What I Wore {post 69}

Ahhhh Friday once again.  Yay yay yay.  I love closing out the week with some pretty clothes. This is the time of year when I look at my sweaters and Winter clothes with disdain and contempt.  I am ready for florals and light fabrics and feminine, ethereal Springy clothes.  And new shoes.  Always with the new shoes.  

In the meantime, here are a handful of recent Winter outfits.  :/

Black & White Skirt and Black V-Neck Sweater

Talk about wardrobe workhorses.  I have had this black silk v-neck sweater from Banana Republic for ages ... probably going on about 10 years at this point.  I love it and will cry big crocodile tears when it eventually wears out.  I wore it with my black boots and black & white skirt ($11 TJ Maxx a few years ago). 

Maroon Sweater, Black Pants, Turquoise Necklace

I am a huge fan of the dark red + baby blue or turquoise color combination.  It all goes back to 1996 when I was in Rome and strolling the Via Conditti (which is the most fashionable street in Rome) and saw that color combo on a dress in the Versace window.  It stopped me in my tracks - literally.  I didn't dare go in the store, as I was 20 years old and likely wearing grubby American college coed clothing, but I remember being struck by how stunning that dress looked.  Honestly, I think that was the moment in my life when I vowed to stop dressing like a grubby American college coed and start dressing (and looking) a little more fashionable.  That is a really long way of explaining why I wear (and love!) this color combo as often as I do.  Anyway ... the sweater is from the Ann Taylor outlet, the pants are from the Banana Republic outlet (and are hemmed so that I can wear flats with them), and the necklace is a fun carved rose necklace from Tarina Tarantino, circa 2002.

Orange Sweater & Boyfriend Jeans

I wore this on a recent snowy/icy/whatever I hate Winter right now day in the office.  I wore my snow boots into the office, but once there, changed into my floral flats from Boden.  The jeans are steals from the Gap outlet - they're the boyfriend style.  I had to have them tailored a bit, but it was worth it.  The sweater is a $4 clearance find from Loft from a few years ago.  You can't see it but it has a sweet little grosgrain ribbon tie in the back at the neckline.

Have an awesome weekend, ya'll! 

More Kitchen Organizing

Ten minute project here.  More cabinet organization in the kitchen. This time I worked on the cabinet above my sink, which currently holds my tupperware, my big pasta bowls, my wooden and plastic serving bowls, matches & lighters and my beloved Le Creuset Dutch Oven that I use all of the time in the Fall and Winter.  It also held a mismash of things, including water bottles, pitchers and odds and ends.  The cabinet doesn't even look that bad.  But to me, it is chaos. 

So, as usual, I pulled everything out and thought about what I needed and what was working and what wasn't.  What worked:

• The pasta bowls within easy reach.  We are big pasta fans up in this joint.
• The lighter/matches on the top shelf.  I regularly light candles and fires in the fireplace and want those things out of reach.
• The tupperware in close proximity to the sink

What didn't work:

• My Dutch Oven could not be any more difficult to reach. I would have to take out all the tupperware to get to it. Not working!
• The mishmash of "stuff" in the cabinet.  It made me crazy.

What I did:

I bought some white bins in the Dollar Spot at Target. They were $3 and I knew they'd come in handy.  The top shelf worked.  I put the salad bowl and the matches/lighter back up there.  I also put the knife sharpener (which was stuck in the way back of the second shelf) up there too.  Now it's easy to find.

For the middle shelf, I put my tupperware container in one white bin and the lids in the other.  I threw out any gross or match-less pieces.  

For the bottom shelf, I put my pasta bowls, the Dutch Oven and my glass storage containers.  Now when I need to grab my Dutch Oven, I only have to move a couple of things.  Much better.  

As for the other items, I moved the water bottles into another white bin and put them in a different cabinet.  I still have to organize that one, so you'll see them in awhile. 

But hurrah.  This cabinet is done.

  

2015 Training: Weeks 9-10

Winter Schminter.  I am done with Winter.  And for me to say that, it's saying something because I rather enjoy running in the cold.  But I do not enjoy running in the ice or freezing rain or sub-zero wind chills.   I am definitely at the point where I want Springtime.  But I still have to train, so I'll suck it up and do the needful.  

Week 9 [Feb. 23-Mar. 1] 5:06:19 hours

Swam: n/a

Biked: n/a

Ran: 5:06:19 hours (32.1 miles)

Monday:  day off/bike/swim

Tuesday:  walk/run

Wednesday: track speedwork run outside!!

Thursday:  easy run

Friday: day off/bike/swim

Saturday: long run + Frostbite Five Miler

Sunday: walk/run

Yes - training is pretty running-specific right now.  And with my schedule of late, if I have a "day off" with the option of a swim or a bike, I'm typically just taking the day off.  I miss the pool so much.  

Monday was a day off after my 13 mile run on the treadmill.  I was pretty sore ... my legs don't like the treadmill that much at all.

