Scottish Highland Games

Aye, Aye!
This weekend Scott and I channeled our inner Scottish selves.

Scott is part "Scott"ish (ha!), Irish & English, and has interested me in learning as much as I can about Celtic traditions and heritage.  When we heard it was time for the Scottish Highland Games, we were all about it.

The first rule of attending a festival just for Scots is to try their food.  I opted for a delicious Shepherd's Pie with a side of IRN BRU:

(both were ridiculously delicious.)

while others preferred ground sheep's pluck (heart, liver and lungs), also known as Scottish Haggis.

I don't care if having a bite of that is considered good luck for a year or not... I'm pretty sure that was my one and only time experiencing that.  I just wish I had I a picture of my face when I found out what I just put in my mouth - EEK!

Luckily, I quickly got distracted by the sheep tossing contest.

Although they weren't real sheep...the women were tossing real weights over on the other side.

After the games, Scott and I tried to find anything with "Hess" on it, since that's where Hesington stems from.

No such luck... but I did find a Claddagh Ring!

To summarize the rest of our day: there was sheep herding...

some axe throwing...

some elk skinned new friends...

 and some kilt wearing men...

The remainder of the details are found in this (what I found to be entertaining) video:



Hope you enjoyed it.  Cheerio! :)

Training Week 3 Playlist

Training Week 3 got pretty intense for me ending in a 6 mile run (on a Saturday night no less).

I've found a fun and upbeat playlist can help get you through those last few miles and this mix should keep going for just under an hour.

I threw in an oldie but goodie for the cool down.  

I keep bleeding running, I keep keep running...

Hope this gets you moving into a great week! :)

13.1 Miles: Training Week 3

I can't believe I'm already 1/4 of the way through training for my half-marathon!  Wednesday was Day 10 out of 40 and the time is flying by...

*You can find a breakdown and introduction to my training program in the Training Week 1 & Training Week 2 Updates.  Okay, Week 3 - here we go!

Day 9
Monday: January 9, 2012

I started the week off with a nice run around the neighborhood.  Mondays are usually pretty easy training days, seeing that the previous run on Saturday is always the hardest.

Miles: 3

Time: 25:20

Speed: 6.8mi/h

Pace: 8:40min/mi

Post-Run Meal:

Running in the morning builds my craving for coffee & eggs.  This day I scrambled 3 eggbeaters with lots of veggies: broccoli, green peppers, tomatoes and black olives.  I had a handful of sliced strawberries on the side with a slice of whole wheat toast smeared in all-natural peanut butter.

Day 10
Wednesday: January 11, 2012

I had a productive Wednesday, which ended in an afternoon meeting with Drink Chia!  Since we were in the Altamonte area, Scott and I took advantage of it by enjoying the scenery of Cranes Roost Park in Uptown Altamonte.  This has been one of my favorite runs yet, since the distance around each time is almost a full mile (0.95). 

Miles: 4

Time: 35:27

Speed: 6.8mi/h

Pace: 8:52min/mi

Post-Run Meal:

 We stopped to run on the way to my parents' house for dinner, so I just needed enough fuel to get me there.  Naturally, I grabbed a DrinkChia! and a Power Crunch protein energy bar.  

Umm...have you tried these bars? Besides including a good amount of protein, and excluding a lot of carbs and sugar, these bars are ridiculously delicious.  I really thought I was eating a cookie wafer at one point...nicely done Power Crunch! :)

Day 11
Thursday: January 12, 2012

I'm not sure if it's mental or physical exhaustion, but Thursdays have been the hardest day for me to get through.  They've only been 3 mile training days so far, but for some reason I've had to psych myself push through this day of the week.




*TIP: No matter how short or long your distance is, don't forget to stretch before and after your run!

Miles: 3
Time: 35:27

Speed: 6.8mi/h

Pace: 8:52min/mi

Post-Run Meal:


Since we went for a later run in the afternoon, I conveniently pulled out a salad Scott made for dinner the night before.  It was a great one made up of Romaine lettuce, broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, celery, croutons, sliced colby jack cheese, fresh cilantro and diced deli turkey.  

I wanted to add more protein to the salad so I diced up Morning Star Farms California Turk'y Burger on top.  Since there was already a lot of flavors and didn't want to mess it up with dressing, I added a tiny bit of olive oil & vinegar and served it with 2 Melba Toast Whole Grain crackers.

