Friday 5: Thoughts on Joining a Training Group

It's Friday!  I'm linking up with Mar, Cynthia, and Courtney for the Friday Five.  Make sure to check all the great blogs!  I have a race tomorrow, which I'm not super excited about, simply because I didn't train for it.  Oops.  It kind of sneaked up on me.  I don't want this to happen in future races, because honestly, they are expensive and it's just not fun to run a race when you aren't prepared for the distance.   I've been playing around with the idea of joining a training group for my next half, and luckily I have some time to think about it!  If I'm going to do it, I want to commit.  I have a lot of thoughts going on, so I would love to hear about anyone who has experience training with a group!

1. I need a goal.   I finally broke 2 hours in my half marathon and I haven't put a lot of thought into the next goal.  I mean, of course a PR would be nice, but I don't have as definitive of a goal.  Quite frankly, running sub 2 was hard, and it would be nice to do that again, preferably a little more comfortably.  

Love that PR bell!

2. I do really well following plans.  I really like posting my plan on the fridge and checking off each run.  I've been following essentially the same plan the past few races.  I try to do two 5 mile runs a week and then alternate speed work and long runs.  It's been working, but I would be interested to see what a coach had to say.  I wonder how fast I could get actually following advice from someone who knows what they are doing.  On the other hand, I appreciate how easy my plan is to follow.  It works for my life.

3. Long runs are tricky.  I try to go somewhat early and just pack a lot of water and shot bloks in my car.  I do various miles that circle back to my car every so often.  It seems like the training run group would have set up aid stations throughout the long runs.  That would be really great.  On the other hand, long runs are usually not very pretty for me.  I kind of like suffering solo.  Plus, I like being able to take breaks when I feel like I need them.  

4. I like my current group.  They are only a quick drive away, and besides, I would really miss seeing them every week.  Plus even though it's hotter, I like that we have a later start time.  7am runs would be tough at first!  From what I read there will be a couple of easy runs thrown into the mix, so I could always go back to my group for those instead.  

5. Commitment.  I think this is a really good thing for me, and something that I'm not so sure about.  It would be good for me to be held accountable by a group and a coach.  I like when other people know about my goals so that I can be reminded of what all the hard work is for.  The plan would coincide perfectly with 2 of my three half marathons I want to do, and would hopefully give me the tools to continue moving forward for my third.  I do appreciate the ability to be flexible though.  I like being able to do my runs when I feel like doing them.  I like being able to adjust according to how I'm feeling.  I like running for me.  Now I just have to decide how much support I want.

Gotta earn my bling!

Have you ever used a training group?  How did it go?  Did you find that it helped you meet your goals? Maybe form new goals?  I would love to hear your stories!

Friday 5: Things I'm Lovin'

Poor blog has been neglected lately.  One day I hope to get back into a consistent place with writing (and reading!), but for now it looks like I'm just sticking to the Friday Five with Mar, Cynthia, and Courtney!  Make sure to pop over and check out the link up!  Since my running has been in a sad place lately, I'm back to my usual Things I'm Lovin' post!  One day I might surprise y'all and mix it up!

1. Foster pups finding their families!  I picked up my latest foster pup on Sunday and he was adopted on Thursday!  Although I didn't have him long, I really loved having his adorable energy and sweet puppy snuggles for the week.  I must say though, it was a big change from our usual pace, and I think Maddux and I were both a little relieved when we could get back into our normal groove.  Congrats to Todd and his new family!

Todd really loved Maddux and all of Maddux's toys.
Guess how Maddux felt about that.

2. Volunteering with Lucky Dog Animal Rescue.  Yes, you guys know this, and it totally goes with #1, but it is worth repeating.  They appreciate their volunteers so much, and I'm sure I get on their nerves with all my questions, but they never show it!  They work incredibly hard to find their pups the best home, and I highly recommend getting involved with them.  They have events in Virginia, Maryland, and DC, but there are a thousand ways to help out.  If you are an animal lover you will have a lot of fun.

Time flies when you get to hang out with cute pups like Todd!

