Truthful Tuesday

Well my friends, yesterday was the last day of the Stridebox Virtual Two Week Marathon. And I'm super ashamed to say, I did not come anywhere close to completing it. Not only that, but the majority of my miles were only walking miles. #failure

Other runners always say if you really want it you'll make time. If it means enough to you, you'll find the time to get the miles in. But I keep doing the math, and looking for where I can fit them in. I only get 6 hours of a sleep at night, so I don't think I can eliminate more hours from that task... I think those runners don't have a full time job and four horses. And have a home to maintain on their own. Or maybe they do, and they're just magic? I dunno. If anyone has any tips, please share!

Do you have anything you need to confess today? Have you signed up for a virtual run and then not completed the miles? Do you feel guilty hanging that medal with the others?

Truthful Tuesday

Ok... are you all sitting down? No? Ok, I'll wait....


How about now? Are you sitting? Ok good. I can tell you then. I am lacing up my sneakers and getting back to running. No really! I am! Or at least, I'm trying to. I signed up again this year for the Stridebox Two Week Virtual Marathon, and I'm committed to getting it done. Even if I have to walk some of the miles.
The Stridebox Virtual (2 week) Marathon runs fromMay 30th and goes through June 13th. Runners can log their miles in anyway they wish within that two week period. The proceeds benefit Warfighter Sports, so aside from getting me fit, it's also a great cause!
To help me get started, I got a couple of new pairs of Mizunos. Hey, Zulilly had them on sale and they were practically two for one. Plus I love the Wave Sayonara models, and they're a little harder to find sometimes. Gotta stock up while you can! Here they are:

I wanted to take full advantage of the day off work to get a jump start on my 26.2. So after doing barn chores, many loads of laundry, and straightening up the house, I hopped on the treadmill. I opted to stay indoors because the humidity outside was oppressive and it was getting late. I did a modified version of the first week of couch to 5K. I wanted to start easy because I haven't run in so long, and also because my room was 78 degrees. The first week of couch to 5K has you alternating between running and walking every 60 seconds. I decided to walk for 1 minute and run for 2 instead. It went great! I kept it very slow, and I'm happy to report I made it to 3 miles and nobody died! 

That's a win! Three miles down, 23.2 to go! Let's hope I can make this happen.

Have you been getting any exercise in? Have anything on the horizon you'd like to participate in? Or do you need to confess your lack of exercise (like I normally do)?

Thursday's Threads

This might technically be Friday's Threads by the time I get it posted... It was a long day! But due to my long day, I have THREE outfits for you! We'll start with Wednesday's riding outfit:

It's cold here. Because spring quit and went home. Seriously. Sunday's high is going to be 37 and it might also snow. Spring, you need to try harder. And soon. But I digress. Let's look at my riding outfit closer.

Top: Stridebox

This sweatshirt was sold as a fundraiser for a little girl fighting neuroblastoma. Such a great cause. Childhood cancers break my heart into tiny little pieces.

Breeches: Unbranded

Pardon my shoes... I hadn't put my boots on yet. These breeches were from my trip to Equine Affair in the fall. I love them so much. I got three pairs that day, and I totally wish I had bought more. Since these don't have a brand on them, I have no idea how to find more of them! Oh, also, they were only $40.

Ok next up is my work outfit from today:

And possibly the most awkward photo ever? I need to work on my posing. Clearly, I'm a rider not a model.

Top: Ariat

I love this sweater so much! (Elbow patches, duh!) I picked this up on sale at my favorite local tack store, Reins. It was after the holidays so it was finally on sale. And was the very last one in my size! WIN!

Jeans: Vigoss

Vigoss jeans are my absolute favorite. They are the perfect length on me and fit my ample butt quite well. Whenever I see them at Marshalls or TJ Maxx I almost always buy them,

Shoes: Lucky Brand

I bought these two years ago right after imposing a no buy on myself. Clearly I failed at that no buy. But these were completely worth it. They're soft leather with brass studs and buckles. So comfy. And they're green, so how could I not?

Arm Party!
Lefty:

 Sad news to report on lefty here... When I went home to change into outfit #3 that adorable pug bracelet broke in half spilling beads all over the laundry room floor. Thankfully I made it myself, so I think I can make it again. And hopefully more successfully!

Righty:

Righty is wearing two bracelets made by me today! The first is a wrap bracelet I constructed years ago. I really should wear it more, I love that one! Next up is a stretch stone bracelet that I know you've seen a few times now.

And on to #3! I had a work function to attend in Syracuse tonight, so I had to pretend like I dress business casual instead of like a hobo.

 Would you look at that?! I practically look professional!

