Another Random Friday 5

Happy Friday!  I'm linking up with Mar, Cynthia, and Courtney tonight.  I figured since I have once again dropped the ball a bit when it comes to posting that I would give an update on how things are going on my end.  Feel free to add some random thoughts to the comments!  I'd love to hear what you're up to!

1. We had such a great time with the foster pup!  Asphalt was so sweet, and while he was all about playing (especially when he was outside), he was also the best snuggler and made sure to give Maddux some personal space.  (Maddux doesn't care to play with the foster pups.)  Asphalt is still looking for his forever home, so if you're looking for an amazing pup, I highly recommend checking this boy out!

2. Mad Pup went back to the vet this week, and now we're moving forward with more tests so that we can finally get on a treatment path.  If anyone has experience with dogs and ultrasounds, please share!  Just for the record, Maddux is acting perfectly fine.  He has been loving his walks still and enjoys playing with his treat ball.  We're just trying to figure out what some concerning levels in his blood work are all about.

3. Still a Body Pump addict.  I wish I could go more than once a week! (It's rather expensive, so I have to settle with my once a week, but I LOVE it!)  I have been able to add some more weight, which is really exciting. 

4. This wine made me laugh so I did an impulse buy last week, and I'm glad I did!  I'm really enjoying it.

5. Some companies really are just better than others.  Cabot obviously cares a lot about their community of cheese lovers.  I applied to be part of the Cabot Fit Team (which I knew was a long shot, but I also believe that if you don't apply you will definitely never be accepted!) and although I wasn't ultimately chosen, they sent me this amazing package.  Wine and cheese party, anyone?

Have a great weekend!

Friday 5: Thoughts on Fostering

Happy Friday!  This weekend seemed like it was a long time coming.  While I have a busy weekend ahead, I'm really looking forward to it!  I'm linking up with Mar, Cynthia, and Courtney for the Friday Five today.  Make sure to stop by!

So, my nice friend has been pretty stressed at work lately and when he was looking at the Lucky Dog website (he was going to help me drop off some donations and was checking the address....he doesn't just peruse the site for dogs like I do ha!) he came across this puppy and it was love.  Neither one of us has time for a puppy full time right now, but I figured we could at least over night foster so we can get a bit of a puppy fix.  I haven't fostered in so long, and I started thinking about the process and how it has changed for me over time.  If any of you have fostered before, feel free to comment below!  I would love to hear about your experiences!

1. I have to remember they aren't my dogs.  Maddux is the most spoiled pup in the world and I'm pretty sure the older he gets, the more I give him whatever he wants.  You never know what the foster pup's future family will want from them, so you have to give them more boundaries than you might give your pup.  Not always easy!

Bless her heart, Cream knew nothing about boundaries.

2.  It gets easier.  I used to be one of those people who said they could never foster because they would want to keep every dog.  (I actually almost did!  I feel in love with my first pup, and basically the only reason I didn't fill out paperwork to adopt her was because I wanted to prove to all the doubters that I could be a successful foster haha!)  I have mostly stuck to the over night fosters, so it is a little easier to say goodbye, but I have to admit there have been some tears!  I cried like a baby when I said goodbye to my first foster, and then I had a couple of other pups who were so scared and shy that I hated the thought of leaving them in boarding.  I was positive that there would always be water works, but surprisingly enough, I have gotten much better as time has gone on!

3. You are doing something great for these dogs.  Sometimes I have a hard time with fostering, because you are bringing a dog into your home for a short time, yet in that short time many of them get insanely comfortable.  They don't understand why they don't get to stay with you, and often they bond pretty quickly.  This is where I have to keep reminding myself that it is so much better than the alternative.  If I didn't offer them a place to crash for the night then they would be stuck in a scary shelter with an unpredictable future.  In the long run, they find their forever homes and can live the life that they deserve.  At this time, I know it wouldn't be fair for me to keep any of them on a permanent basis and if I did decide to adopt I wouldn't have room in my home to foster any others.

4. Adoption updates are the BEST.  Lucky Dog is really great at posting adoption updates, and I always get so excited when I see one of my former fosters loving their new homes.

