Running, Blood, & Chipotle

Let’s talk about… Running!!!

A momentary spike in outdoor temperature was exactly what I needed to add a little umph to my winter running. Here’s how the week has been lookin’:

Sunday 1/29: Treadmill, 3-mi run + 2-mi include walk with weights (Easy)

Monday 1/30: REST

Tuesday 1/31: 5-mi, Easy Treadmill (while listening to my Rosetta Stone Greek audio companion, haha)

Wednesday 2/1: 7-mi, @ 7:30’s – Felt amazing (60 degrees, baby) & lifting

Thursday 2/2: BIKRAM – love.

Friday 2/3: 5-mi, Treadmill Hill + Speed Interval workout (felt great)

Saturday 2/4 (Planned): 8-mi, Schuylkill River Trail & lifting

Total = 30 miles + Bikram

I’ve been getting some good sleep this week, so when my alarm went off at 5 AM on Wednesday morning, I was actually in the mood for a long run. (It happens, apparently)  It was still only in the low 50’s that early, but the fact I didn’t require, like, 4 layers of clothing was extra motivation. For even more motivation, I synced my shuffle to only play the following artists: Madonna, Britney, Katy Perry, Lady G, and Bruno Mars. I am not ashamed people, because playlists such as these often produce better than anticipated results, including 7-miles at 7:30-pace for the first time in months. So I don’t care what you say.

What else happened this week.

OH! I started running in my Altra Intuitions as my recovery shoe (to alternate with my Altra Eve’s) that I got from Natural Running Store.

So I know it’s only been a week, and I typically like to wait a few weeks before writing a shoe review, but these babies rock. They are zero drop, super lightweight, and feel like little clouds of happiness.

One feature I especially like is the wide (natural!) toe box. The way a shoe should be shaped. More to come on these later.

In other randomness, I also gave blood this week. Do you ever give blood? I like to go every few months. Did you know that 4.5 million Americans will a need blood transfusion each year? Also, they say one pint of blood (what you typically donate) can save up to 3 lives.

Some bonus benefits of giving blood is you get a mini-physical when they do the screening; they’ll check your pulse, blood pressure, body temp, and hemoglobin levels (iron deficiency). For more info on donating, click here. 

Plus it’s just good karma.

And now that my karma is so good – guess what is opening soon a few blocks from my office…

!!!

In conclusion, if you donate blood, a Chipotle will open down the street.

Q: Ever donate? And what are your Superbowl plans?