Date a Girl Who Runs

You know it’s been a long week when you mistake your shampoo for conditioner twice in a row…rinse and repeat right? Happy Friday y’all!!

My friend sent me the link to this article and I’m pretty sure I saw in over in the SweatPink community as well. Date a Girl Who Runs. It’s such a cute post and I run, so of course I think it’s amazing and you should all read it.

It got me to thinking though about all the Other reasons us running chicas are so very dateable. So for your reading pleasure, I’ve compiled my own list of why you (meaning all you single men out there) should date a girl who runs. Because let’s face it, my Padre needs to marry me off so I’m some other gentleman’s problem and my Mother is tired of hearing about my pajama and Netflix filled weekends. Be kind and give my parents something to live for!!….(j/k they love me I swear!)

 

–Date a girl who runs because she is rockin a serious pair of gams. Legs for days, this girl can rock a pair of booty shorts like no ones business. You prefer tights? Don’t worry we have plenty of those too. Did I mention baby got back? (from all those hill sprints of course!)

–Date a girl who runs because she knows the value of showers and good hygiene. Getting sweaty all the time warrants plenty of sweet smelling body wash and perfumes for hours of nose-sniffin pleasure. You’re welcome nose.

–Date a girl who runs because whether your game be football, nascar, or competitive dart-throwing, we know competitiveness and can get into the emotion of the game with the best of em. Game night? Be prepared to lose sucka! (unless you ego is easily bruised in which case, Grow Up!)

–Date a girl who runs because she knows some great music, podcasts, and audiobooks. 16 mile run? Why yes I do have an extensive playlist to power me through the entire thing., would you care to listen in?

–Date a girl who runs because the only bib she’s thinking about is the one that gets her into a race. This girl ain’t baby hungry so rest easy Mr. Im-not-ready-for-a-baby. Kids on your wish-list you say? Well we just so happen to be really good at preparing for big life events.

–Date a girl who runs because she knows how to stretch a dollar. 60 bucks for a race? No problem, I’ll cut out whatever I have to in order to make it fit the budget. You want a new $60 video game? Same principles apply (though real talk, the race is a much better idea).

–Date a girl who runs because thirsty? She most likely has water on her or knows the nearest source. Solid food more your style? Boy meet powerbar, mixed nuts, dried fruit, yogurt, string cheese, goo packet, or peanut butter protein balls….yes I just said balls…

–Date a girl who runs because she knows the importance of praise and positive feedback. Why do you think we run all those training miles if not to get a medal at the end of it all. We’ll praise you for every little thing you do, unless it falls under “boyfriend-duties” then heaven help you if you forget…(mostly kidding).

–Date a girl who runs because she loves food. Marathons don’t fuel themselves, so foodie is her middle name. And not just any food, oh no…..I’m talking fill your belly with warm and delicious goodness, Man-pleasing food. She also knows which restaurants in town carry the best ___insert favorite food here____, so whether you stay in or go out, you’ll be eating good on date night.

 

–Date a girl who runs because we’re super supportive. We’re used to cheering on anyone and everyone we meet who runs, so no matter what your goals or dreams, we’ll be right there being your biggest fan the whole way.

–Date a girl who runs because let’s face it, we’re the  best bunch of happy-crazy people you’ll ever meet. We basically run the world…pun intended.

So if you’re not already, go find yourself a runner to date. And men, if you happen to live in my area….wink, wink 😉

“You know you’re a runner if you find “you know you’re a runner” jokes are funny.”

 

 

Let’s Connect!

    

I’m linking up with some wonderful ladies (and runners) Lauren, Clare, Jill, Mar, and Whitney

Quick Check Your Face

I’ve almost made it through another week of marathon training and can I just say that this week is dragging by like watching the grass grow. (which if you’re currently in the state of winter as I am, you can’t even see the grass) It can’t be just me…..Anyway, b/c of my schedule, thursdays have turned into one of my longer run days (weird I know. I have more time on thursdays then I do the weekends and idk what that says about me…..)

