Win A Bondi Band from This Girl!

Hello everyone! Any chance you're missing this pretty lady in your lives lately?

Christina (you might know her as the Athletarian) made a big bloggy switch over to a self-hosted site. Don't ask me how to do it, if I can check my own emails I call it a good day. Anyway, it seems like lots of people are missing out on her newest posts. Which is a problem, because you're all missing her amazing giveaway! 

If you want a pretty amazing BondiBand, head over there now for a chance to enter the giveaway, and while you're there switch your feeds over to her new address. Girl has TONS of giveaways so you'll be missing out otherwise!

*Please note* Bondi Band, while it makes you look hardcore, will not make you run faster on the track OR be able to jump higher. Bummer. 

Ok, blog rant time: what drives you crazy about blogging/technology?

Um, how about that I never know how to get it to work? Honestly, I can paste pictures and type. The end. Also, if someone would like to teach me to use my Garmin, that would be great, thanks. Apparently there are all these cool things it can do--besides start and stop?

Sweaty Speedwork and Caprese Salad Boats

Yesterday morning I woke up and DREADED the thought of doing speedwork. No real reason, to be honest. The weather was fine (at least for GA in the summer), I had time, and I was feeling back to normal. So what did I do? Skipped it.

Of course, the guilt ate at me all day and I decided to tackle it around 7:30pm, an hour or so after dinner. Normally that's enough time for me to digest-but not yesterday. Below are the planned intervals, and then the actual:

2x1200 meters @ 6:02 Actual: 6:01, 6:04
4X800 @ 3:58 Actual: 4:00, 4:01, 3:57, 4:01


Add in a warm-up, cool-down, and some walk/jog intervals in between, and it was 7 miles. As you can see, I missed the mark I was going for nearly every time. I can be pretty hard on myself, and this was really disappointing. Trying to just be proud I made it out there and gave it my all!

Dinner was a take on the Caprese salad. Whenever I eat out at an Italian restaurant, I'm drawn to both Caprese salads and bruschetta. So last night's creation was a bit of both. I made a mixed salad from a gorgeous orange tomato, a red roma tomato, and some fresh wet mozzarella balls. All mixed up with olive oil, balsamic, and a touch of sea salt. Mine was served in romaine lettuce boats to eat by hand:

The second picture was for hubs--he spooned the salad onto some garlic bread (sliced french loaf with olive spread and garlic baked for a few minutes). 

This is one of those meals that hubby looks at and asks, "what will the main course be?" Although he ate this and was full, which made me happy! I get so excited when I make a meat-free meal that he loves. Especially ones with lots of veggies and healthy ingredients!

Got some more use out of the mozarella today for lunch. I had a rice cake trio, each topped with different ingredients. a) peanut butter, b) apple butter, and c) tomato sauce and mozzarella, under the broiler until melted. Hello, rice cake pizza. New favorite:

Do you regularly make meat-free meals? What is your secret to making it hearty enough for someone with a big appetite?

It seems that pasta with tons of cheese is a real winner for hubs. I find that adding in plenty of fat (olive oil, nut butters, avocado, etc.) makes meals much more filling.

How do you react when you fall short of your fitness goals?

Honestly, this is so tough for me. I don't like failing. I try to listen to my body, but when I'm healthy and feeling great and STILL can't make the mark, it's tough. I definitely need to work on being positive and not being so hard on myself!

Soon We Will Be Three!

Some pretty major news happened the other day. Earth shattering stuff. I don't if my life will ever be the same. After long discussions and serious financial talks, hubby and I decided to take the next step in our married life together. Soon there will be a new addition to the family!

With all the extra space in our new house, it just seems too big for the two of us, and two little cats.

I only found out two days ago that it was official, so you are all the very first to hear the news!

I'm getting a treadmill!

Gosh, I hope that wasn't misleading at all. This is the next addition ordered on Sunday night, a NordicTrack Commercial 1750. Suggested by Kari! Hopefully I can start running as fast as her once I get it.

Isn't she beautiful? I just spent 30 minutes on hold trying to figure out when it would arrive. The answer is "probably two weeks or so." Super helpful. I'm too excited to wait for that long. Want. it. now. 

We live so far from any gyms, and there is nowhere to run outside but trails. Which means no running in the dark, and I hate running in extreme heat/rain. Basically, I'm a wuss. So the treadmill is perfect! My plan is to stick it one of extra rooms, and make a mini "home gym" with a pilates mat, a few weights, etc. So--here's where I need your help. What piece of fitness equipment is the most important to you? What do you dream of owning? How would you decorate? Help people!