3. Library E-Books.  (And let's be honest, the library in general.)  I really love my nook, and it's nice being able to check out books so easily.  While I love purchasing books, I try to only do it with books that I know I will want to share or read again.  I read a lot of mysteries, and they aren't quite as fun the second time.  My library also makes it easy to check out physical books.  You just go online, put your book on hold, and then you can run in and grab it off the holds shelf.  (I use the self check out, too, so I can be in and out of the library in less than 2 minutes.)

4. Luke Bryan's New Music!  I (and every other woman) love me some Luke Bryan and I have been really excited that new music is coming out!  My sister and I are going to see him this summer and his new album is coming at a perfect time.

We <3 summer concerts!

5.  Feeling ready to run again.  I have been taking a big ol' break since Shamrock, and while I've still been going to my run group and signed up for a couple of races, my heart just wasn't really in it.  You know you're ready to train again when you obsessively start searching for races.  I have three (!!!) half marathons I want to sign up for this fall, and am trying to decide if it's doable or if I may be a little crazy.  I'll share more after I send my credit card up in flames from registering!  They may have some big challenges thrown in, so I'm pretty excited about figuring out how to adjust my training plan!

Shamrock, I miss you! Can we relive that weekend?!

What are you loving lately? Happy weekend, friends!

Friday 5: Things I'm Lovin'

We're going to pretend I'm not a giant slacker and actually wrote this on Friday.  I'm linking up with Mar, Courtney, and Cynthia!  They are talking organization this weekend, which isn't really my strong suit, so I'm going to keep on with my recent trend of telling you some things I'm loving lately.

1. Maddux.  Yes, you all know if you've ever even just glanced at my blog, BUT yesterday was our four year anniversary!  We celebrated with a walk at the park, a new toy and treats, and his favorite, a Frosty Paws doggie ice cream!

2. Trader Joe's.  Last weekend I had like three things on my list that I was going to grab, but as I drove by Trader Joe's I noticed that there was an open parking spot.  Guys, every time I drive by it is PACKED, so this was really exciting.  I ended up buying a whole cartful of things, but it was well worth it.  They just have such fun stuff that my regular grocery store doesn't carry.  Hopefully I can time it right again soon!

3. Hello Fresh.  As long as we're talking about food....So the reason that I only had a few things on my list was because my Hello Fresh box was scheduled for this week.  This is my third box and I am really loving it.  For those of you who don't know, Hello Fresh is a meal ingredient delivery service.  You pick a box (either meat or vegetarian) and then they send you the ingredients to make three two serving meals.  (Although, I have found I usually have enough for 3 meals!) The ingredients have been really fresh and everything is the right portion, so all you have to do is chop it up if needed and cook.  My first two boxes were vegetarian, so they give you the three vegetarian meals, but if you pick the meat box like I did this time, you get to pick out three meals (there are 4 meat choices and a vegetarian choice).  The meals have been really easy to make, and haven't used too many dishes to make, so I'm a fan!

*I'm not being paid in any way for saying nice things about Hello Fresh, just thought I would give you guys my opinion in case you were looking for an easy meal service!  If you want a code to get a discount though, I'm happy to send one your way, just know that I would also get a discount off my box, too.

4. My new Brooks! I have ran in them several times now and am loving them!  They are so comfortable and they were the best $7 purchase I have made!  Their laces are a little short, so I'm thinking of getting some kind of lace lock device for a little extra security.  Yes, I know that I can easily change the laces, but I think they are cute, so I'm not going to.  I haven't run any longer distances yet in them, but I'm hoping that they continue to feel great.

5. The Maryland 5k.  I ran this race last weekend and really enjoyed it!  The shirt is awesome, packet pick up was at Chickfila (and a lot of other places throughout the week, but when you can get it at Chickfila, why wouldn't you?), they gave me a Chickfila cookie at the end, AND I won a card for free Chickfila waffle fries.  So maybe number 5 should be Chickfila?  But seriously, yum.  The course was pretty hilly, but thanks to my running group routes, none of them seemed too terrible.  The race was big enough that I always had people to run with on the course, but not big enough to feel crowded.  There was also a ton of free parking.  I will definitely run again!

Y'all know you love my selfies that aren't selfies.

What are some things you're loving lately?  Have a fabulous weekend!

