fit in a run after a long day at work

Motivation...that is what I needed today! After working all day and standing on my feet in uncomfortable shoes, all I wanted to do was go home and lay on the couch with some chips. It was a hard day! Not only was I tired from work I had a bunch of traffic to top it all off. Cry me a river...

As soon as I got home I wrote a couple emails and decided it was just too sunny of a day not to go for a run. I knew that I would feel better afterwards anyways. You always do right?

My other secret to motivating myself to run is picking a route that also has a shortcut just in case. That way lets say my favorite 3.5 mile run has a shortcut at the 1.5 mile mark and can cut my run into a 2 miler. I love this because I talk myself into at least doing the "short" run if I'm tired. I have yet to take the shortcut! This totally works ;) 

So...it was a great run today with my little yorkie Teddy :)

Back on!

I have taken a break from writing and blogging but I have not quit running! It has been difficult learning how to balance all the different activities that I love, now that I have my full time job. I am proud to say I have been running on average 15 miles a week though! I have also registered for 2 new races that are coming up: Mustache Dash and the Black Cat Run :)  

Now that I work during the day, I have switched to running in the evening and it is just not the same. I loved running first thing in the morning and having time to relax afterwards or hit the gym. I have to push myself to run now since I'm exhausted after work but I never regret it. I love the feeling of a nice run after work to clear my mind. Nothing works like a run. 

I am also excited for these 2 runs coming up in the next 2 months. When I was at the gym today I also saw a sign up for the Turkey Trot in NOvember. I will be signing up for that run as well :) 

I will start writing again and look forward to continuing my running in this rainy cold weather that is just around the corner. A couple weeks ago I also received a few amazing products that I have been reviewing. I cant wait to share! 

Love, Maggie

18 miles!

This week I managed to run 18 miles! I'm loving my new shoes and just received my new headphones. I can't wait to review them but first I think I'll run a few more days next week with them. I am eager to do another race and feel like I am finally getting somewhere with all this training. This week I am going to sign up for the You Go Girl half marathon in Tacoma with a couple friends. That will be in September! I am super excited and hope that I will be able to do it! :) Until then..Happy Running

Bye bye Kayanos...

I finally got some new running shoes and I can retire my Asics Kayano! I decided to go to the Nordstrom Anniversary sale and check out their running shoes. They had a few Asics and Brooks on the sale so I tried both (including the Kayano), and decided to switch to the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 12. Nothing better than a new pair of running shoes :) 

I went for a morning run and ran 6.2 miles today! I ran about 3.5 miles and then met up with Jill  for another 3 miles or so. I was only planning to run about 3 miles but it felt so nice that I decided to run longer. Thats when Jill drove by and we decided to run together :) I love running with a buddy because talking makes the time go by a lot faster. 

As for the shoes.. I think I will need to trade them for a bigger size. I bought my normal size which is an 8. I didn't realize these shoes run kinda small so I will be going up a size. Other than that I love em! 

21 miles last week total!

Last week the weather was to die for and the mornings were just right. I ran 21 miles in 1 week! I think I could get used to these warm temperatures, especially since I didn't have to layer up. My new favorite workout gear is my Zella shorts and a tank. It is hot! 


I also did a great training today that I think will help me out in the long-run. I want to become a faster runner so I asked a couple people at the gym and this is what I did. Went down to a track at the school and ran 2 miles. I alternated between 1 lap sprint and then 1 lap jog. After a while I was really sore but I hope that it helps to develop those sprint muscles! I am going to try that once a week. My goal is to be quicker! 


It was also 4th of July week so here is a beautiful view of where we were :)

Ruston Way

This week: Focus more on swimming! Since the weather is so warm, I am going to go out to a lake (my bf lives on) and swim :) With all the running I've been doing I haven't been swimming as much as I'd like. 2 days a week just doesn't cut it. So my goals this week are to swim more and run longer runs just a couple times instead of every day. I just bought new goggles that I am excited to try out! 

Happy Monday!

15 miles and counting...

.Run in the Sun.

Today was a great running day. Blue skies, warm temp, and sunshine! I thought for sure after a great 4th of July night with friends, I would not be up for running in the morning. I  worked early at 5:30 am and was off at 9 am. Right when I stepped outside I knew I just had to go for a run. Surprisingly my boyfriend even wanted to come along! The run started out great until about mile 2 when I realized I should have worn a tank! The route was fairly flat with a couple hills that made it even harder. I was so thankful that I chose to wear a hat :-) I was also excited that my boyfriend wanted to come on the run because I think he actually enjoyed it. Maybe he can be my new running partner? ;) Of course in addition to my little yorkie Teddy who just loves my runs!

This morning before I decided to go for a run, I realized that I need to set some goals for myself. I have not had the chance to sit down and write down any specific goals to work towards this year. I know that I want to run a half-marathon next year (RnR July 2013), but I haven't actually written it down or set anything aside from that. This week I am going to focus on writing something so I can have a clear direction. I have heard many times in college that if you write down your goals, you are more likely to achieve them and more. (my goal blog post will be coming up soon!)

As for now, I have ran 15 miles this week. I am having a blast and loving it more every time I do it. Is that normal? I don't know. But I do know that I enjoy running and it keeps me going. I also just recently found a job which is super exciting. Maybe that is why I'm so motivated lately? I want to succeed and do well. I have been trying for over a year now to find a job. I probably applied to 120+ jobs/positions. It has been a crazy year and I am so thankful that I have found a job that I can make into a career. I will keep on running though :-)


Also have to mention that this is my new favorite drink that I have been ending my runs with! It is so delicious. 

Don't forget Jill's giveaway on Running to Sanity!

Running to Sanity is giving away free Snuggbuds! They look awesome and I sure do want a pair :)