Do you have a treadmill? Have you used iFit? Any pointers?

iFit seems so cool but I'm sure it will take me 6 months to figure out and my husband about 3.2 seconds. So unfair. 

What would you have in your dream home gym?

Can I pick a masseuse? Other than that, a treadmill, weight, a wall-mounted TV, a fan, a sound system, an elliptical, some weights, a pull-up bar...I could go on!

P.S.--Want to like me on Facebook? All the cool kids are doing it! Click HERE    :)

Cinderella BEFORE the Ball (and a Recovery Run)

When I said I felt like a princess the other day, I did not mean Cinderella when she was still in the floor scrubbing stage. Looks like no one got the memo, because after work today I was sent to do manual labor on our house in progress. Ok, I volunteered. Whatever. Either way, someone trusted me with power tools. Maybe not the wisest of decisions.

While no one outright told me I was doing it wrong, hubs did come in with some sandpaper with a "suggestion" to just do it by hand instead. Wonder why?

Believe it or not, I loved doing this because it means we are one step closer to moving in. Woo-hoo!

Fueled up after the work with a nice pizza covered in tomato puree, tomato slices, garlic, chicken breast, broccoli, and a sprinkle of parmesan. Really hit the spot. 

I'm off for a few recovery miles outside to loosen my legs up a bit. No pressure, just nice and easy. Since starting the marathon plan, it's really nice to have a run every once in a while with no time constraints or splits I'm aiming for. 

Favorite pizza toppings?

Lately I've been skipping the cheese and loading up on other stuff. The sprinkle of parmesan on the top seems like enough now to me! And broccoli is my new bestie on pizza. Perfect and crispy. 

What is your Monday workout?

Easy recovery run, maybe 3-4 miles, and then a quick yoga session to stretch out. Followed by as much time on the foam roller as I can handle!

It Finally Happened..."THAT" Treadmill Accident

It really does pain me to even discuss this. Honestly. Let's start with the good, shall we? I headed to the gym to run my 18 mile long run on the treadmill today. Yes, I'm a wuss for not wanting to run outside, but it's ridiculously hot here. So...the first 99 minutes/10-ish miles were uneventful. I watched some Top Chef Just Desserts with the captions on, and ran nice and slow.

The treadmill does an auto cool down at 99 minutes, so it's the perfect time to get off, refill the water bottle, and stretch. I started her back up...and then bad things starting to happen. Bad things in the belly area. I pushed through and pushed through, thinking it would go away. I took a minute to walk, even knocked down my pace. And then....

Clenching. I have never jumped off a treadmill, grabbed my stuff, and booked it out of there faster in my life. I was literally jogging to the bathrooms. Without giving too much away, it didn't end well. I got to the the stalls just in the nick of time. I'm sure there are some people way more dedicated than me who would have headed back out to finish the run, but I was done. 

Total: 14.5 miles, 2:20 minutes (9:40 pace). I'll take it, but I was hoping for the full 18. 

Anyway, after that little adventure the only thing that sounded good to eat was Subway. I tried their flatbreads awhile back and I'm in love. Oven roasted chicken with toppings and mustard. Yum. 

Believe it or not, after my ice bath I felt pretty ok so I headed down to our house in progress to do cleaning and sanding. Guess what? It looks like we will be moving in this week sometime! It's far from finished, but we can live there while we work on the details. There are toilets, showers, a full kitchen, a bed, and aircon. If I can cook, blog, and go to the bathroom, I'm set!

Someone please tell me an embarrassing gym/treadmill running story to ease my pain.

Sadly, this isn't the first embarrassing treadmill story I've shared. Remember this one? Yikes. 

Are you a Subway fan? What's your favorite sandwich?

I've always loved Subway. I know there are some bad things in the bread, that the meat isn't always quality, etc. BUT--I love it. And I figure there are worse vices. Recently it's all about the chicken flatbread, warm and delicious!

Free Race in Miami and Proof I'm a Princess

I may have been pretty sick yesterday, but all in all I would still say the day was a success. First, I announced the Chocolate #9 Giveaway winners. Then, I found out that I had won an entry into the Miami Rock N Roll Half Marathon! So not only do I get to meet Amanda from Run to the Finish, but I also get to participate in my first ever Rock N Roll race. Looks like hubs and I will be taking a little trip to Miami this December!

