Uberthon's Run for Boston 5k

Hi! 

Saturday was such a full day and by the time we all got home we were exhausted.  We started the day with all of us heading into Portland for the Doggie Dash and ended the day at Champoeg Park for the Run for Boston.  Yesterday I had originally planned as a rest day but Friday wasn't in the cards for my long run so it was moved to Sunday.  I have found that the more flexible I am in my life the happier and less stressed I've become, funny how that works.  I had planned on 10 miles but cut it short about 3/4 of a mile because my feet hurt and I was just done.  Jess surprised me with a stop at the Portland Running Company on Saturday for a new pair of kicks, points!  I tried on 3 different pairs of Mizunos ranging from minimum control to full on foot don't move control.  I am always in the mindset of avoid injury anyway possible and to me that means a solid pair of shoes.  I decided on the Alchemy 12's and for me they have too much stability, does that even make sense?  

I felt like I was running with blocks on my feet and afterwards my feet hurt like I had been walking for days.  Normally after a run in a new pair of shoes my feet feel great so I am going to exchange them for this pair instead.  I have about 300 miles on my current shoes so I'll start switching back and forth and using my Wave Rider 16's for shorter runs.  

*The picture is sideways because I am technically challenged, sorry*

Saturday night was the Run for Boston I had really been looking forward to and it was a really great race for me, wanna know why?  Oh I just PR'd!  YAY!  I cannot really tell you why I wanted to make this race a race against my old PR but I just felt like I should at least try.  Probably because I knew I would have Katie running with me and she could pace me.  I knew she wouldn't let me slow down and would try and distract me by talking about double sided tape and eating bugs.  

She looks so perky here and I am apparently getting my fists of fury ready for a fight!  Please don't ask what is happening with my face, it was rare moment when I ignore a race photographer.

I guess I thought I would try to double high five the photographer?  Um...I dunno...

I honestly just wanted it to be over at about mile 1.5, but that is just a guess because there was not a mile marker to be found.  Maybe I have my thumbs up because I just feel so awesome, ya that is it.

Here is the thing, I don't run hard in races.  I think I am running hard but I ALWAYS finish with way too much left over in my tank.  This has been disappointing for me and I decided I was going to just see what I could do this time.  I finished with an official time of 28:31, 9:10 average pace and beat my old 5k PR of 30:12.  I feel really good about this PR and I am so grateful to Katie for getting me there.  When we saw the finish line clock she said "OK Dani go for it get under 30" and I said "OK, ya I can do that" then she said "Under 29! Under 29!" LOL!  So I really just pushed with all I had, that girl is always pushing me to do better :)  The conditions weren't really there for a PR either, it was hot and muggy and not a breeze to be found.  Thankfully they had 2 water stations for us runners which was so appreciated by all I am sure.  I am an almost 100% morning runner and this race started at 6:00 pm, so I really had no business gunning for a PR.  Needless to say but I am saying it anyway, I feel pretty stoked!  Thank you Katie, seriously if you hadn't paced me and kept me at an extremely uncomfortable wanting to hurt someone where the hell is the finish line pace I wouldn't have came close.      

Do you have someone in your life who pushes you to be better?  

- Katie pushes me a lot both in running and in other areas she probably doesn't even realize

What is your PR you are currently most proud of?  

What is coming up that you are super excited about?!  Doesn't have to be race related!  

- I am really looking forward to the Rock and Roll Half this weekend and my first run with my favorite teenage neighbor in a couple weeks :) 

Birthday Run and Run for Boston Info

Good morning! 

Yesterday was a good day not just because it was my birthday but because it started with an awesome run.  

I have been feeling great about my runs lately not for any reason in particular, just happy to be out there.  I go back and forth with myself on "speed" and I put speed in quotes because it is a relative term.  My "slow" pace is someone else's goal pace and my "fast" PR is another runner's worst race.  I want to improve on my runs but not at the cost of losing my joy of running.  If we focus too much on what is ahead we can never fully enjoy where we are and what we have already accomplished.  So while speed would be fun and who doesn't want those bragging rights, I won't let it steal my current joy.  

My Current Joys: 

- I have increased my weekly mileage 

- I feel really good about my current running base 

- I am really excited about my upcoming half marathons 

- I've been getting up with the sun to get my runs in which I love! 

- I've learned to not stress or have anxiety about upcoming races, those feelings really steal my joy! 