B/c of the cold I’ve had to take my running indoors which you’ve heard my complain about quite a few times on here. Don’t believe me just check out here, here, and here lol. So while I’m doing 5 miles (aka 45 laps) around the track, I have plenty of time to think and since I’m such a giving soul I’m sharing those thoughts with you today 🙂

1. “Woah did you see that dude over there with really weird running form? Wait, do I have weird running form? Am I swinging my arms weird, or wait does my face look weird, Gah everyone is looking at me b/c I look like a running freak!!” This brain train goes through my head every time I run around ppl…..If you ever see me out running, please end the debate once and for all and let me know if I run weird or not….

Can you tell I can see the finish line? This was at the Blackstone Half in RI.

The more I stare at that picture the more I can’t stop laughing. Guess that kinda  settles the debate haha.

2. “This girl is trying to pass me, I don’t think so chica! Oh wait, well there she goes…..I’ll get her next time…..I mean I only have like 30 more laps to go. Im bound to pass her sometime right?”

3. “I’m hungry, wonder what I should have for lunch? food, food, food, food……food”

4. “If I stop to walk will people judge me? Who cares, I do what I want!….well no, they’ll judge me and deem me inferior and we can’t have that so I’ll keep running….no I’m tired, I’m stopping….I made eye contact with that guy, must run faster!”

5. “Shoot I see my friend, he’s gonna wanna talk. He’s waving me over, look away! Well now you’re just being rude, go say hi but don’t  stay long. He wants to talk about a really involved project for class?…Ok how do I get out of this without seeming like a jerk”…..(30min later)…..back to my run….

Well that got weird fast…….As you can see I do a lot of thinking while I run. Outdoors I’ll plan my life and daydream to pass the miles, but when I see the same people every 1.30min my options are limited…Hopefully we can still be friends 🙂

Anyone else as random or conscious during a run? (plz say yes so I feel better about myself lol)

Kels=)

“I look to the future because that’s where I’m going to spend the rest of my life”

-George Burns

Fourth Time’s the Charm Right? Liebster Award

I’ve met so many kind and wonderful people through the Blonder Side, the blog world never ceases to amaze me. Ashley @ the Grit’s Blog has nominated me for my 4th Liebster award so you’re now going to know way more about me then you ever wanted to YAY! 😀 I met this girl via a link-up just the other week and I’m so happy I did! She’s so cute so you should go give her some blogger love.

I’m also really loving the redesign of the award, it wasn’t so cute (read kinda a hot mess) last year. If you’d like to see my previous answers you can click here. Oh and also here.

Much cuter right? Anyway, I’m not going to nominate anyone (breaking the rules I know) but I want Y’ALL to answer them!

1. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Is it bad to say idk? I’ll graduate with my Master’s this December and then from there I go where the job takes me. I can tell you where I Don’t see myself though, in KY or anywhere in the midwest….sky’s almost the limit though really 😉

2. What’s your favorite makeup brand? Which product in particular? Oh shoot, I don’t wear a ton of makeup but I will absolutely never leave the house without mascara on. I’ve got blonde eyelashes so without mascara they don’t show up haha.

3. Do you prefer coffee or tea? Does this answer the question?….

Dunk’s all day baby 🙂

4. What is your favorite time of the day? Why? I love the evening right before bed. It’s usually when I’ve gotten everything done already. I can just relax with a good book, or snuggle with the man, or stay up late talking with my girlfriends! Some of my most favorite times have happened in the evening 🙂

5. Do you enjoy partaking in frozen yogurt (or fro yo as I call it)? If so, what’s your favorite flavor and topping combination? If frozen yogurt were a food group it’d be on the bottom of my food pyramid! I’m not one to discriminate against yummy food but Im all about the chocolate, cookies and cream, brownie flavors. Mama don’t want no fruit in her dessert!

Can you tell which one is mine?

6. If you could travel to any place in the world, right now, where would you go? With the weather being so cold, you’d think I’d pick somewhere warm but honestly I’d say Boston where my bestie best lives. Also I’ve never ben out of the States and I’m not that creative lol

7. Which would you choose great hair or perfect makeup? Refer back to #2. Great hair it is!

8. If you had to decide between music or literature which would you pick? Holy hell that’s a hard question. Music really does run my life but there’s nothing I enjoy more then getting lost in another world of a book……ok, Literature! Quick move on before I change my mind.