If anyone else wants to run this with Amanda and I (and thousands of other people) on December 11th, you can get a discount from Run to the Finish to use this weekend. Do it so we can meet up! 

All the excitement wore me out, so afternoon was nap/watch reruns of Sex and the City under the blankets with some medicine. And then hubs comes home with a package for me--sent from Christina (AKA the Athletarian). I knew I was getting some Twistbands in the mail, but the girl went above and beyond. She went out and bought me a crown twistband, which I had been admiring for a while. Not to mention some goodies on the side (we can pretend those are for the long run, ok?)

So excited to prance around all day in my crown twistband and be a princess. Naturally. 

What is your sick-day television show/movie of choice?

I used to be a big fan of Price is Right. Whenever I stayed home from school sick it was on and I loved it! Now it's usually bad girly TV or reruns of Full House and Boy Meets World. (My childhood idols = DJ Tanner and Topanga)

What is your exercise plan for the weekend?

Still recovering a bit today, but maybe some yoga or a walk tonight if I'm feeling up to it. Tomorrow I'm tackling 18 miles! 

Everyone who is in the path of Hurricane Irene--stay safe this weekend! Is anyone moving around their long run or race plans because of the weather?

A Swim and A Much Needed Break

Yesterday I decided to take the day off from running and do something else instead. My mind needed a non running day, and my foot is acting up--I'm thinking it is a little flare-up of PF that I had about 9 months ago. So, I had a 1.5 mile walk to the lake and hopped in for a swim.

I hesitated a little before jumping in!

I swam for about 35 minutes, which was tough for me. I haven't been actually swimming in a while, but it felt great. Kind of neat to remember I have arms that like to be used every once in a while.

Since I had skipped running yesterday for the swim, speed work was on the schedule this morning. Except when I woke up, I was a mess. Hubs was sick yesterday (still is) and I'm guessing I've got what he has. Achey joints and just exhausted. So no run. Although I did sit on the floor and contemplate it for a while in my PJs. Tough decisions, but sometimes you just have to listen to your body.

Yes, I sleep in Bumble Bar shirts and colored heart boxers. It's a wonder I can keep my husband off of me. Pure sex appeal.

When you are sick, do you exercise or take the day off?

If I have a cold, I'll usually still exercise. Stomach trouble or achey body and I give it a rest day. 

Full length flannel PJs? Night shirts? Boxers and shirts? Tighty whiteys and a sports bra? What do you sleep in?

In the winter, I will sleep in all of the above. At the same time. I get so chilly and just bundle up with everything. Summer--boxers and tanks all the way. 

Two Giveaway Winners!

Giveaway is over, and there are two winners. Each will get 6 packs of Chocolate #9 Energy Gel mailed to them!

Random.org helped me out for this one, and the winners were:

That's Katy, from Fit in Heels, and Colleen, from Running One Mile, 13.1 Times. Congrats ladies! Here were the winning comments:

Katy just did a great post on how to keep in shape on vacation--and I would listen to her because the girl looks fantastic! And Colleen posted yesterday about her incredible transformation since she started running...you definitely have to check out these amazing photos!

Ladies, send me an email with your shipping info so that I can get your Chocolate #9 Energy Gel to you!

Stress Relief = Running (Ok, and Sugar)

Yesterday was not my finest moment. The whole day I felt blah. Nothing seemed to be going right, and I had already decided it was a no run day. I was frustrated with work and annoyed with everyone and everything. Hubby would probably shout this from the rooftops quietly attest to this fact. So what do I do about it? Nothing. Wallow. Eat sugar. Not four minutes went by yesterday without a lollypop stick hanging out of my mouth. Why I thought the one pound bag was necessary is beyond me.

And then...it dawned on me. Running! How could I feel bad after a run? So I took advantage of the last little bit of light we had left in the day and got in 4 easy miles. No pressure, no time goals, and I told myself to stop and walk whenever I wanted. I won't lie and say I came back farting glitter, but I was feeling much, much better.

I realized this morning that I have been neglecting the food side of this blog a little big lately. Marathon training is taking over my brain! So here are some recent eats. First up is a veggie and shrimp stir fry served over Thai jasmine rice.

Shrimp, edamame, broccoli, peppers, and corn

All stir fried with garlic and black pepper, served over rice with soy sauce.