Other running joys?!  

I made a pit stop at Road Runner's last night to test out some new kicks and find some Nuun.  I have been reading all about how great and amazing and earth moving the flavor Cherry Limeade is so I have to try it for myself.  I think the birthday gods were looking out for me because as I dug through the Nuun bin I realized there was no Cherry Limeade :(  So I started looking through the GU Brew just to see if they had something similar and BOOM there it was!  Somebody must have mixed them up so I was glad I dug around, I am also glad it has caffeine because I love caffeine as much as I love my kids.

I have to say that I actually really like it!  I don't normally like anything sports drink'ish but I can see drinking this after a long run.  It really does have a real limeade taste to it so it feels like a treat, not a recovery/hydration drink.  While I was there I also picked up the Margarita flavor Cliff Shot Bloks.  They are something else I have wanted to try so I was excited to see they were also in stock.  They have more salt content and are suppose to help with any cramping, plus they taste like a margarita, hello?!     

Last night we went to dinner with Katie and Bryan and had the best time.  Katie gave me the coolest gift!  Right now I just hang my medals in the closet with Jesse's hats but now I have my own medal display.  I feel pretty cool :)  

I love family pictures, we are missing the one of Jess, me and the kids...who has that one?!  

My birthday was pretty awesome and I am excited for 29!  

In other news the Run for Boston Bib Pick Up is TODAY!  

Go HERE for all of the information you'll need.  If you haven't registered yet and are looking for an evening race this Saturday that benefits the Boston ONE Fund and will be super fun go HERE!  

When is your birthday? 

What is your favorite race distance? 

- Half Marathon for me! 

What are you doing today? 

- We have a fun play date planned!  Well with those 2 every day is a play date.

  

Running Watches

Hi!

I went to Wednesday night with everything laid out for my morning run...and I guess never set my alarm, fail!  So my Valentines gift to myself was a run rest day which will just had me in better shape for today's early wake up call.  I was at the gym by 5:45 , no excuses right?!  It needed to get done to stay on track for my training and also my sanity.  I was a little apprehensive that I wouldn't be able to commit and wouldn't get the 5 miles that was required but I did it!  It was the furthest I've ran on a treadmill and I really enjoyed the ladder speed work.  I ran out of time to get my cross training done so I am going to do CLX Intervals after the girls have breakfast.  I spared you a face shot, not much sleep add in bad lighting and sweaty red face, I mean really, who needs to see that?

We had lunch with Daddy yesterday and we both have decided to stick with places we know.  We aren't picky but if we are going to spend money to eat out we want it to be good, simple.  Can you tell by the look on their faces how much they love the food?  

Probably stick with ice cream, you really can't go wrong!

Actually that is a lie...Sonic has awful ice cream.  Sorry Sonic lovers, their other food is good!

I really tried to think of something delicious and special for dinner last night but after circling the store 3 times all I could come up with was dessert.  Chocolate fondue sounded amazing and thanks to the modern age I was able to look up an easy recipe and be on our way.  

{Instagram RunDaniellaRun} 

So I feel sort of like a tool and not a very useful tool.  Jess is so sweet and bought me the Garmin 610 from Costco for Valentines Day, I know right?!  I returned it before lunch yesterday morning, boo.  I was so excited when I opened it yesterday morning, he knows I have been thinking about watches and saw the 610 at Costco.  Honestly it is just way to much watch for this 11 min average girl right now.  Unless the watch can chisel my abs while I sleep I can't justify the $400 price tag, ouch!  But now it has me thinking about watches again and what I want/need in a watch and what am I willing to spend.  If you are looking into running/biking/swimming gear of any sort I highly recommend this guy's blog, he has SO MUCH information.  It helped me come to the conclusion that I don't need the 610 and also that I may be ready to upgrade from the Nike+ app. I love the Nike+ app and the website where I can keep track of my runs and see where I am at in relation to my friends.  I know that Nike has some watches they've come out with recently that I am going to research along with the Garmin Forerunner 10.  

Some of the features I would like in a watch if I do decide to buy one are: 

- Ability to be used indoors and outdoors.  I like to do my speed work on the treadmill since I am still learning how to keep a steady pace.  I know some of the Garmin's are solely GPS and won't work inside on a treadmill.

- It shouldn't matter but I want it to be cute.  If I am going to spend money on something I want to LOVE it and in order for me to love it I want it to be a color that I love.  Yes sometimes I buy shoes based on their color, probably why I love Mizuno.  