Tuesday I had a run/walk combo.  I again had to do this on the treadmill because of the conditions outside.  

Wednesday was supposed to be speedwork, but it was pretty nice out (or at least not icy) and I couldn't stomach the idea of another treadmill run.  So I nixed the speedwork and instead enjoyed a lovely 3 mile run outside!  With headlamp and singlet!  My face may not show it, but I was really happy.  

Thursday was an easy run, which I had to do on the treadmill.  Bah.  Friday was another day off and I took advantage since my Saturday was a doozie.

Saturday I ran the Frostbite Five Miler, a local race that I love.  But my coach also had me tack miles onto that and treat it as my long run day.  So I had to run 11 miles before the race.  I ran them at a 9:00 pace, which is pretty darn good given the hilly route.  I had a pretty good race after that 11 mile effort.  I certainly didn't PR, but my 40:30 time was my second best time ever at the race.  Not too shabby.  

Sunday was an easy walk/run recovery.  Super easy.  Super comfy.  And it was outside, which made me super happy.

Week 10 [Mar. 2-Mar. 8] 4:55:15 hours

Swam: n/a

Biked: 45 minutes (on trainer)

Ran: 4:10:11 hours (26.5 miles)

Monday:  day off

Tuesday:  walk/run

Wednesday: track speedwork treadmill run

Thursday:  easy run  day off

Friday: day off/bike/swim:  45 minute bike

Saturday: walk/run

Sunday: long run - 17 miles

ARGADSFJALSDKFJSALKFJAOIEUFOIDLSFK.  Ever have one of those weeks where everything is crazy and nothing goes right and it's all a mess? This was my life - in every way - this week.  Workouts were no exception.  

Monday I enjoyed a rest day.  Yay.

Tuesday was a walk/run combo - 5 minutes of walking (it was supposed to be 15 but it was way too cold for that) and 30 minutes of easy running.  Here I am after.  Done with Winter.  Done with cold.  Done with everything.  

Wednesday - damn.  It was supposed to be a track speedwork workout, which these days means a treadmill speedwork workout.  Totally fine, whatever, ok.  I got to the gym around 6 and got started.  The workout was: mile warm up, then 6 x 3/4 mile at 7:20 and 7:40 paces (alternating) with 1 min walk and 1 min easy run.  Easy enough.  Only it wasn't easy enough.  I'm not sure what the problem was ... I don't think I ate enough the night before or that morning because during my second fast 3/4 mile interval, I felt way off and not well.  I stopped, walked, tried again but at that point I was done.  I threw in the towel and made the workout just a 30 minute run.  I figured I would just do my speedwork the next day.  

Thursday - uh.  Yeah.  This happened.

Really beautiful.  And a snow day for both me and the kids.  My only workout was digging out my car and walking to and from the hill and sledding with the kids.  Sometimes you've got to walk away from the training plan and enjoy life as it comes.

Friday was a rest day/bike/swim.  It was also another snow day.  I couldn't and didn't want to take another rest day.  I had to work all day but was able to make time for a 45 minute bike on the trainer.  It wasn't that bad.  

Saturday was an easy walk/run combo.  I had the kids and we all agreed to hit the indoor track at the YMCA for some fun laps.  The kids brought their iPads and either played on them or joined me for some running.  It was a lot of fun - I walked 10 minutes and ran 20.  It was a really nice break from the treadmill.  

Sunday was my long run.  It was not particularly well timed given it was Daylight Savings and I lost an hour of sleep.  My 6 am alarm felt way too early.  I had to be on the road by 7 am, as I had 17 miles to do.  I was *thrilled* that the temp was in the high 20s and would be sunny and warm to mid-30s by the end of the run.  Due to some very poor planning on my part, my night before meal was a handful of peel & eat shrimp, 2 bacon wrapped scallops, 2 glasses of wine and 2 beers.  I went to bed at 11 pm and thought ... oh boy ... this could go very badly tomorrow.  But it felt way too late to eat something, so I risked it.  And, wouldn't you know it, I had a great run.

I felt strong and good.  My tummy was happy.  And so was I :)

More of the same this week with a big 20 miler long run on Sunday with some very fast paced miles.  I've got a bit of work travel as well, so it'll be a challenge to make time for the workouts.  But I will do it! 

Have a good week.  

See you swoon,

What I Wore {post 68}

FRIDAY.  What more can you say about Friday but to all caps that sucker?

So I have some exciting news - my blog redesign is just about done and I love love love it!!  It should be live in the next few weeks.  I can't wait to share with you.  The URL will stay the same.  But gone are the yellow and the busy-ness of the current template.  I find the new site a lot easier to read and navigate and the comments are especially easier to use.  Sadly, the Swoon logo that I absolutely adore is gone as well.  Jamie is [at least temporarily] hanging up her blogging hat, and a solo cameo gave me a big sad.  So I did a complete control alt delete with the site for a fresh new look.  More details when the new site is up and running, but I can sum up my feelings about it with a giant rainbow colored squee!!!  

