Chicago all week, and we reunited in Boston!  Seeing him and the finish line made it real.  The city is full of energy and I love it!

We went to the expo for bib pickup and lots of shopping.

HUGE THANK YOU to Ricky and Saucony for my Boston Kinvaras!!!!

I’m exhausted in the most wonderful way!  It feels great to be checked in.  Next up: the BAA 5K!

I know a bunch of folks are racing this weekend.  Share your race or long run!!!

Do you adjust your diet for race week?  I drink more water and add more carbs.

The race bag was full of fun goodies, but I’m a little skeptical about this one!  Have you guys tried it?  There’s a big trend of savory run nutrition.  I like mine to taste like frosting!

#choosejoy

Friday Five: Boston Edition

1.  Saucony Kinvara 6: Boston Edition

2.  Kara Groucher’s Guide to Boston from Oiselle

3.  BAA Boston Marathon App.  For everyone cheering on a friend, family member, or running the race…you need to download this app!

4.  Race Advice:

You Guide to Running the Boston Marathon Like a Pro from Daily Burn…great course strategy!

Boston Marathon Course Tips for Runners from Runner’s World…great mile by mile breakdown!

Boston 365 from Fleet Feet Sports: Boston Marathon advice from Fleet Feet owners and staff

Including advice from one of my best friends, Christi Beth!!!

5.  Lastly, My Boston Goals!  Be kind…sharing race goals is a little scary!

I have started every marathon too slowly (I might be the only runner with this problem!).  Negative splits are good, but I had a 15 minute negative split in Chicago.  So, I’m going to trust my training and get into my goal pace sooner rather than later.

• A goal: BQ (sub 3:40)
• B goal: sub 4:00
• C goal: finish!  If I’m having a really off day, I plan to slow down, high-five, kiss the girls, and have fun!!

I’m not a great runner…I just love to run.  I have a few nerves, but mostly I’m excited and curious for the experience.  This is BOSTON and I refuse to have a bad race!

Happy Friday to all of you and CHOOSE JOY!

Run Fastah

Monday:

I met up with friends for 5 miles and then added a few more solo miles after.  The dogwoods are gorgeous in TN right now, and my friend Dave shared the story of the dogwood with us.  Dogwoods bloom around Easter.  Blood stains the edges of the petals and the bloom’s center wears a crown of thorns.  I had never heard it before and will forever look at dogwoods differently.

I realized that I would have a date with the Unicorn in 7 days…eek!!!

I grabbed a green smoothie after my run.

Trackish Tuesday:

Because it’s race week, my track workout was modified.

5 miles at 8:50 pace

3 miles at 7:50 pace

It was 70 degrees with 97% humidity.  Let’s hope we don’t have to race in that weather!

I was in a hurry after track, so I made a quick cup of my favorite instant oats.

And headed to Franklin Massage for a tune-up before Boston.

Tuesday afternoon I had the pleasure of working with St. Jude to film a spot for our local news.  Ian Miller (a St. Jude patient), Richard Shadyac the CEO of ALSAC, and my friends Roy and Stephanie participated.  This was the second time that I got to “work” with Ian.  Read about the first time HERE!

I’m running the CMM as a St. Jude Hero and would greatly appreciate any and all donations to the Children’s Research Hospital!!  No family ever receives a bill from St. Jude thanks to your donations.  CLICK HERE TO DONATE!!  The Country Music Marathon is only 10 days away, so don’t wait to donate!!!

Because it was Taco Tuesday, I stopped by Chipotle for dinner.

Wednesday: One Boston Day

It’s comforting to know that coffee needs me, too.

The best way I know to honor One Boston Day, is to run.

Kismet…My New Balance Fresh Foam Zante: Boston Edition arrived!

And finally, some random musings…

I received an email from Nike with their new clothes.  What do you think of these Hammer-esque capris?!  I feel like this style should stay in the 80’s.

KINDa like a candy BAR…Kind Bars were all over the news.  READ HERE .  Thoughts?

Had you heard the story of the dogwood before?

What do you think about the Nike MC Hammer pants?