- I need it to help keep me on pace during a race.  This is the problem I run into with my Nike+ app on my iPod, I will check my pace during a run and its rarely accurate.  This didn't bother me when I first started running because I used it mainly to track my mileage.  Now that I am moving into a new stage of running my pacing is becoming important to me.     

Luckily these are all first world problems :)  I will share any information I find on the different options out there.  For now my iPod will work just fine and I'll just keep re-calibrating the darn thing every other run.  

What do you use to keep track of your runs?

Do you have a long run planned for this weekend? 

- I don't have a very long run but I am working on mapping out my 8 miles for tomorrow morning.  I don't want to do it on the treadmill so I am going to bundle up and just head out when the sun comes up. 

If you have any opinions you want to share on running watches don't be shy!  

  

     

Week Set Up

Good morning!  

Last week seemed busy, I don't know but the week flew by and I felt like there was a lot going on.  This week will probably be the same way.  I am bummed that last week wasn't a better running week for me nothing seemed to worked in my favor.  That is okay though because I get a chance to do better this week!  I wonder how many times I said week in the last paragraph?  6.

So its time for a change.  I've been doing Chalean since July and I still really love the whole program but it is time for me to change it up a little bit.  If I start getting bored with my cross training then I won't do it and last week wasn't a great cross training week.  So I am going to put Chalean away till December and for the next month use my 30 Day Shred and 6 Week Six Pack with Jillian Michaels.  

I'll post my 90 day results some time this week.  I am not expecting anything that great honestly, between tapering and then recovering from the marathon I feel like I've lost some progress.  Its been hard to get back into it and my eating...oh man.  It would be so much easier if I had self control or just didn't have it in the house but that isn't fair to Jess.  So I am going to change up my routine and hopefully get over my burn out.  I'll miss you Chalean!  But its only good-bye for a short time! 

I need some rain gear besides my Portland Running Company Hat.  Seriously in need of something to keep me dry, we have had so much rain already this fall.  The biggest thing is just a water-proof running jacket.  PRC had the new Brooks Women's Nightlife jacket that has lots of reflective strips and built in lights.  The drawback is that it costs $85, ouch.  

I also need some light so I can see, it is pretty dark out there at 5:30 so I need headlamp or something to help light my way. 

I just ordered one that looks like this so we'll see how it works when it arrives!  

At the run last Thursday they had some reflective lights for everyone to borrow and Katie tried this reflective vest that I thought would be a great piece to have.  

So besides a new pair of shoes that I am due for those are my 3 must haves for my running in the rain and cold this fall and winter.  My headlamp is on its way and I am on the hunt for a jacket that will keep my dry and out of the soup kitchen.  

Do you have any must-have gear for your runs?  

Anyone else out there use a headlamp of some sort when running in the dark? 

What did you do this weekend?!  

Did you run any Halloween races?!

Running in the Dark

Good morning!  Just finished CLX Extreme Abs while waiting for the sun to come up!  Its now to late to head out for a run so I'll be busting out a few miles on my treadmill later today.  Lately I've had some anxiety about running in the dark, so has Jess.  So I thought I would wait till close to sunrise annnnnd then 7 AM rolled around so I nixed my outdoor running plan and put on my AB workout.  Luckily I have my treadmill and can get in a few miles later today.  I can kill two birds with one stone and watch some of The Spirit of the Marathon on Netflix.  I watched it many months ago but I want to watch it again since the marathon is less than 2 weeks away, its like runner's Rocky.  If you haven't seen it I really recommend watching it even if you aren't doing a marathon its so inspirational and moving plus its free on Netflix Instant, score!  

I was able to have my favorite breakfast this morning and I made myself a sad version of a pumpkin spice latte, not the same but also not 5$ so I think I still win in the end. 

I really should look into food photography, I think I have a gift, no?  

Since I wasn't able to do my outside run this morning because of my own fear of the dark it really got me thinking about other runners out there.  Fall is here and winter is never far behind especially in the Northwest and that means dark mornings, do they bother you at all?  I ran Monday in the dark and I was more nervous about tripping over something I couldn't see more so than being attacked.  Maybe because of where I live I have a false sense of security or maybe it was because I passed so many other runners but I never got scared.  I also run with pepper spray, am lit up like a Christmas Tree and always have my cell phone, not like any of those things would thwart a would be attacker honestly.  I have thought about a headlamp because I must add to my cool factor for the purpose of being able to see whats ahead and on the ground, but I wonder if that would do anything to fend off someone trying to hurt me?  I hate the idea of living my life in fear but I also have 2 little girls to think about and anything that happens to me will affect them.  Its not just me out there in the dark running I have a family at home I need to think about.  It seems like a personal preference but it got me thinking and my instincts this morning told me to stay home so I listened.  

