National Running Day

Guess what day it is…..its National Running Day, oh and its hump day!

I run so therefore I’m celebrating

http://www.runningday.org/group-runs/

I’m celebrating by running in the MetroPCS Dallas Marathon Kickoff Run tonight at Winfrey Point, 4.4 miles. Although it is not a timed run, I am still counting it as one of my races. I get a bib so therefore it’s a race!

What do you do after running 4.4 miles? You stay for the 80’s after party - totally stoked about that! Who doesn’t love a good 80’s cover band, free beer and food trucks?!? Great way to spend a Wednesday evening!

Lace up your sneaks and go for a run or even a casual jog.

Happy running,

Kris

Memorial Day "Murph"

Monday morning I joined my East Dallas CrossFit family for the traditional Memorial Day Hero WOD, “Murph.”  This was my first Hero WOD.

Lieutenant Michael Patrick Murphy lost his life in June 2005 during a mission to kill or capture a Taliban leader hiding in the hills of Afghanistan’s Kunar Province. Trapped in a firefight behind enemy lines, the Navy Seal was gunned down after he abandoned cover in an effort to call for backup. He was posthumously honored with 14 service medals, including the Medal of Honor, Silver Star, and Purple Heart.

Lieutenant Murphy called his grueling workout “Body of Armor” – he did it while wearing a 25-pound flak jacket – but after his death, the folks at CrossFit renamed it the “Murph” and added it to their collection of hero workouts, named for fallen soldiers.  

Lieutenant Michael Murphy

“Murph” is a mile run followed by 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 air squats, and another mile run. My box also offered a scaled version of “Murph”; 850m run followed by 50 pull-ups, 100 push-ups, 150 squats, and another 850m run.

After much deliberation I decided to do the full “Murph.” I was talking it out with my friend Jill who reminded me of my big goal, going out big in 39! That was the encouraging talk I needed - it was decided, I was doing the full “Murph.” Since I can’t do pull-ups yet I asked if I could do ring rows, once I got the OK I was happy with my decision to do the full version.

The “Murph” went down at 9:00am. When I got there I didn’t think the turnout would be as big as it was, seems like 30 or so people were there, maybe more. We broke out into two groups, the scaled version and the full version.  The scaled version went first. Watching them complete the WOD made me nervous for choosing the full version. It’s a tough workout regardless of the version. My friend Jill completed it with a broken toe! Talk about a warrior!

I decided to break out the pull-ups (ring rows), push-up and squats into 10 sets of 10-20-30 so I would do 10 ring rows, 20 push-ups and 30 squats, 10 times. Yikes!

The second group started about 9:45. We gathered around the door waiting for the countdown clock to beep. BEEP….and we are off. I kept my running pace of 10 minutes. I kept up with Charlie and was able to follow his pace through the first mile. He got me through those hills; I didn’t want to stop if he wasn’t. Y’all know I HATE hills!

Back inside I started my 10 sets. I was next to one of my coaches, Trevor. He kept me on tempo with the squats, definitely chose a good spot for my sets. The first three sets weren’t so tough but that quickly changed. By the sixth set my legs were on fire and my arms were exhausted! I could hear Jill call out my name and every time she did, I started moving again.....thanks Jill!!  

I'm either taking a break or praying....photo credit @jillybeanbexar

Once I crossed off that last set I headed outside for my final run. My legs felt like jelly and my run was more like a shuffle. I came up to another member and I stopped and walked with him for a second and then he said run so I started to run and just kept on running till I ran back through those doors! Final time 59:57, I will take it my friends!

I survived my first Memorial Day “Murph!” Ask me how I feel today….well I can barely walk so I waddle, I wince in pain when I stand up or sit down and I refuse to raise my arms. Was it worth it, H-E-Double Hockey Sticks it was!

After the workout, the remaining group, about 7 of us went over to Taco Joint for some tacos and a well-deserved beer!

I LOVE my CrossFit family……they are truly great friends who consistently inspire me!  

Kristin

Referenced Men’s Journal Magazine, www.mensjournal.com

Rock the Block 5k

Drum roll please……I am officially half way through my race challenge…..YAY!! If I am being honest, I didn’t think I would actually stick with this challenge. I hate to admit that I give up on things from time to time but I do, so to actually stick this out is a pleasant surprise.

