So Smooth

Today was my last day of the week for a run.  I try to run at least 3 days a week (sometimes more, but never less).  It's the one time during the day where I'm just alone with my thoughts, my body, and my music.  There are days where I listen to my body more than my music--and those are the days it sucks to run.  But today, it was all about the music and the smooth stride of my legs and shoes--it was a perfect run.  Every breath I took was deep, every stride I took was strong, and, never once, did my legs say "we need a break".  This doesn't happen very often, but I could have easily run for hours today, and probably not gotten tired.

About three or so weeks ago, I felt this way, and went on a longer running route than normal.  Sometimes when you're feeling it, you just gotta go with it.  I came back and mapped my run--I like to use mapmyrun.com; it's awesome, you can track all of your workouts and it gives you miles ran, average speed, calories burned, it even has a journal entry.  I used this while I was training for my half marathon, and it was a big help.  Anyways, I mapped the run and it came in at 8.3 miles.  Now, this is a pretty long distance--even to me.  But something irked me, knowing that I was so close to running 10 miles.  I've run 10 or more miles only a couple of times in my life, and almost every time, I have used some sort of "future purchase" as my motivation.  My first 10 miles was motivated by a "future Coach purchase".  This was when I was still getting into long distance running (I was a mid-distance runner in high school, and I refused to ever run anything more than an 800!), and I told myself that if I could run 10 miles at one time, I would buy a Coach purse.  And sure enough, I did it!  As seen below, I bought this beautiful, black satchel, and now every time I use it, I'm reminded of those 10 miles and how I hard to work for this purse.

My mom and I in Chicago--the day before my big race!

I've done this two other times:  Ran 15 miles for a Coach ring (the thicker band) and after I finished my first half-marathon (13.1 miles), I bought myself an amethyst ring (why I described it as my "half-marathon ring" a few posts back!).

This may be a stupid way to motivate yourself, but to me, it's kind of fun.  Every time I wear any of these pieces, I am reminded of those runs--and that's special to me.  I don't ever buy myself large purchases, but if I find something I like, I make myself earn them.

The reason I'm telling you all this is because I was motivated again today.  I wanted to hit those 10 miles that evaded me a few weeks ago, and I had a nice Tiffany purchase on my mind.  I kept running today, not knowing if I had reached my needed 10 miles--upon coming back and mapping out my route, I discovered I actually ran 11.5--SUCCESS!  So, when I am out in Las Vegas in a few weeks, I will either be purchasing the beaded bracelet...

OR

 the Paloma's Venezia Palina ring

With either one, I'll be reminded of the run, and wear it with pride!


Today's outfit obviously reflected my joyous run.  I was in a bright, cheery (albeit probably still endorphin-high) mood, and since it was rather nice out, I decided to go with a bright-colored sundress.  I've had this dress for awhile, waiting for the right time to wear it.  It's definitely a summer dress, but paired with tights and boots, can still work for colder weather.

Dress: Forever 21
Necklace: American Eagle
Ring: DIY project
Tights: Gap
Boots: I literally have no idea (I've had these since high school)

When I saw this dress on the rack, I was intrigued by the color, but once I saw the back, I was sold!   It was very 50's style in the front, and more 2012 (although purchased in 2011) in the back :)

Twirl!

HAPPY FRIDAY!

HOPE EVERYONE HAS A FANTASTIC WEEKEND!