Shirt: H&M

 Yes! That pony shirt came from H&M! I saw it there and had to have it obviously. Who doesn't need a pony shirt? Or three?

Sweater: Tommy Hilfiger

 This is one of those sweaters I've had for a million years. But then it went missing in the dry cleaning pile for possibly two years. I'm glad it's back (and clean) as it was perfect for tonight's event.

Pants: Calvin Klein

 I live 15 minutes away from a Calvin Klein outlet. Thus, anytime I need dress pants, that's where I go! I like how they fit me, and they are a decent quality. I need to head over there to get some new ones soon. Most of mine are short length which is fine if I wear flats, but I can't wear heels with them. And that's annoying.

Shoes: Kensie

Horse bit shoes! Believe it or not, I got these leather shoes from Little Black Bag during one of their insane shoe sales for $5.00! Yes. That's $5.00. I also have them in leopard. Because $5. Obviously. Aside from their bargain price, they are also really comfortable. I was on my feet much of the evening, and they felt great. Sometimes it is nice to wear flats!

So that's what I wore today yesterday. What do you have on? How do you prefer to dress? Work wear? Casual? Hobo?

Stridebox!

I recently saw a post on Facebook asking about Stridebox, and since my April box just recently arrived, I figured I'd give it a share on here! Without further ado... I give you April Stridebox:

First Look:

 Stridebox puts the "Stride Guide" right on top! This month they used customer photos for the front side, those are my sneakers up there at the top in the middle!

Second Look:

They always seal the paper with festive stickers. I love this Spring has SpRUNg pun.

Edibles:

 Movit Gummies in Citrus and Berry. I haven't tried these just yet, but I'm a big fan of gummies. They will definitely go to good use while I'm training for my upcoming half! (Outrun 38 Half Marathon, if you're local, you should definitely consider attending!)

Zing Nutrition Bar

 Stridebox does a fantastic job of introducing me to new brands of natural fuel. This one is a a double nut brownie flavor and I can't wait to give it a go. Pretty much anything chocolate is a-ok with me!

Vega Sport Gel in orange zest

I usually prefer the non fruit flavors when it comes to gels (chocolate mint, coffee, peanut butter) but I'm willing to try new things!

Hydration:
Ultima Replenisher in Orange

A runner can never have too many electrolyte mixes on hand! I'm always looking for one to love, as generally, sports drinks don't REALLY do it for me... I just don't really like the taste of them. But when I'm depleted after a long run, they make me feel so much better. Even if I don't love the taste. So maybe this one will be delicious!

Stuff:
Squeaky Cheeks Powder

 Those of us who don't have thigh-gap appreciate these sorts of things... Anti chafe powder is a useful item! I love the brand name on this too...

Arctic Ease Instant Cold Wrap

 I've actually used this before. Several years ago I took a digger during the 5K that takes place the day before the Boston Marathon. While at the expo afterward, I stumbled (kind of literally) upon this company's booth and they wrapped my swollen knee up for me. I'm excited to have a new one of these for the next time I trip over my own feet!

Spenco Gel Heel Cushions

 I was actually excited to see these in here, but not for running oddly enough. I literally just ordered a pair of heel lifts for my new riding boots. They are a little tall, so the heel lifts will help them fit better until they break-in. I think once the boots are more broken in, these will be great to use. I'm not sure if I'd like them for running, I've never had heel discomfort. But I may try them and see. Why not?

Sticker:

Stridebox always includes a cute sticker in the box too. I like the message on this one! Support your local races!

Another great box! I like that Stridebox offers different types of fuels to try. Since I've mostly been running short, I haven't used a lot of gels but I like a good bar before heading out the door. Even for a short run. I also like that when I get back to running long, thanks to Stridebox, I don't have to plan a trip to the running store just to get gels. I have some ready to go! If you're interested in trying Stridebox, click here to learn more!

Happy Birthday Stridebox!

You've all seen Stridebox on the blog from time to time. It's one of my favorite subscription boxes! I joined right from the start of this company because at the time I was really getting into running and didn't have much knowledge on what kinds of products were available to runners. This sub seemed like a great way to try new things! And it definitely has been. I love that it comes not only with nutrition/fuel/hydration, but also with new products that aren't edibles. My favorites have been anything that lights up... Shocking I know!
Last year, for Stridebox's first birthday, they sent all of us early subscribers a special birthday box. Such a nice surprise, and really makes you feel appreciated as a customer! In the card they mention that all early subscribers get a birthday box, whether or not they're still a subscriber. How thoughtful and generous is that?!
Well Stridebox just turned two, and once again, they've spoiled us early birds with a birthday box! And holy cow, is it a good one!

