Scratch out the repeat and enjoy your workout!
Warm up
Monthly Archives: October 2013
Marathon Monday: On the Road Again
Phew. After a little bit of a rough patch I’m finally back to actually following that schedule of mine. Yikes! I have promised myself (and you guys by second wind) to push through homework pileups and schedule mudslides, I will be making my first marathon an amazing experience and I will be running the whole thing. Period.
Ah, after that resolution here’s what got done this week:
Tuesday: Class, nowhere better to get in a quick stair workout. Yes, it really happened.
Wednesday: Rest!
Thursday: Again, class with a super short stair workout
Friday: Speed work.
It was fun for a little bit, then it became hard, after that it was still fun but I wasn’t running straight lines any more! That’s when I knew runner’s high set in!
postworkout selfie
Saturday: 2 miles.
This was the night I was chased by a dog – twice. Please be safe out there, I’ll be posting this week about how I avoid altercations with dogs.
I did run in a dress Saturday and Sunday – it was AWESOME! I moved easier, better, and enjoyed never once having to pull at my shorts or anything else!
Sunday: 4.2 miles
I really, really wanted to quit about mile two but I pushed through because I knew I would be extremely disappointed in myself and I was still about a mile from home so I would have gotten 75% of it finished anyway – might as well go the other 25% regardless of my excuses!
That being said I am having minor hip flexor pain. That’s my fault though, I haven’t been doing my regular exercises either. Being lazy sucks!
Here are a few pictures from my run though:
I love where I run đ
Monday: Rest. Ahhhh. Oh, and homework.
Rest of the week: Pretty uneventful.
- Apparently it’s going to be a cold winter, last week it was sub thirty every morning! BR! I broke down and bought a “real” coat so I could bundle up this winter!
- I got fitted for “big kid” shoes i.e. real running shoes and am wearing Brooks Trance 12s now! Time to “run happy”
- The 2014 date for the Cystic Fibrosis Xtreme Hike has been announced! It will be September 13! In our first year 33 of us raised just under $110,000 for Cystic Fibrosis and we are looking to make it an even bigger deal this year!
Happy Monday!! I know there were a TON of races this weekend, did you race?
Five Favs Friday
5 Yoga.
I love it. Really. It reenergizes me and keeps me more stable on the trails. I may not be able to get into all the poses but the longer I practice the more I can do (practice makes perfect anyone?) and that pushes me to hold poses deeper, longer, better! Ohm.
4 The Walking Dead
Yes. It’s true. I never thought I’d like it but both the hubby and I are addicted and look forward to it every week!!
Yes, Rick is my favorite, I think Carl’s time is ticking, and I’m glad Shane is gone!
3 Goats
I showed goats throughout high school (thank God for FFA) and have been enchanted by them ever since! Each one has his/her own personality and they are so much fun to watch!
I know it’s only October but I just had to include this –
Bahhh humbug!!
You’re welcome đ
2 Flapper dresses
How fabulous are they? I know they aren’t the most flattering but yeah, I’m obsessed! It started because I’m volunteering a Gala with a Great Gatsby/roaring twenties ‘Puttin’ on the Ritz’ theme and get to dress to the classy ladies from back in the day – yay!! Going dress shopping is on my to do this week!!
1 Vegan Memes
Most of them are outrageous and hilarious. Here are a few of my favorites, warning there is vulgar language.
That’s all folks! Are some of my favs yours too?
Welcome to the Gun Show
Marathon Monday: 10/21
Good morning!! So I may or may not have slipped off the wagon yesterday and this post didn’t publish – eek! So here’s what happened:
Tuesday: Yoga baby!!
Wednesday: A hard mile and yoga.
Thursday: Yoga.
Friday: Drove to Arkansas for the family reunion – whoo hoo! Other than a little bit of car trouble everything was perfect! Hopefully getting the Jeep fixed this week!
Saturday: A free trail run that lasted about an hour with LOTS of hills, I certainly felt the burn!! This is a waterfall I ran past while out there (like I said, I didn’t have anything with me so that’s web for supplying a picture!).
Sunday: Rest day. And I found out I am the bomb.com!!
Monday: Two miles with Running Breezy and I drove back to STL!!
These are our excited faces!
