Yikes… Where did the past week go!? I have so much to catch up on and don’t know where to begin…
To keep it running related, how about we start with some #MilesOfShame. A little over a week ago I mentioned a running challenge that I LOVED! PavementRunner and NYCRunningMama hosted a running challenge for the AFC and NFC Championship Games. Being from New England, I of course chose the Patriots, and though it was an unfortunate outcome in terms of the actual game, I had to run 15 miles, and believe it or not, that turned out to be a blast. Since the first challenge was so much fun, I was psyched to see that PavementRunner and NYCRunningMama are hosting another #MilesOfShame “Put your money where your running shoes are” Challenge for the Superbowl. If you want to check it our or partake in the Challenge post the team your rooting for in the comments section either here: PavementRunner or here: NYCRunningMama. If you decide to join the deal is, you pick a team, and if your team loses you have to run the point differential. If your real favorite team isn’t in the Superbowl this year, this ups the anty on reasons to watch on Sunday! May the odds be ever in your favor…
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So…the reason that I’ve been extremely M.I.A. for the past week is because I started taking my pre-reqs for nursing! I make it sound like I’m working full time and going to school full-time, when in reality I’m only taking one class this semester. I’m not trying to be dramatic, I’m just transitioning. I’m trying to find my balance between working, taking a class, maintaining marathon training, and maintaining some form of a life in general on top of it all. Balance is key, and though I haven’t found it yet, I’m really excited at where this new addition could potentially lead. Until I figure it, I’m sorry for being somewhat M.I.A.! I’m still keeping up with all the blogs I follow, and everyone else’s busy lives are keeping me motivated to maintain mine. So, thank you all for keeping me inspired!
Are you struggling to find balance? What helps you to fit it all in?
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A little more running related and soon to come…
I’m in the process of revamping my marathon training. In part, I feel like it’s necessary to revamp because I didn’t incorporate any speed training into the initial blueprint; and in part I feel like there are so many ways to keep training interesting while also improving time and seeing positive results. If anyone has any favorite speedwork workouts (do these exist?) help a girl out!
Now to what I’ve been dying to share…
I was a bit of a birthday diva this year, and absolutely loved every second of it! It was accidental, I swear. It all started because my sister and best friend were planning to visit over MLK weekend. This fell several days before my birthday, but since they were here, I wanted to celebrate with them! So being a baby of the 80’s (barely), we decided to go to Canal Room for 80’s night to see Back to the 80’s with Jessie’s Girl. I love every and any reason to dress up for a theme night, and haven’t been able to think of an 80s song that I don’t like, so everything about this plan seemed ideal.
I do have to say that I am thankful that one of the trends of the 80s that went out with that decade is teasing your hair. I’m all for the leg warmers…but the hair…even with the 80s music blaring it felt more like the 2000s (?) when Dashboard sang “You’re hair it’s everywhere…”
I was ready to call it a day with the birthday festivities…but the best was yet to come! On my real birthday, I took half of a vacation day so that I could have a little SoulCycle rendezvous with @MissJessieGar. And then some of my wonderful girlfriends took me to Aria for dinner.
Unfortunately, I don’t have any pictures of the food. I’d love to take pictures of food, but I have a habit of getting too excited that food is on the table, so by the time I remember to take a picture of it, it’s half-way gone and looks far less appetizing. But if you love Italian tapas, wine, delicious dessert, and sharing with friends, Aria is amazing.
Aria is so amazing that I actually tried to go back the next night for birthday celebrations with Batman. The wait was a little too long for our liking, so we made our way over to Fig & Olive for a lovely little dinner date. Fig & Olive is taking part in restaurant week, so if you want to check out their menu you still have until February 8th!
And finally, one of the best parts of birthday festivities this year, was the gift from Batman. Despite the low resolution and poor quality of many of my pictures on my blog so far (though convenient, cellphone pics may not be the best all the time), I love, love, love taking pictures! Batman got me the Nikon DS3100 VR Kit. I’m still trying to assemble it and figure out how to use the camera, but I can’t wait to share some high quality pictures once it’s up and running!
I may have been a birthday diva (aka brat) this year, but I truly appreciated everything, and am so thankful for everyone that was a part of it!
What was your favorite birthday celebration?
Are you a birthday diva/brat, or do you play it cool?
Despite all of this distraction, I’m still feeling pretty good about training. Plus, 80s night gave me a few ideas for my running playlist.
What’s your favorite 80s song?
What I’m Running to: 99 Red Ballons – GoldFinger
Fueled by Endorphins 
2 responses to “Birthday Diva, More #MilesOfShame & Finding Balance”
Every time I add something new to my life I have a period of absenteeism in other areas! I need time to find that balance, so I know where you are coming from. Besides, one class is still a lot of extra time commitment.
Thank you, that makes me feel better that I'm not the only one! I'm trying to get everything in order this weekend so that next week runs more smoothly.