Category: Friday Link Up

Friday Five: Favorite Summer Beverages

7/27/2015

Summer is here and in full swing! It has been insanely humid in LA(75%+) this week since we had that freak thunderstorm last weekend. The humidity is really taking a toll on me and I've had a hard time sleeping and just general fatigue all week. At least in Texas, we had A/C so we could sleep! Luckily my new apartment I'm moving into next week has central air!!

Anyways, on to favorite beverages for the summer.
1. Water
I know it's lame but I had not realized how much water I have been consuming. I decided to track it with
My Fitbit and I've averaged over 100 oz a day and I still wait up dehydrated and with a headache!

2. Lemonade
Sometimes I just need some sugar and I love a cold glass of Newman's Own lemonade

3. Tea
I drink tea pretty much every day at work. It's more exciting than water and has more variety. However I have been drinking More iced tea lately!

4. Iced coffee
I love coffee but it's too hot to drink during the summer. I love to get iced coffee as it has the caffeine but is also refreshing! One great thing is Starbucks now sells iced coffee at the grocery store. It is about 5 bucks and you get 8 servings out of it so it's definitely a good deal.

5. Wine
I love wine all year around but there is something so refreshing about a nice cold glass of wine that is relaxing.

How about you? What do you find yourself drinking more of over the summer?

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Friday Five: 5 Favorite Race Shirts

7/16/2015

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Hi all! Linkup Friday!! Thanks to our amazing hostesses: the DC Trifecta Bloggers (Courtney from Eat Pray Run DC, Mar from Mar on the Run, and Cynthia from You Signed Up For What?!). This week's topic is favorite race swag so I decided to look at my favorite race shirts I have accumlated over the last few years. With the increase in races over the past year, also comes more shirts especially since most of them involved a run disney race challenge. Here are my favorite shirts I have! I decided to divide them up to 5 favorite short-sleeve shirts and 5 favorite long-sleeve shirts.

5 FAVORITE SHORT SLEEVE

2013 Princess Half shirt: my first WDW race and I love the purple
2013 Coast to Coast: first coast to coast medal and I love how it has Mickey running and the two castles
2013 LA marathon: my first marathon and I love how it reflects to the stadium to sea course so well
2015 Coast to Coast shirt: this shirt is SO comfortable and I love that it has the medal on the front
2015 Santa Anita Derby 5k: this is very understated but also very nice material with a v-neck. Most people probably wouldn't even know it was a race shirt

5 FAVORITE LONG SLEEVE

2015 Dopey: the biggest race accomplishment I have ever done!
2015 Goofy: I love the bright orange color
2015 Star Wars 10k: everytime I wear this shirt, at least one person compliments me on it. I love the blue and the storm trooper
2014 Wine and Dine Half Marathon : my favorite half marathon ever and I love mickey running with food!
2013 Tinkerbell: This shirt is very comfortable and I love that is green for tinkerbell

What is some of your favorite race shirts you have received?

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Friday Five: 5 Fitness Trends I won't do

7/9/2015

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I'm not one to be negative and say I will never do something. I at one point said I would never run a marathon and I'm currently starting to prepare for my 4th and 5th!

Here are some things I don't currently do and the reason why:

1. Own a gym membership
Gyms around me are very expensive (would you pay 150 dollars a month to go to a gym?!) and even LA Fitness is about 40 dollars a month once the specials stop and that's a lot to spend a month when I wouldn't use it more than 2 times a week?

If I want a gym, even though it's not a great one, I can use the one on campus for free since I'm a student.

2. A run club you have to pay a membership for
I run 3-4 days a week and most of my runs are in the morning. Having to pay to meet up with people, when there are so many free clubs, seems silly to me. Most of my runs are by myself anyway so I have a bit more flexibility.

3. CrossFit
There's a box close to me and I wouldn't discount it in the future but as of now, the cost and early times are the main issue right now.

4. Group classes
I did a barre class once and was so sore but did enjoy it! The cost is high and I wouldn't want to get a monthly membership unless I could really use it (at least 3 days a week) and the individual classes are 30 dollars. Right now, there is no way I could fit in classes

5. Two-a-days
I'm not a football player and do not have the time to do multiple workouts a day. I know I could get stronger if I did, but I could also get injured too! Making sure I do my schoolwork and get enough sleep are my priorities.