Day 12
Saturday: January 14, 2012

I had to do yesterday's run late in the afternoon.  I had barre training in the morning, followed by a friend's baby shower, so I fit in the run before a dinner date with friends.

I mentally prepare myself for Saturday runs, because each week the distance increases about 2 miles.  I've learned to stash water bottles about a mile or two out in my neighborhood so I can take a sip of water then and also on the way back.  Of course, this is most ideal if you're circling the same path, but even if you're not it's important to do to stay hydrated during longer distances.



Miles: 6

Time: 52:37

Speed: 6.8mi/h

Pace: 8:48min/mi

Post-Run Meal:

Since I was going out to dinner, I wanted something quick and easy, so I turned to my go-to new favorite juice: a tall glass of Odwalla Carrot Juice mixed with Farmstand Apple Trop 50 Juice.

You might have seen me rave about it in mt Training Week 2 Update, but if not...this stuff is the shiz!

What I've learned this week:

•  As annoying as it might be, don't forget to drink water every 2 miles of running.
• Power Crunch bars are where it's at!
• Cranes Roost Park has been my most enjoyable run yet, and I see a lot more in my future.
• I need to start getting pumped up for Thursday training days.
•  Dipping your feet (and legs as high as you can) in the pool during the winter time = cold plunge.  If you have a cold plunge in your gym, 10 minutes after an intense workout or training session can do wonders for your muscles and recovery.  If not, stretch and ice post-workout as often as possible.
• 6 Mile runs are hard, but doable.

Goals for next week:

Maintain my 3 mile run to a consistent 25 mins each time.

Get through the 8 mile run next Saturday...holy moly this is getting serious! :)

Training Week 3 Playlist coming soon...

Black & White Party Flare

I like to think I have a pretty good fashion sense.

My goal with my wardrobe is to create sassy (but classy), fun outfits on a reasonable budget.  As much as I would love to get a new outfit for every occasion from a label or boutique store, I try my hardest to bargain shop whenever possible.

Last Friday night, Scott and I went to a Black & White themed birthday party and I didn't have a clue as to what I would be wearing until a couple hours prior.  I took a risk counting on being able to pull an outfit out from you know where, and to my surprise it turned pretty good:

I'm sorry the lighting and background is awful.  As soon as I realized "Oh, these accessories would be a great topic to write about..." my camera died, and I had to rely on my go-to camera backup: the iPhone in and elevator.

Before we get into my favorite parts about this outfit, let's breakdown the basics of where I got what:

Blazer: GAP (hand me down)

Dress: Urban Outfitters (sale rack)

Belt: Forever 21

Clutch: Express

As for my accessories, well that's what I like to call my  

Black & White Party Flare.

 

1. Dramatic Necklace

It's fun to make a statement with jewelry, especially when it's a fun and sparkly necklace.  I got this one from Aldo Accessories, a store that leaves the shoes and sells only accessories from Aldo.

2. Glittery Tights

I also got these glittery tights on sale at Aldo Accessories.  I originally bought them for New Years, but I ended up wearing a sequin dress instead.  A pair of sparkly tights is an easy way to instantly dress up an outfit, especially when it's Black & White.

3. Ankle Bow Boots

I got these over two years ago, but keep bringing them out because they are so comfortable.  They were my very first pair of ankle boots and I fell in love with the bow on the outside of each heel.  These were purchased from Forever 21 for under $25.

4.  Red Lips

This outfit is a perfect example of when you can make bright lips the focal point of what you're wearing.  I got more compliments at the party on my lips than anything else.  Pictured is a gift from a friend, Red Salsa Salsa from Mary Kay.  I don't think they sell this shade anymore, but Really RED is pretty similar.

*You didn't think I would go fully Black & White from head to toe did you?  

5. Bracelets

More bling from Aldo, but these were purchased at the regular shoe store.  The set I bought came in a variety pack of 10 different bracelets, and they've become my favorite last minute addition to a lot of outfits.  I loved the different shades of black and grey for $18.

The goal is to get creative by thinking outside of the "Black & White Party" box.  You never know when you'll run into a cute Black Jack dealer in a snazzy vest and bow tie... ;)

Who knew?