the third time I ran 13.1 miles

Third time is NOT the charm. For me, at least. I'll blame it on running solo...

Let's back track a bit. About two months. To the beginning of this past May, for the Colorado Marathon Half Marathon. Normally my Dad and I run these races together, but the poor man had shoulder surgery a month before, so I had to go it alone. And it was not pretty. Although my cheering section was bigger by one person, so that was nice :)

I won't tell you my (terrible) time, or my average pace, or all the nuances of the race, but I will say I felt great, until my right knee (an IT band issue) started hurting at mile 3, then was very painful by mile 6 (other than my knee, the rest of me felt great! no blisters! I was fueled and hydrated and rested and raring to go!). Up until then, I was maintaining a pretty good pace (for me). From mile 6 and on, I alternated walking and running. I stopped at every aid station to use the restroom and rehydrate, and take some (more) ibuprofen.

The race starts in the Poudre Canyon and ends in Old Town, Fort Collins, with a beer garden at the end (hallelujah!!!). The course is beautiful, and mostly downhill - it's a race that a lot of people PR (personal record) in. But not I.

It's ok, though - I finished, and had a nice cheering section with posters (that I requested ). One read "Run Annie Run" and the other "Worst Parade Ever."

I added my own little hashtag: #yougoglencoco

So, not my best race, but it's given me motivation to figure out this IT band/knee issue (now my other one is starting to hurt when I run - perhaps I'm overcompensating?) for my next half in September.

And don't you worry, my running buddy is all signed up and has gotten the OK from his PT. Good thing, cause I need his motivation for those thirteen miles. And by motivation, I mean singing, and dancing, and "Anne, how ya doing?" and his grape-vining, and his running circles around me, and his running backwards, and then up and back, and making sure I don't fall over dead.

If I haven't said this before, my Dad is my favorite running buddy.

He's also usually down to buy me breakfast and a Bloody Maria after, too.

#willrunforfood

at the race expo with my Pop

that is me. a (very) slow runner.

and my cute Mama

with my friend, Ryan, at the start.
his first half, and he did it in under 2 hours!

professional race pictures - I try to smile when I see the photographers.
this was mile 4? 5?
and of course I wore my Colorado flag shorts - it was the Colorado Marathon!

almost to the end.
my mantra at this point: "beer, bacon, breakfast. beer, bacon, breakfast."

after I finished, before the beer

at the finish, nice and sweaty

black floral dress: c/o Aéropostale

black cardigan: Ann Taylor

black flats: Target

green shirt: Target

Colorado flag running shorts: SOARK

running shoes: Mizuno

sunglasses: Smith Optics

visor: Margaritaville (it's more of a state of mind)

medal: at the finish line

sunny sunday blues

You guys, I've had a great Sunday. I slept in, went on a great run with my best friend (so many endorphins! I didn't want to die! we only walked for about half a minute! the sun was out! there was a breeze!), caught up with my bestie, had bacon and eggs and coffee, played with my pups outside. We might have a long-boarder among our canine companions - the verdict is still out. He drags it backwards, and also tries to bite it. Maybe he thinks it's alive? Either way, it's very entertaining. And he is now pooped. So, that's a win.

In other news, this outfit. This top is actually two tank tops. The top is a sheer blue button-up chiffon deal, and the bottom is a navy blue star print ribbed tank. I thought it might be a fun way to subtley (quietly? demurely?) add some print to this blue, green and gray ensemble. And it's since made me look for a few more sheer/chiffon items to style in the same way. So far I've got a green floral top... Aaaand, I think that's it. So, stay tuned and maybe I'll come up with something. If not, you'll see this combination again. And would that be so terrible?

Hope your Sunday is pretty great, just like mine has been :)

linking up these fancy shoes over here

star tank: WalMart

chiffon tank: from a friend

gray cardigan: c/o Aéropostale

dark skinnies: c/o Aéropostale

bejeweled flats: thrifted

purse: COACH Outlet

scarf: Pendleton (2 days in a row!!)

running gear (and boots and earrings) from Aéropostale

Like I mentioned yesterday, my friend, Chelsea, and I did some shopping when it was gross and snowing. We went to several places, but one of the first places we stopped at was Aéropostale. I was looking for some new black boots, and their activewear line, Live Love Dream, is something I'm always drawn to. Below are the new goodies I picked up this trip!

First up, these cropped leggings: LLD Solid Crop Leggings. I've already got a few pairs of cropped leggings from Aéropostale, and I knew I wanted to size down this time - the current pairs I have don't like to stay up around my hips while I'm running...I sized down and these are snug and a perfect fit! I really don't like to have to tug or push&pull anything when I'm running - it makes me more likely to quit my run halfway through. ..

