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Life Is About Balance: Half Marathon Training Week 3

On Sunday, I had the great pleasure to do my long run along side Elisabeth, a good friend of ours who is training for her first half marathon, The National Half in DC this March. While I won’t be down in DC with her the weekend of her half due to my half in NYC that weekend, it has been a blast to get her excited for the race.

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It works out wonderfully that our half marathons happen to be the same weekend as it allows us to do our long runs together since our training plans are similar, at least in regards to weekend mileage.

During our run Liz asked me tons of questions that are normal for someone running their first half marathon. One of the best discussions we had during the run had to do with her upcoming tropical vacation to Hawaii. Like any person who is trying to follow their training plan, a vacation can cause lots of unnecessary stress. She was worried that she’d fall behind in the training plan and return not prepared for her race which at that point will be less than a month away.

My coaching to her was the same coaching and self pep-talk I’ve given to myself over the past few weeks as my training plan has been a difficult one to manage and navigate due to constant travel.

“Focus on activity while you’re traveling versus your normal training run and do your best to front load your training the week you’re leaving for vacation.”

Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that every business trip or vacation means it’s time to abandon your training plan. Sometimes it’s even easier to stick to a training plan when away from home because you may have a more flexible schedule or easier access to a treadmill, gym, or scenic running path.

However, when traveling to somewhere like Hawaii where there are many hills, humidity, narrow roads, and so many other activities to enjoy such as hiking to the top of volcanoes, surfing, and paddle boarding those type of things make sense to take priority. It took me a while to learn this lesson but even when training for a half marathon or marathon the #1 priority is to make sure you’re enjoying life and enjoying the process. If a training plan ever causes more stress than good it’s rare that you’ll stick with the plan and succeed.

Life is about balance. 

Therefore, my training plan this week is also a bit altered in anticipation of my week long trip to Geneva, Switzerland beginning Thursday.

Sunday: 8 miles with Liz

Monday: Barry’s Bootcamp at 5am (arms and abs)

Tuesday: Barry’s Bootcamp at 5am (legs and shoulders)

Wednesday: 5 miles outside

Thursday: 8-9 mile early morning long run (anyone care to join me?)

Friday: rest day

Saturday: Skiing and attempting not to die in the Alps

Sunday: Skiing and attempting not to die part 2 in the Alps

So while my schedule is a bit front loaded, I was able to squeeze in 2 hard workouts at Barry’s before our National Sales Meeting began today and feel better about both my emotional and physical state this week.

Life is all about being flexible and balancing the things we need to do and want to do.

How about you? Do you take a similar approach when traveling?

 

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I Need Your Help: Winter Ball Dress

In less than a month, I’ll be spending today recovering and relaxing after dancing the night away at the New York Junior League’s annual Winter Ball!

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One of my favorite New York City events each year, the night includes a silent auction and dancing with Bo and our friends. Most years, I spend a few weekends dress shopping but this year I have little energy or time to head out to the department stores in NYC and hunt through racks of dresses.

Therefore, I’m finally going to use Rent the Runway for the first time! In case you’re never heard of RTR or used their service before, it is a website that lets you rent dresses from over 95 different designers for all sorts of occasions ranging from black tie to beach weddings. Dresses range in rental price from $50 to over $400 so there is truly something for everyone’s budget. In addition, my favorite part is that they allow you to rent 2 sizes for the price of one. Their customer service is supposed to be best in class, often bending over backwards to make sure women have a good experience and feel like they belong on the red carpet when they wear their dress.

I spent an hour today, pinning different dresses that I personally like and now I’d love your input! I tend to avoid strapless dresses as they just don’t flatter my figure and therefore have marked my favorite one shoulder and deep v-neck dresses. I’m no fashionista so I’m hoping that with your input and feedback, I’ll choose a dress that is fun to dance in all evening but also flattering and stylish!

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Leave a comment letting me know which one you think would look the best on me!