Do you love Kind Bars?  We always have a few in our house.

Did you do a speed workout this week?

#choosejoy

Packing for a Destination Race

I love destination races, but they take a little extra planning.  The weather can change leading up to race day, so it’s best to pack race options for rain, cold, heat (I sound like the mailman), etc…

Most importantly remember NOTHING NEW ON RACE DAY! 

Race Day Outfit: If you are flying, it is a good idea to pack your race outfit in your carry-on bag.

• Visor or hat
• Shorts or tights
• shirt or singlet
• Socks
• Race shoes
• Throw away jacket (zip-up preferred)
• Gloves
• Earbuds
• Handheld water bottle or fuel belt
• Bib belt or safety pins
• Hair clips. Rubber bands
• Sports bra
• Sunglasses
• Armband for your ipod or iphone
• ziplock bag for your phone or key if it’s raining (plastic bags always come in handy!)

Technology:  Don’t forget your chargers!!

• Laptop and charger
• Phone and charger
• Garmin and charger

Toiletries:

• Sunscreen!!!
• Makeup
• Bodyglide
• Deodorant, face wash, body wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc…
• Medication and vitamins

Nutrition:  These are my race fuel choices.

• Gu
• Picky Bars
• Cocogo Code: JENCHOOSESJOY (all caps) for 10% off
• Do you usually drink coffee before a race?  Make sure you have a coffee maker in your room.  Often, race hotels will serve coffee at ungodly hours to runners before a race.  Have a plan.  Coffee is important.
• Race Day Breakfast:  You’ve practiced your long run breakfast for months. Do your best to recreate it in your hotel room. I take banana bread. Instant oatmeal is also easy to make in your room if you have a coffee maker.

Recovery:

• Massage Stick
• Compression sleeves
• Ibuprofen
• Protein powder.  I like Vega Recovery Accelerator.

Paperwork:

• Id
• Hotel confirmation
• Flight info
• Race confirmation numbers.  A lot of races mail you a passport for the expo.
• Race bibs if they were mailed to you.  Boston mailed us our 5K bibs.

Reservations:  I know you don’t pack reservations, but it’s an important part of planning your trip.

• Are you attending the race pasta dinner or do you need reservations at a local restaurant?  Remember that Italian restaurant reservations fill up quickly on race weekend.
• Shakeout Runs.  Runner’s World and other running brands will host shake-out runs at large races.  They often ask you to rsvp via Facebook invitation.

This was a Runner’s World shakeout run in Chicago with Deena Kastor and Bart Yasso!

What have I forgotten?

Do you like destination races? Where is your favorite destination race?

Do you participate in the pasta dinner and shake-out runs before the race?

Are you big planner or do you just go with the flow when you’re travelling?  The more I plan, the less stress I have on race day.

#choosejoy

20 Facts About Me

The 20 Facts game has been floating around Instagram for the last week or two, and I’m finally getting around to writing my list.

20 Facts (Confessions) About Me:

1.  If you tickle me, I will punch you.  Consider yourself warned.

2.  I hate peppermint desserts.  It tastes like you’re putting toothpaste on chocolate.

3.  I do approximately 60 squats while brushing my teeth.  My Sonicare has a 30 second quadrant timer, so I shoot for 15 squats per quadrant.  Do you think I’m OCD?

4.  I feel obligated to buy your product if I eat your sample.  The Farmer’s Market can get really pricey!

5.  I always enter to win the hgtv Dream Home.

6.  I think I have a nut butter addiction.  Current pantry situation:

You Fresh Naturals, PB2, and Wild Friends are my favorites.

7.  I can sing the 50 States in alphabetical order and so can two of my best girlfriends!

8.  I am picky about where I want to sit in a restaurant, don’t like having my back to the door, and I always prefer a booth.

9.  I get compared to Sarah Jessica Parker, which leaves me conflicted.  She’s always on the ugliest celebrities list, so I’m never sure if it’s intended as an insult or compliment.