9. If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only take one hair product, what would you take? A hair tie? Does that count as a product? Clearly I never inherited the girly gene from my Mother (who always dressed me in ribbons and frills, sorry mom).

10. What’s your favorite guilty pleasure TV show? Guilty pleasure huh….I’m still a huge fan of the MTV challenges. I don’t watch Real World anymore but I will get down with some challenge action.

Brand new library card yo!

11. Who is your favorite author? Easiest question of the bunch. John Grisham no ifs, ands, or buts. I own every single novel of his and can reread them on the drop of a hat and still be amazed by his words. Close second is Jodi Picoult, she writs about such strong topics and makes you really rethink things.

Wasn’t that fun!?!? Now you know way more about me then you ever cared 😀 But now it’s your turn! Pick a question or 11 and answer them in the comments! Or do an entire post and let me know so I can come check it out! Oh yea, this is getting totally posted!

“Do you want to know who you are? Don’t ask, Act! Action will delineate and define you”

-Thomas Jefferson

Crock-pot Chicken Tortilla Stew

Whew, you’d think the weekend would be a bit more chill then the week but goodness! This past weekend certainly wasn’t. When it rains it pours I guess, but at least this kind of “pouring” was all happiness and fun so I shouldn’t complain.

First up one of my good friends is a photographer and she got a brand new (very fancy/expensive) camera on Friday and snatched me up for an impromptu photo shoot. Disclaimer: a model I am not, any beauty in these photos is due to her immense talent. Well and the fact that I’m a sexy beast! What? A little self-confidence never killed anyone. lol

More importantly then me flaunting my vanity however, is the 6 mile run I got in this morning at…wait for it….6am. Yes, wonderful blogland of dedicated runners, I actually did another early morning run….It was painful to get up that early for “pleasure” and not an obligation of any kind, but I did it. Seriously, if you find yourself having a hard time gettin out for your runs (no matter what time of day) find yourself and buddy, or two buddies, or join a group and make a buddy! 60% of the time it works every time. (points for naming that movie!)

Confession time: Does anyone else go lots slower on the treadmill? I think I’m bad at playing mind games with myself to keep going faster and I just get so bored. Idk. Those are prob just excuses, but in reality the treadmill does hurt my knee more then pavement. Just me??? Ok, moving on….

Next I have a question for all veteran marathon runners…Should the long run be slow or should I try to push it? I’ve been havin the mindset of slow and steady to make sure I get all the miles in but I’m wondering if that’s right?

I also made the most wonderful Chicken Tortilla Stew on Sunday as well. Claiming to have “made” it is kinda a stretch since my crock-pot did all the heavy lifting. I did open the bags of frozen veggies and cans of beans though, if that counts as cooking. Full disclosure I got the original recipe here, though I did make some changes to it.

Maybe one of these days I’ll actually make something that doesn’t require a crock-pot, but don’t hold your breathe it might be awhile. Although if you haven’t seen it already I did make some Corn Tortilla Chips the other day! Again minimal work, baby steps ppl. 🙂

I was also nominated by Ashley at the Grits Blog for a Leibster Award, what a sweetheart, go check her out! Doesn’t get much more marvelous then that 🙂 So be on the lookout for that!

How did y’alls runs go this weekend? Anyone  brave the cold for a race?

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”

-Lao Tzu

Let’s Connect!

Baked Corn Tortilla Chips

Hello Lovely’s 🙂

Welcome to the weekend! I didn’t think I was gonna make it for a second. Plus it looks like this right now, so I’ll be stayin in today thanks.

With the Superbowl coming up you know what that means right? No not football silly, parties and food!! While I do enjoy football myself, I know a lot of y’all are purely in it for the excuse to party. And who really needs more of an excuse am I right? You know your girl loves her some chips and dip but who needs all the sodium and ickiness (ok fine me). At least this way I can feel better about myself after eating my weight in chips.

These are probably the easiest thing you can make and get tons of “oh my goodness these are homemade” comments. The girls will wants to be you in all your domestic cooking glory, and the guys, well let’s face it the guys are probably actually there for the football. But they’ll eat them all and love you for it nonetheless.