5. Meet my new foster!  I'm so excited to hang out with this cutie and know he won't have any trouble finding a home.  Look at that face!  I'll be sure to post updates for you guys, but if you are interested in meeting him click here for more information.

Thanks to Lucky Dog for the picture!

Have a great weekend!

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!

Weekend Update

Happy Monday!  I'm linking up with Tara over at Running 'n' Reading.  I hope everyone had a great weekend!  Mine was pretty relaxed as far as running goes (Shamrock is THIS WEEKEND!), but I did have a pretty exciting weekend!  I got my sixth foster pup from Lucky Dog and she filled my weekend with lots of smiles.

Meet Sue.

Check out that happy tail!

Sue is an adorable shepherd mix.  She's about two years old and is an all star snuggler.  When I got to the transport site to pick her up she wasn't quite ready to be released.  We locked eyes for a second and her tail started going.  It was like she knew we were going to be best buds.

It was a rainy, gray day so the pups and I spent a lot of time inside.  Sue looked like the kind of girl who would appreciate some Gilmore Girls, so we got a few good episodes in.  I was really happy that Maddux and Sue got along so well together.  Honestly, Maddux is pretty indifferent towards all the fosters and I'm completely ok with that.  They spent most of the time sleeping on the couch in peaceful harmony.

On Sunday Sue and I headed to the adoption event to search for her forever family.  Unfortunately Sue pup hasn't found her family yet, but I don't think she'll have much trouble.  She is so cute, so sweet, and is going to make a terrific pet.  Since I'll be traveling for Shamrock this weekend I could only overnight foster her, but if she somehow doesn't find her family after I get back I'm reclaiming her as my foster!  I would love to spend some time working with her to help her get over a little of her shyness.  You can find out more about adopting Sue (or another Lucky Dog!) here.

Love those ears!

My wonderful friend Laura (she's also a big fan of J&A races!) came to volunteer with me and we grabbed a quick coffee together after the event so we could spend a little more time catching up.  I'm so thankful to have friends who support my love of Lucky Dog!  Most of the rest of the day was spent giving my own pup a little extra love.  He is so good at sharing his space, but I don't want him to forget he's my number one!  His March Bark Box came at the perfect time!

Tell me some good things about your weekend!  Have a fabulous week!

Friday 5: Things I'm Loving

So I realize I did a similar post last week, but I have too many exciting things happening to do anything else.  I'm linking up with Mar, Courtney, and Cynthia!  Make sure to check out the link up!

1. SHAMROCK!!  Guys, ONE WEEK.  In one short week I will be in Virginia Beach with my best friend getting all pumped to race.

2. Fostering.  I'm getting my next Lucky Dog tomorrow and cannot wait to meet her!  I will update you guys with lots of pictures.  Best part?  Her name is Sue.  I hope she's like Sue Heck from The Middle!

Source.

3. Family Time.  It's officially less than two weeks until my mom and aunts come to visit!  I cannot wait to show them around!

Can't wait to show these Denver ladies the beauty of Maryland beer.

4. ODU Big Blue 5k.  My best friend and I have basically decided that every J&A race should be a reason to hang out.  It's nice to know that after Shamrock we already have another date lined up!  Another plus?  I just found out they are having FRO YO at the finish line.  J&A, have I told you how much I love you?  Oh yeah, only a million times.

5. Weddings!  2014 was when weddings finally started slowing down for me (for a while there I felt like I was constantly attending weddings!), but in 2015 two of my favorite couples are getting married! My wonderful friend Itzel recently asked me to be in her wedding this summer and I can't wait to start planning all the celebrations leading up to the big day!  Of course I have to mention that my little brother will be marrying his amazing fiance in the fall.

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

Friday 5: 2014 in Review

Yes, it's late.  I realize that we are already halfway through the first month of 2015, but life has been a little busy lately and honestly, I just haven't had it in me to reflect.  But, today is a new day and I'm linking up with Mar, Courtney, and Cynthia for the Friday 5!  Make sure to check out all the great blogs linking up!  2014 ended up being a fantastic year.

