It's okay to have a bad day.

I'm starting to get into my new job routine. It only took me four weeks. Since it's getting light out earlier, I'm going to start running earlier. I set my alarm for 6am this morning to give myself enough time to get up, take my medicine, use my inhaler and get out the door to be home by 7am. I decided to take the hilly way through town since that's the longest way to go. About a quarter of a mile into it I couldn't breathe at all. It's crazy to think that a few weeks ago I ran a half marathon and did pretty well and could barely run today. I kept trudging my 3 miles around town with a lot of walking. The humidity was 87% so I wasn't going to kill myself to run. I left myself enough time to get home and ready for work.

What I'm slowly learning is that this is process. It's okay if I have a bad morning run. That just makes the finish line at the races better. When I first started, I felt like every run had to be a good one. I'm not saying to skip workouts or walk instead of run. Know your body and listen to it. If you feel like you're going to pass out then take a break! You'll do better in the long run. 

After I got home, I made some chia pudding. I saw it on Pinterest and just added chia seeds to light soy milk. It turned out okay but I didn't leave it set long enough so it was kind of setting In my mouth. 

Ways to get up for a morning run:

1.) Sleep in your running cloths. When you wake up you're ready to go. 

2.) Get everything ready that you need for after your run. Ex. If you have I work, pack your lunch, iron you cloths and get stuff ready the night before. 

3.) Go to sleep earlier. If you need to get up an hour earlier then go to sleep an hour earlier. The more you lag to get out of bed the harder it is. 

4.) No matter how much you want to sleep in, don't. You'll feel so much more energized after your run/workout. 

5.) Give yourself enough time before and after your workout to get ready so you aren't rushing. 

I'm naturally a morning person. I've never had to hit snooze on my alarm so if you aren't a morning person, this may not be as effective. This is what helps prepare me for my morning runs and workouts. 

What advice would you add to my list?

Are you a morning person or a night owl?

My best friend.

So, I've been pretty busy with my new job and my gym being too far away now I haven't had much time to go. I've taken a week long break from running after the half marathon and I made it to the gym twice since then. When I went to the gym it was so busy that it took me way longer than planned to get finished. Since it is so far away from my new job, I'm planning on switching to the gym that they're putting in near my new job but the gym isn't built yet and won't be for about a month. Long wait. I'm a little annoyed by that wait but I'll have to live. 

After I ran my half marathon, Adam said that he thinks he wants to give it a try next year. Truthfully, he always tells me that he hates running and 13 miles is kind of far when you hate running so I didn't believe him. Well, I asked him if he wanted to go on his first run. I told him to tell me when he felt like stopping and we could walk back home. He ran .63 of mile! I was so proud of him. We always go bike riding together but we never make it to go running and he defiantly saw a difference in biking and running. I can't wait to see how the rest of our half marathon runs go! 

I have received the Liebster Award!

I have received the Liebster Award by The little Dabbler.  I've never received one before so I'll do my best to answer the questions.  The Little Dabbler's blog is about life as a new mommy.  She post's advice, and personal opinions. It's a great blog for new mommies! 
So here it goes:

11 Facts About Me:

1.) I have a twin sister, a fraternal twins (We kinda look alike?)
2.) The guy I get to marry in August wasn't my "high school sweetheart", he was my "Jr.High School Sweetheart" We've been together since we were in 8th grade.  No break ups, minor fights, but nothing drastic. 
3.) When I was little, I was petrified of cats. Their claws freaked me out.  About 2 years ago we found a stray house cat that was declawed, living on our porch.  We tried to find his owner but didn't have any luck.  We're now absolute best friends.  He's my little furbaby :) 
4.) I have a bucket list that I'm always adding too.  I plan on accomplishing everything on that list someday.
5.) I'm 23 and afraid of the dark, storms, showering when no one is home.  Paranoid much? 
6.) When I was little, my dad and I always played catch before dinner and my dream was to play for the  Pittsburgh Pirates until I realized that girls aren't allowed to play in the major leagues. Let's be honest, I could probably help them out. 
7.) I hate to go to the movie theaters for two reasons: 1.) Because I can't sit that long with out being bored. 2.) I can't sit that long with out having to pee a million times. 
8.) My grandma and twin sister will always be my first best friends. 
9.) I would rather read a book than watch a TV show. (Though, I have been neglecting reading for some time.) 
10.) I got my tattoo over a year ago and my dad still has no idea that I have it. (Let's keep it that way)
11.) I genuinely believe that life is what you make of it.  You get out of it what you put into it and there is a reason for everything. 