Yup, these are amazeballs and you should make them and eat them and share them and love them 🙂 Now I’m off to go snuggle in my bed and read with a giant cup of cocoa!

How are you spending your Superbowl Sunday? Any good party eats I should try?

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

-Nelson Mandela

Let’s Connect!

Technology Hates Me

Happy (late) Friday! Busy day turned into a busier day so this post is comin out late, oh well. Let’s give it a high-five anyway 😀

I’m convinced technology has it out for me….I had a 4 mile run scheduled for today but seeing as how I learned my lesson the other day, I decided to take it indoors. So 4 miles on the docket and 9 laps = 1 mile….I don’t know about you but that’s a lot of counting and a lot of then keeping those numbers straight in your head…not my strong suit.

But I figured hey I’ve got 2 gps’s to tell me how far I’ve gone so it’s ok if I slip up…I was wrong….

First my Forerunner couldn’t find my location,

Ok, not a big deal, I’ve got the RunKeeper App I usually run at the same time. Apparently it didn’t think I was really moving so when I finished it said I had run .09 miles….in 46 min….I mean I know I’m slow y’all but I Promise I’m not That slow!

Actually, when calculated correctly (yes I counted all the way to 36) I ran the fastest I have in a long time. I’m usually right around a 10:30 and today I busted out 4 miles at 7:42 what!?! Don’t ask, I think my subconscious wanted to impress all the lifting boys I kept running by. Either that or I have finally reached the nirvana of running and don’t even know my own speed.

On a completely unrelated fitness note: If y’all are anything like me then you’re currently obsessed with Frozen soundtrack. And I’m sure you’ve heard the remake of the song Let it Go in 25 different languages. But what you might Not have heard is an even better remake parody. If you don’t giggle at this even a little bit then idk if we can be friends anymore…

Ok we can still be friends I was just kidding. (Be warned this video does swear a few times though so probably not best to let your little ones hear it.)

Laughing yet? This song is my Jam!

Does technology favor you? Please share your secrets with me!

“Quitters never win, and winners never quit”

-Unknown

Snow Running – Thinking Out Loud

I decided to link up with Amanda today b/c honestly I just have entirely Waay too many thoughts that go through my head every day. So b/c I know you’ve all been dying to know what’s goin inside this ole noggin I’ll get to it.

• If a run doesn’t get blogged about did it even happen?…..The answer is no…haha j/k but without the feedback from fellow runners then how am I to know if it went well or not? Also it’s pretty lame to show up at my favorite park only to discover it’s covered in snow. There’s supposed to be pavement somewhere under there. Double also is it just me or does anyone else find this angle not entirely flattering? And yet I keep doing it (banging head on wall).

• When is someone going to invent a hat that doesn’t mess up hair? Until that day I will stubbornly (and stupidly) go uncovered even in the coldest and windiest of winter weather! I will, however, rock the crap out of a ear warmer. #swag

• I’m not gonna lie, I’m one of those girls that tries to not look like the hideous troll I turn into when I exercise (trust me, my inner troll is always threatening to bust out, it’s a constant battle) so I  wear “cute” workout clothes in an attempt to offset this. But when does cuteness need to take a backseat to comfort?…..It did today b/c it’s 7 degrees out and I piled on an many sweat-wickin layers as I could.

Yes this is in my car (parked) before I braved the weather.

• Anyone else afraid of big dogs? I was chased by a mammoth beast when I was little while riding bikes at a friend’s. It chased me across a bridge and wouldn’t let me back over. What happened next was either A). I stared down the dog until it submitted to my stellar bravery and superiority or B). I may or may not have peed my pants as it bit at my heels all the way back to the house….I’ll let you decide which one really happened (hint: it rhymes with pee) Anyway, I met this goofball the other day and while my fear is not gone, I’ve decided not all big dogs want to eat my face and bathe in my tears (too graphic?).

His name is fittingly Bear

Well that escalated quickly. I’ll so ahead and stop there before I have a mutiny on my hands. As you can see my wheels are constantly turning and I can get a bit off track….shrug.

Have any random thoughts rattling around your head you just need to get out? Let’s chat below!

“Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.”

-F. Scott Fitzgerald

Crock-pot Salsa Chicken

Whoever coined the term “winter wonderland” clearly never had to walk a few miles to class in it…(uphill both ways of course). The wind was the worst, blowin snow into my eyes and making it hard to see. Also I’ve been known to slip and make a fool out of myself several times before so…snow does wonders for my “cool” factor clearly.

Where is your hat you say? I dnt like hats….grow up and get over it you say? I know….sigh…

In all seriousness I actually do like the snow but it sure does put a damper on my daily plans when it happens. I’m supposed to have a 2 mile group run with my Couch to 5k group but that’s not happening. Thanks Mother Nature.

But since I’m sure I’m not the only one avoiding the cold and snow today I thought it a good time to share another yummy (and more importantly warm) recipe with y’all. I call it Salsa Chicken but really who the heck knows what its real name is.

It goes in the Crock-pot which everyone knows is the best invention ever! Seriously my meals would consist of breakfast cereal if I didn’t have a crock-pot in my life lol.  This meal is perfect for staying inside on a cold night. Try it out and let me know what you think! Now go over and check out FU and her round-up of recipes!

Let’s Connect!

Early Morning Run…Yay or Nay?

I got up early to run this morning…let me have that sink in for a moment….I Kelsey, set an alarm to get up early to run 6 miles…..WHAT! I know that’s like old hat for a lot of y’all but this girl don’t early rise for exercise lol. I’m a morning person like you wouldn’t believe but I don’t like exercising till the evening so this was a feat for me! Out on the course before the sun even!

It helped that I had my running group though. Knowing I had ppl countin on me to be there is a huge motivator to lace of those shoes and head out the door. So a good 7 miles today (last one walking). I did the first 2 with the group and the last 4 by myself so I recorded them separate which is why my watch says 4. I also didn’t record the last mile walking, I’m anal like that.

I had amazing feedback from my marathon training question yesterday so thank you, thank you! In response, I’ll still have my long run every week, I just can’t do 2 back-to-back days of running on the weekends so the second day will be spent biking. From what y’all said that’d still give me the mileage I need for the big day (correct me if I’m wrong!)

Man after 7 miles nothing feels better then stretching out my legs. Is it weird that I look forward to stretching? Don’t get me wrong the running part is very freeing but a good stretch afterwards just feels like magic! (not foam rolling at home though, there’s no magic feeling involved there lol).

Anyone have any tips to get yourself outta bed in the morning for a long run? (I can use all the help I can get lol)

Linkin up with Katie today b/c let’s face it EVERY Monday is marvelous around there parts 😉 And Amanda b/c gettin up early to run puts my #Bestfoot forward darnit!

“If you do the work you get rewarded. There are no shortcuts in life”

-Michael Jordan

Is It Just Me?

Remember that time I said I don’t understand the hype behind Trader Joes?….Well I went to Fresh Market yesterday for the first time and I REEEEALLY don’t get that place?!?!? Maybe I’m just too poor and have developed hte keen ability to stretch a dollar? Or my utter distaste for spending more money than necessary? (it’s called frugal not cheap ppl, get with me). I don’t know, the only thing I can appreciate is their very extensive collection of nut butter flavors..you know your girl can take down some nut butter lol

Note: if you shop at Fresh Market, I salute you!

After the market came a homemade pizza lunch and basketball with friends. My poor Vols didn’t pull out a win sadly 😦 and now I won’t hear the end of it from every single classmate and co-worker for the rest of the season since they lost to UK…good thing I love me some Rocky Top so it won’t hurt too much.

Did I mention there were mojitos? Yea we’re a classy bunch 🙂

On to some running news, I’ve decided to make one of my long weekend runs a bike/spinning day instead. I’m trying to be as realistic as possible while training for my marathon and 2 days of 6+ miles back to back just ain’t gonna happen for this ole cripple. I’ve given myself plenty of time before the race to still confidently build up my mileage so we’ll see how it goes for the next few weeks with this strategy.

How’d your sports teams make out this weekend? Also any opinions on my bike day? (I trust y’all far more then myself lol)

“Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it “

-Andy Rooney