Then we have some mini taco bites. I used wonton wrappers (yes, my recent favorite) and baked them in a muffin tin to get them crispy. I filled them with some grilled chicken and peppers and shredded mozzarella. Served with a taco salad topped with salsa. Delicious and fun way to remake tacos!

What's your go-to stress relief?

I'm still learning what works for me. I usually start with food/candy, feel worse, and then something clicks and I remember that exercise makes me feel better. It's hard to feel too bad after a run!

Do you buy candy in bulk, or single servings?

I used to only buy candy in single portions, but now that I live a long drive from shops, I tend to just buy them in bulk. And then...eat them in bulk. Generally the candy I choose is low calorie (25 calories in each of those lollypops) so I can eat a few before it really matters. 

Not Bad for a Tuesday...

So...just a warning. This is one of those posts that I read on someone's blog and go..."Seriously? On a Tuesday? Get to work woman!" I promise, I worked yesterday. I just happened to stop at 3:30 to hop on a pontoon boat and drink a few three two one beer and some diet cokes. That's right, this girl knows how to party. 

Apparently my hair decided to rebel yesterday. I let it down and out of its ponytail for a good 25 minutes, and this is how it repays me. Rude. Don't worry, I showed it who was boss by tying it up for the rest of the day. We cruised around taking in the views:

We headed in for swim where I did NOT get my brain eaten by parasites. Always a good thing. I also practiced my rock skipping technique. I was the worst in the group, but I held steady at four skips and I will take that any day. Headed to shore for a mini hike, where I paired the always awesome trail shoe/pink dress look:

It will catch on, just you wait. The waterfall we were trying to find has dried up into more of a trickle, but it was still gorgeous:

I love this photo of hubs...he look far more angelic than he really is:

Then I refueled with some KFC. I haven't had it in years, but guess what? It was pretty tasty. Although I had to skip the beans and mac and cheese...not my favorites. The rest of the group spent an hour or so fishing, while I was on worm duty. Not kidding, I had to hand people worms. That's how much I don't like fishing. At least it made this guy happy:

Getting home after dark was a shock to my system. I should really try getting out more. 

Can you skip rocks?

This used to be one of favorite things to do as a kid but clearly I have lost my skill. 

You're at KFC...what would you choose for your meal from the following: fried chicken, grilled chicken, cole slaw, beans, biscuits, corn on the cob, and mac and cheese:

Fried chicken (yum), cole slaw, and corn on the cob for me. Maybe a biscuit if they were still hot and fresh. 

My Before/After and a Much Better Tempo Run

Last week I was pretty miserable after my tempo run. I spend the whole time checking my Garmin, and was slowing down and speeding up the whole time. I know tempo runs aren't supposed to be easy, but this was really draining for me mentally. This week, I followed Cait's advice a little and even though I still wore my Garmin (me? addicted?) I only checked it after I heard the beep for each mile split.

Planned: 2 miles easy, 3 miles at 8:44, 1 mile easy
Actual:  2 miles easy (9:56, 9:44) and then tempo at: 8:43, 8:31, and 8:42, easy 1 mile at 9:55

Hooray! So excited that I came in under, even without staring down at my Garmin the entire time. And because I knew I needed to hurry up and enter Kari's Click Giveaway, I took my before and after shots:

Apparently I got significantly darker skin after that one hour run. Or I don't know how to use my camera and forgot flash/included flash/don't know how to use flash. One of those. 

Motivational comment of the year goes to Britt after I asked for advice about lake swimming....

Awesome. Because parasites eating my brain will definitely motivate to get some lake swimming in. (I kid Britt, I know you're just looking out for me!!!)

Don't forget about my Chocolate #9 giveaway--you still have a few days left to don't miss out! 2 Winners this time around, so your odds are pretty good....

Because brain eating parasites aren't pleasant, tell me one AWESOME thing about your Tuesday:
Well, the great tempo run tops the list for me. A close second would be the plan to have a little evening boat trip with our neighbors tonight--I'm excited!


I kind of forgot about Labor Day since it's an American thing I haven't celebrated in many years. What is a typical thing to do, cook, or eat? Any plans?
Obviously nothing major here. Is there something special or typical people usually do? Mope around because summer is over?

Weekly Workout Recap and a Lake Swim

Another week of training done! This week was my 4th week on the Run Less Run Faster Marathon training plan. I got in all 3 key workouts, and some extras along the way, so overall I'm pretty happy.