The rest of the week:
I got my Hot Chocolate 15k goodie bag! Pictures to come soon and you can pick any of this sweet swag at the store (so we can match đ )
While at home (my parent’s that is) I got news that not only is one of my best friend’s but ALSO my cousin is pregnant!! YAY! Come Spring I will be drowning is babies! My cousin asked me to come and nanny this summer since her little family is expanding – that was an interesting conversation! I found this to celebrate. Cute, huh?
I hope everyone had a great weekend!
Anybody have baby tips?! Running + baby tips? Huh, huh, huh?!
A “bit” of an update
Algae. It’s what fuels me.
Most everyone knows that I’m an ENERGYbits Brand Ambassador and if you don’t you do now :). I am so proud to be a part of this company the message is great, product amazing, and the people – phenomenal! Being a Brand Ambassador also entitles my readers (YOU GUYS!) a discount of 25% 30% on any bits product with the code ‘thesaltypretzel’ used at checkout! I love my ENERGYbits but there are also RECOVERYbits, VITALITYbits, and SKINNYbits that each have their own benefits and I encourage you to check them out or contact me to help find the right fit for you!
I take ENERGYbits everywhere I go. College classes, runs, yoga, I even have an emergency stash in my car – shh!! I started using my preferred algae (ENERGYbits) just over two months ago now and haven’t looked back! So what’s continually rad about them? Lots, but let’s start with the basics:
- There’s one ingredient – spirulina (algae).
- Spirulina provides the highest concentration of protein in the world.
- Spirulina is a fresh water blue green algae that was the first plant life on earth.
- Spirulina (and therefore ENERGYbits)Â is vegan, all natural there’s no two ways about it!
- Spirulina provides the highest concentration of protein in the world – 64% – all in the form of essential amino acids for muscle, health and cellular growth
Here are a few equivalents:
So what’s the big deal about them just now? That’s the thing! They’ve ALWAYS been a big deal!
- The Aztecs have used it.
- Olympic athletes have used it
- NASA astronauts have used it
- I’ve used it. Quite possibly the only time I’ll be in the same category as any or all of these folks!
AND:
- It’s safe for your kids.
- It’s safe for your pregnant wife.
- It’s safe the dog.
- Yes Queso even gets bits when he’s being good! They’ve helped him lose weight and get his shiny coat back!
BENEFITS:
- Increasing Energy
- Increasing Endurance
- Increasing Mental Vitality
- High Protein Snack
- Curbing Hunger
- Meal Replacement
- Balancing Blood Sugar
- Lowering Blood Pressure
- Reducing Fatigue
And that’s only ENERGYbits!! The other three boost even more awesome benefits!
Still need a reasons to give a shot?
How about this? My testimony:
I’m busier than I ever have been with school, with running, with life and I always used to be tired. Heck, I still get tired sometimes but it’s more of an exhaustion than that of just being tired. I started out using bits exclusively for my workouts and they worked well, I was feeling a little better every time I’d take them each time
I blend my morning smoothie (breakfast) with ENERGYbits, drink it on my way to class and feel full of energy all day!
Trust me – it’s REALLY good!
This started recently though, before that I’d usually run out of steam before my 2:30 class and would be more than happy when the professor let us out of one of my favorite classes. Not any more! I even stay to talk to him after class now – lucky him, right?! Ha!
Of course I still use ENERGYbits for exercise too and I’ve noticed I can go faster longer. I thought it was just me being Super Me but then I ran out of the house once without it and I just didn’t feel as good. Don’t get me wrong, I work really hard and run with all I have but I just seem to be able to go further faster with my bits!
As mentioned even the dog gets in on the action. This started by accident, he got into samples of bits I had planned on handing out – whoops! Good thing they ARE pet friendly! Now he gets some pre walk and we’ve ditched the processed treats for bits!
FAQs:
Do you actually use ENERGYbits?
First – yes, I really do get this question. Second YES! I do, every day!
How much are they?
$115 + shipping and handling.
WHAT?! That’s pricy!!
For those who take supplements it’s almost certainly less than what you’re paying now. For those who aren’t taking supplements or who want to continue taking them – they are worth every penny! Two months later and they are working better than on day one.