10.  I can’t drive a stick shift.  Many have tried to teach me and failed.

11.  My brother and I used to pretend to be wrestlers and my alter-ego was named Aquafresh.

12.  I’m not sure if I want kids.  I’m really happy and don’t feel incomplete without them.  However, I would love to have some loaners on Easter, Halloween, and Christmas!

13.  I recognize that we might decide the time is right for kids, so we’ve already gone through the entire adoption approval process.  It’s a heck of a lot of work to adopt, but we’re ready when we’re ready.

14.  My Ultra Dirtbag sticker is the one and only sticker that I’ve ever put on a car.

15.  If we’re racing side by side, I have zero desire to compete with you.  In fact I secretly wish we could talk, become friends, and cross the finish line together.  That’s not creepy at all, right?!

16.  I never know if I should go to Arrivals or Departures at the airport.  I’m arriving to depart.  I will forever be confused.

17.  I keep ongoing lists of potential dog and beach house names.

18.  I’m working on my self-deprecating humor.  Compliments are SO uncomfortable for me.

19.  The odds of me returning a voicemail are slim.  Can’t we all just agree to text or email?

20.  I’m very outdoorsy and love trail running, but I’ve never camped.  I’m A-OK with that!

I would love to read your 20 Facts!  Tag me in your post so I can make sure to read them. 🙂

Camping?  Yay or nay?

Do you get competitive in races?

What is one food that you always buy too much of?  

Who is your celebrity look-alike?

#choosejoy

Weekend Wrap-Up

Saturday:

It was my last long run before Boston and my last run pacing my CMM group!  This Spring has been my favorite training season ever and this group has been a large part of that!

Obviously, it’s my happy place, and obviously I’m a big dork!  🙂

Taper is in full swing!  No RAGRETS…not one…not even one letter!

@fittasticmom shared the Boston Marathon forecast…perfection!!  What are the odds that this actually happens?!

My super amazing friend Jenn surprised me with the greatest Rosewater Pistachio Donut AND it’s vegan (but you would never know)!  Nashville friends, you must go to Vegan Vee (after you finish reading my blog of course)!

Dinner…it’s all about balance, yes?!

All that was missing from that picture was…

Sunday:

An empty gym is such a luxury.

I had a lovely early morning recovery run…

Followed by a big tub of fruit.

‘S’ is for Sunday, and…

And beacause I’m wild and crazy, I spent the night with a face mask (I would have smiled, but the mask prohibited any facial movement) and good book.

Seeing all of the Paris Marathon pictures this week inspired me to start this little gem of a book.  Almost French by Sarah Turnbull

Best thing you ate over the weekend?  That chocolate cupcake was good, but the donut was out of this world!

Did you race or run long?  Share!

What’s the best donut you’ve ever had?  I am obviously tapering with way too much time to think about food!

#choosejoy

More is Caught Than Taught

Wednesday:

You know I love my baristas almost as much as my coffee!

I met up with Jen and Dave for some super fun hills in Percy Warner Park!

We’re going to blame my insane appetite on Boston training.  I went to the market to buy ingredients for dinner and bought enough food to feed the Duggar family.  You know you love 19 Kids and Counting!

I did however, make this yummy pasta fagioli!  I’ll type up the recipe soon.

Thursday: aka…

Fluffy froth in my favorite Beyonce mug!

The BBC had a great run and stayed for breakfast at Whole Foods.

I got my first delivery from Fountain of Juice.  Nashville people: check them out.  Cold pressed juices in glass bottles, delivered to your door…so good!!!  I’ll still trying new flavors, but my favorites are: Chocolate Mylk, Watermelon Juice, Enerchia, and Banana Mylk.

Charlotte and Caroline had to go to the vet for their annual shots.  They weren’t happy with me.

I met up with Shyla and Corrie for Orange Theory Fitness and it kicked my butt in the best way!

Friday:

I love running with friends, but I’ve learned that I will always push myself a little harder when I run alone.  So, I hit the treadmill for a 10 miler with 6×20 second surges.  It’s one of my favorite workouts.  I took some super fun jumping pictures afterwards, but I liked this outtake best.  Beam me up!!

