Our European ski holiday in Chamonix, France was spectacular. A picturesque ski village tucked in the Alps. The sheer grandeur of the mountains was unlike anything I have ever seen. I’ll share more deets later, but unfortunately it’s back to the grind.

Ah, that good burn. We’ve all had that tired feeling a day or so after a hard workout, where you are sore and proud of your pain all at the same time. After returning from skiing for three days, I’m shattered in the best way possible.

For this week, you can go hard or you can go home. Ain’t that right JLo? Maybe consolidate two workouts into one intense session. Focus on pushing yourself to your max, and hit the brink of being a little uncomfortable. Mind over matter. Get in one hard workout this week and push it to the limit. Realize the discomfort and drive on through.

Speaking of push — push ups or pull ups?

Au Revoir, My Croissants

January 25, 2012

Just for Run

10 Comments

Heading off for a skication to Chamonix, France.

I will miss you muggles but will be sure to report on the bunny slopes when I return. I’ve been trying to do a few ski-centric workouts, we’ll see how I handle. I keep playing Dumb & Dumber in my head…Asssspen!

Naked Running: Hear Me Out

January 24, 2012

Musica

17 Comments

It’s not what you think. OK maybe it is. I’ve been doing something for a few weeks without even knowing it.

I’ve been naked…Well my ears have.

Back in December I was tired of running to the same music and when I was home in Atlanta for Christmas I ran with my mom and ended up talking or running without my music out of convenience. Fast forward to today.

Running sans earbuds has been amazing. At first I missed having Kayne or Foster the People sing me up a hill, but then I realized how clear my thoughts had become and how focused I was on running well. Now I bolt out the door without panicking that I forgot my iPod.

During my workouts I don’t fumble to skip through a song and I’m more in-tune with myself. Are you getting enough of these puns?

You should give running with yourself a try. With spring around the corner there will be plenty of birds and bees buzzing to keep you entertained.

You with me or are you a more of a “please don’t stop the music” kind of workout enthusiast?

Monday Motivation

January 23, 2012

Motivation

9 Comments

Rock your Monday. This week focus on growth. Try something new, do something different.

You’ve got what it takes to step out of your comfort zone and go for it. Experiment with a new routine or maybe try that food you’ve been thinking about. You have the confidence to do more than you think you’re capable of.

You don’t have to love it, and if you hate it you don’t have to worry about doing it again.

This week, set your sights and try.

What do you wish you had more time for today?

Friday Five

January 20, 2012

Friday Five

17 Comments

This week went by way to quick. Blinked and it was Friday — not that I’m complaining. What’s on my Friday Five this week? Oh, have I got some goodies for y’all!

1. I’M LISTENING TO: Tracy Chapman, Fast Car. Yep, we hopped in the way back machine for this radio gem. This song reminds me of a certain fave person and every time I hear it I want to start jumping. It’s a great running song as well, I promise!

2. I’M READING: The truth? Sermon notes from a church back home. I won’t get all preachy on you, but I believe everyone should keep their foundation strong.

3. I’M LUSTING AFTER: TOMS Ballet Flats. Be still my heart. Does it get any more comfortable? Does cupid deliver?

4. I’M WISHING: That everyone would calm down about Paula Deen’s diabetes announcement and learn the facts. Educate yourself before your wreck yourself.

5. I’M (already) DROOLING OVER: Mini Cadbury Creme Eggs. Plus side, you don’t feel as guilty eating a few smaller eggs. Down side, you end up eating too ~~mini~~ many and you might as well should have gone for the whole egg.

What’s one of your favorite old school songs?

Gear Review: Patagonia Jacket That Packs A Soft Punch

January 19, 2012

Training Gear

8 Comments

January and February prove to be some of the coldest months. To fight the elements, I wanted a jacket that would:

A) Be multifunctional. Sufficient for simply running errands and strong enough to hold up on a hike.
B) Be lightweight. No bulky jackets that are annoying to schlep around.
C) Be form fitting. I don’t want to look like the kid from “A Christmas Story.”

I’m not picky, wink wink.

I settled on the Patagonia Nano Puff® Jacket. It feels like a sleeping bag and weighs as much as a feather.

From Patagonia: Windproof and water-resistant, the full-zip Nano Puff® Jacket is made with warm, incredibly lightweight, highly compressible PrimaLoft® One insulation. Ideal as an insulating layer or outerwear in cold climates.

