Run Like An Animal

Let's face it, I may live in California, but it's COLD outside!! (For those of you experiencing much worse conditions on the East coast, my regards)

Over the weekend, the weather warmed up to a hot 85 degrees...then, all of a sudden, yesterday transformed to rain, cold, and wind! 

Friday night I started to feel feverish, getting much worse the next day, holding me back from my long 17 miler on Saturday :( Rest was all I could do over weekend, skipping every work out. I did manage to squeeze in a quick 4 mile hike with the dogs; just because I'm suffering doesn't mean they have to :-/

Here are a couple pictures from my doggy hike:

As most of you know, Tuesdays are "my" running days. The day I remind myself why I love to run, with no expectations on pacing and time, just logging miles and being mindful. Well...too bad yesterday was FREEZING and I was scheduled to run 9 miles. 

Since I'm still battling a lingering cough and runny nose, it probably was not the best idea to run outside in cold, rainy weather. So what do I do...I ran on the "hamster wheel". I felt like an ANIMAL! RRrrrrrr!

My boyfriend's mom has a treadmill in her office, with a T.V.!! AWESOME!! So while getting in a sweaty work out, I was able to keep up on my reality show drama...Vanderpump Rules, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and The Bachelor! Whoo!

After all was said and done, I walked outside to drive home, and the sky lit up!! It was thunder storming (a rarity in California). Good thing I opted for the 'mill, I would have died... :-/ 

This once Oregon girl (me), has converted herself to a Cali girl...I don't handle cold and rain as well as I used to.

Incline up, set my pace, T.V. on, and zoned out :)

Cheers to Being Fit N Gorgeous

Unplugged

It's time to take off those headphones and just run! I DARE you ;)

How many of you miss moments like this, because you had your headphones on?

The other night, I drove down to the beach to log an 8 mile run. It was dark, and I wanted to breath in the fresh ocean air. Just like routine, I packed my reflective gear, armband, ipod, and headphones.

About 2 miles in to my run, I'm listening to a good song, and start to think...

Realizing my lack of purity and gratitude, I took off my headphones and chose to run the rest of the way with no music blasting in my ears. 

Tuesday runs are supposed to "my" day! The day I step back and run because I love running! This is the day, I do not focus on time or pace, and run for ME!

Just so you all know, I LOVE music! I listen to it all of the time, and am always looking and discovering new music. Music for me, takes me to a happy place, and acts as a minor distraction from the pain and fatigue I'm in during a work out. It also works as a motivator. 

Just like I expected, even though I eliminated the tunes, I still heard music! It was a quiet night, allowing me to only hear the sounds of my feet pounding the pavement. and the waves crashing just 20 feet away. Honestly, it was so refreshing!! I instantly went to my happy place of serenity and peace.

I strongly encourage you to look at the pictures once more, I posted above, and just put yourself inside of them! To add some more inspiration, here's another...

Many runners have strong opinions toward running with or with out headphones. I personally, don't care either way. But I do believe there are benefits to each!

With headphones, they act as a distraction, removing you from the fatigue, and "pumping" you up.

Without headphones, increases awareness of your body, pacing, foot strike, and the sounds around you. 

Would love to hear your stories and experiences about a time when you unplugged?

Cheers to Being Fit N Gorgeous

Heeelllloooo Mr. Gosling

Sight Seeing in Germany

For those of you who don't already know, over the holidays, I spent 3 weeks in Germany traveling around with my boyfriend. We saw many wonderful things, and created memories that will last a lifetime.
The first 5 days I was in Germany, he had to work, so I was left alone all day to do some damage! I squeezed in a great 5 mile run over my 5 days of solitude. Within those 5 miles, I explored much of the city of Aachen, and even ventured outside of the inner-city limits. It's amazing how much ground you can cover in just 5 miles.