This is for a one to two month supply that comes with your own travel tin so that you can go anywhere with them and all the nutritional info and charts for your convenience!
What was that discount you mentioned earlier?
Oh yeah, forget about the $115 plus shipping and handling because you guys get 25% 30% any of the bit family with ‘thesaltypretzel’! Yep, you will be getting a quarter of the price knocked off just for reading this article. It’s that easy!
Ok, ok, so they’re worth it, which ones should I buy?
Whichever suits your needs best, here are your options:
- RECOVERYbitsÂź:Â detoxes you, helps builds your immune system and helps prevents hangovers
- ENERGYbitsÂź:Â Â Â Â Â Â give you physical and mental energy and is a healthy, high protein snack.
- VITALITYbitsÂź:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â are best for overall wellness and longevity
- SKINNYbitsŸ:        fill you up, helps you lose weight, reduces your appetite and gives you energy
Here’s a chart to help you too:
Which bits are best for you?
If you have any questions please, please, please comment below or email me – there are no stupid questions and, of course, don’t forget to use ‘thesaltypretzel’ for 25% 30%Â off your order!!
Yoga Smoga!
Running Blogger Survey
Becoming a big kid blogger happened this week – I was linked into a runner’s survey – whoo hoo!
Typically Monday’s are reserved for ‘Marathon Mondays’ but considering I’m still getting back into the swing of the things and this week can be stated in about a sentence (as it will be later) I figured I’d take this opportunity to rock this awesome Running Blogger Survey!
Brandon from Forks to Feet was so kind to tag me in his response to this survey and I am now passing it onto some of the fit bloggers I admire most! Here’s to keeping the ball rolling on this “love cycle” (his words – not mine)…
First the “rules” (taken from a few blogs back):
- Â Include award logo in a post or on your blog.
- Link to the person who nominated you.
- Â Answer 10 questions about yourself. (five in my case)
- Â Nominate 10 bloggers to receive the award and ask them 10 questions.
Five Questions for Me:
1. How has blogging impacted your life (meeting people, learning new things, etc.)?
I’ve met some incredible people who have just opened their hearts to me and, I never thought I would say this, but I can call quite a few of them friends. It’s only been a few months but I’ve already gotten a several emails that have let me know people were actually reading my blog and were inspired to run around the block or to sign up for a fun run. I love hearing about people getting fit and being able to do it themselves! As for learning new things, I read a lot offline but have started reading more online and it’s been such a great resource and led to amazing experiences from seeing, hearing, and trying what others have, if to nothing more than try something new. Knowing that pain in your left foot is normal is nice too!!
2. What was the most memorable comment you ever received on a blog post?
I did a charity hike about a month ago with an amazing group of people and after the weekend I got a little down before I began my next leg of training. I wrote about my post event depression and how common it really is, one of the ladies I hiked with expressed similar feelings. It just me feel good knowing a) I could make her feel better by voicing my struggle with it and b) someone outside my mom was reading my blog! Here’s the comment:
3. What are some of your favorite foods you use to fuel for your runs?
I like all sorts of food, really anything edible is ok by me. Lately though I’ve been a lot more picky and it’s served me well. A smoothie with ENERGYbits, frozen fruit of all sorts, vanilla soy milk, and vanilla ice cream now applesauce usually gets me through my runs with energy to boot. If it’s going to be a particularly tough/long day avocado, rice and bean burritos, and/or carrots (they keep me busy) are in order!
4. Who is your running hero (could be living or dead)?
I’m going to be super cliche and just come out and say Scott Juerk. There. I said it. Eat & Run was the first running book I read that had me beyond excited to just go run! I also envy the dogs who can run for hours and hours with pure joy, I really hope to be able to do that one day!
5. Name five cities you want to run in before you die.
New York, NY the ING NYC Marathon would be cool but I really just want to see the streets semi clear. Las Vegas, NV because let’s face it, if I’m going to stay up all night it might as well be running in Vegas (baby)! Anywhere in South or West Africa or everywhere in Africa period. I have always wanted to visit and travel Africa, now that I run I want to do part of it on foot. The coast of California (Hwy 1), a road trip up Highway 1 was enough to have me itching to go back. Flagstaff, AZ has the Grand Canyon and lots and lots of beautiful scenery!