I started the long weekend with my 19^th race, Rock the Block 5k benefitting the Jim Utley Foundation. The JUF is a non-profit dedicated to rewarding youth for choosing to live drug free, getting good grades, doing community service and participating in healthy living activities. To find out more about the foundation visit www.donteventryit.org

Just say NO to drugs kiddos, crack is whack!

Traditional bib picture

The race was located in Plano at the Oak Point Nature Preserve. Anyone ever been out there? I don’t go to Plano often…it’s sort of out of my happy bubble in the Lakewood/Casa Linda/Uptown/Deep Ellum area ….so I had never been. The trail was pretty awesome though…..parts of it reminded me of running around Town Lake in Austin. I would definitely run the trail again when a change in scenery is needed.

You had the choice of running a 5k or a 10k, I chose the 5k. I am not sure why I chose the 5k but I am glad that I did. It was crazy muggy Saturday morning and I was simply just tired. My official race time was 34:17, placed 10^th in my age division. I just can’t seem to break that 34 minute time on my 5k. Definitely need to work on speed and well hills, dang hills!

Stretch!

During my last mile I saw this guy run past me juggling pins and running barefoot. I get the running barefoot thing but juggling, so odd. I can barely run and hold my phone, I couldn’t imagine juggling anything!!

After the race I met Lindsey in Richardson for some breakfast (not tacos!) and a mimosa, nom nom nom!

20 more races to go!

Kristin 

Disco 10k

‘Cause trash disco is seventies cool…. do the hustle!

Sunday was a fun race day! I participated in the Disco 5k and 10K with a lot of out of sight and groovy people! This was just a hands down fun race. The costumes were hilarious and creative! There was one guy who dressed up as a disco ball, yes a disco ball! I hate that I didn’t snap a picture of him. There were also a lot of people wearing leotards, like Jane Fonda leotards. I won’t comment further on that!

Sunday was a great day for a 6.2 mile run. The weather was great, slightly overcast that morning but thankfully it wasn’t blazing hot. You had the choice of running a 5k or a 10k, I chose the 10k. The course was a bit boring; it was Fair Park after all so not a ton of scenery unless you enjoy looking at parking lots. The 10k course was an out and back loop that you repeated, snooze! I can’t complain too much, this was my fastest 10k this year; I use the word fast loosely. My official time was 1:12:43 so roughly a 12 minute mile. I am still slow but I ran the whole thing so I am proud! I even scored some new hardware!

After the race I walked through all of the booths before deciding to leave. On my way home I ran over to my favorite place, the Greenspot and grabbed a taco and a diet coke. Breakfast of champions! After breakfast I kicked off my bright yellows and took a nice long nap with the pups. I don’t hate it!

On a serious note.....

The Disco 5k and 10k benefits a phenomenal organization, Taylor’s Gift.  This organization is very close to my heart, not because I knew Taylor but for what they promote and encourage others to do, give life. I remember hearing the story of Taylor Storch on the news when her accident first happened. Taylor was a young vibrant teenager on vacation in Colorado with her family when a tragic skiing accident took her life. After being told Taylor would not survive, her parents made the decision to give the gift of life through organ donation. Taylor saved many lives with her selfless gift.

My dad use to say, if it works, you can use it. I share that same philosophy. My dad was a donor at the time of his death and although they could not actually use his organs for someone in immediate need, they were able to use in research. Like many of us, I would love to live in a world without disease and I believe that his gift has and will continue to help researchers move one step closer to finding a cure for diabetes and related illnesses.  

To find out more about Taylor, becoming a donor or to support Taylor’s Gift, please visit their website www.taylorsgift.org. They have some pretty cute tees for purchase, I got one!

One more race down, 21 more races to go!!! 

Kris

May Races

April showers bring May flowers or in my case, 4 more races!

I am almost half-way through my goal!  CAN.NOT.BELIEVE.IT!! The Rock the Block 5k will be my 19^th race which will roughly bring me to my half-way point.

Check it out.....

5/3/2014 – DRC Rock n’ Roll 5 mile

5/17/2014 – Tasty Run 5k

5/18/2014 – Disco 10k

5/24/2014 – Rock the Block 5k

I have to admit that I have been a bit lax on my clean eating/weight watchers/paleo lifestyle.   I better pull up my granny panties and get back on track if I want to meet ALL my goals for the year!

On a side note – I was able to do 4 semi-good pull-ups yesterday at CrossFit, with a band of course. That’s progress my friends!

