Look like a runner

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Apologies if you're getting sick of marathon type posts.  A month and half left and I'm pretty sure I won't be writing about a marathon for a long time.  If I mention thinking about doing it again stop me please.  I am not running another marathon for a very long time.  
Getting started.  As long as it works out with Chris' schedule, I run first thing in the morning.  We're getting to the point where training is taking up so much time.  The midweek runs are up to 9 miles, which is an hour and a half to me.  Weekends up to 16, which means almost three hours of running. The time commitment is huge and it's starting to take more and more motivation.  I can't not think about what I'd rather be doing like watching tv, reading, or just sitting for that long.  I've been tempted to run to dunkin donuts and just sit there for two hours instead.  The hardest part is getting started, which is why I like to get it over at the beginning of the day.  

Eating and Drinking.  I don't remember having this problem when I trained for the marathon last time.  I know I'm not old, but I honestly think the 5 years older is making a difference.  I can't seem to find the right things to eat and right amount of water to drink, before, during and after.  I either feel starving and thirsty or sick to my stomach from eating or drinking too much.  Please share your pre race meals with me!  While never a big fan of gatorade and nutrition bars before, I think that these may have helped me after my last long run.  
Looking like a runner. For the first many many weeks of running I honestly felt like I looked like I was going to die when I was running.  I'm surprised multiple cars didn't pull over and ask if I needed help.  After a month or so I finally started to feel like a runner.  There's an extra confidence and motivation that comes when you feel like you look the part.  My stride gets bigger, I move a little faster, and I'm happier when I remind myself to look like a runner.  Having cute workout clothes makes this easier! 
Tracking your goals.  Clearly I have a goal in mind, but once the marathon is over I don't want to lose all the running and training.  It's easy to be burnt out and I will definitely be taking some time off running, but I want a new goal, as it really helps me to stay motivated.  The last two marathons I was so sick of running that I didn't for so long and it's amazing how quickly you get out of running shape.  I don't want this to happen again, so I plan on keeping up to at least five or so miles frequently.  

Keeping track of your progress is so motivating.  When I passed 100 miles, and then 200 miles it's a rewarding feeling.  I've been logging my runs and following the hal higdon training program, but I recently was told about the new Walgreens phone app.  First of all they have all kinds of sections, like shopping list, prescription refill app, coupons, scanner (my favorite) and even an pharmacy chat. Makes it pretty convenient to ask about dosage for over the counter medicine or other related questions.  But they also have a place where you can log your daily physical activity.  The healthy choices feature is part of the Balance Rewards program and app, where you can set your goals, track your progress and log your activities, which will be great once I'm done logging my runs in my training app. 

#BalanceRewards #CollectiveBias

And a bonus is that you can get balance reward points for logging your goals, which means I started logging my runs here too.  When I logged into my account I was less than 1,000 points away from my next reward. After logging my runs for the next week I reached 5,000 points and earned $5 off my next purchase.  Which means free gatorade and power bars. (Or nail polish, make up or candy.  It's all about balance right?)  You can also log sleep hours (no points for moms with new babies in that category, right?), weigh ins, and heart rate.  Get 250 points for downloading the app, and then another 250 for setting your first health goal.  Check out other ways to earn points here.  

It's super convenient to have it on your phone.  I am a Balance Reward member but have no idea where my card is, but now I have it in the app on my phone.  Makes it super easy to look up coupons, ads and scan my reward card when I headed to the one down the street, the day before my long run to buy gatorade and power bars.  
After the run. There are so many lessons I've learned through running.  The biggest I think is to take it day by day and be proud of your accomplishments.  It's easy for me to think ahead and wonder how I'll finish longer runs, when I struggle with the milage for that day.  It's easy to be discouraged when I run takes me longer than I hoped or when I felt slow and out of breath.  But I know it's so important to feel proud and celebrate my accomplishments.  And reward myself with a little ice cream too. 

Lately loving Brew Over Ice and other loves . . .

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#BrewOverIce  #BrewItUp

Finding a better replacement for an afternoon drink.  At least a few times a week I'll go buy an iced coffee but even with the $1 iced coffees I get, this is at least half the cost.  Plus I can enjoy it anytime. This last weekend Chris and I spent all morning and early afternoon working on things, like painting our door and working on stuff in the basement.  It was so nice to sit on our deck after I put Addilyn down and drink some iced tea.  

Loving these two flavors.  Snapple Peach Iced Tea and Sweet & Creamy Iced Coffee.  I tried out Keurig's Brew over Ice and it was my first time using my Keurig machine for iced drinks.  I may have even watched this video on how to make iced coffee.  I loved both flavors and want to try more!

Enjoying our new patio furniture and spending time on our deck.  

Only shopping at Walmart these days.  I used to go to multiple stores to get my groceries, depending on what was on sale.  That feels impossible with Addilyn, so Walmart it is! 

Hitting double digits on my long runs for marathon training.  I felt real good until mile 6.5, which is encouraging since a month and a half ago I felt like my limit was three miles.  Then it was a mental and physical challenge the rest of the way.  But I have to remember that it isn't supposed to be easy, and longer distances will get easier as I go.  
Just about ready Addilyn's birthday party this weekend! Can't wait to celebrate with our families!

For the Love of Molly

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I've shared before how Molly has been slightly neglected since having Addilyn.  Thankfully I think Molly is growing more fond of Addilyn every week, especially since Addilyn is now super entertained and happy whenever Molly comes around.

I thought I'd try to make up for the fact that Molly hasn't been receiving quite as much attention by buying her some sweet stocking stuffers this year.  I sadly think it's been a few years since we've bought Molly anything for Christmas.  I appreciate running fast and easy errands more than ever these days, so I headed to Walgreens, which luckily is less than a mile from my house.  

I was proud of myself for sticking to my list and only buying things for Molly, although I did feel like one of those crazy pet ladies with a cart full of things for her dog.  

Luckily for me there was a million things to choose from in the Walgreens pet aisle and most of them were on sale, which you know I immediately flock to.

I ended up purchasing five things for Molly: two kinds of dog biscuits, a duck rope toy, a chew toy and this awesome IQ dog test.  Each thing was about $5.  You can check out more dog toys here!

I felt slightly mean making Molly pose by her presents when she technically should be waiting until Christmas to "open" them. 

So I decided to let her have one of them and picked my favorite, which is this "Seek-a-Treat IQ dog toy." I've always thought Molly was pretty smart so I was hoping she would prove me right. 

I put some dog food in the little holes and then covered them with the wooden pieces.  On the box it says that the dog should use their paw to flip the wood over to get the food.  But Molly's big nose just simply slide the boxes over and immediately got the food. 

So we're going to call that a win for Molly!  (Check out my video of her trying it out here.)

We're going to make her wait for the others until Christmas.  She definitely isn't smart enough to remember she saw them and now they are going back in her stocking. 
Thankfully Molly is the last on my list so I won't be needing any last minute Christmas gifts. Check out Walgreens holiday guide for Christmas present ideas for your dog, spouse or anyone on your list if you still have some holiday shopping left to do!