a milestone: 12, to be exact.

A half-marathon is no longer a stretch!!!

This morning, I ran 12 miles, and I’m so freaking proud of myself. I don’t normally express pride, but being able to run that far makes me feel strong and capable, and it’s simply a wonderful feeling. Two years ago I would never have believed I could do this.

Granted, the last 2 miles, a middle aged man with a beer belly passed me. That put a little dent in my hubris, which is probably a good thing.

I hope you’re having a lovely weekend. I’m trying to rally the energy to go to soul night tonight and dance. We’ll see. :) lv, molly

This mix kept me pretty entertained. And it didn’t hurt that it was pretty out this morning.

Image

running jams.

Two of my recent running favorites. I’m training for a half marathon. Have I told you? I try to run 5 days a week, but these last two months of student-teaching, I may end up running less do to time constraints. These songs (and plenty of carbs) have been fueling my runs and making them much more enjoyable; music is monumental in keeping me motivated and entertained as I run.

What are some of your favorite songs to listen to when you hit the pavement or the gym? lv, molly

P.S. This site is great for mapping runs! Thanks, Annika!

#1. For getting started, particularly on a cold morning when all I want to do is stay in bed. This makes me want to run fast.

#2. For cooling down. A Welsh man I dated briefly in my early 20s (who happened to have the sing-song-y-iest voice) introduced me to Joanna Newsom, and I was originally put off by her  unique voice. Over the past year, I’ve developed an appreciation for her beautiful melodies. At the end of a run, I find myself smiling as she sings La la la la.

smooth criminal.

I’m training for a half-marathon! Have I announced that yet? I’m excited, but it’s 6:15 a.m.; I need to leave for school soon; and Michael Jackson is way more exciting than talk of marathon-training. So let’s save that for later.

I was running yesterday with my iPod on shuffle, when this old jam came on. I totally picked up my pace and was probably sashaying my hips embarrassingly. I LOVE this song, and it totally makes me happy whenever I hear it.

Surely, many of Michael Jackson’s songs are better (… “Billie Jean,” anyone?), but I still have a soft spot for “Smooth Criminal” and his dancing in its awesomely cheesy video.

Happy Wednesday! Today is a Michael Jackson and cake-baking kind of day (see recipe below). lv, molly

 

running gear.

I got me some new running gear! Do you care? Doubtful. Unless you’re a runner, and then you’ll understand my excitement. Or you’re riding the New Year’s Resolution train, and you’re interested in running. I can’t recommend running highly enough. It’s helped me stay healthy, energetic, and happy. On the days that I take off, I kind of… miss it. And believe me; I never thought I’d say that.

1. New shoes! Mizuno Wave Riders. I love the name because it conjures images of Jesus jogging, and that makes me laugh. I’ve wanted a pair for a while but couldn’t justify buying them until my Brookes were officially dead. RIP, Brookes; you carried me 100s of miles. Anyway, this pair is neutral, meaning no cushy support, so it’s forcing me to be cognizant of my mild tendency to pronate. They’re incredibly comfortable and light: highly recommended.

2. This top. I bought it for skiing, but it doubles up as great cold-weather running gear.

Happy cold-weather running! lv, molly

work out.

I finally got new work out clothes yesterday because I’d been running in soccer shorts from middle school. Really.

I hate to love Lulu Lemon, but their workout clothes are cute & super comfy, and I hear they have some longevity, which is good because I’d rather spend money on other things. Here’s what I got, & I’m loving all of it so far. I balanced my expensive choices with a few cheaper ones. Who knew Gap had workout clothes? And inexpensive too. Seriously, those pants were $10 on sale, and the top was $5 on sale. And it doesn’t have one of those B.S. sports bras built it; it’s a real sports bra. Sweet. Okay, I’ll stop because it’s weird that I’m so excited about a sports bra.

Getting new exercise clothes every now & then can help reenergize your routine, I think. I ran hard this morning. This was, of course, in part due to my new running mix (see below). As Mt. Rainier came into view, my favorite Sharon Jones song came on. And all was well. Have a lovely weekend! It’s beautiful here, & I’m looking forward to being active outside. xo, m

PS- It’s possible these clothes, especially the Gap ones, were made in a godawful sweatshop somewhere. Anyone know where to get eco-friendly workout gear?

Lulu Lemon

Lulu Lemon

Gap

Gap

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