Totally off topic but something fun to think about. A good friend of mine recently suggested making a summer bucket list and honestly, I think it’s an awesome idea! First thing on my list, paddle boarding at White Rock or any other local lake…..who is with me? I will share my bucket list once I make it. Better start working on it, summer is right around the corner! What’s on your summer bucket list?

Happy Thursday!

Kris

April Races

Well, talk about a slacker in the blogging department!

For reals though, April was a busy month for me.  I think I celebrated my birthday all month long which is not a bad thing, makes me grateful for the wonderful friends in my life who want to celebrate with me. 

Work has been crazy busy, as it always is this time of the year. I will be able to breathe after Thursday, ahhhhhh!

I will sum up all my April races in one nice post and I swear going forward, I will blog on a regular basis. I HAVE to keep all my faithful followers up to date on my challenge and wacky life, all five of you! LOVE YOU ALL!

SO my first race was the Tal Morrison Classic which I actually did post about, whew. My second race was the Celebration White Rock 10k. Let me be real honest, this race was not a favorite.  I didn’t care for the course at all. Y’all know that I love running the lake but there is a part of the lake that has a beat up path with tons of broken up concrete and it is not fun to run on. My poor ankles! You also had the option of running a 5k or the 10k, I chose the 10k, and everyone else chose the 5k or at least that is how it felt. Running all alone, whomp!  After the race I accidently slammed my leg in the car door….SON OF A BISCUIT!!!!! For two weeks I had this nice massive bruise which was real pretty when wearing skirts and dresses.  It just wasn’t my night. My time was awful but it was for a good cause, White Rock Lake so I can’t complain too much!

Ahhh, cold beer post race at the Taco Joint

Following the Celebration White Rock was the Run Together 5k at Community Brewery. Now this was a FUN race! My friend Bryan from EDCF found this race, good job Bryan! I invited my friends Mike and Diana to join as well. The course was a lot of fun and ran through the Design District. After the run we enjoyed a few beers, laughs and celebrations. Both Bryan and Mike placed in their age division. They both walked away with a fancy glass from Community Brewery. They rock! Brewery runs are the best!

Mike and Bryan with their thier prized glasses!

Easter weekend provided an opportunity for another run, Easter 4 mile run. This run was held at my church, First Baptist Dallas. They also offered a 1 mile family walk prior to the run. When I registered for the race, I received a free registration for a friend or family member! Guess who got that little surprise….my mom!! I could hear her eyes roll when I told that she was going to walk. She was just happy with the shirt and the free breakfast! It was fun to have her participate.

And she's off.....go Mimi!

The following weekend was the Run the Highlands 5k and the Rise and Shine 5k. This was my second year to participate in the Run the Highlands 5k. My friend Lindsey’s sister-in-law, Courtney is a member of the Lake Highland Women’s Junior League and this is their big money raiser so of course we are going to support her! This was a great course with a awesome carnival afterwards, tons of freebies! The only thing I hate about this course is Heartbreak Hill. Right after mile 2 is the steep hill of death! Last year, I could not even run up it, this year I got half way before I gave up! This hill breaks your heart which is why I call it Heartbreak Hill. Next year I will make it my bitch, excuse the language!

With Lindsey before the Run the Highlands 5k

The Rise and Shine 5k was a special race for me. This race benefited the Dallas Rise School which specializes in providing the highest quality of early childhood education services to children with Downs Syndrome or other developmental disabilities. The kids made this race so special. It was so sweet to see their faces light up when they crossed the finished line and get their medal. The race started at 1:30 which made for a HOT run! I love the heat but I hate running in the heat, no bueno! On the bright side, there was free beer afterwards so it was worth running in the heat! I ran this race with some of my wonderful friends from work. Sweet Jennifer won first place in her age group! She’s an inspiration!

Rise and Shine 5k

Whew, that was a lot of races for April! May and June are just as crazy so I better start sucking it up and get my game face on! I am almost to the half-way point of goal…..YAY!!!

Peace out homies,

Kris

Tal Morrison Classic

This was a great run for a great cause! The Tal Morrison Classic 15k/5k benefits the Tal Morrison Scholarship Fund which is a charitable nonprofit organization that raises money to be awarded to extraordinary students who are runners in DISD cross country programs.

Tal Morrison founded the Dallas Marathon, previously known as the White Rock Marathon, and the Dallas Running Club. Tal is also a veteran of World War II and believes in supporting the education goals of Dallas high school students. It was an honor to run in this race!