11 Questions from my nominator: 

1.) How would you describe yourself? I describe myself as optimistic, goal oriented, laughs a lot type person.  I can be fun or serious depending on the mood.  Unfortunately, when I'm stressed out, I do have a very short temper.  I'm trying to work on that. 
2.) How would other people describe you? I would HOPE that people describe me as a charismatic, lovable, inspirational type.  Everyone has lovers and haters though. 
3.) What was your motivation to start blogging? My motivation to start blogging was to inspire other people to achieve things that they never thought were possible.  If you told me 6 years ago(my senior year of high school) that someday [soon] I would run a half marathon, yeah, I'd look at you like you were nuts. I also want to become a fitness ambassador for sites like FitFluential and Sweat Pink.  I want to show people that no matter what you want to accomplish, you can as long as you put you mind to it and work hard to achieve it. 
4.) When you’re not blogging, what do you do? This is a loaded question. I started my blog while I was working two jobs so, if I wasn't blogging, I was working, exercising, or wedding planning.  Now, I'm either working one of my jobs, exercising, or wedding planning.  I also spend time cleaning up my house (Who knew that two people and 1 cat could make such a mess?)  I like to hang out with Adam whenever I can since we live together and still barely see each other.  
5.) What’s the first childhood memory that you have? When I was little, my Gramma, my sister and I would walk up the street to a candy/ice cream shop call "Candyland".  It was probably my favorite store in the entire world.  We would go and get sundaes and then my Gramma would buy us more candy than any child needed.  Pretty much any childhood memory with my gramma in it is my favorite.
6.) Would you like to hear Sean Connery try to say “worcestershire sauce”?  Admit it.  It would be interesting. I don't really understand this question, but sure why not?! haha 
7.) What kind of pets do you have? I have a cat.  As I stated in my "11 Facts about Me". He started off with the name Orphan kitty.  He now wears a bow at all times and is named Prince Sherwin.  I never knew cats needed so much attention! He's attached to me all the time!
8.) How many cats does a person have to have to be considered a crazy cat lady? 1. My cat makes me nuts.  He has turned me into the crazy cat lady.
9.) Have you ever seen the made-for-television movie series called Sharpe?   Nope. My TV watching is pretty much boiled down too the Monday and Thursday nights DVR of The Big Bang Theory, Mike and Molly, 2 Broke Girls, The rules of engagement. My "oldies" faves are, The Golden Girls(Best show ever.) Boy Meets World (I have all the seasons) and Three's Company. Is that lame? Probably. 
10.) What’s something you are feeling guilty about, right now? My house needs cleaned but my legs hurt too bad to do it.  Guilty but not feeling guilty.
11.) Can you guess my riddle?

I turn polar bears white
and I will make you cry.
I make guys have to pee
and girls comb their hair.
I make celebrities look stupid
and normal people look like celebrities.
I turn pancakes brown
and make your champagne bubble.
If you squeeze me, I’ll pop.
If you look at me, you’ll pop. 

No,  I can't. 

My Nominees:

1.) 50 Shades of Fitness: I was hoping to meet her at the Pittsburgh Marathon this weekend but didn't get a chance too.  Her blog is about her fitness journey to run a thousand miles in a year.  She's doing so well already and has to overcome knee problems! 

2.) The Running Besties: Mandy is new to blogging and writes about her fitness goals and achievements.  She just received her first medal, and I'm sure there are many more to follow! 

3.) Asthma Girl Runner: I can obviously relate to her blog in so many ways.  It's hard for people to understand how hard it is to run with asthma.  She's come a long way and is about to go further! 

4.)  Cookies on the run: "He's fast, and she's just trying to run." I have found this blog so inspirational because they both write about their own experiences.  I love the husband and wife duo of a blog!

5.) Cherie Runs This: Cherie isn't new to blogging but she's a Pittsburgh native who knows her roots that resides in North Carolina.  She was in Jillian Michael's addition of Fitness magazine a few months ago and she's a complete inspiration to the weight loss and fitness world.  

6.) Jogging Jeans: She ran her first half marathon yesterday and finished in 2:09:40. How awesome is that?! This is blog about people who jog in jeans.  People really do.  I have seen this twice in one week and was so upset that I could get a picture for them.  

For My Nominees:

1.) What sparked your fitness journey?
2.) How is your life different since you have decided to follow into the fitness world?
3.) What are your fitness goals for the next year? 
4.) What was your favorite fitness accomplishment?
5.) How did you get into fitness/running? 
6.) What is your motivation to stick with it everyday?
7.) Have you ever felt burned out and ready to quite your journey? 
8.) How long have you blogged your achievements? 
9.) Has your family always supported you?
10.) How would you like the fitness world to perceive you?
11.) Is there anyone in your life that doesn't support what you do? 

Rules of the Leibster Award:

Not sure what a Liebster Award is all about?  Here are the “rules” (or should I say, in the words of Captain Jack Sparrow,  ”more what you’d call ‘guidelines’ than actual rules”):

1. Each nominee must post 11 things about his or her self. 
2. Answer the questions (see below) that your nominator asks you.
3. Choose 11 people to nominate for a Liebster and link them in your post.  They have to be up and coming bloggers with less than 200 followers.  No tag backs to the person who nominated you!
4. Create 11 questions for the people you’ve nominated.
5. Go to their page and tell them they are nominated.

