Weekend Wrap Up- Park Life/ Runner

Yes that is a cat in a box, Justin got next shoes and the cats have been swapping out in it. This weekend started off with a nice, wet 3.1 miles on Friday. I went for a little run around lunch time and it was misty a bit. Went nice and slow, working on distance, not speed.

 

Excuse the nasty chipped nail polish. After my run I finished working then headed for Goodwill for some deals. I got "L" (the princess) a coat for next fall and snow pants. I also got her a few other things. No park as some one was not being so good.

Saturday I met the some ladies from Moms Run This Town of Lake and McHenry and we tackled some miles together. I managed to complete my longest run of the year, 6.34 miles. I was pretty pleased with the splits and the time. Need to build up more miles before the half on June 14th. Afterwards I headed home where we cleaned the garage while "L" played with an array of outside toys. The bunny jump rope did not fair well but she had fun none the less. We headed to our favorite park for a quick 30 min to reward her for good behavior while we were cleaning.

We went to Sweet Tomatoes for dinner and I wore my new Mary Kay makeup from my Influenster Vox Box, review coming soon.

 

Sunday we went to a new park to explore and had a great time. Justin had to work and could not come, but that was ok. This park had a playground and a paved bike path where we walked/bike/ran 1.6 miles. The path said 2 but the Garmin said 1.6. It was odd but maybe it did not pick up some things.

 

 And can I say but the forest preserves in our area have the nicest, cleanest bathrooms I have ever seen! I mean these bathrooms are nicer than some people's house bathrooms. Granted I still make her stay outside while I clear the bathroom first to make sure there are no creepos.

 

Look at how awesome this park was. The ground is all rubber and there was a swing and play structure too. These playgrounds today are AWESOME!

 

After the playground we headed to Culver's for lunch and custard followed by a nap, then another walk around the neighborhood.

Chocolate custard with brownies and Andies mints

 

Now Justin and I are watching WWE Extreme Rules and relaxing. How was your weekend?

 

 

 

 



Weekend Wrap Up- Run, Play, Shop

 

So this weekend was a quick one but a good one. I took a little time Friday during lunch to get in a quick 2 miles. Probably could have done 3 but I was getting hot. Went by Goodwill after work and got a nice White House Black Market dress and some new Under Armor running shorts, still had the tags.

Here is the dress, I thought it was super cute for an event or work.

Afterwards I picked up the child and we had a quick snack then headed to our favorite place, the park. Boy was it crowded and I totally felt if I played on the equipment I would be judged by the other parks, so I boringly stood and watched.

This is only 1/4th of the awesome playground! I love this place as much as she does. Then we headed to Macy's where I got two nice shirts. I went on a hunt for some Sperry Top Siders and ended up empty handed.

 

 Saturday I got up and ran the Lindenhurst Earth Day 5k, it was a free run through McDonald Woods trails. I finished in 37 min, which was not bad since a lot of it was through wood chip paths and up hill. When I got home I showered quick, then pack to our favorite park we went. Thank goodness it was not crowded, and there were parents on the play equipment! We spent about an hour and 1/2 there and it was so fun!

I love when two slides are together so we can race!

Spinning seats are the best!

This thing is crazy, like a log roller

Afterwards the hunt for Sperry's continued, I managed to find some sandals on clearance at DSW for $30.

They will be great for summer and Mexico next year. I still want some boat shoes. We headed home after more errands, she was so tired it spiraled down from there.

 

Sunday we went to the mall to get Justin some shoes and sun glasses. I managed to find the Sheamus/ Ultimate Warrior set and was so happy. With the passing of Warrior I have wanted this set! We got some yogurt at Red Mango, which was excellent. When we got home she played with the wrestling buddies, I think John Cena was wearing a Christmas hat and it sounds like the stuffed bunny and monkey were cuddling on the floor. I made some tasty chicken for dinner and spent time napping a bit. All in all a nice weekend. Hope to actually clean the garage next week.

 

 

 

How was your weekend?

 

 



Bike- Check, Helmet- Check, Kid- Check... Now What?

 

So as some of you know, we got the princess a bike this weekend. It was a late birthday present for her, thanks Chiberia. We headed to Toys R Us Sat at a failed attempt to get a used bike at a town sale. Sorry but $50 for a used kids bike with no training wheels, not when I can get a new one for $70. So after lunch we headed out to Toys R Us, I had a 20% off coupon.

 

Once we got there I realized many other people were also taking advantage of this 50 degree weather and also buying their kid a bike. This gave me enough time to research the bikes they had while waiting, I.e. scan the wall quick enough to find the cheapest 18 inch bike. Of course she wanted the Monster High one or Hello Kitty but I was not pay $30-$40 more dollars for a bike with a character on it. I found the one we ended up getting, $75 and felt it was a good price.

 

I had the guy get it down and then had her sit on it. The I sat on it, yup it seemed sturdy and it's a bike we'll take it. I wanted them to assemble it and he said we can just take that one, good deal to me. So we paid and wheeled the bike out to the car. Now for challenge #1, getting the bike into the Fiesta. Well after some shifting of the seats, much quiet from the peanut gallery, and a lot of shifting and shoving I got it in. This was not going to be a repeat of the Christmas tree incident (another story for another day).

