This weekend felt like the epitome of the ideal east coast fall weekend. There was a chill in the air but the sun shone brightly and welcomed us out. This Saturday I FINALLY broke out of my marathon training block!! I mentioned last week that I couldn’t break 11 miles and it was really frustrating me. I altered my pre and mid-run fuel slightly and the changes worked! I ran just under 14 miles, which is the longest I’ve ever run in my life. Aside from a bit of windburn (it was a cold and rainy morning) I felt pretty dang good. One of the weekend’s highlights was when my lovely friend Amanda came up from the city to spend Sunday morning hiking with me. It’s nearly impossible to drag my husband out to a forest or mountain for hours of outdoor walking and climbing but Amanda was more than game and we had the best time. We ended up hiking every single trail on the map, only to come home and refuel with a crisp glass of white wine, naturally. I hope most of you are enjoying the long weekend and have off for Columbus Day! There are no such thing as holidays in the fitness industry, so I will be heading into the city this evening to teach my Monday night ride…after a long run on Saturday and an even longer hike on Sunday, I’m crossing my fingers that my legs will be up to spinning tonight!
How I start and end EVERY work day: the largest cup of coffee – half french vanilla, half pumpkin spice with a splash of skim to wake me up, and the largest cup of passion iced tea to relax me on the commute home.
Ok, maybe this pumpkin thing is getting a little out of control.
Although I’ve seen this product around for a while, I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to try it. Nuun is similar to gatorade in that it provides essential electrolytes lost during strenuous activity, however it’s made from all natural ingredients and has a pleasant fizziness. It’s also only 7 calories and doesn’t contain any harsh chemical sweeteners that hurt my stomach. It’s fantastic to drop into my water on the days I teach multiple classes; it helps with my fatigue and keeps me hydrated!
This week’s running fuel combination that seems to be a winner. Prerun KIND bar + bulletproof coffee and a couple of GU Chomps mid run, chewed around mile 11, at the onset of my fatigue. (& a Friday night doodle)
Warning: If you like peanut butter, this box = precisely TWO servings. Ok, one and a half….
Saturday night wrist lovin’
Trader Joe’s MUST have changed the formula for this lotion. Last year I wasn’t the biggest fan, it smelled more like sweet apples rather than spicy pumpkin. This year it definitely smells more warm and spicy and certainly more like pumpkin than apple. I like this year’s version much better, and Dan likes it too.
The chillness in the air means its time to break out my FAVORITE fall accessory – this oversized cape/scarf hybrid thing! (technical fashion term there..) It is SO warm and cozy and the absolute best layering piece. I wear it over anything from a tank top to a sweater and also wear it under a heavier coat or leather jacket. Saturday night was a little chilly and wet from the morning’s rain so I paired it with black leggings, a grey tank top and my grey Hunter boots. So simple and comfy, but cute enough to wear to dinner! I purchased this at TJ Maxx last year, but I have seen similar ones there this season. I’ve also found similar items on Swell.com.
Tried two new-to-me pumpkin beers this weekend and I have to say, not the biggest fan of either. Smuttynose & Blue Moon’s pumpkin beers are still reigning supreme for this chick.
Date night: His & Hers .. margarita for her & mojito for him.
An overflowing bowl of guac makes my heart sing.
Mexican cravings satisfied at Vega.
OOTD for a morning hike: long leggings to tuck into sneaker, a comfy pullover layered over a fitted tank.
Taking in all the warmth of the foliage.
Feeling accomplished after completing several trails AND figuring out self timer photos in the middle of the woods.
A few good inclines, but nothing too threatening.
So much fun spending the day with this girl who is just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside.
This weekend was the perfect combination of fun, relaxation and adventure. I’m hoping to have MANY more hikes in the near future. On Sunday we went to Arthur W. Butler Memorial Sanctuary in Mt. Kisco. I would definitely recommend this hike to anyone who is fairly new to hiking or hesitant about heavy climbing. While there were certainly a good amount of inclines, it wasn’t too intense and there are a variety of trails to choose from, some challenging, some very easy. We happened to stay there for about four hours and do every single trail…if you’re an active one, I highly recommend doing just that. 🙂
If you are in the tristate area, feel free to email me or comment your favorite hiking trails!
Have a great week and enjoy the rest of this long weekend!
xoxo
lindsayylovee 