On again, off again.

Warning...ramblings ahead!


The title pretty much sums up my relationship with running...

Remember this post (#4) when I talked about how awesome I was at running that month?

Yea, well I pretty much quit after that month. Quit it cold turkey. I sure showed you, running! (sad face)

I am slowly trying to incorporate  it back into my schedule for two reasons...

1. My Dh is suuuuper active. Like he can go out for a run and burn more calories than I do in a month.
I know I've mentioned this before on here. He is one of those people who likes running. Yes, I mean really really likes running. Like, looks forward to it and misses it when he can't do it as often. He has definitely been my motivation for running more! I, on the other hand, am no such person. It takes an extraordinary effort for me to get dressed and get out the door in the mornings and I have to play all sorts of tricks on myself while I'm out there. And my face turns so red during and after a run that you would think I had been out without sunscreen for 3 days.
Side note: Even though this TX summer hasn't been near as hot as previous ones, if I don't get out before 7:45am, I just don't go.

2. I love sweets. I cannot overemphasize this point. Dh does not. Ugh! Why can't I be the one who likes sweets AND runs??! It would be so much easier that way! (A little voice is telling me life is not easy...Yes, I know thank you very much!)
Occasionally Dh will get a "sweet tooth." Those are the moments when for once, we get to eat desserts together! Monday, he said one of my favorite phrases ever..."I have a sweet tooth, let's go to Sonic!"
Oh. Happy. Day.
Got a coconut cream shake with reeses. It was seriously delicious y'all.
Also, there is a snow cone stand that was set up for the summer less than a mile from my house. So, for the past few weeks I have been a broken record. "Let's get snow cones!...Hey, I have an idea..snow cones!...."
I even tried to appeal to his inner runner..."We should run down to get snow cones!!"
I know I sounded a little desperate but seriously, is it even officially summer yet if you have not had a snow cone??!
I sounded like this guy....

(you don't have to watch the whole thing...Brian Regan is a comedian and this random person put weird pictures to his stand-up bit)

So, last night we finally got snow cones!! Pink lemonade and coconut to be exact. And it was quite lovely.


(umm, hello tangent!)


Anyhow, I would love to live a more active lifestyle and not feel totally guilty for those splurges that, let's face it, are going to happen anyway.

So, that brings me to my next love...l

Music.

Let me just say that caffeine has no effect whatsoever on me. When I am feeling down or in a slump or need extra energy or need to run I turn on a favorite song. Major mood changer!!

I have to update my playlist quite often to keep from getting bored and this is my most recent one. Now, different songs do different things for me so if you care to find out, please read on :)

1. Time After Time--old song. love this remake
2. One More Night--guilty pleasure song!
3. Sail--the bass on this song is awesome. best in the car with bass turned up.
4. Hello Alone--just like the sound of this band
5. Surrender--serious lyric motivation. chorus: "I will not surrender"-->pretty self explanatory :)
6. Heart a Break--girl power jam
7. G6--party song
8.Cosmic Love--when the first couple of seconds of this song come on, two things happen: I relax my face (I furrow brow something fierce when I run) and I click up the volume...because I know what's coming...so I can relax just a bit before the killer drums kick in.
9. Yeah 3X--party song
10. Hearts on Fire--if you haven't seen Rocky, you may not find this relevant at all, but if you have, you'll totally get it. One time Dh had a "Man Movie Night" with lots of guys in college and had a Rocky movie marathon. After it was over he was so motivated he went out and ran 4 miles. At 4am. This makes me think of that :)

11. Munich--another "calmer" song. This one says to me..."relax! enjoy the run!" 

12. Cruise--can't beat this for a summer country party song

13. Forever--good beat. and reminds me of The Office episode when Jim and Pam  get married. I love The Office. And happy feelings...

14. Girl on Fire--girl power jam. I sing this reeeeaaally loud in my head.

15. Boston--I'm starting to realize how much I love percussion. awesome drums again and my Irish roots dig the sound. 

16. Gunpowder--makes me feel like a bad-ace....just being honest! ;) also, may or may not have sung this at karaoke. 

17. Hopin'--really like Josh Gracin's sound! 

18. Nothin' to lose--see explanation for #15

19. Want You Back--because who doesn't love to sing in a British accent now and then? 

Not pictured.....

20. Louder by Charice--girl power jam

21. Breaking by Anberlin--see #4 explanation

22. Callin' Baton Rouge by Garth Brooks--I grew up listening to GB with my dad..and this one has a great fast beat.

23. Blue Clear Sky by George Strait--can you ever go wrong with George Strait?!

Well, there you have it! 

My "go-to" motivation for running breakdown. 

So, do y'all have any moto songs??! I am ALWAYS looking for new music! I will often get on iTunes and browse for new material when I get bored with mine. 

Oh! One running tip that works for me...

I always set little goals, like "I'm running to the end of this street" and then get an extra sense of accomplishment when I go further than my little goal. Oh yes. I play lots of games to make myself keep running. I also recommend taking advantage of the neighbors' sprinklers. Free extra boost when it's hot ;) 

HA! Am I seriously trying to give advice on running?! Absurd I know. Ask a real pro, like this lady ;) She motivates me!!

I would looove to get in a good habit of being active! Each day is a struggle!! Really I just love music and like to pretend like I am just going out to listen to great jams, rather than actually worrying about how fast I am going. Hey, whatever works! ;)

Thankful for my health! 

And that everyday is a new day to try again when I fall a bit (a lot) short.