You had the choice to run a 5k or a 15k, I decided to run the 5k….lame lame but I knew after celebrating my birthday ALL week, I was not ready for the 15k. The 5k was an easy out and back run. I needed easy but now it is time to ramp things up!

Traditional bib picture and yay for running skirt weather!

There was a slight chill in the air on Saturday which was actually kind of nice for the run. My official time was 34:43. I seem to stay in-between a 32 minute- 35 minute 5k. My goal for this year is a 29 minute 5k…I am getting close but really need to work on my speed. I’m still a turtle running in peanut butter. I saw a t-shirt that said sloth running team…loved it and need to own it!

My unofficial time from my GPS

Best part about this race….I finally beat, no wait…I SMOKED the 80 year old speed walker! It doesn’t matter that I made my way to the start line with the “real” runners….you know the runners that wear those barely there running shorts that flow in the air when they run and their tank tops. You know who I am talking about….Usually I am mid pack or in the back with the speed walker. This lady is swift y’all, she is FAST like a gazelle…she also is my hero! I hope to be just like her when I am her age.

"I beat the speed walker" selfie

Next up is the Celebration White Rock 10k on Thursday! Good thing I am back to clean eating and crossfit, 6.2 miles may hurt! I also got my whey protein last week and did some meal prep yesterday so I am ready for a healthy week of eating, crossfitting and running!

Have a great week!

Kris

Thoughts of a Runner

A must read....my friend Julie sent this to me and I swear I busted out into a full on belly laugh at my desk! If you're a runner, you will totally relate to most of these thoughts.

This is an article from buzzfeed title, 75 Thoughts Every Runner Has While Out On A Run.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/erinchack/thoughts-every-jogger-has-while-out-for-a-running

1. What a beautiful day for a run!
2. This sucks.
3. Well, five miles is only two and half miles each way, which is basically two miles each way, so I’m really only running four miles. That’s not too far.
4. It’s starting to feel far.
5. How long have I been running? A year?
6. SIX MINUTES?!
7. I can barely remember what my life was like before I started this run.
8. OK, concentrate. There are still four-plus miles to go.
9. But who counts the first and last mile? This is pretty much an easy three miler.
10. Oh, shit! A fellow jogger!
11. Should I wave?
12. I’m totally gonna wave.
13. OOOK, they didn’t wave back. Never doing that again.
14. Just keep running, no one saw. Except that old guy who may or may not be averting his eyes.
15. Man, I think I’m hitting that “second wind” thing my gym coach was talking about.
16. Wait, never mind. I’ve been running down a decline.
17. If I leap to avoid dog shit, does that make me a CrossFit athlete?
18. What the heck is CrossFit anyway?
19. Mental reminder: Google CrossFit when I get home.
20. If I ever get home.
21. If I had a heart attack right now, I wonder who would find my body.
22. OMG, I hope I never find a dead body. Joggers always find dead bodies.
23. Bodies. Body. Bod-ay. Runnin’ all day, no one can catch … may.
24. OK, I must be halfway done by now.
25. What?! Only two miles in?
26. Alright, stay focused. What am I going to eat when I get home?
27. I’m running five miles so I should probably eat five slices of pizza.
28. Or I could buy one pizza and ask them to cut it into five slices.
29. I should probably get a side salad too.
30. …
31. Fuck the salad actually.
32. Man, what are these people doing in front of me? Walking?!
33. Is this a contest to see who’s the worst at walking? Because you are both champions in my heart.
34. Maybe if I pound my feet on the ground they’ll hear me coming and let me pass.
35. Oh, God. They didn’t turn around and now I’m right behind them. They’re going to think they’re getting mugged by the world’s sweatiest criminal.
36. You know what? Now seems like a good time to run in the street.
37. * Jumps off curb * Parkour!
38. Hi hi hi please don’t hit me with your car.
39. Pedestrian pedestrianizing over here, let me cross.
40. Thank you, Mr. Blue Honda. I’m trying to smile at you but it probably looks like I’m having a stroke.
41. Actually, I wonder what I look like right now.
42. * Checks out reflection in shop window * Yeesh.
43. Is that what I look like when I run? What am I, a newborn deer with a drinking problem?
44. Whatever, I must be almost done by now.
45. Heck yes. Three miles down, two to go. It’s all downhill from here.
46. Except for that very real uphill in front of me. God damnit.
47. Wait, is that… Is that…
48. A DOG!
49. Hi dog! You are so cute. You are now my mascot. I will finish this run for you, pup.
50. And — hello — what do we have here? Your human is pretty cute too.
51. Hope you like drunk fawns, Cute Human.
52. Watch my bambi ass prance up this hill.
53. Holy shit, prancing is exhausting. I am exhausted.
54. Honestly, I don’t even like running.
55. Why do I even run?
56. Why does anyone even run?
57. Why are we even alive?
58. OK, let’s not go down that road.
59. Focus. Focus on that sweet, delicious ‘za waiting at the finish line, calling your name with its cheesy breath.
60. Wait, less than one mile to go? I am KILLING this run.
61. I AM THE SWIFTEST GOD OF ALL TWO-LEGGED CREATURES.
62. YES, including ostriches.
63. Honestly, I should sign up for a marathon.
64. What is it, like 30 miles?
65. That’s just 15 miles each way, which is practically 10, and 10 is twice five, and I can run five miles EASY.
66. That’s it, I’m doing it. Thirty miles.
67. Thirty-mile marathon…30-mile marathon…30 Rock marathon.
68. On second thought, I’ll probably just binge-watch every episode of 30 Rock. That takes a lot of dedication and I will be winded from laughing so hard.
69. But I could probably do a marathon IF I wanted.
70. OK, almost home. Should I shower first and order pizza or order pizza and shower before it shows up?
71. Yep, definitely ordering first. I earned that shit.
72. Oh, no. Oh god no. Another runner. Should I wave?
73. No, be strong! Do not get burned again.
74. OMG, SHE waved first! Hello! Yes! We are both runners! Look at us run!
75. I guess running’s not so bad.