Birthday Card

First look! Love the gold paper

 Ok on to the goods!
Nutrition/Hydration:

 This is a frosted brownie flavor... Um, yes please! I haven't tried it yet, but I can't wait to shove it in my piehole give it a taste.

 You can never go wrong with Nuun tabs. They're easy to travel with, lightweight, and delicious!

 I can't wait to play around with this Rundana! I love the gray plaid print I received! This can be worn in a ton of ways: as a mouth cover for cold runs, a head band, ear warmer, neck warmer... the options are endless! It will look great with that Puma jacket I bought last year too!

 I thought I had gotten the actual Stridelights in the photo, but it appears all I got was the card they were attached to... Sorry about that! We actually got them I think last month in a box, but I'm excited to have two pair! They slide through your laces and light up with movement. Perfect for winter runs when it's always dark out. ALWAYS.

 THIS! This is the most exciting thing I think I've ever gotten from Stridebox... Maybe even more exciting than the light up slap wrap. (That thing really is amazing though.) What is it you ask? It's a Milestone Pod. You can learn more by clicking the link over there <-- In a nutshell, it keeps track of your shoe mileage so you know when to replace them. That's at the simplest level. The more exciting part is that if you sync it to your phone, it can track pace, distance, cadence, and you can even program your emergency info to it! It's always on, so you just put your shoes on and go. It has a USB plug, so you can easily download the data to your computer. I'm excited to set this up!

 Stridebox sends these little running logs from time to time. I'm pretty lazy about such things, but for more serious runners, I think they're super handy.

Stridebox always sends a cute sticker or two in the boxes, and no exception for the birthday box! I love the little window one, I think I may stick that in the truck window.

How great is it to get a present for someone else's birthday?! I think it's pretty fantastic! If you're interested in subscribing, the cost is $15.00 per month. Head over to Stridebox and sign up! As far as I know they do not offer referral discounts, so I do not gain anything if you subscribe.

Stridebox!

It's been awhile since I've showed you all the wonderful goodies that come inside my Stridebox. I think this is probably my favorite sub box. The items are high quality and exactly what I would pick to try at the running store. It's like they know me! (Creepy?) So let's see what was inside this month's box!

Fuel:
Power Gel:

 Gel's are great, I love them when running long. Of course, I haven't run long in FOREVER so I haven't really been using them. But now that the tundra has frozen over, I'm riding less and should be running more soon. I'm not sure I'll like orange dream, I'm more of a mocha or chocolate kinda girl, but I'll give it a try!

Promax Protein bar:

 I'm always rushing from one place to the next, and often don't leave time to prepare meals. Protein bars are great for breakfast on the go, and I can't wait to try this one! They're also great for their intended use: Pre run fuel and post run recovery. But in my case this will likely be breakfast.

Gu Chomps:

I LOVE Gu Chomps! I was so excited to get the black cherry this time. I have yet to meet a Gu Chomp I didn't find delicious. But here's a confession: I don't actually like them for fuel during a run. They're a little too big for me to try and eat while running. But they make a fantastic snack. So tasty!

Hydration:
Sword Ginger Citrus mix

 I have't tried this yet, but it sounds interesting... I'm not a huge fan of sports drinks, but I'm always on the hunt for one that is delicious. Maybe this will be it!

Runa Guayusa Tea

I'm only an occasional tea drinker, but I'm excited to try these! They are caffeinated which I rely on more as the days get shorter (I'm solar powered. Cannot function without daylight!) plus it appears this company is doing quite a lot to preserve the people and forests of the Amazon. (The jungle, not the company.) I'm all for giving back!

Other Food type items:

Well this is a new item for me! Caffeinated gum! I'm not a fan of attempting to chew gum while being active (hello, choking hazzard!) but I think I might like it for an afternoon pick me up at work. I do have to watch my caffeine intake some as a I have a genetic irregular heart beat (thanks dad) that is heightened by too much caffeine. It's not dangerous, but it is uncomfortable so I try to keep it in check. I can't imagine there's THAT much caffeine in a piece of gum though. I'll have to research that. I bet this is great for driving too.

The Stuff:
Flashing armband

Ok, that "video" isn't working right I don't think, but I was trying to show you how fun and amazing this light up armband is. It's both lightweight and adjustable making it comfortable and VISIBLE while running at dawn, dusk, or dark. It has three settings: quick flashing, slow flashing, or just stead on. And it's neon and lights up, so obviously I think it's awesome. I wonder if I could start working all these flashing items into my normal wardrobe? Probably not. I might try though.

Sticker:

This obviously needs to be my motto. I'm such a lazy runner lately. I need to JUST GO!

So that's my November Stridebox. It's $15.00 a month, and in my opinion is always a great value. They do not have a referral program, so I do not benefit if you sign up. But I think you'll love it!