Running Book + Happy Chocolate Day!

{Wednesday Workout}

Outside: 7 miles: 1:06:30

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People often say you should never go out in sweatpants because it shows how little you care about your appearance. Well, man..sometimes, getting dressed and cleaned up is simply too much effort, especially when you have a day off!

I went grocery shopping looking a mess yesterday:

Afterwards, I met up with a gf at a little cafe to catch up.

Hot chocolate + brownies = win.

Meeting my friend meant I had to clean myself up a bit. Bummer.

Fact: I really, really dislike wearing jeans. (those are not jeans I'm wearing). If I find a pair I like/are flattering on me, I'll buy the same one twice. {What's a good jean brand??} Also, I am SUPER awkward and never buy the item that I tried on. It has to be a different one off the rack. Weirdo, I'm aware.

Are you a wear make-up every day person??

I used to be 100% make-up free. I only wore lip gloss to my university graduation for example. These days, I'll put on my fave estee lauder foundation and blush when I see my friends because it's a nice change! Otherwise, I'm usually bare-faced for work and every day in between!

Anyyyway, my friend isn't a runner, but knows I love it. She brought me a book as a little present!

Has anyone read this??

I will ALWAYS tell you I'm clueless when it comes to running. There are SO many informative running blogs out there. Me, I just run. I'm in the process of really educating myself this year though.

So far, this book is GREAT! It had all the downhill running tips that you guys told me about!

Also, I didn't know about this:

I didn't know about the 180 steps per minute thing. NOTED!

I will also be trying this - slowing waay down for the long runs. I think that might be a challenge to not push the pace...because I have no idea how to pace myself.

Has there been anything interesting/new-to-you that you discovered about running??

There is A LOT new to me. From not heel-striking, how to run up and downhill, doing speed-work, fueling and to pacing. It's a bit overwhelming how much is new because I simply just put on shoes and run. I'm trying to "do it right" this year so I'm slowly gathering the information.

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I took it outside for my run yesterday. It's been a while since I've run outside! The weather was perfeeection:

I did the first 6 miles in 56:45 minutes and then slowed it down for mile 7.

It is ICY out there. The first 4 miles were spent slippin and sliding. Yikes!

I have to say - these pro compression socks REALLY work. My calves and legs feel absolutely fantastic. I used to really *feel* my runs and really feel heavy-legged. These days, I can happily run the day after I do 13 miles. I ordered 4 more pro compression socks. 

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Happy Chocolate..err..Valentine's Day!!

Any plans??

I'm spending it with a good friend of mine. Whenever we see each other, he always brings me a little box of chocolates or ferrero rochers(my faaaaaave)..yesss, he knows me well!!

I don't dislike V-Day..I just really don't care much about it. I do dislike like how it can make a lot of people feel sad.

If you do hate it: Love yourself, hug yourself, eat some chocolate (and buy the day-after on-sale chocolate, too) and the day is over. :)