Recent Running Related Purchases

I've been on the hunt for good quality running apparel. I'm spending about two to three hours a day working out and I want to find stuff that is durable and cute. I wrote down a list of items that I'll be needing for my upcoming races (yes, I do buy "race outfits" for my longer distance races). For the Baltimore, I wanted to wear a running skirt and a tank, as the weather will allow for it. For the Disney races (the half and the full), I wanted crops or longer length tights and long sleeved shirts. I also need some day to day training shorts, sports bras, etc. 

While in Naples visiting PJ, we swung by the local Lululemon to look for some running crops. I also like Lululemon's stuff because sometimes I'm in a hurry and will go to class in my running attire. They're clothing is really cute and easily transitions from workouts to day-to-day activities.

• I decided to buy the Run Inspire Crop in Black. They're a little pricey but they fit perfectly (their size 4, which is equivalent to an XS was the perfect length and wasn't too tight). I plan on wearing the crops for the Full Marathon portion of the Goofy and would like to train in them frequently prior to the race. I've also compared the material of this running crop to others, and this is the perfect material. I really don't like running in heavy cotton-based items.
• I also found the cutest hot pink running skirt- the Run Speed Skirt. I also got the skirt in a size 4, as it was a little longer than the size 2. I plan on wearing the skirt for the Baltimore Half.
• I also found the perfect black tank that can easily be used for running AND yoga. I got the Cool Racer Back* Mesh Panel in a size 2 (equivalent to an XXS). The tank top is a little on the long side, but still looks cute with the pink running skirt. I plan on wearing the tank for the Baltimore Half. I did try on the sports bras at Lululemon and unfortunately, I think most of them were made with yoga and not running in mind. I like complete non-movement while running.

Over the past weekend, there was a huge sale at the Gap. I ended up buying a pair of running shorts for $9. They're super cute and the perfect length for my 5'1" frame. I wore them during a run this week and I loved them. They don't rub and don't show too much sweat. I'm very surprised that I liked them as much as I did. I would have posted a link, but unfortunately they're not on the website. (side note- they were a bit loose around the legs but the XS is the smallest size)


As I go wearing my new items, I'll make sure to post reviews and pictures :) 


Happy Running!

Updates

Wow! Its been more than three weeks since I last post. Let's just say that the semester swung into full gear immediately. Taking 16 credits (two of those classes require 25+ page papers) was not a great idea, but I love to be busy and productive. Training has also been amazing.

Updates

I have completed every run, but two in the past couple weeks. I have also added yoga and spinning to my workout schedules four times a week. That means that on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday (or Thursday) and Friday I am running for at least an hour followed by a yoga/ spinning class. I've been doing this for almost three weeks and I have noticed a significant difference. My recovery time is much faster (to the point that I'm no longer sore after long runs) and my endurance has improved. I really love yoga and with the amount of stress I've built up, the yoga has helped manage the stress.

I have my next 5k this Saturday in Frederick benefiting the Frederick Bar Association. This will be my last 5k prior to the Baltimore Half Marathon.  I'm hoping to improve my last 5k time.

Hopefully I can blog some more this upcoming week with some updates as to the new running clothes I've bought (my old stuff is huge on me), the importance of a strong support system while in law school and in training, and the days leading up to the Baltimore Half. I plan on enjoying the next two weeks of training, as after the Baltimore Half training for the Goofy revs up (can't wait for back to back long runs). 

Second Week of Baltimore Half Marathon Training

Another successful week of Baltimore Half Marathon training! I completed all my runs, even with all the craziness of starting school. I also signed up for a 5K in Frederick, MD for next Sunday. I want to gauge my time improvements and a 5K may be the best way to do so. I'm hoping to complete the 5k in under 28 minutes. Ideally, I would like to complete the 5K in 27 minutes. 

This upcoming week I plan on adding a spin class on Wednesday and Thursday morning. The campus' gym includes fitness classes in our tuition, so I might as well put my tuition money to good use :) 

For my current training plan click here!

My Current Playlist and Good Music to Run to

This was the first week of classes and it was nuts. Usually there is some type of easement into the craziness of the semester, but not this time. Between classes (16 credits), running, work and student organizations, I'll be pretty occupied this semester. I have 3 exam classes (Business Crimes, Children and Divorce and Estates and Trusts), 2 long-paper classes (Advanced Legal Research: 25 + page paper due in October and Sexual Orientation and the Law: 25+ page paper due in November) and 1 journal entry course (Sentencing Reform- 2 - 3 page papers due each week). I'm also working 9 to 12 hours a week. For the record, I'm not complaining. I'm actually really excited about being so busy.

We were really lucky this week because Baltimore decided to host the Grand Prix, which translates to no school on Thursday afternoon or Friday, plus we have Monday off because of the holiday! Yay us!

With the downtime, I had a some time to share my favorite songs to run to. Warning: There is a wide variety of music. I know some people like to use their training time to think and run without an iPod. However, I need the music to motivate me and keep me entertained.

*If you have any good suggestions for running music, write a comment :)*

 

Image taken from here

Favorite Mix of Songs

- Chicago is So Two Years Ago- Fall Out Boy

- Ticks- Brad Paisley

- Let's Hang On- Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons

- World Hold On- Bob Sinclair

- Hold Me Tight- Across the Universe Soundtrack

- Four Minutes- Madonna and Justin Timberlake

- Big Girls Don't Cry- Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons

- Don't Stop Till you Get Enough- Michael Jackson

- Sherry- Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons

- All my Loving- Across the Universe Soundtrack

- As Good as I once was- Toby Keith

- Up!- Shania Twain

- Can't Take my eyes off of you- Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons

- P.Y.T- Michael Jackson

- Wanna be Startin Something- Michael Jackson

- Walk like a man- Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons

- December 1963- Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons

- Uptown Girl- Billy Joel

- Blame it on the Boogie- The Jacksons

- Universal Mind Control- Common

- Jersey Boy Medley

- Off the Wall- Michael Jackson

- Here in Your Arms- Hellogoodbye

- I want you to want me- Cheaptrick

- When I get you Alone- Robin Thicke

Fast Pace Songs to Help me Speed up

- I've Just Seen a Face- Across the Universe Soundtrack

- Your Biggest Mistake- New Found Glory

- Sorry- Madonna

- Who Loves you- Frankie Valli

- My Friends Over you- New Found Glory

- Opus 17- Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons

- Animals- Nickelback

- Love Generation- Bob Sinclair

- Black and Blue- New Found Glory

- Suspicious Minds- Elvis

Songs to Help me Keep a steady pace

- Stereo- John Legend

- Shake your Body- The Jacksons

- Beggin- Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons

- Hung Up- Madonna

- Working my way back to you- Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons

- Cowboy Take me Away- Dixie Chicks

- Dark Beat- Oscar G

- Wanna Love you Girl- Robin Thicke