1. I was a no call, no show to my first race of 2012. Like many local DC/NoVA runners, I had registered for the Love the Run You’re With 5K. I ran this race last year, had a great time and was really looking forward to possibly setting a new 5K PR. Unfortunately, the weather did not want to cooperate.

I will be the first to admit that I won’t run in really cold or really hot weather because it pretty much ruins the fun I’m supposed to be having while pounding the pavement. Call me a wimp if you must – I’m just telling you like it is. However, reading the numerous race reports makes me feel a little bit sorry I didn’t suck it up and run on Sunday. To make up for it, I promptly registered for another Pacers race – 4 Courts 4 Miler on March 10. To further incentivize myself to run, I purchased these to wear on race day. It is a St. Patrick’s Day themed race after all.

Green sparkle sleeves from Team Sparkle!

2.  Last night I knocked out my weekly track workout, and my hips and back are really hating me for it today. I ran a total of 5 miles with a 1 mile warm-up, 3 x 1600m with 400m recovery and a half mile cool down. The 1600′s were done at my race pace of 8:00 minute/mile. I nailed my pace, and I honestly felt as though I could go faster – always a good thing! For my second and third repeats, I managed to kick up the pace during the final 400 meters running around 7:40. Following the workout, I did my time with the foam roller working out my piriformis, quads, IT bands, hamstrings and calves. This morning I woke up stiff and sore. My back and hips were especially cranky. I don’t know if this pain is psychosomatic because I started seeing a PT or if I’m just more aware of my body since I had the consult last week. Either way my body is not happy, and I’m really looking forward to starting my PT sessions tomorrow so I can put these aches and pains behind me.

Foam rolling in my pj's.

3.  This weekend the Spectathlete and I are moving into a new house further out in the Virginia suburbs. We currently live in the world’s smallest house, and it was definitely time to move into a larger space. With three bikes, countless Rubbermaid tubs full of workout gear, foam rollers, yoga mats and my endless supply of water bottles, we need a spare room just store our gear. While it will be strange living further from DC, I’m excited about exploring new running and cycling routes in my neighborhood. Shaking up one’s normal routine is always good, and it keeps you from getting stuck in a rut. We’re moving on Saturday, so if anyone wants to help us move furniture I can assure you we won’t turn you down!  And if anyone has recommendations for routes in the Springfield area – don’t be shy about dropping me a comment!

1.  Yesterday was my birthday.  My 35th birthday to be exact.  I seriously cannot believe that I’m 35.  When the hell did I become 35 years old?  It literally feels like yesterday that I was celebrating my 30th, and – poof! – now I’m 35.  I had these grand intentions of writing a very reflective Eat-Pray-Love post about turning 35, but my life is totally crazy right and I couldn’t find the time to sit down and write it.  I love being a Christmas baby because everything is so festive this time of year, but the flip side means you’re running around like crazy trying to tie up loose ends before the end of year, buying gifts, attending parties, etc.  So instead of a long cerebral post, here are a few quick highlights from yesterday:

Text from my brother

Hobo clutch in orchid from George

At my office Holiday Party with George

2.  Last week I was asked to write my first ever guest blog post!  Obviously I was totally flattered and said yes immediately.  The topic I’m supposed to be writing about is finding and achieving balance between one’s training, professional and personal lives.  Ironically enough, I am now two days past my submission deadline because I cannot find the time to write the post (see #1).  Tonight, I’m going to hunker down and write the 700 words I promised to submit on Tuesday.  If you any of have any tips for maintaining balance in your life, please drop me a comment.  Clearly I am not the expert!

3.  On Monday, I posted about my Holiday Giving – Blogger’s Challenge.  And I’m sad to report that only 1 person has taken me up on the offer to match your contributions to Team in Training (Thank you, Helen!).  I’m serious people – I will match your contributions between now and December 25.  Just click on this link and donate what you can.  It all goes to a great cause – kicking cancer’s ass!

Wearing the purple jersey in 2011

As the year winds down do you find that your stress levels go up?  Do you have trouble maintaining your workout or training schedule?  What are your tips keeping everything balanced?  Drop me a comment and let me know!

Capris & top!

1.  Last night, I attended a private shopping event for the new Athleta store in Georgetown.  The store actually opens today, but they graciously opened their doors for a two-hour shopping preview.  I’ve been an Athleta fan ever since my friend, Jessica, introduced me to their online catalogue last year.  Their workout gear is super cute and functional.  I’ve found that it stands up to routine and regular wear and tear.  Last night’s event was packed!  It  reminded me of being in a big box store at 5AM the day after Thanksgiving.  It was definitely difficult to maneuver around the store.  However, I managed to get my hands on a couple of must-have items including some black running capris and a bright red long sleeve shirt with the thumb holes in the sleeves!  It’s the little details that get me excited.

2.  Yesterday I was a fashion casualty.  I decided to wear my new knee-high camel-colored boots from Nine West.  Aren’t they pretty?  As we all know, pretty does not necessarily equal functional.  After ten hours in these boots my feet felt as though they had been chewed up and spit out.  No exaggeration, I could barely walk by the time I got home.  Fast forward to 5:30AM this morning and I had blisters the size of quarters on the balls of my feet.  Upon seeing this attractive site, George and I recreated our own version of this scene from Run, Fat Boy, Run.  In the end, I did the dirty deed of lancing the blister.  Don’t judge, a girl’s got to be able to walk – and swim and bike and run!

3.  With the Philly Half Marathon only ten days away, I’m hoping my silly fashion mistake yesterday won’t derail my plans to run a 13.1 PR.  I still have a few quality workouts and one long run to get in before I my mini-taper begins next week.  My goal is to run a sub-2 hour half marathon for the first time ever.  I’m pretty confident I can pull this off, but I can only do that if I protect my tootsies for the next ten days.  From this day forward, I’m wearing nothing but flats, Brooks and Uggs.  I’ll save the fashion-forward footwear for the Holidays!

When it comes to fashion – either for work or workout – do you go for style or function?    How do you find a balance?  Drop me a comment and let me know!