Now these are just for me. With my work schedule, commute, being in class 1-2 per week and other commitments, I can't pay for things I won't use often. I do short but intense workouts because the most I can work out during the week is about 30 minutes before work and then 15 min of stretching and core work at night. I'm tight on time to fit everything in (like you know the 200 pages of reading plus prepping a presentation I have for class this week!) so unless I know for sure I will use it, I won't buy it.

How about you? What are workout you wouldn't do?

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Friday Five: 4th of July plans

7/2/2015

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Hi all! Linkup Friday!! Thanks to our amazing hostesses: the DC Trifecta Bloggers (Courtney from Eat Pray Run DC, Mar from Mar on the Run, and Cynthia from You Signed Up For What?!). This weeks topic is 4th of July. This is also the one year anniversary of the first time I did the Friday Five linkup! Yay!

Here is what I am up to this 3-day weekend to celebrate!

1. Jurassic World
I haven't seen this yet and it's so sad! This is technically work related to see it as the donors of the Center where I work allowed for all of the movies to be filmed on their ranch in Hawaii. They told us to see it so I have to go see it!

2. Rosemead 5k
My first race on 4th of July ever! It's a 5k and I'm a bit worried as it's been very humid and warm lately. I think my plan is to wear a hat and carry water just incase there is a lack of water stops. I would love to PR but I'm not sure it will happen especially if there is course crowding so I am hoping for sub-30 and if not, then average 10:30 a mile. We will see!

3. Disneyland for the 4th
I've never been to a Disney park on the 4th and since they are my favorite fireworks so we figured why not? We have reservations for Big Thunder BBQ which is awesome (see a fancy picture above) and hopefully it won't be too crowded.

4. Schoolwork
I may have Friday off but I will still have schoolwork to do. My goal is to outline my chapters (my classmates split up the reading to take detailed notes), review all readings, study for my weekly quiz, and try and get ahead and read at least 3 chapters. I also have a huge project coming up in 2 weeks so I want to outline that. My goal is to do a lot on Friday so I can relax this weekend.

5. Women's World Cup Final!
My classmates and I decided to go watch the game on Sunday. The last time I watched a final was when the USA Women won in 1999 in Pasadena so I'm excited!

6. Independence Day the movie
I do this every year! I watch the movie Independence Day! I will probably put it on while I'm reading for class. Love that movie!

How about you? What are your plans for the 4th?

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Friday five: what running means to me

6/4/2015

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I am in Walt Disney World with the family until June 14th. Want to follow me along in the fun? I will be on Social Media :) Facebook , Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest

Hi all! Linkup Friday!! Thanks to our amazing hostesses: the DC Trifecta Bloggers (Courtney from Eat Pray Run DC, Mar from Mar on the Run, and Cynthia from You Signed Up For What?!). In honor of National Running Day that passed on Wednesday, I am going to talk about what running means to me and has given me.

WHAT RUNNING MEANS TO ME

Reflecting back on running, it means the world to me. It is my personal time and without it, I get stressed and cranky. As I have gotten busier with going back to school and starting a new job, my running has always been there for me: the constant when so much has been new. It has gone towards the top of the must do list and I definitely think it has worked out for the better.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

I have accomplished so much more than I ever thought I physically could. Challenge races-running races back to back-are what I love. Finishing Dopey which years ago would have sounded insane to me is now the greatest set of races I've ever done. 48.6 miles over 4 days and then doubling down and going home

To do 19.3 the next weekend? Insane but I've done it and am a stronger runner because of it and would do it again in a heartbeat. No questions asked!

THE PAST

I've never been physically strong or athletic so running has become my way to show I am both physically strong (and working on increasing my strength!) and also athletic with my running. So I'm the girl that hated the mile run in elementary school and only once broke a 10 min mile can now run multiple miles in a row at a sub 10 min pace and feel great afterwards!

CHANGED OUTLOOK WITH 4WellRules

It has changed the way I operate and it shows even in my blog name. The 4 well rules:

Eat Well (I've completely overhauled my eating to be more whole and real foods, no processed foods and with a Primal bent by going gluten free).
Sleep Well (I try to get between 7-8 hours of sleep so my body is well rested and won't need to rely on caffeine to keep moving)
Exercise Well (running and strength training and stretching to stay in shape)
Be Well (doing what I love and making self care a core part of who I am. Those Disney days, movie nights, vacations and time with friends are so important to my well being. They can't be sacrificed).