More is caught than taught.  I’ve heard it my whole life and it’s always been one of my favorite expressions.  You never know who is watching…especially kids.  Those little nuggets see everything!  Writing this blog has made me even more aware of that fact.  Actions speak louder than words!

Who’s tapering?  Which race and how’s it going?  I had a baby taper this week, but next week I will really cut my mileage.

Do you run better with a group or solo?

Anyone else battling runger?  I’m trying to make healthy food choices, but the struggle is real!

#choosejoy

The Friday Five

1.  Kimberly Snyder has a new book and I LOVE it!  Beauty Detox Power.

I’ve read her other books and follow a lot of her teachings about nutrition.  Here is the recipe for the Glowing Green Smoothie that I drink every morning.

2.  Bai 5 Bubbles in Bolivia Black Cherry

3.  Hint of Honey Blue Diamond Almond Milk.  I love it in my hot tea!

4.  Food for thought: 5 Reasons We Can’t Handle Marriage Anymore

5.  It feels like it’s forever away, but the Orange is the New Black Season 3 trailer was just released!!

Happy Friday and Choose JOY!

Roasted Lemon Parmesan Asparagus

This simple roasted asparagus dish with fresh lemon juice, garlic, and parmesan has quickly become our favorite way to prepare asparagus!

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Line the asparagus in a single layer on your prepped baking sheet.  Drizzle with olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.  I roll the spears around on the baking sheet to make sure they’re evenly coated.

Bake for 10-15 minutes.  Immediately top with garlic and fresh lemon juice and toss to combine.

Garnish with parmesan cheese and serve!  It’s really that simple and it’s really that delicious!

Ingredients:

1 pound asparagus, trimmed
2 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 cloves garlic, pressed
Juice of 1/2 lemon, or more, to taste
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan, or more, to taste (No judgement for using more cheese!)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with non-stick aluminum foil or spray with non-stick spray.
Place asparagus in a single layer onto the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper, to taste; gently toss to combine. Place into oven and roast for 10-15 minutes, or until tender but crisp.
Serve immediately, tossed with garlic, lemon juice and Parmesan.

Recipe adapted from: Damn Delicious

Related Recipes:

Roasted Cauliflower and Mushroom Quinoa

Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic and Cranberries

Sweet Potato Pomegranate Salad

#choosejoy

Yasso 800’s

Monday:

I wasn’t ready to talk to Monday, yet.

5:30am run with friends

And Perch afterwards

Truth.

Track prep: Caramel Macchiato Gu, splits in a plastic bag because rain was in the forecast, and Cocogo.  Use code: JENCHOOSESJOY (all caps) for 10% off.

Tuesday:

I still keep the original Picky Bar bags to hold my key for rainy day runs.

Workout: Yasso 800’s – NERD ALERT: Bart Yasso just commented on my Instagram post about my workout!!!

(My last tough workout before Boston and it was in the rain!)

3.5 mile warm-up

10x800m (400m recovery jog)

1 mile cool down

My goal was to keep my 800’s under 3:36.  My actual splits were: 3:35, 3:34, 3:34, 3:34, 3:35, 3:33, 3:33, 3:33, 3:32, 3:27.

Here’s a great article from Runner’s World about the Yasso 800’s.  Supposedly, there is a correlation between your 800m time and your predicted marathon finish time.

Jason surprised me with beautiful flowers.  I’m sure it didn’t have anything to do with him being out-of-town for the NCAA Final Four and National CHampionship games! 😉  If you’re local, Garden Delights always sends the prettiest arrangements.

I had a MantraBand giveaway on Instagram a couple of weeks ago.  @cosmo_polita won and posted this gorgeous pic!

Do you run the Yasso 800 workout?  Do you think it’s marathon finish time predictor?

What’s the earliest you’ll wake up to run?  I have a rule that my alarm time can’t start with a 3:XX!

What’s your favorite Gu flavor?  If not Gu, what’s your preferred mid-run fuel?

Does anyone still remember or use the old Picky Bar bags?

#choosejoy