I'm A Convert

54 Days To Go

Six miles...check! Sunday I was not feeling well. I fought the good old internal struggle debating on if I should postpone my run until today or toughen up and get out there and take care of business. I chose B and I can honestly say, running made me feel better. What an incentive! In addition, I also am no longer a "skirt virgin." Here's more on that.

A highlight of my week was that Athleta was kind of enough to offer me a running outfit for being part of the Athleta Chi "Share Your Chi" article. I chose the Reflective Chase Skort (you know how I have been tempted by those running skirts) and the Long Sleeve Twist Top. Truth is, I have been drooling over this combo for a while now - here's what it looks like on the model:

And now, the real life version (aka: me).

Cute, huh? I love it. To be quite honest, just slipping the skirt on gave me some added fuel to get out and run even when I was not feeling up to par. It's still a bit too warm to sport the Twist Top, but it so comfortable and I know in late fall/early winter it's going to be a staple running top. As for my first skirt running experience, I couldn't have been any more pleasantly surprised. First of all, this skirt is made of a moisture-wicking, breathable material and is lined with a jersey-type short (adios, chaff gremlin). There is a convenient zipper side pocket that was a great stash for my 1/3 Performance Power Bar I have been chowing down on to re-energize after mile 4. I mentioned my skirt skepticism earlier. I was so worried I might not feel athletic or strong running in skirt. I was wrong. I LOVED running in this skirt. I even got a honk or two on my run (okay, I'm pretty sure it was a friend of mine, but I chose to believe it was someone admiring my skirt stride). So, I'm officially a convert. Thanks, Athleta.

I have a few great things blog-wise on the horizon, so stay tuned! I have been able to team up with a few of my favorite brands for some exciting giveaways that I can't wait to share with you.

Highlight of Last Week: Um, hello. A snazzy new running outfit, of course.

Lesson of Last Week: Another pre-judgement proven wrong. Kudos to you skirt-thusiasts that caught on to this functionally fabulous trend long before I did.

Power Song of Last Week: I've been rockin' out to an old favorite, The Indigo Girls, lately. "Shame On You" has kept me light on my feet this past week.

Keepin' On, Keepin' On

64 Days To Go

What a great week this has been! For many reasons, some of which (of course) I am going to share. My little chunky monkey is becoming more of a little person each day. He took his first steps recently. His expressions, laughter, mimics, and gestures show me how much more aware he is becoming of the world around him. It is a blissful time in mommyhood. On the running front, I have found further support pop up in encouraging places. This feature on the Athleta Chi website was a true honor.

If you are not familiar with the Athleta Chi blog, head over to their site and check it out. I have been drooling over Athleta active apparel for quite some time, but the community they have built on their Chi site is something every athlete/mother/woman/ _____ (insert your own self-description here) should peruse for inspiration on living a healthy lifestyle.

Running has been quite enjoyable this past week. There have been a few sneak peek Fall breezes that make my evening runs a refreshing and crisp experience. I am feeling my legs become more powerful and my will more determined as I grow closer to the big day in November. We've decided to take advantage of the trip down to St. Pete and also make a v-line to Disney for the monkey's first Mickey Mouse experience (that's aside from Playhouse Disney on TV, of course. Can you say "meeska, mooska, Mickey Mouse!") before heading to the half. (P.S. I am also soliciting any advice from experienced mamas on the Disney experience. What should I bring? Where should we stay? What should we do? It will be a one-day trip, most likely. After all, he'll only be one-year-old and mama has a race to prepare for.)

Another week of Stroller Strides (or Strollercise, as my husband calls it) three days this week and I have the sore muscles to prove it. Hurts so good! I am looking forward to my long run on Sunday and testing my new Amphipod hydration belt I purchased. I'll let you know how it goes.

Happy running, friends!