Puppy Love

Who wouldn't want one of these adorable pups?? We'll be getting an addition to our family very very soon....

Half-Marathon Training Thus Far

Since I've been so far behind on my blogging I haven't had time to give an update on my half-marathon training! I'm about 4 weeks into training and it's going great (so far). I got my VO2 Max test results back and turns out my fitness level is 'Superior'. Wow, wasn't expecting that at all. I am thinking of taking another one after I get through all this training to see how much I have improved. I have a feeling that as I get into my 5th and 6th week of training, I'm going to be very humbled as I get up in my mileage. It's only going to get harder from here. This is my schedule this week:

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
Labor Day/Rest	3 Miles: EZ  Hill repeats	Cross Training:     Abs/Cardio        Stregth	5 Miles w/ 3     Miles at   Tempo pace	Rest	5 Miles:     Long   Distance       run

I'm trying to get a couple races under by belt before the big race day (November 12). I'm trying to find a 10K that I can run and I'm running the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on Daniel Island on October 15th. It's been really helpful for me to have a group of runners that can hold me accountable and push me every week. If you're training for something, I highly suggest training with someone that is a little better than you! You will definitely benefit from them.

My New 'Hood

So much has happened in the last few weeks! I haven't had ANY time to blog and I've been missing it like crazy! We are suppose to be in our new house right now, unpacking boxes and furniture shopping. However, it seems that life has different plans for us. We are not living in that gorgeous bungalow, but we did find a great place that is BIGGER than our shoebox apartment. We are now in a condo in historic Elizabeth and loving it!

We are only 1 block away from all the great bars and restaurants of Elizabeth. So many things are within walking distance (including a Starbucks) and I'm finding myself quickly loving this side of town! We are so unbelievably disappointed that the house didn't work out for us, but know that there are bigger and BETTER plans for us in the future. We are appreciating the fact that we have a place to live now more than ever :) Soon, we will be getting a new addition to the family and I can't wait to take him on a walk through the park that is right down the street!

More blogs to come, I have a lot to catch up on!

Meet. Repeat.

One thing that I have realized as I am am getting into this half-marathon training is that I can really excel by setting small goals for myself. Small goals are what help us acheive the big ones (that whopping 13.1 miles)!
For instance, I ran a route today thru the city that I couldn't run strongly a few months ago. My goal was to not stop. Regulate my pace, and not stop. It was a small goal, but it felt good to acheive it. Think about that for yourself. Where can you set a small (realistic) goal? The more you do this, the less frustrated and disappointed you will be when you try to acheive those larger goals. Meet the goal. Make another goal and repeat!

Tomorrow morning i'm taking my Vo2 Max test bright and early at 6:00am. I'm anxious about it! I'll post results (if i'm not ashamed of them)

Vo2 Max Test

Next goal: Finish those darn gym sprints in 6 seconds!

This is so true. (and I wish I had a bod like hers!!)

-Off to take a shower, drink some tea and live amongst these boxes...

Do More of What Makes You Happy.

1, 2 & 3: Starbucks on Saturday morning. It was more packed than usual!
4: Took a trip to the mall after the gym on Saturday morning. Stumbled upon some beyond awesome glasses at Urban Outfitters.
5 & 6: Charlotte Roller Girls. Went to the roller derby. It was...interesting. Those girls are intense.

7: They threw out free tall boy koozies. We didn't catch one. My husband wanted one so bad that I ended up paying a little boy for the one he caught. Seriuosly?? The things we do for the people we love....

Weekend Bliss

I haven't had a whole lot of time to blog this week so what better time than a Friday night??

I did it! I started my half-marathon training program! Next week I take a  VO₂ max test. It's a test that is administered to measure the maximum volume of oxygen you consume while exercising at your maximum capacity. Technically this test is the ultimate indicator of your cardiovascular fitness. I'm anxious to see where the results come out.

Tonight Russell and I went to dinner at The King's Kitchen. It's a non-profit restaurant that I've been wanting to go to for a while now. All their proceeds go back into the community of Charlotte helping to feed those in need. Pretty cool. And the food was...well not healthy (AT ALL), but delicious!

I am SO excited about tomorrow!! It will consist of  my weekly ritual of going to Athletic Conditioning at the DOWD and then hitting up Starbucks on East Blvd. after that to get in my caffeine. I love sitting in that Starbucks on Saturday mornings watching all the people that come in and out. There are so many different people from all walks of life. Young, old, single, families, business professionals, friends catching up...it's definitely one of my Saturday highlights.



Starbucks on East Blvd. Best one in Charlotte!



Don't think that I'm not going to get in my weekly pampering. I'm getting a facial tomorrow afternoon! Excited about this, of course :)

Tomorrow night we're going to see the Charlotte Roller Girls roller derby! Some friends of ours convinced us that it's going to be a good time so I'll definitely be blogging about that on Sunday!

Have a great rest of the weekend everyone!

Donald | Rich Wedding

This past weekend my best friend, Alisha got married! I was so happy to be a part of her big day and I am so happy for her and Zac! The wedding was just beautiful; everything that she dreamed of. I am so mad at myself for not capturing more of the weekend, but here are a few shots of what I did get.