Happy running......hahahah!!!

Kris

April Races

Use your tulips to kiss winter goodbye….. Spring is officially here and this girl couldn’t be happier!

My birthday has come and gone and I am officially 39, whomp whomp! The last year of my dirty thirties and it’s going to be an adventure, a racing adventure! Turning 39 was the whole idea behind this race challenge…39 races for 39 years! This is probably the dumbest idea ever or the smartest…I will let you know at the end of the year. 

So what is on tap for April…..

4/5/2014 Tal Morrison 5k

4/10/2014 Celebration White Rock 10k

4/17/2014 Run Together 5k

4/19/2014 First Dallas Easter Run 4 mile

4/19/2014 Tap n’ Run 5k

4/26/2014 Run the Highlands 5k

4/27/2014 Rise and Shine 5k

4/27/2014 Lone Star 10k

I am super pumped, yo! This will definitely help get me out of my “I’m turning 39” slump and more tacos in my belly!!!

So lace up your shoes and join me for race or two. If you're not a runner, walk it! Keep in mind your race entry benefits great organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Rise School of Dallas, White Rock Lake and the Lake Highlands Women’s Junior League.  

xoxoxo,

Kristin

Let's Get Dunked!

My friends at East Dallas CrossFit decided to throw a Spring Body Composition Challenge.

Challenge accepted!

The competition started Monday, March 17^th and will run for 8 weeks. There will be a pre and post-test for body composition via a mobile hydrostatic body fat testing clinic. The test will tell us several fun and possibly depressing facts:

·         Your fat and fat-free body mass, as percentages and in actual weight

·         How much fat you need to lose to achieve your desired body composition

·         How many calories you burn with and without exercising

My test was at 6:00 on Monday so I showed up ready to get dunked. I admittedly was nervous…who really wants to know how much body fat they truly have, not this girl!

Photo credit: EDCF

After answering a few questions the technician explained what I needed to do exactly….basically you just take a deep breath and lay back in the water completely submerged and then blow ALL your air out. If you have ever been baptized, it’s basically the same thing minus the prayers.

After two dunks, I received my results. Ugh, talk about brutal honesty BUT in the long run it’s going to pay off cause I’M GOING TO WIN….ok, probably not but I will put in a good girl’s scout effort!

Wish me luck!

Kris

Dash Down Greenville

As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never point in the wrong direction. An Irish blessing for you all on this lucky St. Patrick’s Day!

Dallas celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with the 5k race, a parade and a huge party on Greenville. People start lining up for the parade at the crack of dawn; some even spend the night in the parking lot….crazy!