1. Stay focused on the happy in life.  I think I did ok with this.  At the beginning of the year I wrote down little things that made me happy each day.  I should have tried harder to keep this up, but you know how it goes.  Maybe I'll try once a week in 2015.  It's nice to be able to look back and smile!

It's hard not to be happy when this boy is in your life!

2. Be proud at the end of my races.  Definite check!  Off the top of my head, my races of 2014 included the Shamrock half marathon (PR!), Crawlin' Crab 5k and half marathon, the Scarecrow Classic, and Surf-n-Santa 5 miler.  I trained hard for these races and had a great time.

3. Attend at least 3 Lucky Dog Animal Rescue Events.  I did well with this one, too.  I started fostering in April and when you agree to foster, you agree to take your pup to an event.  I fostered 5 pups this year and went to several events.  I'm happy to say all of my pups are happy in their forever homes.

4. Make a better effort in my relationships.  Well, this one could probably always be better, but I did end up getting to go on some great trips and I got in a lot of family time and my nice friend and I had a fun weekend get away.  I also got quite a bit of best friend time this year, too!

Fun times in Colorado!

5. Try new things.  I did end up trying quite a few new recipes.  It's been nice mixing things up a little.  I started running with my group and it's been really good for me.  My nice friend and I went to the Go Ape! obstacle course and zip lining place and while it was terrifying, it was a lot of fun.  I also went to Dogfish Head Brewery and tried a lot of new to me beers.  Counts, right?

So glad it was over!

How did you do with your 2014 goals?  I'll have to start setting some new ones for the 2015 soon! Have a fabulous weekend!

Week 1 Recap

Shamrock weekend is only 14 weeks away!  Week 1 went better than I expected, but I'll admit I was a little concerned after the first run.  I felt like it was a bad sign (I know, ever the optimist).  

Monday: Nike Training Club app for 15 minutes of butt exercises.  Woo strength training.

Wednesday: When I got to the gym, I found that two of the four treadmills at our complex are out of order.  Both the remaining 'mills were taken so I jumped on the elliptical for a few minutes.  When a treadmill was free, I was bummed because it was the one that always hurts my joints.  Not sure what the deal is with it, but it's really uncomfortable.  After a mile and a half I called it and decided I would just run laps outside.  A mile and a half of laps turned out to be the most boring thing ever, so I leashed up Maddux hoping to at least break up some boredom.  Let's just say we didn't make it very far.

Thursday: I made up the mile I had left from Wednesday and then did 15 minutes of arm exercises and 15 minutes of butt exercises.  

Saturday: A little over 5 miles with my run club.  I definitely pushed harder than I would have on my own and I was really happy with my pace.  After the run I got ready to pick up my foster pup, Demi!  I only had her for the night, but she was super sweet and I can't wait to read that she has found a family.  Maddux was even excited to have her, which is a first!  If anyone is interested in giving my sweet girl (or any of the other Lucky Dogs!) a home for the holidays, find out more information about adopting here.

  

We couldn't get over how soft she is!!

Sunday: I said a somewhat tearful goodbye to Demi at the adoption event (I'm getting better!!) and then finished up the last bit of Christmas shopping I had left.  I chose taking my pup on a nice long walk over running outside and ended up running on the treadmill.  I finished my 4 miles much faster than I expected and am feeling pretty good about where I'm at after the first week!

Week 1 Miles: ~13.5

How is your training going?  Does anyone else include strength training in their plan?  This is the first time I'm officially adding it, so I hope it helps!  

Turn that Frown Upside Down

It's incredible how something as simple as a run can affect my mood in such a major way.  Today I was frustrated.  It's been hard getting back into a normal life routine and the traffic that comes with said routine.  Plus, saying goodbye to sweet summer is never easy.  It just kind of seemed like nothing was going exactly how I wanted it today (I'll spare you the details, just know I was in a bit of a mood) and when I got to the gym my treadmill unexpectedly cut off after about a minute of running.  The guy on the 'mill next to me was so nice and adjusted the cord (apparently the way the cord was lying made it shake out when the treadmill started moving?  I don't know...) and offered to switch machines with me so I could get my run in without having to worry.  Between his kindness and pushing myself harder than I have in a long time I felt a million times better when I left.  Yay sweat!

