National Running Day

Happy National Running Day!!

Yeah, that's my badge.  I have so many reasons why I run....for my health, to feel free of my stress and other BS, so that I can eat dessert, because I enjoy it, but most of all...because I CAN.  Years ago, I would never have been able to imagine running a mile, let alone 10.  I couldn't imagine running for FUN! After all, who in their right mind does that?  Apparently, I'm not in my right mind.

Well, the past two days I've had some really nice runs thinking about national running day.  Yesterday Adrian and I ran together at Honeygo Run Park after dinner.  It was super crowded, which made it more fun.  Only did a short run- 2 miles.  Earlier in the day, I had to return the no good running skirt (it's a nice skirt, just didn't work for me) to Lululemon and ended up getting some new gear.  See below for an entire outfit- loving them so far!  The crops are awesome- it feels like you aren't wearing anything.  Hope I'm still feeling that way when I run in 90 degree weather. lol.

Hello Lululemon

I'm especially happy that my soreness, which was still bothering me at the beginning of my run yesterday, was all but a happy memory this morning.  So I laced up for what I wanted to be a 4-5 mile run.  On my way out, I decided the weather was just too beautiful to not hit the trails so I laced up my trail shoes.  

On the move at Gunpowder Falls

It was GORGEOUS out!  There was a lot of people, dogs, and random wild animals out keeping me company, and I enjoyed passing by every one.  I have been trying to unplug more, and one thing I've been doing is no music on the trails.  It's so wonderful to just focus on the run itself and enjoy your surroundings.  To be so easily amused by things like jumping over logs and smiling as you think about horses while doing so.  Also, I have to stay so focused on the path in front of me so I don't fall on my butt, face, or twist an ankle.  I did manage to twist my ankle today- when I took a second to check my garmin for my heart rate.  Apparently the trail running gods didn't appreciate my garmin obsession. Sorry!

At first I was going to stick to the mainly flat out and back trail along the river, but after looking at the trail map I decided to go on the Wildlands Trail that was a 2 mile loop through the woods and then grab the Stocksdale trail to get back to Big Gunpowder Trail to get back to the parking lot.  What I didn't realize was the amount of intensive technical climbing that would commence....holy crap.  It's also crazy how much more difficult it is to take those super rocky trails down hill, especially how much harder it is on your feet.  At points I actually had to really focus on letting my heels focus to give the balls of my feet a little relief  By the end of 3.5 miles or so, I could feel some hot spots sprouting up on my feet.  It felt like I could push through it, so I finished out the trail down to the small falls.  Yeah...by the trip back (a little over a mile) to the car, I decided I needed to give my hot spots a break and walked over any rocky areas, only jogging on sand or dirt. 

And yup....I have blisters on each of my feet- in different places oddly enough.  On the back of my left big toe and side of the ball of my right foot.  Both pretty small, but I put blister bandaids on them before heading to work.  Hopefully it will help because I want to get a 6 mile in on Saturday morning and that would suck with these blisters.

So, happy national running day! I would also love some advice from my friends on the blister issue...

Why do you run?

What do you do when you get a blister?

Lululemon rocks!

Lululemon athletica is seriously the bomb!

While in Boston, we had a little time to kill before our Duck tour through the city.  If you ever visit Boston- it's a must do!   The tour was so much fun, we learned a lot about the city and a vehicle that does both land and water is just cool!



Our truck/boat

 Cool looking, eh?  After touring the city through the streets- we had a tour via the Charles River!


Splash zone!

So...back to Lululemon.... I have been wanting to check out this store for months as some of the bloggers I read rave about the store.  It seems almost cult like with it's followers.

I get it now.  I am one of them.  Sign me up for the newsletter and membership card.



Totally!

So I have heard that many people really don't like Lululemon.  Yes....they are expensive. Yes...you can get similar (not the same, don't lie to yourselves) clothes from other athletic clothing lines for less.

But.....They are Lululemon and there are reasons their clothing is more expensive- A. They feel like heaven on your body (like the silk of athletic gear), B. They look awesome, C. They last forever (can't confirm this yet, but I trust others)

Also, last but not least, they know how to make you have a great experience.  I had another experience like White House, Black Market.  Not quite as amazing in the same way- but more amazing in it's own way.  I was trying a few things on and was lamenting to Adrian that I should be trying these on with sports bras....so they bring me several bras- all the perfect size, and of course amazing and I immediately want to buy them all!  They brought in different sizes, colors, etc. of what I wanted/needed and most importantly- they seemed sincerely interested in what I liked to do and what I was training for, giving me advice on places to run while in the city.

Then....they found out about my weight loss... :D  Sometimes the attention is overwelming- other times (like here) it simply made me feel special and honored as they asked me if they could share my story with others.

I ended up buying only one thing (talk about self control because I LOVED several things and they all looked awesome!)  It's their run: speed squad tank and it ROCKS!!  Also, it runs a little big so I bought a size 6!!  Yes, you read that correctly.  I was in between a 6 and 8, and went down a size because I WILL lose 20 more lbs. lol



Yes, when you bend over it flashes some lower back action- but nothing sleezy and gives great ventilation. Sexiest workout top I've ever seen. LOVE IT!

So, I go to checkout to buy this beautiful top, and the manager (I'm assuming) tells me how much of an inspiration I am to the whole crew and they would like to help me with my training.  She then tells me to please pick out any running accessory in the store to help me with my half marathon training.  ON THE HOUSE.

Exactly my face.

WHOA.  Once I picked my jaw off the floor I almost started crying- but I recovered and grinned and couldn't stop thanking them, they couldn't stop telling me how awesome I was.  It was an unbelievable moment.

So....I picked out....the Amphipod hydration belt


I've been eyeing this exact one for months!!

I have been searching around for a good hydration belt for months but keep not buying one because they are EXPENSIVE.  I've actually eyed this one lustily every time I see it in a fitness store and haven't bought one because the hand held bottle has been working fine and even though I've been wanting to try a hydration belt I haven't needed one to run. Yet.

So....Lululemon is awesome! I have already looked up their closest store and plan a visit soon.  Thank you, Lululemon for making my experience in Boston that much sweeter! You officially have a new raving fan! <3