Friday 5: Things I'm Lovin'

So, I know I did this last Friday, but there are so many things to love right now.  I'm linking up with Mar, Courtney, and Cynthia--make sure to stop by and check out some of the amazing blogs!

1. My mom.  I am so lucky that I got the mom I did.  She is an incredible mom and an amazing person. Every time I talk to her she is doing something for someone else, whether it is volunteering, helping someone with a project, or making someone something she thinks they might like.  I hope to be half the woman she is one day!

2. S'mores Frappucino.  Ok guys, this is waaaaaay more sweetness than anyone actually needs, but it is so good.  I wasn't really sure how I felt about it when I first saw that it was coming out, but I figured since it was "happy hour" and I could get it half priced I may as well try it.  It was better than I ever could have imagined.  Whipped cream on the bottom and top?  Chocolate/coffee wonderful in the middle?  Yes please!

3. Fun mail.  I feel like ever since I entered the adult world, there has been a lot of not so fun mail.  I love coming home to see packages or letters.  My Pure Barre package came earlier this week, and today  Maddux's adoption day present got here!  (Our 4 year anniversary is next week!)

4. New running shoes.  Is there a better motivation to want to get out there and run?  I have been needing new shoes for a while, but they are expensive and I am cheap.  I was surprised with a fun email from City Sports saying that I had earned a big chunk of change for logging miles at run club with them and quickly ordered a pair of shoes.  After that and a 20% off extra code I ended up getting new shoes for just around $7.  New shoes + super sale = happy Lindsey.

Maybe I'll attempt to get my phone's camera fixed this weekend...
although, I think I'm getting really good at selfies ;-)

5. People sending me articles/links they think I'll love.  My mom sent me a magazine article about a donkey farmer the other day because she knew it would brighten my day.  (One day I hope to own a miniature donkey named Burrito.  Get it?  Haha!)  A couple of friends/family members sent me the links to this corgi video and this corgi beach day post.  I love that people took the time to send a smile my way!

What are you loving this Friday?  Happy weekend!!

Friday 5: Things I'm Loving

Happy Friday!  And happy May!  It's insane how fast the month of April went by.  I'm linking up with Cynthia, Courtney, and Mar (who is running the Pittsburgh half marathon this weekend!  Make sure to stop by and wish her luck!) for the Friday Five!  I figured I'd start the month of May off on a happy note and tell you the five things I'm really loving right now!

1. Walks with my pup.  The weather has been SO nice lately and paired with longer days, Maddux and I have gotten in some amazing quality walks.  He seems to be feeling really good these days, so hopefully that will carry on even as the days start to get warmer.

2. Training for races.  I signed up for two races this month!  I have loved just running for the sake of running, but lately have had a major itch to start training for something.  There were lots of great races to choose from this month, so I'll be running both a 5k and a 10k.

3. Reba's new cd.  Guys, I have loved Reba since I was really little and her new cd is everything I hoped it would be.

Probably the best pic I've ever taken.

4. Pure Barre deals.  So, I took my first Pure Barre class on Valentine's Day and loved it.  (Holy crap, my abs/arms/thighs were sore for DAYS.)  Only problem is that Pure Barre is super expensive.  I was so excited when for tax day they offered 4 classes for $15 each.  I have yet to cash in, but have a few good months to get them in.  The other day they had a deal for their DVDs which included two DVDs (abs and "seat" aka butt), streaming to online videos, the Pure Barre socks, the resistance band thingy (don't be mad PB lovers, I'm still learning!) and a tank top for $65.  <--Just a side note, when I looked up the price of the tank top to see if the package was a good deal, I found that it normally costs $65!  Yikes!  I hope it's the most flattering piece of clothing in the world!  I've already done part of the online video a couple of times and really enjoyed it.  If you guys are interested in the package, I think they are running the deal until May 4.  (Not being compensated in any way, just letting you guys know a good deal!)

5. Fitness challenges.  My nice friend and I are doing a May competition to see who gets the most exercise minutes in this month.  I'm planning on totally kicking his butt.  I have a feeling May is going to be a very active month as we try to one up each other!

What are some things that you are loving lately?  Anybody else have competitions with their friends/family?  

Have a fabulous weekend!