Running Addiction!

I don't know about you, but I'm one of those people that get a little obsessed sometimes all the time!
When I find something I like, I just get hooked and go through a phase where I'm completely obsessed with it, but usually this obsession only lasts a week or two (because I am obsessive, but with a small attention span!) and then I get sick of it and move on to my newest obsession.

But there are exceptions to this:
1. Peanut Butter
2. Running

I know I'm not the only person in the world that loves running, and I am far from the most 'obsessive' runner, but I have realized that lately my love grown to a new height.
I always like working out, but right now I don't even want to change this up and vary my workouts (like you are suppose to) because I'd rather just spend all my time running.
I also used to see a freezing cold day or extremely busy day as a good opportunity for a rest day for my muscles (which is also a good idea) - but not anymore! I just wanna run, everyday, no matter the temp. or the time!

Just for a reference (because I was looking for one before I went out for my run)
This is what I wore out on a 3.5 mile run, in 28* weather and 15 mph winds ~

Under armour tights

Thick socks

Compression running pants

Insulated long sleeve top

North Face jacket

Hat

*not pictured - gloves 

And I was definitely warm enough! 

So what about you guys? Do you ever go through obsessions? If so-with what?

Sunday Happenings...

So, I've never really done the whole, just blog about what is going on in life right now thing - but what the heck - today's the day to start it! 

(Sorry for anyone who was expecting a recipe or review... being away at college doesn't provide many opportunities to whip up new creations :/ Please forgive me!)

So here goes!

First off, I got new running shoes! WOOT! They don't glow in the dark like my last ones :( But they're so bright it almost counts. 

Ya like?

Secondly, I finally figured out how to solve my "no time to eat because I have class over the noon hour and the dining hall is 2 miles (give or take) away!" dilema. Our cafeteria will pack me a lunch! Nifty right? I feel like I'm in Kindergarten again going on a field trip... only no letters from my mom :(

Oh well, can't have it all!

A turkey, roast beef, spinach, tomato and hummus sandwich on marble rye - not to shabby! And with the piece of fruit, water bottle and cold veggies, it was delicious, nutritious and quick & easy!

Soooo what's a girl to do when you have way too many samples left over that you have already reviewed and they will soon go bad, but you just can not eat that much? 

Put them on your ironing board in the middle of your dorm's hallway! 

DUH!

They were gone in like 2 hours... no joke. People LOVED it! And best of all, the companies got even more publicity! 

Hey, they sent me free samples, I feel like I should do as much as possible to help them out!

Well, that's all for today! I hope you all had fabulous weekends and a great week!

....I have my first physiology test coming up... :/ 

St. Thomas Aquinas (patron saint of learning) please pray for me!

The HALF!

This is my first non-recipe post :O Crazy...I know!

But it is about something that brings me a TON of bliss-running! When I was younger I was pushed to join my school's cross country team... and do I mean pushed (in fact-that may be an understatement!) But as the season went on, I found I actually enjoyed running (weird-I know!) But this was just the beginning of a love/hate (mostly love) relationship with running.

I've only done 2 races (other than school cross country and track races) in my life. And both of them left me wanting to do MORE! My first race was a 10k - the Bolder Boulder... amazing! I've never had so much fun running. But I wasn't sure 6 miles was enough... I decided I wanted to try a half marathon. I told my family and for graduation I was given a certificate that told me I was registered for my first half-marathon. All I could think was "What did I get myself into?!" ...I mean saying I wanted to do a half-marathon was one thing, but actually be registered to run one in less than 6 weeks-Eeeek!

I came up with a training regimen and got to work! For the next six weeks my schedule looked like this:
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: 2-3 miles-hills!
Wednesday: 4-5 miles
Thursday: 2-3 miles-farlek style
Friday: 2-3 miles + some other workout (Zumba, strength training, etc.)
Saturday: easy 2-3 miles
Sunday: Long run

My long runs started at 6 miles and gained 2 miles every week. I also did 2 sets of 20 pushups and 3 minutes worth of planks after my weekly runs.

I was so nervous starting out-Never in my wildest dream did I think I could run 13.1 miles :S But low-and-behold, six weeks later this was me:

pretending to be all tough and ready to kick some butt!

And around 2:13 later this was me:

DEAD! :P

It was one of the best things I have ever done in my life! I will never forget the feeling of accomplishment I felt that day, for not only finishing-but beating my person goal of 2:15. 

So tell me: Have you ever done a 1/2 marathon? Or dreamed about it?