Wind AND water-resistant are a huge plus. I can put on a t-shirt under the jacket and be fine in 40+ degrees. Your body heats up quite nicely under the insulation. When I’m hiking and it’s a bit cooler, I throw on a simple base layer and I’m set. The jacket also folds up into itself, which is ideal for taking it with you wherever you go.

In truth, the hus actually found this jacket and went on and on about how warm and light it was, so naturally Santa got the hint. Yes, we have matching jackets. But they are different colors:)

What jacket do you bundle up in? Are you a fan of a hoody on a jackets or do you go sans hood?

Outside Magazine: The 10 Biggest Fitness Myths

January 17, 2012

Fitness News

14 Comments

Outside Magazine is testing fitness fanatics knowledge about the basic rules to working out.

“The 10 Biggest Fitness Myths” had me raising an eyebrow after just myth number 3.

Myth #1: Stretching prevents injuries and improves performance.
I’ve heard this before and I don’t do any major pre workout stretching. In experiments, static stretching temporarily decreased strength in the stretched muscle by as much as 30 percent, an effect that can last up to half an hour.

Myth #2: Running barefoot is better for the body.
I don’t hate barefoot runners, but I certainly am not a fan. Was that PC enough? You all have heard my rant before. Unless you were raised in the bush, you grew up wearing shoes, and as repeated biomechanical studies show, our bodies cling stubbornly to what they know

Myth #3: You need to focus on your core to become a better athlete.
I stopped in my tracks at this myth. I thought your core was the key? Core strength is important, but most people get what they need simply by practicing their sport. Common routines like squats, deadlifts, and kettlebell drills add plenty of core strength.

The article goes on to talk about ibuprofen, hydration, and other fun facts. It’s definitely worth a read.

Do you have a personal fitness myth that maybe you have debunked to share?

Monday Motivation

January 16, 2012

Motivation

13 Comments

Today, let’s give props. We are often busy checking off our personal agendas, trying to keep up with everyone, and you can sometimes forget to slow down and check-in on others.

Write someone a postcard, send an email, make a phone call or give a shout out to a stranger that’s running by you today. Be a natural day brightener to someone today and let others be your inspiration.

Candice made my day last week with this little nugget of niceness, so here’s to making someone’s today.

Who are you giving a shout-out to today?

Friday Five

January 13, 2012

Friday Five

8 Comments

Whew, this week was a beast. A friendly beast, but a long one nonetheless. Start rocking your Friday of right!

1. I’M LISTENING TO: Gotye. “Somebody That You Use To Know” has been on repeat in my head all frackin week. Warning, you’ll want to start ~~screaming~~ singing along to this track.

2. I’M READING: Bits from Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything. My hus picked it up so I am browsing whenever he doesn’t have his head in it. The book applies economic theory to diverse subjects not usually covered by “traditional” economist. Pop culture meets economy, now you have my attention. I’m learning all sorts of stuff about the sales of car seats, finances of a drug dealer, etc.

3. I’M LUSTING AFTER: All the new Lululemon gear for birds and dudes. The looks are fresh and we know Lululemon might be the most comfortable fitting gear on the market.

4. I’M WISHING: That my hair would get the memo and grow a little longer already. I have dreams of big buns and messy ponytails.

5. I’M (already) DROOLING OVER: All the deliciously adorbs Valentine recipes. I have a sudden desire to cook for a classroom of children or make pancakes for my man.

What’s something your drooling over?

The Little Things In Life

January 11, 2012

Just for Run

22 Comments

“Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are.” -Marianne Williamson

Let’s take a moment for the little things:
Starbucks Coffee - um yes, I ~~absofreakinglutely~~ cannot get enough.

Fuzzy slippers – I like throwing these bad boys on and wearing comfy capris or shorts around the house. Winter meets spring.

Planet Dog - they make THE best dog toys. They are indestructible, and good thing because Dr Jones has a degree in plastic, squishy ball and plush toy destruction.

Yankz - I don’t think I’ve tied my shoes in a year. Hip hip!

Peanut butter – I think I’ve eaten a peanut butter and jelly sandwich almost every day since I was 4. I even carried a whole pound of peanut butter cookie mix home with me from Christmas.