 

We headed out to the forest preserve to test out the bike. I decided I would run while she biked. Challenge #2: Well I'll tell you this, I have no idea how to teach someone to ride a bike. I mean come on it had been almost 2 decades since I last rode a street bike myself. Thankfully she kinda figured it out and the training wheels helped. I had her rock the bike to get it going on a hill and peddle fast. We actually ended up going 3.5 miles! I was shocked she lasted that long. I spent the whole time shouting "Look forward", "Stay on the right", "Watch out for people!" We finally made it back with only a few falls, but no serious injuries. I took her back out Tue and Wed. Tuesday I was not so lucky to walk away injury free. One of my rules "Watch out for people, aka me" was not followed and some how she miss turned and the bike collided with my knuckles. We learned from that one, even thought it was an accident, it was preventable.

 

So for now we will keep running and biking in the safety of the forest preserve. Any tips for transitioning from training wheels to 2 wheels?

 



What I'm Love Wednesday

{1}

This weather! After surviving a winter in Chiberia, I welcome 50 and 60 degree temperatures with open arms! Blue skies = bike rides and running after work.

{2}

Easter is upon us. I excited to take the princess to a few egg hunts and to dye eggs. I have only dyed eggs a few times so I am looking forward to reliving this childhood tradition. We picked up the deluxe decorating kit so we can do a variety of decorating.

{3}

Goodwill. I would have to say Goodwill and consignment sales have been such a blessing the last few months. I have been able to get the princess such a cute and comfortable wardrobe at a fraction of the price. This includes many Gap Kids, Lilly Pulitzer, Hannah Anderson, Carters, Justice, and more items at roughly $3-$4 an item. Love being able to spoil her with fun clothes without breaking the bank. Here are just some of my summer favorites:

Hannah Anderson Pillowcase Dress

Mckids Dress- Possible Easter dress

Lilly Pulitzer Fish dress

Lilly Pulitzer Sea Dress

Lilly Pulitzer Pineapple dress

{4}

Running- I have been lazy the last few months with running, particularly due to the cold weather. Sure we have a gym membership and I do the treadmill, but that can be so boring. So far I have been able to hit the trails running Sat and Tuesday and love it! Also having positive experience with the Brooks Ravenna 5s.

{5}

Oscar Meyer P3 snack packs. Have you tried these yet? I love them! They are a great protein pick me up! Each one includes meat, cheese, and a nut. My favorite is the ham, jack cheese, and almonds. Sometimes I am not super hungry for lunch and these give me an instant energy boost and fill me up if I have it with a yogurt. You can find them in the deli meat aisle near the other Lunchables.

What are you loving this week?

Running in 2014- Starting to Stack the Calendar

So I think I have some of my races planned for this year. Some I have committed too, some not yet. I figured I'd share incase anyone wants to join me.

 

April

 

Lindenhurst 5k- 26th

 

May

 

Color Run Racine- 24th

See my post on last years race.

 

June

 

Rock N Sole Half Marathon, my first half marathon -14th

 

Dirty Girl Run Chicago- 28th

 

July

Racing Sausage 5k- 26th

 

August

 

Biggest Loser Six Flags 10k- 24th

 

September

 

Brewers 10k or Half Marathon- 20th

 

November

 

Hot Chocolate 15k- 9th

 

Hoping to step it up a bit from last year!



Weekend Wrap Up- Bikes, running, wrestling

 

This weekend I wish I could have pulled a Tobi and just did this. But instead I went out and broke these in:

 

I went over to Dick's to check out the new Brooks Ravenna 5s on Thursday. I heard they were out and wanted to take a look. My current running shoes are over a year old and probably will not make it through running season this year. Well looking turned into buying when I saw they had one pair of 7.5s left.

 

Friday I went to the gym to try them out. Wow they are super comfortable and are much lighter than the 4s. I love my 4s and will not be parting with them soon, but I feel like I am falling in love with the 5s fast. Can't wait to run happy in these bad boys.

 

After the gym I got two cute shirts at Kohls for the spring:

This one has birds

This one has wienner dogs.

 

Can't wait to wear them. I also got some goodies for the princess at Goodwill. Saturday was a big day as I took her to Toys R Us to get her a bike. Nice thing about it is they already have them put together and within 15 minutes we were in and out with a 18 inch bike complete with training wheels. I am so proud of myself that I was able to get it in the trunk of the Fiesta.

 

We headed off to the Savanna to try out the bike and the Ravenna 5s. I ran along while she road her bike. It was gorgious outside and tons of people were out and about. Before we knew it we had walk/ran/rode 1.75 miles. We turned around headed back to the car. 3.5 miles total in an hour, not bad for her first bike ride.

Don't mind the blur, it's for privacy reasons.

 

Afterwards we enjoyed a tasty dinner at our newly remodled Culver's.

 

 

 

Today we did not do much. I worked on some computer stuff and did stuff around the house. Right now I am enjoying this:

 

Go Daniel Bryan!

 

How was your weekend?