don't fret, stay fit!

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s especially important to stay fit. Finding time to workout may be challenging, you may not be able to get in as much time at the gym as you’d like. But, its ALWAYS better to do part or half of your workout rather than nothing at all. Just twenty minutes of intense cardio can get your heart rate up and give you more energy throughout the day. Energy is essential during the holidays to keep you going during you busy schedule.

If you are having trouble sticking to a workout regimen, try scheduling your workouts into your planner. Keep your workouts booked just as you would any other important event. You’ll feel better knowing you have the time to get fit already penciled in!

And if you’re feeling guilty for cutting the gym to hit up some last minute holiday sales, listen to this: SHAPE.com tells us you can burn a respectable 420 calories in a two hour trip carrying your shopping bags around! A whole new outlook on power shopping! So no more excuses... stay active and fit during the holiday season and have fun doing it!



Who needs dumbells when you have shopping bags to do your bicep curls?!



Happy Turkey Trot!

Turkey Trot in Uniontown, PA

Happy Thanksgiving!

At my Great Aunt's for all day Family Festivities.

Showing off our shirts and my medal for 1st place in my division!

I heart cold weather gear

Found this colder weather running top I really like. Not only is it a cool shade of pink and black, the shape of the bodice is like a sweetheart top which is a favorite of mine...gives your basic half-zip a stylish twist!

More Colors at Nikestore.com!

New shoes!

I just bought new running shoes. They are Nike Air Pegasus +27.. the updated version of my Nike Air Pegasus +26 (the shoes I wore for my Half Marathon) I have been trying out a few different shoes since this summer but I finally just had to go get these! The color of these shoes compared to my last pair isn't as fun but they will do as long as they are blue! These shoes fit me so well. I'll have them broken in very shortly!

My First Half

Thought I would share some photos from my first ever Half Marathon this past year. Hard work and dedication got me to the finish line under my goal time-- 1:39:59.. just under 8 minute miles! Competing in this race was an amazing experience to say the least. (Look for a post later on about my training for this event!)



I already registered for the Pittsburgh  Half Marathon in May 2011! 


 


On my way to the starting line...



My supporters! They surprised me with shirts that said "Run Bess Run."
We didn't even coordinate the matching colors!





Pittsburgh Parrot thought I tasted good after running 13.1 miles.



Found my name on the wall with all other marathon runners!





Pittsburgh, PA "City of Bridges" See you on May 15th, 2011!







 

The PB of PB and B.

This peanut butter is the best! I switched to this kinda of Jif with Omega-3 about a year ago. It's got the same amount of protein plus the added omega-3 and less carbs! The texture is more smooth and creamy compared to regular Jif or reduced fat. This is the perfect peanut butter for health nuts and pb lovers!



 

What's your fav?



Creativity with Sportswear

This "dress"  is actually a Nike Yoga top that I bought this Summer. Since I'm pretty short, the top was too long on me but I really liked the comfy material and didn't want to return it. So, I decided to keep it as a short casual dress! I have worn it out as a dress a few times and people can't believe its Nike Sportswear. I totally like the vibe it gives off... sporty, sexy, simple.

Nike Dress

Thankful to Run!

Thanksgiving is one of the biggest race days of the year! There are so many varieties of races that all usually support great causes. There are cross-country style races, traditional road races, beach runs, and even events that award pies to all finishers. Most Thanksgiving Day races are pretty short in distance, like 4 or 5ks and fun runs--- leaving you plenty of time to prepare for dinner afterwards!  It’s the perfect way to start your Thanksgiving day--- having fun with family and friends, helping a cause, and burning enough calories to be guilt-free at the dinner table!

This year, my sister and I are doing a Turkey Trot in Uniontown, PA which supports the Salvation Army. Can't wait to start my Turkey day celebration with a Trot!

Fall Running

I love the weather and the colors of fall. The coolness of the air and the warm colors of the leaves set the scene for some amazing Fall running.

Running with Sunglasses

So its not summer, but Sunglasses are a year-round accessory! I almost ALWAYS need them when I'm running.