The bright pink shirt is from my latest half marathon, The Equinox Half Marathon (my post about that here). And the headband I'm wearing to keep my hair back is from Aéropostale last fall.

Next is this awesome LLD Solid Active Popover Hoodie. It's the same blueish/gray color as the cropped leggings. This sweatshirt is fleece-lined, so it's incredibly warm, and soft. It's also got moisture-wicking technology, so it wicks sweat away as I'm running (and sweating). Normally, I would have gone a size up, but this time I got an extra small, because of the fleece and the moisture-wicking properties. I figure with those two features, I should wear the sweatshirt as it's designed, instead of with several layers underneath. Hence, the smaller size and more fitted "fit."

Oh oh, and thumb holes!! Is there anything better? nah

My running shoes are from Mizuno - the Wave Inspire 10s (in a wide). I talked about them for my last half marathon here. So far, we're still pretty much in love, except for during my half marathon. I also wear SuperFeet inserts in them - I was having pain in my arches this past spring, and the SuperFeet really helped. Their website explains the science behind the inserts, as well as provides customer testimonials. They're great, but IF you do get them, give them at least a week - I hated them at first, but after two weeks of running in them, I wasn't able to go back to the flat soles that came with my shoes.

 

These are my new boots I was on the hunt for, the 50/50 Riding Boot. I can't find the exact ones, but here is a link to some similar styles. They're black, but they're distressed, so in the right light, they look like a dark dark charcoal gray. They zip up the inside shaft, and have nicely placed elastic that not only adds to the aesthetic of the boot, but also keeps them on my calves. They don't have a heel, and I sized down from a 7 to an 8, because the last few pairs of boots I've gotten have really stretched out, so I end up having to wear thick socks so my feet don't clop-clop around with every step.

I grabbed these two knit long-sleeved shirts, because WINTER. snow. COLD. layers.

I can't find the exact ones on Aéropostale.com, but here are some similar long sleeve shirts, and I previously wore the blue one here.

I also picked up these cute bicycle earrings, because (1) I have pierced ears, and (2) I really enjoy riding my bike. It's a pink beach cruiser - one speed, with back-pedal brakes, a big seat, and a basket. It's perfect. It's my favorite mode of transportation when it's warm out. So, bicycle earrings. These aren't the exact earrings, but here is a link to other pretty ear jewelry: earrings.

And, if you can believe it, the Mr. doesn't have as many clothes as I do. Shocking, I know. So I picked him up a Long Sleeve Solid Thermal Tee (also similar: Long Sleeve Solid Thermal Henley) in blue. And then I made him wear it under his Broncos jersey when there was snow.

number 7 of 7. or, I ran 13.1 miles

me & Dad before the race, from my Instagram

from the Mr:

"These were a gimme. I knew she would be running her half marathon, so I guess I just wanted to give her an easy item out of the 7 I chose."

My nice, white, clean Mizuno Wave Inspire 10s (TENS, not TEN ESS). This post is mostly about my most recent half marathon, so, if hearing how I BARELY survived and it took lots of beer and bacon to keep me going me does not appeal to you, and you choose to skip over this post, that won’t hurt my feelings. Too much.

I got these shoes back in August, because I was previously wearing Mizuno Wave Inspire 9s, in bright orange (proof here and here), and it was time for an upgrade. The rule of thumb (I’ve heard) is new shoes every 300-500 miles. But that’s not a hard and fast rule, and some people wear their shoes until they actually fall apart in some race, or lonely running route. My rule of thumb was based on mileage, but also that I had stepped in mud in my orange ones…you think I’m joking. And I am. Just a little bit. New running shoes were on my horizon, but after stepping in mud, the horizon got a leeeeetle closer. I liked running in my orange Mizunos, and the newer model is even lighter than the previous ones. However, I have lots of issues with blisters when I run, and I won’t bore you with the details, but decided that wide shoes would help alleviate those blisters in at least one  spot on both feet. So, I got online and ordered wide shoes. White was the ONLY color I knew I didn’t want. But, what do you know? Wides are only available in white. I shed a dramatic tear (or two) and bought the white running shoes – getting them dirty is a big fear of mine. Needless to say, trail running is NOT in my future - because of the shoes, and because I’m clumsy anyways, and the thought of roots and leaves and NATURE potentially tripping me in addition to me tripping over my own feet keeps me running on the road.