THIS YEAR ALONE

I track my running: how many races I do, my times, my PRs etc so imagine my surprise when I realized the Tinkerbell Half I've done 40 races total and 25 Disney races. It was also my 16th race of the year, my 11th rundisney race of the year and my 21st medal of the year (16th rundisney). Such great numbers

To be hitting in early May! I have a much needed break now and will have a crazy Fall/Winter but I'm ready for it!

What has running given you? What have you been able to accomplish?

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Magical Mickey Mondays and Friday Five: Disneyland 60th Anniversary Offerings

5/31/2015

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I got to experience a few other things this weekend so I decided to update this post and link up with another Magical Mickey with John at run.geek.rundisney and Katie from Adventures by Katie

see below!

Hi all! Linkup Friday!! Thanks to our amazing hostesses: the DC Trifecta Bloggers (Courtney from Eat Pray Run DC, Mar from Mar on the Run, and Cynthia from You Signed Up For What?!).

This weeks topic is Free Friday so I'm going to write about the greatness of new things at Disneyland. It is less than 100 days away until the next rundisney race: the 10th anniversary of the Disneyland half marathon weekend! That race weekend will also by my 5th runiversary. As people are preparing, here are some of the great things they can expect.

I went to Disneyland for the 24 hour party on Friday as well as going back on Sunday and Monday! Let me just preface this as saying, I'm not surprised that the parks hit capacity and turned into a complete mess on Friday. I am surprised that there was a complete breakdown of communication. The fact that people paid for parking and then we're stuck and couldn't get into either park is not cool. I think parking, ticket sales and a system for disseminating information was the key to Friday and Disney blew it. As people were leaving, they should have been told they would not be let back in and just consistent information about if dining reservations would be allowed back in.

I also think it was silly to offer all of the 60th anniversary offerings on the same day as the 24 hour party. I think they should have opened it earlier in early May to allow for some practice with crowd control. Just my two cents but I had a great time but would have had an even better time if I had been able to actually get into Disneyland!

Now onto the offerings!

Stayed until 130AM

1. Merchandise
It's all so cute!!! Here and here are some Disney Parks Blog posts about some of it. I ended up getting: an ornament, new shirt, a sweatshirt, a new pair of shoes, new blanket and two mugs. Overall, the merchandise is adorable and I will most likely be buying more soon.

my massive mug I am obsessed with: 32 oz! I try to drink at least 2 of them at work every day

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Friday Five: How I Organize my Gear

5/14/2015

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Hi all! Linkup Friday!! Thanks to our amazing hostesses: the DC Trifecta Bloggers (Courtney from Eat Pray Run DC, Mar from Mar on the Run, and Cynthia from You Signed Up For What?!). This week's topic is How I organize my race gear. I am always updating how I organize all of my running stuff so let's get started.

1. Short sleeve shirts
I keep all of my shirts in one drawer. I separate them by tanks and short sleeves. I also keep my sports bras in there as well. I try to keep them organized so I can see them all but that does not always happen. I usually wear race shirts.

2. Long sleeve shirts and bottoms
My long sleeve shirts have greatly expanded with 13 shirts in less than 6 months! I organized them by Disney and non Disney. On the other side is my shorts/skirts. I try to organize them so I can see them all but I of coure forget about some of them.

I'm going to have to figure out another plan soon because I'm running out of space!

3. Running electronics and sweatbands
I keep these by my door so I always know where everything is. Usually my headbands are a game time decision so I love having them there. It was raining when I finished running today so my electronics are a bit of a mess.

4. Fuel and extras
I just moved my fuel because it was getting out of control. I keep it all in shoe box behind my door. In other boxes I have other things such as one box for winter wear (caps and gloves) and one for extra supplies with baby wipes, Mylar blankets and anything extra I get.

5. Storage for costumes and throw away
Above my closet, I put everything in bags and label them by costume. The big bag in front has an excessive amount of throwaway clothes I can use on a whim. I keep trying to reuse costume parts so I don't have to buy fully new stuff before every race.

Bonus: My routine
I picked out all of my workout clothes for the week on the Saturday or Sunday. Everything is in a stack and ready to go quickly and it helps me get out of the door fast in the morning for my workouts. It also helps my drawers from getting too overcrowded, like they are now after 3 new shirts.

That's it for me! It's definitely not perfect but it works for me, at least for now. Whenever I decide to move, I want to buy some drawers that are just for workout gear as I keep getting more and more! In the meantime, I may switch to baskets as needed.

How do you stay organized with all of your workout gear?

