workout wednesday …

Now that spring is here (fingers crossed!), here are a few local races to get you motivated & moving again!

3/23   Shamrock 10k and Leprechaun 5k
4/6     Indian Trails
4/13   BlueClaws 5k
4/26   Asbury Park Half Marathon
4/26   Jersey Shore Relay Marathon
5/3     River to Bay 5k
5/10   Mom's Rock Run
5/24   Spring Lake 5
6/7     Sgt. Lyon's Run to Remember
6/14   George Sheehan Classic

happy running!

workout wednesday ...

it's that time of year again.  i have signed up for a spring race and training is beginning for me.  i'm not entirely certain as to why i do this to myself.  when i actually think about it, it always comes down to the same reason. motivation.  to stay motivated.  to keep going.  there's nothing quite like signing up for a race/event to kickstart you into gear.

but, sadly, it's just downright awful to train for a race during the winter months.  and, as i said, i can't stand the treadmill.  despise it with a passion.  so, for me, that means i have to get my butt outside. maybe these yaktrax will help when running out in the snow & ice.  anyone ever tried them?  i've been meaning to purchase a pair as i hear great things, but have yet to.

so, i'm officially entered into the Nike Women's Half Marathon in Washington DC on 4/28.  here's a peek at what my training schedule will look like.  this may be quite ambitious of me, but i think at this point, i can no longer follow the 'novice' plan.  i know i'm starting a few weeks late so i'll have to play catch up at some point.

new to running and/or running your first half marathon this spring?  i like this plan for newbies.  it's easily attainable.  the only change i would consider is adding an additional rest day on sunday so you don't over-train and tire out your legs.

and, that also means i need some new tunes!  here's what i'm loving & listening to lately:

* all of this - the naked & famous

* happy - pharrell williams

* under control (ft Hurts) - calvin harris & alesso

* can't remember to forget you - shakira ft rihanna

* reunion - M83

* punching in a dream - the naked and famous

* collide -jake miller

* red lights - tiesto

* you will leave a mark - a silent film

* silhouettes - avicii

* cheating - john newman

* hold on - colbie caillat

happy sweating!

workout wednesday …

let's face it.  as a runner, particularly a runner who lives for running outdoors, it can be challenging to get up and get outside to get a run in.  running in the winter months can be  downright awful.  it's dark, cold, cloudy, rainy, windy.  just not as much fun as running in the sunshine. it takes a lot of self-motivation and dedication.  and, as much of a proponent as i am for running outside, sometimes i just can't bring myself to do it.  
welcome the 'dreadmill,' as i affectionately call it.  
i myself cannot run long distances on the treadmill. never have, never will. so to spice things up, i like to use the treadmill for speed work and shorter distances.  here's one to try via fitsugar!  pick your level of intensity: beginner, intermediate, or advanced and start sweating.  whether you're just beginning to run or looking to work on your speed work , there's a plan for you.  you'll be blasting fat in no time!  looking to spend only 15 minutes on the treadmill?  then try this one.  it comes courtesy of the women who co-own Shred 415.  located in Chicago, this gym creates "workouts based on the idea that high intensity interval training is the best way to burn fat and calories quickly."  searching for a similar style workout in NYC?  check out my favorite(s), barry's bootcamp or the fhitting room.

winter workout wear …

  i love my lululemon as much as the next girl, but my wallet certainly does not!  lately though, i've noticed more and more retailers have products which look very similar to theirs.  as they say, "imitation is the sincerest form of a compliment"  which is why i'm loving the active line from target!  some of the pieces look exactly like those i've see at lulu lately!  i love the color selection for spring, and i promise the quality is just as good as lululemon, if not better (i.e. no see-thru pants! :) at a better price! speaking of the pants, my absolute favorite pair is from the C9 premium activewear line.  they're perfectly tight and have just the right amount of thickness to wear either running outside or underneath a cute top or sweater with boots.  they give lululemon's wonder unders a serious run for their money!
click below to shop a few of my favorites!





this week i'm linking up with these fabulous girls!

gift guide for fitness junkies ...

(lululemon ear warmer, asics sneakers, headbands, the mat, nike top, bkr water bottle, athleta tank top, the towel,  lululemon bag, jump rope,  asics sneakers,  athleta pant, beats by dre headphones, polar FT4 heart rate monitor, athleta zip-up, nike tights)

  here it is!  this post is full of gift ideas for the fitness junkie in your life.  i had the hardest time narrowing it down to the above products so here's more:

tops:  look here at this fabletics top.  Kate Hudson is a collaborator!  i'm loving this lululemon top here.  it looks so comfy & cozy! you can never go wrong with this underamour top here or this nike top here and here!  this is a fun top for yoga or the gym.

pants: love this lululemon pant! find a fun print on this athleta pant and these asics pant.  these underamour pants look perfect for winter running!

accessories: it's no surprise that i'm a lululemon junkie, especially their new online-only collection. check out this scarf, this bag, these legwarmers! i want it all!  these tights and these socks are super cute too!

happy shopping!

workout wednesday

  So, this past month while things were quiet, I kept busy by training for the NYC marathon.  Busy is quite the understatement.  With a month's notice I decided to have a run at it (forgive the pun, but I couldn't help myself :)

  I had run a marathon once before, and quite frankly, it was awful.  At least from what I could recall  when I ran it almost four years ago.  I had swore off marathons especially after I hit my "wall" at mile 18, and began to curse off the world and my innocent husband who pirated the entire race in an effort to support me.  Unless, of course, I was able to get into NYC.  Running NYC has always been on my "bucket list" and when the opportunity arose to run through charity, I knew I had to do it.  I was a stronger runner this time around, and although I had planned on applying for the chance next year, I figured who knows where I'll be at this time next year.  You're healthy, run now!  So, I did!

workout wednesday

New running sneakers are out for 2013.  Ever step into a running store, and wonder which shoe is right for you?  Look at the wall of shoes, become completely overwhelmed, and then just choose a pair of sneakers based upon their pretty colors?  I cannot lie--been there, done that :)

Luckily, most running stores offer gait analysis and will help to fit you in the right shoe for your foot and according to your stride.  Additionally, most employees are runner themselves so they know the product, and understand the love of running.  Be sure to take advantage of this FREE service.  There's no pressure to have to buy at that immediate moment.  Use the information as a tool for purchasing either then or in the future.

Or, take a peek at flow chart from Runner's World and see if this helps with the decision.

Happy Running!

xo

tara

ps... I know it's not Wednesday, but my kids are sick and both are FINALLY napping!  A moment of peace & quiet!