Friday Fab Five 14

Allo my lovelies and happy Friday to you all!

Also, happy long weekend to all my Canadian bloggy friends! Three cheers for Victoria Day!

As this is normally the weekend I, along with my charming cousin K, would be leaving to run the Fargo Half Marathon in Fargo, ND, followed by a road trip and shopping in Minneapolis, I am going to dedicate this Friday Fab Five to the reasons why you should run the Fargo, ND Half Marathon (or even the full, if you are feeling extra spicy).

1. The Bling. Fargo does a great job with medals. I have completed the race for all but two years (was forced off the course due to medical issues one year and the other I had a migraine so bad I couldn’t even sit upright without being physically ill) since 2007, when I ran my first half marathon of my life. I got a hold of that massive medal…and I was HOOKED on marathon running. I didn’t want to take that medal off for weeks…(don’t worry, I did…).

2. The Shwag. Fargo also does a great job in the shwag department. They have long sleeve v-neck tech shirts for the half marathoners and long sleep half zip tech shirts for the full marathoners. You also get a really high quality Adidas shoe bag. They never disappoint–those lovely Fargo organizers.

3. The cost. It’s CHEAP. Once noted in Runner’s World Magazine as one of the best “deals” in racing. Running the half, depending on when you register, ranges from $50-$75 and the full ranges from $70-$95.

4. The support. Everyone in the Fargo-Moorhead area seems to be out there cheering you on. When I ran my first (only) marathon in 2010 I actually got hugs from people on the sidelines as well as beads, a beer and other fun, festive support. It really does make a difference to have those shouts of encouragement when you are hitting that proverbial wall.

5. It’s on a Saturday. This probably wouldn’t matter much to most people, but it does to me. I LOVE that it is on a Saturday…it gives you all of Sunday to sleep and recover before you have to start your week–a total bonus in my opinion.

If this makes you want to run Fargo, be sure to book your hotel room in advance as they go quickly. Also, if you plan on driving your car to the race site on race day, pad in a lot of extra time–I didn’t last year and I had to race to get to the start.

Much luv and happy Friday!

Leesah

Gratitude Challenge 2013: Week 19

Bonjour mes amis!

Here’s the fun stuff from Week 19…

Sunday: 05/05/2013

1. Survived my leg of the Winnipeg Police Service Half Marathon Relay. I really need to focus more on my running because I almost died and it was only about 10K. That being said, our team placed 92 out of 304ish people. Not too bad.

2. Had no other plans for the rest of the day so I vegged on the couch and nursed my post race headache for the rest of the day.

3. Trader Joe’s Macaroni and Cheese for dinner–so delicious…and so sad that I only have 8 boxes left and no trip to Minneapolis in sight.

Monday: 05/06/2013

1. No headache and no DOMS from my race yesterday–makes me happy.

2. Enjoyed a beautiful, sweaty outdoor run on a (relatively) balmy night in Winnipeg. The only negative was that it ended with a seized calf muscle and being covered in a fine layer of sweat adhered road dust left over from winter (ew!).

3. Treated myself to my first Starbucks frappucinno of the season–was very delicious.

Tuesday: 05/07/2013

1. Had a truly pleasant day at a conference that I thought was going to be dreadful.

2. Enjoyed a stationary bike ride at my gym while watching my new TV show obsession–The New Girl.

3. Managed to just say no to the sweets table at the conference I was at–I know…I am shocked too.

Wednesday: 05/08/2013

1. Started out my morning with iced coffee–LOVE that the warm weather is FINALLY in Winnipeg…if only for a few days.

2. Made a surprisingly delicious dinner…without necessarily trying.

3. Got to bed early (my night was a bit of a cluster f@ck so I figured it was time to cut my losses and hit the hay).

Thursday: 05/09/2013

1. Three miles of running with no calf seizing. Hurrah!

2. Had bacon as part of my breakfast for dinner this evening.

3. 35 minute stretch/foam roll session, post run.

Friday: 05/10/2013

1. I feel sorta fantastic today. I even had a good “going out” hair day. See?

2. I had a delicious dinner with my friend L tonight. So nice to catch up with her.

3. Managed to squeeze in an awesome interval/speed work session before going out to dinner.

Saturday: 05/11/2013

1. Managed to get in 20 double unders in a row, while practicing my skipping at the gym.

2. Cupcakes and David’s tea to celebrate my Grandma on mother’s day (eve).

3. My grandpa still remembers me. Any time that happens now, it is a really great day.

Luvs ya!

Leesah