5 Things I am Loving Now!

It's been exactly two weeks since I ran the Honolulu Marathon!  For the sake of not overdoing my training, and to prevent myself from getting bored of running, I decided to take two full weeks off from running.  I almost made it, I did pretty well and managed to do 12 days off.  I caved in after the second unseasonably warm day we were having in NH, and went for my first post marathon run this past Friday
  The 12 days off were hard mentally because I was missing a lot of the endorphins you get from running, I walked a lot and did some strength exercises- it just wasn't the same!

  So what's in store for 2015?  Right now, I am signed-up to run the Mid-Winter Classic 10 Miler  on February 1st, and the Wallis Sands Half Marathon on May 15th- both already sold out!
   I love the 10 mile distance, and while I have never done a 10 mile race- I think this one will be really fun.  Wallis Sands I've done almost every year- as a plus, it goes right by my house!

Since I have had 12 days of non-running time with not a lot of running-related subject matter to talk about,  here are 5 (mostly) non-running related things that I have been into lately!


1.

Serial Podcast-  I started listening to this podcast (a spin-off from 'This American Life', on NPR) on the way home from Hawaii.  I was hooked from the first few minutes- so much so, that I only allowed myself to listen to the first 3 episodes in the series, and to finish the rest for when I returned to running.  I listened to episodes 4 and 5 on today's run.  So good!!

2.   Athlesisure-  I think I should start a fashion blog centered around "athleisure."  It's a big trend right now, and anything that allows you to look stylish and comfortable, is alright in my book.   Athleisure consists of things like: leggings, sweatshirts, retro sneakers and clothes you can work out in (but wouldn't really.)  I had to buy this sweatshirt (pictured above) from Under Armour because it was retro looking, and super comfortable.  

Disclaimer**** My family, and my best friend from middle school, Jennifer will attest that I wore sweatshirts every.single. day in 7th grade, rotated between Champion, Stick People, the Gap, the Limited (logos, of course) and Umbra.   With my Adidas Sambas.   It was 1994.   I am making a promise now that this will not be the case.  ***

3. Gel Nail Kit-  Confession.  I have NEVER had a professional manicure in my life.  I have probably painted my nails maybe 8 times in my entire 32 years on Earth.  I keep my nails really short, and low-maintenance.  I heard about the gel nail kits in a magazine I was reading- it promised at home manicures that were easy and lasted around two weeks!  I was in need of a pick-me-up (lack of running endorphins), and ended up buying the kit (in link above.)    Last night, I did my first "manicure"-  it WAS easy!  So far, no chipping, and I feel a little more girly!

4.  Un-Fancy Blog-  I love reading blogs- however,  all of the ones I subscribe to are all running-related.  This changed when my friend Nicole turned me on to this blog a couple of months ago. The writer, Caroline Joy,  has a great sense of style, and a really cool idea of doing a 37-piece "capsule" wardrobe each season.  I really loving getting outfit ideas from her site

5.   The Saucony Triumph ISO-  As if I needed another reason to be a Saucony fan for life after their generosity,  support  and general awesomeness for the Saucony 26 Strong program!!  Before the program, I had bought a few Saucony shoes for running (the Kinvara and the Omnis.)  While the Omnis were too bulky for me, I have been a long time fan of the Kinvaras.  This year, I was able to try the Ride 7 (love them), the Kinvara 5, and both the A6 and the Fastwitch for races- also love them both, however, I prefer the A6.  In early November,  Saucony also graciously sent everyone in the program the Saucony Triumph ISO.  From the first run on, I have really been really into this sneaker.  It feels like, and does have a lot of cushion;  at the same time, it feels light like the Kinvara for tempo workouts.   While in Hawaii, Saucony gave us two new pairs of sneakers which will be released in late January.  I cannot wait to review these once I get a chance to run in them!