Anyway, here are some outfits.  I am so ready for Spring. After the week of ice and cold and snow and mess ... I am ready freddy for Spring.  

Orange Print Dress & Brown Boots

I love this dress.  The print is so fun and it's a very comfortable and flattering dress.  I got it awhile ago from Banana Republic Outlet for something crazy cheap like $11.  The only danger is Amy has a dress very similar, so if I don't check with her before wearing, I am always a little afraid that we will be twinsies.  

Bootcut Jeans & Wool Cowl Neck

I bought this cowl neck wool sweater back in 2012 from Ann Taylor. I remember that because it was a great deal and 2012 was a super warm Winter ... so warm that I couldn't wear this sweater!  The past few Winters have more than made up for it.  I wore this on a Friday to work.  

Leggings, Slouchy Sweater & Hunter Boots

Here's a weekend outfit.  The forecast was for snow (of course) so I wore my Hunter boots (which are a pretty green), with my black leggings, grey slouchy sweater, white top and grey knee socks. It was cozy and easy and I think chic enough for errands and basketball games.  

Have a terrific weekend!  See you back here on Monday with a round-up of the last two weeks' worth of training and - I promise - a house project!  In the meantime, I hope your weekend is epic.  Or at least kinda fun. 

See you swoon,

Race Recap: 2015 Frostbite Five Miler

Ahhhh ... Monday Monday.  Monday after freezing cold and ice Monday.  March sure did come in like a lion, so I am holding onto hope that it will go out like a lamb.  Tomorrow would be awesome. 

But despite the freezing cold temps, I had a race this weekend! The Frostbite Five Miler in Ambler, PA.  I've run this sucker a bunch and I like it because it's a true apples-to-apples comparison of performance since the course is the same.  Only this year, I think it's an apples to oranges comparison with past races because coach had me do an 11 mile warm up.  The big race (NJ State Marathon) is just 8 weeks away, so Saturday was just another long run day.  Last year, I managed to break 40 minutes, which put my pace in the 7s, which thrilled me given how hilly it is, and I was hoping that this year I could do the same.  That didn't happen, but I'm still pretty pleased with my performance.  

Here's a little history of my times:

2012:  42:28 (8:30 pace)

2013:  40:51 (8:10 pace)

2014:  39:35 (7:45 pace)

2015:  40:30 (8:06 pace)

Sure, I didn't break 40 (so close!) and I didn't beat or tie my time from last year, but even with 11 miles in the tank, I managed to beat my 2013 time.  That's not bad at all.  And in order to keep it simple, I just ran two loops of the race course and then tacked on an additional mile at the end.  My running buddy Tina met me at 6:45 (the race started at 9:00), so we were able to run that course twice and had about 20 minutes before the gun went off.  Perfect.  

It was ZOMG freezing when we started running our 11 miles at 6:45.  I think the temp was about 15 degrees.  It was so cold that my water bottle (that I wore on my fuel belt) froze.  Still, it was a lot of fun and it's always good to see the course conditions.  I forgot just how hilly this course really is!  

What's funny is if I look at my splits from this and last year, there is a definite pattern, which says a lot about the course!

Mile 1:  7:38 [last year: 7:41]

Mile 2:  7:32 [last year: 7:48]

Miles 1-2 are not bad.  There are a few uphills, but there's a lot of down.  I felt like I was flying down these hills.  I looked at my times and was like yes - yes - yes hold on to this pace. You can do it (put your back into it).

Mile 3:  8:15 [last year: 7:57]

Mile 4:  8:04 [last year: 7:46]

Mile 3 is a doozie - it's very uphill and the hills are long and really tough.  Mile 4 isn't easy either.  A bit of a break but still more hills.  You can see how even last year my time slowed on mile 3 and rebounded, but not as fast as the early miles, on mile 4.  I knew when I saw those 8s that I was in trouble.  Because Mile 5 is the hardest of all.  I tried to push and make up some time, but I was just done.  My legs would not go any faster.  

Mile 5:  8:26 [last year: 8:09]

What I remembered as a "gradual" uphill is actually a very challenging hill for a good 1/2 mile.  I saw my watch and knew that a sub 40 wasn't happening, but if I ran hard, I could come close.  You can see my face here - I wanted to finish strong:

The coolest thing about this race was that when I crossed the finish line, a woman in purple behind me came up to me, gave me a high five and then hugged me and said "THANK YOU! You paced me the entire race!"  I had no clue.  But damn ... that made me feel good.  Who doesn't like to be a rabbit?

So, I'll consider this one a bit of an anomaly in terms of results.  And I'll keep on keeping on with the training.  I have to hope that when the weather turns, I'll feel better about running. Right now I feel a little off my game.  

Just a head's up that there won't be a post on Wednesday.  This weekend was cray.  I have a bunch of half finished projects but had zero time (or inclination or motivation) to do them this weekend.  

See you swoon,