Short sleeve shirts

Shorts and long sleeves

Electronics and headbands-so messy right now haha

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Friday Five: Spreading the Fitness love

5/7/2015

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Running with my boyfriend and his brother-always great to run with others

Hi all! Linkup Friday!! Thanks to our amazing hostesses: the DC Trifecta Bloggers (Courtney from Eat Pray Run DC, Mar from Mar on the Run, and Cynthia from You Signed Up For What?!). This week's topic is on sharing the love of fitness.

Here are 5 ways I share the love of fitness:

1. Invite friends to be active
I always invite friends to do races with me and love when they do. That's how I've gotten my friends into rundisney! People love to do things that are social and running can definitely satisfy that.

2. Wear your race gear proudly
I love to run in my shirts as they are comfortable and also are great conversation starters. People love to talk about the races they have done and it's a great way to also learn about other races and get people's opinion.

3. Encourage Others
If you hear others talking about running, speak up! Talk to people about running and help them get involved if they so chose. As I have told many people-anyone can be a runner, all you have to do is run!

4. Share on Social media
It's called social for a reason. I love to post about my races and such because it always starts a conversation. I love when people reach out to talk to me about races to run and help with training.

5. A blog!
I have loved growing and developing my blog and sharing it with everyone. I love to help people and love to help people grow. One thing I hope to do in the future is to become a certified coach so I can help others even more!

How about you? How do you share your love for fitness?

and a note: I will down in Disneyland all weekend running the Pixie Dust Challenge (10k on Saturday and Half on Sunday). Follow along on Social Media: Facebook , Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest!

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Friday Five: 5 Brands to Love

4/16/2015

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Hi all! Linkup Friday!! Thanks to our amazing hostesses: Courtney from Eat Pray Run DC, Mar from Mar on the Run, and Cynthia from You Signed Up For What?!. This week's topic is 5 favorite brands so I am going to focus on my favorite running brands.

1. Clif
It must have been fate almost five years ago when they were a sponsor of the Disneyland half and gave us each a few pack of shot bloks. I had never heard of fueling before but took the during the race and felt great. I've used them every since in addition to their Clif Shots. My favorite blok favor is Margarita and my favorite shot flavor is mocha!

2. Feetures
I was beginning to get blisters while running and tried feetures and not only do they feel great but they also prevent blisters. I love the pull tab on the back of the heel. And I hear they are now making compression socks!

3. ProCompression
I haven't yet done a full review of them but I won a free pair from a blog and I'm obsessed. I haven't tried running in them yet but I sleep in them and they feel fantastic. I plan on buying at least 2 pairs at the Tinkerbell expo to start wearing them when I run. I also love their leggings and wear them often!

4. Sparkle Skirts/Sparkle Athletic
Same idea but different companies. Sparkle skirts have built in pockets while sparkle athletic is just the fabric. I'm loving collecting skirts as they make me feel girly while I run.

5. Garmin
I just realized I never did a full review of my Garmin forerunner 220 I got for my birthday last year-oops! Basically I am in love and it does everything I want it to do (minus do a 1 mile lap when you do intervals). I love that you can set the intervals to distance or time and I love the display screen. I use it for all of my runs and I love that you use Bluetooth to sync it to your iPhone. Also it charges VERY fast. It can do a full charge in less than an hour and a half.

So this weekend I will be utilizing all of these brands when I take on the Sunset Strip half: fueling with Clif, wearing feetures socks, recovering in procompression, wearing a sparkleskirt and tracking my time with my garmin!

How about you? What are you favorite running related brands?

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Friday Five: 5 Places I would like to VIsit

4/9/2015

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Hi all! Linkup Friday!! Thanks to our amazing hostesses: the DC Trifecta Bloggers (Courtney from Eat Pray Run DC, Mar from Mar on the Run, and Cynthia from You Signed Up For What?!).

I love to travel but there are a few places I have always wanted to go and here they are!

1. Paris
Oh France-I have always wanted to go and it looks like it is in the cards for Sept 2016! yay rundisney Paris Half!

2. Italy
I took Italian in college for 2 years but never went to visit. We are planning to fix that on our trip to Paris with a side trip to Rome.

3. Maldives
It just looks so gorgeous! Huts on the water? YES I AM SO IN!

4. A true beach vacation
I have never taken a vacation where you are a beach bum and I would love to do it either in the Caribbean or Mexico. We may be going to Mexico in Summer 2016 so that may happen sooner rather than later

5. A cruise
I have never taken a cruise! I think I would love the food and the drinks and the shore excursions.

So how about you? Where would you like to travel to?