Have a seat friends and refill that cup of coffee or glass of wine, depending on the hour, as it is time for a virtual date. A lot has transpired since our last date together. The past two months have been a whirlwind of travel that has left me feeling exhausted. Today I’ll share with you a number of the things I shared with my fellow Brooks Run Happy Ambassadors and other friends when we’ve caught up recently. Make sure to read to the entire post as I have a fun giveaway at the bottom!
- If we were sitting together today, I’d tell you that while I loved making memories in Las Vegas, the San Francisco Bay Area and Albequerque these past three weeks, I am so happy that I am done with travel that includes a time change. These past three trips have left me feeling exhausted and hungover for at least a few days following the flights which is a big difference from how I used to feel.
- If we were sitting together today, I’d tell you that it’s amazing what sunlight can do for my overall well-being. Bo and I moved my office into our spare bedroom so I now work at a desk that is right in front of two large windows. It is so nice, even on cloudy days, to have light shining into my workspace. I wish this space had always been my office as I spent a year sitting in a dark room, only illuminated by a dim overhead light.
- If we were sitting together today, I’d tell you that last week I started to experience some discomfort in my pelvic floor area. While I’ve been lucky to have a wonderful pregnancy thus far, this discomfort definitely scared me a bit. While I know it may be nothing, I’m thankful that my friend Abby Bales is actually a Pelvic Floor Specialist! I have an appontment with her on Friday to figure out what’s going on down there and will keep you guys posted. Until then, I’m focusing on low impact workouts and have switched my treadmill time at Orangetheory to incline walking.
- If we were sitting together today, I’d tell you that I’m still craving fruit non-stop. I start the day with berries or a banana in my yogurt, finish lunch with a handful of grapes or some fresh mango and then enjoy an apple with either cheese or almond butter for an afternoon snack. I worry that I’m eating too much sugar from the fruit but at the end of the day, I know that I’m lucky to have a craving like this versus bagels and cookies. Don’t worry, I’m human though and am also craving ice cream like most other pregnant ladies. I did some research and discovered that my craving for fruit is due to how cool and refreshing it is, similar to the reason why women tend to crave ice cream or frozen yogurt.
- If we were sitting together today, I’d tell you that it feels so weird to talk about an event that is happening in the future and realize that we’ll have a baby by that point. The other day Bo and I talked about buying Ed Sheeran tickets since he is coming to Brooklyn, but realized that with a three month old we have no clue whether a concert will be a good idea that night. I have a feeling we’ll be making these type of fun, social decisions last minute for the next year or so versus planning in advance.
- If we were sitting together today, I’d tell you that disconnecting 30 minutes before bed has changed my sleep routine. Instead of scrolling through Instagram, Facebook, blog posts or news stories, I spend 30 minutes reading in bed each night. In addition to reading, I have also started creating a better sleep environment by spraying our pillows with this heavenly lavendar spray, lighting a candle and wearing cozy pajamas. While some nights are more restless than others due to my growing bump, I always fall asleep quickly these days which is a huge improvement. Would you all like me to share book recommendations more frequently or in a monthly post since I’m reading so much these days?
- If we were sitting together today, I’d tell you that I’m still having a hard time getting into a workout groove. I blame it on all the travel I’ve done which has not allowed me to create a schedule. If you know me, you know I LOVE having a schedule in my life. It not only helps me stay organized but also accountable. I’m hoping that next week, my first full week in New York in over a month, will work out well. My goal is to finally enjoy the workouts I’ve been craving, all in one week – swimming, Xtend Barre, Orangetheory, prenatal pilates and or yoga and a long walk with a friend outside for fresh air. Anyone want to join me for any of the above?
- If we were sitting together today, I’d tell you how excited I am for my first baby shower. While we are having a shower in Savannah next month, Baby Girl Diamond’s first one is this weekend in Brooklyn. While unfortunately some of my close friends are traveling, there are still going to be 17 people together in our home. I look forward to introducing my mom, mother-in-law, aunt and cousin to some of my wonderful girlfriends and spending the afternoon with each of them. I’m so thankful to have these thoughtful and wonderful women who are hosting this afternoon for Baby Girl Diamond.
- If we were sitting together today, I’d tell you that while I love the new Boston special edition Launch 4 women’s shoes that I recieved in the mail from Brooks yesterday, I feel it’s only fair to give these to a runner who is either a Boston local or training hard for Boston. If you wear a size 10.5 and are either training for Boston Marathon or LOVE/live in Boston, then leave a comment below letting me know why you want these shoes and I’ll pick a winner at random on Thursday!
Your turn: What would you share with me?
I would love these shoes! While I don’t live in Boston, I am a size 10.5 and I love Boston- I visit at least once a year and running there is amazing, it’s a really runner-friendly city with some gorgeous running routes.
Would love those kicks for my cousin running Boston for the 2ndtime! Thank you for the chance!
Yes! I am a 10.5-11 in Brooks and training for my third Boston. Would love a chance to win.
Would love the shoes! I ran Boston in 2013 but am currently 23 weeks pregnant. They’d be an awesome reminder to keep my pregnancy workouts going!
I live in New Hampshire, north of Boston, but our family spends so much time there! I would absolutely love to have these shoes that combine my love of the city and lobsters. I’m trying hard to make a comeback to racing after having my second baby recently and these would be such great motivation to get out and hit the road. Also, I’d just like to say it’s nice to see another lady who wears a 10.5 running shoe 🙂
If you ever feel like yours are big – I just went up to a 12.5! Such a nice giveaway, Ashley!
Wait, you wear a size 12.5 shoe?! I’ve never heard of someone wearing that size! Do you have to wear mens?