Monday: Slow 4.5 mile run/walk as recovery from Sunday's long run
Tuesday: 5.5 miles running, including 5 x 1000 meter intervals, and a 2 mile walk
Wednesday: 45 minutes of yoga, 15 minutes of abs and push-ups
Thursday: 6 mile run, 4 at tempo pace
Friday: P90X Plyometrics for one hour, and 15 minutes of abs and push-ups
Saturday: 1.5 mile slow easy run before jumping into the lake
Sunday: 20 mile long run

Mileage: 40 miles for the week, with 37 of that being running. A little more than I'm used to!

Next week's goals are to hit my 3 key workouts again, which are:
Key #1: 10-20 min. warm up, 3 x 1600 meters @ 8:11 (1 min. RI) and 10 minute cooldown
Key #2: 2 miles easy, 3 @ 8:44, 1 mile easy (tempo run)
Key #3: 18 miles @ 10:29 pace

Other than that, I'd like to get in more yoga this week, and get back to doing push-ups 3x per week.
Plus, I want to try actually swimming in the lake, instead of just floating on a noodle. It's so beautiful, and I know it will start getting too cold before I know it!

Post-run, pre-swim on Saturday with hubs.

What is your fitness goal for the week?
Ok, I'm putting it on here so I have to stick to it: yoga x2, and push-ups x3!


Has anyone tried actually swimming in a lake (laps, etc.)?
I will happily do a breaststroke for a while, but I have yet to try really swimming (aka, putting on goggles). Has anyone had luck swimming in a lake instead of a pool/ocean? Tips please?!


Another great giveaway going on: Check out Always Training Trio for details!

A 20 Mile Run and a Few Chocolate Burps

I survived. I had so much anxiety going into this long run but I lived to tell the tale! In 3 hours, 18 minutes, I ran 20 miles. My goal was first just to complete the darn thing, but in the back of my head I was hoping to run solid 10 minutes miles throughout. I came in at a 9:54 pace, so right on the money! How I felt afterwards:

Bahahaha. Yeah freaking right. How I actually felt:

It was HARD. And LONG. (That's what she said) Honestly, it was by far my toughest run. I can't imagine topping it with another 6 miles in the actual marathon. Normally after a long run I feel on top of the world, but this time all I wanted to do was get to a toilet--and fast! An ice bath, shower, and lots of food improved my mood considerably. 

I fueled with 2 Chocolate #9 gels (one at mile 5, one at mile 10) and then one honey stinger chew each mile. Those chews are more to break up the monotony for me, and give me a little motivation to get through each mile. The gels were great, although I did experience some...chocolate burps. Bizarre indeed.

This post could really have been a lot shorter: I ran. It hurt. I'm tired. I'm hungry. 

How do you feel after your long runs? 

Normally I feel like I'm on cloud 9 until about 30 minutes later, when I crash and need to be fed and put in front of some mindless tv. Today though, my tummy was not happy. 

If you have ever run a marathon, I could really use your advice:

Did you feel like 20 miles was enough to prepare you for the big day? My RLRF plan has me running a total of 5 20-milers. I am wondering if I could benefit from upping one to 22 miles or so? Thoughts?

I'm In Love and I Don't Care Who Knows It

Saturday night. You know what that means. 

It means that I am going to watch a little TV with the hubs, maybe read a little while he beats up some bad guys in his video games, and then read as many Runner's World articles as I can before I attempt my 20 miler tomorrow morning. Yes, I am a party animal. Luckily I got in my carbo-loading today with a veggie "burger" from Five Guys. And then (what else?) a little fro-yo action.

Hubs decided a frappuccino would make a better afternoon snack. Weirdo. 

All the sugar must have gone to his head because he wanted to join me for a very hot run this afternoon. It wasn't a run day for me, but I ran 1.5 miles with him around the lake before jumping in for a swim. I can't even pretend there was any actual "swimming" done. I basically just flopped around on a noodle and it was amazing. 

I have serious anxiety right now about my long run. I almost feel like I do before a race. Really nervous, not sure if I can handle it. I'm sure it will be fine, but I have butterflies in my tummy!

Do you ever get long-run anxiety?

Any time I need to run a distance PR it scares me a little. I usually read about other people's long runs to get me excited and less scares. 

Fro-yo or Frappuccino?