I would really love some other opinions on this, what do you feel about running in the dark hours?  

Do you carry pepper spray or any other type of personal protection?  

Headlamps?  

- I can hear Katie cackling at me right now...

I Love Lucy

Good morning/afternoon!  I realize its afternoon technically, but I started this post at 8 AM so that is how the day has been going...ya.  So I am pretty proud of myself for completing 4 full days of running last week, ending on Saturday with my first 14 miles.  Considering last week was a complete mess of a week I pushed myself to get out there and it made the week that much more tolerable.  I also got to get 2 new running outfits, boom!  Now that makes for a successful week!

I met up with Katie on Friday night and we had dinner at the Spaghetti Factory, she was very excited for the carbs, or she just really like this chair...hard to tell with her.  Before carbo loading for nothing we met up at Nordstrom's Rack to scour the place for some running clothes.  I was on the lookout for a running skirt and I also found a cute top, its Zella which is the same brand as a pair of running capris I have, I think its a Nordstrom brand.

I bought these beauties from Lucy's Sale last week, I needed wanted another pair of running capris and these were a good sale price.  Plus the top was also on sale :)  I wasn't sure about the top on the hanger, but when I tried it on I fell in love, its one of those tops you could wear as a shirt and hope nobody notices it is for working out...I would never do that.

Well that is all I have time for, count your blessings!  I have more to share about my 14-miler on Saturday but that will be a whole other post that I'll do when my two little blessings are unconscious in bed.  

What's your favorite running clothing brand?  

I realize Lucy is more yoga centered, but I love their running line!

Pre-Race Food

Good morning!  On the books is an easy run this morning so I thought I would visit with you all before I headed out!  I don't know about everyone out in the real, non-blogging world, but life lately around here has been craaaazy!  Just busy busy busy busy busy, do you get it, do I need to add another busy?  This weekend is my last race for the month of May and after that I do believe I only have 1 a month till our Marathon in October!  My gift to myself after running the marathon will be a 26.2 sticker (cause I am so cool now!) and one of these!



I don't know which one yet but I have lots of time to decide!  You can buy these shirts from 26.2 Apparel who I found out about from Skinny Runner, she really likes them and always has great things to say about their quality so they'll be my gift to myself when I complete my marathon mission.  Plus she looks super cute in them so therefore because I am her twin (she just doesn't know it) I will also be adorable.

On Sunday I ran my first 10K Katie in Sandy, the Run Girlfriend Run, you can read about it here if you want.  Before I left my house I did what I normally do, made some toast put some avocado on it, drank my water and my cup of coffee.  Its about an hour to Sandy no matter what way you swing it so I thought I would stop at Starbucks and pick up another coffee, except this time I got a latte.  What did I learn about my stomach and pre-race food?  Don't drink a latte before you run AND don't taste test even a little bit of a sport drink before you run It. Will. Hurt. My. Stomach....and hurt it will for about 4 miles, bleh.  It takes me at least a mile to warm up and stop questioning myself for signing up for these races, usually after a mile I am feeling really good and strong, not this time.  My stomach was just not happy and it was uncomfortable for a good portion of my run, I kept going as hard as I could and eventually it tappered off to just a small stomach ache that I could ignore. So what did I learn?  Stick to what works, get your latte after the race and ignore the samples!  Don't try anything different before you a race, save all new items and gear for training runs, that is what they are for, training.

I hope you all have a good Hump Day (I've never liked that phrase...) What are you all up to?!
-Today is Katherine's last day of music class for this school year, as a mom to twins and those being my only 2 "last" anything tugs at my heart strings.  OK no more crying over less activities to run to! Have a great day everybody!

Blisters

Good morning!  Last night I went on a run since I missed my usual morning outing.  I felt really strong and fast, well fast for me.  I worked on keeping my pace up hills and I worked on keeping my eyes up, I have a bad habit of looking down when I run and everything I've read and been told has said to keep your eyes up to keep your pace strong.  I think I am finally breaking that bad habit, I am sure I'll just pick up another one to replace it.