In other news, my sweet foster pup found a home on Sunday!  Jess went to the perfect family and will have a mom, dad, brother, and pet cat.  I couldn't have asked for a better place for her!  Seeing how excited they were to adopt her made me excited, too, and I didn't even get emotional as I said goodbye to her!  Maybe I'm getting better at this foster thing?

Look at that smile!  She knew she was going to find a family :-)

I also found a group to run with!  While I still want to give the running club another shot (summer months are hard to judge since everybody is traveling and off their typical routines), I'm excited that I have another option.  This one starts a little later in the morning (win) and the guys I ran with said that the group usually runs at a 9:00-10:00 minute pace.  Plus, you can earn store credit with the miles that you log.  That's pretty sweet.

I put my selfie in black and white so that I would look less sweaty and red faced.
In my defense, it rained the first few miles, so there was no hope for a decent pic.

I know I have a lot to be thankful for and have so many things to make me smile, but sometimes all you need is a good run to help you gain perspective back in your life.

What turns your bad mood around?  In addition to running, seeing my pup's happy face is a surefire way to make me smile.  The Candy Bar Pie Ben & Jerry's in my freezer hasn't hurt either...

Friday 5: A Happy Week

Happy Friday!  Today's the Friday Five link up with Mar, Courtney, and Cynthia!  I've been crazy busy lately, but life is good.  My parents came to visit from Alabama last weekend and we had a great time.  Here are five things I loved about their visit:

1. Watching the Pirates.  Yeah, they didn't win (ugh), but it was fun hanging out with my parents and cheering them on.

2. Touring ball parks.  On Sunday my parents and I toured the Nationals' field.  I really enjoyed learning about the park and the best part?  The Pirates had some of their gear in the dugout so we got to get all excited about seeing our favorite players helmets.  It's the little things.

Go Cutch!

3.  Walking around DC.  The monuments never fail to amaze me.  I loved getting to show my parents around my town.

4. Visiting breweries.  Over the summer I went to a couple of beer festivals and discovered Jailbreak Brewing.  It's a new brewery so if you're ever in town make sure to give them some love!  I really enjoyed their jalapeno beers as well as some bourbon aged stouts, which surprised me because I usually shy away from those styles. The tour was informative and you got a sampler and a pint glass with your ticket.  A win in my book!

5.  Playing with my new foster!  Last Thursday I got sweet foster puppy Jessie.  We think she's a basset/beagle mix and she just radiates joy.  She and my dad bonded very quickly and I think it was hard on both of them to say goodbye!  If you are looking for a playful, snuggly, happy pup make sure to visit Lucky Dog's website to learn more about Jessie.  Even though I'm going to miss her like crazy, I can't wait for her to find her perfect home!  She is going to bring constant smiles to a lucky family every day.

What's been putting a smile on your face lately?  Do you have any "must sees" when your family comes to visit?

Week 4: Summer Training

As much as I love summer, sometimes I wonder if my training plan benefits from the flexibility.  I trained for Shamrock in the winter and didn't have nearly as much free time.  I knew I had to stay on top of my runs because most of the time the days they were scheduled were the only possible day to get them done.  Now, when I have nothing but time, I'm realizing that it's very easy to push a run back a day or so.

Wednesday: 5 miles on the treadmill.  I love AC.

Friday: 45 minute on the trail. This run was hard.  Usually when I hit the 45 minute point my training plan calls for I end up just going a couple more minutes until I make it 5 miles.  Not this time.  I couldn't wait to be done.

The pups ran around a lot on Friday, too!
We were all very sleepy at the end of the night!

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: Running Streak Mile.

Total Weekly Miles: 12.6

Total Training Plan Miles: 63.85

I took Saturday and Sunday completely off.  I was feeling a little achey and it was wonderful having a couple of days off.  I had a 6 miler on the calendar, but moved it to Monday (and checked it off yesterday!).

Cream says the best places to rest are the tiniest corners possible.