The race started at 8:00 in front of Central Market at Lover’s and Greenville. This was such a fun race, so many costumes….green everywhere!! The only bad thing about this race was the humidity. I was sweating away all my cuteness! There was at least a good half mile of parade spectators cheering us on once we were off and running. Who doesn’t love a good cheering squad?

The course was relatively flat minus the one steep incline around mile 2, dislike! Those dang hills get me every time! I was keeping a good pace of 10:12-10:30 the first miles then started to slow down on mile 3 to an 11:14 pace. I could tell my body was tired. I had a rough week leading up to the race. I had two very sick dogs that kept me up three nights in a row, a car accident and just the normal work day stress. My body was not a happy camper. I finished the race in 33:29 (official time), I will take it though. I was really aiming for that 30 minute 5k….I will get it next time, hopefully!

My unofficial time from my GPS

I knew my friends were coming to the parade so I decided to stay till they got there. I walked through several booths set up at the site, got some free jerky…yummy! Also grabbed a beer, it was also free so yay!

Met a new friend...he didn't know where the pot of gold was!

I walked over to where the band was playing and grabbed a seat at the coziest curb next to some ladies from Fort Worth. I am not sure of the band’s name but they were actually pretty good. They played some great classic rock n’ roll plus a few top 40 hits. There was one guy who came out there towards the end of the set and showed off his mean dance skills. This guy was amazing. He could do a pop and lock like nobody’s business.

The ladies that I met from Fort Worth were so nice. They are members of the Fort Worth Running Club. I told them about my race challenge and they gave me so many great tips and advice, it was much appreciated!

I met up with my friends around 10:30 for some shenanigans and parade fun! My friends all looked so cute in their green and then there was me, sweaty and nasty from the run….whomp whomp!  

  

Selfie with Julie

  All and all it was a great run and fun times had by all.

Don't ask....just being silly!

30 more races to go!!!

Kristin

Shape Magazine

It’s official, I am in a fitness magazine….well only my picture and in the wrong city but none the less, I am in a magazine with my friends!

Back in October 2013 I ran in the Santa Fe Trail 5k with some friends from East Dallas CrossFit. Before our run we got together to take a group picture and later that day Jill posted the picture to Instagram. Fast forward to 2014…..Shape contacted Jill asking if they could use her picture in an upcoming magazine! After getting permission from the gang, Jill gave Shape the thumbs up to use the picture.

I honestly had forgotten all about it till last week when I received a text from Jill saying, “Its official, we made the magazine!” Of course I bought two copies the next day……my 15 seconds of fame J

The funny thing is that the article is about “Running USA.” They used pictures that people posted on Instagram that perhaps were hash tagged with their cities name such as #run #colorado or #runningaustin. They featured popular running trails in that particular city. Since Jill hash tagged #santafetrail they assumed it was Santa Fe, NM….they missed the fact that most of us were wearing East Dallas CrossFit t-shirts, duh! So now we are avid runner of Santa Fe, NM….

Who cares though…..we are in a magazine! WEE!!

Go buy your copy, March 2014 issue!

Kristin

Cowtown Half Marathon

Giddy up y’all! First half of 2014, DONE and DONE!

I had been looking forward to this half all year, all two months of the year. I wasn’t originally going to run this half but then my good friend Mike told me he was running so in honor of him running in his first half and in my way of supporting him, I signed up as well. Always support your friends!

The Cowtown is a weekend full of races. You have your choice of running a 5k, 10k, half marathon, full marathon or the ultra-marathon. If you don’t know, the ultra-marathon is 31 miles…yes 31 miles of insanity! Peeps are crazy!

Saturday was the big health expo and packet pick-up as well as a 5k and a 10k races. Right before I left, my friend Lindsey called and wanted to know if I was interested in tacos, duh, like I would ever NOT be interested in tacos! I told her yes, if she went to the expo with me. Naturally she said yes ;-) We made a pit stop at Torchy’s Tacos for some breakfast and a little girl talk.  

I was really pumped about this expo but was totally disappointed once I arrived. It was small, chaotic and just dull. We didn’t hang around long. We pretty much grabbed my packet and looked through a couple of booths before heading out. Whomp Whomp!

The alarm went off at 4:00am and if you know me, you know that I do NOT like getting up early! I eventually talked myself out of bed and into the shower. I knew the shower would wake me up some and it did. I made my pre-race breakfast, lowfat waffle with peanut butter and bananas.  I was pumped and ready!!  I felt like Rocky entering the boxing ring….. “Eye of the Tiger” playing….let’s do this!  