My first half marathon.

So, the day finally came! I have trained and trained for this and the past year went by faster than I thought it would.  Today, I ran my first half marathon and I couldn't be more proud of myself.  I was so nervous going into it and I kept telling myself that I wasn't sure if I actually wanted to go a half marathon or not after some of the 5ks that I ran, but I did it anyway.  Our weekend was pretty busy.  First we started off with Friday, we had to go pick up my packet and the "run for Boston" shirt that I ordered.  So, Adam and I hung out in the city and as the expo afterwards.  

The beautiful city.

This is how I get ready for marathon weekend in the middle of the road. 

After walking through the city, Adam and I stopped at one of the bars so he could watch some of the hockey game. After having a beer we left to go home and get ready for the rest of the weekend. 

It's the "Runner of Steel" Bridge!

My Pittsburgh swag bag

Since we didn't get home until really late on Friday, we had all of our packing to do on Saturday morning.  I had such a hard time motivating myself to get ready because I had a baby shower to go to and then we had to leave for Pittsburgh. 

All weekend I was so nervous! After making breakfast and cleaning the kitchen, I definably need to pack.  Me packing turned into me just taking pictures of everything that needed packed. 

My race outfit is all ready to go!

It took me almost 3 hours just to pack because I would stop and find something to be entertained with before I would finish packing.  But I'm all packed and ready to go! This is when I really started to get nervous. Knowing that I've spent that last year training but not knowing what I'm getting myself into is crazy! I had no clue how I was going to do or if I could finish.  

Once I finished packing I had to get ready for my really good friend's baby shower.  It was a great shower and I can't wait for the little boy or girl to get here. 

We left for Pittsburgh around 4ish and we got there in really good time.  We stayed in the Ross Twsp. area and had dinner at the Cheesecake Factory.  (It was delicious)  Once we were finished we went and explored the mall a little bit.  Pittsburgh malls have way better stores than the malls at home.  I found a really cute sweater at Banana Republic for $14.95! I was pretty excited. Adam and I finished our shopping and we got back to the hotel around 9:30p.m.  I took a bath and had a pretty sleepless night ahead of me.  My nerves would not let me sleep at all.  Then, at 4:15a.m. my alarm went off and it was time to get up and get ready.  I did a breathing treatment before and after I went to bed because I've been feeling so congested. I packed my bags and we headed into the city.  My smart self completely forgot a jacket or something to put over my arms and I was freezing! 

The beautiful sunrise 

I was so nervous before it started

When I'm nervous, I cry.  That's about the only time I cry, but when I had to go to my corral ALL alone with a bunch of people I don't know, I almost cried.  I went in a bout a half an hour early and stood there waiting to use the bath room for the last time.  My corral didn't get going until about 20 minutes after the race had started. This is when you decide that you have to pee again and can't leave.

Here's my race summary, I'm not going to go by each mile but here ya go. 

Miles 1-5: I felt amazing.  My chest wasn't bothering me and I was passing people left and right. There were a lot of walkers that were walking down the middle, which made it pretty hard to try to pass them so I stayed closer to the right side. Also, there was a guy and a few of his friends that kept yelling chants, which was awesome because it completely took your mind off the miles  and what you were doing.  I kept running until 5.50 and I had to stop for a few second to take my inhaler.   This was the first time I stopped during the entire race. I was pretty proud of myself already.

Miles 6-9: I made it to the 10k mark at 1:05.01.  This was the fastest that I've ran this and I was so happy.  Once I got to mile 7 it started to go downhill.   The worst part was that the bottoms of my feet were killing me! From miles 7 on, I had to use my inhaler close to four times.  There were a few decent hills, but nothing I couldn't over  come.  Around the 9th mile I started to get really bad chest pains and I was afraid that I would have to stop that I medic tent when I was finished but by mile 11 it was gone.

Miles 10-13.1: My feet were still bothering me but knowing I was almost done made it so much better.  I knew I getting ready to finish faster than I ever had and that was my only goal from there on.  Around mile 12 everyone started to yell that they see the finish line and that was about the best feeling ever. I finished at 2:22:57!  I was proud of myself.   I crossed the finish line and got my medal and started grabbing everything down the line so I could get through it.  

Afterwards I had to get my stuff out of gear check and go find my family. Adam and my dad were waiting for me at the family reunion section since I didn't take my phone on the course with me.  

I finished! 

I should play #222 on the lottery!

My dad got my medal engraved for me. 

I love purple and blue Eat 'n' Park cookies!

My dad and I after the race

Adam and I after the race

This was one of the most memorable, rewarding experiences I've ever had.  I've worked so hard to get this far and I can't wait until next year.  Thank you to all the Pittsburgh volunteers, and the medic crews and officers, and everyone involved in helping with the Pittsburgh marathon.   

Unfortunately, at mile 12 a 23 year old man collapsed and passed away today while he was running the half marathon. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of him.