November, where'd you go?

I know it's not December yet, but it will be in 4 days.  Although I'm already feeling the Christmas spirit, I still feel like Halloween is coming, the leaves are in the process of changing and the Eagles still have a chance to turn their season around.  Alas, none of those things are true (especially concerning the Eagles).  It really hit me that it's almost December a) on my slippery, snowy commute this morning b) when my professor announced that next Thursday is our last class- cue finals. 

December is going to be a busy month for me with finals, a new job and the holidays and I was looking for some way to stay motivated with my health and fitness.  Last weekend while I was reading blogs, the answer appeared: #elf4health (have you been seeing that all over twitter this week?)  This is a 6-week holiday health challenge.  Check out creators' The Lean Green Bean and Nutrionella's blogs for a more thorough description of Elf for Health.  I really like that you get a partner to support you and keep you in check, the fact that it involves mental as well as physical health and that the whole blogging/online community is involved. 

I've already completed Meatless Monday- I knew I was going to be out all day so I prepped this delicious quinoa mac and cheese the night before. 

Today's challenge was to write a handwritten note or letter for someone.  I finished mine tonight and will be sending tomorrow.  I wonder who it's for?? 

Tomorrow is try a new workout Wednesday- still deciding if I want to run like I usually do and then try something I've pinned recently or if I'm going to count today's new yoga workout.  Such big life decisions!

If you are interested in the next round I suggest you sign up for a fun, easy way to get into the healthy spirit this holiday season.  Good luck to my awesome elf buddy Becca, you da best!

Philly Half-marathon recap!

It's 3 days later and my I think my legs have finally recovered from the Philly half.  I have never felt knee pain as badly as the Monday after but it was seriously all worth it.  Last January I made an inspiration board (ok, I made goals like everyone else in the world on new years) and my main fitness-related goal was run a half-marathon.  It seemed like a long way off but this past Sunday my goal was accomplished! 

My dad and I were both running our first half marathons, so we woke up early ready to go.  We drove to my aunt's house, who happens to be a great runner and a former Philly Marathon completer, to get a ride down to the start of the race in Fairmount.  It was a dark, chilly morning but my adrenaline kept me warmer and excited.  The atmosphere before the race even started was amazing.  Unlike myself, my dad likes to talk to strangers so we met a few encouraging veteran marathoners including some runners were originally signed up for the NYC marathon.  About 2,000 NYC marathon runners came to Philly, which I thought was really awesome!

After waiting in our corral for about 15 minutes to start, we were off!  Both a Paul Ryan and a Kim Kardashian sign at the starting line really pumped me up!  The beginning of the race my dad and I stayed together but as the crowd broke up a bit we split up.  I usually get bored by mile 4 when running but the energy from the crowd, my awesome playlist, and the beautiful scenery made the race go by so quickly.  Before I knew it we were at mile 8!  The course was very flat the whole way up until mile 9 (forget exactly where) around University City.  I though this was a very rude part of the race to throw in multiple hills but I only walked twice through the water stations and was not about the walk now. 

Overall, my body felt really great up until around mile 11 when my ankles and quads were really starting to burn.  I was so close though so it really wasn't a problem.  The last mile I got a surge of energy, don't know if this is good or bad, and really booked it to the finish line.  What a GREAT feeling to finish a half-marathon!! I know it will probably never feel the same since this was my first, but my dad and I both agreed the experience was amazing.  I ended up finishing in 2:13.  My only goal was to finish so I am definitely pleased!  Next time around (and there WILL be a next time) I hope to make a goal time and work on pacing myself a little more.  My dad finished just a little after me, he's pretty awesome! 

After the race my two best friends were waiting at the finish line for me (they're the best) and we found my aunt and dad.  We finished the morning off with chocolate chip pancakes and coffee at my aunt's house.  I later spent the rest of the day on my couch watching tv and fell asleep before 10pm.  Philly half-marathon was a success!  I now can't wait to sign up for another one, time to start investigating.

Pictures of the day:

 Happy Thanksgiving :)

Mizunos for the win

I finally purchased a long overdue pair of sneakers.  After almost a year of switching between my asics and my brooks I am now the proud owner of the Mizuno Wave Inspire 8.  I have heard great things about Mizuno Wave Riders and read about the Wave Inspires in this month's Runner's World so I decided to give them a try.  I tested them out for a short run Wednesday and this morning and I am definitely a fan!

Thoughts:
-I really don't light shoes that are very heavy but need more support than the new light-weight running shoes provide.  The Wave Inspires are very light and flexible.  They were marked as shoes for stability though so they definitely provide enough support.
-They are narrow, which works for my feet but may not for everyone.
-The heel is higher than any other shoe I've worn and but cushioned.  They feel different but a good different.
-I've run about 7 miles in them and they felt great the whole time.

Let's hope I'm raving about these babies after 13.3 miles as much as I am today.  Philly half-marathon countdown- 2 days, ahhhh!!!!

Weather forecast

Annndddd the weather for Sunday's race looks rather questionable.  I've seen between 46-49 degrees and so far a 30% chance of rain.  I'm really hoping this whole rain thing doesn't happen because this girl hates getting wet.  I didn't retire from the sport of swimming just to pick up running in the rain.  Even so, I am deciding on what to wear and have to plan for wet weather.  Here's what I'm thinking so far:

1) Capris- Even if it gets a little warmer, I think I'm beginning to like running in spandex rather than shorts.  Never thought I'd make the switch but I'm really not a fan of shorts rubbing between my legs for over 2 hours.  I'm really digging my new Old Navy Active capris, check them out.
2) Sneakers- I know this is a big no-no before a race but I really need new shoes.  My Brooks were great but are old and making my ankles hurt- shoe shopping is happening tomorrow.
3) Cushioned socks
4) Spi Belt- Obsessed.  Will hold gels, TONS OF TISSUES, chapstick, etc.
5) Headband- Regular Goodie one I always wear, don't think it will be cold enough for a cold-weather headband.
6) Top- short-sleeves or long??? THAT IS THE QUESTION!  I'm leaning towards short-sleeves with a throwaway sweatshirt on top but it's keeping me up at night! (not really but I am unsure). 
7) Trash bag for rain? Seriously, what do I wear for rain besides this?

I probably won't make the final call on the outfit until right before but what do you think?  My dad is absolutely no help seeing as he likes to run in long underwear and sweatpants from 1985 and thinks this is an appropriate outfit for me as well.  Updates on my new shoes and running playlist later this week!