Pre-race selfie

I am so thankful that Paige took me to the race because there was some major traffic once we got into Fort Worth. I got out at a light and walked the rest of the way while Paige parked. Once I arrived in my corral I was able to stretch and gather my thoughts. The excitement had started to fade and the nerves had settled in. My body was also tired so I was trying to move as much as I could to get some energy.

Traditional bib picture

After 22 minutes, I was off! I felt strong, a little tired but strong. I started off great but at about mile 5 my feet started to kill me! Why you ask….oh I was stupid and wore my new shoes, yup you read that right. I decided last minute to swap shoes. Dumbest idea EVER! I had to stop and adjust my laces so that my toes wouldn’t fall off. Luckily this didn’t hurt my time too much. I was doing really well despite the pain in my feet.

At the starting line

I really enjoyed the course for the most part. I didn’t care about running through the Stock Yards because the street was all brick and uneven, dislike. Coming into mile 11 my time was 2:18:29, I was pretty pleased and I knew I could beat my previous time but then low and behold, a bleepin hill! Once I got up over the hill, there was another one. I was done after that. I gave it my all and those hills took it all from me. I found myself stopping and walking a bit which I haven’t done since November. I was SO mad and disappointed.

I finished as strong as I could. I gave the last half a mile everything I had left which wasn’t much. My time was 3:03:03. After I crossed the finish line I made my way to the runners food tent where I found ICE CREAM. Y’all my love for tacos will never outweigh my love for ice cream. I clearly have food issues! Best ice cream ever!

While I was running, Paige was busy making new friends. Paige can make friends anywhere! Good thing though because her new friend told her about Rodeo Burger which was amazeballs! It was so good!! I had the Nanny Goat which had goat cheese on it and anything with goat cheese on it is destined to be good! The best part of lunch was my cold beer with my dear friend who got up early, drove me to Fort Worth and waited 3 hours for me to finish. Talk about a good friend! She also sent me the sweetest text later that day that really tugged on the old heart strings. Truly blessed to call her a friend!

Later that evening while lying on the couch in pain I received the best text from Mike who sent me a quote that made my day! He knew I was disappointed with my time and performance so maybe that is why he sent it but none the less, it made my day! By the way, Mike did an awesome job for his first half. I think he finish with a time of 2:20:00, amazing! I was SO proud of him, he's my hero!

Although I didn’t have the best time or performance I am proud that I finished. I am proud that I am sticking with my goals and knocking these races out.

8 races down, 31 to go!

XOXOXO,

Kris

Heart & Sole 5k

Has anyone realized that it’s March? Geez, 2014 is flying by!! I am so behind on posts. I got caught up in la la land that I failed to maintain my commitment to my blog! Well my friends, I am back!

Let’s travel back in time to Valentines/Presidents Day weekend. My mom came to Dallas to spend the weekend with me and it was much needed. Every so often a girl just needs her mom plus she was bringing me a Valentine’s Day treat soooo….. yay!

Saturday we got up bright and early so that I could participate in the Heart & Sole 5k. The race was at White Rock Lake and started at Winfrey Point. It was a great morning for a race. The sun was out, I was on cloud 9 and I was ready to run. The course started out downhill and like always, I started out faster than I should. I will say though, I did maintain much of that mile 1 pace throughout the course. YAY! This was pretty much an out and back course, super easy except for running back up that hill to cross the finish line, ugh hills!

I finished the race in 34:59. Definitely slower than normal but that’s alright, can’t run a perfect race every time. My speed is definitely picking up and I am able to maintain a faster pace throughout the first two miles. I know I will meet that 29 minute 5k time this year, I feel it in my old bones!!

After the race, I took my mom to Good 2 Go Tacos. She has to be part of the tradition yo (I am still working on my street slang, sounds good right?) We gobbled up some goodness before heading back to my house to clean up for a day of movies and shopping.

Get in my belly!

Sunday we spent the day resting and cleaning my house. I am telling you, the best mom EVER! 

With my beautiful mom before the race

All and all it was a great weekend spent with my mom and another race in the books!

32 more to go! 

Kris 

Weekend Recap, CrossFit and Turkey Tacos

Tuesday is wrapping up and I am already looking forward to the upcoming weekend of loooovvveee...heheehehe. Seriously though, where do the weekends go? IFriday, 5:00 arrives and with a blink of an eye it’s Sunday night, waaaaaaaaa (insert crying eyes emoji)!  