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January Favorite Things: Winter Beauty

Over the past month, I’ve made some changes to my beauty regimen due to the harsh winter weather and lack of sunshine. After seeing many a picture shared on a daily basis via Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook a few people have inquired into my beauty routine. Therefore, this month’s favorites revolves around the things that I love and use each day, whether I’m going to work or celebrating with co-workers.

I love that this month’s favorite products cross a wide array of price points so there is something that’s accessible for everyone, regardless your budget.

January Beauty Favorites

1.  Pure Matters for skin, nails, & hair: I received a few complimentary bottles of Pure Matters supplements to kick off the new year and I couldn’t be happier with their products. I stopped using my previous favorite hair and nail supplement this month, which is 3 times the cost of the Pure Matters Biotin supplement. I was worried that my nails, hair and skin would reflect the change but instead they are still growing strong and healthy. This biotin doesn’t upset my stomach either which means I can take it after a light breakfast or afternoon snack. I love that Pure Matters focuses on creating supplements and vitamins crafted from the most wholesome, natural ingredients!

2. Eyeko Skinny Liquid Liner Anyone who knows me knows that I am very conservative when it comes to makeup. For years I never used more than a lip gloss and mascara, even for nights out with friends in college. But, as of late, my career in the beauty industry has inspired me to give new products a try. When this arrived in this month’s Birchbox, I squealed with delight as it was the perfect way to try a liquid liner without spending a fortune. This liquid liner is perfect for a beginner like me as it is a rich black but has a stiff point that doesn’t smudge or leave a mess. During a long 14 hour day this week, it stayed on well into the evening, making me look bright eyed and awake even at 10pm!

3. Sugar Lip Treatment in Coral This natural lip balm leaves my lips feeling soft and hydrated even in the coldest of weather. I use it daily and love that the bright red tint gives my fair, winter face a pop of color and vibrant healthy glow. The lip treatment is available in more than 8 different shades, including an uncolored one for those looking for protection but nothing more.

4. Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream with SPF 35 I’ve tried many a BB Cream over the past year but many don’t mesh well with makeup powder or they leave my face greasy and shiny. I went to Sephora last month looking for something that would give my face a finished look while still providing the needed SPF protection. This BB cream is truly camera ready, instantly ridding my face of the dried out, tired winter look and leaving it fresh and smooth. I love that it leaves my face hydrated while also helping hold my powder, blush, and bronzer for hours.

5. Dolce & Gabbana Eyeshadow Quad in Dessert This is more than just a pretty package that is fun to open and use anywhere thanks to the leopard print. I tend to use 2 of the 4 eye shadows in most quads due to one being to bright and another being far too dark. This quad however features colors that can be used alone or together and blend flawlessly for a daytime look that can easily transition to evening with a swipe of the chocolate hue. I’ve used this quad everyday for the past 3 weeks and have received so many fun compliments when I take it out around others as the leopard print is such a fun surprise!

6. Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Polish in Haute Chocolate: While I love Essie and OPI nail polishes and their fun names just like the next gal, when I saw this color on sale at CVS this week I couldn’t resist. A perfect mix of maroon and gold hues, it is a rich color that works on both fingers and toes alike. Since I have more travel coming up next week, I wanted to have a color that I could touch up on my own. Now the wait begins to see how long the polish holds up versus their promise of “10 chip free days.”

7, Dolce & Gabbana Velvet Collection: Sublime During the Summer months, my fragrance of choice tends to be either Gucci Guilty or Dolce&Gabbana Light Blue, two of the fragrances within our portfolio. But, during the winter months I crave a warm fragrance with rich notes versus a light fragrance. Somehow I only discovered Sublime this week but am

8, Fresh Sugar Lip Polish January was a brutal month for my lips between the harsh sun in Saint Croix and then the blustery, cold in Geneva. When I returned from my travels my lips were chapped and peeling, which clearly isn’t the best base for lipstick. I picked up this little secret weapon at Sephora last week and have been using it 3 times a week since then. A hydrating and exfoliating mask for my lips, it leaves them soft and smells delicious too!

How about you? What beauty item are you loving this winter?

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