This week has been a fun one despite the less than stellar runs.  I had my sweet foster girl for the majority of the week, and I loved every crazy minute of having her.  Guys, she is the funniest dog I've ever met.  Before I took her to the adoption event she started her crazy run and hide the toys game.  I found 12 toys in my bed when I finally got her to calm down a little.  She really loved the huge zebra toy Maddux got for Christmas!

I got emotional as I said goodbye to her when she headed back to the boarding facility.  I know that she had to go back because of my travel schedule the next few weeks, but I hated saying goodbye knowing that she hadn't found a family yet.  Keep your fingers crossed for my girl!  She's shy when you first meet her, but it doesn't last long.  She is going to make a family very lucky!  To find out more about Cream visit Lucky Dog Animal Rescue's website.  Cream has asked me to tell her future family that she really loves toys and would like a huge basket like her foster brother Maddux!

How did your week in training go?  Have you ever fostered?  Does it ever get easier to say goodbye?!  I think any dog I have over 24 hours is going to make me cry when I say goodbye!

Friday 5: 4th of July Weekend

Happy 4th of July!  I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday weekend!  I plan on enjoying this weekend to the fullest!  Make sure to check out how everyone on the Friday Five link up is celebrating by joining Mar, Cynthia, and Courtney!

1. Spending time with my pup.  Last weekend I had to go without him for DAYS because I traveled for the wedding and we have a couple other separations coming up.  I bought somebody some Frosty Paws as a peace offering.  Speaking of peace offering...

2. Maddux got a sister!  At least for the weekend.  Check out this sweet girl who is crashing with Maddux and me this weekend.  She is hilarious.  I don't think I've ever seen such a clumsy dog.  If you are looking for lots of smiles check out how to adopt Cream here.

She is obsessed with hiding in the blinds.  

3. Getting ready for my next adventure!  I get to see my sister so soon, but lots of laundry and cleaning have to be done first.  I HATE coming home to a messy house, and with two dogs it's been a little hard keeping things tidy.  Cream really loves pulling every toy (and Maddux has A LOT of toys) out of the basket and hiding them around the house.  I'm telling you, never a dull moment.

She kept running in and out of my room. I walk in to find this dog with a bed full of toys.

4. Checking off a 6 miler.  This weekend is supposed to be really nice!  I'm a little worried about my  IT band since it was giving me some issues on my 5 miler the other day, but hopefully it was just one of those off days.

5. Finishing the running streak!  It is officially over!  I am very excited to take a day completely off tomorrow.

Happy 4th!  How are you celebrating?

Post Race Life: Meet Macey

Race weekend seems like it was forever ago.  Since then I haven't gotten many workouts in.  I've been running twice and have walked with my pup a lot.  I did one of the 15 minute Nike Training Club workouts the other day, and I swear my legs hurt more now than they did after the half!

Now that I am officially not training for anything I want to keep some sort of schedule because it was a long, slow road to get into shape and it's a quick ride to get back out of shape.  I'm planning on doing 6-10 mile runs during most weekends and a couple of 3-5 mile runs during the week.  I'm going to attempt to start cross training, but you know.  When I have a choice between running and other kind of workouts, 90% of the time I want to run (although I can't wait until summer when I can start taking spin and Body Pump classes again!).

This week has been a big walking week.  You know how I said one of my goals was to attend at least 3 Lucky Dog Animal Rescue events this year?  Well technically I have already checked them off, but I think there will be many more as I am officially a foster!  I picked up my first pup on Saturday and I absolutely adore her.  Meet Macey:

Maddux isn't quite sure what to make of her, but is slowly adjusting.  She is head over heels for him, but he is simply tolerating her.  Any time they are sitting closely in peace I make sure to snap a picture!

I'm going to be so sad when she leaves us, but I know that the family that adopts her will be amazing and love her to pieces.  Lucky Dog takes great care to make sure their dogs get matched with the best possible families.  Whoever you are, you are extremely lucky!  

Until she finds her forever home, I will be sure to keep you updated!  She is a cutie and I know the dog lover readers will be crazy about her, too!

Happy Thursday!