Oh, me! Boston native 😉
Love Boston! Ever since my old roommate ran it a few years ago I’ve dreamed of running it… and have now started training! I’ve only ever done half marathons (and didn’t really train for them) so this is a big step for me both mile-wise and training-wise. Fingers crossed it all works out!
I had my honeymoon in Boston so I absolutely love anything that reminds me of Boston!! Would love to win!
AH! Ashley, I would LOVE these shoes! I am currently training for Boston AND I’m wearing the Launch 4s right now! I was planning to buy another pair in the next week (so that I would have time to break them in for the race). AND I wear a 10.5! Qualifying for Boston was a bucket list item for me and I am SO excited! I would be so appreciative to receive these shoes!
I live just south of Boston and think these shoes are the most adorable! You’re so sweet to raffle them off!
I live in Canada so am not in the running but wanted to say that I think it’s wonderful that you’re sharing these sneakers!
My friend Jenni is super deserving of these shoes because she is superwoman. This will be her 3rd Boston. She is an amazing training partner, a fantastic mom, and all around inspiring in everything she does. Though this is a random drawing, I thought she deserved a s/o! Thank you for the contest!
Try prenatal yoga for your hips, it helped me so much!
I’ve run the Boston Marathon 8 times for charity! Living just 20 minutes south of Bosto, it’s been part of my life as long as I can remember. As a new mom of a 16 month old I have struggled to get back into running, but am starting to get back into the groove again thanks to Orangetheory! I’ve been following your blog for a long time and am super excited for you. Baby girls are the best, enjoy every minute it goes by so fast.
I am not running Boston this year, but I’m training hard to one day qualify. I wear 10.5 in the Launch, and really need a new pair!
I live in Boston and am a 10.5 AND have just about had it with my nike frees!
Love those shoes! Would love them coming back from my almost 1.5 years off because of a broken ankle!
I’m a fellow 10.5-footed lady and would love these beautiful Boston sneakers. I’m a lifelong Boston sports fan and adore the city…and lobstah.
Training for Boston and a 10.5! I always want to snag these shoes every year and they’re always sold out!
Good luck with your Boston training Kristen! Unfortunately someone else one in the random integer pick but I hope training goes well!
Kristen – congratulations as you are the winner of the Brooks giveaway! I had to choose a new winner since the first winner never responded to my emails or comments so I couldn’t ship their shoes. Please email me at healthyhappierbear at gmail dot com with your mailing information! Congrats and good luck in Boston!
If we were having a coffee date, I would tell you I am SO excited to have my sister visit tomorrow, and to be giving my baby, James, his first solid food this weekend. Can’t. Wait.
Oh that’s so exciting to be introducing solids! I hope it goes well and have a wonderful time with your sister! 🙂
Although I don’t live in Boston, my best sister friend (that sounds like we’re in a plural marriage – no – I’ve just known her since I was 9, hence more of a sister than a friend). I digress… she lives in Boston, and I have visited to see her, walk walk walk around the historic sites and graveyards, go to amazing music shows, and let people laugh at my mispronunciation of strange east coast cities and street names (Worchester? Woosterrr! duh). The people are so wonderful, the food is rich and delicious, and well – the humidity? Actually you can keep that 🙂 Fingers crossed, I want the shoes! 10.5 – perfect!
Congratulations Sade! You won the shoes! Please email me your mailing address so I can send them your way! 🙂 Thank you for reading and entering!
I hope you get some answers! I had some discomfort in the same area around 4 or 5 months and got a support belt, which helped me get another 2 months. After 7 months I switched to walking and upped my prenatal yoga, which I really enjoyed. My last yoga class was on a Saturday and I went into labor the next day. I found the breathing/focus very helpful for labor!
I would love these shoes! I have a long way to go to BQ but they would be excellent motivation!!
If we were sitting together today, I’d tell you that my daughter keeps me in the best style. She started me running and introduced me to Brooks. She’s competitive; I’ll never be as fast as her, but if I win those shoes I will have the “best feet.”
I’m a military spouse from Boston but currently stationed overseas! I’ve been keeping up with my trainings and I hope to qualify for the Boston marathon when I get back this year!!
Seems a little weird that the person who doesn’t live in Boston won the shoes…. crappy for those who are training to run Boston/live in Boston 🙁
Lindsey, the only way I know to do giveaways and be fair is to use the random integer website. The random integer gave me 20 and that was her. If she decideds that she’d rather someone who lives in Boston get the shoes, then I’ll do another random integer.
I agree with Lindsey here–first you said to message you on Insta, which I did, then you directed me here, presumably to drive traffic to your blog. The whole time (until I checked this morning) the giveaway was for a person running Boston or living in Boston. I am sure Sadie will love the shoes, but the rules changed since the giveaway began.
Marie, I wanted to let you know that winner never responded to emails or reply to her comment so I am choosing a new winner. I am choosing the winner from the original entrants and will choose another random number via Random Integer but am going to make sure she lives in Boston or is running Boston. Thank you for the feedback!
I love love love Boston! I lived there for two years and miss it terribly (although not the snow!!) I used to live on the marathon course and still miss my favorite day of the year there.
I, too, wear 10.5 shoes – glad to know others are out there! My sweet 3 year old niece and 4 month old nephew live in Boston (with parents of course!), so Boston has become one of my favorite destinations. I’m a bit slow to qualify for Boston, but I hope one day! I hope your doctor’s appointment goes well 🙂
I super craved clementines the last couple months of my pregnancy… turns out they have a lot of folic acid! Who knew 🙂
YES on sharing more info on books more frequently, please! I love seeing what others are reading and enjoying.
Also…are you on Goodreads?