Half Marathon Training: Week 12 & Overall Thoughts

It is done! I've done all the training and all that's left to do is run the race. This week was really easy, except for when my nerves finally started to kick in!

I took it easy and didn't push it at all for any of these runs since I was still having slight pain on the inside of my calves. For this post, I kind of wanted to sum up my thoughts about the whole training period and what I liked and didn't like.

I think that running four days a week worked for me, but it was hard to fit it in with my work schedule sometimes. I also think the 5 mile run mid-week later on in training and the long run on the week was a bit too much for me personally. I think that's what lead to me feeling so burnt out at the end of the schedule.

I think the program could stand some alterations, but I'm not sure what exactly I would change. I would definitely recommend it though, as I think it does a good job of preparing you for the distance.

I've been randomly getting overwhelmingly nervous when I remember that the race is on Sunday, but I guess that's probably normal. We'll see how it all shakes out I suppose! 

P.S. This.

Half Marathon Training: Week 11

So, I kinda slacked this week. It wasn't intentional, I just was feeling burnt out and decided that I needed a break. After my 5 miles on Wednesday, I started to have shin splint-like pain in the insides of my calves so I decided to skip the 3 miles the day after. I woke up on Sunday with the intention to do my 12 miler, but I took the dogs outside and felt how chilly it was and went, "nope, not today."

I guess maybe I feel a little burnt out on training at this point and honestly, the thought of going out in the chilly morning to run for over two hours all by myself didn't really sound that enjoyable. I figure that I've already proven to myself that I can do 11 miles though, so I know I can do the 13.1.

It was so chilly the morning that I did the 5 miles. I really don't know how long my "I want to try to run outside during winter" thing is going to last. It won't be so bad if I can run in the middle of the day when it's warmest I guess, but the odds of that happening are probably slim to none.

Want to know what I did on Sunday when I was being a bad runner and skipping my run? I made soy candles! Those of you who know me in person probably know about my candle hoarding tendencies and truthfully it can be a very expensive hobby. I found some really cute candles on Etsy, then started doing some research on how to make them myself. Long story short, I ordered some supplies and have made two batches so far and I love it! I love making things and I really enjoy spending my time crafting.

As I'm writing this, there's only 4 days left until the half! O_O

Ellie 50 Shades of Lime Top & My New Obsession Leggings Review/Photos

Good morning everyone! I have a review of some really awesome work out gear for you guys today. Ellie is a fabulous brand that offers great quality (and cute!) clothes for running, yoga, and any other activity you might be interested in.

As an Ellie Ambassador, I received two of their pieces to test out and review. I chose the 50 Shades of Lime long sleeve top and charcoal gray My New Obsession leggings.

The 50 Shades of Lime top is made from moisture wicking fabric, so it keeps you dry while exercising. I've worn it running during some of the cooler mornings we've been having and it's great for keeping me warm in the beginning of my runs and cooler towards the end.

My only complaint about the top is that it rides up while I'm running. I've worn it with a few different bottoms and it stays better with some and rides up more with others. Just depends on what you're wearing it with, I guess. However, THUMB HOLES. I don't think that needs any more explaining. Simply awesome.

I literally do not have one single bad thing to say about the My New Obsession leggings. They are, quite literally, my new obsession.

They fit perfectly and are so soft and comfortable. I've even worn them out with boots and a long top because they're so awesome. I never have to adjust them when I run and they keep me warm without making me overheat.

The one downfall: pantylines. But that's pretty much unavoidable (unless you go commando, in which case, power to you!) and doesn't bother me in the slightest. However, I know it may bother some of you so it's worth mentioning.

Are you ready for a treat? If you use this link to order from Ellie, you'll get 20% off of your order! And in addition to ordering regularly off of their website, Ellie also offers a subscription service called the Fit Fashionista Club. The FFC costs $49.95/month and each month you get to pick any two pieces from their website for them to send you! If you've ever gone shopping for high quality work out gear, you know what a deal that is! You can use the link at the beginning of this paragraph to sign up for the FFC as well.

Be sure to follow Ellie on Twitter and Facebook and let me know if you order anything and how you like it! xo!

The products in this post were provided for my honest review.

Half Marathon Training: Week 10

This week went pretty well except that I skipped my long-ish mid-week run. Things just got busy and I had no time to fit it in. C'est la vie. On the bright side, I've only skipped two days of training in the ten weeks so far, so I'm pretty proud of that!


My 11 mile long run this week went so much better than the 10 miler two weeks ago. I got outside early and it was in the 50s/low 60s through the whole thing. I was starting to get frustrated about how hard it felt, but then I asked myself, why should it feel easy? I've never run that far or that long before, why do I think it's going to feel nice and easy and pleasant? It's supposed to be hard!

It's about time to start looking for some more cold weather gear. My main list right now consists of: ear warmer, gloves/mittens, some kind of tech fleece pants, warmer socks, and probably a running jacket before too long. Hellllooooo, xmas presents! Any recommendations for good running clothes for the cold?

Speaking of cold weather, fall and pumpkin everything are officially here and these bagels are delicious. Seriously, go out and buy some.

See, I told you fall was here.

Less than two weeks left until the half from the time I'm typing this! I'm starting to get a little nervous :X

Half Marathon Training: Week 9

Another late post! The past few days have been crazy as hell so this is the earliest chance I had to write this. The race is getting soooo close; I can't believe how fast time seems to have gone. 

I'm feeling pretty good about my runs lately. I got some new shoes and they've helped majorly so far. I don't feel like I'm running on the bones of my feet by the time I get done running and my pace has slowly been speeding up again. They even helped me run a 10k PR! :D

These are my beautiful new babies! I was skeptical that I could find a color that I loved more than purple for my running shoes, but these are amazing. So pretty. Not to mention super, super comfy.

I visited my sister at college over the weekend and we took the train from her campus into Philadelphia to do some shopping and get lunch. The train wasn't nearly as exciting as I thought it would be!

I also convinced her to wake up early with me and run because I'm selfish and I miss running with a partner! Her campus is GORGEOUS and we had perfect weather for our 3 miles.

Her horse got to go to college with her!

I spotted these cookies in their market building, but exercised enough self control not to take them home with me. I can't guarantee that will happen the next time I see them.

I'm hoping my long run this week goes awesome and I can actually have some serious confidence for the half!

Half Marathon Training: Week 8

This update is late but I feel like I really don't have much to say honestly. Right now I'm home sick from work, so that really sucks. Hoping I'll feel better tomorrow and can run, but if not, I might have to skip a day.

None of these runs really stick out to me except for how awful the 10 miler was. That was my own fault for going out to run right in the middle of an 80º day though and not bringing enough water. I've already had a pep talk with myself that the 11 miler will be better. I can't believe how close I'm getting: only 4 more weeks!

My running outfits have been getting consistently more obnoxious and yes, I love it. It also makes me feel a little safer, because not getting hit by a car while running is a good thing.

And our local county fair was running this week, so that means eating this entire plate of pumpkin funnel cake by myself and washing it down with a root beer float. I don't even know the meaning of the word moderation.

 See you next week!