So, I have white running shoes and I wore them for my second half marathon (ready about my 1st half marathon here), the Equinox Half Marathon. I’ve completed both halfs (or is it halves?) with my Dad, and this time we matched our outfits like we did at our 10k (here). I trained A LOT more for this race than my first half, and I was excited to beat our previous time. However, that was not meant to be. The Mr. shared his nasty cold with me, and I spent the first 4 miles trying to breathe – funny enough, those first 4 miles were my fastest (what???). I was inhaling cough drops and using tons of tissues at every aid station. The bones in the tops of my foot started hurting at mile 2 – I think maybe my feet were swelling? The race was mostly downhill, and I hadn’t run TONS in the few weeks before my race – see husband sharing his cold with me. And then, at mile 8, my knees started to ache. Both of them. My right IT band tends to get tight when I run, so I foam roll. And often. But this was different – my knees were tight, and achey, and I knew if I truly stopped (for anything longer than a potty break) I wouldn’t finish the race. So the last few miles were rough. Really, the entire race didn’t go as well as I’d hoped, and I was even more prepared – physically, mentally, fuel-wise, and gear-wise.

And while we missed beating our previous time by just a few minutes, my Dad and I completed a gorgeous fall run down a canyon on a beautiful September Sunday morning. I’m not a competitive person (unless we are playing charades or Pictionary, then I’m ruthless), but missing my time by such a small margin has really lit a fire within me to beat my time from my first half – even if it’s just barely! I’m so slow that there’s PLENTY of room for improvement. The Mr. keeps reminding me that I RAN THIRTEEN miles without stopping, while I WAS SICK, with achey feet and knees. And he’s right – I AM proud of myself for that, but I’ll be even more proud of myself when I complete my next one. And blow my previous times out of the water.

tank: WalMart

shorts: Soark.com

visor: Margaritaville

shoes: Mizuno

kid's section

 

 

 

 

I wore both of these outfits in the same day. One for work – the purple blouse and Bermuda shorts, definitely not the flouncy skater skirt. And the other (the skirt & vest) for a double date with friends. We had dinner and drinks, and then hit up Sports Authority, where I snagged some new running shorts (from the kids section…it pays to be short - stuff from the kids section is always cheaper).

Oh, and then more drinks.*

*Just had to solidify my adult-ness after having admitted to shopping in the kids section…

 top:

purple blouse: Eddie Bauer

Bermuda shorts: Old Navy

wedges: thrifted (Steve Madden)

 bottom:

tank: Forever21

vest: thrifted (Levi’s)

skirt: from a friend via Urban Outfitters

sandals: Target

my friend has a blog. and wears cute outfits.

This is my friend, Chelsea. The friend who loves Harry Potter as much as I do (we did Harry Potter trivia together a few weeks back). 

See what she's wearing above?

What about below?

A gray tee, neon maxi, and a denim jacket. She thought this outfit up all on her own - no outside influence. I kept complimenting her - I mean, a simple tee and a super fun maxi for a fun Saturday outing is the perfect combination.

So, imagine our surprise when she sees her outfit (on someone else) on Pinterest! She sent me this screenshot, saying something witty along the lines "Stole my look!":

Obviously the people creating these style tips saw her at Harry Potter trivia and needed to replicate her outfit, and then post it on the internet. Well done, Chels.

#Pinterestcopiedyou

Here she is with her husband. Had a blast at their wedding last summer - I danced the night away and had to be dragged off the dance floor...

She recently started a blog that you should definitely check out, especially if you're interested in fitness and/or running. Or if you want a good laugh (or 12). This girl and I are on the same level of hilarity (which is high - a very high level of hilarity) and Mean Girls quotes.

Here's her blog: Colorado Kicks.

Check her out, follow her, have several laughs, and be sure to report back.

Oh, and here's a bathroom selfie of her cute outfit, showing off the short layer underneath the maxi. She's cute, funny, AND knows how to dress?

Keeper.

Fo Sho.

twinsies

 Several weeks ago, my parents came to visit for the weekend. My Dad and I ran a 10k race Saturday morning. We coordinated our outfits (obvi) and ran the race together. Even enjoyed a beer together afterwards. Every time we run a race, my Dad says "Wasn't that fun?"

And I always respond with "Fun isn't the word I would use..." 

I do enjoy running, but during the race, I can only think "Uggh, when are we DONE???"

Afterwards, I'm so glad I did it. But during is a whole different story. 

at the start. matching Margaritaville visors

after the race (from Instagram) - enjoying post-race beers

Here's what I wore to run the 10k. My Dad has the same shorts and we both wore orange tank tops. And he wore his orange shoes, instead of green ones.

#twinsies

We got stopped a few times and asked where we got our shorts - I got mine from Soark. They've got several other flags, and running tights/leggings, in addition to shorts.

I just ordered new running shoes and they're white, so, bye bright orange Mizunos

*sniff sniff*

(I just got the Mizuno Wave Inspire 10s. The orange ones above are the Mizuno Wave Inspire 9s. I have yet to break in the new ones - stay tuned...)

this is me telling my Dad to stop trying to get fancy with the picture taking...

tank: WalMart

shorts: Soark

shoes: Mizuno Wave Inspire 9s (from a local running store)

visor: Margaritaville