My Five Ten Questions:
- What keeps you motived on particularly difficult days?
- Where is the one place you want to run before you hang up your kicks? Have run there yet?
- What’s your favorite book (it doesn’t have to running related!)?
- What made you decide to blog?
- What are three of you current goals for 2014?
- What’s your favorite food (it doesn’t have to be healthy!)?
- Favorite healthy snacks?
- What’s your advice to running or fitness newbies?
- What’s the biggest or best life change you’ve noticed since you’ve started a healthier lifestyle?
- Last but not least – what are some of your non-fit hobbies?
My Five Ten Bloggers in alphabetical order:
Amanda from One Mile To Go
Bree from Running Breezy
David from Running Because I Can
Erin from Girl Gone Veggie
Jen from Run Beside Me
Jennifer from Kinetic FX
Katie from The Fitness Mom
Liz from Itz Linz
Mindy from Mindy Fitness Journey
Tracy from In Sole Motion
I hope you guys will keep this thing alive. I’m excited to read all of your answers! Thanks again for adding me Brandon!
The rest of the week:
Saturday night I kicked around a 9:09/mi pace and was pretty proud of that, coming in on that high when I pulled off my shoes I was shocked to find a bleeding toe (my first) and plantar fasciitis nagging. After a shower and the hubby taking a look the new plan of action is to run like hell. Just kidding! Run like normal, treat accordingly and reevaluate in a week.
Other than that I’ve been hanging out with my yoga mat about an hour a day.
I decided to ditch the meat, the dairy, and the animal byproducts for a plant powered life. Yeah, I made the leap the vegan! Why? I want be more conscious of what goes in my body and see how if it’s the correct decision for me. Yes, I’m excited. Yes, I still am a huge advocate of agriculture and I always will be but that’s another post all together. I will be taking this one day at a time and (most) any advice is welcome!
Not my photography mind you!
I did make The World’s Easiest Cinnamon Rolls last night that are vegan! Thank you Dana from Minimalist Baker for those!
And I signed up for a half marathon in March as a warm up to my full in April – it’s going to be EPIC! The theme is ‘epic’ and of course they encourage people to dress the superhero part! Normally not one for spandex body suits and capes the hubby and I just happened into a Halloween story and found the perfect Flash costume (minus the aforementioned body suit and cape!) so now it’s only a matter of time before we see how fast this Flash can go!!
Congrats Beth for winning the ENERGYbits giveaway! I’ll be sending you an email soon! For those who didn’t win there will be probably another one or feel free to use my discount code (thesaltypretzel) at checkout for 25% off!!
I hope everyone has a great week!!
Do you have anything you want to know about me?
Any super advice for the road less travelled (being vegan that is)?
Challenge: pick any or all of the questions and answer them in the comments!!
Bite your friend like chocolate (PROMO CODE)
Did I catch your attention?
Good! I have another question for you: Will you run for chocolate?!
I know I will! December 15th I will be toeing up to the starting line of America’s Sweetest race – The Hot Chocolate 15/5k!
Not only am I running in the race but I have a sweet promo code for you too!! When you sign up for America’s Sweetest race make sure to use the promo code SALTYMUG so you can get a free travel mug! This isn’t just for Saint Louisans though – it’s for EVERYBODY running either distance!
Yes, I’ll still be here when you finish signing up!
Glad you’re back!!
The Hot Chocolate Series is fourteen different cities now! You can choose to run in ANY of the races and still receive the mug with my promo code!
Not only are you getting a free mug but you’re getting some pretty sweet swag too! When you pick up your bib you’ll get a hoodie to keep you warm and toasty PLUS when you finish your “medal” is a huge mug (might not want to travel with this one!) filled with hot chocolate (duh!) , chocolate fondue, and tasty dippable treats! After hearing that I couldn’t sign up fast enough!
But wait – it gets better! You’ll be running for a great cause too. The Ronald McDonald House is the national charity sponsor! The RMHC program provides a âhome-away-from-homeâ for families and children facing a serious medical crisis so they can stay close by their hospital at little or no cost.Â
So, I pose the question: Where will YOU be running for chocolate?
*I am an official Hot Chocolate Blogger and will receive registration free on race day.
Work out Wednesday: Back Edition
The Salty Pretzel 