Between the cobblestone streets and crowds, it was quit challenging maintaining a consistent pace. Despite trying to prevent myself from tripping over an uplifted brick, I thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere! Honestly, I was in complete disbelief...I was on the other side of the world, just going out for a casual run! This doesn't happen...at least to me anyway!! :-/

Red bricks are the bike lane, and brown are for pedestrians. Wish it was this bike/pedestrian friendly everywhere.

WHOA!! Look what I found...a hiking trail!

Cold, Sunny day. My favorite! (And yes, my phone was about to die)

For those of you planning to travel or currently traveling, there is no better way to site see than to go for a run. There is so much to see and discover, that you couldn't do wotherwise. I had no idea, just outside of the city, there were these awesome dirt trails!

Do you have any stories to share about when you went for a run or bike ride while vacationing and your discoveries?

Cheers to Being Fit N Gorgeous

...Why Do I Run?

I don't think I've announced yet...I'm currently training for a FULL marathon! Yes, my very first "Full".

Now that the cat is out of the bag, I can also admit, I'm struggling.

Tuesday, I got home from a long day of work, and was seriously debating skipping my work out. Saturdays and Tuesdays are the only days of the week that I log longer miles. These days are obviously extremely crucial to my preparation.

On this Tuesday, I took my time changing in to my running clothes, still uncertain whether I'd actually run the full 7 miles I was supposed to that day. Grabbed my music, put on my reflective gear, and walked out the door. (Stepping out the door is the hardest part!)

It was dark, late, and seemed like everyone had turned in for the night. I stood there, wondering, "why do I put myself through this?" At this moment, I was thinking of excuses as to why I would not be able to run the full 7 miles.

First things first, music! I put a good song on, and started to pick up the pace. One mile in to my run, I started feeling really good! Suddenly 7 miles did not seem so bad! With about 2 miles left to go, a thought crossed my mind..."why do I run?"

Then I started to think about my blog...and how inspirational it is, not only to my readers, but to me!

I'm sure I'm not the only runner who questions themselves from time to time. However, I might be the only runner that actually admits it... :-/ 

I found this picture, which expresses a runner's thoughts...just a bunch of mumbo jumbo! It made me laugh!

This is what keeps me going...

This is my motivation!!! And this is why I run!!!

Cheers to Being Fit N Gorgeous

LuLuLemon Craze

I posted a blog last week about my discovery of Lorna Jane...

In my searches, I ventured over to LuLuLemon...

Let's just say, I'm obsessed with both of them! Here are some of my favorites from LuLuLemon:

 

Went to yoga Monday night, and saw someone wearing these! I could not help but to let her know I loved her pants! Red is a vibrant, daring color, that really stands out in a crowd. So cute!

 Just another cute pic I found of Lorna Jane clothing! :) If only I looked this good while grocery shopping...

Cheers to Being Fit and Gorgeous

I Have Discovered A Brand I LOVE

First of all, just want to apologize for the delay in blogging! It's been a crazy couple of weeks, with many changes taking place. Well I'm back...and now on to what really matters...

A couple weekends ago, my wonderful parents came down to California for a visit. Among other activities, we took a stroll to get some frozen yogurt at my favorite spot, PinkBerry. We passed by many retail stores, until one in particular caught mine and my mom's eye...Lorna Jane.

It's an Australian based brand, so if you want to purchase online, you'll have to pay for international shipping. Best bet would be to find a store nearby and shop! This way you can touch, feel, and try things on.

Here's the website:

http://www.lornajane.com.au/

And here's the lookbook:

http://issuu.com/lornajane/docs/lorna_jane_believe/7

Whether you're a runner, yogi, gym rat, cyclist, or just pretend like you exercise, Lorna Jane has it all!! There is also a wide variety of lifestyle selections. Many of you are familiar with LuLuLemon, I'm gonna say it...Lorna Jane is slightly better! ;-)

LOVE these tops! There are many tanks and tees with cute text on them!

Obviously, while writing this blog, I browsed the site, and found some loves/must haves!!

LOVE these! They are running tights, that look like denim

Cheers to Being Fit N Gorgeous