Back in the Swing of Things

Workout:  5 miles in 48:06 with Copper and no music.

Made it back from Philly on Wednesday night with minor issues.  Thank goodness.  It was a great conference, but long and I worked my butt off.  I did so much walking!!!!  The Philadelphia Convention Center is huge and I walked from one end to the other a gazillion times.  It was crazy.

I was ready to get home, start eating normal again, sleep in my own bed and see my doggies...oh and of course my husband too!  Wednesday night I was so exhausted I fell asleep on the couch at 8:30 and then crawled to bed at 10:30.  Yesterday was a busy day, right back into the swing of things.  Mowing, gardening, laundry - all that fun stuff.  I decided to rest yesterday because my heels were really killing my from all the walking.  My legs felt fine it was really my heels that hurt the most. 

However, I got up early this morning and went for my run with Copper.  My heels didn't hurt on the run but I can tell they are still tender when I walk barefoot.  I didn't have my ipod charged so I had to run without music for the first time in a long time.  I still felt pretty good.  I actually made it all the way up Ivan's hill which is the big hill before my house.  I ran the whole way back from my turnaround spot which is something I very rarely can do.  My lungs and legs felt good, but I can tell I haven't been pushing myself.  I don't know if I will break my PR this summer if I don't start pushing myself a little harder and get down into the 8 min a mile pace.

I wore one of my Active Bands this morning!  It felt really good and stayed in place and kept my bangs out of my eyes!  Plus the design is perfect for me - the girl who had the bandana pattern all over her wedding invites and decorations! 

Sweaty mess that I am but it felt soo good to get a real workout in.  And be out in the country...no stinky, smelly city streets with glaring tall buildings.  I do love my hills, green grass and tall trees.  Country Girl at Heart I will always be!

Now another day of fun begins.  But before it starts to get too hot, I am going to heat up the kitchen.  I am trying to use less processed foods and make more stuff from scratch so today I am cooking up a chicken for homemade chicken salad and a chicken casserole.  I am also going to make up a dish of lasagna to eat up over the weekend and make my husband his sweet treats for the week.  Off to the kitchen I go!

Giveaway at Active Bands

Go check out Active Bands new blog site.  They are having an awesome giveaway for 2 gift cards to their online store for the best Active Headbands you will find out there.  I just ordered three last week and LOVE them.  They stay in place and are beautiful! (Pictures to come soon!)

Please check out their blog and check out their site and all the awesome ActiveBands they have available.  Plus they have a 30% discount offer going on right now too.  Don't miss out!!  Great products, great company, great service!!!!

Two Runs Day

Workout:  2.44 miles in 22 mins with iPod

3.56 miles in 34:39 with Dad and SB

Today, I split up my run into two parts.  My car was down at the shop, and I needed to pick it up so I could head into town for my appointment.  So my two little feets-ies got me there in great time with a good hill workout in there.  It was only 2.44 miles and I was shooting to get between 5 and 6 miles in today.

When I headed into town I met up with Dad and SB after my appointment.  We did the local bike path and then looped through town to make it back to our cars.  I was a muggy, muggy day.  This morning when I was running, I felt like I was running through really thick - pudding like air.  SB said the same thing when we ran in the afternoon.  The air just felt so thick and heavy.  ICK! 

We ended up running 3.56 for a total of 6 miles even!  I've really mixed up my running plan this week, due to my car being fixed, appointments in town and leaving for the ISTE conerence in Philly on Saturday.   I'm hoping I can just get all the miles in before I leave.  Once I get to the conference I'm not sure how I will fit in running with the busy schedule I have as a volunteer captain.  It should be interesting.

Check out Words to Run By's blog tonight.  She posted about a great FREE opportunity to run a little safer.  I've used my Road ID for years, but never updated it when I got married, so I took the time tonight to fill out my information and get my free FinishSafe Tags and Life Pin Number.  Check out her blog for information and steps on how to get the free tags (7 in all!)

Oh I got my Active Bands and Hammer Nutrition products today.  I LOVE the ACTIVE BANDS!  They look great and really seem to stay in place.  I got them after my runs, so I am looking forward to trying them out on a run on Friday.  I tried one of the Hammer Gels today and some of the Hammer Heed today and I liked them both.    I also picked up some whey protien so that I can mix that into my smoothies, pancakes, etc.

More Giveaways

I finally have some time to stalk more blogs.  I've been finding a lot of great blogs and have added quite a few to my blog roll.  Her Name is Rio and She Runs is a very cool blog.  I'm looking forward to reading more from her.  She has a great giveaway going on too...go check it out.

Secrets of a Running Mom is another great site.  She has some great information for runners such as hydrating appropriately.  Girl on the Run is also having a great giveaway. 

I ordered some Active Bands today.  I am looking forward to them arriving and trying them out.  I got the red bandana, black paisley and flower power patterns. Don't forget if you order by Saturday to use the UVM42 discount code to get 42% off. 

I also order some Hammer Nutrition products.  I didn't know where to start, so I called the 800 number and spoke to a rep.  He gave me some great advice and told me what products would be best in training for a half marathon.  I also had a 15% discount for being a new customer.  If you are interesting in getting the 15% discount on your first order, let me know and I will send you the info.  I noticed on my confirmation order form that they are going to send me quite a few free samples too which is great.  I am looking forward to getting those products as well.