I wore my new Dry Fit running socks I picked up from Target the other day.  At Portland Fit a couple Saturdays ago they told us that in order to avoid blisters we shouldn't wear cotton socks, this was news to me! I am so new to running I am still learning a ton about just the basics and the importance of certain gear and fabrics.  I've been dealing with two blisters right on the side of my feet for about 2 weeks...no fun!

These socks were pretty comfortable, they have weird "tabbed" ankle top, does that even make sense?  But I could tell the difference when I get home, my feet were nearly as wet and sweaty as they were when I would just wear my cotton socks from Costco.  Oh Costco...I could live there, but couldn't everyone?!  

Well as much as I liked my Nike+ plus watch, I have fallen head over heels in love with my iPod Nano and watch band.  It is my Mother's Day gift from my family and I just absolutely love everything about it.  The Nike+ Fitness app is built right in and very easy to figure out.  I am still learning a lot about it and how to get the most use out of it, but my last 4 runs with it have been great.  I can read it easily while I am running, its comfortable on my wrist and keeps track of all of my runs, not just my most recent.  I love being able to see all of the data right in one place and the lady talks to me after the run and reads all of my stats to me, makes me feel special.  Also I can have pictures on it, so its perfect for a mom like me who loves to show off her kids!  Because you know everyone at the start of a race wants to strike up a convo about the weird lady's kids right?!  

Today a tempo run is in the books but Jenny is still not doing well, they have moved her back to the ICU so I am going to be there this afternoon/evening which is where I really need to be.  Maybe I'll do my Tempo tomorrow, we'll see!  I hope your all having a good morning and get out there and get a good run in for me!  

What is your favorite running watch/music player/etc?  Love to hear what works best for others and why!

OK OK I Surrender!

So apparently I am just way to hard on myself, says the one with the size 2 shorts and can't seem to eat enough to keep the weight ON...won't name any names, she knows who she is.  Its a hard thing for a lot of girls I believe, we all struggle with our body image and never feel quite right with it, but enough of that, like I said, I've surrendered!

On a fun note!  Yesterday we picked up our bib and shirt for the Doggie Dash this Saturday on the Portland Waterfront.

I am really looking forward to this event mainly because of all of the four legged friends that will be joining us!  Sadly Lucy will be staying home for this particular event, she is just really small and not ready to dash for the 2.5 miles.  Sorry sweetie!

She appears very disturbed by this news

We'll start training on Sunday for next year! 

I don't think she believes me...crazy eyes!

This last Sunday Katie had me and her family over for a birthday dinner to celebrate her MIL's and my birthdays.  Her sweet sister in law Shannon gave me $20 bucks to buy something running related in her words, so I followed her directions yesterday and bought a pair of Nike running shorts from the Rack.  Do I love running in shorts...I dunno, we'll see I guess!  I see a lot of front wedgies in my future and lots of awkward trying to pull them out while I think no one is looking...someone is always looking.

And I also picked up this number...questioning myself as to what I was thinking, was it the sugar?  We'll see if this sticks around or goes to Katie.  She's small enough to pull it off and won't look weird, sorry if that is self deprecating but c'mon!

Any who...tomorrow might be the day they release Jenny from their grips at the hospital so fingers crossed I'll be driving her home tomorrow! 

Now that summer is coming up, YAHOO, what are you favorite running pieces when it starts to get hot?

Gels, Bars & Shakes OH MY!

OK so I love all things associated with running so far, what I love the most is that when you do long distance they encourage you to eat snacks, yes during the marathon they say to eat something while running...have I found my dream activity?  Why yes I have!  So help me in my quest to find all things running and snacking related please.  So far the only gel I have tried is the GU brand, I've had the Chocolate Outrage and the Peanut Butter.

Does anyone out there have an opinion on these type of gels in general?  Not just the GU brand, but anything like them.  I am sure there are about 100 more types out there I haven't tried, any recommendations?  

Now onto the snack bars!  I think most people would tell you those are great before run snacks...or am I totally wrong?  I really like Zone bars so far and keep them in my car for when I become violently hungry and my children's lives are in danger.  A friend of mine likes to have them before her morning races.