Honestly, I love fraps. But frozen yogurt will always be my lover. I heart you, fro-yo. <3

(P.S.--it took me a good 30 seconds to figure out how to make a heart like that. I am the world's slowest texter.)

If you haven't entered my Chocolate #9 giveaway, get on it! There will be 2 winners, so odds are good!

AND the gorgeous Katy over at Fit in Heels is giving away an amazing Titika Sports Bra, so check it out!

Chocolate #9 Review and Giveaway

As many of us get ready for fall/winter marathons, I keep reading about different types of nutrition on long runs. As a relatively new runner, I've been trying out tons of fuel including gels, chomps, chews, and even jellybeans! I first heard about Chocolate #9 from Holly over at Rust Belt Runner, and was so glad to get to try it out for myself. This is absolutely a unique gel.

The only ingredients in a Chocolate #9 Energy Gel are: organic agave nectar and breakfast cocoa. (Oh, and that's rich, dark gourmet Belgian chocolate, if you were wondering). Hands down, this is the best tasting gel I've ever tried. But...I know what you're all wondering. Is it effective?

In a word, yes. This is the only gel on the market that is low glycemic, meaning you don't get that SPIKE to energy, which drops just as quickly. Instead, the energy is slow and steady--ideal for long runs or marathons. 

I used it twice on long runs of 10+ miles, and loved it. It honestly tastes just like chocolate syrup. I was a little concerned it wasn't working, because I never got that "jolt" of energy from sugary gels. But, I never  bonked or ran out of gas, which was fantastic. And (TMI?) this caused no stomach troubles that are so common with new fuels. I'll definitely be using this for my long runs in the future, and plan on using it for my first marathon in November.

Chocolate #9 is:

Vegan

Gluten Free

Low GI

Suitable for diabetics

Want to get your hands on some to try yourself? Here's what I've got:

I'll be sending 6 packs of Chocolate #9 to TWO lucky winners! Here's how to win (leave a comment for each one completed):

+1 Become a follower of Gourmet Runner, or let me know if you already follow! (Mandatory)

+1 Like Gourmet Runner on Facebook

+1 Like Chocolate #9 on Facebook and let them know Gourmet Runner sent you

+1 Blog, Facebook, or tweet about this giveaway and let me know that you did

The giveaway will run until the 25th of August at midnight. Good luck!

Tempo Runs and Shrimp Pasta

Now, I'm not saying this amazing pasta is what got me through this morning's tempo run...but maybe it is. You decide. Either way, delicious! I bought minced garlic in a jar to use because I hate chopping up the cloves, but I could barely taste it in the recipe. Anyone used it before--do you just need to put like half a cup in there or what? Anyway--focus, Vanessa--ingredients:

Except I'm lying. I also used olive oil, salt, and pepper. But you all probably already know what those look like. Got the pasta going, and then stir fried the broccoli in olive oil and added not enough minced garlic, shrimp, and diced tomatoes with some s&p. 

When hubby comes home, pretend you have been slaving for hours. That step is really, really important. Get as many brownie points out of this as you can. Serve with pasta and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. 

This morning I headed out for my tempo run, which is definitely the least favorite workout of the week. I can push and run my butt off for short sprints, or run for hours slowly, but a few miles at a tough pace? Blech.

Here was the plan, as per my Run Less, Run Faster schedule: 1 mile easy, 4 miles @8:59, 1 mile easy

And then here were the actual splits: 9:35, 8:52, 8:48, 8:51, 8:57, 12:00 (walk & jog cool-down)

Looks great, right? Here's the problem: apparently, it is IMPOSSIBLE for me to actually run at a 9 minute mile pace. I spent the whole time slowing down and speeding up, but never hitting that sweet spot. Mentally, it was exhausting to feel like I was never hitting the right pace. Something to work on, definitely. 

Garlic Fan? Ever used minced garlic in a jar and want to explain what's up?

I love garlic, but I'm so lazy and the clove seems like a mission to me. Yes, I'm THAT lazy. Jarred seems awesome, except it had such little taste. 

What is your LEAST favorite workout? Do you ever feel like you have a hard time controlling your pace?

Tempos are definitely toughest for me. I hate checking my Garmin constantly to see how my pace is, and I end up really stressed out rather than relaxed. My speed options seem to be all out SPRINT or nice and slow. Any tips?

P.S. Guess who is having another giveaway tomorrow? Stay tuned!