Web Happenings...

Hi! Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend. I am still a travelling maniac – in the past week, I have been to DC, Pittsburgh, and NYC. Partially work, partially pleasure, but all good nonetheless.

Some perks of frequent travel include:

Airport Pedicures:

Stumbling upon the Crumbs Bake Shop at Union Station:

don’t mind if I do…

Early morning sunrises while walking to 30^th Street Station:

Due to this hectic schedule, fitting in running has been a little tricky. Three times last week, my alarm went off around 4:30 to make sure I got my run in. I have learned that I really do not enjoy running after work, and it typically won’t happen if I don’t do it first thing. So this discipline works for me. Plus, I feel so much better all day.

Last week:

Sunday 11/27: 5.0 Miles (2 Mile Run on Treadmill + 3 Miles walking at incline)

Monday 11/28: OFF

Tuesday 11/29: 5.0 Miles – Medium Pace

Wednesday 11/30: 6.0 Miles - Easy

Thursday 12/1: 5.0 Miles + Lifting & Abs

Friday 12/2: 5.0 Miles – Skipped it. Scheduled for post-work and it never happened. Chose thai takeout and wine with Joe instead.

Saturday 12/3: 8.0 Miles along Schuylkill + 2 Miles interval on treadmill (Making up for Friday)

Total: 31 Miles.

Since I’ve been training for something for so long (really, since March), not having a goal to work toward feels kind of foreign. I’m trying to relax, reduce the mileage, and just enjoy running for the fun of it. But this past week, most of those runs felt forced. In an effort to not get burnt out, I’m looking into some other fitness activities to accompany my running through the winter. I’m hoping to fit in one of Julie’s classes at Bryn Athyn Workout Studio, as well as a Lithe Method class here in Philly. Would also love to fit in more Power Yoga, a swimming lesson maybe, or even (don’t laugh) Kung Fu (I’m serious). So we’ll see. 

Moving on, I wanted to take a second to share with you some web-happenings you might be interested in!

First, NaturaStride has some new offerings just in time for the holidays. If you haven’t checked it out yet, we have compiled a NaturaStride Holiday Variety Pack, which is a perfect gift for a runner in your life. OR a perfect opportunity for YOU to sample our favorite, best-selling products (treat yourself!). Check out the Holiday Variety Pack here! 

Also, GoGazella is having a Fall Running Photo contest! Do you have a great picture of you from a race you completed this season? Did you take a stellar shot at the start of a marathon? Any amazing scenery pics? Submit them into the contest for a chance to win a $200 Patagonia gift card! The best photo will be voted on by the GoGazella community – so spread the word to your running buddies! 

Finally, have you checked out The Gomer’s T-Shirts yet? They are on-sale now, but today (Dec 5^th!) is the last day you can order! Excellent gift ideas for the Gomer in your life. And if you haven’t started listening to the Two Gomers Run for their Lives podcast yet – what are you waiting for? Download from iTunes asap! 

That is all! Enjoy the week!

Q: How do you break up the running-routine during the off season?



NYC Marathon Promo & Pumpkin Loaf Recipe!

Finally: The weekend! This week has been crazy and it looks like the entire month of November is shaping up to be this way. Whatevs, all good things.  A body in motion stays in motion, no?

Guess what: My “birth-week” starts this weekend :) I’m a huge birthday person and typically prolong mine as much as possible/tolerable for my friends and family. I’m turning 29 and am embracing it with open arms. I’m kick-starting it tonight with a visit from my Mom, sister, and adorable little nephew who are staying with us this entire weekend. Lots of fun activities planned.

Not gonna lie, I’m feeling a little beat up running-wise. Thankfully, I scheduled a power yoga class for my sister and I tomorrow morning and will take the day off from running. Really looking forward to a 90-minute stretching session, and some much-needed sister time! I’m still planning on a long run for Sunday (probably 10 miles) and will then ease up the training a bit for the next two weeks till the Philadelphia Half Marathon! So here’s how the week shaped up:

Sunday 10/30: 10-miles, Sub-8:00 pace

Monday 10/31: OFF

Tuesday 11/1: 5-miles, 7:30’s

Wednesday 11/2: 7-miles, easy (tiiiiired) + long stretching session.

Thursday 11/3: 6-miles, interval treadmill run + lifting

Friday 11/4: 7-miles, (3 with BOMF crew)

Saturday 11/5: Power Yoga

Total Mileage = 35 mile + Power Yoga

Good enough.

I am also looking forward to watching the NYC Marathon on TV this weekend! So excited for everyone. Really hoping to join ya’ll in 2012 (we’ll see!) OH! In celebration, NaturaStride is offering 25% off ALL ORDERS now through Monday, November 7^th.  Just enter promo code NYCM2011 at checkout. So NOW is the time to be snag up those natural energy food products you’ve been eyeing for months! 

Anyways, I’ve been meaning to share this Pumpkin Loaf recipe with you guys for weeks! This is actually the first actual bread I’ve ever made (besides desserty loafs), with the exception of pizza dough. It’s no secret that I'm a huge fan of Ashley and Stephen’s recipes over at (never home)maker.  This is a modification of their No Knead Pumpkin Loaf that turned out awesome and perfect for fall.

The only modifications I made to the ingredients were I added 1 tablespoon of ground flax, added approximately 1 additional tablespoon of warm water, and about ½ cup raisins. I also omitted the pumpkin seeds because I didn’t have any.

After!

Toasty.

Delicious for breakfast, toasted, with apple butter. I also scooped up some of my yo-bowl with it. Super hearty + healthy.

Alright, guys, I’m off. I have a zillion things to do before my family gets to town, including baby-proofing my apartment – huh?

GOOD LUCK NYC MARATHON RUNNERS!! So excited to read race re-caps next week!

Get 25% off your ENTIRE ORDER at NaturaStride.com thru Monday 11/7! Enter NYCM2011 at Chekout!