How was your weekend? Mine was Fan-freakin-tastic! Friday night I met up with Julie and Paige at Julie’s house to watch the Olympic opening ceremonies. We dined on food from Fresh Fit and Chipotle and then had some yummy dessert that I picked up from Whole Foods. If it’s from Whole Foods it’s still healthy, right? Let’s just say yes! I love hanging out with Julie and Paige. They are so funny. They seriously have the best one liners. It was a fun night watching Putin’s facial expressions and practicing our Russian. Vodka for everyone!

Since I chose not to participate in the Hot Chocolate run, I had the opportunity to sleep in. I rarely get to sleep in on Saturday’s so it was nice to sleep till 9:00. Instead of going for a run I decided to sweat it out at CrossFit. Good decision but geez, Saturday WODs are TOUGH! Here is my WOD:

5 min AMRAP (4 Rounds plus 10 box jumps)

- 10 box jumps

- 10 kettle ball swings (25lbs)

Rest 5 minutes

5 min AMRAP (4 Rounds plus 7 push press)

- 7 push press (60lbs)

- 7 ring rows

Rest 10 minutes

5 min AMRAP (3 Rounds plus 2 burpees)

- 7 thrusters (45lbs)

- 7 burpees

That last AMRAP did me in, burpees can suck it! I always feel like I am going to die but by the time I get home, I feel great, I feel strong and I feel accomplished. I heart CrossFit!

Saturday night I went to the Granada with my friend Courtney to hear Wade Bowen sing about trucks and crazy redheads, swoon! I love Texas Country. Such a good concert!

Last night I made some yummy turkey tacos, gobble gobble! I usually use lean grass-fed beef but I changed it up with turkey, crazy right?!? They turned out really good. I don’t use store bought taco seasoning. They typically have too much sodium and fillers, in my humble opinion. I just use my own seasoning of chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, red peppers and oregano. Add a little bit of guacamole on a corn tortilla and you have one tasty taco. Looking forward to the left overs!

Here is to hoping the week goes by fast friends!!

Cheers!

February Book Challenge

My book challenge is off to a great start! I finished my two books for January, yay! Divergent and Insurgent were SO good!! The movie version of Divergent comes out March 21 and I am going to geek out for a minute and yell…..YAYYYYYYYYY!!! I seriously can’t wait.

February is here which means two more books!

First up is, Allegiant which is the last book in the Divergent trilogy. So far this book is a little different than the first two, still really good but not as griping as the first two. I felt this same way when I read the last book in the Hunger Games. I am only on chapter 16 so I am holding out hope that it will pick up a bit more.

  

My second book is the Book Thief by Marcus Zusak. The book is set in 1939, Nazi Germany. It’s about a young foster girl, Liesel Meminger who is essentially a book thief. Her foster father shows her the power of words as he teaches her to read. She shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bomb raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement. Eekkkk! Sounds so good! I love all things history so I am excited to start this book!

22 more books to go….

What are you reading this month?

Garlic Parmesan Chicken

I am in LOVE with this dish! It’s quick, easy, healthy and so very yummy! If you are short on time or just don’t want to spend your evening in the kitchen cooking, this is the perfect dish for you.

Ingredients:

·         4 8-oz boneless chicken breasts

·         ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated

·         1 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt

·         1 tsp. garlic powder

·         1 ½ tsp. seasoned salt

·         ½ tsp. pepper

Directions:

1.       Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and arrange the chicken breasts in the dish.

2.       Mix the rest of the ingredients together in a separate bowl and spread over the chicken breast.

3.       Bake for 45 minutes.

I usually cut my chicken breasts (butterfly) to make them into 4 ounce serving sizes.  For each 4 ounce portion of chicken: 161 calories, 4-5 g fat, 1.1 g carbohydrate, 28.75 g protein.  Not too shabby!

I threw this together Monday evening with some green beans and a honey crisp apple.  Great dinner after a tough CrossFit workout! I also used, “Slap Ya Mama” Cajun seasoning instead of plain seasoned salt. I wanted a little kick and I definitely got it! BAM!

I found this recipe on either Pinterest or FaceBook, it originally was created by Heidi Powell http://heidipowell.net/. Check out her blog and other amazing recipes.

Enjoy!

Kristin