Many have questioned me on this and "criticized" my sunglasses choices. So maybe I shouldn't wear my typical bug-eyed glasses while I'm running, but most "sportwear" shades are just plain ugly. The ridicule from my friends made me search for stylish lenses made for sports.


Here are some great finds:



     

Nike



            

Nike

                                                                   

                                                                          Oakley's




 
4 Reasons to run in sunglasses anytime

1. It's bright out. Summer sun or winter white snow can be brutal on the eyes, especially if you are outside running for an hour. I know my eyes are sensitive to light so I have to protect them!

2. It's windy sometimes. Who wants road dirt and other things flying into your eyes while your trying to run?? Especially if you wear contacts (a.k.a. me), getting something in your eye is just a pain... well.. in the eye.


3. Keeping my hair out of my face. As much as I can tighten my ponytail, some shorter piecces around my face still fall out while I run. With sunglasses on, I can just tuck the loose pieces behind my ears.


4. Incognito. I like to run freely and usually without interuption. With sunglasses on, I feel like I'm somewhat in disguise. It kind of helps me get in the zone.







RUNshine

Finally a day off with some good weather!! I've been feeling like I have missed out on really nice running weather the past 2 weeks because of work. I know working 9-5 is "normal" and don't get me wrong, I don't hate it. Howev, the best weather occurs right in the middle of my work day! But, I can't do anything about it so on my days off, sunshine is an incredible gift that makes me unbelievably happy. So today I got to enjoy the sunshine while I ran 8.3 miles.

Are you afraid of the Dark?

With Daylight Savings complete, it’s time to transition to running in the dark. Night running is definitely something different but it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your running altogether.  With the right preparation and focus, you can make the most out of any evening workout.

A True Commitment

Getting out of work at 5 p.m. to find it’s already dark outside makes winter running very challenging. You have to stay committed and focused and be smart in the dark!

Here are some thoughts…

Safety First, Then Fitness

Well-Lit Route: It might not be the sexiest route to run on, but the best-lit route will be your safest bet. People will be able to see you and vice versa. Also, you will be better able to see where you are running.

Keep It Simple: Rather than plot out a 10-mile run, try a shorter distance loop that you can do as many times as necessary. This way, you are closer to home and can let family/friends know where you’ll be running in case of an emercency.

But winter running requires more than a few extra planning steps, you have to gear up to get out in the dark!

Be Visible: Wearing Bright, loud colors with reflective material is a must. Add on a few flashing strobe lights (red for your back, white for your front) and you’ll be spotted sure.

Cold Nights: Running in the evening means preparing for lower temperatures. You’ll need to have a variety of gear to keep you safe and comfortable in any weather situation.

Reflective gear isn’t the chicest of looks, but being safe in the dark is always in style. Here are some great night running pieces to reflect on…..  ENJOY!  

If you're going bananas....

If you are having a rough day, week or anything... go for a run!!! Take advantage of a beautiful day and get outside. Enjoy the sun and you will feel better. Running is a great way to leave you stress and worries behind!

On that note... It was a BEAUTIFUL weekend for running! The weather was sunny with a light breeze and made for a long run day. I decided on 9 miles and mapped out this course on mapmyrun.com. It was one of my shorter runs with a few miles tacked on to the end! I ended up really enjoying the course I came up with! Much needed long run in the sun to break up the cold! Thanks weekend, you were great.

Run Forrest Run

While visiting friends in Hoboken, NJ, we spent a day in New York City. Of all the choices for a restaurant, my friends so kindly let me pick... Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. was the obvious choice! My friends know it is my favorite movie. The restaurant was a blast, with Forrest Gump Movie trivia (which I dominated) and movie set themed decor that made you feel like you were at Mama's house in Greenbo, Alabama! So here are a few pictures from our visit to Bubba Gump!

Forrest Gump, one of my idols. He is an inspiration to all runners. Maybe one day, I'll run across america.. just because I feel like running.. :)

Jill and I enjoying Lt. Dan Lemonades! He's got magic legs.

To Forrest Gump!