I found these the other day at Safeway, they are called Think Thin 

They are pretty good I have to say!  Besides grabbing me with their snazzy name they also got me with the 0 grams of sugar, yes!  I am really trying to cut sugar from my diet.  I don't want a lot of it in my snack bars and these taste really good!  Plus they remind me to Think Thin which is ALL anyone needs to do in order to be thin :) HA!  

Last but not least protein shakes!  Or as the husband has kindly referred to them (think deep man voice) "Beeeeeeefcake"  Yes he is all things supportive :)  I buy a big ol'tub from Target.

I don't know anything about protein powders, I just know I like them in my smoothies and secretly laugh when Jess does his awesome body builder impression as I am scooping it.  I like this one because it also has low sugar and its what I've been drinking since I started buying protein powders.  Any other suggestions?

I hope you all enjoy Friday-Eve, I know I will!  I am torturing, oh I am mean, taking the girls to see the Easter Bunny today.  They LOVE going to see the Easter Bunny...

Am I a good mother or what?!

Play Me Some Mountain Music

I wish I had something uber fun to talk about today but the highlight of my weekend was my 8 miles with Portland Fit.  Although, my 25$ pair of socks did arrive...yes I paid 25$ for a pair of socks.  Actually they were on sale, if I had bought them full price they would have been 50$!  Gaggg.  Yes Gaggg has 3 g's when I am really gagging thank you.

These are the ones that I got

Except mine are pink, I wore them yesterday to feel cool and man I do feel the compression LOL!  Let's hope they help with all of that lactic acid I hear so much about :) 

Did anyone watch the ACM Awards last night or just me?  I am a HUGE country music fan and I feel like we have such a great group of Country Artists right now, last nights show was amazing.  My favorite performance of the night was the Zac Brown Band with Brad Paisley. 

Brad came out on stage wearing the same little beanie as Zac (yes we are on a 1st name basis) and I about died laughing.  I've been to 2 of Brad Paisley's concerts and they have been amazing both times so I love to watch his performances, plus the lead singer of the Zac Brown Band looks just like my brother in law, like insanely so.  

The ugliest dress of the night award goes to 

I could go on and on about the ACM's, maybe I will later! Lucky you!  I have a very long list to accomplish today, plus a play date with a good friend and her new little baby boy, oh I love babies!  Not enough to have anymore of my own but I love them when I can give them back when they start yelling and being babies :)  

What other gear do I need to become part of the runners club?!  

Why won't anyone ever answer any of my questions?! ;)

Dolla Dolla Bills Yo

I've officially crossed over.  While shopping yesterday I went into Forever 21 and spent a whopping 3$ on two pairs of earrings.  Then proceeded to walk to Nordstroms where I easily dropped 44$ on a new pair of running capris and 23$ on a running shirt.  Yes, I've hit true running style where you spend MUCH more on your running outfits then you do on your day to day clothing.  But I have to say I love the running stuff I've started to accumulate.  I was also able to pick up this really awesome ankle weight:

Isn't she cute?!

I have to be careful and not go crazy with the running wardrobe because as I am sure you all know, it adds up FAST!  Luckily I do laundry quite often so not having a junk load of stuff will be OK, sad face.

I am running a FREE 5K tomorrow with my BFF and other fun running friend, we are suppose to have clear skies and 60 degrees as a high tomorrow so I am stoked!  So needed for this vitamin D deprived Oregonian.  I'll post some pictures and my race time and pace tomorrow after I shower...and eat and tend to my children and then I am sure Lucy will want some attention and can't forget about the husband.

Happy Friday!!!

Anyone else doing a run this weekend?  Tell me about it!

Daniella's Getting Her Groove Back

Well finally I accomplished my morning wake up goal, get up at 5:30 do my DVD workout and then run.  Today was day 1, we'll see how I do in the next few weeks.  I need to start doing this regularly for my own sanity's sake.  It wasn't easy and I so desperately wanted to crawl back into my warm bed but I didn't and now I feel good about what I've already accomplished this morning!

 

I also am really enjoying the plug in and track feature of my Nike+ watch, I can set goals like how many times a week I want to run, or mileage or speed, plus lots of other features I am still figuring out.  This is going to be good for someone like me who likes to see that I am actually doing something and accomplishing what I've set out to do.  Peanut Butter Fingers (pbfingers.com) has some great Circuit Workouts that she has posted on her blog and I am going to start incorporating those into my workouts, I love her she's so cute!  

Well Day 1 wake up went well, now there is tomorrow...wish me luck!!!